They're gone.

Thanks Allen, great news. Just out of curiosity, can you give any details behind the decision to get rid of them, or even put them up in the first place? I mean, who thought they were a good idea to start with, and who convinced them otherwise?

Not that any of that's really important, what's important is that next Friday, you guys can finally dump analog, and we can get PBS back.

And Allenf, tell us the scoop on the July 1st RTN network addition... Gonna be on 7-3, or replacing 7-2??? Will it have enough bandwidth to look good (as good as 480i oldies can)? I hope its better than Equitys version (which sucked even before they added KATV to channel 44).

Thanks Allen, great news. Just out of curiosity, can you give any details behind the decision to get rid of them..Uh, complaints, maybe? Or a change in Albritton policy (the damned logo bars have been seen on other Albritton stations).

It was just a guess. I've seen some strange things with Antennas thru the years. Steve, honestly, I think a good outdoor Ant 15-30 mile range Channel Master or Wineguard would solve all the problems you so frequently run into with your locals.....just a suggestion.
Well, as far as my current positioning goes, I think a 15 - 30 mile antenna would probably hurt me more than help cause it would probably pick up way better than I need. The problems I run in to where I am now is more than likely purely multipath because I am 5.75 miles (roughly) from the middle of the towers on the mountain (as a bird flies). I think ultimately what the problem is is that I am just too close really.

It might be different when my new house gets put up. Its 9.5 miles (roughly) from the towers, so that difference might be night and day. Plus, where the new place is its quite a bit more flat. There aren't that many big hills around Otter Creek area I don't think.

Anyway, I will just wait until we move and see how things go there. If I had a way of getting it home, I would try to talk my sister out of the big antenna she has behind her shed that they have no intention of using. Well, I guess a way to get it home AND the wife's permission to put it up, lol. Anyway, I did put a simple pair of unamp'd rabbit ears on the Samsung and it picks 4-1 up much much better than the outdoor, amp'd one does. As long as it is in a specific position that is, but still, picks it up better none the less.

Thanks for the help though. I need to quit bitchin so much if I can't do anything about it. LOL It really does no good.

You try building that coax dipole?

Actually, no, I haven't. All my extra coax that I would want to do it with is buried behind a bunch of boxes in the garage. I might have something in here to use, but haven't looked yet. I might give it a look here in a little bit.

Well, as far as my current positioning goes, I think a 15 - 30 mile antenna would probably hurt me more than help cause it would probably pick up way better than I need. The problems I run in to where I am now is more than likely purely multipath because I am 5.75 miles (roughly) from the middle of the towers on the mountain (as a bird flies). I think ultimately what the problem is is that I am just too close really.

It might be different when my new house gets put up. Its 9.5 miles (roughly) from the towers, so that difference might be night and day. Plus, where the new place is its quite a bit more flat. There aren't that many big hills around Otter Creek area I don't think.

Anyway, I will just wait until we move and see how things go there. If I had a way of getting it home, I would try to talk my sister out of the big antenna she has behind her shed that they have no intention of using. Well, I guess a way to get it home AND the wife's permission to put it up, lol. Anyway, I did put a simple pair of unamp'd rabbit ears on the Samsung and it picks 4-1 up much much better than the outdoor, amp'd one does. As long as it is in a specific position that is, but still, picks it up better none the less.

Thanks for the help though. I need to quit bitchin so much if I can't do anything about it. LOL It really does no good.

Well, I hope when you move you get all the channels. Its very frustrating when you have a channel or two that dont come in and there seems to be no logical reasoning for it. Good luck with the new house and hopefully you'll get all the channels at the new location:)

Well, thanks, I do too. It seems like the overpowering signal is about the best explanation. Even if I don't get all them, I don't guess its a big deal. I use it as a "nice to have" kinda thing and backup for when the weather is bad. I have the satellite going and will probably have ClearQAM Comcrap when I move because it doesn't look like U-Verse will be available and regular DSL will just make me cringe when I try to do something, so I will have to pay the ridiculous price for cable Internet (unless I can talk them into a lower rate).

Low Power analog ch 28 off the air in LR. Ch 28 in Shreveport trying to come in. Took 30 minutes, but I finally locked it for a new DT logging: http://i41.tinypic.com/4locap.jpg

I was able to lock KTVE enough for a while to watch a little of the Jimmy Fallon show when Rachel Dratch was playing the cello. Imagine that, the MANT910 was able to do that!

Not surprising. No multipath on skip :)

So, will the shutdown be at 12:01am just after it turns the 12th? Or will it be 11:59pm just before it turns the 13th when all these damn analogs turn off? And will KETS come back up immediately, or will we have to wait a few days? Just pondering these thoughts I had just now.

So, will the shutdown be at 12:01am just after it turns the 12th? Or will it be 11:59pm just before it turns the 13th when all these damn analogs turn off? And will KETS come back up immediately, or will we have to wait a few days? Just pondering these thoughts I had just now.

The only one I'm aware of that is shutting down at 11:59pm in LR is KLRT

The FCC required the stations when they submitted their notice of termination to select from four time frames

12:00am-5:59am June 12
6:00am-11:59am June 12
12:00pm-5:59pm June 12
6:00pm-11:59pm June 12

KTHV, KATV, and AETN's remaining analogs (KEMV, KETG, KAFT) chose the 6:00am-11:59am window. That could mean those listed stations can legally go off the air during these times.

One Memphis station, WMC will turn off analog between Midnight and 5:59am on June 12. They are flash cutting to channel 5 (and also turning off DTV ch52).

Lowbanders WREG 3 (Memphis CBS), KFSM 5 (Ft Smith CBS), and KTBS 3 (Sheveport ABC) have opted for the nighttime window, as has El Dorado's KTVE 10 (based on an earlier filing), and KEJB 43.

FWIW KTBS analog 3 will operate "Nightlight" service for 2 weeks ending June 26.

I still wonder what the hell the deal is with 4. 4-1 is THE hardest station for me to get. I can get EVERY other channel in the area (well, except 2) that one would want to watch with NO issues at all, but 4-1 fluctuates between 0 and 3 bars on my Samsung TV. It is completely unwatchable. It's on the same mountain, in the same direction and everything from me as everything else (save 38-1), but I just can't get it to be stable at all no matter how much I fiddle with the antenna.

42-1 is even better than 4-1 is. I get a pretty solid 5 bars on the Samsung when I just looked at it. Isn't it on the same tower now? What the heck is going on with 4-1???? It just makes no sense why 4-1 gives me so much trouble.

I'm also having difficulty getting 4-1 clearly, and I get all of the other stations. My dropout frequency on 4-1 with my OTA antenna is to the point that its unwatchable over long periods. I have to switch to a silver sensor to get 4-1 with (almost) no dropout.

Given that I supposedly have one of the top OTA antennas (CM4221, If i'm recalling right, installed on my roof), and i'm only ~ 7 miles away from Shinall mountain, I find that hard to accept.

I also hate the fact that my new Sony (40Z4100) apparently doesnt have a signal strength meter built into it.... or I havent found it in the menu system yet. The only way I'd have any idea if an adjustment would help would be to just see if it dropped out or not.

I'm also having difficulty getting 4-1 clearly, and I get all of the other stations. My dropout frequency on 4-1 with my OTA antenna is to the point that its unwatchable over long periods. I have to switch to a silver sensor to get 4-1 with (almost) no dropout.

Given that I supposedly have one of the top OTA antennas (CM4221, If i'm recalling right, installed on my roof), and i'm only ~ 7 miles away from Shinall mountain, I find that hard to accept.

