103(b) has a 72 signal on transponder 11 for me tonight. I think we are close!

I'm getting 95 here on TP11... I created the playlist, it scanned the drive, added all the music to the list, and saved it. When the HR20 sees the playlist and I hit select on it, it says its empty... Beats me.

I'm getting 95 here on TP11...

Hmm, wonder what I might do to be able to get that signal up a little higher on mine. Maybe use the fine tuning knob for the azimuth?

The installer I had didn't seem to do a very good job even though he was using a meter. I had to go and adjust the elevation myself to get it up into the 80's and 90's. Before I did that I was in like the 50's or so and not able to get certain channels. I even told him I wanted him to come back on Thursday and, of course, he didn't show then or Friday. I have his number though. If I have any troubles, I will make him come fix it. I just don't like the idea of waiting on him more, so I would rather try adjustments on my own.

Dunno about your wmp problem. Sorry.

I installed my own dish, two actually, hooked together because of trees. If you can't get him to help, give me a hollar. You have to do it in a certain order or it gets all screwed up.

davenlr is correct. The 101, 110, 119 signal strength readings can be misleading because those Ku signals have a broad peak. You can have the dish 98% peaked for Ku (101, 110 & 119), and the Ka signal (99 & 103 sats), with a much narrower peak, might only be at 50%.

The "dither" method is the only way (except dumb luck) to get the maximum signal level from the new birds. Follow the step by step procedure in the manual that comes with the 5LNB dish. You can download the manual on this page (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=AU9-S).

From what I've read over on dbstalk.com a whole bunch of contract installers are not following procedure for installing the 5LNB dish. This will come back to haunt D* in the form of callbacks on the 19th, and again when LR HD locals are added.

(I'm getting 96 on 103b xpndr 11)

Got the thing to play music and show pictures now finally. Doesn't appear to work with videos tho.

Hope Big Ten is the first channel...Wisconsin is playing at 11.

Problems with D10 spot beams. It will not affect the new national HD channels rollout - only local HD on spot beams in the NW. See dbstalk (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=98837) for details.

Got the thing to play music and show pictures now finally....Dave,
Have you gotten DOD (DirecTV On Demand) working? There's a software update tonight (must force download) that can enable it.

http://i9.tinypic.com/4kc28tg.jpg

More info at:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=96052

Yea, got it working, but all selections currently show unavailable when I try to select them.

Scratch that, guess the guide just hadn't downloaded... Just seected all sorts of stuff to test it out.

how do you force download?

steveken,

Before doing that, you need to read up on the process and consequences. See:
http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118

(registration may be required to read)

steveken,

Before doing that, you need to read up on the process and consequences. See:
http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118

(registration may be required to read)

well, not sure what I should be looking at in all that stuff, so I will just forget it for now. I'll get it when I get it I guess.

Oh, its fun... I haven't had a show stopper download yet. If you are concerned, just don't download the first couple betas in each upgrade. you can read the beta forum on friday after 10 and if all the messages say "it killed my box", just skip it. If everyone says "awesome, now I can do ...." then grab it Saturday night...

Sam: tell me how the 103b signal fares compared to the KU ones when that storm I see on radar just north of you drops in.

All the transponders for 103(b) appear to be on now. I just got home and checked. Looks to be as low as 61 and as high as 79 on mine.

Just needs a little tweek. What do you get on the 99 sat?
I'm getting about two or three Txpdrs reading between 11 and 20.

Just needs a little tweek. What do you get on the 99 sat?
I'm getting about two or three Txpdrs reading between 11 and 20.

I think I am getting nothing on the 99. On the 103(a) I am still getting the even number transponders in the 60's.

P.S. check your PM Dave

The 99° sat is currently all spot beams for local channels, as is the 103a. So weak to no signals are normal for those sats if you don't have local HD chs available in your DMA. I get 95 & 98 on the two 99°sat spot beams that serve Tulsa & KCMO.

Dave, I didn't check the 103b during the rain (never had a storm). But last time I looked (about an hour ago), most all the xpndrs that were lit were in the low to mid 90s.

Cool here. 49° at the moment.

I'm guessing some new HD chs will be added tomorrow - Wed. at the latest.

I'm not understanding VOD...Its the same stuff you can get on the movie channels and SD channels, and if you select a movie from a movie channel you don't pay for, it won't let you download it...and the quality of the video sucks. Why would I not just schedule the stuff to record of sat when it comes on rather that getting substandard video via internet? So far, I'm not impressed...unless they plan on offering free stuff you can't get off sat, live newscasts from various local cities across the nation.

I currently have E* and live in 72501 zip area; E* provides locals in this county but D* doesn't. With all the addition of the HD channels by D* does anyone know whether D* might offer my area the HD locals from LR anytime in the near future? I would like to switch to D* for their HD programming but cannot justify since then I would have no locals--no cable and no reliable OTA reception here. It doesn't look like E* has any plans to offer the locals in HD anytime soon. I have never understood why one offers the locals here and the other doesn't. I guess it can be worse, people in the Joensboro area cannot get locals on either provider.

Thanks

ncentral ark,
D* only sells LR locals to certain ZIP Codes in the LR Market area, because they feel the spot beam isn't strong enough to reach the entire DMA. That's why your ZIP may not be offered locals by D* when E* does offer them (their spot beam may be larger).

Regardless of the fact that D* doesn't sell LR locals in all ZIP Codes, the spot beam will probably still reach your address. It would just be weak. The problem, it might drop out during rainfall much lighter than it takes to knock out the signal closer to LR. If that's not an issue to you, there are ways to get the LR locals on D*. I get them in NW Ark., about 5 miles from the MO border. They are weak, and do drop out in rainfall occasionally. But I seldom watch them any more, except to catch some news story in LR. The LR HD spots may be even weaker up here - I won't know until they get on the air after the D11 launches, probably in Dec.

EDIT: You are also very likely within coverage of the St Louis or Memphis/Tupelo spot beams. See:
http://www.wvjw.info/dbs-beam/dtv4s.gif

I currently have E* and live in 72501 zip area; E* provides locals in this county but D* doesn't. With all the addition of the HD channels by D* does anyone know whether D* might offer my area the HD locals from LR anytime in the near future? I would like to switch to D* for their HD programming but cannot justify since then I would have no locals--no cable and no reliable OTA reception here. It doesn't look like E* has any plans to offer the locals in HD anytime soon. I have never understood why one offers the locals here and the other doesn't. I guess it can be worse, people in the Joensboro area cannot get locals on either provider.

Thanks

What arxaw says is true, but one thing you might not have thought about is getting national channels.

I have found in my own personal experiences that the east coast and west coast feeds of the major networks are much more preferable than local crap from Little Rock. You will actually get to see shows you want to see.

Another bonus, if you want to record something, but can't for one reason or another, if you have the east and west coast feeds you can just switch it to the west coast version, wait two hours, and then record it just fine. I found this VERY useful especially during football season when FOX would just not show stuff cause a game went long.

So, my whole point to this is since they won't offer you "local" channels, just tell them you want the East and West coast channels. It is definitely worth the money. Its only like a couple bucks per network. You will really enjoy it, I promise!

Steve

Or, if your "service" address is in Mena, Ark. you can get both the LR locals in SD and the NY big 4 networks in HD. The HD channels are no extra charge.

To see if your current service address qualifies for NY SD & HD locals @ a buck fifty each, enter it at:
http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx

Or, if your "service" address is in Mena, Ark. you can get both the LR locals in SD and the NY big 4 networks in HD. The HD channels are no extra charge.

To see if your current service address qualifies for NY SD & HD locals @ a buck fifty each, enter it at:
http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx

72501 is Batesville, so it seems to me that he would be within the Memphis DMA. I wonder why they aren't giving those to him.

In any case, you should most definitely be able to get KAIT up there. Might take a small rooftop antenna, but you should be able to get it with a little work. I know they have a very broad range and used to have good signals when my dad was the lead news anchor for them in the early 80's. Good news is that all the other channels are eligible for you to get the East and West coast channels.

Again, I highly recommend that route. You will find much value in having two different places to get your programming from. It is well worth the money. I wish they would give me back my CBS and FOX East and West. Guess those go away when you cancel your service for a year. *shrug*

IIRC, Independence County is in the LR DMA (http://www.truckads.com/Affiliate/Little_Rock_Pine_Bluff.htm#map).

IIRC, Independence County is in the LR DMA (http://www.truckads.com/Affiliate/Little_Rock_Pine_Bluff.htm#map).

What is IIRC by the way? I have seen that, don't know what it means.

Anyway, I don't know how accurate that site is. I don't trust anything called "truckads". :) I have seen a couple different DMA maps, so I don't know which one is truly accurate.

In all honesty, I had forgotten that Batesville was that far over. :) I retract my statement about the Memphis channels. :) Still, get the national channels and be done with it. Get off E* before they bleed you dry. Gotta save some for D* to suckle on.

What is IIRC by the way? I have seen that, don't know what it means.

Anyway, I don't know how accurate that site is. I don't trust anything called "truckads".IIRC = If I Recall

Truckads sells advertising to trucking interests in all 50 states. There are many others. I posted their link because the map is easy to read and it's clickable to move over to the adjacent DMA.

Here. Have another map:
http://research.backchannelmedia.com/images/dma_large/693.gif

You can't just order the DNS channels. Your specific address now has to qualify for them.

IIRC = If I Recall

Truckads sells advertising to trucking interests in all 50 states. There are many others. I posted their link because the map is easy to read and it's clickable to move over to the adjacent DMA.

Here. Have another map:
http://research.backchannelmedia.com/images/dma_large/693.gif

You can't just order the DNS channels. Your specific address now has to qualify for them.

heh, thanks for the other map.....I knew there were a bunch, haven't looked at them in a while.

I did a lookup on directv's page for eligibility using 123 Main St. with that zip code figuring that would work well enough. All of them except KAIT said eligible, so all that one has to do in that zip code is order them.

Not exactly.
Unlike locals, based on ZIP code/county, D* bases DNS eligibility on predicted reception at your specific address, not ZIP Code.

For example, go here (http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx) and enter:
100 Forest Ln
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
It qualifies for all HD DNS channels (not SD DNS, because SD locals are offered)

Now enter:
1 Forest Ln
Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Same ZIP, but it qualfies for only two HD DNS channels, CBS-HD & FOX-HD.

Is KETZ-12 El Dorado moving to channel 10, post analog? I see it in the FCC's final channel change request list here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=823166).

Someone said over at D10 Satellite - HD Anticipation and other posts - Page 222 - DBSTalk.Com in one of the replys that a D* rep told them 6am tomorrow. Lets hope its right.

Is OTA the only way to get this? I'm thinking yes, but I just wanted to make sure. Is the Pine Bluff location the issue?

Is KETZ-12 El Dorado moving to channel 10, post analog? I see it in the FCC's final channel change request list here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=823166).

Yep.

That's good news for people trying to watch KTHV-DT. What happened, did y'all get complaints?

Is OTA the only way to get this? I'm thinking yes, but I just wanted to make sure. Is the Pine Bluff location the issue?

I don't know about Pine Bluff, but it's available on Comcast in Little Rock.

That's good news for people trying to watch KTHV-DT. What happened, did y'all get complaints?

No complaints that I know of.

KTVE has chosen to not return to Ch. 10. For us, moving from Ch. 12 to Ch. 10 will let us operate omni-directionally. That would not be an option remaining on Ch. 12.

Kelly

I don't know about Pine Bluff, but it's available on Comcast in Little Rock.

When I said Pine Bluff, I meant that PB is shown as the city of origin for KASN on Antennaweb. I'm pretty sure E* and D* do not offer CW in HD, but I was unsure about Comcast one way or another. Thanks.

...KTVE has chosen to not return to Ch. 10.Good move on their part.

Regardless of the fact that D* doesn't sell LR locals in all ZIP Codes, the spot beam will probably still reach your address. It would just be weak. The problem, it might drop out during rainfall much lighter than it takes to knock out the signal closer to LR. If that's not an issue to you, there are ways to get the LR locals on D*. I get them in NW Ark., about 5 miles from the MO border. They are weak, and do drop out in rainfall occasionally. But I seldom watch them any more, except to catch some news story in LR. The LR HD spots may be even weaker up here - I won't know until they get on the air after the D11 launches, probably in Dec.

Thanks for the information. I never could understand why they were not offered here. I guess I am still a little fuzzy on the ways to get LR locals on D*. No experience with D* at all. I have been on E* for 6 years since I built the house in the country here. Is it possible for you to expand a little on how to go about getting the locals. My wife prefers LR locals but myself I would rather do the East Coast feeds as mentioned.

im pretty new to the OTA stuff but need to know what type of equipment would i need to get channel 7 out of little rock to reach me here in blytheville (72315)?

TIA john

72501 is Batesville, so it seems to me that he would be within the Memphis DMA. I wonder why they aren't giving those to him.

In any case, you should most definitely be able to get KAIT up there. Might take a small rooftop antenna, but you should be able to get it with a little work. I know they have a very broad range and used to have good signals when my dad was the lead news anchor for them in the early 80's. Good news is that all the other channels are eligible for you to get the East and West coast channels.

