anyone else having reception issues with KARK? I have my amplification up all the way and still only get 50% of the strength I usually get (measured in dB on my computer, usually around 30, can't get above 15 right now. ~18dB is the lowest that it can be for stutter-free reception). I've tried turning the UHF loop all around with nothing. All other OTA channels coming in as regular.

I'm going to schedule my recording and hope that KARK comes back by 7pm...

On the 5th of July and the week following, KARK-DT would go from 100% down to 35% on my meter, and completely drop out at times. When I called, the station "engineer" said that they had not had any problems with their transmitter.

If I receive KLRT-DT channel 30, KTHV-DT channel 12, and KARK-DT channel 32 with the same antenna and receiver and all the others are at normal strength and KARK-DT, channel 32 is below 35%, the transmitter, in my opinion, has problems.

I was not tuned to that channel at the time you reported the trouble with KARK-DT today but KARK-DT has consistantly has problems with their RF signal on their DT transmitter since day one.

When I called to ask if they were having problems, the first person that I spoke with in the "engineering" department said he did not know they had a UHF transmitter. That, in itself, makes me wonder.

I do know that when KARK-DT first went on the air with their UHF/DT transmitter they were not monitoring their signal off the air. I have no reason to believe that they have changed now. Apparently someone has to call to let them know they are off the air. Then, they won't admit it.

FYI

DirecTV will now take orders for upgrades to the HR20 receiver from the HR10-250 for $99. I was able to get both of mine upgraded for $198. This include the dish upgrade, 2 HR20's and the B-band converters. The upgrade to the H20 is 19.95. The installation date I got was for 8/16. This upgrade will be required to get the HD locals via DirecTV and the new HD channels due to come online starting next month (note: I believe the OTA inputs are not activated on the HR20 or H20 receivers). Thought I would let everyone know since there is likely to be a rush on the equipment when the new HD channels go live and the LR DMA should be in the next round of HD LIL's to be scheduled.

OTA (rf antenna in) is indeed active and working well on both the H20 and HR20. The program guide data for the local -DT stations comes in via satellite.

The new directv hd satellite is about 4 days from its in orbit testng location, and testing is scheduled to begin Aug 10th. Hopefully it will be going live in September.

Yes, OTA works on both the H20 receiver & HR20 DVR. However, to cut mass-upgrade costs, D* has a cheaper HD box with no OTA tuner, for use in areas where MPEG4 HD locals are available. The model number ends in a "1" - it's either H21 or HR21.

I got a phone call from them the other day about scheduling a free MPEG4 upgrade for my second receiver, which is MPEG2 only. Also a free 5LNB dish.

OTA (rf antenna in) is indeed active and working well on both the H20 and HR20. The program guide data for the local -DT stations comes in via satellite.

The new directv hd satellite is about 4 days from its in orbit testng location, and testing is scheduled to begin Aug 10th. Hopefully it will be going live in September.

Thanks. That is good to know. I was afraid I would be trading my OTA for the new HD channels in MPEG4 until the LR DMA was added to the HD markets. I did want to have made the upgrade before the D10 went live since things will probably start to happen quickly when D* is assured of having enough available bandwidth.

Also if you wait until MPEG4/mass upgrade time, they may be installing a lot of the cheaper boxes without an OTA tuner and there's probably not much you could do about it except refuse the whole upgrade.

In many markets, getting the MPEG4 locals working right has been a bumpy ride for D*. They've likely got most of those early problems solved, but it would still be a good idea to upgrade early to insure that you get a box with an OTA tuner.

btw, my recording of KARK tonight from 7-8pm seems to have worked fine, about to watch them now but they're full size instead of empty files

Kark-Dt did have a problem Monday and was at reduced power. We received an alarm(via remote monitoring) that a combiner reject load exceeded a critical limit.

By 5pm the problem was corrected and "we" were back at full power.

To clarify a previous post, there are monitoring systems online. Metering , Status and Control functions are monitored in the "core" via a remote control that gives visual and audible alarms in the event preset conditions and limits fail or are exceeded. Also in place are QC monitors that fire off if audio or video is lost for more than 4 seconds.( and they do go off).All feed points are monitored like this. This includes OTA,CABLE, DIRECT,and ECHOSTAR. There is also a "StreamScope" in place that monitors the transport stream to verify elements, such as PSIP tables, are correct.

And yes, there are "operators" who have never even seen the Transmitters.

Three sets of call letters are delivered from the Little Rock BOC , KARK-TV,KARK-DT,KNWA-TV,KNWA-DT,KFTA-TV,KFTA-DT.

Now ,I don't check this site often , I do hope this info was helpful.

Quite helpful, and news to me. Keep up the good work at 4.

As for KATV, I see their primetime lineup on the schedule tonight is paid programming. WABC is showing Just for Laughs. What a retarded station.

arxaw: They are scheduling an install for you? How much you wannabet they can't find your "address" hahahaha.

I keep looking for your antenna when I'm driving around up there but you must have it hidden pretty good.

Wish I could find one of those Channel Master DeepFringe Vhf, Deep fringe Uhf antennas a lot of folks up there use. Channel Master quit making them (doh).

arxaw: They are scheduling an install for you? How much you wannabet they can't find your "address" hahahaha.Oh, it exists in Mena. Somewhere. ;)

Actually I talked to a local sat installer in Eureka today. He's going to give me a call tomorrow and see if they can schedule the upgrade. Since Carroll County Sat viewers can't get Arkansas TV via sat., he's very familiar with "moving."

I keep looking for your antenna when I'm driving around up there but you must have it hidden pretty good.It's incognito. The screen's removed to make it bi-directional :)
http://i14.tinypic.com/5x4vdw1.jpg

Wish I could find one of those Channel Master DeepFringe Vhf, Deep fringe Uhf antennas a lot of folks up there use. Channel Master quit making them (doh).The 4228 works just fine for me. And with the screen removed, I can get all of the full power stations from two markets @ 100% signal strength, without using the rotor. Works great for Highband VHF & UHF.

As for KATV, I see their primetime lineup on the schedule tonight is paid programming. WABC is showing Just for Laughs. What a retarded station.


How does "CW 7" in 2008 sound? :p

(at least there would be no conflicts with LFS and ABC/ESPN sports).

CW7?? Na, at least they have their HD act together. WB7 maybe, they have lots of room in their lineup.

Davenlr,
It'll be interesting to see if the LR HD MPEG4 spot beam reaches this far North. I've heard the HD spots are more tightly focused than the SD spotbeams.

Yea, should be interesting, especially since its KA band and a totally redesigned antenna/reflector. I'm sure Ill pick it up here in "Mena" just fine :)

As for KATV, I see their primetime lineup on the schedule tonight is paid programming. WABC is showing Just for Laughs. What a retarded station.

why don't they just become an independent with Lincoln Financial Sports and paid programming since they love those so much? Maybe some Home Shopping Network or something too. :P

the reply I got from Richard Farrester, the programming director of KATV, was a generic "not everyone is going to agree with our programming decisions" when I asked how paid programming has more value than a football championship even though it is arena football.



KATV isn't the only station in the market that loves infomercials, but at least the other stations air them during weekend afternoons. KATV used to be the best, and they wouldn't settle for nothing less than the best. It's kind of sad in a way, because they are so delusional, they think they are still living in the past. I can understand why a local station would preempt network programming for something important.. like when KARK preempted NBC programming for an hour one night in order to televise a Gubernatorial debate. Not for PAID PROGRAMMING!! And it won't help to email them, because they're gonna do what they want to do. Only when the elderly generation that makes up all of KATV's viewers, die off, will they finally get the message.

KTBS in Shreveport NEVER preempts ABC programming for anything. Plus, their on-air personalities actually have personalities :)

and I think that's how it should be for an affiliate...network first. You can show whatever you want during the day and most of the weekend but don't preempt my network programming because I can't get it anywhere else (with any decent quality).

and I think that's how it should be for an affiliate...network first. You can show whatever you want during the day and most of the weekend but don't preempt my network programming because I can't get it anywhere else (with any decent quality).


I bet if networks got paid for each network program aired, we would see preemptions go down to near zero. It's all about the $$$$ at 7. I think we should all call "7 On Your Side" about their problems. Maybe Jason Petersen can investigate all the preemption problems, lol.

I think we should all call "7 On Your Side" about their problems. Maybe Jason Petersen can investigate all the preemption problems, lol.

LOL :)

Even though some of us have "moved", its still no excuse to let a certain wayward Big Four affiliate off the hook. Granted my network viewing is a drop in the bucket during the summer months so I've not noticed things closely until recently.

haley-SEA,
It's the Allbritton way. Just like other large firms that own most stations nowadays.

Their attitude is do whatever it takes to makes a buck - screw the local viewers with no affiliate choice because they have a protected monopoly.

Fortunately, although I get kaTV on D*, I don't have to watch it for ABC programming. I seldom watch ABC anyway, but when I do, it's usually on:
WABC-DT or KHOG-DT. I don't remember the last time I tuned to kaTV - they aren't even in my fav channel list.

Yea, should be interesting, especially since its KA band and a totally redesigned antenna/reflector. I'm sure Ill pick it up here in "Mena" just fine :)Good to know we're "neighbors"... ;)

Only possible problem problem for you may be if D* estimates that the spot won't reach Mena. If that's the case, they won't offer Mena the LR HD locals. Upside to that, at least you'll be able to keep WABC-DT, WCBS-DT, WNBC-DT & WNYW-DT.

If they do take away the NY HD channels, I may "move" again. I'd rather keep them than LR HD locals...

If they do take away the NY HD channels, I may "move" again. I'd rather keep them than LR HD locals...


I planned on making a "move" to Marshall. Looks like the perfect "moving" spot. Qualifies for both HD and SD feeds from NYC.

are these "moves" only for those on the fringe like those in Mena? Or can I "move" to Marshall too? lol. Anything to get away from KATV though I can't get HD at least I could watch ABC programming..

Anyone can "move" if they so please. We choose Mena because they are so far away from LR, that any address there is eligible for the NYC Networks in HD. Marshall is where I'm "moving" to soon, because I don't care anything about the LR HD LILS, and I want to keep the NYC nets. Marshall addresses qualify for both the HD and SD feeds from NYC, because the LR spot beam is too weak to penetrate all the mountains around there.

I noticed though, that if you choose an address on a hill in Marshall, it says you can receive KYTV-3 in Springfield at Grade "B", so I had to just choose a different address to qualify for SD and HD DNS.

Yea, there is one hill in Marshall you should be able to pick up Springfield, Joplin, and Fayetteville! Takes 1/2 a tank of gas to get to the top :).

Arxaw: I'm with you, I'd rather have the NYC networks, they don't cover 1/4 of the screen with weather maps. Doubt D* will carry 11-2 anyway. THV2 is the only local I really watch, and Star Trek, the remastered versions.

Wow: Shuttle just took off on HDnet...surround sound about blew out my sub.

WNBC shows the remastered Star Trek late on Sunday evening/Monday morning. I must say that they did an amazing remaster job.

Yea, hope they release it in Blu-ray, I might be convinced to buy one :)

I haven't been able to pick up KWBF since last Friday. Is anyone else having the same trouble or is the problem on my end? Thanks!

same problem here in Benton. I got a great "signal" but the info like the resolution and sound info that usually shows up didn't show up and my recording today was completely blank.

... Marshall addresses qualify for both the HD and SD feeds from NYC, because the LR spot beam is too weak to penetrate all the mountains around there.It's not a case of th e spot beam "penetrating the mountains," it's because Marshall is located beyond the edge of the spot beam's "acceptable" coverage area. (Like people in NWA ;)) Marshall can probably get the LR spot, but it's weak and may suffer from rain fade. So, to keep complaints down about rain fade, D* won't sell LR locals to Marshall.

if you choose an address on a hill in Marshall, it says you can receive KYTV-3 in Springfield at Grade "B", so I had to just choose a different address to qualify for SD and HD DNS.Yes, Marshall addresses that qualify for NY locals are hit & miss, depending on elevation and surrounding terrain.

Another difference: Mena gets NY HD locals at no extra charge - included with the LR locals. In Marshall, SD DNS channels are sold alacarte @ $1.50 per channel. Each SD channel also includes the HD version at no extra charge.

I haven't been able to pick up KWBF since last Friday. Is anyone else having the same trouble or is the problem on my end? Thanks!
Same here on the loss of KWBF-DT signal. I am on/near the fringe with less than good reception. I can usually get it with some minor dropouts but can't at all now. I had attributed it to the extreme heat causing a change in the propagation properties of the signal thru the atmosphere since it has become very hot lately.

However, they apparently have a construction permit to increase their power level so maybe (big speculation here) they are working with regard to that.

I would e-mail contact them but in the past I haven't received a response of any sort from them (Equity Broadcasting). The only positive contact I have ever had with them was thru a phone receptionist who was able to arrange to have the channel's sound turned back on after 3 days of it being gone over one weekend not so long ago.

Anyway, same here.

dmatch

I was able to get KWBF fine on Friday night and Saturday in Benton, but I didn't check yesterday.

Its dead here in NLR. Someone probably tripped over the patch cord.

and just think, the channel that is/was off the air for 4+ days is the channel we have to count on for preempted ABC programming. Gosh, I hate KATV

This is a little off topic for this forum but could someone verify the dish settings for a DirecTv 5 LNB dish for the Little Rock area? I'm doing a self install (yeah, I know that the 5 LNB dish is more difficult than dishes in the past. But I have installed 35+ dishes in the past and even some C-band stuff)

I'm not sure if I will switch to Sat HD locals. I really like the picture quality of the OTA signal I get with my Channel Master 4228 .

Thanks for any info and suggestions.

According to my HR20-700 the settings are :

Azimuth=193
Elevation=49
Tilt=77

Did you get a free upgrade notification from D* yet? If so, why not just install the dish yourself and if you can't get it to see all the birds, call D* and schedule an upgrade. When the guy comes out, just have him align the dish.

I've heard that if you don't have a meter, it's quite difficult to align the 5LNB dish.

Also check over at dbstalk.com and satelliteguys.us for 5LNB help.

I haven't been able to pick up KWBF since last Friday... Contact for KWBF:

Lindsey McGough <LMcGough@ebcorp.net>

Actually I bought the dish from NewEgg for $89. I wanted to try it myself first and DirecTv wouldn't ship the dish directly to me. Having a service call dispatched is my fallback plan.

196az 49el 77tilt.
I installed mine also. Actually two, I have the 99/101/103 dish in one spot, and another with only the 110/119 lnb in another, but its fairly simple to tweek up.

Main thing..make sure its level and Stable. I have some installation videos if you can't find them on the net, and need them. My videos are for the andrews dish. I'm not sure if the slimline changed.

I'm installing the channelmaster 4228 antenna to help get better digital reception from Memphis, LR and other outlying areas. I will be using the cm4228 along with a Sony Digital TV. When I scan for Digital channels it takes approximately 60 minutes to do. How are you guys scanning for channels especially when u have the 4228 on a rotor. Hoping to pick up some fringe areas with the right weather conditions. I live in Walnut Ridge and am closer to memphis (as the crow flys) but have heard of others picking up much farther during certain conditions. How long does it take you to do a blind search? Any other methods or equipment to speed up the digital search? How do u lock your tv into different stations and keep those stations programmed in every time you rotate your antenna? I was hoping to pick up Poplar Bluff, possibly Cape, Memphis and whatever else i can get.

I don't know how your sony works, but on mine, I just enter the actual transmitter channel followed by a "-" and the number 1. If it finds something, it decodes the channel map to the primary channel and any subchannels, and stores it in the tv's memory. All you need is to know what available channels are in what direction, which can be found on the net.

If the Sony erases its memory every time you do a new scan, and doesn't allow direct channel entry, perhaps you could find a good atsc tuner for your dx'ing needs. FWIW, you should get Memphis, Jonesboro, Poplar Bluff, Little Rock, Cape Girardo, Jackson (tn and ms), and probably several others when the skip is in. Sounds like a fun place. Don't forget the channel master preamp! to go with your antenna.

Thanks for the info. As a typical guy, i hadnt read the manual since i first installed the tv. I was looking at putting the 4228 on either a 40 or 50 foot tower. I know the surrounding topography has a lot to do with distance, but how high are most your antennas and how often are you able to receive skips? As a matter of curiousity, whats the furthest skip youve picked up?

I'm installing the channelmaster 4228 antenna to help get better digital reception from Memphis, LR and other outlying areas. I will be using the cm4228 along with a Sony Digital TV. When I scan for Digital channels it takes approximately 60 minutes to do. How are you guys scanning for channels especially when u have the 4228 on a rotor. Hoping to pick up some fringe areas with the right weather conditions. I live in Walnut Ridge and am closer to memphis (as the crow flys) but have heard of others picking up much farther during certain conditions. How long does it take you to do a blind search? Any other methods or equipment to speed up the digital search? How do u lock your tv into different stations and keep those stations programmed in every time you rotate your antenna? I was hoping to pick up Poplar Bluff, possibly Cape, Memphis and whatever else i can get.

