You ever notice on Retrojams, they download their videos off the internet? Saw one where they forgot to edit the #IRC ad for the ripper off the end of the video. That explains the varying video quality and audio levels :)

since LOST hasn't been on for a few weeks I haven't watched ABC HD but, at least at my new house, Comcast is now sending it at 17-18mbps (a marked improvement in quality from the 9-10mbps that it was at). So when LOST returns next week maybe it won't look so bitstarved...

No, Dave, I don't watch Retrojams. I never really liked watching videos in the first place, so I don't wanna go back and watch them now. Got too much other crap on TV that I like to watch and am behind on. :) I have most of the mp3's of the songs I like and that is good enough. :) I am just not one of those music video guys....especially now that MTV doesn't show them. hehe Anyway, it doesn't surprise me that a station like that shows pirated material. Wish the RIAA would go after them.

They never have paid much attention to the sharing of music videos, since 99% of them are digitized off tv and as such, are in the same catagory as sharing a video tape or dvd of the latest "lost" episode...Im guessing.

FWIW, I FINALLY have media share on my HR20 working 100%. Thought I'd never get it to work.

Now, all I'm waiting for, is the release of Hauppages' new YPrPb/AC3 recorder for my computer, so I can schedule PBS-HD recordings.

Oh, I finally got media share going too. Had to install tversity to get it to play a bunch of videos I want it to. For some reason, when I play back dvr-ms files, it divides the screen into 4 quadrants, then focuses all the video from the first quadrant over the entire screen. You never get to see anything from the other areas. I guess thats just a codec problem with dvr-ms files, but its annoying. Its not the hr20's fault either as I have the same problem on ANY device I try to play that format file on. Thats the only thing I have found so far that doesn't work.

I didn't know Hauppauge was coming out with a new card. Is this supposed to be so you can input a true HD signal and have it record that?

Yea. Its not a card, its an external box. Has Red/Green/Blue YPrPb inputs, And passthrough outputs, SPDIF input w/passthrough output. Plugs in computer via USB. Records true HD using H.264, and has a program to edit commercials out. Supposed to work with same scheduler as the other hauppage stuff. Its $250. Worth it if it works.

Got a link?

http://www.hauppage.com/site/products/data_hd_pvr.html

Bought a 7" widescreen portable lcd tv to use out in the field to tune sat dishes and antennas. Tried it from my living room, just for grins, with the built in dipole antenna. Only KLRT-DT would scan in. Had to put it in a window to scan THV and KARK. Never would scan 44, 39, or 24 or 5. Even when scanned in, I could only get a watchable signal on the west windowsill from THV and KARK. KLRT came in just about anywhere in the house. What *IS* it about KLRT that makes it so much better than the rest?

Anyway, the point of my post, is that although they weren't clear, the analog stations (even 7) scanned in and were watchable.

I'm afraid come Feb 09, there are gonna be lots of pissed off people. ATSC portable is just not usable unless you are under the tower or carry a 4221 on your back.

I'm assuming you mean the Insignia 7" thing? It's a piece of crap. I have one and the stupid thing interferes with itself. Literally, something in the unit interferes with itself; I get poor reception even when hooking it to the roof antenna.

- Trip

You know, its funny, for me the best reception I get is from 38-1 and 38-2. They peg at 100% on my HR20 while everything else is damn lucky to get 80% at times....more like 70% most of the time.

Accurian from Radio Shack. The video is awesome when fed with composite video from a 480i downres output on a Directv receiver. When it comes in, CBS and FOX HD looked great too.

After your comments, I plugged it into my Quantum on the roof. Pointed west it locked all the stations except 5 and 39. Even pulled in 26 from Hot Springs. Pointed it south and hit channel ADD scan, and it locked 5 and 39. When done, with the antenna still pointed south, I flipped through all the channels, they all came it great, even 44, off the side. Tuner appears solid. Better than my DVR by far. Just seems DTV doesn't work with a portable antenna worth a crap.

The tv didn't show any apparent problems, or interference. Don't know if the two are from the same manufacturer or not.

... KLRT came in just about anywhere in the house. What *IS* it about KLRT that makes it so much better than the rest?Maybe your house is just in KLRT-DT hot spot (?).

Anyway, the point of my post, is that although they weren't clear, the analog stations (even 7) scanned in and were watchable.

I'm afraid come Feb 09, there are gonna be lots of pissed off people....True, at least until they start using better tuner chipsets in the tiny TVs.

There are many many people around here who can't afford cable (or just don't want it), who use some sort of half-assed indoor antenna for their occasional TV viewing - mainly news or weather stuff. Their NTSC picture is horrible; full of snow/ghosts, etc., and they could get a much better picture with a simple outdoor antenna. But at least some channels are vaguely visible and the sound comes in. When anlog shuts down, many of them will no doubt be pissed if they lose all TV reception.

But the digital train has already left the station.

Maybe your house is just in KLRT-DT hot spot (?).

True, at least until they start using better tuner chipsets in the tiny TVs.

There are many many people around here who can't afford cable (or just don't want it), who use some sort of half-assed indoor antenna for their occasional TV viewing - mainly news or weather stuff. Their NTSC picture is horrible; full of snow/ghosts, etc., and they could get a much better picture with a simple outdoor antenna. But at least some channels are vaguely visible and the sound comes in. When anlog shuts down, many of them will no doubt be pissed if they lose all TV reception.

But the digital train has already left the station.
Yeah, I know there are a LOT of people who are still stuck in the late 60's early 70's that just will not catch up with everyone else in the present. They insist on using antennas to watch analog TV over the air. Cable or satellite just is an unjustified expense to them and they just will not shell out the money for it.

The way I look at it is that if they insist on using extremely outdated technology, they need something like this to give them a kick in the pants to get them into at least 1990 so they don't get left behind further. (1990 being a good area for cable tv in my approximation, just a guestamate really.) I mean, most of these people are probably still using console TV's that are well over 20 years old that are very energy wasteful. As cheap as TV's are nowadays, it seems like a really great time to get people to upgrade a little to better their viewing experience and maybe lower their electric bills a little.

Anyway, just my .02 worth. That and about 2.50 will get you a cup of coffee somewhere.

Didn't know Accurian made one.

Either way, I have yet to see an Accurian product that wasn't awful. I have an Accurian HD radio and it turns out that it also has a self-interference problem--the LED screen on the front which displays the time/frequency interferes with the reception of the unit. The digital tuner on the thing is almost deaf.

Honestly, it doesn't surprise me that the thing doesn't work very well. I'd wait until a REAL company makes a receiver before I made any judgments about portable ATSC.

- Trip

Hey Trip, I was in CC other day looking at LCD Tv's and even the salesman told me to steer clear of Insignia electronics..

Regards

Dave E

Insignia is Best Buy's in-house brand. I wouldn't be surprised that someone from CC would tell you to avoid them. ;)

Seriously though, Insignia stuff is mostly junk. I'm already aware of this. I bought the NS-7HTV because I got it cheap on eBay.

- Trip

Yeah, I know there are a LOT of people who are still stuck in the late 60's early 70's that just will not catch up with everyone else in the present. They insist on using antennas to watch analog TV over the air. Cable or satellite just is an unjustified expense to them and they just will not shell out the money for it.

The way I look at it is that if they insist on using extremely outdated technology, they need something like this to give them a kick in the pants to get them into at least 1990 so they don't get left behind further. (1990 being a good area for cable tv in my approximation, just a guestamate really.) I mean, most of these people are probably still using console TV's that are well over 20 years old that are very energy wasteful. As cheap as TV's are nowadays, it seems like a really great time to get people to upgrade a little to better their viewing experience and maybe lower their electric bills a little.

Anyway, just my .02 worth. That and about 2.50 will get you a cup of coffee somewhere.

I don't pay for cable nor do I pay for Sat. simply because what I want to watch comes in over the airwaves for free. I got my 2 coupons and purchased a pair of digital tuners so my "ancient - read late 90s" TVs will continue to work and to improve my picture quality. We really don't watch that much TV, preferring to spend time with the kids or outside. Even with analog my reception isn't bad (even got 7 decent before they lost their tower). I stuck one of my rabbit ears up in the attic to get a bit more elevation, works like a charm. So, the bottom line is, you don't have to shell out $60 or whatever Comcast wants for cable these days or even $30 for satellite just to get decent reception.

Now I would love to upgrade to a TV that will give me HD watching ability and I'm sure I will in the next few years but for what I watch now, I'm not paying $3K just to watch the news or some show in HD. It's worth it for something on like discovery and such but for Grey's Anatomy? It's a TV show.

... even the salesman told me to steer clear of Insignia electronics...Depends on who makes the stuff with the insignia label on it. The Insignia digital converter boxes are made by LG and have great tuners. It's supposedly a clone of the Zenith boxes at CC & RS.

I don't pay for cable nor do I pay for Sat. simply because what I want to watch comes in over the airwaves for free. I got my 2 coupons and purchased a pair of digital tuners so my "ancient - read late 90s" TVs will continue to work and to improve my picture quality. We really don't watch that much TV, preferring to spend time with the kids or outside. Even with analog my reception isn't bad (even got 7 decent before they lost their tower). I stuck one of my rabbit ears up in the attic to get a bit more elevation, works like a charm. So, the bottom line is, you don't have to shell out $60 or whatever Comcast wants for cable these days or even $30 for satellite just to get decent reception.

Now I would love to upgrade to a TV that will give me HD watching ability and I'm sure I will in the next few years but for what I watch now, I'm not paying $3K just to watch the news or some show in HD. It's worth it for something on like discovery and such but for Grey's Anatomy? It's a TV show.
I understand that fact that most stuff people care about are free OTA. The coupons for the basically free converters is a pretty good deal, honestly, but its not completely as good and reliable as other sources. Oh, and your TV isn't ancient in my description of problem TV's. What I was meaning were TV's that are from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. I know a few people that still have those because they still work. Hell, I know a few people who have other TV's sitting on top of those console TV's cause they are good stands. :) I just couldn't imagine watching an HD show on an old, 4x3 tube TV.

Question for you, byrdnest. How did you deal with running the wire for the rabbit ears into the attic? Do you still have a run of wire running across the floor or up the wall? I would like to do something like that to get more elevation, but I just don't know what I would do to make the run of wire less unsightly.

I am not trying to push cable (cause I hate it) or satellite (because its just not completely reliable, sadly), but I am just saying that come next year there are a LOT of people who simply will not want to screw with trying to adjust their antennas or the constant adjusting of the antenna to get one station after they had been watching another and thus be SOL.

This is what my problem is right now. I don't have a real good antenna setup going and find myself watching a very choppy signal every now and then or having to move the antenna just to get the damn channel back in. It is a MAJOR pain in the ass at times. I should go out and get an outdoor antenna, but my wife really doesn't want to have to screw with that either because it would be kind of a nightmare getting the wires run to the different TV's without a lot of work and confusion, plus the sight of one of those behemoths on the roof.

I have a couple of old tube TV's in the bedrooms that I could get one of those converters for. I know the coupons were for $40 and thats exactly how much the ones I saw at wal-mart were for. I figure I can get one for my son's room at least so if we can ever get 2 in digital (I'm not holding my breath for that one) he can watch it and one for the master bedroom just to mess with.

Steve,

When I wired my house with Cat5 I also pulled RG6 to strategic locations. Based on the reviews I "upgraded" to the Zenith set top boxes . They cost $59 I think but the coupon covers most of it. They also have the latest LG chip in them so it handles multipath better. I've contemplated getting an external antenna but the only channel I don't get right now is AETN. I keep meaning to build an antenna tuned for RF5 and point it south but other stuff just keeps getting in the way.