I also hate the fact that my new Sony (40Z4100) apparently doesnt have a signal strength meter built into it.... or I havent found it in the menu system yet. The only way I'd have any idea if an adjustment would help would be to just see if it dropped out or not.
I think you are in the same boat as me. I think the strength of the signal is killing you cause the way the signal is bouncing at you from different directions slightly out of time with each other (I think thats a way to describe multipath).

For me, a signal meter doesn't do any good as you will see a low signal for 4-1 and not for anything else and be like "WTF!!!!" The 4221 picks up the signals a LOT better than the silver sensor does I bet. And the silver sensor is inside, so its shielded a little bit too by the building, so that cuts down on multipath problems.

I think if I were you I would take a splitter and combine the 4221 with the silver sensor and have the silver sensor specifically set up for 4-1 only. Maybe that might work, I dunno though.

The only one I'm aware of that is shutting down at 11:59pm in LR is KLRT

The FCC required the stations when they submitted their notice of termination to select from four time frames

12:00am-5:59am June 12
6:00am-11:59am June 12
12:00pm-5:59pm June 12
6:00pm-11:59pm June 12

KTHV, KATV, and AETN's remaining analogs (KEMV, KETG, KAFT) chose the 6:00am-11:59am window. That could mean those listed stations can legally go off the air during these times.

One Memphis station, WMC will turn off analog between Midnight and 5:59am on June 12. They are flash cutting to channel 5 (and also turning off DTV ch52).

Lowbanders WREG 3 (Memphis CBS), KFSM 5 (Ft Smith CBS), and KTBS 3 (Sheveport ABC) have opted for the nighttime window, as has El Dorado's KTVE 10 (based on an earlier filing), and KEJB 43.

FWIW KTBS analog 3 will operate "Nightlight" service for 2 weeks ending June 26.
ahh, but when does KETS turn back on? :)

I think you are in the same boat as me. I think the strength of the signal is killing you cause the way the signal is bouncing at you from different directions slightly out of time with each other (I think thats a way to describe multipath).

For me, a signal meter doesn't do any good as you will see a low signal for 4-1 and not for anything else and be like "WTF!!!!" The 4221 picks up the signals a LOT better than the silver sensor does I bet. And the silver sensor is inside, so its shielded a little bit too by the building, so that cuts down on multipath problems.

I think if I were you I would take a splitter and combine the 4221 with the silver sensor and have the silver sensor specifically set up for 4-1 only. Maybe that might work, I dunno though.

It would, but it would be accepting failure in my mind. Supposedly, an outdoor, roof mounted antenna is best and also the WAF is much lower with that ugly silver sensor in the living room.

I have acrophobia, so I'm sort of stuck with my current setup (my house is very tall and sitting on the side of a large hill terrain). I"ll probably eventually just add D* back and pay their high (to me) rates.

It would, but it would be accepting failure in my mind. Supposedly, an outdoor, roof mounted antenna is best and also the WAF is much lower with that ugly silver sensor in the living room.

I have acrophobia, so I'm sort of stuck with my current setup (my house is very tall and sitting on the side of a large hill terrain). I"ll probably eventually just add D* back and pay their high (to me) rates.
Oh, they ARE high, believe me, I completely agree! :)

You can't hide the silver sensor behind the TV or something? Thats what I do when I wanna try something inside. LOL But, yeah, the stupid outdoor antenna is supposed to work. I don't know why we get so much trouble out of them. I think 4-1 is doing something funky with their signal to try to get it further or something, so it screws with the signal for people close to the tower. Thats about the only explanation I can come up with.

ahh, but when does KETS turn back on? :)

The email I received from them listed their first day of operation as Saturday June 13th. I suspect, however, they will fire up the transmitter for testing, about immediately after KATV quits hogging the channel.

It would, but it would be accepting failure in my mind. Supposedly, an outdoor, roof mounted antenna is best and also the WAF is much lower with that ugly silver sensor in the living room.

I have acrophobia, so I'm sort of stuck with my current setup (my house is very tall and sitting on the side of a large hill terrain). I"ll probably eventually just add D* back and pay their high (to me) rates.

I wouldnt mind coming back over and tweeting a bit for you, but we need to wait until KETS is back on the air. If your Sony is like my Aquos, you have to go through about 5 menus to ever get to the signal meter. Its only going to show you quality, which is obviously bad, not signal strength...so its not a good indicator. Is your silver sensor the unamplified original version that looks like a little rooftop uhf section on a model airplane stand? I also cannot remember, did we mount the 4221 with or without the reflector screen on it? I have a 4220 we could try, its the same antenna with just two elements, and might work better for you. Once KETS is up, Ill come climb up there if you want, and we can get it working again. If I recall, KARK was only running low power when we first installed your system. Is KTHV on the Directv pole on the top roof still working ok?

Widescreen SDTV, proper aspect ratio and a new logo bug...

Interesting

that aspect ratio got hosed over on Bill Moyers Journal...its the postage stamp, within a postage stamp. I checked back over there 10 min ago.

only real change is the logo

Widescreen SDTV, proper aspect ratio and a new logo bug...

Hey, nice new HD logo too. Guess they paid attention when we emailed them. I told them in my email I couldnt justify sending them more money until they got their aspect ratio problem fixed :)

Guess this means I now need to hold up my part of the bargain, and send them another donation on June 13th when they get the transmitter fired up. Hahahaha

I dont expect them to get it perfect though, even PBS HD, has it screwed up on some of their upconverted 4:3 stuff. If AETN is taking their feed from PBS national, then it will probably follow that it will be screwed up too. I really dont care about that, as long as they show HD widescreen in HD widescreen, and dont stretch locally produced shows.

I wrote to KTHV and AETN asking exactly when they will shut off analog.

From KTHV:
We plan to shut down at 12 noon on June 12th.

From AETN:
Friday, June 12, about 8:58 a.m. we will run a station ID, then a sign-off
(Arkansas You Run Deep in Me/pretty pictures) then test pattern and then
pull the plug!

8:58:46 ID :14
8:59:00 Sign Off 3:56
9:02:56 Test Pattern ???
shut off transmitters (KETG/KEMV/KAFT) (KETS and KTEJ have been shut
down since end of January and mid-February)

Wow, they even sent you the end of their final analog playlist. Guess Ill have to set up an old VHS to tape KEMV going off-air.

From KLRT 16:

The analog signal will be turned off at 11:59pm on Friday, June 12th.

Joel Gardner
FOX16 | CW Arkansas Webmaster
Little Rock, AR

Help DXers...Im getting spanish channels on ch 6 and 14 (analog). i dont speak spanish. Im guessing 6 is e-skip...Whats 14?? ~ts not the same program as 58. Pointed at 200 degrees.

I wrote to KTHV and AETN asking exactly when they will shut off analog.


From AETN:
Friday, June 12, about 8:58 a.m. we will run a station ID, then a sign-off
(Arkansas You Run Deep in Me/pretty pictures) then test pattern and then
pull the plug!

8:58:46 ID :14
8:59:00 Sign Off 3:56
9:02:56 Test Pattern ???
shut off transmitters (KETG/KEMV/KAFT) (KETS and KTEJ have been shut
down since end of January and mid-February)

But when will they turn ON KETS-DT? That's the question I wanna know the answer to. I'm sure that depends on when KATV-TV shuts down.

Help DXers...Im getting spanish channels on ch 6 and 14 (analog). i dont speak spanish. Im guessing 6 is e-skip...Whats 14?? ~ts not the same program as 58. Pointed at 200 degrees.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=TX282938.html

Maybe?

- Trip

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=TX282938.html

Maybe?

