Topeka, KS - HDTV [Text View] - Page 8

B H G

12-08-08, 11:46 PM

I noticed on this weeks uplink report for Dish Network on www.dbstalk.com that WIBW-HD was uplinked the 61.5 satellite for awhile (and then taken away) so I'm guessing they're testing the uplink? Hopefully we'll have Topeka locals in HD soon on the bird!Actually it was never taken away. Been live for more than a week on 61.5 of course. Omaha got WOWT NBC the same day so obviously Gray rather suddenly (and unexpectedly) caved. On tonights chat they claim Topeka is going eastern arc HD on Thursday Dec. 11. So if that means WIBW HD will be official, or they will be joined by someone else we shall see.

The Topeka SD locals were scheduled to convert to digital I believe on that date. Omaha (on the same spotbeam) now has the big 4 HD, who would have ever guessed Gray would deal?

Of course almost no one in Omaha or Topeka is pointed at 61.5 so only those with a wing dish or digging deep into the uplink reports likely even knew about it.

dlnester

12-09-08, 07:20 AM

Interesting. I know my parents will have a hard time hitting 61.5 due to some trees. I'll wait and see if any other Topeka stations will be in HD at that time. The currently can only get WIBW-DT with their antenna (and it is a pretty strong signal) but KTKA-DT is about 55% and breaks up a lot. I can get KTWU-DT only strong enough to lock the channel in, but not view it. KSNT-DT is non existent and who knows if KTMJ will even provide an HD signal.

dlnester

12-10-08, 01:25 PM

Letter from Blue Valley Tele-Communications about WIBW-TV
------------------------------
Dear Blue Valley Tele-Communications Customer,

We have had many customers contact us over the past few days regarding information broadcasted on Channel 13, WIBW, about the possibility of Blue Valley Tele-Communications (BVTC) dropping their signal as of December 31, 2008. First of all, we want our patrons to know that we have no plans to drop WIBW. We are currently in negotiations with the station and are hoping to reach an agreement soon.

What our customers need to know is that WIBW is wanting to unfairly charge rural cable customers for the signal that others can receive for free. WIBW is wanting BVTC’s customers to pay almost three times more than Cox customers for their channel (Topeka Capital-Journal, 2008). Once again, rural subscribers are put in an unfair position simply because of where we live. WIBW is also suggesting our customers sign up for their video service via satellite providers, which puts small rural cable companies like us at a huge disadvantage.

BVTC has supported WIBW, along with other local broadcast stations, by paying hefty copyright fees twice a year and purchasing equipment and transport to get the signal to subscribers in remote areas. Never before have broadcasters wanted direct compensation in this magnitude from their viewers. After all, don’t they get compensated from advertisers based on customers BVTC helps them reach?

So, how can you take action? Call WIBW’s General Manager, Jim Ogle, at BVTC’s expense toll-free at (877)350-1313 or email WIBW at feedback@wibw.com. Ask him why you should pay more than other customers, and why YOUR rural cable company is being treated unfairly compared to larger companies.

Rest assured, all of us at BVTC are working hard to keep your costs down for your local broadcast channels. As always, please contact us if you have any questions toll-free at (877)876-1228 or at info@bluevalley.net

We thank you for your patronage and your support!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Blue Valley Tele-Communications
1559 Pony Express Hwy
Home, KS 66438
877-876-1228
info@bluevalley.net

feedback71

12-16-08, 01:21 PM

I noticed on this weeks uplink report for Dish Network on www.dbstalk.com that WIBW-HD was uplinked the 61.5 satellite for awhile (and then taken away) so I'm guessing they're testing the uplink? Hopefully we'll have Topeka locals in HD soon on the bird!

Actually it was never taken away. Been live for more than a week on 61.5 of course. Omaha got WOWT NBC the same day so obviously Gray rather suddenly (and unexpectedly) caved. On tonights chat they claim Topeka is going eastern arc HD on Thursday Dec. 11. So if that means WIBW HD will be official, or they will be joined by someone else we shall see.

The Topeka SD locals were scheduled to convert to digital I believe on that date. Omaha (on the same spotbeam) now has the big 4 HD, who would have ever guessed Gray would deal?

Of course almost no one in Omaha or Topeka is pointed at 61.5 so only those with a wing dish or digging deep into the uplink reports likely even knew about it.

I don't think I get 61.5, either. So, how do we know when the Topeka Dish Network locals will get the HD broadcasts?

BJS188

12-16-08, 03:57 PM

Wasn't Topeka announce as an Eastern Arch city? That is my guess why it is at 61.5.

Never mind. I see it was already posted

BJS188

12-16-08, 03:59 PM

From today's SkyReport:

Earlier this year, Gray reached definitive retrans agreements with DISH Network and Cox covering about 1.2 million subscribers.

feedback71

12-17-08, 10:10 AM

Wasn't Topeka announce as an Eastern Arch city? That is my guess why it is at 61.5.

Never mind. I see it was already posted

Eastern Arch city? I don't know what that means.

BJS188

12-17-08, 10:53 AM

feedback71

12-17-08, 03:31 PM

Dish Network is starting a new service for NEW customers where all of their programming will come from three satellites in the eastern sky. It is an all MPEG4 service. I believe that it allows for a single dish.

Ok, so what does this mean to the rest of us Dish customers? Are we going to get our locals in HD soon or will we have to get a new dish to do that?

BJS188

12-17-08, 04:21 PM

My guess is that you will have to have a dish pointed at 61.5 and as of right now, only WIBW is there.

colts2005

12-18-08, 09:57 PM

why does my tv (sony sxrd) show the hidef, digital channels great, the analog and the dvd player grat but channels 1-300 have a horrible purple hue on cox cable. I did get a optic box or whatever you call it recently. has to be the tv I guess but every input is great except 1/2 my cox cable 1-300

BJS188

12-31-08, 11:04 AM

Looks like Cox in Topeka added a few more HD channels.

AMC HD
Cartoon Network HD
Speed HD
FX HD
Fox News HD

Plus Golf HD and Versus HD were split earlier in the month.

I count a total of 48 HD channels including premiums and locals.

Nate_KS

01-06-09, 09:40 AM

Since I'm on Blue Valley wireless Internet, I received an email from them last week that they came to an agreement with WIBW-TV. As I understand it, as of February 1, Blue Valley will begin operating the Marysville cable TV franchise currently operated by Charter Communications. In fact, BVT also has taken over the cable operations in Washington and Hanover, KS. Last fall they had a contractor install fiber from just northwest of Herkimer, KS (where their present POP on the Oketo, KS exchange is) through Bremen, KS over to Hanover to provide them with service (I presume) already carried on BVTV.

I'm waiting to see whether they offer a "better" deal via the cable or even install fiber to the home. While I'm not a fan of cable TV in general, they may have an "offer I can't refuse".

It kind of stinks that now BVT has fiber within a mile of my folk's place and except for BVT wireless, they're still stuck with AT&T and 26.4 kbps "high speed" Internet access.

dlnester

01-06-09, 10:14 AM

Blue Valley's prices are kind of high compared to other broadband providers, but you have to pay for all that fiber somehow.

Blue Valley is taking over the Charter system in Marysville. The change-over will be gradual with Charter still running the system during the change-over. I don't know if BVTC will lay Fiber in Marysville or not however.

The good news is BVTC has announced that they are going to start providing HD programming soon, as of right now they only have SD products.

I've seen some conflicting information about Blue Valley taking over the cable system in Waterville, KS as well.

dlnester

01-07-09, 05:44 PM

KTKA and Dish Network have come to an agreement. KTKA has been restored to Dish Network already. Enjoy your ABC Programming. Details are supposed to be released during 49 ABC News at 6:00 PM. I'm guessing we'll see KTKA-HD on Dish Network next to WIBW-HD in the near future.

feedback71

01-08-09, 01:16 PM

From cjonline article today:

DISH Network began rebroadcasting KTKA's signal after the two parties reached a new retransmission agreement. In the agreement, DISH Network customers soon will be able to receive KTKA's high-definition signal for the first time.

That is good news. I hope we get the other locals HD as well. I still wonder if KTKA will ever broadcast in HD.

BJS188

01-08-09, 01:42 PM

From cjonline article today:

That is good news. I hope we get the other locals HD as well. I still wonder if KTKA will ever broadcast in HD.

I assume you mean KTMJ since KTKA does broadcast in HD.

dlnester

01-08-09, 02:09 PM

I'm sure KSNT will require Dish Network to include KTMJ-HD when they are in negotiations for KSNT-HD.

wilsons66604

01-11-09, 05:13 PM

I just spoke to DISH and they say Topeka will have local HD by end of February. Also...SPEED HD!

feedback71

01-13-09, 12:46 PM

I assume you mean KTMJ since KTKA does broadcast in HD.

Oops. Yes, I meant KTMJ.

feedback71

01-13-09, 12:46 PM

I just spoke to DISH and they say Topeka will have local HD by end of February. Also...SPEED HD!

Speed HD? What is that?

Nate_KS

01-13-09, 01:01 PM

Speed HD? What is that?

Speed Channel in HD. It focuses on on racing, motosports, and motor related hobbies.

dlnester

01-13-09, 01:16 PM

I watched a SCC race from Heartland Park on Speed HD yesterday. It looked pretty good. I don't know if that was live or recorded though.

dlnester

01-13-09, 01:55 PM

Topeka, Kansas now has AT&T U-Verse Television Available:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/11/topeka-kansas-gets-another-pay-tv-option-atandts-u-verse-tv/

dlnester

01-14-09, 09:25 AM

Good News Topeka Viewers... kinda. Dish Network uplinked a bunch of stations to their new Ciel 2 satellite at 129*W. These are in testing mode but not available to the public yet.

ADD 4636 KTKA{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 6 SPOT XX Ciel 2 129w UNAVAIL HIDE

ADD 4637 WIBW{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 6 SPOT XX Ciel 2 129w UNAVAIL HIDE

ADD 4638 KSNT{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 6 SPOT XX Ciel 2 129w UNAVAIL HIDE

ADD 4639 KTMJ{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 6 SPOT XX Ciel 2 129w UNAVAIL HIDE

feedback71

01-14-09, 03:26 PM

dlnester

01-14-09, 03:28 PM

I looked at the weekly uplink reports on www.dbstalk.com and no idea when these will be available, but always a good sign that the Echostar uplink center can at least see these channels.

I found out earlier today that Ciel 2 isn't at 129*W yet, but in testing mode at like 134*W but will move to 129*W when testing is finished.

Nate_KS

01-14-09, 07:19 PM

I watched a SCC race from Heartland Park on Speed HD yesterday. It looked pretty good. I don't know if that was live or recorded though.