To mount my rabbit ears (it's one of those that you can "tune" with the nob on the base. I took a 12" x 24" piece of plywood and screwed it to the rafters. Then drilled 4 holes and zip tied the rabbit ears essentailly upside down to the board. Ran the cable to a splitter and split it to the living room and MBR.

And yea, there's a bunch of folks that are going to be screwed come February. There's a bunch of portable devices still on the market that aren't going to work. My mom gave me a shower cd player/radio/TV audio gizmo for Christmas. It's still sitting on the bathroom counter. She got it because it had the word digital on it. If you read the fine print on the sticker it mentions that come Feb it won't work because the TV audio part is analog only. Oh well.

...My mom gave me a shower cd player/radio/TV audio gizmo for Christmas. It's still sitting on the bathroom counter. She got it because it had the word digital on it...This is why antenna manufacturers are putting the word "Digital" or "HDTV" in the names of their antennas. But an antenna needed for decent digital TV is no different than analog.

steveken, If you added up all the time you've spent mucking with indoor antennas and you could've installed a reliable outdoor antenna and been done with it. I never touch my antenna and I live from 45 to 70mi away from the transmitters.

Yeah, but that outdoor antenna costs how much? And how would I get the wiring run to be as hidden as possible? And how big is it and how much attention would it attract?

This house wasn't wired for cable at all when my wife moved in. The outlets we have now were after the fact. They were also pre-siding, so adding an outdoor antenna to the mix could be a pain and could introduce problems with what we have now.

Hey, Byrdnest. I bought a lo-band VHF antenna from solidsignal and a preamp. Put them up on a 16' pole here close to Jacksonville and get all 5 of the digital channels from KETS in Redfield with over 70% signal strength. They going to RF 7 after the cutover so it will still work. That lo-band setup also pulls in 4 11 and 16. Regards

Dave E

Yeah, but that outdoor antenna costs how much? And how would I get the wiring run to be as hidden as possible? And how big is it and how much attention would it attract?

This house wasn't wired for cable at all when my wife moved in. The outlets we have now were after the fact. They were also pre-siding, so adding an outdoor antenna to the mix could be a pain and could introduce problems with what we have now.

You might be able to us a "diplexer???" to insert the antenna signal into your existing wiring.

How much do these diplexers cost? I have thought about that fact in the past, but I haven't been able to figure out where to get them from (haven't done much looking at all, honestly) or how much they cost. Does anyone on here have any extras that they don't need?

My other concern is the outdoor antenna itself and where I would put it. I am NOT comfortable being up on the roof, but do have a mast that I can use, but don't have it mounted to anything. Plus, I would be worried about how big it was. I figure being as close as I am to the transmitters I could use a smaller antenna, but don't know how small. I am also not sure about getting one of those 4221's like we have talked about on here before. Guess all in all I am afraid of spending money on something that I am not real comfortable with. If I had just kept up on my Ham Radio stuff over the years I would be a little better. :)

I can pick up all the LR locals except PBS with a bow tie (one element of a 4221) and no reflector. I think they sell for under $20. Diplexers can be found at solidsignal.com or any directv online retailer. Cost about the same as a splitter. Need one at the antenna end, one at the tv end... so two for each tv in the house.

I guess I just don't have any clue what I am looking for because I can't find a one element bowtie. I looked around on solidsignal and there are just soooo many antennas. Its jsut a bit much.

Besides, I don't think I would know where to put it. The way I have my wires tucked somewhat under the siding, it might be a bit difficult to fit anything there. Maybe I could attempt it and put the antenna itself on the underside of the deck? I knew I would need a diplexer on the antenna side and then one at each tv. You said two for each tv, are you talking about putting up more than one antenna?

No, splitting the antenna, one for each sat line coming in...

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=PR9016

Oh, ok. One input from the antenna into a splitter where it branches it off into each lead for each TV. Immediately after the splitter, put in a diplexer to couple it in with the sat leads. THEN a diplexer on each TV that is the intended target?

And that antenna, doesn't look like it will do much for lower than 14. It might work for 12, but it doesn't look like it would work at all for 7 (or 5) or would it? Don't know really what I was expecting to find, but I guess I hoped for something in the $15 range. Guess double that isn't too bad. Just hate those damn shipping charges.

Diplexer:
http://www.google.com/search?q=diplexer

Pictures:
http://images.google.com/images?q=diplexer

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=SPDX100DC
That looks sooo familiar. I think I have an Eagle Aspen in the garage. I think my mom had it when I collected up all her stuff. Its probably not a diplexer though as she wouldn't have needed it for that. She was splitting the signal off for different TV's, but I think it looks just like that.

Wait, the wife says we sold it on ebay. Oh well.

I was thinking, I have hooked up splitters in reverse before to put two antenna's into my hr20's ota in port. it reduced the signal a little bit, but wouldn't just flipping a splitter over work to almost the same effect as a diplexer? I know it would hurt the signal, but was just wondering.

Diplexers add the 50-851 MHz signal from the antenna with the 900-2100 MHz IF for the sat receiver from the LNB, send it down the line, then the diplexer at the receiver splits it back, sending the sat signal to the sat in and the 50-851 Mhz to the antenna in.

BTW, to complicate matters, sat 103 is sent from the lnb to the receiver using the same frequencies as TV until the reach the base band converter (BBC), so the means you need to move your bbc from the receiver to BEFORE the diplexer on the dish end, and it has to be in a waterproof box.

That antenna will do ch 12 ok. Doubtful if it will do much on 7.

Yeah, knew about the BBC on the outside. Another problem with putting up an OTA. Guess I will just wait for DirecTV to put them on and deal if it goes out cause of rain. Maybe keep what I have as a backup or something. Oh well. Just don't wanna throw away perfectly good money on something thats not absolutely necessary.

I'd just get a silver sensor indoor uhf yagi for backup during bad weather, and use Directv.

Just fyi, Directv has been in contact with local engineers, and will be going live with LR lil HD as soon as they finish parking and testing D11.

Also, Directv is coming out with a new three LNB dish, 99,101, 103. No 110 or 119. So, if you have a mpeg4 receiver, and don't need LR SD locals, you can lose the two more difficult sats.

FWIW, you can get a SWM with built in OTA antenna input, which would work perfect if you had all Mpeg4 receivers...problem is, price is still >$300.

SWM = Single Wire Multiswitch. It allows 1 coax for two-tuner D* DVR.

Dave, I know D* is migrating to MPEG4, but aren't some of the older MPEG2 HD channels still on the 110° & 119° sats?

Until D11 goes live. Then they are going to move meg2 HD channels to 99 using MPeg4, and only use 110 and 119 fo SD locals and international. All HD will be on 99/101/103. They didn't say, but with the new 3 sat dish, we are betting D12 will be parked at 101 and the new dish will have dual KU/KA lnb at the 101 position.

A silver sensor still costs around $30. I am DEFINITELY not going to spring for it cause its just way too damn expensive for something that little.

110 and 119 are anything but difficult for me. I get them damn near 100% all the time. Guess its just my good install job. :) (toot toot) lol

Yeah, well, I still bet it will take the local people a while to get the crap ready. I seem to remember hearing that same thing back for the SD locals and it still took a while.

I would love to get a SWM, but #1, the reps don't know what the hell you are talking about :) and #2, like you said, its really bad expensive. I am a cheapskate by nature. :) Unless I can get it free, I will make do. hehehe

The 110 & 119 are only difficult for people with trees or other obstructions in the way. Same for the 72.5 sat, which Springfield & Fayetteville locals are currently on. The 72.5 requires a 2nd dish, which isn't too popular, and dish had SD LILs a long time before D* did. So the vast majority of people here have Dish

Is Smallville not in HD anymore? I saw the HD listing on KASN-DT, so decided to watch it, and its SD, pillar and letterboxed...I turned it off... When did they quit doing smallville in HD?

Thats just another prime example of the local station not doing its job right I think. The reason I say that is because I always download torrents of my most favorite shows just as a backup in case something happens around here. Smallville is in HD from what I can see of the file that I have downloaded so far.

Is Smallville not in HD anymore? I saw the HD listing on KASN-DT, so decided to watch it, and its SD, pillar and letterboxed...I turned it off... When did they quit doing smallville in HD?

I contacted errett at KASN last night, he said they had an equipment malfunction in Master Control, he was in working on it during Smallville, and was able to get it fixed during Supernatural. Trust me on this, errett is an HD lover, and he wants HD done right on his stations. I was dissappointed that Smallville was not in HD last night as well, but I felt better when I found out it was a legitimate equipment problem, not an MCO asleep on the job.

Oh OK. Ill try next week. At least Ugly Betty was back on...and as good as usual.

Btw, anyone notice the guide data for 42-2 is now in english? You're welcome. :) The only problem with it now is that its really the data for 42-1. I have another email into the guy that got us fixed this far and let him know that it needs to be fixed a tiny bit more still. :)

Totally amazing that its been a year and its still not fixed.

Hey, its MOSTLY fixed! :)

Deleted.

I don't think anyone else here has Time-Warner Cable. At least not that I have ever heard mention it. Where are you from?

Edit: Just for clarification, when I asked where are you from, I meant so we can have an idea of the part of the state you are in. I don't think Hot Springs or the areas around it have that, and I don't know what other cities have really off the top of my head. Its just more for my benefit I guess. :)

Edit Edit: Guess he wasn't from around here and just put it in the wrong group.

What is the best SD digital-to-analog converter box to buy and where?

What is the best SD digital-to-analog converter box to buy and where?

from what I've seen, if your coupon doesn't expire for a little longer, EchoStar has a good box coming out that will have a solid EPG. I forget which one is highest-rated on CNET but they have reviews for all of the ones released so far...I'm still waiting for my coupon. Starting to see a few used at the Wal-Mart I work at.

For best tuner sensitivity, the Zenith at Circuit City and Rat Shack. Also sold under the Insignia Brand at Worst Buy. The Zenith has a better warranty.

Do NOT get the RCA or Maggotbox at walmart. The Mag won't receive some VHF channels and won't reject some co/adjacent channel interference. The RCA only remembers one scan. If you move the antenna and rescan, it forgets the previously found channels. The Zenith/Insignia boxes have something called "EZ ADD" that will only scan for new channels and keep the ones it already found in memory.

What kevinkcburns said re: the Echostar. If your coupons won't expire for a while. It's supposed to be out in June and in addition to more detailed EPG, it has S-video, which may or may not be of use on many older TVs. If you're in a weak signal area, you might want to read tuner sensitivity reviews before buying the Echostar. The Zenith is tops WRT reception.

The Echostar is also supposed to have analog pass-thru, but a new Zenith/Insignia box will also have this feature as soon as old stock is sold and replaced with the new models.

For ease of use, the simple program guide on the Zenith isn't bad. It only shows "What's On" & "What's Next"
The Zenith can be programmed to turn your TV on & off with a separate TV power button, but that's all.

All boxes have auto-shutoff after x-number of hours of receiving no remote commands. Auto-shutoff is enabled by default, but can be disabled in the setup menu.

I'm holding onto my coupons for the echostar T-40. And next fall when its released, the T-50 Two tuner OTA DVR. It will really free up my Directv DVR and will save me $5.00 a month for a mirrored receiver.

Anyone know when 42's gonna up their power or do I just have my antenna aimed wierd? I get 75%+ on all of the other channels blasting off of shenal, theirs hovers around 50 and tends to frequently drop down to 25% or so. Between the low power and KATV trying to shove HD out on a subchannel the blocking was horrible during grey's anatomy tonight.

KWBF has two problems. Low power and a short stick.

They must be broadcasting even less power (or their tower's shrinking) tonight, it's horrible.