- Trip

Yea, that must be it, since they are listed at w9wi.com as SLAT TV....That transmitter is only a mile from my house, and Ive NEVER gotten it, I just assumed it was a license that never had a transmitter put up for. Weird. As for channel 6, thats weird too, since I dont show any signals on 2-5, at all. Thanks Trip.

LAT TV is gone now; any idea what's on it now?

- Trip

LAT TV is gone now; any idea what's on it now?

- Trip

Nope, Ill try later tonight to turn the antenna around to get it better. Its fading in and out now, just like tropo.

But when will they turn ON KETS-DT? That's the question I wanna know the answer to. I'm sure that depends on when KATV-TV shuts down.
I'm guessing they could theoretically turn on the transmitter at 12:00am on 6/12 considering that is the day KATV will be off the air. But I am thinking it will be 12:00am on 6/13 before we see it. I am just hoping my half-assed setup can pick it up. LOL Did they keep the digital transmitter with the 38 one??

I wrote to KTHV and AETN asking exactly when they will shut off analog.

From KTHV:
We plan to shut down at 12 noon on June 12th.

From AETN:
Friday, June 12, about 8:58 a.m. we will run a station ID, then a sign-off
(Arkansas You Run Deep in Me/pretty pictures) then test pattern and then
pull the plug!

8:58:46 ID :14
8:59:00 Sign Off 3:56
9:02:56 Test Pattern ???
shut off transmitters (KETG/KEMV/KAFT) (KETS and KTEJ have been shut
down since end of January and mid-February)

I'll swing the Winegard toward Gurdon about 8:45am....and have the VCR rolling (i'll also monitor KEMV on the other antenna). I do hope that KATV will go silent at 7am.....and that there is monster Gulf Tropo, or NW toward Pittsburg KS

Thinkin you can snag a DX on channel 7 in the between time eh? Hahaha. Always the optimist.

Our luck, there is a Commodore 64 running at Sheridan......

10 Input "Signal on channel 7";a
20 if a >= 1 then goto 10
30 Print "Turning on KETS Digital Superpower channel 7 KATV buster transmitter";
40 Poke 65535,1
50 Print "Transmitter enabled"
60 end

Thinkin you can snag a DX on channel 7 in the between time eh? Hahaha. Always the optimist.

Our luck, there is a Commodore 64 running at Sheridan......

10 Input "Signal on channel 7";a
20 if a >= 1 then goto 10
30 Print "Turning on KETS Digital Superpower channel 7 KATV buster transmitter";
40 Poke 65535,1
50 Print "Transmitter enabled"
60 end

Hey, there's hope...and High Pressure systems :D

I've logged KLTV, WBBJ, WDAM, and KPLC on channel 7 since KATV was reduced to that pitiful analog signal. The only one I've missed is KOAM.

If I didn't work tomorrow morning, I wouldn't be home, but got channel 2 and 4 from St Louis in. Going to check DTV for any locks ;)

I'm only getting KTVE in again

I wonder what causes the stutter type audio on 4-1. I noticed it kinda happening on KTVE as well, but not near as much as on 4-1. Its kinda annoying.

For anyone DX'ing Louisiana, here is a complete state list of all DT stations: http://www.skyvision.com/digital/LA.pdf
Here is a list of states: http://www.skyvision.com/digital/

KTVE? Thats the 3abn religious station on ch 27. Broadcasting from a building downtown. Currently, its giving me 100% signal, but wont lock on any of my receivers....Think perhaps its not sending any PSIP, just a pilot.

Just saw this antenna, might be useful for those of you with difficult multipath. Its cheap, and comes with its own rotator to fine tune its direction from the living room....

http://www.summitsource.com/lava-2605-uhfvhffm-hdtv-terrestrial-antenna-with-builtin-rotor-ir-remote-control-hd-antenna-uhf-vhf-fm-with-low-noise-highgain-amplifier-digital-local-tv-high-definition-reception-outdoor-aerial-system-light-green-zone-part-a2605-a2605-p-7197.html

Scratch that... Read several reviews, all the people within 5 miles of the stations rate it 1, while almost everyone from 5 to 60 miles rate it a 5....apparently the built in amp overloads (which is probably what Steve's MANT is doing to his KARK signal). After analog shuts down, and all the 5MW UHFs go bye bye, Ill bet a lot of these digital problems go away.

I noticed on the companies web site, a model A-230, which looks like a cheap DAT75, but cannot find a price on it anywhere yet. www.lavasat.com

Hope all the DXers got their fill of Shreveport. Only one I couldnt snag this morning was the PBS station on channel 25. Channel 28 KTBS is still coming in at noon!

Less than 5 days of analog left, and we will finally unclutter the amps in the metro from overload, and the DXin' will commence. Last nights was KBTX-DT, WJTV-DT, KMSS-DT, KYTX-DT, KSLA-DT, KTEG-DT, KTAL-DT and KTBS-DT. Not bad. I moved the Echostar TR40 to the Living Room, and routed the coax going to the Aquos over to the TR40, since it has a good individual channel scan, and I dont anticipate DXing any more analogs. Got it plugged into the hard drive on the DVD recorder, so anything I see, I can go back and freeze or replay. I tried using tbe tuner in it for analog, but its tuner sucked, I go a half bit picture from KEMV, but audio from a spanish FM station, so its about worthless for analog anyway. Ya'll have a great week.

Home at lunch....had a lock early this morning before work on KDNL-DT 31 (30-1) St Louis. Analogs 2, 4, 5, and 9 from STL were in and 11 (KPLR) was putting CCI bars on KTHV .

Now: Tropo from Springfield/Branson area still strong here--KYTV 3 analog in with a watchable picture, KARZ-DT not locking due to tropo interference from KYTV's digital station (ALSO on channel 44), KOLR-DT channel 10 (10-1) trying to lock but no luck so far.

y'all have fun :D

Its funny, I can get Branson FM stations on my car radio several mornings when I leave for work, but cant lock much of anything up there on TV. MAYBE I need to mount the antenna 3' off the ground :)

I'm currently a Comcast subscriber but considering getting a Dish DVT PAL DVR so I can have additional tuners available. I'm wanting to know if I can get away with just an indoor antenna to receive the LR locals. I know I can put up an outdoor antenna and get everything fine, but a friend of mine lives in Benton and all he has is an indoor antenna and he can get all the local channels fine.

So, any other Jacksonville or Cabot users out there with any indoor antenna experiance for the Little Rock locals???

Thanks

All depends on your location. Go to www.tvfool.com, enter your address, and for antenna height AGL, enter 0. Any stations listed as LOS should come in with an indoor or attic antenna. Any listed as 1edge, will require a small outdoor antenna, and 2edge will probably require a larger antenna.

Not surprising. No multipath on skip :)LOL, good one, Dave. :)

I'm also having difficulty getting 4-1 clearly, and I get all of the other stations. My dropout frequency on 4-1 with my OTA antenna is to the point that its unwatchable over long periods. I have to switch to a silver sensor to get 4-1 with (almost) no dropout.You likely have multipath and/or possibly interference from KASN 39 or KLRT 30 messing with KARK 32. The silver sensor is significantly more directional than the 4221, so it is able to overcome the problem. An attenuator on the 4221 is worth a try, especially since you don't have to get on the roof to insert it in the coax.

I wouldnt mind coming back over and tweeting a bit for you, but we need to wait until KETS is back on the air. If your Sony is like my Aquos, you have to go through about 5 menus to ever get to the signal meter. Its only going to show you quality, which is obviously bad, not signal strength...so its not a good indicator. Is your silver sensor the unamplified original version that looks like a little rooftop uhf section on a model airplane stand? I also cannot remember, did we mount the 4221 with or without the reflector screen on it? I have a 4220 we could try, its the same antenna with just two elements, and might work better for you. Once KETS is up, Ill come climb up there if you want, and we can get it working again. If I recall, KARK was only running low power when we first installed your system. Is KTHV on the Directv pole on the top roof still working ok?