It was probably from last fall as I think the SCC Nationals where held at HPT in late September, if memory serves. The racing coverage Speed has is top notch, especially their Formula One coverage. Their non-racing content can leave a lot to be desired at times.

feedback71

01-15-09, 10:40 AM

It was probably from last fall as I think the SCC Nationals where held at HPT in late September, if memory serves. The racing coverage Speed has is top notch, especially their Formula One coverage. Their non-racing content can leave a lot to be desired at times.

Yes, that is correct only I believe those are called SCCA. ;) I was at those races on the last day of the event. I'm not a big racing fan, but my brother and cousins are and they went with me. It was pretty cool, though. We took bikes out there and just rode around the pits and checked out all the cars in between races. Quite an experience.

KSBugeater

01-20-09, 04:48 PM

KSNT/27 is developing a 9pm newscast to air on 43/27.2. I guess they aren't going the WDAF route of having the same anchors at 9 and 10pm.

Posted last week on myfoxtopeka.com:

9 PM Anchor
Fox 43 has an opening for a nightly news anchor
Last Edited: Monday, 12 Jan 2009, 4:03 PM CST
Created: Monday, 12 Jan 2009, 3:59 PM CST

. Kevin Mitchell

01/12/2009 -- We are looking for an experienced anchor for its new 9pm newscast to air on FOX 43, KTMJ. They will also be responsible for producing the majority of the newscast and reporting as time allows. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:

A strong writer who can clearly represent our “Complete Local Coverage” brand on-set and in storytelling
Ability to verbally communicate information both extemporaneously and from the printed page and teleprompter
Is engaged in the community
Is a strong reporter who can tell compelling stories that are people-oriented
Can produce in a way that is clear and easy to understand
Understands they represent KSNT at all times
Uses their leadership role in the newsroom to set an example for how other team leaders should act
Skills/Experience requirements

2 years reporting and anchoring experience preferred. Performance should be measurable.
BS or BA in Broadcast Journalism or Mass Communications
Excellent news judgment, written and verbal communication skills. Must be a skilled on-camera interviewer.
Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to contribute in an on-camera and off-camera team environment.
Must be available to work nights and/or weekends, and holidays as needed.
Please send resume, tape, and cover letter to:
Human Resources
KTMJ
P.O. Box 2700
Topeka, KS 66618

No Phone Calls Please.

KTMJ IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FROM MINORITIES AND WOMEN.

dlnester

01-21-09, 06:37 PM

KSNT has a new website at http://www.ksnt.com

UHFGary

02-11-09, 02:06 AM

caliblue15

02-11-09, 08:09 AM

For general information I've updated my web site Topeka TV reception page.

krohe.com/Top-TV-recpt

Other than the new channel assignments many of the concepts remain the same. Most importantly all the tower locations and hence antenna aiming, will remain as before. So I will leave most of the old analog copy if for nothing else than historical reference. The concepts about using coax, line amps and the like will still apply too.

Hope this is of interest.

Doesn't work.

On another note, does anyone know if KSNT is going all digital on the 17th? I've seen numerous emails and they do not answer, where as WIBW and KTKA are switching on 17th to save money.

BJS188

02-11-09, 10:48 AM

Doesn't work.

On another note, does anyone know if KSNT is going all digital on the 17th? I've seen numerous emails and they do not answer, where as WIBW and KTKA are switching on 17th to save money.

KSNT was running a crawl this morning (2/11) that they are switching on the 17th.

“With or without a coupon, in Topeka, Kansas, the local stations after February 17th will only have digital signals. Get a converter box,” Cornish said.

http://www.ksnt.com/news/local/story/Stations-go-digital-next-Tuesday/wWcdTyvShkGcrgw6f-_X_Q.cspx

caliblue15

02-11-09, 10:57 AM

KSNT was running a crawl this morning (2/11) that they are switching on the 17th.

http://www.ksnt.com/news/local/story/Stations-go-digital-next-Tuesday/wWcdTyvShkGcrgw6f-_X_Q.cspx

Good, I can only get 13 and barely 49 digitally right now, I'm hoping after the switch that everything is put on full power and I should be able to get everything according to the FCC in Manhattan. Everyone in Topeka has a bigger range via digital with WIBW's being insane.

Trip in VA

02-11-09, 12:21 PM

Note that KTKA is waiting on equipment that they've been told won't be delivered until April. Expect no improvement in signal out of them until that time.

- Trip

UHFGary

02-11-09, 10:26 PM

Caliblue,

I post so seldom that AV forum won't allow me to put at true URL on the site so the requisite www in front and .htm at the end of the site URL is missing. I figured the techies on this site wouldn't need that to be explained to them... Apparently I gave you too much credit.

As to when each market will be switching, Topeka is switching at various times on either 2/16 or 2/17. K.C. is waiting til 6/12. As to KTKA needing equipment, at least as far as the transmitter, antenna and line that is BS. I personally supervised the installation of their Harris Diamond DTV transmitter in June/July of 2006 and it will make their necessary power on Channel 49. They may have other reasons for saying this, but I can state that if they're blaming the transmission system as to why they're not being ready, that is a flat lie.

Trip in VA

02-11-09, 10:36 PM

Two words: Mask filter.

They say in their filing that everything's ready except the channel 49 mask filter, which got severely delayed apparently.

- Trip

UHFGary

02-11-09, 10:57 PM

Um, they HAVE a mask filter. It's the big blue thing inthe door inside the door of the DTV building.... It's just behind the reflective channel filter for channel 49.... ( which should be bypassed)... But the mask filter has to be retuned to 49 (not a new one bought).... It will swing the one channel necessary to go from 48 to 49. (it was speced that way if they bothered to do their homework)... But hey it's not my money so who cares...

Trip in VA

02-11-09, 11:05 PM

UHFGary

02-11-09, 11:17 PM

Hey trip no harm no foul. It just bothers me when TV stations lay out some line of bull about delays or the like just to cover their butts. Sadly, I suspect they honestly believe they need a new one... Being on the other side I see this sort of 1/2 truths more than you know...

ktkadude

02-12-09, 12:45 AM

Garry your right on there the reason they are late is when the staff over in Lawrence figured out (6 weeks ago) that no one had started the process of post conversion so they are a bit of CYA with that. also check them tower lights out next time your out and about, haha.

Also I no longer work for them so don't flame me!

UHFGary

02-12-09, 02:09 AM

Hey KTKAdude! Nope, no flames for you (rather warm regards for having shared that experience). You've worked with them (or perhaps "for them" would be a better turn of phrase if you know what I mean), you know the drill. Thank you for shedding some light on this for others too. I think most folks who read this board would be totally amazed/appalled at what happens behind the scenes...

Tower lights? I believe they see those rules more as FAA/FCC suggestions!

BJS188

02-12-09, 12:38 PM

COX in Topeka added Comedy Central HD, E! HD and MLB HD today.

UHFGary

02-12-09, 07:53 PM

Gentlemen and ladies,

I just had a nasty thought. I was watching WIBW during one of their DTV tests. They run a graphic on the VHF analog while channel 44 DTV shows the studio shot. I just realized they make a dangerous assumption.

They assume that if you can get their UHF DTV (on channel 44 at 650 to 656MHz) you'll be able to receive their VHF DTV (on channel 13 at 210 to 216MHz)...... (which may or may NOT be true) The WIBW test ONLY tests UHF DTV reception, NOT their VHF DTV reception...

There are many set top antennas claiming to be HDTV/DTV ready. They are in fact UHF only antennas. And there are alot of outside DTV antennas that are UHF only too. (or have very minimal VHF reception.)

So What I'm saying here is that once they start using VHF DTV some DTV UHF only antennas may not in fact be able to pass the channel 13 VHF DTV signal to the TVs or set top boxes.... So the WIBW test may not be a valid one in every case.

This problem could affect KTWU also..

dlnester

02-12-09, 09:10 PM

Great.... I get UHF 44 awesome, I have a feeling VHF 13 is going to be a PIA...

dlnester

02-12-09, 11:10 PM

BREAKING:

KSNT not going All-Digital until June 12th.

http://www.ksnt.com/content/news/breaking/story/Digital-transition-delayed-until-June/U-vKnq7J4k62uZkl5HS26w.cspx

B-NINER

02-13-09, 11:19 AM

Anybody heard any news on when DirecTV will be offering HD locals from Topeka?

BJS188

02-13-09, 12:11 PM

feedback71

02-13-09, 01:00 PM

I have a little UHF antenna on my chimney that I bought from Radio Shack for $30 a year and half ago. It picks up all the local DTV stations very well (90% +). I have been wondering if WIBW and KTWU will be a problem when they switch.

Nate_KS

02-14-09, 08:05 PM

I read in today's Topeka Capital Journal that of the four major stations in town, KSNT 27 (NBC) will be continuing analog operations to June 12 (as noted above). Meanwhile Topeka's schedule is as follows:

WIBW (CBS): 6 p.m. Monday
KTKA (ABC): 12:01 a.m. Tuesday
KTWU (PBS): 11:58 p.m. Tuesday

Article link:

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/021409/loc_387794849.shtml

dlnester

02-16-09, 07:30 PM

SO WIBW has gone all-digital... any reception issues yet? Did they go to RF 13 and is RF 44 still on the air or only RF 13?

BJS188

02-16-09, 08:01 PM

As of 6:30 RF44 was still on. I got 71-75 on RF13 with a Bay 4 UHF antenna.

UHFGary

02-16-09, 08:21 PM

WIBW turned off DTV channel 44 at 7:07pm CST..... At 7:17pm they turned DTV44 back ON!!!

dlnester

02-16-09, 09:23 PM

I have a feeling a lot of the cable companies in the outlaying areas are receiving DT 44 and when they shut it off, all those cable companies went dark... just a feeling...

BJS188

02-17-09, 10:27 AM

It looks like WIBW turned off 44 sometime between 7:30 and 9 this morning.

I also assume the KTKA is staying on 48 until the early part of March since they have a slide on analog 49 saying that they will turn the analog channel back on if there is an emergency between now and March 2nd or something like that.

caliblue15

02-17-09, 08:20 PM

timmy1376

02-17-09, 11:19 PM

So, WIBW is stupid. They switched from 44 - 13 and now alot of people cannot get them in. Me included. I had them at 80% in Manhattan, they switched to 13 and boom all is lost. Any recommendations? Using a Terk HDTVa. I can pick Channel 49 at about 20-30%.

I really hope once everyone goes full power its at least 50%.. 27 and 11 are going to be hard to get in. Here's hoping the 100% will help.

What are you using? On our Directv box, I don't get any signal for 13-1, but I am wondering if they(Directv) haven't switched it over to actual 13, not 44 like it has been. Using my vizio in the bedroom, I am getting WIBW on 13-1 just fine.

I get all the Topeka stations well over 90% on my directv tuner. (well, until now anyway)
My vizio doesn't have a signal meter, so I don't know what it's coming in at.

caliblue15

02-17-09, 11:27 PM

What are you using? On our Directv box, I don't get any signal for 13-1, but I am wondering if they(Directv) haven't switched it over to actual 13, not 44 like it has been. Using my vizio in the bedroom, I am getting WIBW on 13-1 just fine.