Don't look to see equity up power or tower height, unless it doesn't cost them any money. If the picture looks good on a 10" studio monitor, there can't be any pixellation on a 50" HDTV :)

Hope everyone and their systems survived tornado week 2...

Steveken: They have KWBF-DT listed on 42-1 and 42-2 now. Think they could manage to get KKYK's schedule on 42-2 now, in English? They sure are an inept bunch of people. I should have their job.

Has anyone else noticed a drop in 4-1's signal level? I haven't changed anything and am playing hell getting it for some reason. Just wondered if anyone else saw this.

Dave, I guess I will email my contact at schedulesdirect.org again to see what he says.

4-1 is reading 100% on my bowtie, no apparent change here. For comparison, 44 is 80%, and 30 is 100%, and 12 is 90% for the Shinall stations.

I know most here who have Comcast are using it for clear QAM, but does anyone by chance have the HD box (non-PVR)? I'm curious about the height of the box to see if it will fit in my cabinet (the available space is tight because it's going to rest under either the receiver of HTPC, both rather tall).

ORPhD, most HD boxes get warm or even hot. A cramped space is the last place you want to install one.

I should have been clearer. That should have read: "the available space is a bit tight because it's going to rest under either the receiver or HTPC, and I want clearance for ventilation."

I did this same thing with my HD DVD player, and the ventilation was fine. My SD box would also be fine (haven't tried it, but it runs cool in a comparable space currently). But I guess the question that does remain is, does an HD converter run much hotter than a DVD player? I would have thought "no" because of a lack of moving parts, but maybe not.

ORPhD, you DON'T want to put it in a relatively tight place. HD boxes DO get a lot hotter than you might think. Might want to try adjusting shelf heights or something, but don't cram it in there.

It's about 2 inches high if I remember correctly. The same exact height as the DVR version. They don't vary at all, just throw a hard drive in there with some different firmware on the chip.


Dave, I just sent off an email to my schedulesdirect.org guy. I figure he might be able to have us fixed within the next few days. For the record, ANYONE who needs ANY type of scheduling information for their HTPC or other computer tv use, you really really really need to consider using schedulesdirect.org. They are GREAT! They are low cost, easy to set up, and their support people are just outstanding!

HD receivers or DVRs are on all the time and usually get much hotter than a DVD player. They should be "top of the stack" with plenty of ventilation.

When they overheat, they start acting weird - and sometimes intermittently weird. And failure rate is usually much higher....

Well, chainsaw time of the year... Had a branch at the top of my oak tree decide it was time to block my C band dish :) All back to full scale now.

Steveken: Thanks. I actually do like some of those old shows on KKYK. Be nice to have a schedule.

Got a guy going to buy a horizontally polarized mobile atsc antenna, and he is gonna report back how it works. Would be great for attic omnidirectional installs if it works.

Dave, I just sent off an email to my schedulesdirect.org guy. I figure he might be able to have us fixed within the next few days. For the record, ANYONE who needs ANY type of scheduling information for their HTPC or other computer tv use, you really really really need to consider using schedulesdirect.org. They are GREAT! They are low cost, easy to set up, and their support people are just outstanding!
But do they have the correct PBS-HD listings? If so, I'm intrigued.

With KWBF-DT 42 down in the mud, looks like it has taken KATV-DT 42.3 with it. As of 6:28 p.m., today, I am not able to receive either one.

BTW, I bought the Zenith DTT 900 and it works fine. From the reviews I have seen, it seems to be the top-rated tuner box at the moment. Thanks for the info.

42.2 fix progress from the guy at schedulesdirect.org:

"It's still in the process of being updated. It was submitted 2008-04-30, and the status updated on 2008-05-01 to "Editorial Researching", so they're still working on it."

But do they have the correct PBS-HD listings? If so, I'm intrigued.
PBS-HD is not carried OTA, so I haven't been focusing on it. I believe I tried to get that addressed in a previous email, but as of late, I have only been concentrating on getting the 42.x bs fixed. I guess I will fire off another email asking about the status of that.

Edit: Looking back at my older emails, on 4/14/08 he told me that he submitted the problem of 440 not showing PBS-HD information to TMS. I guess I will have to inquire how its progressing. I figure since its been almost a month, and he told me it should take anywhere from 48 hours to a week to fix, it should be pretty well fixed by now.

Thanks Steveken... Its funny because they have always had the correct guide data for KWBF and KKYK on directv, you would think Directv would just copy 42 to 42-1 and 49 to 42-2... Shouldn't even have to involve any outside companies... What's even MORE amazing, is that no one at Equity bothered to get it fixed. You would think the station itself would at least care.

Its completely different for information like guide data when talking digital vs. analog. They just pull down whatever data is provided to them.

Remember, this wasn't just a DirecTV issue, it was an issue everywhere that just got standard guide data. At least I am fairly sure it wasn't just DirecTV. I can't remember where all I saw it. I checked too many different places. I know my dad's Dish Network box was showing the same screwed up info and we know how different their companies are. I think places like TitanTV just fixed it themselves or something. The point is that TMS is the company that sends out the MASTER guide data to everyone everywhere.

And it wasn't Equity's responsibility to fix the issue. As far as they were concerned, it was fine on their end. It was solely the responsibility of TMS to provide the correct data.

There was apparently some confusion regarding the net nebraska url that my contact forwarded on. TMS thought we wanted a Nebraska station's lineup in the Arkansas lineup. He apparently explained it to them and its taking another run through their system to get it updated correctly. Hopefully we will have PBS-HD listings very soon.

Anyone else by chance notice a severe degradation in their Comcast signal since last night? QAM had lots of breakups and dropouts when I watched last night, analog is really noisy this morning, and the digital (SD) box has been totally unresponsive.

RockyF, any news? (Hopefully I'm remembering correctly that you're the person working for Comcast.)

ORPhD, yeah, I work at Comcast, I've flipped around on my digital box here this morning, and I don't see anything wrong. When the tech guy in my department gets here, I'll ask him if he's heard of any issues with the system side. (It's kind of funny, but neither of us actually live in the Comcast coverage area, so we can't check this kind of stuff from home. Of course I just work in ad sales/production, so I really don't know much about issues on the system side.)

Anyone else by chance notice a severe degradation in their Comcast signal since last night? QAM had lots of breakups and dropouts when I watched last night, analog is really noisy this morning, and the digital (SD) box has been totally unresponsive.

RockyF, any news? (Hopefully I'm remembering correctly that you're the person working for Comcast.)

My recording of American Idol was perfect. No dropouts or breakups. I'm in west Little Rock now...

Sounds like a hungry squirrel has been munching on your cable drop :)

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I'm just gonna need to see what the tech says tomorrow. It's odd, because I think we've had similar problems in the past, but they always cleared up on their own. This time, it's definitely been more persistent. I'm just glad I called when I did (about 7am today). Otherwise, who knows how long I would have been without service.

As long as I'm back in business before tomorrow's Smallville-Office-Lost triathlon, I'll be happy.

I forget who else was using yapi2xml, but I was just wondering something. Have you had instances where for some reason the shows on a couple of channels just were not listed in the guide? I looked in the xml file and everything is there, they just aren't showing in the guide for some reason. Its really weird. I don't know why its doing this. It happens all the time no matter how many times I tell it to update the EPG.

Had to laugh...cancelled satellite record of Idol tonight, and scheduled it on KLRT-DT cuz I didn't want to lose the signal when the squall line came in...well, about 1/2 way through, the familiar blocking and freezing, and then a black screen. After a couple minutes, Troy Bridges pops on and apologizes, saying the rain at their studio was filling up their dish causing the signal to drop out. :)
I say, install a drain in that sucker hahaha.
Funny, and I didn't lose my sat signal at all. Thought Fox used C Band, but guess they must be using KU for the HD feed, if the signal was blocked unless they actually had so much rain they lost a C band feed, but I don't ever recall losing mine, and its only 10'.

I forget who else was using yapi2xml, but I was just wondering something. Have you had instances where for some reason the shows on a couple of channels just were not listed in the guide? I looked in the xml file and everything is there, they just aren't showing in the guide for some reason. Its really weird. I don't know why its doing this. It happens all the time no matter how many times I tell it to update the EPG.
I use it, but have never had this issue (or any other problems once I got it set up properly). That maybe is because I only get EPG data for 6 channels though.

Hmm, wonder why its happening to me. I am using it for all the 431-440 numbered local channels that show HD stuff (which incidentally its the KATV and the 440 listings that aren't showing up for some reason), for KKYK (dunno why, don't need it, don't watch it), the channel 96 that has the ballgames (dunno why again and don't get any listings for it in the first place since I have to map it to a different channel, plus I get HD Cards games on FSN Midwest now), and the 4 digital AETN's. Its just mainly 431 and 440 that I don't get listings for sometimes even though they are in the xml file. Very weird. I don't think it happened when I was using schedules direct. I may just pay for it. I like them better than yahoo anyway.

Anyone interested, Circuit City is clsing out their $99 computerized remote control outdoor antenna rotor. I picked one up at the store in WLR yesterday for $15 !!! Had one more on the shelf, and its also available in the closeouts on their web site.

Wonder when the rest of CC is going to be closing out. LOL That store needs to die so bad. They suck really really badly at trying to be a retail store. Either that or get better management.

Anyone interested, Circuit City is clsing out their $99 computerized remote control outdoor antenna rotor. I picked one up at the store in WLR yesterday for $15 !!! Had one more on the shelf, and its also available in the closeouts on their web site.

Thanks for the heads up, I just picked up the last one in the WLR store. I'm pretty happy with my antenna as it is, but if nothing else, this could help me improve KETS-DT reception.

I just picked up a new antenna yesterday. Was really getting tired of my rigging. Got the $38 Philips MANT940 from Wal-Mart that looks like a gray wedge. It works pretty damn well.

Only weird thing is, even though its omni-directional, I have to turn it on its side and point the butt end of it towards Shinall. Well, thats when I had it out trying different spots. When I put it in the closet where I have the other "antenna", I had to point the top of it towards the mountain with it on what I would think would be its back (the skinny flat area). It definitly does better than I thought it would.

I may try to put it in the attic or outside at some point. The wife just really doesn't want me to do make any kind of permanent holes or anything for a "short term solution". I keep telling her it doesn't have to be short term that we can use it as a backup source or something. I just don't know. I really would like to run the wire to the attic or something to get it out of the way, but can't as long as she doesnt' want me to drill holes.

With the crazy weather around here, and sat/cable's habit of failing at the worst time, I consider OTA mandatory for keeping up with weather... Cheaper than a doppler on my roof too :)

Jeez, it's just one hole in the wall or floor. You can put a plate over it.

If you have a closet(s) nearby, you can run the wire from the attic through a closet, then out to the TV. Or, through the closet, under the house and back up through the floor behind the TV.

I just picked up a new antenna yesterday. Was really getting tired of my rigging. Got the $38 Philips MANT940 from Wal-Mart that looks like a gray wedge. It works pretty damn well.I looked at this antenna online and it says it is a UHF antenna. To show my level (or lack of) knowledge on this subject, I have to ask if the local LR digital stations are considered UHF?

Several are UHF. One is highband VHF. One is lowband VHF. And they're spread out in two different directions. LR OTA TV is a mess.

Some UHF antennas will pick up highband VHF, but rarely lowband VHF, unless you're right by the tower.

With the crazy weather around here, and sat/cable's habit of failing at the worst time, I consider OTA mandatory for keeping up with weather... Cheaper than a doppler on my roof too :)

I agree. OTA digital for me is more reliable even on the fringe. I just recently purchased a Zenith converter for the "ham shack". The 6th generation tuner works well for holding on to marginal stations.