I'll have to do a bit of research then and see if my new Sony TV has a menu that will show either quality or signal strength. Fortunately/Unfortunately, 4-1 can sometimes go an entire 30 minutes or so without a glitch, (and other times, it glitches every few seconds), so without a meter, it would be hard to judge or confirm improvements in antenna adjustments.

Thanks for the offer to do a tweak. My 4221 does have the backplate on it (I assume that's the fence-like screen on one side)? KTHV is still working great with the joinantenna. I'm getting only the rare occasional 1 second dropout on all other stations besides KARK. My silver sensor is unamped and as you describe it. I get 4-1 both with it, and also with a radio shack indoor bow-tie.

If nothing else, I wouldn't mind having that "weather-vain" taken off too (the large VHF i used to pick up KETS with), that I don't need anymore. I would think overall performance might also improve just having that removed since it's in such close proximity to the 4221 (they're on the same pole).

I wonder what causes the stutter type audio on 4-1. I noticed it kinda happening on KTVE as well, but not near as much as on 4-1. Its kinda annoying.

Now that I don't have an issue with. Audio seems ok for me when I'm not dropping out. I'm passing the audio out from my tv using an optical cable to my receiver for DD 5.1.

I have a 4220 we could try, its the same antenna with just two elements, and might work better for you.

Outdoor OTA antennas are so affordable Dave, that also if you think I might be better off with a different type, I could order a different one. One time charges under $50 or so are completely worth it to me if its going to have a good chance of improving performance.

I'm trying to pay a couple of nagging debts off, so whatever I do, its probably going to end up getting some use. It's nice not having a $70-$100+ D* bill. (mine was higher cause I had all the HD stuff)

Outdoor OTA antennas are only affordable if you aren't buying more than one of them. If you end up buying 2 or 3, then it can be a significant cost. I figure just buy an expensive one to start off with, then you don't have to worry. That doesn't fly too well around here. Wife is too willing to pay the $70 to $100 a month for DirecTV. :)

All depends on your location. Go to www.tvfool.com, enter your address, and for antenna height AGL, enter 0. Any stations listed as LOS should come in with an indoor or attic antenna. Any listed as 1edge, will require a small outdoor antenna, and 2edge will probably require a larger antenna.


Thanks, it looks like I should be able to get all of the major networks with an indoor antenna. Looks like I am around 24 miles from them.

What type of indoor antenna would you recomend?

Thanks,
Mike

Hard to say...One you can return if it doesnt work, for sure. WAL MART OR radio shack usually are good about returns. Amps in them can cause so much noise it makes the signal worse. Silver Sensor unamps (mfg by Phillips now I think) are good.

I would just get a Philips MANT910. It *should* work pretty good indoors in J'Ville and its only $39 I think at Tram-Law.

Don't suppose anyone has a set of computer speakers just lying around, do you? The old Sound Blaster Live card I had in my sons computer has apparently stopped working as it doesn't show up in device manager. I needed that card to run the digital speakers I have as the internal sound card won't work.

Since the internal card only does analog and I don't have any analog speakers, I find that I don't have any speakers he can use to play his games. Kinda hard to find a decent cheap pair at any of the usual sources. Most are in the $30's and up from what I can see. Just hoping to find someone wanting to clear a little clutter out of their computer closet.

Anyway, just thought I would ask.

Outdoor OTA antennas are so affordable Dave, that also if you think I might be better off with a different type, I could order a different one.

That is the problem, I really cannot think of another antenna which would suit your peticular situation any better than what you already have. One idea I was thinking about, is mounting that Silver sensor you have so much luck with, out in the garage, up in the rafters. Being inside will attenuate the signal about 50%, compared with it being outside, so that might be all you need, along with the ch12 antenna way up on the roof. I have to keep in mind, however, you will be needing to pick up ch39 and ch7 from Redfield as well, and the Silver sensor may be to directional to do that in the garage (plus its UHF only, so ch7 would be a stretch). Once 7 is up, we can play. Im almost convinced, that your problem will go away on its own as soon as channel 11 and channel 16 turn off their band splatter analog transmitters, since the digital signals are much lower power, I dont think you will be having as much trouble. Will see how it all pans out next Saturday morning.

What type of indoor antenna would you recomend?

Thanks,
Mike

I have the MANT antenna Steve recommends, sitting here in a box, if you want to try it out and see if it work. If not, just return it. If it works for ya, you can keep in for $20. Im to close to the transmitters for it.

I have the MANT antenna Steve recommends, sitting here in a box, if you want to try it out and see if it work. If not, just return it. If it works for ya, you can keep in for $20. Im to close to the transmitters for it.

Thanks, Davenlr. That is a very generous offer, but I'm gonna wait a little bit before I purchase the DTV PAL. There are still a lot of bugs that need to be worked out before I buy one. I do appreciate your help on this.

Mike

Have they started selling the DTVPAL DVR again? I know there were so many bugs in the initial release, the stopped shipping, but heard the new firmware was released about two months ago, and had remedied most of the bugs. Figured it would have been put back in production by now, if true.

Personally, I use SageTv on a AMD64 HTPC, and for a tuner, I have a Hauppauge USB HD tuner stick, and a Hauppauge HDPVR (records any 480i thru 1080i signal via component, or svideo. I needed a way to archive shows recorded on my DirecTv DVR or live from PBS-HD on a FTA satellite receiver, to DVDs. No sense paying for a movie and not being able to watch it later (Directv deletes PPV movies after 24 hours).

I looked into the DTVPAL, however, with no capability of dumping the recordings to DVD (or computer hard drive), it just didnt seem worth the expense to me.

If you do plan to get a dvr, I would strongly recommend a small unobtrusive outdoor antenna, if your home would support one of the new small Winegard VHF-hi/UHF yagi's,http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD7694P since that will yield much better signal levels to overcome lightning (which will knock out PBS and CBS), as well as eliminate (to a lot higher extent) the multipath interruptions you will notice when those flocks of 10 C-130's fly between the transmitter and your house.

You know something about DirecTV that really ticks me off, their damn paranoia over content protection! I FINALLY got their DirecTV2PC app working on my Windows 7 box, then the GeForce 8500 (I think) video card started giving me fits, so I swapped it out with my wife's GeForce 6600. Now, I can't watch recordings through the DirecTV2PC app because the damn 6600 doesn't do "hardware protection mechanism" crap! This is so damn stupid! If I could get that working right, then I wouldn't need to go out and buy a new receiver to replace this H20-100. It's just looking more and more like that is the best idea. Damn this is nuts!

Better get used to it. Its not DirecTv, its the movie studios forcing them to add all that crap in order to secure the rights to distribute the movies. The solution for DirecTV2PC would be to use an ANALOG output on the video card, which doesnt even know about HDCP, unless they added something to DirecTV2PC since the last version I tested, which worked, but the computer wasnt fast enough to run it.

I did try that. I plugged in a VGA cable to it cause I was running DVI converted to HDMI from the card. Didn't work. After about 10 seconds the same damn message pops back up.

EDIT: Think something like AnyDVD would get around that???

Dont know. When you tried the analog, did you disconnect the DVI?

yup, well, the connector itself that has the dvi to hdmi pass-through is still on it, but the cable itself is unplugged.

Funny, its playing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse from the SD Disney channel West just fine.

Im almost convinced, that your problem will go away on its own as soon as channel 11 and channel 16 turn off their band splatter analog transmitters, since the digital signals are much lower power, I dont think you will be having as much trouble. Will see how it all pans out next Saturday morning.