Again, I highly recommend that route. You will find much value in having two different places to get your programming from. It is well worth the money. I wish they would give me back my CBS and FOX East and West. Guess those go away when you cancel your service for a year. *shrug*

I am considering the EAST COAST feed but getting some draw backs from my wife. She prefers LR for news, etc. I do get KAIT 8.1 well here and at night I can get WREG, WKNO, WPTY and rarely WMC from Memphis using the 4228 and CM7777 pre-amp. Can't get anything from Memphis during the day. I have ABC and AETN (19.1) covered juest need to get NBC, FOX, & CBS. LR OTA reception has been ify here but have thought about trying 11.1 with a VHF antenna. Satellite is the only sure way to receive signals consistenly here due to the terrain and distance. Thanks for the information it has been really beneficial.

Is KETZ-12 El Dorado moving to channel 10, post analog? I see it in the FCC's final channel change request list here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=823166).

Great news for those in SE Ark. I have *yet* to lock into KETZ, and have had no issues receiving KTHV 99% of the time, but for someone in Warren or Monticello (southern end of LR DMA) its surely caused more than one headache.

(which brings to mind, KWBF should go back to its current analog channel instead of QRMing KYTV (44) along the Buffallo River Valley perhaps...)

I just got my first D* bill today. I see on it that there is a "Leased receiver 4.99" on it. I only have one leased box and that is the new HR20. I could have sworn that the lease fee would be included in the $70 a month I am paying for my PLUS HD DVR Monthly package. Is that not correct? This is completely baffling me why they would charge me a lease fee on top of my package. Seems like a double whammy to charge me 70 then tack on a lease fee to that. I would appreciate some input on this.

Is there a separate DVR fee listed? If not, That's your DVR fee. One fee covers all your D* Dvr's. Each additional receiver is also $4.99. I have one HR20 and One H20 and One old E86. I get three $4.99 charges. If I were to replace the E86 with another HR20 Dvr, the bill would remain the same. Just like the phone company eh? They just harged me $13.99 for adding calling ervices to my phone, THEN added the cost of the services I added. All these companies are rip offs with added charges. At least D* was up front about it. BTW, its worth the $4.99 a month extra for the DVR. Tivo charges $9.95 to cable subs for their monthly fee, so it could be worse.

Is there a separate DVR fee listed? If not, That's your DVR fee. One fee covers all your D* Dvr's. Each additional receiver is also $4.99. I have one HR20 and One H20 and One old E86. I get three $4.99 charges. If I were to replace the E86 with another HR20 Dvr, the bill would remain the same. Just like the phone company eh? They just harged me $13.99 for adding calling ervices to my phone, THEN added the cost of the services I added. All these companies are rip offs with added charges. At least D* was up front about it. BTW, its worth the $4.99 a month extra for the DVR. Tivo charges $9.95 to cable subs for their monthly fee, so it could be worse.

With the PLUS HD DVR package, the DVR fee is included in it as well. From what the CSR told me when I ordered the package, EVERYTHING was included in that price (i.e. the lease fee, the dvr fee, the hd fee, everything).

Call em up after printing the detailed bill from the website, tell them what you were promised and what's on your bill and they should fix it or explain it. I am assuming you only have one receiver, the DVR right. Let us know what they say.

To the guy in Blytheville wanting to get KATV from LR OTA... don't waste your time. Its not doable. I lived in Blytheville for two years, with a high gain antenna at 50 feet, preamp, and RG11 the best we could do was pick up channel 16 at night, with no regularity. Perhaps a directv sub, then tell em you are moving to LR, but keeping your Blytheville mailing address... Don't even know if the LR spot beam will reach Blytheville.

steveken,
How many D* receivers and/or DVRs do you have?

The first receiver/DVR is included in your monthly fees (no lease fee).
Each add'l recv'r/DVR is $4.99/month, whether it's theirs (leased) or yours (owned).

The (new) HD plus package includes the $5.99 DVR fee.

Is it possible for you to expand a little on how to go about getting the locals. My wife prefers LR locals but myself I would rather do the East Coast feeds as mentioned.First, find someone (or a local D* dealer) near your house that knows how to check satellite signal strength and has a 3 or 5 LNB dish. Have them go into the sat setup menu on their receiver and check the signal strength on the following:
DirecTV 119° satellite
Transponder: 25

In your area, you'd have to find someone with D* HD service, which requires a 3 or 5 LNB dish. You would need one of those dishes to receive the 119° sat. the LR locals are on. The single LNB dishes can't see it.

im pretty new to the OTA stuff but need to know what type of equipment would i need to get channel 7 out of little rock to reach me here in blytheville (72315)?Welcome to the forum.

Getting the LR OTA stations that far away is not likely at all.

steveken,
How many D* receivers and/or DVRs do you have?

2, one HR20 (leased), one D10-200 (SD box, mine outright)

The first receiver/DVR is included in your monthly fees (no lease fee).
Each add'l recv'r/DVR is $4.99/month, whether it's theirs (leased) or yours (owned).

The (new) HD plus package includes the $5.99 DVR fee.

That was my understanding. For the $69.99/month fee for this specific package, my understanding was it covered the DVR fee (its in the name of the package), the HD fee (again, in the name), and the lease fee (what they told me when I signed up for it AND because it makes sense to include that when you are paying. If not, its like when I buy a car and have to pay extra for the brake pads.) I completely expected to see the $4.99 for the D10-200, but the leased receiver fee was not expected nor welcomed.

im pretty new to the OTA stuff but need to know what type of equipment would i need to get channel 7 out of little rock to reach me here in blytheville (72315)?

TIA john

Not likely. The LR ABC station would be considered DX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TV_DX) at that distance.

Even if you were close enough to receive it 24/7, the results would be disappointing on the programming and HDTV end: no 5.1 audio; endless preemptions; dropping to SD for out-of-DMA/OTA coverage area storm watches.

Stick to WPTY ("24-n"--RF 25) and KAIT ("8-n--RF 9), trust me. :D I only watch the local ABC for network programming and little of that with other choices available.

2, one HR20 (leased), one D10-200 (SD box, mine outright)OK. For every additional receiver besides your main receiver, you are charged an additional receiver fee of $4.99 per month.

If you are saying you owned the D10-200 from before the lease program began, then they have made it the main receiver on your account. For each additional receiver (which in your case happens to be the DVR), there is an additional $4.99 monthly fee.

Now, if they had made the DVR the main receiver, and your "owned" receiver was the additional box, the additional box would show a $4.99 "mirroring" or "additional receiver" fee on the bill.

Doesn't matter what they call it (lease fee or mirroring/add'l receiver fee), there is always an additional $4.99/month fee for each receiver besides the first one.

Now, if they're showing TWO monthly $4.99 extra receiver fees, it's wrong. There should only be ONE, for your ONE additional receiver.

steveken,
On my account the DVR is the main receiver. D* made my old Samsung SIR-TS160 (which I own), the 2nd receiver. On my bill, the $4.99 shows up as an additional receiver fee (for an owned receiver). If my HR20 DVR was listed as the "additional receiver," then the $4.99 fee shown below would be called a "lease fee." Same charge, just two different names.

http://i7.tinypic.com/536omeb.png

Yeah, my wife called and figured it out. I would have cussed and yelled at them from the sound of it. She got a couple people that didn't know what the hell they were doing and in one case made things worse (higher bill). She finally got someone that fixed it all.

Apparently, they had my old Hughes DirecTiVo box on the account even though I didn't tell them that was one of the boxes to turn on. (They were specifically told the HR20 and the D10-200) So, they had the Hughes box as primary I guess and the other two were "additional receivers".

The third lady she spoke to said yes, with the $69.99 package, the lease fee, HD fee, and DVR fee are included in that price. Turns out the one lady that made the bill higher went so far as to finally take off the hughes, but then put on there HD Access so, in essence, we would be paying for HD access twice, once for the package, then the separate charge.

So, now, we have the 69.99 PLUS HD DVR and the 4.99 for the D10-200 receiver and our bill currently sits at 83.81 due to pro-rated fees for the one day at the start. It will be $74.98 plus tax next month like it should along with our $100 missed appointment credit. They just have too many people that don't know what they are doing and do what they think is right.

Glad you got it straightened out. Whenever they do something stupid or miss an appointment, always ask for billing or programming credits to make up for it. They have always been very good about that.

First, find someone (or a local D* dealer) near your house that knows how to check satellite signal strength and has a 3 or 5 LNB dish. Have them go into the sat setup menu on their receiver and check the signal strength on the following:
DirecTV 119° satellite
Transponder: 25

If the signal is strong enough just add or change the transponder in the satellite menu to 25?

If the signal is strong enough just add or change the transponder in the satellite menu to 25?NO. You don't "change transponders."

Each transponder on the various satellites carries several different channels. As you change channels with the box, the box changes to the transponder carrying the channel you want.

Little Rock's local SD channels are on the 119° satellite on transponder 25. If your neighbor or a sat dealer in your town with a 3 or 5LNB DirecTV dish can get a reasonably strong enough signal (say over 60) on transponder #25, it would be possible to receive the LR SD locals at your address.

I do not know strength in immediate area, but less than 30 miles down the road d*offers the LR locals. So one would say want to open an account using an address in the zips that direct tv confirms as available for locals. Like being in two separate locations say owning property in one county and living in the other?

You would have to open the account at your address, so they can install the equipment, then a week or so later, "move" to your new address down the road where you can get lr locals, and then log on their website and update your mailing address back to your real address.

As for Transponder 25, its strange. Its the lowest signal I get on 119. Tp 31 is the strongest at 100... What are you getting on Tp31 Sam?

any more info on when Directv will start turning on the new HD channels? Anyone know what channels will be allocated for the New HDs?

They are having problems. The stations are on the sat, they just can't get the authorization system working right to turn them on (best guess from dbs talk).

First channel you should see is test channel 498.

Other channels will follow. Complete list on dbstalk.com under the directv generql discussion forum.

First channel you should see is test channel 498.

Not anymore. That channel got pulled overnight and the b-band test channel is now the b-band failure channel or something to that effect.

ncentralark,
Another option is to talk to a local D* installer in person about ordering D* + LR locals. They might be understanding enough to setup an account with different service/billing addresses, so you can get the locals. You're legally entitled to get the LR locals at your address if it's in the LR DMA (market area); DirecTV just doesn't believe the signal is strong enough to sell the locals in your ZIP Code. And if you're only 30 mins away from a ZIP Code where they are sold, your spot beam signal should be plenty strong to get them.

As for Transponder 25, its strange. Its the lowest signal I get on 119. Tp 31 is the strongest at 100... What are you getting on Tp31 Sam?Davenlr,
With my old Samsung TS-160, if I tune to a channel and bring up the signal strength meter, it tells me the sat/xpndr it's on. All the LR locals are on the 119° sat, xpndr 25. Signal strength this morning here (very humid & foggy) for xpndr 25 is in the upper 50s. Xpndr 31 is used for Shreveport locals and it is 83 here. Maybe some of their spot beams may have drifted or changed.

What signal strength do you get on the 25?

I thought this was a "Local HDTV Info and Reception" forum, what's with all the dish $#@!. There are dish forums out there.

BMWRider,
We have been discussing LR locals on D*. And your local reception question is....?

ABC's online episode player now features the local affiliate's logo in the top right corner (it gets it by IP address?)...does ABC really want to point viewers to KATV to watch their programming?

I'm still frustrated at KATV, can't wait to live in a place with a competent ABC affiliate!

a competent ABC affiliate!
Isn't that an oxymoron? ;)

I thought this was a "Local HDTV Info and Reception" forum, what's with all the dish $#@!. There are dish forums out there.

We are all local to Little Rock, we all want HD, just different ways of receiving the HD content. So, if you will notice, this is about Local AND HD...just sometimes not together. Anyway, just jerking your chain. Don't get pissed.

And, FYI, we ARE talking about local hd reception periodically, its just that its so shi*ty around here that there is only so much that can be said. Talking about DirecTV reception of HD content is a little closer to realistic local HD reception.

I thought this was a "Local HDTV Info and Reception" forum, what's with all the dish $#@!. There are dish forums out there.

You are right. Probably 2/3 of this stuff should be in some other forum but some people just can't help filling up the pages with other garbage. Stuff relating to HD reception seldom passes through here because it is getting more reliable. Even the techs don't comment here much anymore.

Just bookmark the page and drop in every week or so to skim the headlines. Less time wasting that way.
Cheers.

I'm getting 95 from LR spot beam on Tr25. Maybe the earth shifted and we are where Shreveport used to be :)

Wonder what Equity is gonna do When analog gets shut down? Will all their low power stations have to go digital, or are low power analog stations exempt?

Interesting.. I just LOST all signal from 119/25. Middle of watching a show and it just went dead. All others still ok on that sat.

Back on 10 mins later at sig of 75 and the slowly climbed up to a level of 100. Guess they reaimed it??? Strange as hell.

I'm getting 95 from LR spot beam on Tr25. Maybe the earth shifted and we are where Shreveport used to be :)

Wonder what Equity is gonna do When analog gets shut down? Will all their low power stations have to go digital, or are low power analog stations exempt?

From what I understand, everything will go digtal on 17 Feb 2009. EB will lose ch 58 (univision) and could use ch 20 and use it for univision (and drop Lat TV on 42-3 and free up bandwidth for 42-1 and 42-2).