I've noticed when DXing other markets (Shreveport, and Alexandria LA) that the storm bugs cover only the actual DMA counties and maybe a few outside that are within transmitter range. Annoying for KARK, KTHV etc to drop the HD feed to warn those that cannot normally see the station to begin with (example: T-Storm Watches for Benton County)

Several are UHF. One is highband VHF. One is lowband VHF. And they're spread out in two different directions. LR OTA TV is a mess.

Some UHF antennas will pick up highband VHF, but rarely lowband VHF, unless you're right by the tower.How can I determine which are uhf and vhf?

Wish I had an under the house or a closet near. The closest closet is the pantry. there is an area behind the tv that goes to the garage behind our chest freezer that I told her would be a great place to run the wire up and into the attic. hard sell.

NPR devotes an hour of Talk Of The Nation's "Science Friday" segment (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90289705) to the DTV transistion, starting at 1:00pm.

KUAR 89.1 Little Rock airs this show, some NPR stations do not air it (KASU 91.9 Jonesboro) or only on IBOC/"HD Radio" subchannels (KUAF 91.3 "HD-3" Fayetteville). There will be a podcast released as of 5pm local time.

I thought everyone knew on here what channels were what. :) We have been talking about it so long that we take for granted not everyone is up to speed.

Breakdown of channels and freq's (1 through 13 is VHF, 14 through 65 (I think) is UHF):
2-1 through 2-4 is broadcast on 5
4-1 is 32
7-1 is supposed to be 22, but right now, due to the tower collapse, is now on 44 as a subchannel of 42-1 and 42-2 (and looks like crap)
11-1 and 11-2 is 12
16-1 is 30
25-1 is I think 26
38-1 and 38-2 is 39
42-1 and 42-2 (which oddly enough isn't listed on antennaweb.org as a digital station for some reason) is 44 like I said before.

Hope that helps

I thought everyone knew on here what channels were what. :) We have been talking about it so long that we take for granted not everyone is up to speed.

Breakdown of channels and freq's (1 through 13 is VHF, 14 through 65 (I think) is UHF):
25-1 is I think 26


Its 24 for KVTN-DT. KVTH ( // with KVTN) is 26 analog from Hot Springs.

Sorry to barge into the LR thread, but there isn't exactly one for all the wee little towns in AR ;)

Anyone in Arkadelphia successfully pulling the major networks OTA? Going to be moving there in a few months, so I'm flip-flopping between SuddenLink cable (broadcast HD, but little else) and the sats for a provider. I would like to avoid dropping good money on something from ChannelMaster or AntennasDirect if I won't be able to pull something down.

... we now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

-MDG

Arkadelphia is in a fairly shallow valley with some big ridges between it and Little Rock. Its fairly flat in the direction of East Texas and Shreveport. I'm guessing you should be able to get Shreveport with a good antenna and amp if you can't get Little Rock. Depends if you are going to be in town or out in the country.

Hope that helpsYes, thank you.

How can I determine which are uhf and vhf?
http://i28.tinypic.com/2crt0ms.png

More info at http://www.antennaweb.org

Sorry to barge into the LR thread, but there isn't exactly one for all the wee little towns in AR ;)

Anyone in Arkadelphia successfully pulling the major networks OTA? Going to be moving there in a few months, so I'm flip-flopping between SuddenLink cable (broadcast HD, but little else) and the sats for a provider. I would like to avoid dropping good money on something from ChannelMaster or AntennasDirect if I won't be able to pull something down.
If you can get any TV it will be a mix of VHF & UHF channels, so the CM 4228 antenna + 7777 preamp would be a good choice.

For predicted channels, enter an Arkadelphia address at these sites:
http://www.antennaweb.org
http://tvfool.com
Add 50' or so to the antenna height options+ for a more realistic list of stations.

If you want to go the satellite route, DirecTV will give you the NY HD networks if there's nothing available OTA. The NY HD networks are free if your address shows ELIGIBLE at this web site (http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx). Subscription to SD locals required to get the NY HD nets.

Its funny, I click on the street map on the spot where my house is on antennaweb.org and it shows me the channels. KWBFDT is missing at my address. I click on the street map a little further north (maybe 3 blocks) and it shows on the list. And you click around a few different places within a 1/8 mile or smaller area and the digital list goes down to at the lowest 3 channels and you click a tiny bit off of that area with the 3 and you get like all of them. I don't know what they figure is the reason for that, but I wouldn't think that such a small area would have such drastic changes.....especially since there are no hills, just trees. I just really don't think that site is really too accurate. Especially when that digital list that doesn't have 42.1 for me has 2.1......that just makes NO sense considering the actual reception.

and what does tvfool (http://www.tvfool.com/) show for your address?

this attachment. and we know its a damn liar too cause KETS is apparently pretty high on that scale. :)

For predicted channels, enter an Arkadelphia address at these sites:
antennaweb.org
tvfool.com
Add 50' or so to the antenna height options+ for a more realistic list of stations.

If you want to go the satellite route, DirecTV will give you the NY HD networks if there's nothing available OTA.

Thanks for the tvfool URL, hadn't used that one before. Looks like the LR stations would actually come in a bit stronger. I had checked DirecTV and Dish. We would be in the LR/Pine Bluff reception area, so no nationals for me.

The attached chart seems to indicate that a good antenna with a preamp would do good. Might have to do a behemoth like a CM 3671. Assuming of course that I could fit a monster that size in the attic!

-MDG

Fwiw, you can get all the Little Rock locals on Directv is SD, and they are scheduled to add Little Rock HD locals as soon as their new satellite at 99w is parked and tested, should be a few more months at most. I'm fairly sure you will be able to get FOX and NBC there, and possibly CBS. Doubtful you will get ABC or MyTV. PBS has a transmitter in Arkedelphia as does RTN.

Its funny, I click on the street map on the spot where my house is on antennaweb.org and it shows me the channels. KWBFDT is missing at my address. I click on the street map a little further north (maybe 3 blocks) and it shows on the list. And you click around a few different places within a 1/8 mile or smaller area and the digital list goes down to at the lowest 3 channels and you click a tiny bit off of that area with the 3 and you get like all of them. I don't know what they figure is the reason for that, but I wouldn't think that such a small area would have such drastic changes.....especially since there are no hills, just trees.

Your neighborhood does have some hills. The variations are apparently enough to make a difference for some channels. Note that once you start getting far from the transmitters, that the signals are almost traveling horizontally to reach you. When the signal is skipping across the tops of hills, it doesn't take much elevation to create shadows and other cold spots in the coverage.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=110096

I just really don't think that site is really too accurate. Especially when that digital list that doesn't have 42.1 for me has 2.1......that just makes NO sense considering the actual reception.

KWBF and KETS are coming from opposite directions over different terrain. Given the variations in the terrain surrounding you, the accuracy of the models will be very dependent on the exact coordinates and height of the antenna. Small variations in location could put you behind a different set of hills. To get the most accuracy, you should enter exact coordinates rather than rely on an address lookup engine (which can be off by a few blocks sometimes).

Also note that KETS is a low VHF channel, so you'll need an antenna with long elements in order to get it. A UHF-only antenna won't see this channel. Rabbit ears can handle VHF, but the rods need to be extended pretty far and laid out horizontally in order to get be best reception. Of course, combo or dedicated VHF antennas in the attic or on the roof would be the best option.

Best regards,
Andy

Your neighborhood does have some hills. The variations are apparently enough to make a difference for some channels. Note that once you start getting far from the transmitters, that the signals are almost traveling horizontally to reach you. When the signal is skipping across the tops of hills, it doesn't take much elevation to create shadows and other cold spots in the coverage.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=110096


My neighborhood has no hills of any significance what-so-ever. Note, I am 5.93 miles exactly from the base of the KWBF tower. So, I am very very close relatively speaking. The only big hill in between me and the towers is the mountain they are on. The only other "hills" between there is maybe the hill that is maybe 20 feet higher than me a block or so away....its not big at all. Otherwise, its a pretty straight view to the tower. So, there is nothing hill wise that should interfere with my reception from Shinall, but yet I don't get an exceptionally strong signal from any of them on the mountain like I should have without some fair amount of tweaking. Even then I don't get all of them the same even though they are coming basically from the same exact spot. I put it where 4-1 is 95%, I lose 42's channels for the most part, etc. KTHV is, naturally, kinda tough too, but thats cause they are on VHF 12 and I am using the UHF antenna, but I can still get it in the 80% range when I have the antenna outside.


KWBF and KETS are coming from opposite directions over different terrain. Given the variations in the terrain surrounding you, the accuracy of the models will be very dependent on the exact coordinates and height of the antenna. Small variations in location could put you behind a different set of hills. To get the most accuracy, you should enter exact coordinates rather than rely on an address lookup engine (which can be off by a few blocks sometimes).

Funny, I am 23.71 miles from my house to the base of the KASN tower, but I can get it at 100% all the time. (well, maybe fluctuating a tiny bit every now and then, but its basically at 100 most of the time.) Every single time I do lookup's for reception, I always use exact location of my address becaue I know every single place that does it by address is wrong. Hell, google says there are something like 98 houses on my street when the highest number is 23.

Also note that KETS is a low VHF channel, so you'll need an antenna with long elements in order to get it. A UHF-only antenna won't see this channel. Rabbit ears can handle VHF, but the rods need to be extended pretty far and laid out horizontally in order to get be best reception. Of course, combo or dedicated VHF antennas in the attic or on the roof would be the best option.

Best regards,
Andy

I know where KETS is broadcasting, I have never expected to receive this station until they get a stronger transmitter.

Not really sure what prompted your lesson on all this, but thanks for your input. I pretty much have a pretty solid grasp on reception for my location, but still think that the reception for the stations around here is nutty at best. I also think that some of these sites and what they say we should get is damn stupid. I should be far enough from the transmitter that the signals shouldn't be just flying right over the top of me. I feel I should get them all with little trouble at all.

Your problem is not distance but height. The signal is going right over your house. Only Fox16, that I am aware of, employs beam tilt to aleviate dead spots close in to the mountain. KASN, being close to right on the horizon for you, should be more stable. The options are getting the stations to employ beam tilt, which I suspect they will when they shut down analog and can use the primary spot on top of the tower, or get a yagi with built in beam tilt for receive, or use an antenna with a wide apature in the verticle plane.

A corner reflector yagi would be perfect for you. Its got good gain but a wide apature both horizontally and vertically.

Yeah, I understand that would be what I need, its just a matter of being able to get it. If they sold it at Wal-Mart or Target or something, it might be something I could get. I have enough of a hard time convincing the wife of getting what is in the store as it is, much less ordering something and having it shipped. Just need something local that I can try I guess, but thats likely not going to happen. And for 16 to use the beam tilt, it sure doesn't work very well most of the time. I have a hard time getting it very strong at times too.

I remember doing field tests when B98.5 installed their new antenna with beam tilt. It would drop out completely 1/2 way down Cantrell Hill and then come back in about riverfront Dr. When they put up the new antenna, I got just a couple flickers of the stereo light right at the bottom, but the signal stayed locked.

To bad Radio Shack sells crap antennas now, or you could order one and pick it up to the store.

Sorry to barge into the LR thread, but there isn't exactly one for all the wee little towns in AR ;)

Anyone in Arkadelphia successfully pulling the major networks OTA? Going to be moving there in a few months, so I'm flip-flopping between SuddenLink cable (broadcast HD, but little else) and the sats for a provider. I would like to avoid dropping good money on something from ChannelMaster or AntennasDirect if I won't be able to pull something down.