I get all the Topeka stations well over 90% on my directv tuner. (well, until now anyway)
My vizio doesn't have a signal meter, so I don't know what it's coming in at.

Wow you really can't read. I'm in Manhattan for one. Two I'm using a Terk HDTVa. And Three using DirectTV is not the same as Over the air...

timmy1376

02-17-09, 11:32 PM

I can read. I use Directv for my over the air, so some of do use OTA through it to record HD.
I am in Manhattan also, thus trying to help you out with what my readings are in close proximity.

UHFGary

02-18-09, 12:51 AM

guys, guys, you could both be right on some things.... Firstly, DirecTV does make models which have ATSC tuners intalled ( I have one). So it is possible to watch and record over the air DTV on a DirecTV box. As to differences in signal in Manhattan, that is easily possible. There are places on the east side and up on the ridges on the west side that I don't doubt get a fantaastic signal for theTopeka stations. And other places where the ridge SE of town block about 99.9% of the signal. So it is possible to have both conditions in one city....

As to the Terk HDTVa antenna. I looked it up and it is an LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Array) design. And given the longest element is only 14 to 18" long it will only work on UHF. Audiovox's and Terk's claim that it will work on VHF is mostly bogus and is based on the fact this antenna would be close to the transmitter site... (Sorry Calibar).... This is exactly the thing I mentioned a couple of posts ago, and that I warned WIBW about. I would recommend finding a different set top antenna.

Terk has a couple of antennas, the TV1, TV2 or TV3 that have rabbit ears. The wavelength of WIBW is 4.6 ft which means the dipole to pick them up has to be about 2.3 feet long.Any antenna not this big won't pick up much signal.

As to aiming the dipole whips heed to intercept the signal broadside. So in Manhattan the telescopic whips need to be extended ( to at least 2.3 ft) and pointed North South. So the signal from the East hits it broadside.....

Sorry to hear my prediction's were correct. Hope this helps you both...

UHFGary

02-18-09, 12:55 AM

oh and one more thing.... Calibar, if you got a signal on UHF then that means you have enough clearance of the hills to get a VHF signal. A new VHF set top antenna should in all likelihood fix your reception issues.... Good luck.

Nate_KS

02-18-09, 07:39 AM

It hasn't been a secret that WIBW's final DTV allotment would be 13. I started checking into all of this six months ago and learned this early on and constructed my antenna system accordingly.

What threw a lot of people is that (if I understand correctly) up until a few years ago the plan was for all DTV operations to be on the UHF channels. Then stations were allowed to request their old VHF allotments and the game changed for early adopters who had invested in UHF only setups. I suppose being caught by this transition when you thought you were ready is a bit frustrating.

That said, reliable reception of WIBW's DTV on 44 was a no-go up here while the analog on 13 was quite viewable. I've not yet checked to see how I well we receive 13 DTV up here which I'll get a chance to do this weekend. But, I think that 13 was far from stupid as returning to 13 seems, to me at least, to be a sound decision in light of the costs associated with operating a UHF station that replicates the coverage of their analog signal on 13.

snm66

02-18-09, 10:19 AM

I have a DirecTv HR20-100 and 2 H20-100's and receive the Topeka stations OTA. After WIBW 13 switched to dig ch 13 I had to scan the HR20 3 times to get ch 13.1 to set and be viewable but I can't receive the sub ch 13.2. I get the 771 message on 13.2. Both H20's scanned and picked up 13.1 and 13.2 is also viewable, so my problem lies in the HR20 I have also done a reset on the HR20 3 times after scanning but nothing helps. My signal strength for 13.1 on the HR20 is 75-85. I would call DirecTV, but this would be fruitless. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution? Thanks.

feedback71

02-18-09, 10:44 AM

I did a scan last night on my Dish Network receiver. It picked up all the channels available (including 13.1 & 13.2). When I go to view Channel 13.2, nothing comes up. There is no signal. What is going on here? I can pick up 13.1 just fine with a 98% signal.

BJS188

02-18-09, 10:52 AM

I have a DirecTv HR20-100 and did not have any problems with 13.1 or 13.2. last night. Today, I get Searching for signal on 13.2. 13.2 is coming in on my Direct-Tivo today. The problem is that my Direct-Tivo just says Regular Schedule so I am not getting any program guide.

My UHF antenna is working fine for WIBW but I wish WIBW would have done a better job of explaining the VHF antenna thing over the last couple of months.

BJS188

02-18-09, 11:02 AM

I just tried to get 11 digital and my Direct-Tivo would not lock in on the signal with my UHF Bay 4 antenna.

snm66

02-18-09, 12:12 PM

My signal for 13.1 and 13.2 is the same as I understand they are on the same channel. My problem is that my HR20 dosen't recognize 13.2 and display a picture. 13.2 does show up in my scanned channels. Yet my H20's both display 13.2 with a picture.

feedback71

02-18-09, 12:34 PM

wilsons66604

02-18-09, 02:47 PM

I'm one of those early adopters that has a UHF only setup. This recent switch resulted in my loss of KTWU & WIBW.
Was this situation ever covered in the many tests that WIBW had. Did they ever test the discontinuance of UHF signal? If so, I totally missed it.

UHFGary

02-18-09, 05:44 PM

wilsons66604,

WIBW never ran a true DTV test, all their tests were using their UHF chanel 44 DTV transmitter. I even pointed this out to them days before the cut over. I mentioned pretty much what's in my previous post... WIBW's GM, Jim Ogle's complete reply is as follows:

"We know that. We've been testing with what is there now. We mention to
people that they need an all-band antannnae when they call."

To my knowledge WIBW never uttered ANYTHING about VHF antenna or rabbit ears until late in the evening of 2/16... hours AFTER the cut over was made...

WIBW also has a blog site for DTV reception issues. I suggest you voice your opinions there.

wilsons66604

02-18-09, 05:57 PM

Jim Ogle answered my emails last night and had his engineer call me today. The engineer just told me I needed to purchase a VHF antenna. DUH
I asked if there was a coupon program for antennas (ha ha)
No one mentioned that they didn't include this scenario in the tests.

wilsons66604

02-18-09, 06:14 PM

Jim Ogle replied last night with:
We cannot keep 44 on, we aren't licensed. We could leave it on a few extra
hours from the other switch, but we had to turn off. We've planned to go back
to digital 13 since 2005. That's why we've been talking about rescanning.

--Rescanning doesn't help when you have UHF ONLY!
They've known for 4 years but didn't bother to tell anyone that UHF was going away

timmy1376

02-18-09, 07:03 PM

I am getting 13-1 pretty spotty with a UHF only antenna on the Directv box. I do not get 11-1 at all on the directv box, but my Vizio is getting both solid.

Nate_KS

02-18-09, 07:58 PM

I will agree with everyone that WIBW and sister KOLN should have talked up the fact that a VHF high-band antenna was required after the transition. I have been to both of their Web sites and both have been pretty much mum on the issue choosing to regurgitate the government's press instead. I am only going by the respective Web site content and perhaps they covered this very well in their PSA and required programming prior to the transition.

In fact, up until about a year ago I thought all DTV operations would be on UHF until I was corrected in another forum and I began to research the issue and found this site and Trip's excellent site. That saved me from putting up a UHF only antenna in an area where all three bands will still be in use.

dlnester

02-18-09, 08:08 PM

Nate how is reception up in Marysville? I'm originally from Blue Rapids and I could always pull in a snowy analog 13 with a small antenna.

jasond01

02-18-09, 09:56 PM

Nate_KS

02-18-09, 11:29 PM

Nate how is reception up in Marysville? I'm originally from Blue Rapids and I could always pull in a snowy analog 13 with a small antenna.

I don't know. I live on the lower west side and I don't have OTA (no one has OTA here in this hole) as I'm DirecTV only here at the house. My OTA is at the folks' place near Bremen and I'll do some checking this coming weekend. I was out there briefly last night and only checked KOLN from Lincoln. I was pressed for time with another commitment so I didn't spend any time checking Topeka.

In the past I was unable to get WIBW or any of the other Topeka DTV stations during the daytime. A few times I checked after dusk and could get KTKA and KSNT as I recall.

feedback71

02-19-09, 09:54 AM

Weird thing. Last night, I went into my Dish receiver and did another scan. Now I can pick up 13.1 & 13.2 ([previously wasn't able to pick up 13.2 after Tuesday's switch) now. Only problem is that I now can't pick up 11.2 or 11.3. But I can pick up 11.1. What the heck is that all about? Anyone know?

wilsons66604

02-19-09, 10:23 AM

alphanguy

02-19-09, 10:32 AM

I have a Norcent hdtv with a built in tuner, and a pair of rca rabbit ears. I rescanned the t.v. last night and recieved 49-1 and 49-2, both are ktka. Tonight I can't recieve either. 13-1 has never came in since they switched. I am located in emporia. Does anyone have some tips for me? Should I get a different antenna? Thanks

You definately need a new antenna. What you need depends on what you want to get. And it needs to be on the roof, big time. If you want Topeka, Kansas City, AND KOAM in Pittburgh, then you'll need a rotator. If you only want one od those TV markets, then you won't need one. Get a nice, large UHF/VHF combo antenna, they sell the winegards at the Radio Shack there in Emporia, and they know local terrain and stuff, so the store people there can help you. Radio Shack in rural areas has been very good about helping people set up and upgrade their OTA systems, at least here in Odessa, MO, theyv'e been great help to people.

KSBugeater

02-19-09, 10:43 AM

Here is a summary from Meriden:

WIBW 13 is not watchable from
1. Small TV in E bedroom with monopole antenna sitting in window frame. (received 44 solidly)
2. DVD recorder's ATSC tuner in NE living room with dipole/UHF grid combo antenna. (received 44 solidly)
3. HR10-250 with RCA dipole/UHF disc w/adjustable attentuation in basement. (received 44 fairly solidly, susceptible to interference from people/objects)

WIBW 13 IS watchable from
1. HR21-700/AM-21 ATSC tuner with RatShack set-top programmable UFO-shaped antenna in SE bedroom (received 44 solidly when pointed that way)
2. Insignia plasma (same as Visio) using same antenna as above in SW bedroom (connected to antenna in next room via coax)

KTWU on 11 is watchable from all of the above tuners... I think.

Gary, would it be fair to say that by switching from UHF 44 to VHF 13, WIBW is inconveniencing its core base of OTA customers in order to reach a comparatively small number of fringe customers (who would be less likely to support Topeka advertisers anyway)?