Searcy already has a LD OTA channel: KTWN-LD (18), which is a mix of public access type shows, local weather, and audio simulacasts of an area radio station (the infamous Scanner Channel was dropped sometime ago).

TBN when it starts broadcasting digital on its Little Rock translator K34FH (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=47690)
will likely have 5 streams of programming (http://www.tbnnetworks.com/affiliate/networks.php). All of course in SD and begging for $$$.

Here is a list of other LD's (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=AR&call=&arn=&city=&chan=02&cha2=55&serv=LD&type=0&facid=&list=2&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&size=9) for Arkansas so far. No sign of KJLR, or KLRA. K55GE (3ABN relayer) will move to ch 27 post transition. So called "full power" KKAP (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=58267) will remain at ch 36 post transition because it has no digital companion channel.

From what I understand, everything will go digtal on 17 Feb 2009...I think they have to go digital or shut down, since the FCC isn't granting new or renewal analog licenses. And they certainly can't operate above channel 51 after that date.

So far, all the low power stations have done for me is interfere with my DX'ing. I have yet to talk to anyone who actually watched a show on one. Most people don't even know they exist. They should put em all on one or two channels, to prevent interference to reception of stations in nearby DMA's. Its a good thing I'm not in the fcc... I'd change all sorts of rules if given a chance.

So far, all the low power stations have done for me is interfere with my DX'ing. I have yet to talk to anyone who actually watched a show on one. Most people don't even know they exist. They should put em all on one or two channels, to prevent interference to reception of stations in nearby DMA's. Its a good thing I'm not in the fcc... I'd change all sorts of rules if given a chance.

LPTV was supposed to give local communties "local programming". Of course in reality, the Televangelists and Informercial "promoters" operate nearly all of them. Most i've DXed are simply relayers running some religious network straight off "the bird" and certainly not serving their local communties.

Pine Bluff used to have a LPTV on ch 65 until 2005. It was put on the air by a church formerly pastored by one Mike Huckabee sometime in the late 1980's. A planned sign off for the station did not occur in 2005 because the transmitter failed 3 days early. KIPB did not seek to transition to digital even though the FCC had assigned them ch 18. It never even returned as a cable-only channel to WEHCO/Pine Bluff cable (KIPB/"TV 65" started in about 1985-86 as a cable-only channel before going OTA). I got KIPB only after putting up my first OTA setup after moving here in early 2005, but never actually "watched it".

Except as propagation beacons LPTV's and LD's serve no useful purpose for rural DXers and are pests for urban ones. Maybe the cost of transitioning will weed out some of these "broadcasters".

hey haley, I've been attending to other matters this past month, so I haven't been on AVS, but I checked out your blog and just wanted to give a thumbs up! About time we have a DXing blog..:) I honestly haven't had much time for DXing or any HD OTA viewing beyond my regular FOX-HD programming via KMSS-DT, ABC-HD via KTBS-HD, and KTVE-HD/KTAL-HD for NBC-HD...... oh and the occasional HD program on KETZ. I did log KALB a couple days ago.... but that's it. Oh yes, I also logged KSHV-DT one morning! IT was a first. Great news! I noticed that KTVE-HD increased their bitrate from 14.3mps to 15.5mps....that made me very happy! :) How's the DXing going up your way?

New D* HD sat is working, so new HD channels should be on soon. If you can view the ch 498 test channel, you're good to go. Details at this dbstalk thread (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=99799).

No word on when HD Locals will be added.

No word on when HD Locals will be added.

Oh, that won't be for quite some time. Our market is a bit too low at the moment to worry with. It will be sometime within Q1 of 08 I would think. I would hope no later than Q2.

That's not long off. But since I get nearly perfect OTA from two local markets (plus NY HD networks on D*), getting LR locals on D* is of little importance to me, except for the increased recording time of network HD on my DVR's hard drive with MPEG4 vs MPEG2.

I'd do it just to get all the channels at once with messing with all these antennas. I get all now except katv and kasn. Just can't find a spot with my current antennas. If I turn it to get katv, I lose pbs.

I'd do it just to get all the channels at once with messing with all these antennas. I get all now except katv and kasn. Just can't find a spot with my current antennas. If I turn it to get katv, I lose pbs.

It's impressive that you get PBS at all.

Well, you will love this setup. I have a channel master quantum U/V pointed at PBS feeding the low side of a Low/high vhf combiner. I have a 12" piece of wire plugged into the high vhf port, and just laying on the roof as a 1/4 wave for channel 12... that feedline run to the vhf input of a U/V combiner behind the tv. The uHF runs down a second cable from a european high gain yagi pointed at a tall building downtown to get all the UHF's. Then the whole mess is split to the dvr, dvd recorder, tv, and Tivo. when pbs moves to channel 7 it will be back to square one. I also need to replace the highly directional uhf yagi with a channel master 4220 since its beamwidth is almost 90 degrees and should let me split right down the middle and get higher signal than I am getting off the TCBY tower building "reflector". Mess eh?

Well, you will love this setup. I have a channel master quantum U/V pointed at PBS feeding the low side of a Low/high vhf combiner. I have a 12" piece of wire plugged into the high vhf port, and just laying on the roof as a 1/4 wave for channel 12... that feedline run to the vhf input of a U/V combiner behind the tv. The uHF runs down a second cable from a european high gain yagi pointed at a tall building downtown to get all the UHF's. Then the whole mess is split to the dvr, dvd recorder, tv, and Tivo. when pbs moves to channel 7 it will be back to square one. I also need to replace the highly directional uhf yagi with a channel master 4220 since its beamwidth is almost 90 degrees and should let me split right down the middle and get higher signal than I am getting off the TCBY tower building "reflector". Mess eh?

Two words......


HOLY



CRAP!

Every time I think its bad in upper Southeast Arkansas, i'm reminded how fortunate it is to get all the LR stations (Big 4 + CW, PBS) aiming in one direction.

Dave, I added a small 4 element VHF antenna to my main setup (CM4228) to get KETS (PBS) OTA, and using my CM7777 preamp. I dropped my E* locals quickly thereafter and never looked back.

Yea, two directions, three bands, tall buildings...Its a nightmare here for sure. Funny thing tho,I can get all but pbs on rabbit ears on my bedroom tv , but moving around the room causes dropouts.

Well, you will love this setup. I have a channel master quantum U/V pointed at PBS feeding the low side of a Low/high vhf combiner. I have a 12" piece of wire plugged into the high vhf port, and just laying on the roof as a 1/4 wave for channel 12... that feedline run to the vhf input of a U/V combiner behind the tv. The uHF runs down a second cable from a european high gain yagi pointed at a tall building downtown to get all the UHF's. Then the whole mess is split to the dvr, dvd recorder, tv, and Tivo. when pbs moves to channel 7 it will be back to square one. I also need to replace the highly directional uhf yagi with a channel master 4220 since its beamwidth is almost 90 degrees and should let me split right down the middle and get higher signal than I am getting off the TCBY tower building "reflector". Mess eh?

Wow, that makes me really appreciate my simple setup. A single UHF/VHF from Radio Shack pointed toward Shinall from Benton gets me KETS-DT, KARK-DT, KATV-DT, KTHV-DT, KLRT-DT and KASN-DT with good signal strength, and occasionally KWBF-DT.

My parents live 4 blocks away at the bottom of the hill I am on top of, and get all but pbs on a 3 element uhf yagi pointed west. Location, location, location :)

dave,
If you made the ch 12 antenna out of coathanger wire, take the leftovers and make yourself a home made 4220 aka DB2 antenna:
From lumenlab.com:
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/uploads/post-10701-1163730739.jpg

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon7.gif

Interesting pic. Wonder what the lengths are for the wiskers. Noted they fed their from the bottom and channel master feeds from the center.

Just made one with one set of wiskers.... Testing inside the house...
12- 83
22- 100
30- 100
32- 100
39- 82
44- 92

Interesting... Now to find a Ubolt and take a trip up on the roof.

Someone on one of the listservs I belong to posted a link to this article (http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070922/GPG0101/709220497) from the Green Bay (WI) Press-Gazette about the analog shutdown and the elderly.

arxaw, thanks for the pic of that thing. While I knew antenna technology was certainly not advanced, I didn't realize just how easy building my own could be.

davenlr, Thanks for posting your results with it...I'm very impressed with the signal strength you got. I just may try one out now. I'll be anxious to hear how it fares outdoors.

Basically, I currently am stuck with a YAGI that only gets the LR based stuff OR the Redfield based stuff, never everything (I'm in Otter Creek). And since I typically have it hooked up to a HTPC based DVR, a rotor is of no help. I really don't want to buy another antenna with no guarantee it would even improve things, but this at least could help that decision. And if it worked well enough from my attic, I maybe would forgo the roof mount altogether. We have been pondering pay TV, but are very uncertain about it and regardless, I would still really like to archive OTA HD stuff (Lost and Smallville in particular).

FWIW, I went and found the original thread arxaw (I think) got the picture from. There are also some more detailed instructions. You can find it here (http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9613&).

I did not use a reflector. I also couldn't find a suitable ubolt and didn't feel like running to radio shack today, so those results were with just one set of wiskers and no reflector. I'm thinking if I mounted a second set of wiskers 90 degrees and below the first set, the antenna "should" display a cloverleaf pattern with very wide lobes and very narrow nulls, which would be almost omnidirectional, but allow nulling out a major multipath direction should one exist. More playing tomorrow. Those dimensions helped, thanks for the link to the whole article, and thanks to Sam for giving me something to do this weekend besides rake leaves.

Davenlr, give me some specs on what you did to make that? Maybe even a pic or two? I am kinda needing one pretty bad for the tv with the HR20 on it. I have just a regular pair of rabbit ears with no amp and am lucky if I get a max signal of 77 on even 16-1. I need some kind of better antenna and figured one made out of coat hangers would work. Does it make it a little more omni-directional if you don't use an aluminum foil back? I mean, can you get even the opposite way 7 with it? I am over off Kanis & Bowman, so I need something to get both sides. Its like I am right in the middle between the two directions or something. :)

steveken, orphd posted a link above (in post #3345) to a discussion of the antenna.

ORPhd,
What compass directions does antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org) show Redfield & Shinall from your specific address?

If they're even close to 180 off-axis, a CM 4221 (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm) or 4228 (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) with the reflector screen removed might work perfectly for you for everything (except stupid AETN down in the low VHF band).

steveken, orphd posted a link above (in post #3345) to a discussion of the antenna.

Yeah, I know, but there is just soo much extra stuff in there that it tends to start getting confusing.

I haven't used my ham license in a very long time, so all of my antenna knowledge is shot. I just figured if we have someone local doing this, then we could all get together and figure out what rig works best.

I really want to be able to get some VHF along with UHF, thats why I figured the multiple mind approach to building this would be best.

I just cut the wiskers, bent each one in the middle, scraped the coating off at the bend with sandpaper, and screwed each one to a piece of 5" wide by 12" long plywood using two washers and a sheetrock screw on each one. Wisker against the wood, washer, feedwire from balun, washer, screw. Going to add a second set of wiskers today. Yes, with no reflector it will pick up equally well from back and front.

Update: added second set of wiskers and mounted it on roof at about 35' above ground. I'm on a 450' hill but have 550' ridges to the south and west.

Signal report using 2 bay is dismal. Only 16-1 and 4-1 had any signal at all, so it appears at my location the antenna does not supply enough signal to push through 100' of coax and a 6 way splitter without using an amplifier. So, I just hooked up my Quantum and a rotor. I can get everything pointed west except PBS, so I'm just gonna turn the rotor when I want to watch PBS. My location is just impossible. Thanks FCC.

Dave,
Maybe it's in a dead spot on the roof. Or adding the extra whiskers killed the signal. You said the single one worked great, right?

Yea, I tried removing the second set of whiskers and it still wouldn't pick up a peep from redfield. I'm sure its due to the cheap RG6 rat shack 100' coax. IF the VHF lo/high combiner passes UHF on the high port, I can just add a channel 5 dipole to the current setup tho. Need to test that combiner.

Did the 2-whisker antenna work in the house, like the single one did?

Yes, but more directional.

ORPhd,
What compass directions does antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org) show Redfield & Shinall from your specific address?

If they're even close to 180 off-axis, a CM 4221 (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm) or 4228 (http://warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) with the reflector screen removed might work perfectly for you for everything (except stupid AETN down in the low VHF band).

132 KATV
139 KASN
337 KTHV, KARK
340 KLRT

Regardless of whether the ChannelMaster might work well for me, I have reservations about getting one. First there are no local places to purchase it (I called all the places listed for the LR area on CM's website and none actually carried them), so if it doesn't work well for me, I can't just take it back. This is related to the second problem. I really don't want to sink much more money into this project unless I'm pretty certain it will work. Since almost nothing with antenna's seems to be certain, buying one sight unseen is something I just haven't been able to bring myself to do again (probably because this already burned me once with the YAGI, although that was my own fault too). Hence, this homebrew solution is appealing to me.

It sounds like this, without the reflector, could work very well for me. I think I could set one up in my attic and have only about a 10-15' coax run, which hopefully would be short enough to take advantage of the good performance Dave saw indoors.