I live in SE AR near Star City and pull in these digitals 24/7:

NBC (KARK and KTVE--although I need to rotate to SSW to lock in)
FOX (KLRT)
CW (KASN--strongest here)
CBS (KTHV)
PBS-AETN (KETS--low band ch 5)
Ind-Religion (KVTN)

KWBF (including current katv-hd feed) is too weak here but drifts in with favorable tropo scatter. KTBS (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT615663.html) (ABC-Shreveport) although out of normal range for Arkadelphia might be good project for a "backup" ABC OTA since katv is notorious for preemptions (for Razorback games, and even infomercials).

Arkadelphia has another AETN transmitter site nearby: KETG (DT 13) at Gurdon. Mostly multicasting, but does air about 3 hours of HD per week mostly Nature and Antiques Roadshow. Absent from the AETN HD lineup are the News-Hour and NOVA (tape delayed, and not aired in pattern)

Not a peep out of KARK-DT at 11:00am this morning. I came in the shack and noticed a weak signal on ch 32 but it was WABG-DT Greenwood MS instead when I rotated the antenna.

Update: 12 Noon--KARK-DT back in with strong signal

Wow, I just checked my signal strengths for giggles and grins and couldn't believe what I saw. For the first time ever I have 100% (slight fluctuations, but mainly 100%) on 4-1. I couldn't believe it. I then checked 7-1, 42-1, and 42-2 and they all have right at 100% as well.

I am thinking that those two stations have just jacked their power through the roof or something. I have gotten 4-1 in the lower 90's before, so it might just be weather conditions. I have never gotten 7-1 up higher than like 88% I think. They have always been a major problem child, thats why I think they increased power.

Must have turned their antenna:)
4-1 at 100% here as always. KWBF down from 85% to 62%...now lower than KETS...

Anyone having lower signals on 11-1? Its damn near off the air for me. I can barely pick it up on one tv, and not at all on my HR-20.

Ahh, here we go, from our good friend Alison:

Hello Steven! I hope you are doing well. Yes, something has changed. We have been forced to temporarily broadcast the digital channel off of the auxiliary tower because we had an analog hybrid burn up in the transmitter building. No hybrid means we can’t combine the digital and analog channels together in the normal configuration and running both to the big tower. I didn’t know if you knew that 11& 12 transmit from a common antenna. Anyway, we split them apart for now. We are actually running at nearly full digital power but the aux tower is short and as you know…. elevation is king!

Unless we burn something else up I hope to have the repaired unit in place by Sunday.

Alison Fletcher
Director of Technology
Today's THV
501-244-4590

Good to know, I'll check my reception when I get home, and see if I need to record CSI from Dish in SD.

You will, I promise. I know most of the signal flies right over me, but I can barely get 11-1 on my computer room tv if I hold my antenna in my hand just right and not at all on my DirecTV DVR.

Means no Ghost Whisperer for me from 11-1. Guess I will just have to wait till it downloads. Oh yeah, I forgot, I get 11 through clearQAM so I can just record it with GB-PVR....nevermind. :)

11-1 is coming in at 88% here in Benton.

Cause you are farther out and the height of the aux antenna isn't affecting your reception. When you are basically underneath it like I am, its gonna miss you. :)

11-x :Lost it completely on my portable with a single bow tie...
Roof antenna dropped 3% from 91 to 88.
42-x, 7-1 still in the sewer at 58%
2-x: 70%, 4-x: 100%, 16-x: 100%,
25-x:53% (off axis), 38-x:58% (off axis).

I thought ch 7 analog was using ch 11's backup antenna.... What happened to them? I only have one analog tuner, in my portable, and can't get 7 analog on it.

I thought ch 7 analog was using ch 11's backup antenna.... What happened to them? I only have one analog tuner, in my portable, and can't get 7 analog on it.

Both 7 and 11-1 are broadcasting from the aux tower. We have a combiner on the aux antenna system, like we have on the big tower, that puts the two channels together.

Barely making a lock on the LG-Zenith box in the hamshack this morning. Steady picture, to dropping signal. Yesterday evening, the signal was somewhat stronger, and stable but likely due evening/nighttime scatter enhancement.

Height makes a difference on VHF/UHF.

Good reason to use an outdoor antenna.

Looks like KATV is sucking everything down with it that it comes in contact with.

Ahh, here we go, from our good friend Alison:

Hello Steven! I hope you are doing well. Yes, something has changed. We have been forced to temporarily broadcast the digital channel off of the auxiliary towerHow long ago did this happen? I have noticed that the digital reception I get with my indoor antenna is much less reliable for 11.1, and this has been going on for more at least 3-4 weeks.

I've only noticed it the last few days with 11-1 Johnny.

Thanks for the info Alison.

signal strength of KTHV-DT and KWBF-DT are about the same here. Both are in now but they'll be gone here shortly after tropo scatter dries up.

KTHV digital appears to be back. Up to 91%, and coming in on my portable again. KWBF up to 70% so might just be good conditions.

Cool, thanks Dave. I was going to check it out, but had forgotten. Guess Alison got her men up there today.

Anyone heard the rumor that KTHV is to let some people go from their technical department?

No, but had a friend that used to work therend they were cheap. Not as cheap as Equity, but pretty close. Wouldn't surprise me. Since the FCC isn't doing squat these days except collecting a paycheck.

Anyone heard the rumor that KTHV is to let some people go from their technical department?Yes, if the article in Arkansas Business (http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=105264.70982.117402&cID=e) is true.

So they are going to do what Equity is doing...run all their stations by computer with a master control programming staff in another state (or here in Equitys case). Hope the computer won't forget to "throw the switch" :). In all reality, its a pretty neat setup. The Master control op(s) at Equity programmed in all the material for all their stations during the overnight shift. The the day/evening ops would shuffle tapes for those programs not being served off the main server. Worked quit well, with just a handful of MCOs for at that time, about 25 stations. Its easy to tell if stations are using the technology, as there is a .25 second freeze during transitions usually.

So they are going to do what Equity is doing...run all their stations by computer with a master control programming staff in another state (or here in Equitys case). Hope the computer won't forget to "throw the switch" :)Hey, they couldn't do any worse....

Hey, don't be so sure. And don't challenge them to do worse.

I still can't figure out why the hell Equity puts the Cardinals games on the bandwidth starved, blocky, horrible looking 42.2 instead of 42.1. I mean, they are never showing anything that it would be a crime to bypass. Hell, push the stretch-o-vision show that is normally on over to 42.2 and I doubt anyone would care. I want to watch my Sunday Cardinals games in HD because I can't get any of them from FSN MW. Channel 5 in St. Louis has a lock on the Sunday games.

I pretty much gave up on weekend baseball from the majors. I've been watching college, or out riding my motorcycle. Cards games look pretty decent on FTA, much better than 42-2, but still isn't HD.
Might complain to the Cardinals head office about it.

The sunday Cardinals games on KSDK (5) are usually in HD on AMC 16 *** Edit typo AMC 6 not 16 *** (FTA). Also, there have been several of there FOX MW games on AMC 15 Ku in HD. If you are interested in this sort of thing and have a Big Ugly Dish then you might like to check out gofastmotorsports.com . There is a forum there for sharing backhaul feed locations (NASCAR, MLB, NFL, NHL, and others).

dmatch

The HD feed on AMC16 C band or KU?

Both those sats show to be KU only on lyngsat. What are the sat locations? 85W and 105W?

@ Davenlr:

Sorry for the typo...It is AMC 6 (not 16) C-band and it is at 72 W. AMC 15 is as you said at 105 W and is Ku.

105 W 11900H 30000
72 W 3770H 14029

dmatch

Oh, I know they are in HD for the Sunday KSDK games, they used to be last season when they were on 42.1. Dunno why they changed them to 42.2. (FYI: I am STILL waiting on that guy to get back to me about the lineup for 42.2 being fixed and for the PBS-HD being fixed.)

I usually get my Cardinals games on Saturday off either FSN MW or FOX if I remember to look for them. I didn't last weekend I don't think, but I usually do. At least I think I get them. I am usually not nuts, but this time I might be. Anyway, I am not going to go out and get a big ass dish just to watch them on one or two days a week. I am content with what I do get as of now. :)

Which brings up another problem of mine that I am not sure how to handle. I don't know how much of a problem it will be as it might be a year or so off, but it looks to me like the house directly behind me has a tree in the back yard that is growing rather tall and leafy. Like I said, while it isn't a problem now, I think it might be next year or so. I am wondering how I might go about getting them to trim it back or something. I was thinking I could have my father in law go back there sometime and climb the tree (like he is so good at) and just trim it for me, but I don't know how well that would fly.

OK. Wish I could get AMC 6, but my C Band LOS is 98 to about 110 only. Lots of trees grew since my C Band days.

Steveken: I offered to pay a tree trimmer, but my neighbor refused. The next year, the tree got a disease, died, and fell through his garage. Now I have 72-125 LOS from my KU site. Serves him right :)

Steveken: I offered to pay a tree trimmer, but my neighbor refused. The next year, the tree got a disease, died, and fell through his garage. Now I have 72-125 LOS from my KU site. Serves him right :)
Can I get some of that poison you used on his tree? Errr, I mean, which disease did it get?

Hahaha...I really don't know. Its leaves all fell off, and didn't grow back,then it just broke apart. Got 1/2 the tree next to it too, but the other half is ok... don't know what poison would work, maybe a couple gallons of industrial strength roundup?

Just in case you DirecTV subscribers haven't been watching, D11 is just about there. Here is the last page of the forum where they are talking about it and updating the most recent information on where the bird is.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=123236&page=97

Yea, I'm curious if Ill be authorized to pick up LR HD from "Mena", and if they will cut off the DNS feeds.... Also looking for Fox News in HD.

I just swapped my Poloroid 46" for a Sharp Aquos 46", and its like going from SD to HD all over again. Amazing what that 4ms response time does for PQ. This thing is absolutely amazing. Directv looks MUCH better than I thought they did.

Yea, I'm curious if Ill be authorized to pick up LR HD from "Mena", and if they will cut off the DNS feeds.... Also looking for Fox News in HD.We'll find out soon whether we get to keep HD DNS. I'm more curious if I'll be able to pick up the LR MPEG4 spot beam. I heard they are tighter than the MPEG2 spots. If I lose HD DNS and can't get the LR HD LIL, I'll be moving soon. I really liked Mena...

...Amazing what that 4ms response time does for PQ. This thing is absolutely amazing. Directv looks MUCH better than I thought they did.DirecTV looks great. Especially MPEG4.

I would think that the Mena area is outside the spot beams coverage area considering the new Ka is a LOT more narrow, thus harder to pickup, so they will not cut you off. They have already killed the LA DNS HD feeds if I am not mistaken. I am pretty sure I read that somewhere.

And, yeah, you will see a major difference from the piece of garbage Polaroid (no offense to you for picking it, its just nothing Polaroid has been very good in a LONG time). They whored themselves out for money by letting anyone who would pay license their name, so you got some substandard stuff there. I have been trying to keep people away from them for a long time now, but noone listens. :)

Well, my 37" Poloroid 720p had a stellar picture, and features not found on a lot of sets, like PIP. Got a great price on it. When I upgraded to 46", I got the same brand expecting the same PQ, or better, since its 1080p, but it was far from the first. I chalked it up to the larger screen size and Directv until I happened across a "open box" Aquos at Best Buy, and I just stopped dead in my tracks. Even at two feet away, the PQ was flawless. Has a really good smart stretch/dot for dot mode/overscan mode/and zoom. Black levels look just as good as plasma's. So far, I'm quite happy.
Noticed it has a qam tuner, so if I ever subscribe to comcast HSI it should work for the locals.

Well, sat should be parked any time today. Can't wait til they pop up the 99(c) screen and let us watch the testing signals. I tweeked my AT9 and cannot get higher than 86-89 on 103. I suspect that the LNB is weak. 99 should give me a clue.