If I rotate the antenna and do a rescan, my Sony TV tuner remembers channels from previous scans. Tuners vary, even with the same brand, so YMMV.

For distant reception, add a CM7777 VHF/UHF preamp to your CM4228. That's a very good combo that won't break your wallet. And the 4228 UHF antenna also works pretty good for most highband VHF channels 7 thru 13. You'll probably want to add a rotor, too for DXing.

If you go up very high with the mast, the 4228 has some wind loading, so be sure the mast is stable and has good bracing.

I live in Northern Carroll County, near Eureka Springs, and get excellent reception from Fayetteville (approx 40-50mi from the various transmitters), and also Springfield, MO (approx 69-71mi from their transmitters). I also get Tulsa (over 100 mi) and Joplin, MO (probably 60+ mi).

Two good sites for reception info:
http://www.tvfool.com/
http://antennaweb.org/

To find all of the possible stations in a city, enter the city name only, at:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html
Look for "DT" which designates digital channels.

Skip, when its in, usually presents a fairly strong signal. For true skip, say over 100 miles, height isn't of that much importance. I hav e picked up signals from over 200 miles on rabbit ears. For stations with the 120 mile zone, height can be quite effective.
I used a 70' tower. I have received Milwaukee Wi, Detroit Mi, Ohio, Nrth Carolina, Florida, Puerto Rico, Cuba, New Mexico... All with a standard tv antenna with preamp over the years, from here in Arkansas. Just have to be lucky and be on at the right time.

Ducting is amazing. Its like being in the local dma for stations 1000 miles away.

Its a fun and cheap hobby. With Dvr's and computer capture cards, its now even easier to "log" your good finds.

Is KWBF-DT 42.1 still having signal strength problems? I have not seen them in a week or so.

I'm showing a "below normal" signal strength jumping from 55%-66%, but the signal is locked in, in Benton.

You getting any video? I'm getting a good signal, just nothing on it.

Has anyone in the metro area tried ine of those onmidirectional amplified "radome" type antennas? Just curious how they work.

Dave, it looks like a carrier with no program. No video or audio and I get the message "Searching for signal on OTA antenna" on my HR20-700 receiver.

All other channels are normal at 90-100%. My meter has KWBF, 42.1 and 42.2, at 90%, just no program.

Anybody got any ideas?

If I cared, I would call them tomorrow and ask, but I don't :) Except for the occasional HD Cardinals game, they could blow up and I'd never notice.

I'm getting picture and sound, Raymond was on when I posted that earlier, and I've been watching some stuff on the DVR, but I've checked back several times and saw bits of "The Rundown" over the last couple of hours. Switched up to 42.2 and saw Matlock as well. BTW, I agree with davenlr, I really don't care anything about the programming on this station, I've just caught myself spotchecking it lately, since they've finally added HD. I'm not even a baseball fan, but I did watch a little of the Cards game last Friday night, I thought it was interesting that they were preempting network programming with HD sports.

64-68% signal on 42-n...just blank screen on all KWBF channels at 9:55pm

Other stations coming in fine (including KVTN-DT @ 77%)

Soe get video, others don't? That's perplexing me. I've got 4 separate brands of atsc tuners and get the video on none of them, not even a uhf loop hooked to the tv itself. Lots of signal, just nothing else.

I'm installing the channelmaster 4228 antenna to help get better digital reception from Memphis, LR and other outlying areas. I will be using the cm4228 along with a Sony Digital TV. When I scan for Digital channels it takes approximately 60 minutes to do. How are you guys scanning for channels especially when u have the 4228 on a rotor. Hoping to pick up some fringe areas with the right weather conditions. I live in Walnut Ridge and am closer to memphis (as the crow flys) but have heard of others picking up much farther during certain conditions. How long does it take you to do a blind search? Any other methods or equipment to speed up the digital search? How do u lock your tv into different stations and keep those stations programmed in every time you rotate your antenna? I was hoping to pick up Poplar Bluff, possibly Cape, Memphis and whatever else i can get.

Pretty much from your location, the Jonesboro channels KAIT-DT 9 and KETJ-DT 20 will be the ones that will be there 24/7. Memphis is going to be tough from Walnut Ridge for daily viewing, especially WMC-DT (52). You will have better luck with WHBQ-DT (53), WREG-DT (28), WKNO-DT (29) and WLMT-DT (31). Depending on conditions, WPTY-DT (25) will suffer some QRM (analog interference) from KVTN-25 when tropo is enhanced to Little Rock.

Also after Feb 2009, WMC and WHBQ will be moving back to VHF, with both stations reusing their current analog channels for digital. At that distance, a seperate higher gain VHF antenna would be wise for those two down the road. But, there is a caevat---a tower and a heavy duty rotor with heavy duty mast would be recomended.

One question, are you in a valley or have a higher elevation and a "clear" view to Memphis (few trees, etc)?

64-68% signal on 42-n...just blank screen on all KWBF channels at 9:55pm

Other stations coming in fine (including KVTN-DT @ 77%)

Soe get video, others don't? That's perplexing me. I've got 4 separate brands of atsc tuners and get the video on none of them, not even a uhf loop hooked to the tv itself. Lots of signal, just nothing else.

That is weird, like I said, I saw a picture and heard the sound all evening on KWBF-DT, but I have never been able to get anything from KVTN-DT.

That is weird, like I said, I saw a picture and heard the sound all evening on KWBF-DT, but I have never been able to get anything from KVTN-DT.

KVTN, like KWBF are the runts of the DT's down here. Too bad, I can't say the same thing about KVTN-25, my most annoying analog pest :D

Here in Walnut Ridge its flat as a pancake, with exception to Crowleys Ridge which is approximately 15 miles from here. The ridge isnt that tall. I was looking at a 40 to 50 foot antenna. I'm currently getting KAIT and KETJ off my cheap antenna. But would like to pull in other stations.

Are you on D*, E*, cable or OTA only Blackbelt?

Can someone with a HR20-300 D* dvr compare their signal strength readings on 99 and 103 with me?
I have the following readings on 103:
1-8 0 86 0 90 0 88 N/A N/A
9-16 all N/A
17 0 N/A ...

99(b)
1-8 0 16 0 0 14 0 N/A N/A

That about right, or are some of you getting higher readings? I'm not sure what spot beams I'm picking up.

I get 42.1 / 2 & 3. I'm a few miles west of Danville which means I'm 60-90 miles from most towers with line of sight. I was locking 42 at around 65-67% for 3 or 4 months, mine also last week started dropping out but its doing something really strange. My Sony SXRD allows you to keep the signal strenght meter(diagnostics) on screen as you change the channel. When on 42, it will come in for about 3-4 seconds clear, no pixeling. Then it just drops out, but whats weird is the signal doesnt lose strenght, this is very odd, the tv says its still locked but no picture, been this way for a week. I usually only get a lower 60's reading when 42.1 is locked but this time I had 70% and it stayed locked at that for 5 straight minutes, I left it on to see if it would drop and it didnt. Change the channel then go right back to 42.1, bam..same thing, locks for a few seconds then a black screen, no sound no picture but still signal meter says locked up at a percentage that should be allowing you to view the programming. 42 is also my weakest signal overall but still I've locked it more than not in the past, wondering whats suddenly wrong with 42.1 especially now that its almost football season and they carry some Big12 games. Frustrating

Can someone with a HR20-300 D* dvr compare their signal strength readings on 99 and 103 with me?
I have the following readings on 103:
1-8 0 86 0 90 0 88 N/A N/A
9-16 all N/A
17 0 N/A ...

99(b)
1-8 0 16 0 0 14 0 N/A N/A

That about right, or are some of you getting higher readings? I'm not sure what spot beams I'm picking up.

I am having Directv installed here in the morning in the living room only, will watch on my Sony SXRD 60". Been reading very bad things about the H20 and HR20 when it comes to software problems. Any major problems for you so far? Any advice? I read on direct that you need the 5lnb dish for locals and the B-Band Converter hooked to your reciever to take advantage of MPEG4 programming in the near future. I have HDMI on my Sony TV, I was planning on using it for the connect but I have read many many problems over the HDMI connect. All say that if you hook component you dont have problems but that HDMI is a nightmare between these recievers and your HDTV. This is somewhat disappointing for me as I was going to use the HDMI to connect this receiver so I could leave the component inputs open for other Equipment I have. Any advice on all of this, appreciate it :)

KWBF drifting back in this evening. Some movie is showing on MNTV (42-1) in SD, but its the HDTV feed from MNTV (the network bug is mostly outside the 4x3 viewing area.

Meanwhile, for those with E* some of the new channels have been activated: MHD, Discovery HD (// with the standard Disc Channel and not Disc HD Theater), and Aminal Planet HD. Seems the cancer of stretchovision has spread to AP as ads are stretched instead of 4x3 pillarbox.

Now if only the History Channel HD went live on Sunday instead of Sept, one could watch the last epsiode of Ice Road Truckers first-run in HD. I"m sure it'll get run again soon.

I have had no problems with the HR20 since about 2 software revisions ago. Rock solid now for me. I am using HDMI...no issues. Great dvr. I love it. H20 has always been a rock, never had so much as a glitch from it. HDMI hookup on it as well. You WILL need the baseband converters on both the HR20 inputs as well as the H20 to view the channels they will be adding on Directv 10 next month. Don't hold your breath for HD locals until Directv 11 is up. Its possible, but I'm betting they use most of D10 for national hd channels.

I think you will be most happy with both of them. Get on dbstalk.com and join the directv "cutting edge" forum, and you can download the beta software with all the cool new features and more stability. They make it available most every weekend.

Enjoy!

Thanks Davenlr, that puts my mind at ease on the H20. I live 100 west of LR and 65 East of Ft.Smith. I know what the respective digital channels power capabilities are, however like some on here I know they all cant be running at full power. Any listing for the ARK OTA Digital official station power outputs as of today? If 42 is only running half power and they are planning on going full power I should be able to always get it in the future. I list all of this in my profile but heres my setup

CM3671 Ant. CM7777 Pre-amp. Ant is 15ft above ground. 75-100 ft cable run RG6. Sony SXRD KDS60A2020 with ATSC Tuner. Before the new sony tv I had a Mitsubishi 65" CRT without a built in tuner. I used a samsung sirt165, very nice reciever, always locked everything nicely and also allowed you to add other components thru it. I first locked 11.1 about 4 or 5 years ago.

Are you on D*, E*, cable or OTA only Blackbelt?


I'm using D* for the High Def, Cox cable for SD and OTA for KAIT in Jonesboro. I like a clean OTA picture best of all. Thats why im looking at pulling in more stations. I'm building a new house and incorporating a home automation system and am homerunning everything. I plan on have 3 d* receivers distributed to approximately 11 televisions through a switcher. Most rooms will have touchscreens for the whole house audio, TV switching, internet, etc.

Arkyman, can you get the networks from Ft. Smith? Wondered how reception would be out in the Mt Magazine area.

You might get better results putting up a small 40' tower, not sure how your local terrain is there. Fox and Nbc are full power UHF, Cbs is running full power Vhf-hi. Kwbf is running below full power, and also has a shorter tower. I'm not sure on Katv, CW is full power, and PBS is very low power AND on vhf-lo, making it a challenge even in the metro. I think you will like the tuner in the H20 if you get the -700 version. Not sure how good the tuner is on the -100. Might be -300, can't remember, but I've heard the -100 versions tuner isn't quite as good.

If all else fails you can get networks from New York in HD with some creative rustling.

Let us know how it works out tomorrow.

Wow, major site change since I looked at it last. I kinda like it. A little easier on the eyes.

Anyway, where do you get and how much do good in-line amplifiers cost? And would one do any good with a set-top antenna perched high upon my wall in my computer room? I ask because, while I can get most of the stations I want, they are still kinda choppy at times and I am afraid to move the uhf portion too much because I am scared of screwing up the reception.

I just don't wanna go to comcast and get a stb if I can help it even though its probably inevitable. I guess another thing on top of that is that I don't know what to do about the fact that I now have 3 tv tuner cards in two computers, pvr-150 and hvr-1600 in one, then I have a hvr-1800 that came in the brand new computer I just bought. I guess I would need 2 stb's if I am going to record HD reliably (unless I find a darn good solution to picking up OTA signals) and just leave the analog cable plugged into the 3 ntsc ports until they get rid of analog.

And along that train of thought, is there a stb with the dual tuners that lets you output the seperate tuners to different inputs instead of letting the box handle both channels together? That would be great for me I think.

The only real problem I have with the analog portion is how crappy the channels look sometimes. Here lately, KATV has looked like either a psychedelic show with all the screwed up colors or has a bit of interference to it. I think the biggest deal of all with my cable problems is the fact that I have the signal split a few times before it gets into the computer. Do those in-line amps work very well for people with a bunch of splitters in their line? And do you think it would help me clear up my issues with channels like KATV and the MLB channel 96 they throw the Cards games on?

Thanks for the advice you might have and for putting up with my long, sometimes rambling posts.

I have never had an amplified splitter or inline amp do anything except make the signal and interference worse.

You best option would be a 4228 mounted outside or in the attic, or a Silver sensor on each atsc receiver indoors. Sounds like you have LOTs of analog tuners, so perhaps cable would be your best choice, since the tuner cards wouldn't be able to change the stb channels.

I know of no dual tuner models that output each tuner separately, although Dish has a satellite receiver that will do that.

You could try a amplified splitter with gain controls for each output but those are commercial catv devices and are quite pricy.

I have never had an amplified splitter or inline amp do anything except make the signal and interference worse.

Hmm, ok.

You best option would be a 4228 mounted outside or in the attic, or a Silver sensor on each atsc receiver indoors.

I don't know what a Silver sensor is and I don't really want to do any outside or attic antennae, but if all else fails, I may look into it. Where do you buy a 4228 and how much are they?

Sounds like you have LOTs of analog tuners, so perhaps cable would be your best choice, since the tuner cards wouldn't be able to change the stb channels.

Well, that actually isn't true. All of my tuner cards have the jacks in the back of the computer based IR usb receiver for those wires that hang in front of IR receiver on the box to change channels. Each computer IR receiver can output two wires to control two stb's. So, that isn't a problem for me. I currently have it working with a test setup on my hd cable box in the living room.

I know of no dual tuner models that output each tuner separately, although Dish has a satellite receiver that will do that.

Thats what I thought too. It seemed like a long shot, but I thought it was worth a shot.

Thanks for all the input. It kinda helps. :)

stark electronics sells the 4228 as do several others. Believe they are in the 50.00 range.

If you can control stbs with your tuner cards, that would be the way to go.

I use a two tuner directv hd dvr here, and output the component signal from it to a hdd dvd recorder, which gives me commercial dvd quality recordings if the source channel is hd. I can also route that dvr or a second hd receiver directly to a mpeg capture card on the computer or through a series 1 tivo.

Had so many possible combinations I had to get a Harmony 880 remote so I could program all the activities into groups for instant switching and access.

It looks as if KWBF-DT is back. Back with how much power I don't know but signal strength is decent.

All that technical mumbo-jumbo from KARK-DT is good but is anyone (a person) watching OTA? Their button punchers are probably too busy doing the work of three people to keep an eye on a monitor or a meter.

I am having Directv installed here in the morning in the living room only, will watch on my Sony SXRD 60". Been reading very bad things about the H20 and HR20 when it comes to software problems. Any major problems for you so far? Any advice? I read on direct that you need the 5lnb dish for locals and the B-Band Converter hooked to your reciever to take advantage of MPEG4 programming in the near future. I have HDMI on my Sony TV, I was planning on using it for the connect but I have read many many problems over the HDMI connect. All say that if you hook component you dont have problems but that HDMI is a nightmare between these recievers and your HDTV. This is somewhat disappointing for me as I was going to use the HDMI to connect this receiver so I could leave the component inputs open for other Equipment I have. Any advice on all of this, appreciate it :)

No problems here and I have the 60" XBR1 and 70" XBR2 Both HR20's hooked up via HDMI.

Thanks Davenlr, that puts my mind at ease on the H20. I live 100 west of LR and 65 East of Ft.Smith. I know what the respective digital channels power capabilities are, however like some on here I know they all cant be running at full power. Any listing for the ARK OTA Digital official station power outputs as of today? If 42 is only running half power and they are planning on going full power I should be able to always get it in the future. I list all of this in my profile but heres my setup

CM3671 Ant. CM7777 Pre-amp. Ant is 15ft above ground. 75-100 ft cable run RG6. Sony SXRD KDS60A2020 with ATSC Tuner. Before the new sony tv I had a Mitsubishi 65" CRT without a built in tuner. I used a samsung sirt165, very nice reciever, always locked everything nicely and also allowed you to add other components thru it. I first locked 11.1 about 4 or 5 years ago.