Another reason this is more interesting to me than a CM is that with my HTPC, I could easily expand to multiple tuners, each with their own cheap, but hopefully effective antenna. I am definitely going to give this a try...I just hope that I can find the spare time to make one soon.

i got my first taste of pbshd watching "The War" and am impressed. i managed to pick it up unamplifed with only an occasional dropout. i was also pleased to confirm that aetn really does shut off their subchannels when the main feed is in hd.

Does anyone know what the resolution on KATV's digital OTA signal might be. It does not look much better, if any, than their analog signal. Just wondering.

On another subject, is KTHV ever going to rid of those grey bars on 12.1 and 12.2?

KATV is 720p. KTHV, the HD Leader (sic) has had those since day one, and I don't see them changing anytime soon.. Call em and complain, can't hurt.

KATV is 720p. KTHV, the HD Leader (sic) has had those since day one, and I don't see them changing anytime soon.. Call em and complain, can't hurt.It wouldn't hurt to let them know. CBS's flagship station WCBS-DT in NY also used to do the gray bar thing, but they've switched to black.

Actuallly, you should enjoy the gray (or black) bars while they last. Eventually that "wasted space" will be filled with moving flashing logos, like it is on Today show.

I think the gray bars are a CBS thing. I think I remember the CBS affiliate in St. Louis using those too. I definitely hate 'em. I hate pillar bars and 4:3 programming anyways but with gray bars, it makes it worse.

KATV's resolution looks better on D* than OTA digital.

The bars are no longer used on WCBS, WABC, WNBC or any network affiliated stations that I know of.

I am afraid that complaining to KTHV about the bars would get about as far as complaining about their wide range of audio levels and how one must hold the remote in one's hand, and use it often, during a newscast on that station.

Their technical department (used to be engineering department) is way behind the curve in more ways than one. The way thing are looking, they will remain there for some time.

Just wait until the LR stations figure out how to clutter the HD screen with crawls, weather warnings, time and temp, and other graphics including selling some space for commercials as arxaw has pointed out in an earlier post.

Remember folks, the stations run what the sponsors want to see, not you, and, the sales department comes first at every broadcast station.

Like I said, If you think gray/black pillar bars are bad, you ain't seen nothin' yet. Most of the networks & affiliates just don't have the equipment yet to insert CRAP in those filler bar spaces. They will eventually. And it won't be static images. They will flash, crawl & move, with logos and (eventually) advertising. Gotta have those "JOLTS" and movement to keep the zombie viewers hypnotized.

If you guys care, 9300 and 9301 on D* are back up. 9300 is NGC and 9301 is Discovery.

Our first HD special airs tonight at 6:10 PM. Hope some of you can watch.

alisonf,
thanks.
is that locally originated HD?

steveken, thanks for the heads up.

The Smithsonian channel and maybe a few others should start appearing tomorrow. Many more to be added between now & end of October.

Discussion at dbstalk.com

Yes.

I think the gray bars are a CBS thing. I think I remember the CBS affiliate in St. Louis using those too. I definitely hate 'em. I hate pillar bars and 4:3 programming anyways but with gray bars, it makes it worse.

Shreveport's ABC Affiliate KTBS has grey pillar bars on all 4x3 SD programming.

Those bars will be as Arxsw says a another creeping, flashing annoyance in time. Enjoy 'em black or grey while you can.

alison.
Congratulations on the local HD.

Most on this board would prefer that y'all will fix the horrible audio level problems at KTHV. I've quit watching it on Satellite. I got tired of wearing out the batteries in the remote trying to keep the sound at a comfortable level.

Didn't realize the HD content on 11 would be more Central High junk. The video looked great, but I am so sick of hearing Central High this, Central High that, I didn't stick around to watch it. Seems like its been beat to death. I know it was an important event, but comeon. :) (all this tounge in cheek. I know I can turn the channel, so I do. heh)

I agree. It was before I was born. Forget it and move on. We have more current problems to worry about...getting rid of Houston Nutt, grey bars on 11-1, some POWER for PBS...

Thanks, I was afraid I would be called a racist or something for saying that. Glad I am not the only one that thinks it.

"Most on this board would prefer that y'all will fix the horrible audio level problems at KTHV. I've quit watching it on Satellite. I got tired of wearing out the batteries in the remote trying to keep the sound at a comfortable level."

I mean this has been going on for months now.

I agree. It was before I was born. Forget it and move on. We have more current problems to worry about...getting rid of Houston Nutt, grey bars on 11-1, some POWER for PBS...

Social progress, civil rights, who cares about that when there's college football to whine about.:rolleyes:

Or even "college football". But, I for one don't give a rats as* about football, college or otherwise. I just don't like being subjected to non-stop talk about a subject. It doesn't apply to only this. It is exactly the same way with any song, tv show episode, story from family/friends, etc. I can only tolerate so much about a certain subject, then it becomes intolerable BS that I cringe when I hear.

An exact example of something that grates on my nerves every time it comes on is all of these da*n car commercials that these local stations play EVERY SINGLE COMMERCIAL BREAK. I mean, is there no other business willing to purchase time on a tv station than car dealerships? Or is it the fact that the account execs at the tv stations are just too da*n lazy to go out and try to get other business?

I would be willing to put my money on the second one. There is absolutely NO reason that we should have to see 3 to 4 car dealership commercials every single time the station goes to commercials. In fact, it is strictly because these pathetic stations showing all these car commercials that makes me avoid entirely every single car dealership that advertises on tv. In fact, when ever I am looking for a car, I go out of my way to find a dealership that DOESN'T advertise on tv. Hel*, I can't even stand to watch local tv live anymore because of this. I purposefully record everything I watch on my DVR in order to be able skip these annoying commercials.

Wow, I did NOT intend to rant, it just happened. Sorry about that. [/rant]

I forgot to check this thread yesterday or I would have recorded the HD special on THV. Not a special I would have normally watched except it was in HD. I'm kind of surprised. Way to go THV! Maybe local HD news isn't that far off for Little Rock...

Now if KATV can just get the equipment to record the national ABC HD feed for when they pre-empt so they can still show it in HD...come on, THV produced and aired a special in HD and I'm pretty sure that would require more equipment than just recording and replaying in HD...

I forgot to check this thread yesterday or I would have recorded the HD special on THV. Not a special I would have normally watched except it was in HD. I'm kind of surprised. Way to go THV! Maybe local HD news isn't that far off for Little Rock...

Now if KATV can just get the equipment to record the national ABC HD feed for when they pre-empt so they can still show it in HD...come on, THV produced and aired a special in HD and I'm pretty sure that would require more equipment than just recording and replaying in HD...

Better yet, ABC should grow a pair and disaffiliate KATV and give the market to KASN IHMO. KATV would still be able to keep The LFS/SEC GOTW indefinitely, and the OTA coverage would be comparable. Besides being a market having a CW station with news would look prestigious ;)

Props to KTHV for starting off the Second Wave of HDTV in Little Rock (and I cannot think of a program more appropriate!). Hopefully y'all can get live HDTV newscasts (and CBS dump Katie "SD" Couric from its nightly newscast).

Steveken: That's exactly what I needed to read after a crappy day at work. You got me laughing hard. I wouldn't even watch tv without a dvr anymore. I FF through about 80 percent of Fox's newscast. Take out the commercials and irreleant filler, they could fit the whole hour into 15 minutes. What I hate is when they tell you FOUR TIMES what stories you are about to see if you can wait long enough... If you watch the first 5 minutes and last 5 minutes you are good to go.

I'm told the new D* HD channels went live as of just a few hours ago, but I don't have time to check them out at the moment. Is this first wave supposed to include locals for us in the LR area or is that way down the line?

It will be after D11 launches I believe. Never know though...since D10 spot beam problem keeps them from beaming to NW US, they might use em for us instead... Just have to wait and see.

I know this is not a D* forum but the new D* HD channel guide is on channels 77 and 510. Looks like 21 additional HD channels have made it to this area. Apparently there were no LR HD's included in this release.

No LR HD locals until D11 launches. If new HD channels aren't showing up, reboot your receiver or call 800 531-5000 and say "721" at the voice prompt. Also, you'll have to edit your favorites. Example, there are two CNNs on duplicate channels numbered 202. One is CNN-HD and one is CNN-SD. Add CNN-HD 202 to your favorites and remove the old "202" CNN (SD). Unless you want to keep both versions in your channel list for some reason.

If I'm understanding this right, I'm not getting the new HD stations (code 771) because it is interfering with my diplexer. Are the new channels overlapping the OTA channels and causing interference? Anyway, Ive tried putting the b-band converter before the diplexer and after the diplexer, but in both cases, I fail the channel 498 test (now). So, am I going to have to go back to an indoor OTA now unless I were to run a second individual coax from the outside?

If I'm understanding this right, I'm not getting the new HD stations (code 771) because it is interfering with my diplexer. Are the new channels overlapping the OTA channels and causing interference? Anyway, Ive tried putting the b-band converter before the diplexer and after the diplexer, but in both cases, I fail the channel 498 test (now). So, am I going to have to go back to an indoor OTA now unless I were to run a second individual coax from the outside?

I don't know if you are familiar with this forum or not but you can post your question at this link. I am confident that someone will give you the correct anwser.

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/defaultview?msgBoardID=10100105

I don't know if you are familiar with this forum or not but you can post your question at this link. I am confident that someone will give you the correct anwser.

http://forums.directv.com/pe/action/forums/defaultview?msgBoardID=10100105

I am, and I posted where I intended to. I'm having possible interference with an OTA signal and there are people knowledgeable about D* and OTA here. There also could be a potential local issue. Thanks though!

If I'm understanding this right, I'm not getting the new HD stations (code 771) because it is interfering with my diplexer. Are the new channels overlapping the OTA channels and causing interference? Anyway, Ive tried putting the b-band converter before the diplexer and after the diplexer, but in both cases, I fail the channel 498 test (now). So, am I going to have to go back to an indoor OTA now unless I were to run a second individual coax from the outside?

what are your signal strengths on the meter page? If you have a diplexer in the line, you have to have the bbc before the diplexer. If you are still not getting the signal, could be a bad bbc, dish misaligned, or a few other things. I don't even know if 498 is up anymore. Try CNNHD (202) when deciding. Go into favorites and block out the SD version so you make sure you are getting that one. Other than that, you have to call D* to get them to help you as it is sounding kinda vague from what you posted unless you can specify extremely clearly. Or go to dbstalk or satelliteguys websites and ask there.

EDIT: Also, try taking the diplexer out of the mix if you still don't get a signal strength reading for 103(b) after putting the bbc before the diplexer.

what are your signal strengths on the meter page? If you have a diplexer in the line, you have to have the bbc before the diplexer. If you are still not getting the signal, could be a bad bbc, dish misaligned, or a few other things. I don't even know if 498 is up anymore. Try CNNHD (202) when deciding. Go into favorites and block out the SD version so you make sure you are getting that one. Other than that, you have to call D* to get them to help you as it is sounding kinda vague from what you posted unless you can specify extremely clearly. Or go to dbstalk or satelliteguys websites and ask there.

EDIT: Also, try taking the diplexer out of the mix if you still don't get a signal strength reading for 103(b) after putting the bbc before the diplexer.

I'm getting one zero on #12 I think and 2 zeros on the last set of 3; i'm not sure if that's normal. The other signal strengths are really high (most 90+)

When I swapped the bbc in the chain before the diplexer, I lost sound and local OTA, and still didn't gain the new channels (and, yes, i did a full reset and setup). When I put it back where D* installed it (after the diplex on the satellite line), sound and OTA locals were restored.

I'm error 771 on all of the new HD channels (such as CNN HD). I used the program guide on the H20 to limit to HDTV channels only to ensure that I was selecting the HD versions. Besides, on almost all of them, "HD" is in the name (such as CNN HD).

I can be as specific as you like. I might be leaving out info, but I won't be vague.

Hang tight you two; I was actually expecting the answer to come from arxaw or dave. I don't expect an answer in 2 hours, so don't anticipate for me please.

You only have one cable coming in correct? To a H20? If so, have you removed both diplexers or just the inside one? If its gonna work the bbc needs to be between the dish and the diplexer where your OTA comes into the mix. That will bump the new hd channels up into the KU range before the OTA is added, however, if the diplexer isn't rated to at least 4 Ghz it still won't work without removing it.

If its gonna work the bbc needs to be between the dish and the diplexer where your OTA comes into the mix.

Thats actually what I meant, put the bbc outside right before the very first diplexer that pulls it inside. I didn't know about some diplexers not being rated for up to 4GHz, just assumed they all were.

My bad, KU is 12GHz, I'm not sure about KA but its higher still. I need to restudy my ham radio manuals :) 4GHz is C band, those 10 ft dishes.

Thats actually what I meant, put the bbc outside right before the very first diplexer that pulls it inside. I didn't know about some diplexers not being rated for up to 4GHz, just assumed they all were.

Thanks Dave, and steve where I got confused is that I was thinking (for some strange reason!) the only diplexer I had was the one in my house that split it back into two lines. You meant the first diplexer.