Sam: I was hoping eventually we might get the NWA HD channels, I'd love that, just for somethng else local. I'm getting 4 spots on 103 now, from 45-66...one of which I'm thinking is Memphis.
Wish someone would post what's what on 103.

The only problem with the Polaroid name, again, is the licensing they do. The same company more than likely did NOT make the 46" as who made the 37" (those seem like weird sizes, but I guess they made them at one point).

Its kinda like RCA and the way they license out their name. If I remember correctly, until Thompson bought the complete rights to them, they had a bunch of people making products with their name on it. Its just a shame when companies start letting anyone who will pay enough put their name on stuff.

And ALL newer TV should have a QAM tuner in them if I am understanding it right. I think its just the way things go anymore. I could be completely wrong on that one, but from what I have seen, they all pretty much have that now. Its really kind of a hassle though, especially if they don't broadcast the channel name so it shows up on the TV, or if the TV doesn't have a "Guide" function in it like my Vizio does because you will have a problem figuring out whats on.

Now, I could be talking out of my ass on all of this. If so, pay NO attention to me at all. LOL

Its kinda like RCA and the way they license out their name. If I remember correctly, until Thompson bought the complete rights to them, they had a bunch of people making products with their name on it. The RCA name has been sold again. To Audiovox.
ARTICLE (http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/21/audiovox-buys-out-thomsons-accessory-biz-including-rca-brand/)

... I'm getting 4 spots on 103 now, from 45-66...one of which I'm thinking is Memphis...On 103s I'm getting:
15-38
16-57
17-92
18-58
19-63
20-56
21-17
23-47
24-19
I don't know which cities correspond to which xpndrs.

Tulsa and KC are on the 99s, xpndrs 4 & 6. Not sure which city is on which xpndr, though. On 99s, I'm getting:
3-21
4-98
6-95

NWA is DMA #102, so I don't expect them to be added to HD LIL soon, unless they piggyback onto TUL & KC spot beams. More likely Springfield, MO, market#74.

Some spot beams may change, once D11 is fully parked and lit up.

...Wish someone would post what's what on 103.Here's a list of cities showing what sat they're on. But no xpndr list.
http://hr20.dbstalk.com/html/DTV_LIL_DMA.html

Unlike previous receivers, the new MPEG4 receivers don't allow you to see what xpndr a channel is on. :(

Lyngsat might show it if you can figure it out....

Oh dear lord!!! That means RCA is worth even LESS now!!! Audiovox?? GEEZ!!!!

D11 is now going to 99.4 starting Sunday night for a 30 day test period. The FCC just released a STA listing out what they are doing.

Alison, how are we doing on getting the upgraded local channels ready for sending up to the new DirecTV satellite? I would think you guys are ready now. I ask you only because you are the only one from a local station that will actually talk to us anymore.

On 103s here I'm getting:
15-60
17-91
18-66
23-69
24-51

Sat at 99 are all 0.

Memphis is very likely on 103s, xpndr 17.

You could ask over in the Memphis thread which 103s xpndr they have the highest signal strength on...

Got my converter box coupons in the mail the other day. Now I just gotta figure out which one to get and where to get it from. It has a lot of different models listed and a bunch of different places to get them from. What do you guys think is the best model and what do you think is the best place to get them from?

steveken, I bought a Zenith DTT900 at Circuit City. I am using it on my Sony HD receiver that does not have a built-in, digital tuner. I don't know what the output resolution of the DTT900 is but HD programs and digital OTA channels look good. My cost, with coupon, was about $20. I am pleased with it.

my coupon card expires at the end of July. I don't really NEED a converter box, I just want a backup. I'm holding out for the EchoStar TR40. I'll check the reviews when it comes out but that's what I'm looking at right now. Should be on sale in the next month from what I've read. As for the store, I'll try Wal-Mart (since I work there) but since the box is essentially free (it will be $40 - $40 coupon) I'll get it wherever I can...

I have also heard that the Zenith from Circuit City is about the best currently available. I haven't picked one up yet, but my coupons expire in the middle of June. I was also hoping to get the Echostar TR-40, but it may not be out before my coupons expire.

Waiting on the TR-40 myself, to park on my DVD recorder. All converter boxes output 480i, and some have S-video outputs, but the rules say a coupon eligible box has to do 480i only, and have RF and composite video outputs.

my coupon card expires at the end of July. I don't really NEED a converter box, I just want a backup. I'm holding out for the EchoStar TR40. I'll check the reviews when it comes out but that's what I'm looking at right now. Should be on sale in the next month from what I've read. As for the store, I'll try Wal-Mart (since I work there) but since the box is essentially free (it will be $40 - $40 coupon) I'll get it wherever I can...
From what I can tell, the walmart here only sells the magnavox one and it looks like a pile of crap.

Remind me what is so special about the TR-40 again?

steveken, Get the Zenith at Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Zenith-Digital-to-Analog-TV-Tuner-Converter-Box-DTT900/sem/rpsm/oid/204154/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) (sold as the Insignia brand at Best Buy). For $10 more than the walmart crap, you'll get the Zenith/LG tuner chipset. The very best OTA tuner available in any of the current boxes. It's important if you live in a reception hole and don't have a real outdoor antenna.

Just in case you DirecTV subscribers haven't been watching, D11 is just about there. Here is the last page of the forum where they are talking about it and updating the most recent information on where the bird is.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=123236&page=97
I wonder if there's a chance DTV will offer LR stations in HD by the time the Olympics start? I know...dream on.;)

Steveken: TR-40 uses latest LG chipset, and has advanced guide data, not just the current and next show.

dave, do you have a link showing the TR40 has the LG chipset?
Also, it's not out yet is it?

thanks,
Sam

steveken, Get the Zenith at Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Zenith-Digital-to-Analog-TV-Tuner-Converter-Box-DTT900/sem/rpsm/oid/204154/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) (sold as the Insignia brand at Best Buy). For $10 more than the walmart crap, you'll get the Zenith/LG tuner chipset. The very best OTA tuner available in any of the current boxes. It's important if you live in a reception hole and don't have a real outdoor antenna.

I've managed to decode E skip (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporadic_E_propagation) on mine, in this case KOTA-DT RF 2 Rapid City SD (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=17688) this evening, at least several times.

In everyday viewing in the radio room, the LG-Zenith does a great job of locking onto locals and during tropo and even low-band VHF sporadic E skip--aka "short skip" (very difficult for DTV due to rapid swings in signal strength). It smokes my E* vip211 as OTA sensitivity goes

I've managed to decode E skip (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporadic_E_propagation) on mine, in this case KOTA-DT RF 2 Rapid City SD (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=17688) this evening, at least several times.

I envy you so much. Yesterday there was a short skip opening which brought me KDTN-2/KDFW-4 from Dallas and some unidentified surrounding stations (an ABC on 3, right over local WBRA-DT, an ABC on 4, an NBC on 4, an NBC on 5). I have yet to receive a digital via e-skip. On my WinTV-D I've seen signal before up to 11 dB SNR, but it's never decoded or shown PSIP. Probably because the tuner in it is so awful.

- Trip

I envy you so much. Yesterday there was a short skip opening which brought me KDTN-2/KDFW-4 from Dallas and some unidentified surrounding stations (an ABC on 3, right over local WBRA-DT, an ABC on 4, an NBC on 4, an NBC on 5). I have yet to receive a digital via e-skip. On my WinTV-D I've seen signal before up to 11 dB SNR, but it's never decoded or shown PSIP. Probably because the tuner in it is so awful.

- Trip

Trip, I pity the poor souls that have to endure DTV on the "down low" after Feb 2009 in Rapid City SD. Our PBS station (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=2770#10002) here (see the thread for horror stories) is at least getting away from that and at least going high VHF (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=2770#10003).

Trip, I pity the poor souls that have to endure DTV on the "down low" after Feb 2009 in Rapid City SD. Our PBS station (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=2770#10002) here (see the thread for horror stories) is at least getting away from that and at least going high VHF (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=2770#10003).

My PBS station insists channel 3 is "just fine" and that the solution for people who cannot watch it is to "buy satellite." Great attitude there, I must admit.

I'm 79 miles out trying to pick out a 2.3 kW signal on channel 3. All the UHF signals max out the signal meter, but I can't hold PBS 90% of the time.

You are so lucky KETS is getting away from it. I wish my PBS would move to channel 16 like they should, but...

- Trip

With all the lightning storms we get, highband VHF DTV is pretty frustrating to watch, too.

Is katv really planning on only 4.95kW ERP for their Shinall DT transmitter?
Scroll to the bottom of:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=33543

KATV is capped because of the FCC's Appendix B. They can't have a signal that goes more than 5 miles outside the signal they'd been previously licensed. In August when the freeze is lifted, KATV will most likely apply for much, MUCH more power.

- Trip

KATV is capped because of the FCC's Appendix B. They can't have a signal that goes more than 5 miles outside the signal they'd been previously licensed. In August when the freeze is lifted, KATV will most likely apply for much, MUCH more powerThat makes sense. They probably won't even have their new tower up by then, anyway.

I have word from a very reliable source, that if all things go as planned, KATV-DT will be as good as, or surpass KLRT's setup. Time will tell.

When the weather's right, I have occasionally gotten KLRT-DT 30 and KARK-DT 32 up here. I don't think I've ever gotten KTHV-DT 12.
.
...In August when the freeze is lifted, KATV will most likely apply for much, MUCH more power.Trip, does that mean they'll have to initially install a LP xmtr and replace it with a full power xmtr when approved?

It's possible. They may build out the LP as an auxiliary facility. It may never be operated at all before they build out a full facility after the freeze is lifted.

- Trip

I would think that the Mena area is outside the spot beams coverage area considering the new Ka is a LOT more narrow, thus harder to pickup, so they will not cut you off. They have already killed the LA DNS HD feeds if I am not mistaken. I am pretty sure I read that somewhere.

And, yeah, you will see a major difference from the piece of garbage Polaroid (no offense to you for picking it, its just nothing Polaroid has been very good in a LONG time). They whored themselves out for money by letting anyone who would pay license their name, so you got some substandard stuff there. I have been trying to keep people away from them for a long time now, but noone listens. :)

I live in Benton but I "moved" to Memphis about a year ago when DirecTV started providing Memphis Network Locals in High Definition. I have had absolutely no problem receiving any of the Memphis stations in HD. I have a small indoor antenna for the LR locals and the quality of my picture on the network show is comparable.

Do the Memphis stations interrupt network programming for BS sports broadcasts, and put gawdy weather maps covering half the screen for a sprinkle in Chattanooga?

Oh yea,are the Memphis PBS-HD stations on there?

When the weather's right, I have occasionally gotten KLRT-DT 30 and KARK-DT 32 up here. I don't think I've ever gotten KTHV-DT 12.
.
Trip, does that mean they'll have to initially install a LP xmtr and replace it with a full power xmtr when approved?

KLRT-DT has the best signal of the three currently on Shinall in this area. KARK-DT only gets out a few miles east of Star City due to WABG-DT 32 Greenwood MS (which covers the eastern third of Lincoln County and all of Desha County (including Dumas).

I did a mobile test of signal strengths last Thursday afternoon with a old Rat Shack UHF yagi antenna (using no preamp), two 4.5 ft sections of mast, a portable TV, and the Zenith STB (powered by a inverter). I then made stops with my pickup on right of ways in various locations in Eastern/Southern Lincoln County. The worst place for digital OTA in Lincoln County is at the Lincoln-Drew County line north of Monticello. The Gould-Dumas area faired much better due to lack of thick pine trees and being "in the delta". Hilltops (there are a few in the Central part of the county and in northern Drew County) fared best.