Is there any chance that taking the VHF off of the 4221 can help things too? Seems like they're so close to each other, that there might be a chance for interference, or maybe taking whatever wiring you used to integrate the two off might help?

The 4221 is better than my Silver sensor for the other stations, IMO. I think the 4221 is going to work somehow. But lets see how the digital transition changes things, hopefully for the better! Also, it seems like I probably tweak the Silver sensor depending on the day whenever I watch NBC for long durations (like the french open this past weekend) so it has an unfair advantage so to speak because I can move it.

Have they started selling the DTVPAL DVR again?Yep. http://www.dtvpal.com/

...If you do plan to get a dvr, I would strongly recommend a small unobtrusive outdoor antenna, if your home would support one of the new small Winegard VHF-hi/UHF yagi's, http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD7694PDitto on the Winegard HD 7694P (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD7694P). Great little inexpensive antenna for VHF 7 thru 13 + UHF. You might even be able to aim it at Redfield and still catch the Shinall Mtn. stations off-axis.
http://pimages.solidsignal.com/7694_zoom.jpg (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD7694P)

Is there any chance that taking the VHF off of the 4221 can help things too? Seems like they're so close to each other, that there might be a chance for interference, or maybe taking whatever wiring you used to integrate the two off might help?

I dont think so. The removal of the low/high band combiner will increase signal at the tuner 3db, which could make things even worse before Saturday. Ill definantly remove it for you when I come by.

That 7694P looks kinda nice. I am not too good with measurements, so I am not real sure how big it is. Might pull out the ol' measuring tape later. I might be able to talk the wife into something that cheap. Wonder if it would do any good in the attic of the new house?

Says in the description its not intended for mounting indoors. Might work, or might screw up the pattern...guess it depends whats in your attic to cause reflections. I put a 3 element UHF yagi on a 3' mast on my parents back porch roof, just below the main roofline, so you cant see it unless you go in the back yard and stand on a step ladder. They get everything from LR except VTN.

Yeah, I know, was just thinking it might being in town and all. Won't have a back porch covering, so that wouldn't work. Only would have the top of the house and I have a feeling that would have to be as clean as possible with the exception of the DirecTV dish.

This evening is turning out like yesterday. KETG-DT coming in strong, Shreveport trying. This morning, I did my ritual "scan for new channels" with the antenna pointed at Texas and in pops WHBQ. Swung around toward Memphis and scanned in all the majors except WMC. Memphis is blocked by a closeby ridge, 200 ft higher than I am, so they must really have been strong.
Drove to Harrison, and every time I drive up US65, it totally amazes me I can get ANY tv from Springfield, those hills are so high. Im sitting at 400' and logged several spots in the 2000' range on the way up there.
Whats stranger, I have never logged a NWA station, which would seem to be the same terrain, or better (Ark River Valley in Ft Smiths case). Im chalking that up to amp overload from Shinall (same direction). Saturday should be an interesting day.

This evening is turning out like yesterday. KETG-DT coming in strong, Shreveport trying. This morning, I did my ritual "scan for new channels" with the antenna pointed at Texas and in pops WHBQ. Swung around toward Memphis and scanned in all the majors except WMC. Memphis is blocked by a closeby ridge, 200 ft higher than I am, so they must really have been strong.
Drove to Harrison, and every time I drive up US65, it totally amazes me I can get ANY tv from Springfield, those hills are so high. Im sitting at 400' and logged several spots in the 2000' range on the way up there.
Whats stranger, I have never logged a NWA station, which would seem to be the same terrain, or better (Ark River Valley in Ft Smiths case). Im chalking that up to amp overload from Shinall (same direction). Saturday should be an interesting day.

Is KTWN-LD ch 18 (18-n) still off the air? I've not seen them here as of late. KFSM-DT 18 (5-n) was in last night sporadicly--they are usually the strongest of the NWA stations.

Those Springfield stations are on tall towers..on mountains, but thats countered by your local analog LPTV's and adjacent DTV's. Analog adjacent channel interference from KLRT analog and KKYK-CA block out KSPR-DT (33-1) on channel 19 in Little Rock. Also, KSFX-DT (27-1) on ch28 is blocked out by KJLR-CA ch28. Of course, KYTV-DT is no longer a target in LR, and KOZK-DT (21-n) is on channel 23 adjacent to KATV-DT. Therefore, only KOLR-DT (10-1) on channel 10 is a viable target and only when KTHV switches off analog, and its even facing a analog LPTV adjacent on ch9.
Living in BFE does have its advantages sometimes ;)

Low power 18 (Cabot) is still off. LP analog 28 has also been gone for a couple weeks, since Im getting Shreveports ch28 digital every morning.

It would be nice if KEMV would move to ch 11 once KTHV shuts down. WAY to many stations on ch13.

Hoping to be able to get KAIT once they move to 8.
Will try for Ft Smith after Saturday.

That 7694P looks kinda nice. I am not too good with measurements, so I am not real sure how big it is. Might pull out the ol' measuring tape later. I might be able to talk the wife into something that cheap. Wonder if it would do any good in the attic of the new house?The web site says 65", which is probably right. The ones I've installed were a tad shorter than I am (5'8").

Most new houses have foil radiant barrier foil on the underside of the roof decking. If yours does, or if you walls have foil-backed insulation in them, forget the attic. HVAC ductwork plays hell w/ indoor & attic antennas, too.

... Drove to Harrison, and every time I drive up US65, it totally amazes me I can get ANY tv from Springfield, those hills are so high. Im sitting at 400' and logged several spots in the 2000' range on the way up there.
Whats stranger, I have never logged a NWA station, which would seem to be the same terrain, or better... The Fordland TV towers are monsters sitting on pretty hefty Ozarks hills. IIRC, NWA stations' towers aren't nearly as tall. And there are some 2300-foot Mtns. between you & the NWA towers. So it may be more of a (relatively) straight shot from Fordland (Springfield) towers to NLR.

... only KOLR-DT (10-1) on channel 10 is a viable target and only when KTHV switches off analog, and its even facing a analog LPTV adjacent on ch9.KOLR-DT doesn't seem to be getting out very well with their re-rigged half of their old analog transmitter. They have lots of reception problem reports from viewers. I know 10 is not getting to my house nearly as well as when they were on 52. And the 4228 is supposed to have very good ch 10 gain. However, I may be getting interference sometimes from KTUL 10 Tulsa and KAFT 9 at Winslow. KOLR does have an app to increase power, so that may help distant reception in the future.

...Only would have the top of the house and I have a feeling that would have to be as clean as possible with the exception of the DirecTV dish.If there are trees behind the house that would be the background for the antenna (if viewing the house from the street), just paint the antenna with Krylon Ultra Flat Camo paint (olive gray-green) (http://www.krylon.com/products/camouflage_paint_with_fusion_technology/). It makes antennas almost impossible to notice from the street, if trees are behind it.

Thats the beauty of the new house, NO TREES!!!!! WOO HOO!! No more having leaves all over the damn ground! No more having to rake!!! There is actually one tree on the lot, but its really tall before you get to any foliage and looks kinda weird, so we are having them pull it down.

Thats the beauty of the new house, NO TREES!!!!! WOO HOO!! No more having leaves all over the damn ground! No more having to rake!!! There is actually one tree on the lot, but its really tall before you get to any foliage and looks kinda weird, so we are having them pull it down.

That's too bad. My parents keep trees around the house because the shade reduces the cooling bill during the summer.

- Trip

Meh, I'm not that worried about it. The lack of things to clean up after kinda offsets the slight increase in bills. Besides, if the builder does his job right, shouldn't have to worry about it all that much I would think. I mean, yeah, it will heat up the house, but as long as I don't have any gaping holes around the doors or windows, everything should be good. And as long as there is good insulation, I am good there too.