Ok, well that answers my problem and I know how to try to solve it now. I'll probably just have D* send back out the same contractor since they just hooked this up for me and should have known that the bbc needed to go before the first diplexer. I'll try, but i'm not sure I can get into this cable box (where the first diplexer is) with this strange looking bolt holding it together.

D* installers are mandated to hook the bbc directly to the receiver. He will probably just remove the diplexer without trying the bbc outside (actually against company rules). If he does that, have him leave the box open so we can try it the hacker way after he leaves :) If no go, can you tolerate a OTA cable running through your door by the tv til they release the SWM?

Newbie here, 1st post. Forgive me if this is the wrong forum. Are Little Rock locals on sat 199 transponder 25? If so I am only getting 49 on the signal meter (lowest transponder on 119). Shouldn't I be getting much higher than that?
Thanks

Welcome. Yes, LR SD locals are on 119 TR 25. Where are you located and what are your signal readings on other 119 transponders. Its a spot beam, so if you are 75-100 miles from LR that might be the best you can get.

Azanon,
What type of cable is running to the STB from outside? Is it RG6 or RG59? And if RG6, is it solid copper center conductor or just steel center conductor with copper cladding? Solid copper is spec for MPEG4 installs, and may be more critical if the BB converter goes outside. Also, there should be no staples anywhere in the coax. See the install demos at solidsignal.com.

You may continue to have diplexing interference problems if you're not far from the local Shinall transmitters. If so, the only solution will be to run a dedicated OTA coax.

D* installers are mandated to hook the bbc directly to the receiver. He will probably just remove the diplexer without trying the bbc outside (actually against company rules). If he does that, have him leave the box open so we can try it the hacker way after he leaves :) If no go, can you tolerate a OTA cable running through your door by the tv til they release the SWM?

I don't think it'd pass WAF for me to run a second cable, especially just for a temporary fix with a solution down the line.

My roof is already a little cluttered now since the last D* left the old dish up there since we had some of my antenna gear mounted to it. If i eventually get great picture and performance from the eventual HD locals when they go online, it might make sense for me to take down all of those antennas and the extra dish just for ergonomics reasons. Besides, I've noticed if the weather is really poor, such as a major storm, I can sometimes have cutting out on OTA just like I do on D*. But cut-outs due to weather in either case are very rare for me.

Azanon,
What type of cable is running to the STB from outside? Is it RG6 or RG59? And if RG6, is it solid copper center conductor or just steel center conductor with copper cladding? Solid copper is spec for MPEG4 installs, and may be more critical if the BB converter goes outside. Also, there should be no staples anywhere in the coax. See the install demos at solidsignal.com.

You may continue to have diplexing interference problems if you're not far from the local Shinall transmitters. If so, the only solution will be to run a dedicated OTA coax.

Re: the cable, not sure. Probably the more common one? (RG6 i presume?). The house was already built (1995) and had cable already installed so I'm just not sure. Dave might remember which it was.

If i cant get the diplex/bbc combo to work, then I'm pretty certain I will just have the two diplexers removed, take down the antennas/extra dish, and just live with an old indoor antenna until the HD locals go online with D*.

D* installers are mandated to hook the bbc directly to the receiver. He will probably just remove the diplexer without trying the bbc outside (actually against company rules). If he does that, have him leave the box open so we can try it the hacker way after he leaves :) If no go, can you tolerate a OTA cable running through your door by the tv til they release the SWM?

Just noticed I have 2 cables come into (from the antenna and sat roof cable) AND out of that cable box; the two cables leading out go into my house (but I haven't got the box open yet). I have no idea where they are joined into one presumably inside the walls somewhere? This problem has officially exceeded my newbie skills.

Newbie here, 1st post. Forgive me if this is the wrong forum. Are Little Rock locals on sat 199 transponder 25? If so I am only getting 49 on the signal meter (lowest transponder on 119). Shouldn't I be getting much higher than that?
Thanks
rld37,
Welcome to the forum.
DirecTV Satellite 119° transponder 25 is where the LR locals are. I also get low readings (50s to 60s, depending on atmospheric conditions) on transponder 25. But I'm in NW Ark., less than 5 crow fly miles from the MO border. Due to the small coverage area of the D* LR spot beam, not all ZIP Codes in the LR DMA are offered the LR locals. All the ZIP Codes in the LR DMA can pick it up just fine - the signal is just weaker in outlying ZIP Codes. With lower than normal signal strength (say below 60 or so), those channels will suffer from rain fade before the other channels do. D* doesn't want to get complaints, so they don't sell the locals in ZIP codes where the signal is predicted to be weaker.

Where are you located? Scroll to the bottom of this page (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/profile.php?do=editprofile) to add your location in your user profile.

Hmm, just ran across a story saying that even though broadcasters are supposed to stop analog broadcasting in 2009, cable providers are required to continue sending out analog on their systems until 2012. I thought it was very interesting.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/fcc-extends-analog-tv-support-until-2012-299239.php

rld37,
Welcome to the forum.
DirecTV Satellite 119° transponder 25 is where the LR locals are. I get low readings as well (50s to 60s, depending on atmospheric conditions). But I'm in NW Ark., less than 5 crow fly miles from the MO border.

Where are you located? Scroll to the bottom of this page (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/profile.php?do=editprofile) to add your location in your user profile.

Learned something new there. I checked out at 94% on 119/25 so hopefully i'll be gtg when they go online with them (provided I have this other issue resolved by then!).

Thanks. I'm in Mayflower, only 12.7 miles from ota transmitters. Should be no problem for spot beam. Only getting sig of 49 on sat 119 tr 25 last time I looked. Transponder 25 was lowest reading. Others were up to 69. Shouldn't I get signals up in the 90's on some transponders? Looks like probably dish alignment or possibly tree problem.??? Getting 71-98 on 101, 0 on 110, 42-67 on 103b.

Thanks. I'm in Mayflower, only 12.7 miles from ota transmitters. Should be no problem for spot beam. Only getting sig of 49 on sat 119 tr 25 last time I looked. Transponder 25 was lowest reading. Others were up to 69. Shouldn't I get signals up in the 90's on some transponders? Looks like probably dish alignment or possibly tree problem.??? Getting 71-98 on 101, 0 on 110, 42-67 on 103b.

Definitely your dish is out of whack. Unfortunately, you will have to do it yourself or pay D* $70 to get them to fix it for you unless you have HD signal issues as well. It is not hard to align the dish yourself, however. It is very easy to do, just need someone watching the meter for you as you adjust to get the best. But, before you go through all that trouble, just take a look and see if there are any new branches that you can trim.

Learned something new there. I checked out at 94% on 119/25 so hopefully i'll be gtg when they go online with them (provided I have this other issue resolved by then!).

Actually, that is NOT for the HD channels. Those are the channels that are already being provided to us. The new channels will be over on 99 (if I am not mistaken) after its launched (its the one called D11), so you still have the HD issue to look forward to. :)

rld37: If you think you can realign a dish, there are video instructions at solidsignal.com, however, since you said you get 0's on 110 it sounds more like a tree problem. Is there a clear area on your property where you could pole mount a dish with a clear view from due south to southwest?

There is at least one clear spot, well back from the house, probably 30 yards from the house. How far from the house will it work?? From the corner of the house the cables would have to go up to the attic and across about 40 ft or so to my distribution area in the attic. Maybe 50 yards all together. There may be other spots that could work, but it would getting close to the tree line. The installer said that if he had to move, he could put it in the front yard in a clear spot. I said no to that. He was in such a big hurry to leave, that is as far as we got. He also did not ground anything. Is that not a requirement.
Direct installer is supposed to come tomorrow to realign or move dish. It was just installed a few days ago. Knew we were not getting 110 when he was in a big hurry to leave. Said he would have to come back to fix that. Knew within five minutes of him leaving that the signals on 119 were very low and was on the phone with Direct. They had the install supervisor call me. He said they would be back Thursday. Rescheduled to Friday. Rescheduled to Saturday.
Wish me luck.

Really. You can claim a credit from Directv for each missed appointment as well.

You can go about 100 feet without to much problem, although when they start using KA signals on the coax, that could change. Right now, the new KA signals are sent down the coax in the UHF range.

Good luck. Don't let em leave until 103b signals are at LEAST 88 at the lowest. I'm getting 91 to 97 on 103b, 94 to 100 on 119, 88 to 95 on 110, and 89 to 100 on 110. I'm getting 94 on 103a although we don't receive any of those, its a nice reference point for your cable loss at KA band frequencies.

When fine tuning the Direct dish, can they adjust for a particular transponder or just the sattellite? For Little Rock local, 119 tr 25 is the lowest of all 119. Is this normal?

Satellite only. If its aimed right, it will be over 90. Only D* can aim specific transponders.

www.**************.com/sillyhd/petition.html

Anyone that dislikes stations from altering the aspect ratio (like stretching 4:3 material to 16:9 like ch 42 does), please sign this petition.

Thanks Dave for posting the petition url. Here is a direct link (http://www.**************.com/sillyhd/petition.html)

I'm afraid with J6P getting "flat screens" and cable networks rush to get out "widescreen broadcasts", this hideous trend will continue. Its not helped by retailers and public establishments stretching content to fill screens. We HDTV'ers need to politely let those folks know the truth and yes educate them about aspect ratios and how filling up a widescreen TV isn't "HDTV".

KWBF-DT when it does drift in is unwatchable because of this garbage unless its primetime MNTV programming (and its usually old movies shown in 4x3 and SD).

Thank God my tv has a "shrink" mode to correct the stretch-o-vision back to 4:3.... Still a pain tho.

... He also did not ground anything. Is that not a requirement.Yes, that's a D* requirement. It's also against National and local electrical codes to install an ungrounded dish or outdoor antenna. Call D* and insist they come out and finish their job.

When fine tuning the Direct dish, can they adjust for a particular transponder or just the sattellite? For Little Rock local, 119 tr 25 is the lowest of all 119. Is this normal?Several stations are on each satellite's transponders. When you change channels, the box automatically switches to the sat/transponder the channel you selected is on. Just like local OTA TV, with D* the only thing you can do is make sure your antenna/dish are aligned for the highest signal strength possible. Also, high quality RG6 coax and connectors should be used. Never RG59.

I just looked at my DirecTV account online.

TOTAL CHOICE PLUS Monthly 51.99
Network: CBS HD Monthly 0.00
Network: FOX HD Monthly 0.00
Network: NBC HD Monthly 0.00
Network: ABC HD Monthly 0.00
LOCALS HD Monthly 0.00
The line above in bold above has never been on the bill before.
I wonder if they're adding HD locals soon?

Nothing new on my bill...

That's on your bill "bill", or recent activity "bill"? Still wish I was able to get back the DNS's I had....oh well, I'll live, just sure was nice being able to record a show I couldn't get the first time around because of conflicts the second time around. Hell, I don't even remember how to apply for waivers, I think you have to call them up.

And, just a quick question, whoever has an H20, give me your opinions on them (as in if they are worth it, what kinds of problems you have, etc). And, how long would you suggest I wait after being back with them before calling up and saying something like "We changed our minds and would like to get a H20 receiver" in the attempt to get it at a much lower rate than $99? I just don't know if I am wanting to drop $100 + tax on it right now based on what I have read from other people about the boxes performance.

H20-600 is awesome. Best OTA tuner I've ever seen. H20-100 has mediocre OTA tuner. Have mine hooked to a series 1 Tivo as a backup or to watch a third show when both HR20 tuners are recording. No problems with the box at all. Try to get a -600. I believe that's the one Best Buy is selling. H20 also allows scanning for OTA channels not available in the D* guide (like 42-3) or DX.

I agree with Dave. The H20-600 has one of the best OTA tuners available. It works well with weak signals and ignores most multipath problems. Having owned both -100s & -600s, the -600s are far superior, IMO.
H20-600 is made by LG
H20-100 is made by RCA
If you go to a local D* retailer, look on the end of the carton for the model numbers. On the receiver itself, look inside the access card door for a sticker.

Don't get stuck with an H21 (receiver) or HR21 (DVR). They removed the OTA tuners in the "21" series. The "21s" are not common yet, but a few people have gotten them as replacements for defective leased receivers.

That's on your bill "bill", or recent activity "bill"?...The "bill" bill, not recent activity..

wow, 231-1 is FOODHD on D*. I saw a guy post it on dbstalk. Wonder how they find channels like that. Its not in my list.

Actually, looks like I saw it on another AVS post. Its on DBSTalk too though. :)

now its gone

We now have:

USA
SCIFI
BRAVO
HBO West
Max
Max West

in glorious HD!!!! I have been wanting SciFi for a VERY long time! There were also a bunch of RSN's they put up, but none that apply to us unfortunately. Can't wait for Atlantis or Monk in HD! Yes, I know Monk has been on UHD for a while now, but they are the old eps.

I enjoyed this forum in the past, when it was, as the name stated, "Local HDTV Info and Reception". It seems to have turned into a D* forum, even though there are plenty of D* forums on the net. Have fun with you dish’s. For what it’s worth, E* has better hardware.

If you have some local reception topics to discuss, please post them. It's not like anyone is stopping you or anyone else from doing so. And when questions about local TV are asked, they are generally answered by someone. In the current lull, we have been discussing new HD, and exchanging ideas to prepare for upcoming LOCAL HD on D*.