For OTA transmitter power, enter the station's call letters HERE (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html).

The CM7777 preamp is good. If you're mainly interested in stations broadcasting on channels 7 thru 51, a CM 4228 antenna (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) may be a better choice than the 3671.

If you get a DirecTV HD receiver only (without DVR), the one with absolutely the best OTA tuner for weak signals is the H20-600 receiver made by LG. The H20-100 made by RCA just doesn't work as well for fringe OTA signals as the LG does. You can usually pick up an H20-600 in Best Buy or Circuit City. If you have an installer bring it, call them first and make sure they get you the -600 model.

To see if your address qualifies for (free) HD networks from DirecTV, enter your home address and zip code HERE (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm).

Ok, sorry, I've been away for a few days so let me try to answer everything. First, I have the H20-100 version installed now with the B-BC (Broad Band Converter) module so I can get the new HD channels that will be broadcast on mpeg 4, they are supposed to start sometime in September. They've been testing some HD channels, I watched NFL network HD the other night, it looked really sweet, I flipped over to the current version and said "yuck, that looks terrible". The H20 is hooked up thru the HDMI and everything is working smooth as silk, I am very happy so far. The tuner works real good for my locals, but my tv atsc tuner in the Sony SXRD works a little better, I seen this as evident the other night while on 42.1, the reciever wouldnt lock it but my tv tuner on the sony did lock 42.1 and without drops, so there is probably a 5 point difference or so between the two. Ok, I live just west of danville, I've got danville mountain 5 miles east and magazine mountain 10 miles west so I'm down in a dip so to speak. Here is what I get and their signal strengths. BTW, I called a guy at clear channel about 38.1 two or three years ago and told him I was getting 38.1 and 16.1 locked full time and he was completely shocked that I could lock the signals this far away.

Little Rock
2.1 forget it, aint happening till they power up, it dont even bump here

4.1 locked 90-98%

7.1 & .2 locked 78-84%

11.1 & .2 locked 78-84%

16.1 locked 68-78%

38.1 & .2 locked 90% of the time at 65-80%

42.1, .2 & .3 locked 70% of the time 56-67%


Fort Smith

CBS KFSM 5.1, .2, & .3 (KFSM) locked 80% of the time 60-66%/ Uses ch 18 uhf band.

NBC KPOM analog ch. 24 DTV allocation ch 17.1 will bump get up to 60% at times but will never lock and show a picture, guess I'm outta luck on it.

Poteau Oklahoma

ABC KHBS 21.1 once locked changes to 40.1 locked 95-98%

Mountain View or Fayetteville

9.1, .2, .3, .4 (AETN) locked 65-72%

13.1, .2, .3, & .4 same as above.

Actually, two stacked antennas pointed both directions would be great for me, I tried adding a 8bay uhf antenna to my existing crossfire but it didnt work, acted like it was dead. off course this was a multi directional directantenna brand similar to the channel master 4228, it porbably added more intereference than anything since it would have tried to pull in the L.R. stations also.

Arkwest communications in Danville now offers IPTV over the internet. I was on it for a month but cancelled and went with directv. The picture quality on big screen hdtv looks really good on slow pictures but if it starts moving much like a sporting event all I can say is WOW at all the horrible pixelation. They made a mistake in the boxes they picked and I'm not sure their bit rate is fast enough to compensate for an HDTV that demands all those pixels. They are using the Amino AmiNet110 STB that can only be connected to you tv via analog ports thru S-vid or RCA. Their DVR version the AmiNet500 offers component output to your tv but only outputs 480i. 480i thru component to an HDTV looks really bad, I ran the S-vid to the tv and let the sony upconvert it which looked better. Have no idea why they did not go with the AmiNet130 which supports 1080i and 720p and has an HDMI port. I told them why I cancelled, they said its still a work in progress, I told them I'd keep in touch and if they offered some better connections in the future and the bit rate would keep up I might come back and try them again, afterall, they are a local company and I'd like to see them succeed, overall the IPTV has great potential, I was happy with it in every aspect except sporting events which looked completely unwatchable at times when the pixelation would get really bad, worst I've ever seen anything pixel out. Bit rates will have to be un-interrupted for this to ever work correctly and they will have to go to another STB that offers the right connections for digital tv's. Sorry I'm so long winded, thought some of you might be interested in my little experience with IPTV. Monthly phone bill, 200 minutes of long distance, call waiting and a multitude of other phone options, Internet DSL 512kbp download 256 upload and nearly 200 channels plus 200 more video on demand channels for $140/month, not bad, but I cant deal with the pixellation at this point, maybe they'll get it fixed and in better shape down the road. Here is a link to Amino and another to Digital TV Design Line that explains what will have to happen for IPTV to be delivered to a residence without interruptions.

http://www.aminocom.com/

http://www.digitaltvdesignline.com/howto/advancedvideodisplay/177100489;jsessionid=5POML1STLYWE0QSNDBCCKHSCJUMEKJVN

... I have the H20-100 version installed ... The tuner works real good for my locals, but my tv atsc tuner in the Sony SXRD works a little betterIf the H20-100 ever goes out, try to get an H20-600. If your Sony TV's OTA tuner is the same as my Sony OTA tuner, the -600 would be a slight improvement over it in terms of weak signal reception.

...two stacked antennas pointed both directions would be great for me, I tried adding a 8bay uhf antenna to my existing crossfire but it didnt work, acted like it was dead. off course this was a multi directional directantenna brand similar to the channel master 4228...The 4228 has more net gain than the similar looking antennasdirect model. Did you try reversing the 300 ohm balun leads on one of the antennas? Sometimes that can help when using two antennas. But stacking's always a crap shoot and doesn't always work. Your best options would be either a rotor with one antenna. Or: two antennas, two CM7777 preamps, two lead-in wires and an A/B switch to jump between the two antennas. Rat shack has remote controlled A/B switches that work great for this type setup.

Can someone with a HR20-300 D* dvr compare their signal strength readings on 99 and 103 with me?Dave,
Who makes the -300?
Is it black or silver?

If the H20-100 ever goes out, try to get an H20-600. If your Sony TV's OTA tuner is the same as my Sony OTA tuner, the -600 would be a slight improvement over it in terms of weak signal reception.

The 4228 has more net gain than the similar looking antennasdirect model. Did you try reversing the 300 ohm balun leads on one of the antennas? Sometimes that can help when using two antennas. But stacking's always a crap shoot and doesn't always work. Your best options would be either a rotor with one antenna. Or: two antennas, two CM7777 preamps, two lead-in wires and an A/B switch to jump between the two antennas. Rat shack has remote controlled A/B switches that work great for this type setup.

Wasnt sure how the antenna direct compared performance wise to the CM4228 but since I recieve from both directions a multi directional antenna isnt really a good choice to have in my system anyway at least without a bunch of channel taps and passes added which can be a headache. I have successfully stacked two identical antennas in the past pointed in opposite directions but this was two odd matched antennas so I had my doubts from the start but tried it anyway. What you suggest with the A-B switch it the best way. thats how I used to have mine set up a few years ago. I had the CM3671 pointed at litte rock then I had a seperate antenna on another pole with its own lead-in. It was an older CM Quantum 1160 with the built in Pre-amp on the boom, its 16 inches longer than my huge crossfire, both are excellent deep fringe receptors, I still have the quantum stored out in my garage, still in good shape, I need to get it back out and put it to work:D Anyway, I brought both leads into an IR remote controlled A-B switch and then the single lead output to my Samsung SIRT165 STB and it worked great. My problem was that I always had to change the A-B switch and the STB's channel to go back and forth between 11.1 cbs litte rock and 5.1 cbs fort smith. During the NCAA basketball tourney these two channel often show different games from different regions and flipping back and forth thru the switch can be aggravating at times. On the H20, I dont know why there are so many versions -100, -300, -600, -700, are these all next gen versions with -100 being the lowest? Even the -100 I have is pulling in all the channels I've ever gotten here. It even pulls in 42.1 most of the time but the tv will keep locking it when the H20-100 will drop it, but thats the only trouble I've had with the locals so I cant really complain. I tried to figure out where 9.1 etc. and 13.1 etc. were actually broadcasting from, the DTV allocations at www.transmitter.com for arkansas does not list them in the DTV Ch. Grid. I think they are from moutain view and fayetteville becasue thats the way my antenna is pointed when I lock them. The analog channels form that way are Fayetteville 13 and Mountain View 6 and I've always had a strong enough signal to get them on the analog side so I am assuming these are the two digitals that I'm locking with the 9.1 and 13.1 allocations, strange that transmitter.com doesnt list them. It say Fayetteville Analog 13 is 45 digital and Mountain View Analog 6 is 35 digital, anyone know the real answer here?

For station info, enter the station's 4 call letters here:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html

Fayetteville KAFT analog 13 is broadcasting digitally on ch 9.
Mtn View KEMV analog 6 is broadcasting digitally on ch 13.

I really wish AETN would get off the VHF band. It sucks in bad weather.... too many A/V dropouts that don't plague UHF digital stations.

The -100, -600, etc. designations on D* receivers and DVRs denotes the manufacturer. A -100 is an RCA, a -600 is LG and a -700 is Pace. I'm not sure of the other mfgs. There used to be a list on another forum, but I can't find it any longer.

The current D* MPEG 4 boxes are:
H20-x00 HD Receiver (no DVR)
HR20-x00 HD DVR

They are coming out with a Hx21-x00 line. They will NOT include a built in OTA tuner, and will be for areas where local HD MPEG4 channels are available via satellite.

As a fairly new person in the HD game, I have some questions. I live in the Greenbrier area (about 40 miles north of LR). I have purchased a small indoor/outdoor HD antenna at Radio Shack (model DA5200). I have it located near the roof, near my Dish Network dish. I have been very pleased as I am able to pick up 4, 7.1, 7.2, 11, 11.2, 16, 38, 38.2, 42, 42.2, 42.3 with no issues. I have been unable to pick up channel 2, so I think that's the only other station out there. Would a "better" antenna allow me to pick up channel 2?

Also, I had a one time ocurrence the other night. After a scan to see if there were any new offerings, I was able to pick up channels 3 and 10 out of Memphis, but they only lasted for the night and they were gone. Thanks.

<SNIPPED for brevity> I tried to figure out where 9.1 etc. and 13.1 etc. were actually broadcasting from, the DTV allocations at www.transmitter.com for arkansas does not list them in the DTV Ch. Grid. I think they are from moutain view and fayetteville becasue thats the way my antenna is pointed when I lock them. The analog channels form that way are Fayetteville 13 and Mountain View 6 and I've always had a strong enough signal to get them on the analog side so I am assuming these are the two digitals that I'm locking with the 9.1 and 13.1 allocations, strange that transmitter.com doesnt list them. It say Fayetteville Analog 13 is 45 digital and Mountain View Analog 6 is 35 digital, anyone know the real answer here?

The information on the transmitter dot com website shows to have been last updated about two and half years ago (!!).

The 13.1 should be from Fayetteville. It's actually east of Winslow in the southeast corner of Washington County. It uses the rf frequency of a channel 9, but should self-indentify as 13.1

The signal from Mountain View should appear as 6.1 It uses the rf frequency of channel 13, but as above, should self-identify as a 6.1.

As for the 9.1, if it is an AETN signal, its from Arkadelphia (actually, it's east of Gurdon). Similarly, it uses the rf frequency of channel 13, but should self-identify as 9.1

hope this helps,
Kelly

Thats what has confused me, Arkadelphia is south of me, when I pick up 9.1 which is AETN my antenna is pointed nearly true north, a little westerly but mainly north, about 310-320 degrees on my CM remote controlled rotor. Rotor starts true north and swings east 90 degrees to south 180degrees to west 270 degrees and back to north at 360degrees which is full cirlce where it started, so 310-320 is getting close to the max out of 360.

Doubled1987, Davenlr mentioned earlier in the thread that 2.1 is broadcasting low power and he even has trouble with it in the metro area, anyone on the fringe can porbably forget 2.1 until they decide to power up. Also on the Memphis stations, I used to live at atkins in the late 80's early 90's, every year around football season we'd start picking up stations from memphis like you menitoned, I'd watch there sports and all, after a week or so of it it was gone for another year, this may be some similar phenomenon similar to sun spots that occur twice a year but completely wipe out a satellites signal for a few minutes. I now live in yelll county just west of danville, the same thing happens except instead of memphis its tulsa ch3, oklahoma city ch8, eldorado ch10 and Monroe La which I've forgotten which channel, I think either 9 or 12.

Doubled1987,
Unfortunately, AETN uses VHF, so you'll have to install a VHF antenna. Preferably a big honkin' monster on the roof + a preamp.

Since KETS is soooo weak and has interference from Ft Smith & Memphis analog stations on the same frequency, your chances of reliable reception from the weak transmitter at Redfield are slim.

You might do better with a big ol' VHF antenna aimed at Mtn View's AETN transmitter on VHF channel 13.

Good luck with VHF reception.

As a fairly new person in the HD game, I have some questions. I live in the Greenbrier area (about 40 miles north of LR). I have purchased a small indoor/outdoor HD antenna at Radio Shack (model DA5200). I have it located near the roof, near my Dish Network dish. I have been very pleased as I am able to pick up 4, 7.1, 7.2, 11, 11.2, 16, 38, 38.2, 42, 42.2, 42.3 with no issues. I have been unable to pick up channel 2, so I think that's the only other station out there. Would a "better" antenna allow me to pick up channel 2?

Also, I had a one time ocurrence the other night. After a scan to see if there were any new offerings, I was able to pick up channels 3 and 10 out of Memphis, but they only lasted for the night and they were gone. Thanks.


Which AETN station to receive in Greenbrier is a bit dependant on your location. I know a guy just off of Cedar Street (east Greenbrier) who receives KETS-DT from Redfield. The ridge to north of him prevents receiving the KEMV-DT signal from Mountain View although it is closer. However, on Republican road, north of Greenbrier, you can get KEMV-DT Mountain View, and sometimes KAFT-DT Fayetteville.

As Arxaw points out, those are VHF signals, so you'll need an antenna resonant for that band. It won't need to be big --a lot of elements. But, it WILL need to be resonant for VHF.

hope this helps,
Kelly

arxaw: sorry, typo, its an HR20-700.

For the person in Greenbriar, a 4228 would be the best choice for Mountain View, since it will also work for all the LR stations including CBS at a slightly reduced gain from a full size VHF antenna.

If you really want KETS-DT from Redfield, you will need a very large VHF antenna but to minimize interference, the best bet would be either one single or two stacked channel 5 yagi's with a channel master join-tenna and channel master amp. The stacked antennas would have a narrow enough beamwidth to block out interference from Memphis, but still won't help with lightning, thermostats, light switches, all of which will cause the picture to glitch or freeze up, even with a 100 signal. They will be switching to channel 7 in 2009, so I wouldn't waste to much money on channel 5. Directv will be adding it soon anyway, and very few HD PBS shows are even transmitted in HD by AETN anyway, for some reason.

New to forum and not a lot of experience with receivig HD OTA. I live in the 72553 zip code which is between Batesville & Newport. I have E* for sd locals wiht no other HD programing from them at this time. It doesn't look like they will offer HD locals anytime soon and D* doesn't offer locals in my zip area. Therfore I went out and got a CM 4228 and 7777 pre-amp. In years past I have been able to pick up analog Little Rock & most times Memphis (at night) with a RS VU190 & RS pre-amp (i think that was the name..been a while back). But to get to the question, with the CM 4228 and no preamp I could not get squat from Little Rock (day or night). With the CM 4228 and no preamp I can get 3.1, 24.1, 50.1, 10.1, and a couple times 5.1 & 13.1 at night after dark only. I get 8.1, 6.1, & 19.1 all the time but are not the stations of interest for me except 8.1. The later are all local Jonesboro. Will adding the pre amp help me out? The antenna is about 20 ft now and going to be 25ft when modified. I am thinking about trying the 15-2160 uhf from radio shack since it is a yagi and use the CM pre amp. I want to get a cbs station which means 11 in little rock or 3.1 (chn 28) in memphis. I know 11.1 is vhf and not likely with a uhf antenna. I am not sure it is practical with a vhf antenna. I am not sure whether to continue with the CM 4228 or consider a deep fringe CM vhf/uhf antenna (they are so large and wind/ice will do a number on them). I am using the tuner in my HDTV (Vizio) so I am not sure it is the best tuner of choice. I have a Sony KDFE42A10 also but have not tried it. Any ideas? Thanks

For the person in Greenbriar, a 4228 would be the best choice for Mountain View, since it will also work for all the LR stations including CBS at a slightly reduced gain from a full size VHF antenna.
The CM 4228 (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) is a very good choice if the Mtn View KEMV-DT is trying to be received. A CM 7777 preamp (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/7777.htm) would help a lot as well.
http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/_4228.jpg

It might even be possible to remove the screen from the 4228 to make it bi-directional, eliminating the need for a rotor. That's what I have done to pick up stations 70 mi North of & 45 South of my house.
http://i15.tinypic.com/4tg80n5.jpg

I was afraid that removing the screen would lower gain on the VHF channels, but it did not. It also made the 4228 a bit less directional. Works very well for me on all UHFs and also VHF chs 9, 10, 12 & 13. It even gets channel 8 from Tulsa fairly often. As always, YMMV.