UHFGary

02-19-09, 11:15 AM

KSbugeater,
Yes, you are correct. and them NOT simply fessing up to NOT informing viewers about the whole VHF/UHF issues aren't helping their image any either. As a side note I understand their old chief engineer wanted to cover this in some instructional 2 minute inserts and Ogle turned him down... As of earlier today WIBW is standing by their "just rescan" defense...

alphanguy

02-19-09, 11:52 AM

would it be fair to say that by switching from UHF 44 to VHF 13, WIBW is inconveniencing its core base of OTA customers in order to reach a comparatively small number of fringe customers (who would be less likely to support Topeka advertisers anyway)?

I wouldn't agree with this asessment at all. VHF DOES bend over the curvature of the earth better, and in the case of WIBW, being out in Kansas.... markets are VERY far apart, especially to the south, West, and North. So the signal needs to reach out as much as possible, distance wise... especially for those in rural farm areas 60-80 miles out from Topeka. As we all know, in the middle of Kansas, Tornado warning info is of utmost importance. And out in Rural farm areas, there are no sirens, no cable TV, and satellite signal goes out in severe thunderstorms. So OTA is very much a lifeline for those in the more remote rural areas. The station management were just utter STOOGES for not informing their viewers enough. for the last week, they should have had announcements and the TOP and END of every newescast about the transition AND the VHF change as well. Crawlers, the whole nine yards.

KSBugeater

02-19-09, 01:46 PM

Bradtothebone

02-19-09, 05:46 PM

I called DISH yesterday and they tell me that I should be able to get WIBW HD. I need a new dish though. I guess I need to point to an additional sat.
I'm on the schedule to get a new dish installed (free) ...we will see

Right now, WIBW (only) is available in HD on the 61.5W satellite, along with the other Topeka locals in SD. There are placeholders uplinked on 129W for four Topeka locals (WIBW, KTKA, KSNT, and KTMJ) in HD, but no word on when these will be made available. If you are currently pointing at 110W and 119W (most common arrangement), you could wait for the 129 channels to be activated, and have them install a Dish 1000.2 to pick up 129, 110, and 119 (this is called "western arc"). If you want WIBW HD now, they will either install a second 61.5W "wing dish," or an "eastern arc" dish (1000.4), which picks up sats at 61.5, 72.7, and 77. In order to use eastern arc, ALL of your receivers need to be ViP series MPEG4-capable. If you have any older receivers such as a 301 or 311, they will install the wing dish for 61.5.

I apologize if you knew all this already. :o

Brad

alphanguy

02-19-09, 06:20 PM

Let's dismiss this "weather as a public service" pretense. It may have been true up to about 20 years ago, but with the advent of programmable weather radios (which cost less than a DTV converter box) nobody NEEDS TV to tell them "For God's sake, take cover!"... besides, that only works when you're watching TV, not when you're asleep. WIBW is in the entertainment business, and if their customers' favorite shows are interrupted by macro-blocking every few seconds, they'll eventually give up and turn it off, or get it another way (like CBS.com).

In case you aren't aware... the hearing imparied can't hear weather radio broadcasts.... and those broadcasts can be quite finicky to receive, also. As far as being asleep, if you want to go to sleep during severe weather go ahead, I'm not hearing imparied, but I NEVER go to bed during a Tornado watch. Public service and emergency information are extremely important when it comes to television, as it is in radio as well... for people who are in their cars. We have the Emergency Broadcast system for a reason. In a state where markets are closer together, then UHF works pretty good, but when larger coverage is needed, VHF travels farther, and bends easier over terrain. Public safety is utmost importance, just because us farmers out in the remote areas grow the food you shovel in your mouth every day, that doens't mean we have less right to TV and emergency info than you. Just because you can't pull in WIBW on some puny monopole in a windowsill, just upgrade a little bit. 99% of farm folks already HAVE a strong combo antenna, so the main complaint seems to come from people in town who can't quite get it dependable with rabbit ears anymore. Well, you'll just have to go to the attic! Be glad you don't have to lumber up on the roof like we do.

ScottChez

02-19-09, 10:26 PM

Hi, I from the norther Lincoln DMA forum. Here is an update. . . .

I hear some in here also are trying to get KOLN 10.2 on DirecTV.

Here is an update. 10.1 works (if you have a good VHF ant)

For DirecTV you MAY have to go to the Ant setup and do a RESET to clear all channels and then do a new setup for the ANt, then you will get 10.1

10.2 does not work.

Two of us have called, the tech gave some story about unless you have a 100% signal it wont work. This of course is not true.
We both ask, well how come 10.1 works at 78% then?

Next step is to call DireCTV and say both 10.1 and 10.2 are now at 100% please fix 10.2 now (my network TV).

KSBugeater

02-20-09, 01:25 PM

Wow... I didn't want this to turn into a farmers vs. city folk flame war. I was merely reporting my reception at various locations throughout my house, which pretty much runs the gamut of simple to complex (except for having an outdoor aerial... I do have a CM 4228, the greatest long-range antenna ever, IMO). I'm not going to cry over the loss of 13 in those rooms, I just will watch a different channel. I happen to think that one of my cases might be typical for someone else in the Topeka area, and frustrating if they've made significant investments to have to upgrade to aerial for a local channel they've been getting until now.

Alphanguy, do you now get VHF 13 where you didn't get UHF 44? If so, I can understand your defense of VHF. However, right now (in winter) it's easy to be a VHF fan... I'll ask you later when those Kansas storms hit and the lightning interferes with that VHF signal. WIBW and KOLN should have listened to the Kansas City market where many people have gone without KMBC since theirs was the only VHF DT signal in the market. KMBC changed their post-transition frequency to 29 from its original 9 because of this.

Also, another data point in the long-distance virtues of UHF vs VHF... I was raised on OTA in Falls City, NE. It is 50 miles from the nearest commercial TV station, 100 miles from most (Topeka's around 80). My parents receive the UHF DT signals from Omaha (100 mi north) with little problem using their VHF/UHF combo aerial. I'm curious to turn their antenna around to the south (rotor is broken) to see if they can get quality signal from VHF 13 which is about 20-30 mi closer.

UHFGary

02-20-09, 09:48 PM

Hi, I've been asked by one of the TV Chief Engineers in town to forward the following copy on to the folks on this board. This was sent to him by Ron Rammage. Mr. Rammage is the engineer in charge of the regional FCC field office in K.C. Copy as follows:

"We have found several instances this week were some TIVO devices would
not release the channel information previously stored in memory even
when the RF channel changed. Some devices only do an update scan of
previously stored channel assignment to pick up updates instead of a
full replacement memory scan to properly identify and store the
current RF channel assignments. If the device cannot do a factory
reset, or dump of memory with new rescan to pick up the current
channels, then they may need to unplug the device for a couple hours
to let the device clear its memory. Then plug it in and let it rescan
the channels as if it were starting from scratch. Not an ideal
solution, but it seems to work."

BJS188

02-23-09, 11:55 AM

caliblue15

02-23-09, 10:41 PM

I did a huge setup change tonight, and now get 49 at 60% was at 20%, get 27 at 30%, never got it before, and still cannot get 13.

I have a UHF/VHF and the dipoles can reach 2.3ft, now that I know it needs to be that long I might do a rescan but how I have it setup its hard to get those dipoles out. But its very sad when i can get 27, topeka's worst station , but cannot get 13.

UHF has always been better for me, for the 10 years I have doing OTA...

P.S. it's caliblue not calibar.. lmfao!

caliblue15

02-23-09, 10:50 PM

WOOHOO!! Extended those dipoles to 3ft and boom 60% channel strength, now if only I could get channel 11, and I would have everything! Any suggestions on that, need to rotate it?

Excited because march madness will now not be missed!

UHFGary

02-23-09, 11:32 PM

Sorry Caliblue15. I apologize for getting your name wrong. FYI Calibar is a test device that NewTek made (A Topeka video/computer company in the early 90'S) as to the rabbit ears for Channel 11, the exact dimensions for rabbit ears for them is 29.37 inches total length (for a dipole) so only slightly longer than channel 13. The issue for channel 11 may be antenna aiming. The signal is picked up broadside to the antenna. And Ch11's transmitter is on the north end of Wanamaker road (just west of the old Menninger campus) so if you're south of that then you'll have to rotate the rabbit ears about 90 degrees to get their signal best... With the right length you may be able to split the difference between 13 and 11 and still get a usable signal for both W/O having to rotate it every time you change channels.

As to 13 and DirecTV.... They have forgotten to change their PSIP programming to reflect the channel change. So PSIP still shows their DTV on channel 44. I suspect DirectTV see that as part of their channel scan. Since channel 44 is on longer on air there's nothing for DirecTV to receive...

If any of you use a PCI card ATSC receiver there's a freeware program called TSReader lite that will allow you to look at all this info (and analyze the transport stream). It works for USB tuners too...

http://www.tsreader.com/legacy/

Trip in VA

02-24-09, 12:53 AM

UHFGary: Do you have equipment to use TSReader? I'd love to get some data from it.

- Trip

UHFGary

02-24-09, 11:33 AM

Trip in VA,
Yes, I do have TSReader equipment. Actually the only equipment necessary is some sort of computer driven ATSC tuner. I've used it with the Pinnacle HD Pro USB tuner, Dvico Fusion 5 series PCI card tuner (in a desktop), a Dvico Fusion 7 USB tuner (on a laptop), and the Hauppauge USB ATSC tuners too. It seems to work with pretty much any tuner compatible with the BSD Windows standards. So in short, pretty much any old PCI card or USB tuner from Best Buy will make TSReader work fine...

The lite version doesn't allow stream capture as I recall but I guess I could to some screen shots. It's pretty much like their demo on their page. There's folders for each stream on the Left side and you can drill down to any of the transport stream data there. In the middle is a running graph of what streams are on line and how much bandwidth they're using, the Right has thumbnail boxes of the video of each stream...

If you're familar with Z technology's line of DTV receivers for broadcasters, they use this same software with it. (and some of their own to get the eye pattern and other data.)

Trip in VA

02-24-09, 01:13 PM

I will answer you via e-mail shortly.

And I'm not familiar with "Z Technology." Sounds interesting though.

- Trip

K-ST8ED

02-24-09, 04:49 PM

Please help, brand new member here Starting to get frustrated. I currently have Direct TV with a OTA outdoor ant with amplifier. I have the H20 DVR and H20 receivers. Ever since the transition last week, 13 has been spotty at best. At first I was getting no signal, then I talked to Jim Ogle at 13, and he suggested I move the antenna. I moved it to the west and now I can get anywhere from 30-45%, but it cuts in and out. It is a VHF-UHF antenna. I get all the other locals at 80% plus including channel 11. I live in Topeka near 29th and Gage. Before the transition, my signals never cut out at all and were near 100%. Before I moved the antenna, I hooked up the antenna directly to my Vizio and it worked, but I cant get 13 through the H20 without cutting out, which stinks since I cant DVR those channels. Any other suggestions. Do I need a better antenna/amp.