I don't think the PBS-HD is on ANY DirecTV or Dish lineup yet. Thats something they have been working on as of late.

dave, here's the D* locals list for Memphis:
http://i27.tinypic.com/deobp2.png

WRT D11, D* will be testing it for the next 30 days. Look for it to be operational around September, according to this article (http://www.tvpredictions.com/dtest052708.htm).

You can't believe a single word from Swanni. From everything I have seen, he has made himself into a boob way too many times in the past. He is just plain dumb sometimes.

And you can't believe the September reports. If you were a multi-billion dollar company and had a multi-million dollar satellite in space, would you want to postpone activating it until September? It does not take THAT long to test it and get it ready to go. I say around the end of June, maybe first couple weeks of July, is when we will see it go live.

You can't believe a single word from Swanni.You can believe it this time because he got his info from dbstalk.com in the D11 thread. I had already read it there, but his article was more convenient to post.

Yeah, he gets ALL his info from there. Then he goes over to satguys, then he gets more info from there, then he writes his articles. He is just NOT a reliable source for anything as far as I have ever seen.

Everyone at dbstalk agrees that it is not going to be September. I had the same information like 3 weeks ago or so, but you don't see me spouting it around like its gospel. Its just a preliminary date so they can look good when they light it up early.

I, and everyone else, figure that they just said September as a c.y.a., just in case kinda thing. There is no reason why they would put off the lighting up of expensive equipment, thus lowering the life span (potentially because of the station keeping time when there would be no revenue stream coming from the new equipement (aka money pit until its turned on). it has to be lit up for them to start getting any money at all back), plus the losing of extra revenue that new subs that the local HD channels can bring in. Ya know?

It just makes no sense business wise. There are just too many down sides to delaying it that long. If nothing goes wrong in the next 28 days of testing, then it will be ready to go much sooner than their "better safe than sorry" date. Since they have already had experience with one satellite thats just like this, then the testing should be much easier. It should go live sometime around July 4 to July 10 I am figuring. They know what they are doing too much to put it off.

Whatever. It's of no consequence anyway for anyone with a decent outdoor antenna :)

Its not just for stuff you can get from OTA anyway, its a major boost to their lineup. I think it would be nice to see every channel, no matter how minuscule, go HD. We've all put up with SD crap for too long. :)

Do the Memphis stations interrupt network programming for BS sports broadcasts, and put gawdy weather maps covering half the screen for a sprinkle in Chattanooga?

They interrupt frequently for weather in Eastern Arkansas, West Tennessee, and Northern Mississippi. IOW, it is as bad as here in central Arkansas.

They also have considerable clutter on their screen with graphics of everything happening in the Mid South.

Not nearly as much preempting of regular programming for sports broadcasts. Primarily because they are not in "Razorback Country"

It has worked out well for me to get the Memphis Channels and the Little Rock channels, since they seldom overlap if programming is preempted. Also if the Little Rock locals cut back on their power or the signal is faulty I just pick up the D* Memphis broadcast. Conversely if I experience rain fade from D*, the local Little Rock transmissions are available.

Yea, having a backup is great. I rarely watch the New York DNS channels, but for series links I always use them, because they are more reliable. Don't have to worry about weather preemptions. I prefer to watch locals tho, since the pq is usually better.

Backup good.
NY HD DNS
Springfield OTA
NWA OTA
LR SD LIL

I usually watch live TV OTA.
For recording, I nearly always use NY because they don't forget to flip the switch.
And although some OTA stations here have local weather bug / logo insertion HD capability and HD time shift, NY has less severe weather, so less bugs cluttering the screen.

I only watch LR SD on D* to catch an occasional River City newscast of interest. The video and audio quality is unbelievably bad, especially on KATV & KTHV.

At least KLRT cuts out the bug/map when they go to the D nascar feed.

I asked this a week or so ago, but I will ask it again. Alison, how are we doing on the progress to get THV-HD ready to go up to DirecTV's satellite? Is it going to be much longer? I am sure we all want to know. :)

steveken, all of D*'s work locally will be at their local OTA TV receive facility (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P1400108) on Colonel Glenn, where they receive the local OTA signals and uplink them to D*. Strangely, no HD facility is listed yet for LR, but there is for Ft. Smith. That might be because they are supposed to be moving Ft. Smith/Fay locals off the 72.5° MPEG2 bird to MPEG4. That will eliminate the need for two dishes in the NWA market for people who get their locals from D*.

So I'm curious, why does Mena get the LR locals instead of the Ft. Smith locals?

I asked this a week or so ago, but I will ask it again. Alison, how are we doing on the progress to get THV-HD ready to go up to DirecTV's satellite? Is it going to be much longer? I am sure we all want to know. :)

Gee you are assuming that we would actually know this date! I have made some calls and will let you know if I find out anything. I do know this market is scheduled to switch off of analog rx to digital rx in September, but I do not assume that will necessarily include retrans of local HD. Just retrans of DTV.

And to the later comment about Mena being classified a LR local, I would assume that is simple because Polk County is listed as in the LR DMA.

Sorry, I didn't know if you would or not. I apologize. I just thought that they would tell you enough in advance that you are going to need to tx digital/HD content to them on a specific date so you can be prepared for it.

I would guess that they told you the analog switch off date is September to coincide with their press release saying when D11 would be active. That way everything would be the same so no ambiguity or second guessing would go on. I wouldn't be surprised if they told you all of the sudden towards the end of June or early July that they were ready for you to send up digital/HD content early because the satellite is coming online sooner than expected.

It is good to know that you will stop sending up the analog signal in September though. KTHV doesn't really look very good at all on DirecTV 11. It looks like they are getting the signal off of rabbit ears honestly. I guess its good enough for most people though.

Anyway, sorry to have bothered you with this. I was just hoping that you had some kind of other information that might be good for us to hear. Thanks anyway.

Does anyone know how well the digital signals are received in Camden? I checked my location on antennaweb.org and it shows channel 9 as the only receivable channel. I was also denied HD channels from two of LR's stations when requested through DirecTV.
I would also like to know what type of antenna would be best to receive the digital signals.
My apologies if this has already been answered in this thread, but the search function on this site is limited.
Thanks for any help.

I doubt you will get any digitals from LR in Camden. When I worked for ch49 in Camden, they had a receive monitor in West Little Rock, a commercial grade UHF antenna ona several hundred foot tower, and all we could do is tell if the transmitter was on, was to weak to actually watch. You should be able to get Shreveport from there, possibly East Texas...Should get KLRT-DT from LR in morning and evenings.
For antenna, decide what you need, UHF only or VHF/UHF combo...for either, a channel master mast mounted preamp is a must. Add 50 feet to antennaweb and see what it says.

By the way, you should get PBS digital from Gurdon as well. Possibly KASN from Pine Bluff...You are 30 miles closer to Shreveport, and its all flat in that direction. You have to go over the Ouachita mountains to hit Little Rock. Can't believe any LR stations would deny a waiver.

Does anyone know how well the digital signals are received in Camden? I checked my location on antennaweb.org and it shows channel 9 as the only receivable channel. I was also denied HD channels from two of LR's stations when requested through DirecTV.
I would also like to know what type of antenna would be best to receive the digital signals.
My apologies if this has already been answered in this thread, but the search function on this site is limited.
Thanks for any help.

I'd forget Little Rock and consider Shreveport OTA at that distance.

These are the big dogs
KTBS 28 (ABC) (3-n) Strong signal, common "pest" here. Carries full ABC sked
KTAL 15 (NBC) (6-n) Strong also
KPXJ 21 (The CW) (21-n) Strong OTA signal
KMSS 34 (FOX) (33-n) Strong, no multicasting

...and these are the runts
KSLA 17 (CBS) (12-n) weakest of the majors in SHV
KSHV 44 (MNTV) (45-n) weak singal
KLTS 25 (PBS-LPB) (24-n) weak signal

The good news, no pesky VHF to worry about from Shreveport. Of course you can get the AETN station from Gurdon (KETG-DT VHF13 "9-n"), but HDTV programming is only 2-4 hours per week.

Antenna wise, go with a CM4228, CM7777 preamp and get it in a spot if possible you can shoot between trees to the Shreveport transmitters (located North of Shreveport in Mooringsport {and for KTAL, Vivian}). Don't skimp on coax, use RG6 and compression connectors (NOT crimp on).

Good Luck!!!

...I was also denied HD channels from two of LR's stations when requested through DirecTV.What does this web site (http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx) show for your address? You are entitled to get any channels shown as ELIGIBLE for HD (not SD), from NY, free from DirecTV if you have an HD receiver/DVR.

So I'm curious, why does Mena get the LR locals instead of the Ft. Smith locals?Same reason we get Springfield, MO, instead of Ft. Smith/Fay. Neilsen ratings for OTA viewers.

... I wouldn't be surprised if they told you all of the sudden towards the end of June or early July that they were ready for you to send up digital/HD content early because the satellite is coming online sooner than expected.The stations don't "start sending up digital/HD" to D*. When D* is ready, they just pick up the OTA signal with an antenna and uplink it to D* for retransmission. When D11 goes live, all of the markets they plan to add won't suddenly go live. It will be a slow process, usually adding a market or two at a time. It all depends on where LR is in line to be added.

It is good to know that you will stop sending up the analog signal in September though. KTHV doesn't really look very good at all on DirecTV... That is an understatement. KTHV is the worst looking and sounding standard def station on DirecTV. It could be fixed, if the local station cared enough to pressure D* into fixing it. But that hasn't happened....

</rant>

arxaw....this is what is showed for my address.


Eligibilty review for the following:
XXX SHARP AVE
CAMDEN, AR 71701-XXXX
Standard Distant Network Service
Not available because DIRECTV offers local network programming in your area

Digital (HD) Distant Network Service
Network Affiliate Status
ABC KATV-DT Grade B (moderate signal)
CBS Eligible
FOX Eligible
NBC KTVE-DT Grade A (strong signal)
KARK-DT Grade B (moderate signal)


I do get the LR stations through DirecTV, but they are not HD. I do receive the CBS and Fox HD stations.

It really doesn't matter to me where I can get my signals from, whether it be LR, Shreveport, Monroe or ElDo if they are still broadcasting from there...I just want to be able to watch an HD signal on my TV.

arxaw....this is what is showed for my address.

Eligibilty review for the following:
XXX SHARP AVE
CAMDEN, AR 71701-XXXX
Standard Distant Network Service
Not available because DIRECTV offers local network programming in your area

Digital (HD) Distant Network Service
Network Affiliate Status
ABC KATV-DT Grade B (moderate signal)
CBS Eligible
FOX Eligible
NBC KTVE-DT Grade A (strong signal)
KARK-DT Grade B (moderate signal)


I do get the LR stations through DirecTV, but they are not HD. I do receive the CBS and Fox HD stations.

It really doesn't matter to me where I can get my signals from, whether it be LR, Shreveport, Monroe or ElDo if they are still broadcasting from there...I just want to be able to watch an HD signal on my TV.Well, it's not likely katv ABC will grant a waiver, even though their tower is down. And you'd have to get waivers from both KTVE and KARK to get NBC, because they're both claiming you can receive them with an antenna.

This site (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29) can tell you what channels to expect with a GOOD OTA antenna and low noise preamp, like the CM 4228 antenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/4228.htm) + CM7777 preamp (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/7777.htm) combo previously suggested by haley-SEA. Add 50' or so to the antenna height for a more realistic estimate.