...Directv will be adding it soon anyway, and very few HD PBS shows are even transmitted in HD by AETN anyway, for some reason.Initially, D* is only adding the big 4 commercial networks to their MPEG4 HD local lineup. In some markets they also offer the CW in HD.

I also wish AETN would show more HD programming. To their credit, at least they turn off sub channels when doing HD. Missouri PBS multicasts two SD sub channels along with a downconverted 720p PBS-HD channel. It often looks like crap in an A/B comparison with KAFT-DT's true 1080i HD broadcast. Just not enough bandwidth to do HD right.

ncentral ark,

Welcome to the forum.

Your problem trying to get CBS is distance. It's not likely you will get reliable reception from your house. Adding height and a CM 7777 preamp may help some. The 4228 is a pretty good high VHF antenna, despite being sold as a "UHF" antenna (see my previous post).

For OTA reception possibilities, enter your address here:
http://www.tvfool.com
Add 30' or so to the antenna height (AGL)
In the results, any stations returned as "tropo" will in all likelyhood not be reliably received at your location.

Another alternative is the NYC HD networks on DirecTV.
Enter your address HERE (http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx) to see if you qualify.
The HD channels are free if you sub to SD locals. If SD locals aren't available, you can get the NY HD channels ala carte for $1.50 each per month.[/B]

New DirecTV customers get free installation of an HD dish & 1 HD receiver. HD DVRs are additional cost.

Hi All,

Just need to vent!

Once again KATV is pre-empting a sports event. They are currently airing children's programming instead of the Little League International Championship. KWBF is airing their cast-offs again. Oh well, at least KWBFDT seems to be back to normal as far as signal reception/strength goes. Picture really sucks though. It appears to be squashed SD (4:3 squashed/stretched to 16:9) even though it says on my TV it is 1080i HD. Looks really bad on 32 inch LCD.

dmatch

Since I've only been in the area since January, I don't know where they were on the level of stupidity chart but it's going to be upped one...

September 8. My school of choice come 2008, a top 10 school, OU, plays Miami, another storied program. Of course, it's at 11 so I didn't hold out much hope. I mean who wants to see a potentially and likely good game in HD when you can watch a game that wasn't good enough for the big networks in SD? So of course, OU-Miami will be moved to KWBF where the compression will make it difficult to see the football (at least that's how it was with arena football).

But that's life in Little Rock with KATV and I didn't have my hopes too high...

But at 2:30, Oregon and Michigan play. A little better matchup looking at the rankings. But who wants to watch a good matchup in HD when you can watch.....paid programming! And an ABC preview special you can watch online! And more paid programming!

How foolish of me to think that college football might draw better than paid programming, what was I thinking? Maybe I'm strange, but if it's a good matchup in football, NFL or college, I'll probably tune in for at least a little bit regardless of who's playing.

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if we could get KWBF to turn off or turn down their digital subs and pass the game in uncompressed HD (if they can show the Cardinals in HD, surely they can show a network's programming in HD and that's 1080i, ABC is 720p).

My first college football season with HD capabilities isn't looking to be the best...if only KATV were an affiliate of FOX or something though I'm sure KATV would try to pass off paid programming as a better choice than the NFL too :rolleyes:

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if we could get KWBF to turn off or turn down their digital subs and pass the game in uncompressed HD (if they can show the Cardinals in HD, surely they can show a network's programming in HD and that's 1080i, ABC is 720p).

Not that it would make a great deal of difference in the picture since it is so bad anyway, but it appears from looking at TSReader's reported transport stream data, that they have 2.81 Mbps of NULL packet (unused?) MPEG2 Video data sitting in their stream as if to add yet another sub-channel. That's about 15% of the stream. I am not a video engineer so I am just speculating here. Perhaps there is some other reason for these NULL packets?

dmatch

today's Little League game(s) is stretched SD, it's got the SD ABC bug instead of the ABC HD transparent bug. I just flipped by. I guess on Saturdays and some Sundays KATV isn't an ABC affiliate but an independent station.

In HD on WABC... you guys need to "move".

Arxaw: Question... If I took a 4228, would it be possible, with the mounting and phasing configuration, to point half the antenna (4 bays) south and the other 4 bays west? If that would work, I could get all the LR stations except PBS on one antenna, and the could use a channel 5 join tenna to add it to the line.

I have E* and from what I've read, they had too much abuse of the "moving" and had their privileges taken away so I'd have to buy a la carte and I just have a HD tuner for my laptop so it's not really worth it for me. Not until I get a HDTV (after college) but then I probably won't be stuck with the worst ABC affiliate in the nation (I guess I can't say that without seeing all of them but I've seen at least 10 and never seen something so bad).

I just don't understand KATV. You in a dorm or a house/apt?

senior year of high school. planning to go to OU for college next fall....

I have the cm7777 pre-amp, all towers are located 60-90 miles line of sight. Without the preamp plugged in, I get nothing out here, even analog channels are horrible, except ch 11, it s descent. Plug in the Cm7777 and wah lah..its like magic I get all the L.R. Stations analog and digital and the Ft. Smith Channels with a 180 degree turn of turn of the rotor. So for the earlier poster, as far as pulling in weak or distant signals, Yes, the Cm7777 will be the difference in night and day, at least it is on my setup.

Hello again everyone,

I was wondering if I could get some Dish Network related questions answered. As my only pay tv experience is with Philadelphia area Comcast (which seems to be WAY better than LR Comcast), I really have alot of questions. We're on a pretty tight budget, so total cost is really going to be the driving force as to whether we can even afford to get this, so most of the questions will be about that. Several are related to LR specifically, so I figured this would be the best place to post this (although if there are better resources, I'd be happy to go digging elsewhere).

-About how much can I expect in additional taxes, fees, charges, etc (all that crap never included in the advertised prices)? For example, my cell phone plan is $60, but my bill is always about $70. Am I looking at that big of a jump here too (15-20%)?

-There is a chance we would be moving in 12 months or even less. Any recommendations on how to avoid or minimize an early termination fee (should we even move).

-Any good or bad experiences with particular local installers?

-What happens if my leased equipment doesn't function properly? Do I have to pay for a service tech to come out?

-I am looking at the Dish 622. I know a few here have it. Could I get some feedback? User reviews at Cnet, while positive overall, still seemed to be all over the place, although the same could be said for the ReplayTV 5040 which is probably the greatest piece of hardware I have ever owned.

-Since LR HD channels are not available, is it possible to get another city's HD network feeds from Dish?

Thanks so much.

Are there any local dealers for the channel master stuff? All the internet sellers seem to be padding the prices with outrageous shipping and handling fees.

Kevin: I'm stupid, where is OU? What are you going to major in?

Davnlr,

I was actually just looking for the same info earlier today

http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/0612/locator_us.html#ar

Not sure who carries what, but that's from CM's site. Ace Hardware and True Value Hardware are also listed. If you happen to find anything out, I'd love to hear it.

ORphD: Don't know much about dish, except they have a $50 activation fee. I do know you won't be able to get out of state networks on Dish. It can be done on Directv, if you follow the steps carefully.

Directv is about to explode the number of HD channels available next month with their new KA satellite. Install and equipment is free for Direct. HD-DVR fee is about $5. Contract is two yrs, but if you move, they will install free at your new location if you leave you old dish at your old house.

Where are you located? Should be able to get locals with an antenna if you are within 50 miles of LR.

University of Oklahoma, Norman which is about 20-25 miles from OK City towers. I plan to major in meteorology. :)

The campus has some QAM on their cable system, at least in their dorm-converted "hotel" rooms. It does get split some so I can't get them all but at least I could get some channels via QAM on my tuner. Next visit I plan to taking my indoor antenna to see how reception is.

Hey, always need more meteorologists. I've been tornado spotting for a long time with the ham radio groups. Great high tech occupation. Good luck.

ORphD: I'm gonna see if Perfect 10 will sell to my company (they won't sell direct to consumers). If they will, I can stock up a few antennas and amps, and sell them locally for the actual shipping costs. Perfect 10 stocks lots of that stuff, and is right around the corner from my shop.

BTW, KATV missed a GREAT LLWS game. I was on the edge of my chair the whole game. Check out Sportscenter tonight, gonna be lots of replays.

today's Little League game(s) is stretched SD, it's got the SD ABC bug instead of the ABC HD transparent bug. I just flipped by. I guess on Saturdays and some Sundays KATV isn't an ABC affiliate but an independent station.
The currently airing USA Little League Championship has the transparent ABC HD logo on KATV-DT. The earlier KWBF-DT game (International Championship) did indeed have a different logo. A comparison of the 2 pictures is like comparing an apple to a orange.... no wait an apple to a horse-apple.

BTW, it's been a good game so far.

dmatch

Well, dmatch, you have to take into consideration that in 1954 KATV was the ABC and the CBS affilliate in LR. That was before KTHV came along. Maybe they are trying to be the ABC and WB affiliate as well. Remember, in broadcast, MONEY is the game and they air what the SPONSORS want to see, not necessarily what the viewers want to see.

Hey, I live in Little Rock in the Kingwood area(next to Cammack and The Heights, but sort of down in a bit of a valley).

Will I need an antenna for local reception if I go with a Sat provider?

Also, I currently have Comcast which I've been happy with except for the price. They seem to me pricier than the sat providers. However, I would like to stick with Comcast for HD which I need to get this upcoming week when my tv arrives.

Does anyone have any experience in getting your monthly rate lowered?

Lower rate with comcast? Don't count on it. Directv will have four times the HD Comcast has starting next month. Yes, you currently need an antenna (in your case, a small one) for local HD with sat providers, although both offer SD. Directv currently charges 9.95/mo for HD in addition to your selected package price. Equipment can be installed for free if you are a new customer.

Lower rate with comcast? Don't count on it. Directv will have four times the HD Comcast has starting next month. Yes, you currently need an antenna (in your case, a small one) for local HD with sat providers, although both offer SD. Directv currently charges 9.95/mo for HD in addition to your selected package price. Equipment can be installed for free if you are a new customer.

So I'm trying to upgrade to HD and would like them to bump some off the price, and you say they'll just say."See ya."?

This surprises me considering the costs of replacing a customer, not to mention that even they did lower my rate, they would still be drawing a profit.

When I mean lower my rate, I basically mean getting a discount on HD service. Not actually actually lowering my current rate on standard cable and then getting HD for free, as well.

Lower rate with comcast? Don't count on it. Directv will have four times the HD Comcast has starting next month. Yes, you currently need an antenna (in your case, a small one) for local HD with sat providers, although both offer SD. Directv currently charges 9.95/mo for HD in addition to your selected package price. Equipment can be installed for free if you are a new customer.


I know tv pricing isn't permitted, but I don't the rules on TV service.

What kind of package do you have from Directv and how much do you pay per month, if you don't mind me asking?

Razorback,

This is where the regional nature of Comcast really comes in. I know in Philly they knocked off prices all the time, or at least gave "promotional" rates that were available if you complained enough. It was very much related to customer retention. I knew of several people (including myself) who took advantage of this. However, I have called Comcast here a couple times (and would be a new customer) and was presented with terrible "deals" as their promotion. I've never bothered.

As a side note, the most interesting loophole with Comcast's system in Philly was that they made downgrading from standard (~60 channels) to basic (~10 channels) prohibitively expensive (like $30 or $40, I think), but for those that took the plunge, they almost never actually sent the tech out to the house to make the change. So I was spending about $12 a month for about 60 channels. Of course, none were HD, but at the time that wasn't a problem. I miss those days.

Don't mind at all...
Total Choice Plus - 52.00
High Def Addon - 10.00
HD DVR fee - 6.00
Xtra HD xcvr - 5.00
Total: 73.00 / mo.

This includes the locals in SD.

I added a 750 GB drive to the dvr so I can record 100 hrs of HD. I believe dish charges extra for the privilege to add storage, and don't know if Comcasts DVRs can be expaanded or not.

So I'm trying to upgrade to HD and would like them to bump some off the price, and you say they'll just say."See ya."?

This surprises me considering the costs of replacing a customer, not to mention that even they did lower my rate, they would still be drawing a profit.

When I mean lower my rate, I basically mean getting a discount on HD service. Not actually actually lowering my current rate on standard cable and then getting HD for free, as well.


Hahaha, yeah, DirecTV doesn't give a crap. I was a VERY loyal customer of theirs for many many years. I got an HD TV and wanted to upgrade to a HD DVR unit. They wanted to charge me $300 for the box!!!! And it was a lease!!! I said screw that and went to Comcast which I really would rather not have. At least they were able to hand me a box for free with just the monthly box fee and I was on my way. After I got Comcast all set up, I called DirecTV back to cancel my service. It was only then I was offered a price of $79 for the box. I told them that was STILL too high for a customer that has been there as long as I had and it didn't even matter cause I was already turned on with Comcast.

I also tried just getting the HD channels from Comcast so I could stay with DirectTV. It just isn't happening. Comcast wants you to have all or nothing evidently. I talked to a bunch of different people, argued with a lot of supervisors, but there was no way they were going to let me have only the HD channels. I really really miss my DirecTV, but I am not going to be taken advantage of when someone else will give me what I want with a much lower up front cost even if it does cost more in the long run.

These damn companies just don't get it when it comes to making customers happy. I mean, all they have to do is be a little more lenient with their customers and let them get what they want. Only then would they make the true profits that can be made.

I think free HD Dvrs are only for new customers...with all the companies. To be fair tho, a dual tuner Tivo with dual cablecards was offered to me for 799.00 and comcast wouldn't guarantee they could even offer cablecards for it. I don't know, does Comcasts Dvr let you record two HD programs at once while watching a recorded program, or is it like the old tivo, record one at a time?

It really seems it would make them more money to give you the upgrade free tho. They are giving the non-dvr HD free upgrade now if you ask, so maybe they just needed to wait for the supply to catch up with the demand.

I think free HD Dvrs are only for new customers...with all the companies. To be fair tho, a dual tuner Tivo with dual cablecards was offered to me for 799.00 and comcast wouldn't guarantee they could even offer cablecards for it. I don't know, does Comcasts Dvr let you record two HD programs at once while watching a recorded program, or is it like the old tivo, record one at a time?

It really seems it would make them more money to give you the upgrade free tho. They are giving the non-dvr HD free upgrade now if you ask, so maybe they just needed to wait for the supply to catch up with the demand.

Comcast HD DVR's will indeed let you record two HD shows at once. I really enjoy it.

There are no free HD DVR's that I have ever heard of from DirecTv. They did, however, want to give me a free regular HD tuner, but my wife and I really wanted a DVR since we had had a DirecTiVo box for so long. We just weren't willing to give that up. We did end up giving it a up a little bit with Comcasts crappy software on their boxes. I really hope the rumors of Comcast boxes getting upgraded to TiVo software is true. I love me some TiVo.

Yea, I still have a series 1 sony tivo hooked to my standalone hd receiver for recording the sd stuff. Love Tivo, but the D* software is really maturing as well. Its a toss up to me now.

Are there any local dealers for the channel master stuff? All the internet sellers seem to be padding the prices with outrageous shipping and handling fees.

Kevin: I'm stupid, where is OU? What are you going to major in?

Wise Wholesale in Fort Smith carries alot of channel master stuff. Thats where I got my CM3671 crossfire antenna and CM7777 Pre-amp from. $160 for the anteanna and $60 for the amp, this has been about 5 years ago. They'll sell to anyone, but I figure dealers and installers get a true wholesale pricelist to purchase from. They used to carry CM4228 and a wide array of other CM models and poducts.