Also, any idea when Direct TV will get locals in HD. Also does anyone in Topeka have ATTuverse yet. I noticed their website says it has all locals in HD and just curious what kind of service you are getting. Sorry for the long rant!

UHFGary

02-24-09, 06:17 PM

lewis79

02-24-09, 06:51 PM

Is anyone having luck getting 11 in Emporia? I need some help. It was great till they switch to VHF. Right now I have a med. size rooftop VHF/UHF combo with an amp. Not sure of any model numbers. I have about an 80% signal on 13 since the switch, so I know my antenna is a combo. Also my UHF signals are all ok (49 is great, 27 ok most of the time). I'm just wondering if other emporia people are having problems with 11, and if so, what are some ideas on fixing it. I have been up on the roof re aiming the antenna without any improvment.

snm66

02-25-09, 08:21 AM

DirectTv HR20 OTA: I've regained WIBW 13-2, still have KMBC 9-1 but not 9-2, have KSNT 27-2 but lost 27-1 overnight. Anyone else with same problem? Thanks.

feedback71

02-25-09, 09:21 AM

UHFGary,

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I was unable to get 11.2 and 11.3 but still recieved 11.1. I went into my Dish 722 receiver and deleted all the locals OTR. Then I did a re-scan. Now I all the OTR locals are working just fine. Most of them are upper 90s percentage wise in signal strength. Only channel 27 gets about 83-84%.

timmy1376

02-25-09, 09:49 AM

On my Directv DVR, I also regained 13-2, but lost 27-1 AND 49-1. Did you lose 49-1 too?

feedback71

02-25-09, 10:53 AM

Oops. In my last post I meant to type OTA not OTR.

Timmy,
if you are asking me, then no, I never had any trouble with 27 or 49. It was just 13 and 11.

timmy1376

02-25-09, 11:26 AM

Sorry, I should have quoted snm66's post about losing 27-1.

tim

BJS188

02-25-09, 11:27 AM

I also lost 27.1 and 49.1 on both of my Directv HR boxes. Going through the setup got them back. Now I am worried that I will have to reset my season passes. It looks like something tried to record on the old WIBW signal and did not get recorded.

Also my Directv-Tivo box lost 27.1 and 49.1. A rescan got them back but there is no program guide. But the program guide is back for WIBW. Still no program guide for 9.1 or 9.2.

One step forward and two steps back.

timmy1376

02-25-09, 12:31 PM

I better run setup again before tonights Lost. This is getting frustrating gaining a channel, then losing two. Thanks for the advice.

K-ST8ED

02-25-09, 12:59 PM

K-ST8ED,

at 29th and Gage (assuming north of Burnett's mound) you should have BAGS of WIBW signal. Given you got their UHF DTV 44 before at 100% it would suggest this is an issue with the antenna being UHF only OR the amp/preamp only passes UHF. If you have an outside antenna it should point directly west from your location. Do you happen to know the model of the OTA outside antenna? If the antenna turns out to really be a combo VHF/UHF you might try it without the amp (unless you're driving a ton of devices/sets). The amp could be overloading...

Gary thanks so much. My actual location is 35th and Gage so I am very close to Burnetts mound in case that makes a difference. I am not sure of the model of the OTA, but it does say on it VHF/UHF/FM ant. Not sure on the amp though. I did try it without the amp and didnt get any signal. I do have it pointed directly to the west and got the 40-45 % like I said. Maybe it is the amp. I will try and get some information off of it and get back with ya! Do they make UHF/VHF amplifiers? If so, any suggestions. The amp I have now is a very small white box that must be plugged in for it to work, Thanks again!

Also, here is a picture I found on the web of what my OTA looks like. Looks identical to this one. The one in the pic is a channel master model 4220 HDTV UHF ant. It says in the descripton that this may only be a UHF OTA even though on mine it says on the little black piece on the front UHF/VHF/FM ant. Anyways, here is what it looks like:
http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv120/happymadison/4220_Antenna_2bay_new_200702.gif

Anyone have any suggestions of a UHF/VHF OTA ant if the one I have is only a UHF ant. Thanks

UHFGary

02-25-09, 04:59 PM

K-ST8ED,

Sorry, you got screwed. That is a UHF only design, specifically a rip off of an old Winegard design. The total length of the dipoles (those cat's whisker's thingies) is much less than the 2.3 feet end to end needed to get high band VHF... this will only work for VHF is you're oh 4 or 5 miles from the transmitter site. On the up side it's a GREAT UHF antenna, and still usable. It's possible to use a VHF antenna and a separate UHF antenna and combine them using a band coupler/splitter (that separates the bands)...

A VHF high band antenna should have antenna elements at least 3 ft long (for high band)... Here's an example a Winegard Hd-769 handles both high band VHF and UHF...

WINEGARD HD-769 Series With the Digital Transition in February 2009, the majority of markets will have at least one high band VHF channel. The HD-769 Series has been specifically tuned for channels 7-69.

Features:

Optimized for Channels 7-69.

Narrower Antenna (36" or 54" wide vs. 110")

75 ohm Downlead Connection

look for it on this link... http://starkelectronic.com/allant.htm

UHFGary

02-25-09, 05:13 PM

K-ST8ER,

I also checked, at 35th and Gage you do clear Burnett's mound. The path to WIBW-TV is 19.47 miles at a true bearing of 270.4 degrees (due west). However KTWU is almost due North of you. Given it's so close you should get it off the side of the antenna with only a bit of degradation.

K-ST8ED

02-25-09, 06:21 PM

Thanks again for all of your help Gary. I was afraid you were going to say that, so I already started looking for antennas. I found this one, and it looks like it would fit on the bracket that I already have installed for my UHF antenna. If I were to get either this one or the one you linked, couldn’t I just swap it out for the one I already have since they are a VHF/UHF combo antenna?? Also, you are right, I get channel 11 clear as a bell.

This is the antenna I was looking at:
HDTV VHF High Gain UHF Antenna 22 Element CM-2016 Channel Master CM2016 VHF High / UHF Off-Air Local HD TV Digital Signal Channel Outdoor Television Aerial, RED ZONE, Part # CM 2016 | With Coax Cable

You can see what it is at this website. Can you let me know if you think this one would work:

(Sorry, won't let me link it until I get three posts. I wil link it after this post.)

Also can you explain more about what you were talking about when you said to keep the UHF antenna and then get a separate VHF and tying them in together or something like that. Thanks again Gary.

K-ST8ED

02-25-09, 06:22 PM

Here is the antenna I was talking about Gary now that I have three posts:

http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=7&products_id=7573

UHFGary

02-25-09, 07:41 PM

K-ST8ER,

That should work. The dipole in the back is for VHF high, the whole front part is a traditional suburban UHF yagi. I'm using a home built 300 ohm folded dipole (custom cut for WIBW) right now and at about the same distance from their transmitters as you. I get both WIBW and KTWU quite nicely.

As to keeping the UHF antenna.... Well there is a device that looks like a coax splitter, but inside is a filter that lets VHF in and out of one port and UHF in and out of the other while the combined has both signals... (think signal separator). With one of these you can point the UHF antenna one way (and put it in the UHF port) and point the VHF another (and put it in the UHF port)... then the output can be fed to TVs and you get a better signal from each antenna (since each is pointed the right direction).

This trick can let someone mix and match antennas (and where they're pointed) for the best reception.

You might be interested in looking at my Topeka TV reception site. it's got alot of these things covered... Here's a link...

http://www.krohe.com/Top-TV-recpt.htm

Some of the data is old (I wrote this a couple of years ago) but it may help with understanding this whole TV reception process...

snm66

02-25-09, 09:52 PM

Timmy: just checked and I still don't have 27.1 but have 27.2 and also lost 49.1 but have 49.2. I did a reset about 5 PM , nothing changed. One step forward , two back. Steve.

timmy1376

02-26-09, 09:58 AM

I reset everything OTA, redid the initial setup and now have everything back.

tim

BJS188

02-26-09, 12:37 PM

My Directv HR units are all working properly now. My Direct-Tivo is still having guide problems for 9.1, 9.2, 27.1, 27.2, 29.1, 49.1 and 49.2. Makes it hard to record anything except 13 with it.

dlnester

02-26-09, 08:00 PM

KCWE changed their mapping today. 9.3 is gone, replaced with 29.2 showing a slate for "This TV" movie channel coming March 3.

KSBugeater

03-02-09, 10:30 AM

I reset everything OTA, redid the initial setup and now have everything back.

tim

I cleared out the OTA data Friday night and set it up again on my HR20. I still am not getting 27-1 and 49-1 but am getting their subchannels. Same is true for my HR10 (TiVo) but at least with that machine I can scan them in. The Tribune data (which DirecTV uses) is still wrong for 27-1 (maps to 27 instead of 28) and 49-1 (maps to 49 instead of 48), unless it got corrected over the weekend.

BJS, I was able to set up a manual recording on 49-1 last night. But that's no way to use a TiVo. And HR20 users don't have that option. If DirecTV wants to lose the high-end users of the Topeka market to Dish and cable, they're doing a bang-up job. (WIBW is "helping" by switching to unreliable VHF, as well)

BJS188

03-02-09, 11:41 AM

My Directv HR units are all working properly now. My Direct-Tivo is still having guide problems for 9.1, 9.2, 27.1, 27.2, 29.1, 49.1 and 49.2. Makes it hard to record anything except 13 with it.

Guide data showed up for 9.1 and 9.2 so hopefully they will get it figured out. An hour on the phone with DIRECTV was no help.

dlnester

03-03-09, 11:54 AM

I read over on the KC board that KMBC had to contact Tivo to get the channel mapping figured out. I think KSNT needs to do the same.

K-ST8ED

03-04-09, 03:42 PM

Thanks Gary. I think I am going to order the one that I linked you to. Just to make sure, I can just take down my old antenna, and install this one, and still be able to get the UHF singles as well right? Also, how hard do you think that will be to install? There is already one up, so it should be just a matter of swapping them out, and then connecting the wire that is already there to the new antenna, and then mount the new antenna to the existing mount. The DirecTV guys installed the first one. Here is the one I was looking at in case you forgot:
http://www.summitsource.com/product_...oducts_id=7573

Mainly I just wanted to confirm that I can use just the new antenna for the VHF/UHF, instead of using two separate antennas. Thanks again Gary. You have been a big help!

UHFGary

03-04-09, 05:49 PM

Yep, just swap out the antennas and you should get UHF stations just fine too... That one antenna should work. Point it toward the West (at Maple Hill). WIBW and KTKA will be pretty much in line. KSNT is off the north side but close enough that you should have plenty of signal (same for KTWU). If this were still analog you may have had ghosts on 11 and 27 but the new DTV tuners have equalizing circuits to deal with that. (so it's not a worry)...