BYE, don't let the door hit ya. And enjoy your DISH network's limited programming.

FWIW, when I took the High gain UHF antenna off the roof, leaving just the Qquantum, I can now get ALL the LR digitals except the low power religious station out in Scott with a heading of 225. I'm stoked. All this time the presence of the second antenna 8' higher has been screwing my pattern up and causing multipath. K.I.S.S.

Well, the button punchers at KARK, once again, forgot to punch the network show up in HD after a local station break.

Tonight it was "The Bionic Woman" that we did not get to see a good portion of the last half in HD. You would think that they would notice this. Surely someone there watches what is going on. Oh yes, I remember now, they have automatic technical equipment to guard against anything like this happening.

Folks, you have monitor "off the air" to know what is going on whether it is transmitter problems or program.

This is really going to make a difference in the near future as more and more people start watching HD programs and doing the ratings books.

Worst switching in the market.

Oh, yes. No phone number listed on website to call. Who wants to be bothered by viewers.

Following up on the KARK issue, I have noticed peculiar sound issue. I access my HD locals via a OTA antenna run through my DISH VIP722, but I also have it split off and run straight to my Panasonic Plasma TV. I have a digital output cable run from my 722 to my audio receiver. I have noticed that for the past two nights that for the majority of the commercials on NBC, the only sound that I can hear is the bass part. This is only the commercials on NBC, and not all of them. When I switch my TV to view the OTA channels directly from the antenna, and not through the DISH receiver, the sound is fine (albeit it is from only the TV and not the receiver). Anybody have any idea's on this one? I have changed nothing in my setup recently but this starting occurring two days ago. ????

MB

Following up on the KARK issue, I have noticed peculiar sound issue. I access my HD locals via a OTA antenna run through my DISH VIP722, but I also have it split off and run straight to my Panasonic Plasma TV. I have a digital output cable run from my 722 to my audio receiver. I have noticed that for the past two nights that for the majority of the commercials on NBC, the only sound that I can hear is the bass part. This is only the commercials on NBC, and not all of them. When I switch my TV to view the OTA channels directly from the antenna, and not through the DISH receiver, the sound is fine (albeit it is from only the TV and not the receiver). Anybody have any idea's on this one? I have changed nothing in my setup recently but this starting occurring two days ago. ????

MB

It may be annoying, but I would just ignore it until it happens during the shows. Its only a commercial. Who cares about commercials. :) I wish they would just make a commercial channel and show all the commercials they want there and leave the regular channels alone. Hell, they have enough car ads to make a car ad commercial channel. LOL

It may be annoying, but I would just ignore it until it happens during the shows. Its only a commercial. Who cares about commercials.

That is true for most of the time, but occassionally something will come on that I would want to hear. Besides, if I wait until it starts affecting the shows then it could be weeks before I find a solution.

*COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC POST*

Just wanted to say some stuff. I am sorry if it makes anyone mad. I just didn't think it would hurt too much since there isn't much more talk about HD going on here lately other than D*.

I think its kinda funny that you guys get so upset about the local stations when they screw up. I mean, what do you expect? We live in Arkansas and just do not have the cream of the crop running things at the lower or upper levels around here. Its not necessarily the people they hire at the low ranks that are the problem, its more like the higher ups that are hiring the people. They absolutely refuse to hire people that can do a great job and know what they are doing! Its like that at every single job around here. You can know a hell of a lot about a LOT of things, but still not be able to get a job because the people doing the hiring don't seem to know a good thing when they see one or understand the quality of your knowledge in relation to your prior work experience.

Take me for example, while my work history might not be the best and I have a gap of 5 years while I went to college, I know a great deal about all aspects of computers, networking, electronics, plus a hell of a lot from a wide assortment of other disciplines, but for some reason every job I apply for around here ends up going to someone else or the job never gets filled at all.

I have applied for a number of jobs, go to interviews for them, get turned down, then a month later see the same job in the paper all over again. This has happened quite a few times as of late. Its just really really hard to find a job around here anymore, even with a BBA in MIS. I only stopped working all the temp jobs to go to college because I thought that after I got out of college I would be able to get a job pretty quick and with no problems once I had a degree. Well, its been almost a year now since I graduated (with a high GPA and a couple of honors btw), and I STILL can't find a job. The types of jobs I want or can do just are very scarce anymore. It is looking like I am going to have to go back to the temp agencies before too long just to be able to get some money flowing in. It is extremely frustrating to say the least. Kind of reduces your self esteem and self worth a little too when the best job you can find is at McDonalds.

Anyway, sorry about the off topic post, just wanted to say all of that. I figure there might be other people that have had similar experiences as myself and would appreciate someone talking about them. If not and I have annoyed several people, I sincerely apologize.

*COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC POST*


I think its kinda funny that you guys get so upset about the local stations when they screw up. I mean, what do you expect? We live in Arkansas and just do not have the cream of the crop running things at the lower or upper levels around here. .

Hi - I monitor this thread for my parents who live in Little Rock so I can stay abreast of changes/outages etc. that might impact their viewing.

Trust me HD transmission screwups are not limited to small market stations. I live in the DC metro area (came up a few years ago w/ some other Arkansans - now work for a New York Company - go figure) and we have our fair share of issues. The NBC station, which is O&O by NBC, has some of the worst lip sinc issues and up until about 12 months ago - continually forgot the "flip the switch" after commericals. On the upside the ABC stations chief engineer constantly monitors the AVSForum DC thread. He even ran a live adjustment to their signal one night having members provide feedback as he made certain adjustments.

So, you are not alone b/c you're in Arkansas. It probably has more to do w/ individual station ownership and staff commitment.

steveken, you certainly bring up some good points, and I can't say I disagree. It seems in the TV business here in town it's not what you know, but who you know. I doubt I would have gotten the job I have now if I hadn't worked with the wife of one of my co-workers for several years. Not that he hired me, but he was able to put in a good word.

But my problem with local "flip the switch" issues, is the fact that I know off the top of my head probably 99% of the time what network programs are or are not supposed to be in HD for all the major networks. It shouldn't be that hard for a master control operator to know if a show on the single network he is controlling the feed of is HD or not, and flip the switch accordingly. I mean, IT'S THEIR JOB TO KNOW! I don't think it's unrealistic to have master control operators and engineers understand HD even in Arkansas. I think we've actually got it pretty good here as far as local HD goes, but there's always room for improvement. Hopefully THV's recent HD Central High special was a sign of things to come.

There are very few "Engineers" in broadcast stations today. What you have are people that are able to pass their FCC General Class (used to be First Class Radiotelephone) license test and get hired by a station as the Chief Engineer or as they say now "Director of Technology" and sort of oversee the "technical" department of knob turners, button punchers, and computer programers. A one time, you could not work in any television station's "Engineering" department without a First Class Radiotelephone or First Class Radiotelegraph license (superseeded Radiotelephone First).

The FCC's lax requirements have ensured that those days are gone. Don't get me wrong, we have some talented people in our stations but just imagine what the program quality would have been like 30 years ago with the talent then using the equipment they have now.

Twenty years ago, a person could be hired off the street, walk into the master control room of a television station, and turn on a 110k (five million ERP) watt transmitter with no license required and, at the same time, a Second Class Radiotelephone license was required to sign on and off a 10 (ten) watt studio transmitter link. That was twenty years ago. FCC . . . go figure.

Bottom line is, it's a management problem. Most managers seldom visit the master control area of their station unless they are conducting a high-level tour. Most could care less about what goes on at their station as long as the sales staff meets quota and the sponsors are happy.

Within 20 years, most stations will be highly automated with only a handfull of computer programmers on the payroll to do the work.

Automation showing large gawdy animated show promos across the bottom of the screen during the program you are trying to watch? Pretty soon the will show your program in a PIP box during 60 minutes of commercials.

Thank goodness for HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, TMC, FOX News, Discovery HD, Smithsonian HD, and all the other non-network channels on my satellite. All the more reason not to watch ABC, NBC, and CBS network stations that only want to show you a lame sitcom, reality show, a local newscast consisting of homicides, car wrecks, and chock full of commercials, and clutter the screen with WX warnings that are not even in your part of the state. The only time a WX warning graphic will not be seen is during a local newscast, but crawls with sponsor's names will. I guess that storms do take a holiday during the news. I realize that this is "off topic", but it needed to be said.

To bad those in the decision making process don't listen.

I boycott any car dealer advertising on tv news. If everyone did, things might change.

To bad those in the decision making process don't listen.

I boycott any car dealer advertising on tv news. If everyone did, things might change.

I do as well, especially Crain. I despise the Crain commercials, especially that fat, loud mouthed m-f'r Darryl Stone (or however you spell his name). I will NEVER step foot on any car lot that shows as many commericals as Crain or Landers does. There are others on my list. Looks like I won't be buying a car for a long time. :)

Does anyone have any idea what tool I can use to get this screw open:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t132/azanon/DSCN07360001.jpg

Its a picture of one of those boxes from the cable company, I believe, that's on the back of my house.

This pertains to my earlier issue. I have diplexed OTA and D* signals and, as a result, i cant get both the new mpeg-4 channels and OTA at the same time. I believe the first diplexer is within that box, so all I want to do is add the bbc to the OTA line before the diplexer. I'm not trying to steal anything, or damage their box, in other words.

Feel free to PM the answer and I will maintain your privacy. Thanks for the help.

I really really really hope that the Auburn-Vandy game ends early or on time. Because KATV delays the ABC game @ 2:30 don't they? Which would mean SD football for the most anticipated game of the season for me...

too bad KATV isn't as technologically advanced at THV in getting equipment. They really need to be able to delay HD with all the pre-emptions they do...

Azanon,
Go to eBay and search for: "Gilbert" tool. Or: "Cable Access Tool"

http://i21.tinypic.com/33ojdvm.jpg

I would post a direct link, but that's forbidden in this forum.

I really really really hope that the Auburn-Vandy game ends early or on time. Because KATV delays the ABC game @ 2:30 don't they? Which would mean SD football for the most anticipated game of the season for me...

too bad KATV isn't as technologically advanced at THV in getting equipment. They really need to be able to delay HD with all the pre-emptions they do...

I'm home from work and checked the SEC game on CBS (it was a 28-0) blowout, I went over to 7-1 expecting SD and delayed a quarter. To my surprise its in 720p HD :D And a competitive game to boot.

Maybe Hell has frozen over or Dale Sr is out of town, lol.

Azanon,
Go to eBay and search for: "Gilbert" tool. Or: "Cable Access Tool"

Thanks arxaw; I put one on order.

I was so happy when they cut to commercials around 2:28 with 2 minutes to play in the Vandy-Auburn blowout (35-7?). The short ABC pregame was in SD so my concern came back but in the commercial break before kickoff the SD commercial suddenly got a little clearer and when the game came back it was in HD. The PQ wasn't outstanding in the first half, got better in the 2nd.

And my Sooners won :D

How come when ESPN broadcasts the NASCAR races it is in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and when KATV/ABC OTA HD broadcasts it on chaneel 7 it is not in 5.1 surround. Last week, I beleive it was, the rain delay pushed the race to ESPN or ESPN2 the sound was tremendoulsy better when all my speakers activated to 5.1. I have a Harman Kardon AVR that lets me know what I am receiving.

Even today, I am watching Howie, Terry and the gang talk football in 5.1 on another channel and then I transfer to channel seven and bam, no 5.1. When can I expect KATV to start transferring the high quality audio?

KATV isn't using 5.1. The race is in 5.1 on WABC ch 86.

"When can I expect KATV to start transferring the high quality audio?"

Probably about the same time that KARK's button punchers start paying attention to the programs and learn to switch back to HD after a SD commercial. Happened again on PGA Golf today.

Does anyone in management ever watch that station?

Its not limited to LR. Last week when a sports show ran overtime, the New York flagship came back from the top of the hour commercial break in SD. Stayed SD for a good 20 minutes before they switched back to HD for the rest of the game.
I think until the analog shutoff happens, the digital channel is going to remain an afterthought.

PBS is the only local station I see taking HD seriously, unfortunantly they are so weak hardly anyone can see them. PBS has the best HD I have seen anywhere. The War was one of the finest productions I've seen.

Just a heads up for anyone around Little Rock looking for a location to mount a new HD dish.

For the next couple days, the sun will be tracking the satellite belt so at the correct time you can check and see if you have a clear line of site to the 5 satellites. Below are the numbers. If you are significantly away from LR, search for "sun outage calculator" on google and get your correct numbers...

Best dates: Oct 07 - Oct 09
Sat 99 - 1:27pm 191 az 49 el
Sat101- 1:37pm 195 az 48.6 el
Sat103- 1:47pm 198 az 48 el
Sat110- 2:18pm 209 az 45 el
Sat119- 2:58pm 221 az 40 el

Find a spot where the sun shines at all 5 of the above times, to find good spots to mount your antenna.

Yep. It also shows you that the satellites are much higher off the southern horizon than the face of the dish appears to be pointing at. The sat signals come in high and bounce off the dish at an angle to hit the feedhorn(s).

I am using D* and a Channel Master antenna for OTA locals. I am very new at this as well. Just trying to get the best setup and not sure which way to go. I do not receive WABC so my guess is that I have to deal with what KATV deals out unless you know of other solutions?