As for the HD/DVR boxes, I used to be with dish, cancelled them one year ago so I really couldnt get started back with them very cheap, so I went with Directv which I'd never had before, so far I love it. I did not get the H20/DVR because even as a brand new start up customer directv still wanted $200 for the box and this would have been a lease. My bro was with directv and is getting set up now with dish, he is a new customer for them. He did get the HD/DVR box at no cost to start up and and only has an 18/mo. commit instead of the 24/mo. I had to give directv. So far I prefer directv over dish, it just seems much smoother to operate while in the menu and guide than dish ever was plus I'm not sure that the true 1080i from direct isnt just a little crisper than the previous picture I had with dishs HD-811 reciever

Hahaha, yeah, DirecTV doesn't give a crap. I was a VERY loyal customer of theirs for many many years. I got an HD TV and wanted to upgrade to a HD DVR unit. They wanted to charge me $300 for the box!!!! And it was a lease!!! I said screw that and went to Comcast which I really would rather not have. At least they were able to hand me a box for free with just the monthly box fee and I was on my way. After I got Comcast all set up, I called DirecTV back to cancel my service. It was only then I was offered a price of $79 for the box. I told them that was STILL too high for a customer that has been there as long as I had and it didn't even matter cause I was already turned on with Comcast.

I also tried just getting the HD channels from Comcast so I could stay with DirectTV. It just isn't happening. Comcast wants you to have all or nothing evidently. I talked to a bunch of different people, argued with a lot of supervisors, but there was no way they were going to let me have only the HD channels. I really really miss my DirecTV, but I am not going to be taken advantage of when someone else will give me what I want with a much lower up front cost even if it does cost more in the long run.

These damn companies just don't get it when it comes to making customers happy. I mean, all they have to do is be a little more lenient with their customers and let them get what they want. Only then would they make the true profits that can be made.

And how much are you paying for your Comcast service?

I pay $100 every month. I'm in school right now so I try to cut corners in order to afford a little more fun.

I suppose I would have to go with DSL if I go with a Sat provider. Is there any issue with switching between your satellite and your antenna when you want to watch locals in HD?

Seems like I had heard with the previous generations of panasonics that you had to rescan every time you switched back to antenna.(I'm getting a 75U, btw)

I would just assume stay with Comcast, to be honest. I don't watch too many channels that they don't offer in HD. I think I would find myself irritated with the artifacts that pop up with Satellite(from what I've heard).

Are the local HD channels over antenna reliable?

... Is there any issue with switching between your satellite and your antenna when you want to watch locals in HD?...DirecTV's HD receivers & DVRs have built in OTA tuners. No switching involved. OTA channels are currently 2 thru 69. DirecTV channels start at 70. Program info for OTA & Sat channels is integrated into one seamless guide.

Arxaw: Question... If I took a 4228, would it be possible, with the mounting and phasing configuration, to point half the antenna (4 bays) south and the other 4 bays west? If that would work, I could get all the LR stations except PBS on one antenna, and the could use a channel 5 join tenna to add it to the line.You may be able to just remove the screen and accomplish what you're wanting to do by pointing the 4228 halfway between Redfield & Shinall. Removal of the screen lowers gain slightly but also lowers directionality of the 4228. So I would try that first, as it's easy to remove/replace the reflector screen.

If that still didn't work, what you described would probably work.

Are there any local dealers for the channel master stuff? All the internet sellers seem to be padding the prices with outrageous shipping and handling fees.Dave,
Warrenelectronics' shipping charges used to be pretty reasonably, via FedEx ground. Of course, with fuel costs, they may have gone up...

Contract is two yrs, but if you move, they will install free at your new location if you leave you old dish at your old house.

Anyone know if this is the standard moving policy of Dish as well? If it is, it makes Dish much more appealing to me.

HD-DVRs are still $200 even for new customers of DirecTV. This is the main thing stopping me from giving them strong consideration right now. Seeing that Dish eliminated this fee months ago, I'm surprised D* hasn't yet. It's gotta be a big drawback to many others too.

Aside from the locals and the premiums, are there really only 3 Comcast HD channels (ESPN, TNT, and INHD1)? According to their website's channel lineup, this is the case, but this seems so illogical and I know that there have been other errors in that channel lineup in the past.

Personally, and not to flame anyone elses opinion, I think $200 for a dual tuner HD DVR, that can switch between 5 different sats, can be upgraded to over a terrabyte by simply plugging in and external drive, and has two HD outputs (hdmi and component) while simultaneously outputting 480i s-video and composite video for compatability with dvd recorders and vcr's, and does both mpeg2 and mpeg4 ... is worth $200. The own/lease thing is misunderstood. If you own it, how much would an unlimited extended warranty cost? VS just calling and having another box overnighted for free or the cost of shipping?

I'm all for free myself, but I don't see Comcast adding any bandwidth, and I don't see Dish launching two multi-billion dollar HD sats to orbit. I'd gladly subsidize my dvr in exchange for the many new HD channels, sat delivered locals in HD, and the team working to keep it all coming to me. I sure don't want to see D* go broke, or lose the ability to keep launching birds.

...I really really miss my DirecTV, but I am not going to be taken advantage of when someone else will give me what I want with a much lower up front cost even if it does cost more in the long run.If it costs more in the long run, they are hardly "giving" you anything. Sounds penny wise & pound foolish to me.

Personally, I agree with Davenlr. The D* DVR is well worth the 200 bucks, because it's always under warranty and you can add your own huge storage drive by simply plugging it into the back of the box. And the new fall MPEG4 HD channel lineup is sweet.

If it costs more in the long run, they are hardly "giving" you anything. Sounds penny wise & pound foolish to me.

Personally, I agree with Davenlr. The D* DVR is well worth the 200 bucks, because it's always under warranty and you can add your own huge storage drive by simply plugging it into the back of the box. And the new fall MPEG4 HD channel lineup is sweet.

I only say it costs more in the long run because their rates are slightly higher than D*. Other than that, they might be the same. I have to admit that I really don't know as I have been away from D* for a long time and haven't looked recently at rates, so I just am not current with that. I just state from what I remember.

And how much are you paying for your Comcast service?

I pay $100 every month. I'm in school right now so I try to cut corners in order to afford a little more fun.

I suppose I would have to go with DSL if I go with a Sat provider. Is there any issue with switching between your satellite and your antenna when you want to watch locals in HD?

Seems like I had heard with the previous generations of panasonics that you had to rescan every time you switched back to antenna.(I'm getting a 75U, btw)

I would just assume stay with Comcast, to be honest. I don't watch too many channels that they don't offer in HD. I think I would find myself irritated with the artifacts that pop up with Satellite(from what I've heard).

Are the local HD channels over antenna reliable?

I think we are paying around $100 too, but I am not entirely sure....could be a couple bucks more, haven't looked at the bill lately. What we pay is for the internet, digital cable, HD package, and for the DVR.

I don't know about the satellite stuff as I haven't been with satellite in about a year now.

[QUOTE=Davenlr;11425413]Personally, and not to flame anyone elses opinion, I think $200 for a dual tuner HD DVR, that can switch between 5 different sats, can be upgraded to over a terrabyte by simply plugging in and external drive, and has two HD outputs (hdmi and component) while simultaneously outputting 480i s-video and composite video for compatability with dvd recorders and vcr's, and does both mpeg2 and mpeg4 ... is worth $200. The own/lease thing is misunderstood. If you own it, how much would an unlimited extended warranty cost? VS just calling and having another box overnighted for free or the cost of shipping?


So we have a difference of opinion, no big deal. Dish offers HD/DVR to new customers for free, figured Direct could do the same. I rarely record anyway so really no loss for me with the dvr part. IMO, $200 is unreasonable when you can just get the HD alone for free. I cancelled dish becasue they wanted $199 to upgrade from the HD-811 to the newest HD reciever.

Aside from the locals and the premiums, are there really only 3 Comcast HD channels (ESPN, TNT, and INHD1)? According to their website's channel lineup, this is the case, but this seems so illogical and I know that there have been other errors in that channel lineup in the past.

Comcast in Little Rock currently offers ESPN, ESPN2, VS/Golf, TNT, Mojo, MHD, UniversalHD, NatGeoHD, Discovery HD Theater, A&E HD and PBS HD (not AETN simulcast) in addition to the locals and premiums (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime & Starz.) I don't know the exact date, but I heard in the office that FoodHD and HGTV HD should be added soon. Plus there is a decent amount of HD On Demand.

Thanks a million RockyF...that is exactly what I was looking for.

So if I left Comcast for a Sat provider which one would you guys recommend?

D* vs E*?

D* has a high set up price and that may be a barrier to entry unless they prove to a have a significant lead in picture quality. I can't imagine all these HD channels that both are adding would sway me that much. Most of those are junk, IMO.

so, pros/cons for each?

picture quality and price being the most important.

The OTA tuner they provide... does it do a good job with the local HDs? What sort of compromise in PQ can I expect from the OTA local HDs? This is pretty important as I don't want any blemishes on McFadden while he's stiff arming the competition.

Can't comment on dish. D* receivers have good PQ on hd channels, although right now, they are downrezzing their mpeg2 for bandwidth, which will be moot next month when their new sat is turned on. D*'s SD is slightly higher res than Dish, unless dish quit using a modified version of FTA format.

Both my D* tuners are good, the stand alone H20 being the best of any of my tuners.

PQ on KTHV is good, they don't use much for thv2. KARK uses it all for HD. KATV is 720p with subchannel but they would preempt anything good for paid programming anyway. Fox is excellent despite being 720p. UPN is great, and KWBF is so pixellated it hurts to watch when they do remember to switch to HD.

Directv is free to startup in HD *IF* you don't need a DVR right away. You will get the H20 Mpeg2/4 receiver and a 5 sat dish with 4 drops. Install is free, and receiver is compatable for simultaneous watching in HD and recording in SD to vcr/capture card/dvd recorder. DVR has video on demand via internet download, so you can record three shows at once while watching one. Easily expanded space with no monthly surcharge, and no initial activation fees. That aside its the only source for NFL sunday ticket (SD) and superfan (HD), and Nascar individual driver chqnnels.

Comcast has the advantage for the tv in every room folks (until they cut off the analog feeds). D* charges $5 per extra receiver.

I've never owned E* so I won't comment on it.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Can't comment on dish. D* receivers have good PQ on hd channels, although right now, they are downrezzing their mpeg2 for bandwidth, which will be moot next month when their new sat is turned on. D*'s SD is slightly higher res than Dish, unless dish quit using a modified version of FTA format.

Both my D* tuners are good, the stand alone H20 being the best of any of my tuners.

PQ on KTHV is good, they don't use much for thv2. KARK uses it all for HD. KATV is 720p with subchannel but they would preempt anything good for paid programming anyway. Fox is excellent despite being 720p. UPN is great, and KWBF is so pixellated it hurts to watch when they do remember to switch to HD.

Directv is free to startup in HD *IF* you don't need a DVR right away. You will get the H20 Mpeg2/4 receiver and a 5 sat dish with 4 drops. Install is free, and receiver is compatable for simultaneous watching in HD and recording in SD to vcr/capture card/dvd recorder. DVR has video on demand via internet download, so you can record three shows at once while watching one. Easily expanded space with no monthly surcharge, and no initial activation fees. That aside its the only source for NFL sunday ticket (SD) and superfan (HD), and Nascar individual driver chqnnels.

Comcast has the advantage for the tv in every room folks (until they cut off the analog feeds). D* charges $5 per extra receiver.

I've never owned E* so I won't comment on it.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Thank you, your feedback is extremely helpful.

I thought Dish just switched over the MPEG4.


So it would be free to start up with D*, unless I wanted a DVR and then it would be what? about $200?

This may sound stupid, but call and get a quote. If its to high, call back. Different CSRs offer different Deals. Tell em you saw an ad oon tv that said Free Installation, and a free HD upgrade, and you should get it. If not, call back and get another cr or ask for a supervisor. Deals change so often sometimes the csr isn't even aware of them.

I can't tell you about the DVR. Its 199 for new customers usually, but I've talked to people that got em for 99.00. Just have to deal a bit and play csr roulette.

Dave is right. Some new and even some existing D* customers have gotten free HD DVRs. Call several times and ask about specials. But all new customers can get a free HD receiver that currently also has a built in OTA tuner.

Is an HD DVR worth $200 up front cost (I paid $169)? It's a matter of opinion and I had doubts. But after having the thing for about a week or so, it really really changed the way I watch TV (did I say really), and am considering getting a 2nd DVR for another room. DVR monthly fee for the DVR service is $5.99 per household, regardless of how many DVRs you have.

How good is OTA reception? Better than anything else you can get. And less likely to have problems, because you're eliminating a middleman (cable or sat) delivery system.

Bottom line: If choosing a provider, I would go with DirecTV + OTA. In the next few weeks D*, via their newly launched sat., will be adding more HD channels to their lineup than anyone else has the capability to offer.

I haven't seen anyone weigh in with info on E*, so I will. The Dish622/722 dvr does everything that davenlr has mentioned hr20 will do. It will even record 3 HD programs at once, 2 sat and 1 OTA. I assume the hr20 does that but haven't seen it mentioned here. I switched from Tivo a couple of years ago and have been happy with E*'s dvr functionality. the hd dvr is free for new customers with an 18 month commitment. HD package is free for 6 months, then $20/month after that. Expect your bill to be about 25% more than the cost of programming for fees and taxes. Sat HD looks good on my 32" lcd, but ota always looks better. that's the nature of digital tv. you either get a great signal or nothing.

I switched off the hd channels this summer and switched to the family pack. I know it sounds crazy, but we wanted to save money and there's not much on in the summer anyway. curiously, my bill is $52 for a $20 package. That includes locals, fees, and taxes. It would be $6 less if I didn't have an hd dvr because they charge an HD enabling fee if you have an hd receiver but don't subscribe to HD programming.

One other thing. If you want to not buy sat locals and go OTA only, it's no problem, but E* won't supply you guide data for OTA locals unless you subscribe to sat locals. You can make it work, but it's a hassle to schedule programs this way, so I just buy the locals.

... One other thing. If you want to not buy sat locals and go OTA only, it's no problem, but E* won't supply you guide data for OTA locals unless you subscribe to sat locals...D* also has the locals "opt-out" option for those who prefer to get their locals via antenna. Cable doesn't offer a locals opt out option, they're included in the cost of all packages, whether you want them or not. D's "No Locals" bill credit ranges between $3 -$5 /month, depending on what package(s) you subscribe to.

However, unlike E*, D*'s on-screen guide will still show info for any OTA locals you want to add, for up to two different ZIP Codes, even if you've opted out of locals via sat.

Example, if I enter a Eureka Springs & Fayetteville ZIP Codes in the OTA setup menu, the box will show guide info for local OTA channels in the FSM/Fay, Ark. and Springfield, MO markets.

The D* box will only record two programs at once, regardless of source, although I'm sure they could at some time add the capability, since they have four tuners in each box, but right now, you can only record two live (sat and sat, or local and local, or sat and local), and "record" a third program from the internet if your dvr is connected, from D* video on demand (if you are a beta tester, which anyone can be). I'm trying to find the thread where they compared video quality. I'm sure I remember D* was 720x480 and E*was 640x480 for SD as E* was using the same format at FTA receivers use, and D* was using their own proprietary format. I can't find it tho, and SD is old news anyway :)

I've owned dish in the past and now have directv for about 10 days. I can say without a doubt that directv has better HD PQ and the SD is way better on directv. Also the H20 lets my OTA pass without any interference or degredation to the original signal. My bro-inlaw has dish with hd/dvr and his antenna gets wacked on PQ when passing thru the dish reciever, have no idea why, have checked all of his settings in the reciever and it should look better, for some reason its degraded IMO to a 480p PQ so he just watches his locals thru his sony 55" tv's ATSC tuner. The difference in locals PQ thru the tv vs the dish reciever is night and day, I know he is very aggravated over it. I previously had a dish HD811, although I thought the locals looked slightly better thru my tv, it was a hard call between it and the 811 which looked much better with the anteanna than the new dish hd/dvr from what I've seen.

I've owned dish in the past and now have directv for about 10 days. I can say without a doubt that directv has better HD PQ and the SD is way better on directv. Also the H20 lets my OTA pass without any interference or degredation to the original signal. My bro-inlaw has dish with hd/dvr and his antenna gets wacked on PQ when passing thru the dish reciever, have no idea why, have checked all of his settings in the reciever and it should look better, for some reason its degraded IMO to a 480p PQ so he just watches his locals thru his sony 55" tv's ATSC tuner. The difference in locals PQ thru the tv vs the dish reciever is night and day, I know he is very aggravated over it. I previously had a dish HD811, although I thought the locals looked slightly better thru my tv, it was a hard call between it and the 811 which looked much better with the anteanna than the new dish hd/dvr from what I've seen.
He must have bad cabling or a bad connection. I've had 3 622 receivers and the OTA signal is always amazing.

He must have bad cabling or a bad connection. I've had 3 622 receivers and the OTA signal is always amazing.

Well, I guess I'm going to give Dish a shot. I called Comcast and threatened to leave assuming that they would do something to try to keep me. They made no attempt at all. Just told me I'd be unhappy with satellite service.

He must have bad cabling or a bad connection. I've had 3 622 receivers and the OTA signal is always amazing.