K-ST8ED

03-05-09, 11:06 AM

Thanks Gary. I went ahead and ordered it. Should be here next week. I will let you know how things turn out. I have to have 13(CBS) in HD with March Madness only two weeks away!:-)

dlnester

03-05-09, 10:15 PM

DISH NETWORK LAUNCHES TOPEKA LOCALS IN HD
-----------------------------------------------------

CHNG 5180 KTKA{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 5 Spot 18 Rainbow 1 61.5w UNAVAIL HIDE MAP 49
TO 5180 KTKA{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 5 Spot 18 Rainbow 1 61.5w AVAIL HIDE MAP 49

CHNG 5182 KSNT{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 5 Spot 18 Rainbow 1 61.5w UNAVAIL HIDE MAP 27
TO 5182 KSNT{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 5 Spot 18 Rainbow 1 61.5w AVAIL HIDE MAP 27

CHNG 5183 KTMJ{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 5 Spot 18 Rainbow 1 61.5w UNAVAIL HIDE MAP 43
TO 5183 KTMJ{TOPEKA, KS} MPEG4 HD Tp 5 Spot 18 Rainbow 1 61.5w AVAIL HIDE MAP 43

WIBW was already available on "Eastern Arc" but these stations were uplinked to the Ciel 2 Satellite at 129*W in January, but I don't think they are available yet from that satellite location for "Western Arc" customers.

timmy1376

03-06-09, 07:48 AM

KSBugeater

03-06-09, 10:01 AM

Getting blank recording on KSNT now. ... This is seriously starting to irritate me....

Yeah, no kidding. With Dish getting HD local-into-local (although I wonder if they're really getting HD from KTMJ unless they got hardwired like Cox) via the Eastern Arc satellite, you could see scads of folks fleeing DirecTV for Dish/cable with these problems receiving elementary network HD on the flagship DVR.

I, too have been getting blank recordings on locals despite getting reception when I directly tune to them. Last night I did get a successful recording on 49-1 after deleting and re-creating the SL. However, it could also be due to a "Tuner 2" problem that has been reported for the HR20-700s on a recent software release.

BJS188

03-06-09, 12:06 PM

Getting blank recording on KSNT now. Went to watch the Office last night and nothing. The wife said Kath and Kim was like that last week, and sure enough, everything from last night was blank. Checked Heroes from Monday, blank too. This is seriously starting to irritate me....

I had the same problem. You have to go through and redo all of your series links.

I also have COX and did not have one bit of problems with their box or recordings. Directv is getting to be a pain.

dally7777

03-06-09, 05:15 PM

:mad:

Okay this is getting old.....

I still can not tune 13.2 and 49.2, I receive 13.1 and 49.1 perfectly.

I have reset and unplugged for hours and still it shows 90% in the Signal Meter for 13.2 and 49.2 BUT show searching for signal when I tune to the channel.

Someone get this fixed PLEASE, We are now going on FOUR weeks after the Digital Switch and I am patient, but my patience is approaching ZERO......

Zip Code: 66603
Fixes: too numerous to list, see previous posts

* What receivers are affected
HR22-100 with AM21

* What market you're in
Topeka, KS

* What zip code you're using to get guide data
66547

* What channels are affected
11.1, 11.2, 11.3; 13.1, 13.2

* What's happening currently
* The resolution of your issue, if any (such as, did rerunning Antenna Setup help)
INITIAL: No 11.1, 11-2, 11.3, 13-1, 13-2 on both recievers (HR-22 with AM21)
FIRST FIX: Cleared Off-Air Settings and then pressed Red-Reset button. After Restart I Ran Initial Setup for Off Air.
FIRST EFFECT: No Change

SECOND FIX: From AVS Forum-- Cleared Off Air Settings; Unplugged Directv Receiver for 8 hours to clear memory of stored off air settings.
SECOND EFFECT:
11-1, 11-2, 11-3 are now received but broken up compared to perfect reception prior to DTV Transition
13-1 is now received and perfect reception
13-2 is showing 90% in Setup Menu BUT shows 771 Error when I tune to the channel.

dustinw82

03-06-09, 05:45 PM

The program guide is incorrect. I called them to make them aware of it and they're just idiots.

dustinw82

03-06-09, 10:11 PM

The program guide is incorrect. I called them to make them aware of it and they're just idiots.

It also doesn't appear to even be HD. KTMJ is a joke. They should just dissolve so we can get WDAF. KSNT really screwed everyone over by purchasing them.

K-ST8ED

03-07-09, 07:18 PM

Good News!

Got the OTA today, and got installed and up and running, and I am receiving all of my channels!! Woo Hooh!!! Took me a little while to install it. I couldn’t get the bracket that came with it to fit around my mount that was already there, so I rigged it with the bracket from the old antenna, but it should work. Now I am getting the following channels at the following strength:
13-1, 13-2-- 90%

27-1, 27-2-- 70%

49-1, 49-2-- 90%

11-1, 11-2, 11-3- 100%

Took me a while to get 13-1 that high of a percentage, but I got it. I couldn’t get both 27-1 and 13-1 both at the same time90% plus, but 70% on 27-1 should work. Anyways, Thanks to Gary for the advice, and I would recommend this antenna to anyone. Very easy to install. I must also had I have a pre-amp coming off of the antenna well, so I am sure that helps. I tried unplugging the pre-amp to see if I can still get the channels, and I couldn’t it, so obviously I need that at my location. Anyways, thanks again Gary for your help! I am going to post pics later after I download them.

One last thing, I noticed that the previous antenna wasn’t grounded, so obviously, neither is my new one. How hard is it to make sure it is grounded properly, and what all would I need to do to ground it. Thanks to all!

HawkInOz

03-08-09, 02:52 PM

The program guide is incorrect. I called them to make them aware of it and they're just idiots.

You aren't kidding. I've been on the line for 20 minutes and can't get this idiot to understand that it is the program guide that is screwed up. Total freakin' idiot.

Edit: That call lasted 56 minutes, got me 3 reloads & 1 reboot, and zero results.

dlnester

03-09-09, 10:54 AM

BJS188

03-09-09, 11:27 AM

KSNT 27.1 program guide information is now working on my Direct-Tivo. Still having problems with 49.1.

dustinw82

03-09-09, 03:10 PM

If you are calling Dish Network about the program guide, you would be better off calling the station, as they submit the information to Tribune Media Services, which then transmits it to newspapers, internet sites, and Dish Network to name a few. Dish Network doesn't control the program guide information for stations and networks.

I don't believe there is an issue on the station's end. 43 SD and 27.2 guide info are correct. I think Dish mapped 43 HD with the wrong channel. The channel they have it mapped with is a channel that show LA Lakers games. It doesn't matter anyways, it's still not HD. They add Topeka's local HD's and one of the channels isn't HD. Why did we get stuck with such a horrible Fox affiliate?

dlnester

03-09-09, 03:37 PM

Ah, that make sense. I don't have my wing dish yet so I'm not getting the Topeka locals in HD yet (at my parents house oustside Westmoreland)

HawkInOz

03-10-09, 11:41 PM

I spent another 45 minutes on the phone with Dish Network tonight about 43, and was told to call back if it wasn't fixed in the next couple of days (again). :mad:

Fortunately, I checked it after 10:00pm, and it had correct info for one whole hour! So, I forced a re-download of the program guide, and it's all there! :)

dustinw82

03-12-09, 05:52 PM

dlnester

03-13-09, 02:47 PM

I would think it would be in the best interest of KSNT/KTMJ to get a system in place where Dish Network (and eventually DirecTV) would get an HD feed for FOX from them. Cox Cable has KTMJ in HD, it can't be too hard to give Dish Network a feed at the up-link.

Also, does anybody know where the Point of Presence for Dish Network is in Topeka?

KSBugeater

03-13-09, 03:30 PM

does anybody know where the Point of Presence for Dish Network is in Topeka?

DirecTV's says it's at 301 NW Wannamaker Road, but Google says "nay" on that and returns 301 SW Wanamaker, or the old WIBW studios (and current KTWU tower). Cox is just a mile south of there...

snm66

03-13-09, 10:27 PM

Does anybody with DirectTv and an HR20 get 49.2 OTA in Topeka area? All I get is searching for signal. It's been like this for me since they fixed the other OTA problems about 2-3 weeks ago. Thanks.

UHFGary

03-15-09, 01:22 AM

The Topeka local ingest point for DirecTV is in the KTWU transmitter building at the base of their tower (at the north end of Wanamaker, the address is 301 N. Wanamaker road). KTWU and KTMJ provided NTSC audio and video to them directly, all other stations were over the air reception.

Dish Network's local ingest point is at the KTKA studios at 2121 Chelsea. KTKA provides them with a direct video/audio feed and all others are over the air.

Both providers have fiber feeds directly from there back to the TOCs (transmission operations center)

How ATSC is being handled for the direct feeds I've no idea. I know the stations being received over the air for NTSC are being received over the air for ATSC.

This is first hand knowledge.

Cox won't be providing feeds (but will sell them fiber bandwidth). They are in competition after all...

Cox's head end is not at their offices just West of 10th and Wanamaker. Their head end is just north of 17th and Washburn (at their old offices). That's actually where all signals are processed.

dlnester

03-15-09, 12:10 PM

Basically we just need KTMJ to get a digital signal on-the-air and in hi-def.

I wonder if the KSNT tower could support a DTV antenna for KTMJ after KSNT analog signs off and that antenna is removed (unless they have a combo DTV/Analog antenna installed on the tower)

wr202

03-21-09, 11:19 PM

K-ST8ED

03-22-09, 01:49 PM

Last year, WIBW HD was 7GB an hour during the NCAA Tournament. Now, it's only 5GB an hour. This makes the video during games look a lot worse.

What are they using the bandwidth they took away from their HD channel for?? I really wish they would gives us 7GB back again.

wibw13, do you still post here? Is there anything you can do?

That’s funny that you said that because I just made the comment to my wife the it doesn’t seem to look as good as it did last year. I thought it was just my imagination, but that must be why.

dlnester

03-22-09, 02:18 PM

13.2 WIBW-DT (My Network TV) must be using more of the bandwidth. I wonder if it is due to the fact that they moved to Cox analog channel 12?

divemaster

03-22-09, 06:36 PM

I just got a new Sony 46 inch TV and was surprised that the scan I did when first turning on TV picked up digital stations. I only get Cox Limited and Expanded Service.

During the scan I picked up around 29 digital channels, some even 16:9 1080I, they seem to be a digital version of the analog channel??? Such as CBS ABC NBC PBS etc. Ranging channels from 80.4 to 120.11. None of the digitals are whole numbers, the really good 1080I are up in the over 100 area such as WIBW 114.4.

No I haven't hooked up anything illegal, no digital box from Cox either. I have an older Sanyo digital TV and on it's scan it only gets stuff up to channel 99 and no digital channels at all.

Does anyone know why I am getting all these without subscribing?