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/jun/11/switch-digital-tv-scheduled-friday-no-del-20090611/?news/morningemail

I wonder if there is some way I will be able to get 49 OTA when they shut off 20. Surely they have a way to get it up here OTA and not leave people to rely on cable or satellite. Well, then again, this is Arkansas after all. Nothing works like it would logically seem is good. :)

I wonder if there is some way I will be able to get 49 OTA when they shut off 20. Surely they have a way to get it up here OTA and not leave people to rely on cable or satellite.

???

20's a low-powered station. It's not impacted by the transition, unless Equity's shutting it off anyway.

- Trip

I dont know if 20 was part of the sale of 49 or not. They both simulcast. 49 has to shut down tomorrow, but 20 doesnt.

???

20's a low-powered station. It's not impacted by the transition, unless Equity's shutting it off anyway.

- Trip
Blah blah blah. :) What I was meaning to say is that I hope they put up a digital version of it here in town so I can get it without looking at sh*t flying all over the screen. :) And that maybe it might let us get KDSK Cardinals games in HD. So, thank you for pointing out my stupidity and lack of the obvious. :)

Just thinking about the KETS thing more. Since I can get KATV analog with the antenna I have now, you think I will likely be able to pick up KETS when it turns on? Trip, how much power they going to be pumping out? (I don't feel like trying to weed through pages of info for that, lol.)

Trip, how much power they going to be pumping out? (I don't feel like trying to weed through pages of info for that, lol.)

KETS-DT 7 will put out 26.7 kW. I'm not sure how it will work for you, given the inconsistent reports I've gotten on upper-VHF performance.

- Trip

All the station/power info is in the 1st post in this forum...for anyone interested.

Since I can get KATV analog with the antenna I have now, you think I will likely be able to pick up KETS when it turns on?


One is 3 miles away, one is 20? Guess you will know Saturday morning :) If you cant, we all know the solution :) The MANT is UHF only, so if you do, it will be lucky.

KETS-DT 7 will put out 26.7 kW. I'm not sure how it will work for you, given the inconsistent reports I've gotten on upper-VHF performance.

- Trip

I havent had any problems with VHF-hi stations. I get KTEG-DT at night block free, signal is a little to weak to lock during the day, but its steady...and they are running what "I" would consider low power.

I havent seen any horrendous problems, except a very occasional lightning breakup on KTHV. Of course, if all the stations around here would use a channel besides 13, it might be better. Im hoping KEMV-DT rethinks ch 13 (cochannel NWA and Memphis) and applies for the vacated channel 11. They have to hire a crew to remove the ch 6 bat wings anyway...

All the station/power info is in the 1st post in this forum...for anyone interested.
Oh, yeah. Forgot. I never go back there.

One is 3 miles away, one is 20? Guess you will know Saturday morning :) If you cant, we all know the solution :) The MANT is UHF only, so if you do, it will be lucky.
Dunno, it works pretty good for analog 7 now as well as the 11's. I don't remember analog 4. I think it does better than the specs let on.

I've never seen lighting breakups on 11. Or any other channel actually, but I don't have as elaborate of a setup as you do. Or I have just been lucky. :)

One is 3 miles away, one is 20? Guess you will know Saturday morning :) If you cant, we all know the solution :) The MANT is UHF only, so if you do, it will be lucky.

I'll have access to 2 AETN's by midnight Saturday morning---the ch 7 KETS and the ch 10 KETZ El Dorado.

RE KKYK 49: I can only see that station when conditions are good. It is like the old ch 36 analog that was full power--on paper that is. KEJB 43 (El Dorado) on the other hand I can see 24/7 but never watch especially since they are a MyNet* station and analog only (until Saturday).

There is some low-channel analog skip in tonight but fading fast. I just arrived home.

Dunno, it works pretty good for analog 7 now as well as the 11's. I don't remember analog 4. I think it does better than the specs let on.

Probably wont matter...They are going to using almost twice the power of Gurdon's ch 13, and that comes in good at night. Havent checked, but Ill bet in addition to twice the power, the antenna will be higher, and they are in a more favorable part of the band for propagation. A dipole in your attic should get it if the mant doesnt.

I've never seen lighting breakups on 11. Or any other channel actually, but I don't have as elaborate of a setup as you do. Or I have just been lucky. :)

There isnt any room for lightning to get between you and the transmitter!

I'll have access to 2 AETN's by midnight Saturday morning---the ch 7 KETS and the ch 10 KETZ El Dorado.

Equity used a 16db gain amped yagi on that 300' tower behind their building to monitor the transmitter, and that was just to get occasional glitches showing it was on. Only could really get a picture at night a couple times a week.


There is some low-channel analog skip in tonight but fading fast. I just arrived home.

Havent missed anything. Ill count on you to tape the KEMV shutdown... I had a good weather day, and removed the -3db low/high combiner off the amp, to boost the 7-13 antenna, figuring I could still get ch 6 with the quantum plugged directly into the dvdv recorder, but its unwatchable without the 7777. On the bright side, I lock Gurdon every night now :)

KTHV channel 11 until June 27

http://www.fcc.gov/DA-09-1303A2.pdf

Crap, they just cant give it up can they? Bet they still have 8 tracks in their cars.

Havent missed anything. Ill count on you to tape the KEMV shutdown... I had a good weather day, and removed the -3db low/high combiner off the amp, to boost the 7-13 antenna, figuring I could still get ch 6 with the quantum plugged directly into the dvdv recorder, but its unwatchable without the 7777. On the bright side, I lock Gurdon every night now :)

No, I'm taping KETG 9 instead....the other two recorders are set to grab KATV and KTHV's sign offs. I'm afraid that KEMV will get hit hard with sporadic E skip or a lull in propagation. I could not see WMC's sign off tonight, but conditions were starting to improve just minutes ago.

KTHV channel 11 until June 27

http://www.fcc.gov/DA-09-1303A2.pdf

Its ridiculous the way some of these stations are trying to hang on to the past. We live in a day and age where if everyone cant get on the ride at once....no one can ride at all. I get so tired of this political correctness BS! Its time for these stations to put the AX to analog and tell their viewers its the dawn of a new era....if they want to watch tv, go to walmart and get an affordable HDTV with a built in ATSC tuner. The future of television is not "Coming Soon"...its "Been Here" for years now and folks have chosen to openly ignore it and many are getting caught with their pants down! Oh well, thats their problems not mine:rolleyes:

KNOE-DT 8 is kicking up here

I just re-scanned my digital. I already had 44.3 logged on my sony but now I have picked up 42.1 as well which is a duplicate of 44.3 as most here know. I also have locked 15.1 WXVT CBS affiliate Greenville Mississippi...currently 65-70%. Lots of Delta news advertisements running on that channel. Right now CBS news "Up To The Minute" is on. Is this just tropo or will I get to keep this channel? Greenville MS is 254 miles from me.....by the highway....dont know how far their tower is from me.

Tropo. Ms is kicking. check channel 8 also. Just starting to get lots of weak signals coming in from that way. Ch25 WMAO very strong too

I just re-scanned my digital. I already had 44.3 logged on my sony but now I have picked up 42.1 as well which is a duplicate of 44.3 as most here know. I also have locked 15.1 WXVT CBS affiliate Greenville Mississippi...currently 65-70%. Lots of Delta news advertisements running on that channel. Right now CBS news "Up To The Minute" is on. Is this just tropo or will I get to keep this channel? Greenville MS is 254 miles from me.....by the highway....dont know how far their tower is from me.