Dont really see how, I've checked it all, changed out cables, splitter and everything and still the same thing, bad PQ from the OTA thru the dish reciever but the same line that feeds it is the same line that feeds the tv's ATSC tuner which has a great HD picture so its not the cabling. Maybe there is something wrong with the ATSC tuner in his reciever, thats about all I can figure.

The D* box will only record two programs at once, regardless of source, although I'm sure they could at some time add the capability, since they have four tuners in each box...For all practical purposes, the D* HR20 DVR only has two tuners. Each Sat+OTA tuner counts as one tuner.

Comcast in Little Rock currently offers ESPN, ESPN2, VS/Golf, TNT, Mojo, MHD, UniversalHD, NatGeoHD, Discovery HD Theater, A&E HD and PBS HD (not AETN simulcast) in addition to the locals and premiums (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime & Starz.) I don't know the exact date, but I heard in the office that FoodHD and HGTV HD should be added soon. Plus there is a decent amount of HD On Demand.

Oh boy, more channels in HD that not very many people around here want! (specifically Food network..woo fricken hoo! lol) When are they going to get channels like the regular Discovery HD, or SciFi HD (I still think it exists :) if only in other areas. D* is getting it very soon. I have to watch UHD to see the very few shows from SciFi in HD that they show.), or more popular channels like that that people really want? I wanna watch Mythbusters in true HD. As it is now, I have to get it off the internet in widescreen to watch it better than I can on Comcasts service.

Something else to consider is that D* is suppose to roll out the Little Rock locals in HD before the end of the year.

Something else to consider is that D* is suppose to roll out the Little Rock locals in HD before the end of the year.

Where did you get this information? From everything I can tell DirectV has not released any additional information on new HD locals. Trust me I really want this, but after the disappointment from last year, I just can't get my hopes up. But if you have seen a press release or have information from station managers here in Little Rock, I would love to know more.

LR HD locals are on the "next" list, and will be added with the successful deployment of DirecTV satellites 10 & 11. 10 has been launched and will be transmitting a bunch of new HD channels in September. Most of those will likely be national networks, which will be advantageous for more customers. DirecTV 11 was scheduled to launch in July, but was postponed until early '08, due to another sat company launch failure by SeaLaunch.

If D*11 is successful, they will have capability to offer over 1500 local HD channels and 150 national HD channels.

cottonchopper,
Have you tried an antenna? That will always give you more reliable reception than satellite or cable...

ABC is airing three games in the 2:30pm central timeslot. The one assigned to Little Rock is the Nevada @ Nebraska game. Its also the only game thats being broadcast in SD, but it makes no difference with the pathetic "affiliate" in this town (they are broadcasting the LFS Western Kentucky-Florida game @ 11:30), since all afternoon games will likely be SD due to timeshifting.

Those that have "moved" (WABC via D*), and those living in OTA range of WPTY-DT 25 Memphis have it better---y'all get the Washington St-Wisconsin matchup in HD. WABG-DT 32 viewers in extreme SE Arkansas though will be stuck with the LFS early game (per their website (http://www.wabg.com/wabgsports.htm))

Coverage map from ABC-ESPN here (http://espnmediazone.com/program_info/9-1-07ESPNonABCCFB.swf?POPUP_ENABLED=true)

Hi All,

Just need to vent!

Once again KATV is pre-empting a sports event. They are currently airing children's programming instead of the Little League International Championship.

What a bunch of Sub-Prime Bast**ds. Albritton's Little Rock ABC affiliate is once again using the E/I requirements as a beard for their greed (airing Informericals and that two hour waste of airtime called a "local news" program instead of ABC's schedule in-pattern).

I wasn't home on Saturday to view yet another chapter of Arkansas broadcasting cluster*****.

I get Discovery HD via E*. PQ on native HDTV is good (Lobster Wars), but many shows are cropped and zoomed SD upconverts (such as Dirty Jobs). Ads though are done TNT/KWBF-DT style which is stretch-o-vision.

I'm hoping History Channel HD follows the A&E model and not the TNT one.

Really. Thank God my tv has a "shrink" mode to return the stretch-o-vision back to 4:3 :)

cottonchopper,
Have you tried an antenna? That will always give you more reliable reception than satellite or cable...

I have some indoor antennas, but I was trying to avoid the cost and hassle of installing an outdoor antenna. Most of the time, I can get the channels fine, but every once in a while there are some problems with reception. I actually am thinking of getting a 4228 for installation in my attic.

I was just thinking that I had missed a press release that had stated the new LILs. But thank you for the information you provided in your post, most of that is stuff that I already knew, but good to know that the plans haven't changed.

I have some indoor antennas, but I was trying to avoid the cost and hassle of installing an outdoor antenna. Most of the time, I can get the channels fine, but every once in a while there are some problems with reception. I actually am thinking of getting a 4228 for installation in my attic.The 4228 (with the back screen in place) is fairly directional. Not sure what part of LR you live in, but you may have to re-aim the 4228 when changing channels from Shinall Mtn & Redfield. In certain parts of town where the two tower locations are roughly in opposite directions, you can remove the 4228's back screen and turn it into a bi-directional antenna.

Even if HD locals were already available, I would never give up my antenna.

The 4228 (with the back screen in place) is fairly directional. Not sure what part of LR you live in, but you may have to re-aim the 4228 when changing channels from Shinall Mtn & Redfield. In certain parts of town where the two tower locations are roughly in opposite directions, you can remove the 4228's back screen and turn it into a bi-directional antenna.

Even if HD locals were already available, I would never give up my antenna.

I live exactly between the two locations, well further from the Shinall towers, but they are 180 degrees from my place. I am hoping that I can do the removal of the back screen and get the channels. Is there another antenna that you would recommend instead?

Thanks for your replies.

ABC is airing three games in the 2:30pm central timeslot. The one assigned to Little Rock is the Nevada @ Nebraska game. Its also the only game thats being broadcast in SD, but it makes no difference with the pathetic "affiliate" in this town (they are broadcasting the LFS Western Kentucky-Florida game @ 11:30), since all afternoon games will likely be SD due to timeshifting.

Those that have "moved" (WABC via D*), and those living in OTA range of WPTY-DT 25 Memphis have it better---y'all get the Washington St-Wisconsin matchup in HD. WABG-DT 32 viewers in extreme SE Arkansas though will be stuck with the LFS early game (per their website (http://www.wabg.com/wabgsports.htm))

Coverage map from ABC-ESPN here (http://espnmediazone.com/program_info/9-1-07ESPNonABCCFB.swf?POPUP_ENABLED=true)

Does anybody know if WABG delays their ABC afternoon game or "join in progress" if the LFS game goes long? Thanks!

... When are they going to get channels like the regular Discovery HD, or SciFi HD (I still think it exists :) if only in other areas. D* is getting it very soon.Here is a list of HD channels recently seen on the new D*10 MPEG4 sat in "engineering" or "test" mode:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457

The live date for these HD channels on D* is not far away.

Does anybody know if WABG delays their ABC afternoon game or "join in progress" if the LFS game goes long? Thanks!WABG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABG-TV) or WABC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABC-TV) ?

WABG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABG-TV) or WABC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABC-TV) ?

WABG ... I was thinking of using it as an ABC alternative for my parents in SE Ark, but if they are just as bad as KATV I won't bother. Thanks!

Here is a list of HD channels recently seen on the new D*10 MPEG4 sat in "engineering" or "test" mode:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457

The live date for these HD channels on D* is not far away.

Hmmmm, interesting list of channels. I can't, however, say that its enough to pull me back to D*. We'll see though once they go live what all is there. It just might bring me back.

On a related note, how long does one have to be away from D* before they consider you a "new customer" again? Or would it be as easy as putting it in my wife's name when we want to sign back up to get the special "new customer" deals since it was only in my name when I had it last?

...how long does one have to be away from D* before they consider you a "new customer" again? Or would it be as easy as putting it in my wife's name when we want to sign back up to get the special "new customer" deals since it was only in my name when I had it last?

You can call and ask to speak to Customer Retention. They are the ones that can give "customers who've left" incentives to consider being "returning customers."

Or, do the wifey thing and give them a different tel. number than you previously used. Use a 2nd landline# or cell# (If you give them a cell, never hook up the phone lines for PPV ordering - order PPVs online).

You can call and ask to speak to Customer Retention. They are the ones that can give "customers who've left" incentives to consider being "returning customers."

Or, do the wifey thing and give them a different tel. number than you previously used. Use a 2nd landline# or cell# (If you give them a cell, never hook up the phone lines for PPV ordering - order PPVs online).

The last time I talked to customer retention, they insulted me by only reducing the cost of a HD DVR to $79 after I told them I already had Comcast installed. I suppose, though, that it wouldn't hurt to try them again. I think I *might* have the number for that dept around here somewhere.

The only problem with the wife thing is that I don't have a *regular* telephone anymore. I have Vonage over my cable modem and my cell phones. Do they still require you to have a landline? Or have they finally realized that some people don't go that route anymore and let you do it via broadband?

Thanks for the info,
Steve

You don't need a landline. You just can't order ppv with your remote, you need to do it via the web or the cell phone. Since the DVR is internet connected, I don't know if they will add that connection to their ppv order database in the future or not.

The landline requirement is still in their rules, but is no longer enforced. They even may try to convince you that it's needed for "equipment to function properly" but that's BS. Just give them a phone number, which they do need to setup the account.

Not that it would make a great deal of difference in the picture since it is so bad anyway, but it appears from looking at TSReader's reported transport stream data, that they have 2.81 Mbps of NULL packet (unused?) MPEG2 Video data sitting in their stream as if to add yet another sub-channel. That's about 15% of the stream. I am not a video engineer so I am just speculating here. Perhaps there is some other reason for these NULL packets?

dmatch

I got an e-mail today from KWBF saying that they were waiting for HD receivers from ABC for this season's college football. :)

Anyone with Comcast HD having trouble getting TNT HD?

says something along the lines of "available shortly".

Anyway, when is Comcast bringing out new channels?

HD versions of TLC, Discovery, History Channel?

Anyone with Comcast HD having trouble getting TNT HD?

says something along the lines of "available shortly".

Anyway, when is Comcast bringing out new channels?

HD versions of TLC, Discovery, History Channel?

I've got a call into the head end about TNT HD, and FoodHD and HGTV HD launched today (woohoo, just the channels everybody wants!) No word yet on the other channels you listed, if I get any info I can pass along I will. Like I've said before, that's not my department, but I do what I can.

I got an e-mail today from KWBF saying that they were waiting for HD receivers from ABC for this season's college football. :)
KWBF e-mail? What's that? I've never seen one of those, and I have sent plenty of my own e-mail. :rolleyes: Who did you contact? Was there any mention of when/if KWBF will increase power to their construction permit levels?

Thanks for the info,

dmatch

KWBF e-mail? What's that? I've never seen one of those, and I have sent plenty of my own e-mail. Who did you contact?...
In the past, I have gotten prompt replies about a station up here (KPBI analog ch 34 (http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen/gif?lon=-93.953889&lat=36.411389&iwd=750&iht=750&mark=-93.953889,36.411389,bluestar,KPBI_EUREKA%20SPRINGS_AR&on=water,miscell,counties,places,CITIES,&off=streets,GRID,shorelin&ht=1.5&wid=1.5)) by contacting:

General Info:
Lindsey McGough <LMcGough@ebcorp.net>

Engineering:
Jeff Primm <jeffprimm@ebcorp.net>

KWBF e-mail? What's that? I've never seen one of those, and I have sent plenty of my own e-mail. :rolleyes: Who did you contact? Was there any mention of when/if KWBF will increase power to their construction permit levels?

Thanks for the info,

dmatch

I contacted Lindsey McGough <LMcGough@ebcorp.net> and got a reply same day.

Hey guys.

I'm going to be moving to Little Rock in about a week. I'll be living in an apartment in west Little Rock on Chenal Valley Drive (just off of Rahling Road).

I would like to try to pick up HD channels now with an OTA antenna.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for an indoor OTA antenna that I could use in an apartment in that area of town?

Thanks.

You can probably pick up NBC, CBS, MY, and FOX without an antenna there...its right under the towers. For ABC and UPN you may or may not be able to pick them up at all with an indoor, will depend on location, and height. Forget PBS altogether...you won't get it.

Hey guys.

I'm going to be moving to Little Rock in about a week. I'll be living in an apartment in west Little Rock on Chenal Valley Drive (just off of Rahling Road).

I would like to try to pick up HD channels now with an OTA antenna.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for an indoor OTA antenna that I could use in an apartment in that area of town?

Thanks.

That area of town is basically right at the base of Shinall (I like to spell it Chenal like the road, but I know its really Shinall) Mountain. You may or may not be able to use an indoor antenna for stations up there.

One would think that since you are that close, you should be able to get it, but with the way propagation works, it may just zip right over you. I don't know. I just wanted to put in my two cents saying that you will be at the foot of the hill with most of the antennas on it.

The only other channels you will get is exactly 180 degrees from Shinall Mountain out in Redfield. You should be able to get those too as they tend to have pretty good signals in my opinion. I will leave it up to others on here to call me an idiot where necessary. :)

Steve

Best bet for the stations that aren't in your front yard would probably be a silver sensor if a UHF loop doesn't bring them in acceptably. Ps, welcome to Little Rock.

Best bet for the stations that aren't in your front yard would probably be a silver sensor if a UHF loop doesn't bring them in acceptably. Ps, welcome to Little Rock.

Dave, did you ever tell me what a silver sensor is, where to get one, and how much they are? I don't seem to recall it nor am I able to find it in our thread here.

Thanks.

I just looked up the silver sensor an amazon.com and it doesn't seem very expensive at all. Is there a brick and mortar place in LR that sells them?

I am moving from Russellville and I am excited to be moving to Little Rock!

SteveKen: I'm on a pda, can't post links but its a zenith I believe. Google silver sensor or check amazon or ebay. They are cheap. Stalemate, have not seen them locally for sale. Checked Rat Shack tonight and all they hve are cute expensive designer antennas now. Amazon is your best bet.

silver sensor

reviews.cnet.com/a-v-antennas/philips-hdtv-antenna/4505-6509_7-32400517.html?tag=pop

Same exact antenna as silver sensor shows to be available at Circuit City. Sorry for multiple posts...PDA Mobile template on this site doesn't offer editing mode.

Don't buy a TERK knockoff. They look very similar, but cost is usually higher and performance is not as good. The Silver Sensor is sold under Zenith, Philips & Gemstar brands.

Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna-PHDTV1/sem/rpsm/oid/158311/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) has it for 25 bucks. If it doesn't work take it back.

But before you buy anything, try a short piece of wire stuck into the coax connector of your TV. You may be amazed at what you pick up. I have a friend who lives out that way who can get all the channels except the 2 VHFs with a piece of wire.

But before you buy anything, try a short piece of wire stuck into the coax connector of your TV. You may be amazed at what you pick up. I have a friend who lives out that way who can get all the channels except the 2 VHFs with a piece of wire.

The only problem with just a piece of wire is that I have a philips antenna supposedly with an amp in it and I have a hell of a time getting channel 4 sometimes. I have to twist and turn the thing till I can get it with little stutter. Maybe its just them.

Dave, I didn't realize that type of antenna was called a silver sensor. I have seem them around a lot, but didn't think it would work real well. How well does it work omni-directionally? Do you have to get up and turn it towards chenal when you wanna watch those channels, then towards redfield for the others? It would be nice if it could get pbs too, but oh well, I get those on comcraps signal, so thats good enough for now.

The silver sensor is fairly directional (not an omni or multi). So you may have to reposition it when switching from Shinall Mtn stations to Redfield stations. It all depends on your specific location.

The silver sensor is a UHF antenna, so it does not work well for VHF stations, particularly lower channel numbers like AETN/PBS (KETS-DT on RF ch 5). And it's also a poor performer for upper VHF chs 7 thru 13 (like KTHV-DT ch 12).

For VHF indoor, you need a dipole antenna like regular ol' rabbit ears. The lower the channel number the longer you should extend the dipoles.

The total length of the two dipoles when extended should be close to the lengths shown below:

http://i1.tinypic.com/6c7f5h2.png

WABG ... I was thinking of using it as an ABC alternative for my parents in SE Ark, but if they are just as bad as KATV I won't bother. Thanks!

i'm in NW Lincoln county (just south of Pine Bluff). WABG and KARK have the same RF frequency (32), but i'm within (barely) KARK's coverage area. WABG-DT on paper drops out just short of Monticello, and Dumas. However, before KARK's power increase, WABG was receiveable many evenings here but i have hills between my location and Star City.

One ironic thing about WABG, even though its in a bottom 30 market, the station had 5.1 audio, which the LR ABC station lacks. They also have a SD Fox subchannel (much like KNWA Rogers) and is an alternative to snowy KARD-14 analog for those in parts of lower SE Ark for Fox.