Went to BB today and got me a H20-600 as well as the RCA ANT1251 set top antenna that looks like a monolith with rabbit ears behind it. It supposedly has a 55db amp built into it. I have to say that this particular antenna is just as much crap as all the rest of them I have ever bought and tried.

My unamplified rabbit ears that I have perched on the side of my entertainment center does a better job picking up local stations than that damn thing. I really don't know what the deal is. One thing that is wrong is that, just like all the other powered antennas, the power cable is too short for it. I couldn't plug it in and move it where I thought I wanted it because it just wouldn't reach. That may have been the entirety of it, but I doubt it.

It's really funny, but every single amplified indoor antenna I put out there where that tv is setting just does not work for some reason no matter what part of the wall I try it on. The only thing I have been able to get to work with any reliability is the standard, unamplified rabbit ear antenna that is really really old. I even took the antenna I have here in my computer room that is working just fine into my two tuner cards in my computer (and now into the H20) and that wouldn't even work. Maybe someone here can explain why I am having so much trouble. :)

Anyway, that is my latest addition that is actually on topic to the thread. :p

Indoor antennas are a challenge (more so than outdoor ones ). If you have an attic, with power available, you might try it there. It sounds like you may have metal or aluminum siding or lots of wiring in the wall near the tv you are trying to use the antenna near. Have you tried a splitter in your computer room and just running the drop into the trouble room? My amplified rabbit ears w/uhf loop works really well. Can even get channel 26 from Hot Springs every night. Can't get channel 5 tho. If you can, just extend the coax and put the new antenna in the computer room. Refresh my memory why you can't use an attic or outdoor antenna. I know you said, but I can't search using this pda, and I'm computer challenged at the moment.

Indoor antennas are a challenge (more so than outdoor ones ). If you have an attic, with power available, you might try it there. It sounds like you may have metal or aluminum siding or lots of wiring in the wall near the tv you are trying to use the antenna near. Have you tried a splitter in your computer room and just running the drop into the trouble room? My amplified rabbit ears w/uhf loop works really well. Can even get channel 26 from Hot Springs every night. Can't get channel 5 tho. If you can, just extend the coax and put the new antenna in the computer room. Refresh my memory why you can't use an attic or outdoor antenna. I know you said, but I can't search using this pda, and I'm computer challenged at the moment.

It isn't about the fact of indoor antennas being a challenge, its about the fact that my regular, unamplified, unassisted in any way rabbit ears work better than this antenna I paid $40 for. The new one was like 3 inches away from the rabbit ears and couldn't get a reliable signal on channel 4 in particular (and a few others were worse than the rabbit ears) while the plain rabbit ears would.

I don't want to have to justify to my wife spending a whole lot of money getting an outdoor antenna up and going. Its not that the vinyl siding would be a challenge, because it wouldn't, and I just don't know about putting one up in the attic because I just am not real comfortable up there. Its the trouble of mainly getting one set up outside in the first place and the cost associated with procuring it, then the worry of getting the wire run to the tv. If the fact of running coax from in here to that tv wasn't a pain in the butt either, I would consider that.

I was just really looking for something I could put in the same general vicinity to get this going. I guess what I really need is someone that knows what the hell they are doing helping me out with this. When it comes to drilling holes and such, I have always been quite nervous about it.

amplifiers will amplify any noise as well as signal. Check analog channel 4. If you have lots of sparkles in the picture, or ghosts, the amplified antenna will just make it worse. You are right about antennas costing lots of money, but at least you can return that $55 one you just bought. Where are you located? For $55 you should be able to get a decent attic antenna.

amplifiers will amplify any noise as well as signal. Check analog channel 4. If you have lots of sparkles in the picture, or ghosts, the amplified antenna will just make it worse. You are right about antennas costing lots of money, but at least you can return that $55 one you just bought. Where are you located? For $55 you should be able to get a decent attic antenna.

I am 5.9 miles from Chenal Mountain (using google earth and approximating the middle of all the towers), so I think its safe to say I shouldn't be getting any noise on the analog channels, thus shouldn't on the digitals. I am off Kanis just behind all that new construction they are doing next to Sams/Wal-Mart. I guess I might be in a little dip or something, but I would think I would be able to get stuff better than I do, especially with an amplified antenna.

I am 5.9 miles from Chenal Mountain ... I would think I would be able to get stuff better than I do, especially with an amplified antenna.At that distance, the last thing you need is an amplified antenna. They don't work because you're getting major signal overload with them. A piece of wire stuck into the coax connector would likely work better than anything amplified at your location.

You said you have "vinyl" siding. Nearly all newer vinyl siding is installed over FOIL-BACKED foam board insulation. So, you're basically trying to pick up TV signals that are being blocked by the foil. And since you're so close to Shinall Mtn. [spelling is correct], what signal that does get in is literally bouncing off the walls over & over. It just won't work well.

You don't need much antenna, (maybe something like a small CM 4221 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm), or a 4220 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4220.htm)) but it does need to be outside, and probably aimed toward Redfield. An attic install would likely suffer the same problems as indoor, due to all the foil.

I am 5.9 miles from Chenal Mountain (using google earth and approximating the middle of all the towers), so I think its safe to say I shouldn't be getting any noise on the analog channels, thus shouldn't on the digitals. I am off Kanis just behind all that new construction they are doing next to Sams/Wal-Mart. I guess I might be in a little dip or something, but I would think I would be able to get stuff better than I do, especially with an amplified antenna.


At that close distance, the amplifier probably makes matters worse. You might check here (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html) to compare outdoor antennas. Little Rock is (and will be) a combo VHF/UHF market, so take that into account when making your decision.

Hope this helps,
Kelly

steveken,
At your location, you can pick up VHF KTHV-DT 12 with most UHF antennas, or probably any piece of metal lying around. Most people can't receive kets-dt reliably, because it's in the low VHF band and too far away. It suffers from very low power and impulse noise problems, which cause annoying audio/video dropouts. That band is unsuitable for digital TV.

"BYE, don't let the door hit ya. And enjoy your DISH network's limited programming."

Thanks, arxaw. I could not have said it better.

steveken,
At your location, you can pick up VHF KTHV-DT 12 with most UHF antennas, or probably any piece of metal lying around. Most people can't receive kets-dt reliably, because it's in the low VHF band and too far away. It suffers from very low power and impulse noise problems, which cause annoying audio/video dropouts. That band is unsuitable for digital TV.


The CM-4221 is a fine antenna for the UHF portion. But, as shown in the link included in my first reponse, it is about -6 dBi on Channel 12, and -17 dBi on Channel 7. If he wishes to receive all stations in the market, he'll need to factor that into his decisionmaking.

Kelly

Even the 4221 will usually work for ch12 as close as he is to Shinall. Unless he's behind a hill. As for ch 7, there's nothing on it, except a blurry analog channel. At least for now.

AETN should have considered the viewer when they begged off of the UHF band (ch 47) for digital TV and stayed in VHF land. It *really* makes it harder for the average home viewer to do something that should be simple - receive OTA digital TV with a simple antenna.

He is very close to the last install I did, and we ended up having to use a channel 5 yagi due to low signal, a channel 12 yagi due to multiplex, and a 4 bay uhf for everything else, a join-tenna for 5 and a u/V combiner... Works but was very complicated. That area steveken is in is a multipath nightmare.

Think its to late to convince pbs to go uhf? While I can get analog channel 7 here fine, it rules out most uhf only antenna installs. Wonder if enough of us emailed their engineering dept, if the could change their application?

davenlr,

On a few good reception mornings, I've actually received all of the LR digital stations. Except the two VHF channels. Never a peep from them.

All AETN was thinking about was doing digital on the cheap. And VHF is their bad choice to do it. Not the FCC. They had up a perfectly good UHF assignment ( ch 47 for KETS-DT), and gave it away in a channel exchange for a crappy VHF that doesn't work well in Arkansas Weather. And post-analog, the viewer will still have to keep a big ass ugly VHF+UHF combo on the roof if they want to watch all the stations including PBS. </rant>

So what's cheaper? That they can use KATV's transmitting antenna and hardline? Use less electric for their transmitter? I'm assuming they will still need a new transmitter either way...or can a analog final amp be used with a digital exciter? Trying to figure out how they are saving money.

I don't know if they can use katv's equipment. Although analog stuff can be retrofitted for digital. KOLR-DT in Springfield is reusing parts of their analog transmitter and antenna when they move back to channel 10, post-analog.

AETN begged for VHF because VHF is cheaper to operate. Less for electricity for the transmitter and other related equip - HVAC, etc. They didn't care about the ease or reliability of reception, home antenna complications, etc.

Guess its a calculated risk... By 2009 pbs-hd should be on the satellites and cable. Once sats start carrying hd locals, there will probably be very few viewers watching them that don't have an alternative delivery platform available. Most country folk with antennas already have monster vhf rigs pointed at the rock, so it might work out ok for them.

I don't know if they can use katv's equipment. Although analog stuff can be retrofitted for digital. KOLR-DT in Springfield is reusing parts of their analog transmitter and antenna when they move back to channel 10, post-analog.

AETN begged for VHF because VHF is cheaper to operate. Less for electricity for the transmitter and other related equip - HVAC, etc. They didn't care about the ease or reliability of reception, home antenna complications, etc.

I don't know what were the stated concerns. I know the resulting decision was to operate VHF. We who work to help viewers receive our signal must work from that perspective.

Kelly

They didn't care about the ease or reliability of reception, home antenna complications, etc.

As is demonstrated by their recent promotion regarding getting AETN's digital channels, the crux of the matter is probably that most people have cable. In the promotion OTA reception of their digital channels is not even mentioned, just to contact your cable provider. When it comes down to it, in my opinion, their transmitter is more or less a regulatory annoyance that is required (by FCC) to get on cable systems. If that is the case and it is really not the OTA viewers they are interested in then I can see why they wouldn't want the expense of delivering a quality signal to us. I guess this could be said of all the other channels as well.

In other words, I agree, "They didn't care."

Just my 2 cents worth....Well, maybe only a penny.

dmatch

We who work to help viewers receive our signal must work from that perspective.

May I ask who you work for exactly?

Kelly,

I get the channel 5 digital signal here at high signal levels. But, it required a separate VHF antenna to be added to my system. Plus there isn't that much electrical interference in a rural area, but when it does happen sound and video dropout annoyingly.

Being a tax-payer, it does concern me that AETN would build out facilities that many are not able to use (VHF, low power). KETG analog comes in 24/7 here but the digital requires a bit of enhancement. The choice of KETZ's temporary channel 12 was IMHO boneheaded for providing a crippled signal and limiting KTHV's southern coverage area. Things should improve when KATV's and KTVE's old channels are reused by KETS and KETZ.

My two cents,

H.

May I ask who you work for exactly?

AETN, in Conway.

AETN, in Conway.

In what capacity? Anything engineering related? Just wondering because it would be great to know who can be spoken to regarding things like the lack of reception. Would be great if the transmitted power for the digital signal could be turned up by at least 50%.

steveken,
dmatch posted the prevailing attitude at most tv stations now; get it on cable and screw OTA. KSPR-DT (abc) in Springfield has followed similar logic. Low power on a short stick and no HD on OTA. You gotta pay the cableco for HD, since (excluding "moving" with satellite) that's the only way to get abc-hd in that market.

Mr Boswell just works for aetn. He didn't make these short sighted policies; someone who only saw $ signs did. They didn't have a clue, or didn't care, about how OTA DTV on VHF sucks. Even KATV saw the light and abandoned VHF channel SEVEN (which aetn is moving to in '09).

Recorded some of the series with HD DVR on KAFT-DT (http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DT1034496.gif) VHF ch 9 OTA. I had to delete the first episode due to weather-related macroblocks and audio dropouts, making it too annoying to watch. :mad: I recorded the rest of it on a more reliable UHF channel (30 miles farther away and supposedly too far away to receive), KOZK-DT (http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DT680542.gif). Not as clear due to KOZK's multicasting, but at least the audio is all there.

None of the UHF digital stations in this area suffer from audio dropouts during distant thunderstorms.

In what capacity? Anything engineering related? Just wondering because it would be great to know who can be spoken to regarding things like the lack of reception. Would be great if the transmitted power for the digital signal could be turned up by at least 50%.

Not only is KETS's power lower, its also directional to protect current analog stations WMC ch 5 Memphis and KFSM ch 5 Fort Smith. Add that to the low power and urban electrical interference and that is receving nightmare.

The only AETN digital transmitter on UHF is KETJ-DT (20) in Jonesboro, AR. I have "DX'ed" KETJ-DT but not the El Dorado directional VHF transmitter (KETZ-DT 12).

Where exactly is the transmitter for the KETS DTV channels?

Steveken,

KETS-DT is located on the KASN tower (west side of I-530 @ Redfield). When analog shuts off, It will (reportedly) use the same antenna/tower that KATV does now for ch7 analog. KETS ch 2 analog is currently on the KATV tower.

Sorry for the long post, gang. Looks like I got wordy again.

May I ask who you work for exactly?

In what capacity? Anything engineering related? Just wondering because it would be great to know who can be spoken to regarding things like the lack of reception. Would be great if the transmitted power for the digital signal could be turned up by at least 50%.