Kansas_Tom

03-22-09, 08:52 PM

I believe the cable companies are required to make the local channels available in the clear. They can and some do make more available unscrambled.

divemaster

03-22-09, 09:04 PM

Thanks I found out that companies like Cox are required to put these in the clear: I tried to make a link, to show this and got in trouble as I haven't made three post, maybe this will work. No it didn't work so here is the first paragraph from the link I tried to post.

QAM-based HD programming of local stations is sometimes available to analog cable subscribers, without paying the additional fees for a digital cable box. The availability of QAM HD programming is rarely described or publicized in cable company product literature. If cable providers provide rebroadcasts of locally aired programming, they must also carry rebroadcasts of high-definition digital locally aired programming, in an unencrypted form, that does not require the customer to use leased equipment, per FCC Sec. 76.630 and CFR Title 47, §76.901(a). These usually include the local affiliates for CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, and FOX, and the cable providers comply by rebroadcasting them over QAM channels. The law does not require the cable provider to advertise their availability, and the cable customer service representatives are known to unequivocally (and incorrectly) insist to customers that a converter box is mandatory to view any HD channels.

I even called Cox and they wanted to sell me a digital package for 13.13 a month. You do need a QAM tuner to get the free digital and that is why my one year old Sanyo doesn't find any. Maybe there is a third party that sells QAM tuners?

PupfosterG

03-30-09, 09:50 PM

I'm new here, and I am fed up with Cox blocking KC stations (right or wrong). I also don't like the channel variety of basic cable. So I purchased my first HDTV and 2 converter boxes for the older tv's. Right now I still have Cox, so I used a table top style antenna for my experimentation. I receive most of the local HD channels, What I would like to do is dump Cox and find a roof antenna to attach to my chimney so I can pick up some of the KC stations. Any suggestions? I am located just east of the golf course on Urish.

Trip in VA

03-31-09, 10:26 AM

Starting May 4, it looks like KTWU will do HD when available on their primary schedule on 11-1, with MHz WorldView filling 22 of the 24 hours of the day on 11-2.

http://www.mhznetworks.org/news/100/

- Trip

KSBugeater

03-31-09, 01:47 PM

PupfosterG, you may stand a chance at getting KC stations. That chance would be better if you were on the east side of Topeka. Go to www.tvfool.com and do a site analysis by using your address. Most likely it will tell you you need a deep fringe antenna. I have had success with the ChannelMaster 4228 with 7775 pre-amp. I can get most KC stations all the time, with the exception of 41 and 19, which are spotty for me. If you can mount an antenna higher than your neighbor's house to the east, you might be watching Lenny the Cool give the evening sports, but I don't want to guarantee anything.

B H G

04-01-09, 12:57 PM

It's not so much the side of town you are on as which side of the hill you fall, as far as getting the KC digitals. I'm west of Cypress Ridge and get them all (now) nearly effortlessly with almost any (outdoor) UHF antenna in the attic. Even using the weakest KCPT (digital and analog) for TVGOS guide host channel. But of course I'm on the east slope of the hill. Over the years I've tried many antennas including stacks. The Channel Master preamp is a must.

As well, near 27th and Gainsboro (on the hill) many KC locals come in with just an (indoor) silver sensor occasionally. However just down the hill in Brookside nothing comes in for anything, even the Topeka locals are a challenge.

So it really just depends on your elevation, and what side of the hill you are on. If you are up toward 21st it may be easy but near 29th in that area it might be a great challenge, provided you are near Urish and Cyprus Ridge.

Do post the TVFool plot for your address (or post a comparable address on your block) and we should be able to quickly tell what is possible and what is not from your location. TVFool.com tells all, just depends on what is directly east of you.

PupfosterG

04-01-09, 08:00 PM

I read here on another blog that the "new" cm4228 didn't rate well. Any other suggestions.

My house is just about the top of the hill on SW 27th and Staffordshire . My fireplace is on the east side of my house and an antenna mast secured to it would clear the peak of the house next to me to the east. There are a couple of questionable trees, but if I aim due east they shouldn't be a problem. Great to here KC channels are picked up west of the golf course. I have not posted enough yet to post a url for my tv fool location.

B H G

04-02-09, 12:02 AM

You should be good as gold if from your chimney you clear the ground looking east. Trees and houses are slightly less critical. Actually it looks like all of Staffordshire should be prime for KC from 2500 over to 27th from what I can see with google maps, in fact I suspect you are higher than I am and your ridge is my final "2 edge" obstruction from KC to here... but hey it don't stop me.

The new 4228HD would surely work, you could just hack the problematic feed system as described on the HDprimer temp page. I have the original 4228 but I still did the mod with 2 baluns and combiner. Works great with CM7777 from my attic get all KC locals 24/7. Only time I ever have trouble now seems to be during abnormally strong tropo, which ironically (in the old days) was the only time used to get anything before the CM preamp.

I suspect almost any uhf antenna would work, even a 4bay as long as you have the preamp. But the more overkill you do antenna wise (within reason with regard for windload and durability) the more reliable they will be during adverse conditions. 91XG is also good however since we want 18,24,29,31,34... lower UHF, the 8bays do better in that range, longer wider dipoles the better.

BTW you don't want or need any VHF here, the preamp does better without it. Perhaps CM7775. 13 and 11 (if you want them) come in on UHF only from here. 27 and 49 should also come in fine off the back. While you are at it, I would also order the AntennasDirect variable attenuator (or another one) to use after the preamp power injector. Seems to stabilize amped signal even without attenuation. The CM titan 2's have about the right gain for about 50 to 75 total feet of quad shield and a single split. If you need more than that you may start to lose KCPT or KSMO at certain times. Less than that you may need to attenuate a hair, since overload can be worse than nothing.

But welcome to total freedom from COX BLOCK and the Topeka locals. HD local newscasts and higher bitrates to boot. More options is always better. :)

PupfosterG

04-04-09, 06:27 PM

Hello BGH thanks for your help so far. Is there a local source you like for the CM7777 and antenna masts, etc.? Best source to order from on the internet?

I found a RF cable, not a cox cable, that goes to an attic space. I am able to pick up nine local HD channels and can pick up sound and fuzz of KC analog channel 5 and 9. I am assuming there may be an attic antenna. I say assume because I have never been in this attic space and the scuttle hole is above the stairs (split level house).

I though maybe I'd try a signal amp on this first.

Looks like I need to build some sort of platform to go the stairs so I can set the ladder up to get in the attic.

More to follow.

PupfosterG

04-05-09, 09:28 AM

Update!! Antenna discovered in the attic. I was able to lift scuttle hatch enough to confirm. Unknow make or model. Appears to be of a larger size and it is mounted on a short mast. I have only lived here 4 years and had never been in that attic, I have two as this is a splitlevel. House is approx. 25 plus years old. It looks like the cable was run prior to the basement being finished.

I can receive anolog KC channels, 4,5,9. Sony HDTV won't auto scan them in but I can manually enter the channel and then add them to the line up. Sound is good, pictures are anywhere from unwatchable to easy enough to watch at other times.

Based on this would the CM7777 probably get me some KCDH channels? I think it is worth the try. Any other suggestions? Thanks Again.

KSBugeater

04-06-09, 11:29 AM

You might want to make sure there isn't already a pre-amp up there. Otherwise, it is possible that you could pick up KC DT stations, with a 7777. On mine, I get 4.1 and 5.1 perfectly but can barely get their analog versions, since my antenna (4228) wasn't designed for low-VHF.

I don't know if anyone carries the 7777 locally. Perhaps a home-improvement store, or you might try the AV place at 21st and Urish (could walk from your house...).

B H G

04-06-09, 12:46 PM

...Based on this would the CM7777 probably get me some KCDH channels? I think it is worth the try. Any other suggestions? Thanks Again.Must be an old VHF or large combo if you are getting anything on 4 and 5 analog. This probably won't be of much use for KC locals after June. The KC HD we want are now all UHF (as well as after June) which makes them easier to receive (here) in my opinion. I doubt there is much else you can do with that one either with or without getting up in the attic.

Once you make the effort to get up there I would replace it with a contemporary UHF of some sort along with the preamp. The preamp is placed inline a few feet from the antenna balun. Then the power inserter is located near the receiver just in front of the variable attenuator. You really don't want to preamp VHF for our purposes here since channel 11 (and/or FM) is so close and can interfere with anything or everything else. For that reason the Channel Master 7775 may be the best preamp since it already properly filters VHF.

I'm not aware of any local retailers selling anything besides the smattering of hardware at the Shack. Or some general supplies at Lowes. Solid Signal and Warren Electronics are good online for all these items. Th AV place Home Connections (by the new roundabout) may sell something... I've seen them around installing DB8's aimed for KC, and looks like they do a great job if anyone wants to pay (dearly?) for a pro.

If you can come up with a safe/convenient way to access that attic it sounds like an ideal spot for just about anything UHF including the 91XG. It may take several trips up and back to get everything going to your satisfaction, I make no less than several trips to the attic per year tweaking mine (I have 4 complete antenna systems up there) but I may be about done once the transition is settled. Once configured they last nearly forever in the attic so it's a better plan if the reception allows. Only time I've lost attic reception was with heavy drifting snow on the roof topped with ice but that may depend on your roof, where you are aimed, and where it drifts. No big problem with rain or most snow.

I would replace the coax if possible or at least put new compression fittings on it. The big risk with old/crimp type connectors is losing ground so the preamp loses power and goes entirely dead. New quad shield RG6 with quality compression fittings (not crimp) also improve the signal and sometimes make the difference. You can get those at Lowe's and Home Depot in a pinch but I like PPC/XL fittings better.

I don't want to make it sound too easy because many do fail to get KC HD locals but it is really a lot of little things that make the big difference. The right preamp, good coax with compression fittings, variable attenuator to avoid overload, good quality balun, and above all else getting the appropriate antenna in the best location. In the attic may take more trial and error than outdoors but once you get it working it shouldn't move and will last virtually forever. Need to avoid any metal (larger than individual nails) wiring or gutters either in the forward path or with within several feet for UHF.

Another note on the baluns I'm using the Channel Master Quantum outdoor baluns like shipped with the old 4228 for everything. They are reliable and consistent. The Winegard outdoor baluns are all but useless in my experience as well as the Phillips, Radio Shack and everything else I've seen around. The Quantum CM0089 are much better at least for my purposes, I've even removed all the built in PCB boxes on Winegards, 91XG, etc. and replaced with CM0089. Perhaps it is just a better match with the Titan II preamps but signal is better and the stiff aluminum leads are MUCH more durable and stay put.

So if you can get up in that attic a 91XG would be my choice to fit right where the present VHF is installed. And I'd also use the CM0089 balun in place of what it ships with, at least try and compare. For outdoors on the chimney, an 8bay would probably be more practical and durable such as DB8, PR8800, U-8000 or even the 4228HD with some mods and surely a CM0089 if not a matched pair. If you are getting any kind of discernible picture now on analog 4,5, and 9 it just confirms it should be possible to get most if not all of the UHF digitals from that location with the proper hardware.

timmy1376

04-08-09, 12:24 PM

Anyone have any word on Directv doing Topeka locals?