Their transmitter is near Cleveland, MS. That's about 180 miles from you; not a bad catch. I wonder if they're at full power now.

WXVT is on a short-stick, and right in the delta. Folks southeast of me can get WABG but since its on the same channel as KARK (DTV) its a very rare catch here.

I was too busy blogging/checking emails on the analog shutoff last night to do any DTV DX. I did notice local ancientlogs were enhanced quite well.

There isnt any room for lightning to get between you and the transmitter!
LOL, tell that to the transformers that have been taken out by it over the years!!! Seriously though, yeah, I know what you are meaning. There are +'s and -'s to being so close.

KTHV channel 11 until June 27

http://www.fcc.gov/DA-09-1303A2.pdf
Ok, what the hell are they doing that for. Its just fricken stupid! Isn't all the nightlight for is to show a slide saying that you need a digital receiver??? If so, isn't the lack of a channel kinda slide enough??

Its ridiculous the way some of these stations are trying to hang on to the past. We live in a day and age where if everyone cant get on the ride at once....no one can ride at all. I get so tired of this political correctness BS! Its time for these stations to put the AX to analog and tell their viewers its the dawn of a new era....if they want to watch tv, go to walmart and get an affordable HDTV with a built in ATSC tuner. The future of television is not "Coming Soon"...its "Been Here" for years now and folks have chosen to openly ignore it and many are getting caught with their pants down! Oh well, thats their problems not mine:rolleyes:
Hmm, how about an axe to the analog transmitter itself? Does anyone know which is which up there? ;)

Holy crap! I am still getting 10-1 and 10-2 right now!!!

Hmm, looks like 11-2's audio level has finally been brought down, still is a bit hot as you can hear the distortion every now and then. Only problem with the channel now is that the picture is looking a bit washed out like the brightness or contrast was messed up on it. During the "behind the scenes" part during the commercial, I was seeing horizontal bands scrolling across the screen. Don't really know what is up with that. Oh well, at least the volume has been brought down a little bit so it's closer to right.

Ok, what the hell are they doing that for. Its just fricken stupid! Isn't all the nightlight for is to show a slide saying that you need a digital receiver??? If so, isn't the lack of a channel kinda slide enough??
I think they figure this is a way to grab those viewers who have failed to pay attention to the constant barrage of on screen crawls and PSA's for the last 2 years. They must think those people will become loyal THV viewers once they finally wake up and smell the converter box.

KTHV channel 11 until June 27

http://www.fcc.gov/DA-09-1303A2.pdf

Is there grounds for a complaint to be filed with the FCC? I thought there was a mandate for them to shut the analog signal down by 12:01 am Sat June 13.

The FCC asked them to do it, don't blame them.

- Trip

The FCC asked them to do it, don't blame them.

- Trip

How would that be blaming them??? The one breaking the mandate is KTHV. I said file a complaint with the FCC.... not to be confused with filing a complaint against the FCC.

Um, the law says that stations that do not interfere with other stations according to accepted engineering practices can provide nightlight services until July 12.

And why exactly would the FCC take action against a station for doing what the FCC said to do?

- Trip

How would that be blaming them??? The one breaking the mandate is KTHV.

You're missing Trip's point. The FCC asked a bunch of additional stations to continue broadcasting a nightlight signal. They will not be broadcasting regular programming, just a slate will DTV information. Here is an article explaining what happened:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/279191-Nightlight_Station_Total_Increases_To_118.php

This quote will illustrate why complaining to the FCC will do no good. "That is up from 99 earlier in the week, and after the National Association of Broadcasters said it was urging more stations to do so. FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein had literally begged more stations to participate." :)

KTHV isn't breaking a mandate, they are responding to a request from the FCC.

Edit: Trip beat me to it. :)

JHC, won't they ever let analog die?

Um, the law says that stations that do not interfere with other stations according to accepted engineering practices can provide nightlight services until July 12.

And why exactly would the FCC take action against a station for doing what the FCC said to do?

- Trip

I hope by now you realize I misunderstood what you were saying based on the way you worded your initial, brief response. So I take it you'll understand why I'm going to pass on answering your rhetorical question.

JHC, won't they ever let analog die?

Back on point.... my sentiments exactly.

I apologize for my brief response. I'm interning at a station taking calls and trying to juggle reading/commenting here with the phone and the website.

- Trip

I apologize for my brief response. I'm interning at a station taking calls and trying to juggle reading/commenting here with the phone and the website.

- Trip

In short, I didn't know the FCC made that exception. Now I know!

The FCC are idiots. They havent gotten anything right in their history.

Any more new interesting developments on the big day? I can't wait to rescan after I get off work to see what happens, if anything.

Woo Hoo!!!! Welcome back KETS!!!! I get all 4 now (even though 2-4 is nothing right now for some reason. not sure if something should be there or not).

LOL analog 11 has a "How to hook up and set up a digital convertor box" video going.

Getting KDKA analog 2 from Pittsburgh PA at the moment.

I am willing to bet you are just way too far away. I have 16 and 11 analogs and thats it. Well, 20 and 58 as well, but that doesn't count cause they are too snowy. :)

Woo Hoo!!!! Welcome back KETS!!!! I get all 4 now (even though 2-4 is nothing right now for some reason. not sure if something should be there or not).

I don't think they are doing a 2-4 anymore, but splitting up PBS Kids & PBS Create on 2-2.

So that means, KATV and KTHV analog are both off? Is that everybody? I was going to wait until in the morning to do a rescan, in case anyone was waiting until midnight tonight, but if that everyone, I'll do it as soon as I get home.

LOL, you must have forgotten the previous conversation about KTHV and their nightlight, as well as my statement about the video they are showing on it. ;)

2-4 is scanned by my TV when I told it to do the scan, so its definitely there for something.

LOL, you must have forgotten the previous conversation about KTHV and their nightlight, as well as my statement about the video they are showing on it. ;)

2-4 is scanned by my TV when I told it to do the scan, so its definitely there for something.

Oh, yeah, duh. :o Well, am I missing anything? I guess KLRT and KKYK are the question marks, anyone know their status?

The Zap2It listings show "Arkansas Info Reading Services for the Blind" on 2-4, but I don't know if that means anything, they also show thisTV on 42.2.

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/jun/11/switch-digital-tv-scheduled-friday-no-del-20090611/?news/morningemail

That answers your questions.

Nicholson said there will be a 7-3 coming soon. (Actually, he said between now and fall they will be broadcasting three channels, 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3.) So, Dave, I guess that tells you were the RTN or whatever it was you were wanting is going to be.

LOL, "I've got my convertor box hooked up to my TV, but I don't know how to use it. What do I do?"

Geez, the problems are purely OLD people. The people that evidently were around when electricity first came to fruition. FCC lines are going to be tied up bad! When people sell these damn boxes, they need to help the person understand exactly how to use it. The need explicit instructions on how to hook it up and what to do. I say that because its overly apparent common sense does not exist with people, especially the elderly. I mean, if they did have common sense, they could just look at the screen and follow instructions. Oh well, at least I don't have to support anyone like that.

Ch 7 analog off, followed by KATv digital, followed by KARk digital... See any lightning Steve?

LOL, you must have forgotten the previous conversation about KTHV and their nightlight, as well as my statement about the video they are showing on it. ;)

2-4 is scanned by my TV when I told it to do the scan, so its definitely there for something. Nothing has been on dash-4 for quite a while now. It used to be reading services for the blind, the service that previously was on an analog SAP. But AETN has dropped it.

LOL, "I've got my convertor box hooked up to my TV, but I don't know how to use it. What do I do?"