The stations don't "start sending up digital/HD" to D*. When D* is ready, they just pick up the OTA signal with an antenna and uplink it to D* for retransmission. When D11 goes live, all of the markets they plan to add won't suddenly go live. It will be a slow process, usually adding a market or two at a time. It all depends on where LR is in line to be added.
I am really hoping they change the method of uplinking the channel to the satellite. This OTA reception bit is crap and has run its course. There HAS to be a way they can get a direct feed from the channels into the uplink center so it can maintain the highest quality signal possible. And from everything I understood, we were pretty close to the top in the list of line of DMA's to add. Let Norfolk and that area suffer more. I don't care. :)

FWIW, the local MPEG4 HD on D* that I've seen is indistinguishable from OTA reception.

Looks like a 4228/cm7777 preamp/and a rotor are in your future. Should get loads of HD OTA with a setup like that. You really can get CBS KTHV but not KARK NBC? That's weird.

Looks like a 4228/cm7777 preamp/and a rotor are in your future. Should get loads of HD OTA with a setup like that. You really can get CBS KTHV but not KARK NBC? That's weird.

I pulled coverage maps for KTBS, KTAL, and KARK DTV's. Camden is deep fringe but depending on height, etc a good location for 2 markets, (3 if you count KTVE). You should be able to get KTBS (ABC-HD) consistently during morning and evening hours with a proper antenna system and lack of obstructions (attic antennas won't cut it at that distance).

Thanx for all the help and answers.

Nope, attic won't cut it. The CM antenna and preamp previously posted are about as good as you can get for the money. To do better you'd probably need to go to commercial equipment.

Install outside, as high as is safely possible. If you need to receive channels from multiple directions, a rotor is also a must.

I tried using my old hughes e86 for a atsc tuner today, and it cuts off after about 10 minutes...does it have to be active on Directv for the local atsc tuner to work? Anyone?

I tried using my old hughes e86 for a atsc tuner today, and it cuts off after about 10 minutes...does it have to be active on Directv for the local atsc tuner to work? Anyone?No activation required. Without activation it should use PSIP data to build a guide. But your symptoms sound typical of heat damage for that old hd box.

http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0015/t.13764.html
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-1213A1.pdf

This should allow katv to go full power from Shinall from the git-go.

Hopefully, AETN will immediately apply to maximize their stations, which may help reduce the pesky impulse noise problems associated with their use of VHF for DTV.

Haven't checked lately, what's a ATSC HD tuner going for these days?

HD tuner? Only one I know of is the Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=samsung+DTB+H260F&btnG=Search)

Excellent tuner, but lots of quality control problems... AYOR if buying on eBay.

Haven't checked lately, what's a ATSC HD tuner going for these days?
Well, Wal-Mart has those crappy ones for $50 :)

Well, Wal-Mart has those crappy ones for $50 :)

No, Wal-Mart has crappy ATSC SD tuners for $50, and there are several of those available and eligible for the $40 coupons. Davenlr asked about HD tuners, totally different animal. I honestly doubt we'll see a whole lot of new standalone HD STB's anymore, all tv's have them built in now, and most folks will continue to think satellite and cable are the only ways to get tv anyway.

Ill just wait for the TR-50...thanks all.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the digital 42's and 7 transmitting on 44? I ask because I just had to redo my windows media center TV setup cause I tried some beta QAM drivers that were supposed to work in it, but I can't get the 42's anymore, much less the crappy 7.

Looked in the xml file for it and it is saying that they are transmitting on 43. So does TitanTV and antennaweb.org and a couple of other places. I could have sworn a while back arxaw said that they were on 44 and I had already been using 44. Did something change??

Edit: I got all 3 working again. They ARE transmitting on 44. I wonder why every site on the net is saying they are on 43???
Edit Edit: Ok, misread antennaweb.org. They are saying the Physical channel is 43, but the transmitting is 44.
Here is what I saw: KWBF-DT 43.1 MNT LITTLE ROCK, AR 19° 6.4 44
TitanTV is definitely showing 43 as well instead of 42. Wonder what the deal with that is.

KWBF-DT is on RF channel 44 (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=&call=kwbf&arn=&city=&chan=&cha2=69&serv=&type=0&facid=&list=1&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&size=9)

See, I thought so. If you don't mind, go look at a few of the sites that tell the channels (specifically titantv) and tell me if I am nuts or not seeing it called 43 in places. I just wanna make sure I wasn't on crack or something last night when I looked at it. :)

The original channel assignment for KWBF-DT was to be on channel 43 according to:

http://www.transmitter.com/FCC97115/ARatwch.html

Apparently, they (TitanTV and other places) are still using the old info. Obviously, KWBF-DT got permission from FCC to use 44 instead.

Also, my MCE 2005 files showed KETS-DT to be on physical channel 7 (they will be eventually but are on 5 now) and I had to make that change manually. The TV data for MCE comes from Zap2it (Tribune Media Services).

dmatch

You know, its funny, for a while there I was able to get Tribune to fix crap that was wrong around here, but my last few attempts as of late have gone unnoticed. They just don't seem to want to fix Little Rock data anymore.

I'm surprised you had any luck at all, unless you were submitting your requests thru SchedulesDirect. Even when they (Tribune) had an active forum for reporting guide info discrepancies they very seldom paid any attention (at least for the last year or so).

I guess they don't really think of us as their customers, since we don't pay the bill directly. The most commonly given advise in their now defunct forum for correcting problems was to contact the TV station or the cable company and have them try to get a problem corrected. That probably would be more likely to work but then you need to have a responsive TV station or cable company to make it work. Fat chance!

dmatch

In the past, I've had channel data corrected by contacting Tribune and Zap2it directly.

Here's the contact info for:
Tribune (http://tribunemediaentertainment.com/contacts.shtml)
Zap2it (http://www.zap2it.com/services/site/zap-feedback,0,6935396.story)

YMMV

Got listings for PBS-HD FINALLY!!! I just used Iowa Public TV's listings. Its on channel 811 on their digital cable system if you use YApi2XML to get the listings.

Now, the only problem I have is getting both sets of data into GB-PVR (by both I mean Little Rock and PBS-HD). I may have an idea for that though. Will see how it goes. I am still getting the message "Shedule file corrupted or not found." and all the retries failing when I try to get the local crap. I bet its just a temporary thing.

I know that this is mostly a sat/OTA discussion, but has anyone had recent experience with Suddenlink in South Central AR? I'll be telecommuting from the house in Arkadelphia, so it looks like I'll be getting internet from them regardless. Just wanted a little pre-knowledge of the situation. Their site is less than helpful to say the least.

How compressed are the LR broadcast channels?
What HD/DVR box do they use?
Have they been adding channels regularly?

-MDG

Heh, all I know about SuddenLink is their techs don't know what packets are, don't know what packet loss is, and don't know how to trace their own problems back to their hookups in your neighborhood. I knew this one guy that has them in Cabot, and he says they are the biggest bunch of idiots he has ever seen. He had to troubleshoot the problem himself and tell them which components to replace on their own equipment.

So, don't get your hopes up too high on good service from them apparently.

Anyone notice how good the new HD studio on the Weather Channel looks? Maps are fantastic.

My 1TB network drive crashed today, along with my entire music video and movie collection, so I'm not really a happy camper right now.

Has there been some kind of change with 11's digital transmitters that anyone has noticed? I ask because for some reason I had to change my set top antenna that I use in the computer room. For some reason I stopped getting a very strong signal on it where it used to be and, after moving the elements around, I found that if I pulled them out all the way, and move them slightly off normal, it worked fine. I don't see why I would have to change something that worked very well in the past. Oh well, I got it back, just was curious if anyone else noticed a little change recently.

And interestingly enough, when doing the scan with WinTV, I saw like 3 squares of signal on 5 from Channel 2's transmitters. Too bad I can't get anything stronger from them.

Make a quad loop behind the tv, broadside to redfield, using the formula 462/f*2 and feed it at the bottom in the middle with 72ohm coax and no balun. Ch 5 is 79 MHz, so (462/79)*2 for the total length of wire.

Just get a real outdoor antenna and you wouldn't be having all these intermittent reception problems.

Why don't you give me the money to buy "a real outdoor antenna", then get over here and install it properly, then I will do it.

No offense, but I am frankly tired of being told to buy an outdoor antenna when I have listed time and again why I am not doing so. The logistics of running the antenna to all of the televisions in my house make it too much of a hassle to deal with. Not only that, but the cost of the antenna and the installation of it to where it will suit all parties involved make it an undertaking that is less than desirable to say the least. And, yes, I do understand you are probably tired of me saying stuff about my crappy antenna, but this wasn't one of those times. I simply asked a simple question of whether or not anyone noticed a change in the transmission pattern of RF12 in relation to what I saw.

I have a good outdoor/indoor antenna feeding the living room HR20 and it works just fine, and I don't think it would be very easy to branch off that feed anywhere else because of the way the wires would have to be run. But I am still using a set top antenna with a rather weak amplifier built in on my computer room TV, H20, and computer (all three have tuners fed by the one antenna). While they work just fine 99% of the time, there are other times when there is a slight change in the transmission of our lovely local stations. This time was just such a time when 11 changed somehow.

You are in a borderline area where using an indoor antenna won't cut it. Compared to what you've spent on other equipment, a decent outdoor antenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/4221.htm) is cheap.

Or continue using indoor antennas with intermittent problems.

Is channel 7 still broadcasting in digital somewhere? If so what is the frequency?

KATV-DT is currently being broadcast as a subchannel of KWBF-DT, so it's actual channel number is 44.3, however it should remap to 7.1. YMMV but KWBF-DT seems to still be running on reduced power, so they might be hard to receive.

I get 44.1 and 44.2 but no 44.3. Where are they transmiting from. Shinal?

I believe they are broadcasting from Shinall. Have you run a rescan on your receiver. I believe I had to do that before I could get them. Like I said though, it should actually remap to 7.1.

You are in a borderline area where using an indoor antenna won't cut it. Compared to what you've spent on other equipment, a decent outdoor antenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/4221.htm) is cheap.

Or continue using indoor antennas with intermittent problems.
What do you mean I am in a borderline area? The only thing working against me here is the fact that I am a little close to the mountain, but that doesn't seem to affect me too much. With the exception of KETS's digital channels, I get everything pretty well.

In the computer room with the cheap, piece of crap set top antenna:
4-1 fluctuates from 61% on up (with enough tinkering and tuning, I could probably get that up higher, but the way it is now cuts it pretty well)
11-1 (after the readjusting) is from 69% to 76% most of the time
16-1 is 80% or better
38's are 85% or better
Hell, I even get 42's channels at 80% and up with this tiny antenna.

The only place I had a real problem was in the living room and that was only because I was using a half-assed speaker wire antenna that shouldn't have worked in the first place. Since I bought the Philips antenna that I referenced a while back for use in the living room, I get high 90's on most of the channels save 11 and thats because its VHF-high, but even its still in the upper 70's. The only channel that suffered was 38 for some reason and it only went down about 10%. Thats the one I got at 100% all the time with the speaker wire antenna.

So, I don't really think I am in that much of a borderline area considering I get the signals that well. I am willing to bet the only reason I had to retune 11 is because they got the equipment they fried awhile back back into operation. Before the other transmitter fried, I had my antenna elements pulled all the way out like this if I remember correctly.

I believe they are broadcasting from Shinall...Yes, they are on Shinall.

What about AETN. Wasn't it on KATVs tower that took a dive? I still get AETN-HD and all three sub channels perfectly.

KETS analog was on the same tower as KATV-TV/DT, but KETS-DT was on the KASN-TV/DT tower.

- Trip

Heh, all I know about SuddenLink is their techs don't know what packets are, don't know what packet loss is, and don't know how to trace their own problems back to their hookups in your neighborhood. ...
So, don't get your hopes up too high on good service from them apparently.

:eek: Lovely. Hopefully that was just the local sub-contractor. I'll lurk a bit more in other threads to see if anything more is available. Thanks.

-MDG