KSBugeater

04-08-09, 01:29 PM

Topeka is still not on the DirecTV upcoming list (which has grown very short):

Bangor ME April 09
Beaumont-Port Arthur TX April 09
Butte-Bozeman MT May 09
Dothan AL April 09
Harrisonburg VA May 09
Odessa TX May 09
Palm Springs CA April 09

I think the Topeka market is bigger than many of these. Maybe the local broadcasters are being demanding (like 13 was with cable systems).

dlnester

04-09-09, 09:43 PM

I've heard it also has to do with the number of DirecTV subscribers in each market. I think Dish Network added the Topeka HD Channels earlier because they have a large subscriber base in this market. (Driving down US-24 from Manhattan to Topeka you really notice that too!)

feedback71

04-27-09, 12:47 PM

Dish Network locals in HD:

I just had my system upgraded to locals in high definition. I don't know if this has already been covered, but I will tell you my experience.

Basically, they had to shut off my local channels and schedule an install. I know, it sounds goofy, but they told me they had to shut off my current standard def locals to order up my HD locals installation. I had them come on Friday and they put a new, additional little dish up next to my current one. It faces 61.5, btw. All my locals are now showing the HD programming (when the networks broadcast in HD). The only question I have is for KTMJ channel 43. I still wonder about the HD signal because we have had crappy weather all weekend and KSNT (which runs 43's news) takes off the HD feed to put their little scrolling banner on weather updates. Hopefully, I will finally get to see Fox in HD tonight when 24 is aired.

dlnester

04-27-09, 09:54 PM

WIBW-TV has a new website... http://www.wibw.com - Somebody please contact a graphic artist for that top logo though...

feedback71

04-28-09, 11:51 AM

Very disappointing. KTMJ was not HD when 24 was broadcast last night. Why does Dish pass this off as HD when it clearly is not?

dlnester

04-28-09, 11:59 PM

I thought KTMJ didn't supply Dish Network with an HD feed, so Dish Network is just passing the SD feed in the HD slot?

KSBugeater

04-29-09, 12:19 PM

KSBugeater

04-29-09, 12:23 PM

See past discussion here about getting a waiver from Dish for Fox HD Distant Network Service: (I don't know if it's still valid, I don't have Dish)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12875816#post12875816

dlnester

04-29-09, 12:24 PM

I don't believe Dish Network ever put out a Press Release about the Topeka locals like they did other cities.

What KTMJ needs to do is file for a Full-Power Television Station from the KSNT broadcast tower and go from there.

Dish Network isn't allowed to offer Distant Network Service anymore, and they are not available in HD anyway.

KSBugeater

04-29-09, 12:34 PM

FOX 43 GM (I don't know if it's still Dave Waters) said over a year ago everything is "ready" for KTMJ to go digital. I think this preceded the New Vision (KSNT owners) takeover.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13634648#post13634648

timmy1376

04-29-09, 12:51 PM

I have a feeling KTMJ will just stick to 27.2

feedback71

04-29-09, 01:41 PM

The only way to watch Fox programming from KTMJ in HD is through Cox, who somehow has a direct fiber feed. If Dish specifically said you could watch Fox in HD in the Topeka market, then they misrepresented. If they were less specific and said "Topeka Broadcast Locals Now in HD", then they are not misleading since KTMJ does not broadcast HD over-the-air. Hopefully when June hits KMTJ will flash-cut to a full digital HD signal.

I don't believe Dish Network ever put out a Press Release about the Topeka locals like they did other cities.

Pretty much Dish Network just started advertising on one of their channels that they now carry Topeka locals in HD, 49, 27, 43, and 13. Part of the reason I had them do this is that I can't get 43 in HD over the air. Now I have 2 channels listed for each one (supplied by DN), one standard and one that comes up as HD. The channel 43 HD is not actually HD. That is BS.

69bowty

05-10-09, 12:44 PM

Has anyone been having trouble picking up 13.1? Not sure when it started but I can not get it now. My antenna runs into my Dish Network box so that the over air channels show up in the guide and I can record them on my DVR. 13.2 shows 100% signal strength but I can't get anything on 13.1. Thanks in advance for the help.

Ty

K-ST8ED

05-11-09, 09:36 PM

dlnester

05-11-09, 09:44 PM

Try a rescan on your Dish Network reciever to see if you can get it. The PSIP info from WIBW could have become corrupted. If you get 13.2 and not 13.1 that could be it.

KSBugeater

05-12-09, 09:19 AM

I had the same problem after they switched over their digital signal back in February. They switched to a UHF signal, and lots of people had VHF antennas only. I had to buy a new outdoor UHF/VHF antenna, and I have been good since, but there was no way I was going to get their signal without the UHF antenna. Hope that helps.

You switched UHF and VHF around. All the Topeka stations used to be UHF, but now 11 and 13 are VHF. Low VHF is channels 2-6, Hi VHF is 7-13, and UHF used to be 14-79, but now I think 57 is the highest. (58-79 were given to emergency comms?)

Trip in VA

05-12-09, 11:43 AM

You switched UHF and VHF around. All the Topeka stations used to be UHF, but now 11 and 13 are VHF. Low VHF is channels 2-6, Hi VHF is 7-13, and UHF used to be 14-79, but now I think 57 is the highest. (58-79 were given to emergency comms?)

UHF was 14-83. In the early 1980's, they took back 70-83. A month from today, they will take back 52-69.

Our TV band will be channels 2-51.

- Trip

69bowty

05-12-09, 09:08 PM

Try a rescan on your Dish Network reciever to see if you can get it. The PSIP info from WIBW could have become corrupted. If you get 13.2 and not 13.1 that could be it.

Finally got it to work, had to delete the 13.1 from the list then rescan, just scanning didn't do it. Thanks again.

K-ST8ED

05-12-09, 09:32 PM

You switched UHF and VHF around. All the Topeka stations used to be UHF, but now 11 and 13 are VHF. Low VHF is channels 2-6, Hi VHF is 7-13, and UHF used to be 14-79, but now I think 57 is the highest. (58-79 were given to emergency comms?)

Oh yes you are right, my bad!! Sorry about that, I posted in a hurry. Thanks for correcting my mistake. :)

dlnester

05-24-09, 12:34 PM

Dish Network has launched the Topeka Locals in HD on the Ciel 2 129*W bird (in addition to Eastern Arc)

Also, KTMJ-Low Definition is the 4x3 image zoomed to 16x9. It looks horrible, and you can't even read the score during baseball games.

KSBugeater

05-26-09, 10:49 AM

Is there such a thing as KTMJ-HD? If it only exists on Cox, it is not worthy of a sub-call sign. ;)

dlnester

05-26-09, 10:52 AM

There I fixed that post for you Bugeater!

dlnester

06-01-09, 05:50 AM

It looks like KTKA will be the new home of the CW Network in Topeka. http://ktka.titantv.com

KSBugeater

06-01-09, 12:37 PM

Good catch, dl! I wonder if the outage mentioned below is for the engineers to add 49.3 to the mux.

KTKA engineers will be making equipment upgrades overnight from midnight to 5:30am on Tuesday, June 2. These upgrades will enhance our services for viewers. We will not be able to be on the air while these upgrades are being made and apologize for any inconvenience. We’ll be back on the air at 5:30am Tuesday, June 2. Thank you for watching KTKA!

BJS188

06-02-09, 10:45 AM

As of Tuesday morning, 49.3 is now CW. Too bad. Now all of Topeka's HD channels are over compressed.

BJS188

06-02-09, 10:46 AM

Cox in Topeka has added:

NHL HD - Channel 658
HBO 2 HD - Channel 659
Disney HD - Channel 660
ABC Family HD - Channel 661
WGN America HD - Channel 662
Encore HD - Channel 663
BET HD - Channel 665

KSBugeater

06-02-09, 12:01 PM

As of Tuesday morning, 49.3 is now CW. Too bad. Now all of Topeka's HD channels are over compressed.

I didn't look at 49.3 on a widescreen display... are they delivering SD or HD? Don't laugh... I read Okla. City has a station broadcasting 2 720p channels in the mux.

BJS188

06-02-09, 12:07 PM

I only watched a minute of the Daily Buzz and it was 4:3 and was SD.

BJS188

06-03-09, 01:29 PM

For the few minutes I watched, GMA was not in HD this morning on 49.1. I check tonight to see if prime time is in HD.

BJS188

06-04-09, 11:36 AM

KTKA-HD was still having problems this morning. The picture did not match the audio. Not a sync problem, just different audio. A few minutes later, they switched to SD.

I quick glance on Wednesday night, it appeared everything was fine.

Trip in VA

06-04-09, 06:04 PM

ABC recently switched to new satellite gear, and a number of stations across the US have been having problems with it. I imagine it will take time to sort out completely.

- Trip

KSBugeater

06-05-09, 09:40 AM

I wonder how long it will be before DirecTV recognizes 49.3 and gets guide info for its DVRs with OTA capability. I will leave a note on the dbstalk forum; hopefully they can get 'er done before D-day (the 12th).

dlnester

06-05-09, 09:43 AM

Titan TV doesn't even have guide data yet, which I think the station has to provide to them. I would contact KTKA directly before you contact anybody else, because I believe they have to actually upload the programming guide to Tribune to be disseminated across the country.

On a side note, not a single mention of the CW on KTKA's website... weird?

snm66

06-06-09, 09:45 PM

This site has very good and up to date info for dtv ota antenna coverage for all of conus. try it out.
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/

dlnester

06-08-09, 05:19 PM

KTKA is changing channel positions on June 12. If you are a cable or satellite customer, you will automatically begin receiving KTKA at its new channel location and you don't need to rescan.

If you use a converter box, you will need to scan for new channels on June 12 to receive KTKA at its new channel locations.

As of June 12, KTKA's programming will be:

49.1 KTKA 49 ABC News

49.2 KTKA 24/7 Weather Now

49.3 KTKA the CW Northeast Kansas

Scanning Instructions

If you receive KTKA through a digital converter box or rely on a digital tuner in your tv set, you will need to scan for new channels after June 12 to get KTKA, KTKA Weather and KTKA-CW at their new channel locations.

First, locate the Scan button on either your remote control or digital converter box. If you don't have a Scan button, press Menu on your remote of digital converter box and locate the Scan function.

Next, press the Scan button for new channels. This may take a few minutes of up to 10 minutes or more depending on the type of box you have.

Last, to see if the scan was successful, press the Channel Up button until you get to 49.1. Press Channel Up again and you will see 49.2 and then 49.3 CW.

If the box freezes, unplug the box at the wall or remove the power connector from the back of the box.

Wait 10 seconds, then re-plug and repeat the Channel Scan process.