I apologize that my previous reply was so short. Just as I was getting started in composing, I was summoned to assist with another project. I thought it better to respond--albeit embarrassingly brief--than to ignore the question. Let me see if I can answer a few of the assorted questions, and perhaps clarify a point or two.

Yes, my capacity is engineering related. I work as Technician in the AETN Engineering Dept. I sometimes feel I am the "utility operator". Most of the work lately has been here in the headquarters, but I started out at the UHF transmitter site near Jonesboro. I feel privileged to have helped install all six of our digital TV transmitters. But frankly, after a while, it is a blur. So, in advance let me say, no I don't recall which site has 1 7/8" hardline, which has 3 1/8" hardline, nor which has 3 1/8" heliax. I know SOME of them do. But, I just can't recall until I walk into the building. And I don't work on the transmitters routinely. Other folks in the department do, and I just don't get out there unless they need a extra hand.

One of those items under the job category of "other duties as assigned" is to help viewers with the OTA reception concerns. Most viewer question go to Viewer Services'. However, if the question regards reception of the signal they'll contact me to follow up with the viewer. Similarly, I can't/don't/won't handle questions about program selections. ;)

As arxaw correctly stated in message 3477 [Post 11856040], I do not make policy.

In answer to message 3436[I failed to note the Post number], yes, I have a bachelor's degree. No, it is not in engineering. I do have an FCC General Class license, which was renewed as a Lifetime General Class back in 1985. My certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is at the CBTE level, by examination, not grandfathering. I'm also an Extra Class Amateur Radio Licensee, although that is irrelevant in this issue. (20 wpm was a p.i.ta., too. But somehow I did it.)

The Director of Engineering is the top of the engineering chain here, and is my second level supervisor. He holds a BSEE from Lehigh University and an FCC First Class Radiotelephone License.

He and I have both worked here since the late '80s.

As for policy questions, that would be determined at his level in concert with the administrators and the consulting engineers (which if I'm remembering correctly is the firm of Gary Sgrignole and Dennis Wallis. Don't remember who is the "third" in that three-initial firm. I often feel I have misspelled Gary's last name, so apologies if that is the case now.)

So, to answer the question from message 3476 [Post 11855271] about "increasing power by 50%", I can only say that my understanding is this design is operating at the maximum power allowable in our situation. I don't expect that will change until we move up a hundred megahertz to the channel seven frequency when it becomes vacant. I do not know what parameters or constraints were in effect, nor the particulars as to how this concept was arrived at.

As stated in message 3480 [Post 11858470], the KETS-DT is located on the channel 38 tower near Redfield, just inside Grant County. But, when we change to the channel seven frequency we will remain at the channel 38 location. (In other words, the plan *as I understand it*, is we will vacate property shared with KATV, and that NONE of their equipment, buildings, furnishings or tower will be used in our channel seven build-out.) And [anticipating a question here], no, I don't know the power level or pattern proposed on that project. <grin> I refer again to arxaw's comment that Mr. Boswell does not make policy.:)

Likewise for the plan to convert KETZ from channel 12 to channel 10. I don't know the power level or pattern proposed. But, I don't foresee a band change to UHF.

As for "They didn't care" stated in Post 11854611, I disagree. I *do* think it was an oversight on the part of whomever wrote that. I have noted the on-air statement about contacting cable or satellite provider. I pointed this out to the Dir. of Engineering; that the comment as phrased overlooks the OTA viewer. The short answer--engineering was not consulted when that script was written. (wondering to self if I can highlight that badly phrased promo to someone in other departments who can get it changed)

So, no, if we didn't care we wouldn't have a Viewer Services department to handle viewers calls. Nor would engineering devote any time to OTA viewers calls, emails, letters, and postings. Even if a viewer has a reception problem through their cable or satellite provider --which is often the case--they'll call us. We have no control over what the cable/satellite companies to do our signal. But we'll follow-up, in hopes of expediting the viewers' concern.

YMMV, but I disagree about the "not-caring" part.

To sum up, if viewers have a question about their receiving the OTA signal of AETN, the questions come to me. (You are welcome to phone me is you'd rather. Just call the front desk number 682-AETN.)

(Opinions expressed are my own. I have no authority for speak for, nor on behalf of, AETN.)

Hope this helps,
Kelly

Ahh, ok, sorry about all that. I have to admit that I had forgotten how little I knew about this sort of area. The most in-depth I had gotten to things of this nature was when I was studying for my Technician class license and the little bit of studying I did for the General class ham license a VERY long time ago. :) I obviously have no clue about the power limitations or the patterns required to limit interference to other stations. I have just always thought that since I was located relatively near all of the transmitters that there was no excuse why I couldn't get some channels. Obviously, I was wrong. :) Thanks for providing such a detailed answer. This is the kind of area I have always kind of been interested in getting into. The closest I got was working as a weekend/overnight board operator and producer for radio stations.

Mr Boswell...since its pretty much written in stone you will be on channel 7, and since you infer an agreement with Clear Channel to share tower space, could they at least consider using channel 16's tower so both LR's VHF digitals will be in the same direction? Its a terrible PITA designing a antenna system for two directions unless you happen to be lucky enugh to be right between them. Sounds like you haven't started yet, so maybe it would be possible?

Its a terrible PITA designing a antenna system for two directions unless you happen to be lucky enugh to be right between them.

And the final product looks something like the Apollo 13 Orbiter landed on your roof. :D Oh hey, I actually love the looks, but the largest piece of my antenna setup serves one purpose; picking up AETN digital.

"The War" looked awesome though!

And the final product looks something like the Apollo 13 Orbiter landed on your roof. :D Oh hey, I actually love the looks, but the largest piece of my antenna setup serves one purpose; picking up AETN digital.

"The War" looked awesome though!

You know what I finally had to do to get the AETN digital channels? I subscribe to Comcast for Internet access and I have a couple of TV's that support clearQAM. I took a cable from the Comcast jack, plugged it into my TV here in the computer room, told it to scan for channels, and it came up with a big list of channels....of which AETN's digitals are included. Thats about the only way I get to watch PBS-HD until D* puts it up. Its a major hassle to remember to check for stuff to watch over there and to actually turn it on, but when I do, I enjoy it. If you guys subscribe to Comcast for either TV or Internet and have a newer HDTV (one from like at least the last couple years), try that out and see what you get.

To sum up, if viewers have a question about their receiving the OTA signal of AETN, the questions come to me. (You are welcome to phone me is you'd rather. Just call the front desk number 682-AETN.)

(Opinions expressed are my own. I have no authority for speak for, nor on behalf of, AETN.)

Hope this helps,
Kelly

This is a great post by a technical person at that station. We should be so lucky to get a similar response from a technical person at the other stations, especially those in charge and not just to tell us when an HD program is going to air.

Thanks, Kelly. I am told that your station is tops in OTA HD. I hope to be able to receive your OTA signal before long.

Kelly, thanks so much for taking the time to write such a detailed explanation. And for helping me realize I'm not the only Lehigh alumni in these parts. :)

... I don't foresee a band change to UHF. That's what I expect from the powers that be at AETN. If they do care, as you stated, then this choice is an ignorant choice, in light of the poor track record of other stations trying to use VHF for DTV. One can only hope that the FCC may allow increased VHF power in the future, which may help alleviate the annoying glitches on VHF.

Thanks for your detailed explations.

My only wish is that the people who made the "VHF" decision would visit a few homes with OTA digital reception and attempt to watch a program during rainy weather, with nearby lightning (i'm not talking about severe storms - the TV should be OFF and unplugged during those times). VHF digital channels are the only channels that are unwatchable, due to droputs. The video glitches are almost tolerable, but the audio drops are annoying enough to make it unwatchable. And what's really annoying is when one records a program, and later discovers that it's unwatchable due to A/V glitches, just because of the weather and a bad channel choice by station management. A channel that wasn't the original one assigned by the FCC.

I've seen this VHF problem in LR, OKC & NWA, in other homes as well as mine, on both PBS and commercial stations, using indoor and outdoor antennas - amp'd & unamp'd.

Just to add my .02 cents to the mix, I am able to pick up KETS-DT fairly well in good weather in Benton, with an VHF/UHF antenna pointed toward Shinall. I lose the signal more than the 5 main network affiliates, but it's alot better than KWBF-DT. I have never been able to get even a hint of KVTN-DT.

Does the HR20 support QAM on the antenna in port? I'm doubting it. If I can't record it, I'm not watching it. I don't watch anything except the baseball playoffs live

No. D* would never have a digital cable demodulator in their DVRs or receivers. And even if the tuner could decode it, D* would have to provide the cableco channels in the guide, since that's the only way the HR20 can setup recordings. And that ain't gonna happen.

Dave, after seeing my recordings of "The War" in HD on AETN filled with audio droputs and macroblocking, I decided to not record anything else on KAFT-DT 9-n. Maybe 45 mi is too far for 19kW VHF to travel reliably. I record PBS on Ozarks Public TV, KOZK-DT 23-n. Resolution is a bit worse because the station converts 1080i 720p and adds two add'l sub channels. But at least they don't have VHF dropouts on their 100kW UHF station over 70 miles away.

I agree. VHF hi is a better choice than VHF lo, but UHF is the only really interference free band. What makes matters worse, is right now, you can combine a vhf-lo antenna pointed south and a vhf-hi antenna pointed west together with a lo/hi combiner, then use a uhf/vhf combiner to all in the rest above13. Once they move to channel 7, Ill probably have to point the antenna 1/2 way between the two. Don't know how that will work, will just have to wait and see. hopefully D* will have it before then.

Wow..did a scan this morning and picked up KTAL from Texarkana on 15-1... I'm impressed. Used to DX all the time when I was in a clear location, but now I'm stuck in a valley in town, so this was exciting. Not a peep out of any of the other Shreveport stations.

Yesterday morning, I was getting LR KARK-DT and Tulsa's KRJH-DT. Both at ~70% signal strength.

I just did a scan with my H20 and found a 22-20. I don't know what it is, its black when I try to tune it in. Also, I have it on LPGA golf right now on 4-1 and WOW does it look like crap! It may say its 1080i, but it sure looks SD to me. It is VERY bad. Its blurry, not sharp, and just not very good quality at all. I would be ashamed to put that on!

First, I'm getting 22-20 also. Probably a glitch in KATV's psip.

Second, NO NBC sports will ever look good until the quit using whatever it is they use. NASCAR, Football, all NBC sports looks like crap.... BUT at least KaRK shows it. I see the Wisconsin/Penn State game on ABC is preempted for "Paid Programming" on KATV. Why not, who wants to watch college football when they could watch some drone telling you how great his new kitchen egg chopper is....THANK YOU KATV... You Suck!
WABC forever.

First, I'm getting 22-20 also. Probably a glitch in KATV's psip.

Second, NO NBC sports will ever look good until the quit using whatever it is they use. NASCAR, Football, all NBC sports looks like crap.... BUT at least KaRK shows it. I see the Wisconsin/Penn State game on ABC is preempted for "Paid Programming" on KATV. Why not, who wants to watch college football when they could watch some drone telling you how great his new kitchen egg chopper is....THANK YOU KATV... You Suck!
WABC forever.

I remember when I first got my HD TV that I was watching golf on 4-1 and it looked fricken awesome. I wonder what happened to it. They may have made changes that made things like that suffer. Dunno.

And I second that emotion, KATV SUCKS! Their news shows are only slightly better than 4 (and don't get me started on the fricken twinkies they have on 4. They just are ridiculous and hard as hell to watch.), and I can't bring myself to go back to 11 for some reason even though Dawn Scott is back. Maybe one day all the good ol' boys will be gone and we can get some decent TV around here.

I think all we need to happen is to get someone at the stations that know what is going on and how to fix it. I have also noted the degradation in program video in the last few months and KARK's continuing, occasional problem with carrier and no program. At KARK they say it ain't happening but when I get KLRT and KTHV, at 100% and normally KARK at 100% and my meter is showing 100% for KARK and KARK in black with no program audio or video, I think there is a problem with KARK's signal. They don't monitor off the air.

As far as the paid programs on KATV instead of football, management will tell you that "Sales Rules" at all times and everything else is a necessary evil. Those "paid programs" that they run are big money makers just like Sunday mornings with the churches.

KARK is airing a 30-minute paid program each day from 11:30 a.m. to 12 Noon (in between their Arkansas Matters shows) and trying to pass it off as entertainment. Who wants to listen to some doctor talk about why his operations are better than other doctors while you are trying to eat lunch.

I believe some LR stations have a long way to go. IMO KLRT continues to lead the pack in quality and has since day one.

Yea, I watch KLRT's news myself. Wish they would get some widescreen cameras, but they do a good newscast. Little to much "later you will see" promos, but got to fill that hour :)

Once again, today's events proves Little Rock television is a race to the bottom.

I wasn't home today to catch 7-1's aping of KWBF (verified listings via Titan TV) but its getting *way* over the top. KATV has *long* Jumped The Shark. All they need is to air Shepard's Chapel instead of The View, and stretch-o-vision on SD programming. Their "total transformation" to a crack-whore broadcaster will be complete.

ABC Needs to 86 KATV as Little Rock's ABC Affiliate!