Funny you mention this...I just caught the station ID for Fox14 on analog channel 10 and couldn't figure out through the snow what was up...now I know what station I'm getting on ch 10.

i'm in NW Lincoln county (just south of Pine Bluff). WABG and KARK have the same RF frequency (32), but i'm within (barely) KARK's coverage area. WABG-DT on paper drops out just short of Monticello, and Dumas. However, before KARK's power increase, WABG was receiveable many evenings here but i have hills between my location and Star City.

One ironic thing about WABG, even though its in a bottom 30 market, the station had 5.1 audio, which the LR ABC station lacks. They also have a SD Fox subchannel (much like KNWA Rogers) and is an alternative to snowy KARD-14 analog for those in parts of lower SE Ark for Fox.

My parents live in DeWitt which is on the edge of WABG coverage according to tvfool.com. I was thinking of using a very directional antenna (CM4228) pointed at Greenwood, MS to block out the KARK signal. Is KARK signal strong enough down there that it will interfere with a directional antenna pointed the other direction? Thanks!

The total length of the two dipoles when extended should be close to the lengths shown below:



I have attached pictures of a cut length antenna I made to receive KETS-DT. This antenna is holding a constant signal strength of 40% after going through a combiner with my CM4228. If I were to do this again I would not use PVC pipe because it sags too much in a hot attic. It was also difficult to keep the antenna wire straight while taping it to the pipe. Next time I will probably attach the antenna to wood. It also seems to work best when placed in front of the 4228. The 4228 might be acting as a crude reflector. At the end of the day I spent $18 on 100 ft of 300 ohm wire (I used 6 ft), and $2 on the PVC pipe for what has been a reliable antenna.

88615

88616

My parents live in DeWitt which is on the edge of WABG coverage according to tvfool.com. I was thinking of using a very directional antenna (CM4228) pointed at Greenwood, MS to block out the KARK signal. Is KARK signal strong enough down there that it will interfere with a directional antenna pointed the other direction? Thanks!

Coverage map for WABG-DT 32. Transmitter at Inverness, MS (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1042525.html)

Coverage map for KARK-DT 32 (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT286175.html)

DeWitt is in a "no man's land" as the two stations go. I would use the following.

If they have a tower and rotor, use them (30ft + is recommended). Also, get very low-loss coax (RG-6 at a minimum, and maybe RG-11 if its a long run), and a good low noise preamp (such as a CM 7777). Because the 2 stations are not 180 deg of each other, pointing the antenna toward WABG should null KARK and vice versa. And have the installation properly grounded.

There will be times when propagation (tropo ducting, enhancements) will favor one or the other stations. Or this may result in NOT being able to lock into either station.

Also, check the Greenwood/Greenville Board. Its not very active but a employee for WABG checks in occasionally.

Let us know how this works out, OTA fringe reception is a bit of a black art at times.

Funny you mention this...I just caught the station ID for Fox14 on analog channel 10 and couldn't figure out through the snow what was up...now I know what station I'm getting on ch 10.

KARD (Fox 14 Monroe) is in a LMA with KTVE-10/DT 27. They share a common newsroom, and sales. Although KARD is owned by Nexstar, its operated though KTVE's owners. From the times i've seen both stations, they do a bit of cross-promotion.

It will be late in 2008 before KARD is scheduled to broadcast a full power signal (on RF 36).

I have attached pictures of a cut length antenna I made to receive KETS-DT. This antenna is holding a constant signal strength of 40% after going through a combiner with my CM4228...Are you also using a preamp with the 4228 and the cut to channel VHF antenna?

Are you also using a preamp with the 4228 and the cut to channel VHF antenna?

No preamp needed for my location. I am 6 miles from the Shinall towers and 30 miles from the Redfield towers. I was picking up everything (KARK-DT 90%, KTHV-DT 80%, KLRT-DT 90%, KWBF-DT 60%, KATV-DT 90%, & KASN-DT 60%) except KETS with the unamped 4228. My signal strength dropped some (about 5-10% each) after inserting the cut antenna with the combiner, but it is still maintaining reliable locks on all channels.

Has anybody tried to use the Haupauge WinTV-HVR-950 with their laptop to tune OTA HD? It is less expensive than other similar boxes, but doesn't look like it decodes QAM off the cable if you want to use it that way. Any experienced comments will be appreciated.

fly_daddy,
No, at that distance, a preamp is not needed and would likely cause problems.

Is it a VHF+UHF combiner or just a splitter/combiner?
http://i2.tinypic.com/67zlv81.png

fly_daddy,
No, at that distance, a preamp is not needed and would likely cause problems.

Is it a VHF+UHF combiner or just a splitter/combiner?


Just a splitter/combiner. I have a VHF+UHF combiner that I was going to use if the basic splitter/combiner didn't work.

fly_daddy,
You might be able to improve KETS-DT signal strength by swapping out the splitter/combiner with the VHF+UHF combiner. Signal strength can sometimes also be increased by reversing the balun leads on either the 4228 or the ch 5 antenna.

I'm in NLR and I have a Terk HDTVs that gets me all the channels that I want except PBS. I really want to get PBS over the air so I can see the new Ken Burns documentary in HD. Currently, the terk is outside and combined with my satellite signal. Would a simple indoor rabit ears style antenna get me PBS? If so, please throw out some recommendations. I think an indoor antenna might be better in my situation because it will be much easier for me to amplify the signal if the antenna is inside. Could I use a combiner to join the proposed indoor vhf antenna's signal with the other 2 signals, or would the vhf/uhf combiner work better, or is that too much combining? Thanks for the help.

Would a simple indoor rabit ears style antenna get me PBS? It's possible that that would work. Try connecting a pair of dipoles (rabbit ears) directly to the TV. If that works, then try combining that with your existing antenna, using a VHF+UHF signal combiner. You may need a better VHF antenna with more gain. That would be preferable to adding an amp, which may only increase impulse noise problems, common on the channel 5 that KETS-DT has chosen to use :(

Lay the dipoles out completely horiznotally, and extend each one about 38" each.

Most TERK antennas are not very good and few work at all for lowband VHF, where KETS-DT resides.)

OBUengineer: At 54th and Camp, I get 0 signal with rabbit ears (amplified). With a deep fringe uhf/suburban vhf quantum antenna on the roof pointed right at it, my max signal is 80. I'm afraid a outdoor yagi pointed at redfield is the only way you will get a stable signal unless you are in park hill or a hilltop in lakewood.
You are welcome to borrow my amped rabbit ears to try out this weekend if you wish.

I'm posting some NFL coverage maps compiled and found in another forum

CBS 12 Noon (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2007-01-CBS.html)

FOX 12 Noon (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2007-01-FOX1.html)

FOX 3pm (late game) (http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2007-01-FOX2.html)

Two out of three might have been good in Meatloaf's time, but in 2007 its a bit hollow considering CBS's only game this week will be SD for Little Rock (Tennessee v Jacksonville)--the other five are HD including for the Sheveport, FS/Fayetteville, and Springfield (Mo) markets. Those within range of those outlying market's stations and D* "movers" won't be effected by this weeks "blackout".

Both Fox games are HD locally: Carolina v St Louis (noon); and Chicago v San Diego (3pm).

davenlr: I managed to get a steady signal on pbs with a philips indoor vhf/uhf antenna I picked up at lowes yesterday. Living on a hill in lakewood helps a lot. My only problem is that with a standard diplexer my tuner seems to be getting most of its signal for the other channels from the indoor antenna instead of the outdoor. I guess I'll need to swap the diplexer for a vhf/uhf combiner like the one mentioned above so I'll get the right signal from the right antenna.

If the VHF+UHF combiner works for KETS-DT (5), but mucks with KTHV-DT (12), another option would be a Jointenna combiner specifically made for channel 5 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/Jointennas.htm).

Downside to a jointenna is, when KETS-DT moves to channel 7 in about 18 months or so, you'd have to come up with yet another VHF/UHF setup.

EDIT: Never mind, at least getting a ch 5 jointenna from warren electronics. I see they no longer have them.

If the VHF+UHF combiner works for KETS-DT (5), but mucks with KTHV-DT (12), another option would be a Jointenna combiner specifically made for channel 5 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/Jointennas.htm).

I thought about that already. However, my antenna has a uhf loop that picks up cbs pretty well, so I don't think there would be a big compromise. Thanks for the info, though. I had no idea such a device existed.

You know, its amazing, I didn't have to say anything to my wife today about directv and she brought up how she thinks its a good idea to switch back too. Our special "deal" with comcast ends at the end of october and it will probably be a lot cheaper to go back to directv. My only thing still is whether or not I will be able to talk them into a free HD DVR like a buddy of hers at work did today. He swears up and down they said it would only be 19.95 shipping and handling for his box.

Also, something else I was thinking about, is there a way to get a HD signal from a directv box into a tv capture card on a computer? I am asking cause I am thinking about getting a hd receiver from directv too and hooking it to my media center boxes to use them as a dvr. I mean getting the signal in other than using the old yellow, red, and white rca's, the s-video, or plain coax to get it into there because they don't have the component inputs or HDMI inputs on them? I ask cause I know those methods will essentially degrade the signal back down to SD (albeit better looking SD than usual, but still SD none the less). So, if anyone here knows how to bring an HD signal from a STB into a tv tuner card, please let me know.

Also, something else I was thinking about, is there a way to get a HD signal from a directv box into a tv capture card on a computer?

No, but it is possible to send it to the USB 2.0 port (component and HDMI capture cards are mostly just for the professional market). The product is called the R5000 (http://www.nextcomwireless.com/r5000/home.htm) and is a fairly pricey mod to the actual satellite receiver (certain models only) (http://www.nextcomwireless.com/r5000/products.htm#Compatibility).

Since you're now using Comcast though, you might want to try the firewire port on the cable box. In fact, I'd be curious to see what Comcast is sending through unencrypted. See my answer to question 4a in the link in my signature to see a thread pertaining to how to do this.

Since you're now using Comcast though, you might want to try the firewire port on the cable box. In fact, I'd be curious to see what Comcast is sending through unencrypted. See my answer to question 4a in the link in my signature to see a thread pertaining to how to do this.

But the whole point to my asking about all this is because I am wanting to get off of Comcast. I know how to do all this with the Comcast boxes, but I can get everything I want for cheaper from DirecTV.

about the vhf/uhf combiner mentioned above, does the vhf side filter out uhf signals and vice versa? or do I need something like the Channel Master 7005 to make my 2 antenna setup work? see http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/Att1.htm

Hello everyone...

I just moved to the Little Rock area(staying in West Little Rock). I start my new job next week(recent graduate). Hopefully I will get everything setup up in the next few months, and start enjoying some HD channels from Comcast.

This looks like a great thread to explore for information, and ask some questions.

obuengineer: The vhf/uhf combiner will filter and ch1r signal from the loop from entering. What I did was use a uhf/vhf combiner with uhf pointed west and vhf pointed as far south as it would work without channel 12 dropping out, and I still had 60 on ch 5. Black magic. It might be possible to just use a "T" and combine the two rather than a combiner. If you are at the top of the hill there, maybe one of those omni "radome" types would work.

What is your current main antenna and where is it mounted?

Its possible to just hook two 1/4 wave wires to the balun for your current UHF antenna if they are both in the attic. They shouldn't interfere much with each other.

To the gent wanting to capture to his computer... not sure exactly what your question is, but the H20 and HR20 D* receivers will output HD via component and hdmi while simultaneously outputting 480i widescreen via composite or Svideo. I capture movies from mine to the computer capture card with one, and to an old series 1 TIVO for SD shows with the other.

Kizzo: Welcome. Consider Directv if you can. Will have much more hd content than comcast by the end of the month with their new hd satellite. Should be able to get most network HD except pbs with a small indoor antenna in most areas of wlr.

But the whole point to my asking about all this is because I am wanting to get off of Comcast. I know how to do all this with the Comcast boxes, but I can get everything I want for cheaper from DirecTV.

I understand this, and did offer a DirecTV solution first. I just threw out the info in case you didn't know about the firewire possibility. Plus, I am curious myself as to what comes in unencrypted over firewire (and whether it's just the same stuff that comes in unencrypted over QAM). So part of what I said before was admittedly out of my own interests :)

There was a thread about a new component capture card posted in the HTPC forum maybe 6-months ago. It was apparently the cheapest solution yet, and it was still close to $1000. HDMI capture is inherently problematic (and almost impossible) because of HDCP. So the receiver mod I linked to earlier is really your best bet for true HD from DirecTV. And if you feel that's too pricey (or risky), I'd certainly agree. If you find something better, please let us know.

Kizzo: Welcome. Consider Directv if you can. Will have much more hd content than comcast by the end of the month with their new hd satellite. Should be able to get most network HD except pbs with a small indoor antenna in most areas of wlr.

Hopefully I can do that. But I do stay in an apartment. So I must ask my landlord can I do that, if not, I must accept Comcast. I hope not to be in an apartment too long though, and I can either get a condo or house. If and when other possible job opportunities become open at other employers with higher pay. I've already made contact with an employee at Alltel, who is working to get me on there. I also talked to a recruiter at Stephens who will be recruiting for the Analyst Program for the summer.

But since this is an "entry level" state job(you have to start somewhere when you graduate from college), I have to be in an apartment for a while.

Hopefully the landlord will allow me to do that.

If you have a south facing deck or patio, I think you can just mount one on a little tripod legally. In any case, good luck on the job hunt. ATT (Cingular) has a big HQ building out on Cantrell under the big towers. Don't know if they are hiring.

If you have a south facing deck or patio, I think you can just mount one on a little tripod legally. In any case, good luck on the job hunt. ATT (Cingular) has a big HQ building out on Cantrell under the big towers. Don't know if they are hiring.

Thanks for head ups. I will try and develop a network of contacts there as well.

Haley-SEA: Unless my guide data is totally hosed...Fox NY is NOT showing the early game (Green Bay) at all, they are showing old reruns. Think they have a separate feed for D* than they use for their transmitter? Fox 16 is showing the early game but Green Bay is my team, was hopinh to catch them.

www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=CM4220

This antenna looks VERY promising for experimenting in LR. Will order two soon and try to phase them, one south and one west....add a dipole for ch 5 and it might work ... for about 60.

While I was typing this I realized it would be almost a novel, so please bear with me if you care to read it. There are some useful parts in it.

Well, I called DirecTV back up tonight (tried calling last night but they were having computer troubles of some sort) and finally got what I wanted. I am finally getting either an HR-20 or HR-21 HD DVR Plus (the guy wasn't sure) for free, I just have to pay the 19.99 s/h fee that is normal. They are going to come out Sunday afternoon (yeah, I know, fast huh? :) ) and install it for me. I figured I would just use one of my old SD receivers in my computer room for the time being and maybe go with HD in there eventually.

I just got a Vizio 32" LCD in the computer room, so I will use OTA to get HD that way. I think that after we get rid of most of Comcast (we may just keep the limited basic for the like $7 a month to get the cheaper cable modem rate if it works out to be worth it money wise), I will take my Comcast connection and plug it into the new Vizio. When I brought home the TV today, I plugged it in and it pulled in a LOT (like 100 or so) of clearQAM signals and I was even able to watch network HD shows when they came on. I flipped between NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX and was able to watch all of them no problem. At least all of this is a start in getting back with DirecTV. I never should have left.

Oh, btw, I got the guy at DirecTV to tell me that they are doing software updates on the HR-20's and HR-21's to give the ability to pull OTA into the box and record them onto the box. I don't know if anyone else knows about this or wants this, but you will be able to record OTA locals onto your HR-20 eventually as they roll out the update! That makes me happy! :)

Speaking of the local HD's, now I just have to wait for the locals in HD on DirecTV to get turned on. I asked the guy about that, but he didn't seem to know jack about it and just rambled off the list that are getting turned on soon, so I will just go by the info that arxaw gave me on those being on DirecTV 11 when it gets launched and turned on.

Anyway, end rambling. :)

Steve

HR20 has been abke to record locals and HD-OTA for several months now. As soon as you turn on the HR20 it will download the software to enable recording OTA HD.

As far as QAM are you saying Comcast is sending out their entire digital tier in the clear with no encryption?

HR20 has been abke to record locals and HD-OTA for several months now. As soon as you turn on the HR20 it will download the software to enable recording OTA HD.

As far as QAM are you saying Comcast is sending out their entire digital tier in the clear with no encryption?

Oh, ok, didn't know that. The guy on the phone made it sound like it was something that they were trying to get out, but didn't have it going just yet.

And, yeah, apparently Comcast is sending it out to me at least in the clear. There were a couple of channels that didn't have sound. I think it was G4 and NBA.TV. Maybe a couple of others were black with audio, but I don't think they were anything other than music (not the music choice channels higher up cause I could see their video). It might have been a fluke, but I switched around quite a bit to see. Will play more with it tomorrow.

Now, to get my old RC23 working with the Vizio and hopefully with my Vista MCE box. :)

Steveken,

A warning about the HR21 DVR. If you're wanting to record OTA local HD channels, the HR21 does not have an OTA tuner. Only the HR20 does.

If you want the HR20 and the installer brings an HR21, tell him/her you were promised an HR20 on the phone... ;)

www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=CM4220

This antenna looks VERY promising for experimenting in LR. Will order two soon and try to phase them, one south and one west....add a dipole for ch 5 and it might work ... for about 60.Dave, also look HERE (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4220.htm) for the 4220.

Well, a few days later with my new Vizio 32" LCD with clearQAM tuner and I have to say that it doesn't appear that Comcast encrypts the signal on HD stuff. I have watched everything over the past few days that the networks put out in HD from Nascar to football and tennis to everything else that I could find in HD. Nothing has been encrypted so far. Now, let me say that I don't think its the entire digital tier because I don't really know all the channels there are, but the ones I am getting are definitely ones that one would think would be encrypted. I don't think its anything near the entire tier as I don't get stuff like Discover Times and those channels, Biography, Soap, Noggin, just other stuff like that. It appears to only be the real basic stuff like the local channels and PBS HD. You know, the important stuff. :) I take that back, I get Food, Discovery Health, and a few others. Just too many to list I think.

It may be different when the new season starts up, but so far I don't know. Only channels I have a problem getting (which I think I said before) are NBA.TV which I wouldn't watch anyway, and G4. Both channels have video, but no sound. I think there was one other channel that was black, so I don't know what that is.

One thing I have noticed on the digital signal is that there are like 4 channels that show nothing but loops of movie trailers. There is a "Jakob the Liar", "The Messenger", some movie with Meatloaf and Melanie Griffith about some place in the south with a kid that saw a black kid get killed by Meatloaf's character, and then there is another one with a constant loop of "Highlander" going. It just seems odd that they would waste bandwidth that could be used for other channels with crap that noone will ever see unless they have a tv that will pick it up like mine does.

Anyway, just thought I would update with what I have seen so far.

Steve

steveken,
Other than ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS and the PPV promo trailers, what other HD channels are you getting in the clear?

steveken,
Other than ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS and the PPV promo trailers, what other HD channels are you getting in the clear?

The ppv promo trailers aren't even HD, just SD and not very good SD at that. That is it as far as the HD channels I get go. Obviously no movie channels. Below is a list....when I have a number like 4 or 5 beside it, thats the cable channel number and of course I put that its digital, but that goes without saying. I don't know all the numbers, so I will put the name beside the ones that I know just the name.

5-1 KARK-HD
7-1 KATV-SD (the news now channel)
8-1 KATV-HD
9-1 THV 2
10-1 KTHV-DT
13-1 KLRT-HD
75-10 18, digital
80-11 KATV-SD (news now channel again)
81-1 Melanie Griffith, Meatloaf movie "Crazy in Alabama" trailer
81-10 FEARnet says in the lower right. Must be the On-Demand channel as it looked to start fast forwarding in places. Looking at it again shows A&E in the corner.....must be a On-Demand channel of some sort.
82-1 "Highlander" trailer
82-9 Black screen
83-1 "Jakob the liar" trailer
83-10 Sprout On-Demand I guess as it showed that annoying On-Demand music and the person talking on there then went to another Kipper show
84-1 "The Messenger" trailer
87-2 NBA.TV, no audio
93-1 AETN, 3, digital
93-2 5, digital
93-3 7, digital
93-4 8, digital
93-5 9, digital
93-6 10, digital
93-7 12, digital
93-8 13, digital
93-9 15, digital
93-10 VTN, digital
93-11 Daystar, digital
94-2 11, digital
94-3 CSPAN 2, digital
94-6 4, digital
94-7 Just shows NLRTV Bulletin Board
94-8 Discovery Health
94-11 96, digital
103-7 same as 93-3, but a little better looking
103-8 PBS-HD
103-9 VTV KASN-DT 38-2
106-6 Another AETN
106-7 KEDT-DT 4
106-8 Same as 93-1, but better looking
109-11 G4, but no audio
117-5 Showcase music channel
117-6 R&B Hits
117-7 electronica
117-8 Rock
117-9 bluegrass
117-10 sounds of the seasons
117-11 Radio Disney
117-12 Reggae
117-13 Smooth R&B
117-14 Classic R&B
117-15 R&B and Hip Hop
117-16 Dance
117-17 Rap
117-18 Metal
117-19 Alternative
117-20 Adult Alternative
117-21 Classic Rock
117-22 Arena Rock
117-23 Soft Rock
117-24 Hit List
117-25 '80s
117-26 '70s
117-27 Solid Gold Oldies
117-28 Todays Country
117-29 Classic Country
117-30 Big Band & Swing
117-31 Singers & Standards
117-32 Easy Listening
117-33 Classical Masterpieces
117-34 Light Classical
117-35 Soundscapes
117-36 Smooth Jazz
117-37 Jazz
117-38 Blues
117-39 Gospel
117-40 Contemporary Christian
117-41 Musica Urbana
117-42 Salsa y Merengue
117-43 '90s (why this isn't with 70s and 80s is beyond me)
117-44 Pop Latino
117-45 Party Favorites
117-46 Showtunes
117-47 Opera
117-48 Retroactive
117-49 Rock en espanol
118-1 Comcast info channel
118-2 Comcast info channel
118-3 Comcast info channel
118-4 Comcast info channel
118-5 Comcast info channel
118-6 Comcast info channel
118-10 High speed internet info channel

Well, thats what I get. It took a while to compile this list, so I hope its complete. I think it is. The On-Demand channels may be different, but thats not my fault. :)

Guess KATV isn't the only station that sux. Fox New York isn't even showing the Early NFL game, just bullstuff local programming. So much for seeing the Green Bay game this week.

Guess KATV isn't the only station that sux. Fox New York isn't even showing the Early NFL game, just bullstuff local programming. So much for seeing the Green Bay game this week.

KLRT isn't even that great with their football game. I turned it on and noticed that the picture isn't as good as everyone elses. Turns out, its only 720p while everyone else is 1080i. But, yeah, if KATV sucked any harder, it would pull us all through the TV. That station needs to be cleared and started from scratch the way it should be done. Maybe that way we would get a lot less infomercials and a lot less bs propaganda about the damn razorbacks.

Yea, you have that right. In defense of KLRT, however, its the network. FOX, ABC, and ESPN all mandate 720p. "Supposed to result in less artifacts on fast moving sports"...So they say...

I'm wondering if New York is blacked out cuz the game is with Philadelphia? I remember something about a blackout zone. So many protectionalist commie rules in the f.c.c.

Yea, you have that right. In defense of KLRT, however, its the network. FOX, ABC, and ESPN all mandate 720p. "Supposed to result in less artifacts on fast moving sports"...So they say...

I'm wondering if New York is blacked out cuz the game is with Philadelphia? I remember something about a blackout zone. So many protectionalist commie rules in the f.c.c.

Not real sure, don't get Fox New York anymore. I may try to get a couple more waivers granted to get at least Fox East and West and hopefully CBS too given back to me like I used to have...I think that would get me the HD ones too. I wonder how hard it will be to get that granted this time?

And the damn DirecTV installer that was supposed to be here today called and said that they had a bunch of people call in sick today and wanted to push it till tomorrow. Kinda made me mad, but what am I going to do?

Incidentally, does anyone here have any HD receivers like an H20-600 for DirecTV that they aren't using and would like to sell? I just don't want to have to pay $99 to DirecTV when I might be able to get it cheaper elsewhere. Saw some on ebay, may just end up going there.

They had em at Best Buy, that's where I bought mine. They were still $99 there though.

BTW, call directv and complain about the missed install appt and tell em now it will cost you $xxx to take the day off work, and you should get a credit offered...possibly enough to offset buying the H20 at Best Buy.

FOX, ABC, and ESPN all mandate 720p. "Supposed to result in less artifacts on fast moving sports"...So they say...
rules in the f.c.c.

720p is 60 frames per second, while 1080i is 30. The higher frame rate yields a smoother image, which is very beneficial for live sports. Football in 1080i isn't that great, even on my 32" lcd.

KLRT isn't even that great with their football game. I turned it on and noticed that the picture isn't as good as everyone elses. Turns out, its only 720p while everyone else is 1080i...KLRT and 720p were not the problem with that game. Football on FOX-HD (720p) nearly always looks better than it does in 1080i, due to artifacting during movement in 1080i. But something was wrong with the feed of that game because it looked worse than games did in the old 480p "Fox widescreen" days (before Fox went 720p). It also looked like sh*t on KSFX-DT Springfield and WNYW-DT NY.

BTW, call directv and complain about the missed install appt and tell em now it will cost you $xxx to take the day off work, and you should get a credit offered...possibly enough to offset buying the H20 at Best Buy.When you call and get to the voice prompts, say the word "Cancel" to be transferred to the retention department specialists that may give you a billing credit for your missed appointment.
800 531-5000

...Incidentally, does anyone here have any HD receivers like an H20-600 for DirecTV that they aren't using and would like to sell? I just don't want to have to pay $99 to DirecTV when I might be able to get it cheaper elsewhere. Saw some on ebay, may just end up going there.Beware of D* receivers on eBay. Buy one AYOR because many are defective. Also, if it was a receiver that was leased (not purchased), DirecTV may not activate for you. And if they do, you'll have to buy a new access card from D* for 20 bucks.

Well, finally got the guy over here Monday. He was only 3 hours late. I called up D* while waiting on him and bitched about him missing Sunday, then being so late Monday and they gave me a $100 missed appointment credit on my next bill. So, that kinda made up for it.

I thought that the $100 missed appointment thing would be good for me to get a free HD receiver essentially, but then the guy gets here and tells me that the pole I have in my back yard isn't sturdy enough for the new dish that is available. I doubted it until he showed the dish to me. It is a LOT heavier than the one I have now. Anyway, that is going to cost me $80 for getting that installed. (I haven't paid it yet because he didn't have the pole with him Monday, so he had to come back yesterday, then he had to let the concrete cure overnight, and he is supposed to come back today to put the dish itself on, so I think today is when I pay it.) At least the dish will be mounted better (I had just driven a pole into the ground with no concrete at all. I am lucky it has worked for this long honestly), and I have the new DVR that I didn't have to pay for. I told the guy if they had just given it to me for free a year ago I would have never left. He was like "They will do anything to get people right now."

So, all I have to do now is get it on the pole and sit back and wait for all the new HD content. I just wish they had given me HBO or something as well for coming back. I thought that *maybe* I might get my fox east and west back when I turned it back on, but no such luck. They say I get locals so I am ineligible and I don't want to go through the trouble of "moving". I stuck a set of rabbit ears in a certain position next to the receiver and I get 4, 7, 11, 16,38, and 42 that way, so I don't care that much for now about not having HD networks. I like the fact that the HR20 records the OTA stuff. 4 just gives me fits every so often, so I have to watch that.

Anyway, enough of a book for now. :)

Incidentally, does anyone here have any HD receivers like an H20-600 for DirecTV that they aren't using and would like to sell? I just don't want to have to pay $99 to DirecTV when I might be able to get it cheaper elsewhere. Saw some on ebay, may just end up going there.

The non-DVR HD receivers (and 5 sat dish) are free (including install), or you aren't saying the right things when you call them. I just had them install me a new H20 and 5 sat dish upgrade for free about a month ago.

I did have them cancel out a first appointment though for the same reason; they said my installer called in and said he was sick. I would have tried a complaint ala Dave's suggestion, but I was off work anyway that day at the time, so I wouldn't have felt right doing so.

For those that care, I found a device on solidsignal.com that isolates vhf low from vhf high so that I can combine my vhf antenna with my outdoor uhf antenna and the tuner gets the right signal from the right antenna. see http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HLSJ
now I can get pbshd ota without sacrificing the good reception I get from my outdoor antenna.

The non-DVR HD receivers (and 5 sat dish) are free (including install), or you aren't saying the right things when you call them. I just had them install me a new H20 and 5 sat dish upgrade for free about a month ago.

I know you probably didn't read most of the thread on this and I don't blame you, I have been talking about this for quite some time and frankly its too much bs to read. :)

Anyway, I do realize that you can get a non-DVR receiver for free if you are a loyal or new customer, but you don't generally get a HD DVR AND a non-DVR HD receiver for free when you call up to restart your service after being gone for a year. In fact, I had to pull a little bit of teeth to get the $750 DVR for free from them. Yeah, thats about how much it costs them for an HD DVR. So, I will stick with what I have and maybe in the future at some point I will get a non-DVR HD receiver for my other room. For right now, I am not real worried about it.

Just out of curiosity, when these new HD channels turn on, will I get FSN Southwest in HD as well as SD? It would be really awesome. I was just afraid I would have to pay for the sports pack or something to get it. I may end up doing that anyway where I could get FSN Midwest so I can watch Cardinals games, but I am more concerned with getting FSSW in HD right now.

steveken,
If you have the HD tier, you will get the HD channel of whatever SD channels you are subscribed to, as they become available.

I read on another forum that the HD tier is also going up "soon" by an additional $4.99 a month for new subs to it. Grandfathered subs will pay what they are paying now. So, if you don't sub to it, go ahead and add it now and lock in the price.

OBU Thanks, that's just what I've been looking for to insert pbs into my mix. I can get all the uhf stations on one antenna, but then had to choose between pbs or cbs...now I can point the vhf at redfield and add a little ch 12 antenna to the other port, and run em down to the vhf/uhf combiner behind the set. Worth a try for 8.00.

I tried that Music & Pictures function tonight. I got pictures to show and I saw music listed, but every time I tried to play music, it didn't. It would indicate that the music was playing, but I never heard anything. Anyone got any hints on what I might be doing wrong? And, also, I saw Videos listed in there. Does this mean you can stream videos to your box and they will play?

Another question I have....I have heard people talk about Video On Demand with DirecTV. How does this work and how much does it cost and how do you find out what all is there?

I tried that Music & Pictures function tonight. I got pictures to show and I saw music listed, but every time I tried to play music, it didn't. It would indicate that the music was playing, but I never heard anything. Anyone got any hints on what I might be doing wrong? And, also, I saw Videos listed in there. Does this mean you can stream videos to your box and they will play?

Another question I have....I have heard people talk about Video On Demand with DirecTV. How does this work and how much does it cost and how do you find out what all is there?

steveken,
For more info, check the threads over at dbstalk.com

steveken,
For more info, check the threads over at dbstalk.com

K, thanks, I did that. Still can't figure out much about the "on demand" stuff. I see that there is supposed to be stuff on the directv channel listings that says on demand where you could tell it to download it, but mine doesn't have that. And I don't see anything on my receiver about it, so maybe its a software update that hasn't been pushed to me just yet. Not a big deal, just thought it would be cool to test it out.

BTW, actually got the music to play this morning. Not real sure what changed overnight, but the music does actually play now.

I never did figure out how to get the thing to read the music on my network storage drive. Saw something about needing wmp11 or something. I trashed media player a long time ago, so just gave up.

I never did figure out how to get the thing to read the music on my network storage drive. Saw something about needing wmp11 or something. I trashed media player a long time ago, so just gave up.
VOD was part of a beta version two weeks ago, and has since been disabled in current betas, so no way to get it right now.

I never did figure out how to get the thing to read the music on my network storage drive. Saw something about needing wmp11 or something. I trashed media player a long time ago, so just gave up.

When I first got the box I saw how the music/pictures thing worked with the Viiv stuff in the new intel computers. Well, I have to say that it works with more computers than that. Like you said, Dave, it needs WMP11 to work is what I have figured out. I have an older machine with a 2.2GHz processor in it and WMP11 (part of Vista) and it shows up. If you ever wanna get it on your box, just get WMP11 and turn on media sharing and you are good.

My music is on a 1TB network storage drive, not a computer. If I install WMP11 on one of the XP machines will I also have to copy all the music to the computer with wmp11 on it?

I added wmp11 and the hr20 found it, found the playlist I created, but said there were no files (all the playlist files are on a mapped network server). Guess its not ready for real networking yet. Ill stick with the media computer for now, least winamp let's you play a song without going through 100 microsoft steps.

I added wmp11 and the hr20 found it, found the playlist I created, but said there were no files (all the playlist files are on a mapped network server). Guess its not ready for real networking yet. Ill stick with the media computer for now, least winamp let's you play a song without going through 100 microsoft steps.

From what I have seen, you should just have to go through the step of "adding" them all to your library. That essentially involves it scanning the drive then making an xml file that points to the songs. At least that is what I think happens. It doesn't actually copy anything over from what I know.