Geez, the problems are purely OLD people. The people that evidently were around when electricity first came to fruition. FCC lines are going to be tied up bad! When people sell these damn boxes, they need to help the person understand exactly how to use it. The need explicit instructions on how to hook it up and what to do. I say that because its overly apparent common sense does not exist with people, especially the elderly. I mean, if they did have common sense, they could just look at the screen and follow instructions. Oh well, at least I don't have to support anyone like that.Gawd, I hope you never live that long.

Ch 7 analog off, followed by KATv digital, followed by KARk digital... See any lightning Steve?
You saying both those dig's are off? Yeah, I've seen some lightning. Easy to do with no power. :)

Nothing has been on dash-4 for quite a while now. It used to be reading services for the blind, the service that previously was on an analog SAP. But AETN has dropped it.

Gawd, I hope you never live that long.
Well, hmm dunno why my TV picked it up. It wasn't there before the scan.

The difference with me if I do live that long is that I will do all I can to keep up with the latest stuff, but that's just how I am. I never let myself get behind the times or learnin curve.

I suppose the way I put it was a bit harsh and I should have found better words to convey that idea. Sorry. But the fact still remains that there are way too many people that are too scared of the simplest things to even try...convertor boxes being a prime example. They just won't try because they "just don't understand that stuff". They should at least put forth the effort to figure it out IMHO.

Well, hmm dunno why my TV picked it up. It wasn't there before the scan. The sub channel is still there. But the audio programming that used to be on it is long gone (at least it has been here, on KAFT-DT 13-4).

This is the fastest moving, most pronounced bow thunderstorm I think Ive ever seen. Hope KATV's digital is just a power problem and not another lightning strike. It would be hell to lose the digital two hours after the analog was turned off.

The sub channel is still there. But the audio programming that used to be on it is long gone (at least it has been here, on KAFT-DT 13-4).
Ahhh, ok. Didn't know thats what you meant. Hope they put something back on it. I will leave it in there for the time being. Might eventually get rid of it if they don't put anything back on it.

This is the fastest moving, most pronounced bow thunderstorm I think Ive ever seen. Hope KATV's digital is just a power problem and not another lightning strike. It would be hell to lose the digital two hours after the analog was turned off.
Yeah, it would, but it would be a tiny bit funny just cause its one of those "doesn't it just figure" kinda things. :)

My power just came back on, so maybe theirs did too. Haven't looked yet.

Should I be getting KETS now? I re-scanned on my Sony SXRD and KATV still shows up at 98% on 7.1 & 7.2. 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 & 7.6 now also show up at 84-87% but nothing but a black screen. My diagnostics screen shows status as "Lock" but the Errors is jumping around to all kinds of numbers then back to 0. SNR (db): numbers are also jumping around some, mainly swapping 24 and 25 back and forth. AGC (%) is steady at 37. Any reason as to why I'm not getting a picture? Should I do a beginning scan insted of "Add Digital"? Think I'll try that now.:)

Should I be getting KETS now? I re-scanned on my Sony SXRD and KATV still shows up at 98% on 7.1 & 7.2. 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 & 7.6 now also show up at 84-87% but nothing but a black screen. My diagnostics screen shows status as "Lock" but the Errors is jumping around to all kinds of numbers then back to 0. SNR (db): numbers are also jumping around some, mainly swapping 24 and 25 back and forth. AGC (%) is steady at 37. Any reason as to why I'm not getting a picture? Should I do a beginning scan insted of "Add Digital"? Think I'll try that now.:)
I would think you should....but then again you are in BFE, so you might not. :)

I don't know why you are seeing 7.3 through 7.6. Thats kinda weird. Yeah, do a full scan, then tell us.

Wow, 2-2 is EXTREMELY blocky and shifted up about 1/3. Not seeing anything on 2-3 either for some reason. Must be having problems. 2-1 is fine though.

I got it......I started completely over and it put the pbs channels on 2.1-2.4 and I now get them at around 80%. 2.1 is working fine, looks like they have some bugs to work out on the sub channels. Steve, my 2.1 is extremely blocked up as well. 2.3 and 2.4 are just black screens.

Im getting 100% signal, but none of my receivers will lock yet. Directv still showing "Searching for signal" so they are still looking on ch 5... KETG on 13 coming in good tho.

I need to figure out where Windows 7 is looking for KETS's signal. Right now its not picking up anything at all on them. There isn't an ATSC thing in the eHome directory like there was on Vista, so I guess they changed it.

KETS just scanning in, -1 looks good (720p), -2 (480p), -3 (480p). -4 has a vpid and apid, but is null.

Well, I can't figure out where the file I need to alter is, but I did get KETS on there. I just went in and added missing channels. I don't have listings for the channels, but at least I got half of it done.

KETS showing Newshour in HD and the correct aspect ratio...yea. Just watched ch11's nightline service...all I can say is ... what a waste of electricity. Ch20 and 58 analog still looking good. Im going to be watching signal levels on KVTH ch 26 at midnight, to see how much it improves when KLRT shuts down.

Wow, first 16x9 HD thing I have seen on KETS. Looks pretty good for the most part.

Wow, first 16x9 HD thing I have seen on KETS. Looks pretty good for the most part.

Yea, I does...And my little Hauppauge usb tuner stick is recording it with SageTv (and I got a tv guide pthhhhh hahaha)

Ahh, just figured it out. On Windows 7, you add the channel manually with the right numbers, then you go in and edit the channel and it lets you choose the listings and combine it with the channel its supposed to be on. Anyway, I got it fixed up! Now I have data and everything. :) If anyone is using Windows 7, let me know and I will help walk you through it.

Wow, STILL hearing a very very prominent buzz on 11-1 and 11-2 during the news. Whats up with that???? Can they not fix that??

Looks like KETS really dropped their power at about 6pm, went from 100% down to 75% and started pixellating until I pointed the antenna directly at Redfield....

Still coming in out there in the boonies?

Is anyone able to pick up the channel 2's in Conway? I was able to from work in LR but not locking them at home.

Yep, they turned the power down at 6pm.

Here is their new Digital station ID...

http://i44.tinypic.com/vpyipc.jpg

It appears that a breaker tripped at Redfield after returning from a power failure. Someone is en route to fix it. We are currently on the backup transmitter at lower power. By the way, that backup transmitter was the former low power channel 2 transmitter.

By the way. the pixelation you saw this afternoon resulted from problems after a massive power failure in Conway.

mattm1001,
Any idea when AETN will get all of its programming aspect ratio problems sorted out (postage stamp 16:9, stretchovision 4:3, 16:9 squished to 4:3, etc.)?

It appears that a breaker tripped at Redfield after returning from a power failure. Someone is en route to fix it. We are currently on the backup transmitter at lower power. By the way, that backup transmitter was the former low power channel 2 transmitter.

By the way. the pixelation you saw this afternoon resulted from problems after a massive power failure in Conway.

Thanks Matt. Hell of a day to bring up a new TV station eh? Thanks for the feedback, and welcome back on the air. And with a backup transmitter too (2)...

Sam: I noticed they were squishing the local 6:30-7 show for a few minutes, but then switched it to the right aspect....Good sign...

LOL, showed his hand by telling us that it was on the backup transmitter. :) Now we know WHO to gripe at when something goes wrong. Just kidding. Good to know that they have someone on here that will talk to us. :)

Send em $30 bucks. Well worth it IMHO. And they give you a cool Orange AETN coffee mug!

Actually its handy to be able to compare the low power vs full. Now I know I can get the low power, just as well as I got ch 5.

Thinking KARK might be on lower power right now too. Starting to have troubles with it again when it was up pretty strong earlier. Of course, my antenna could have moved too. Haven't looked at it just yet. Just thought I would see if anyone else thought it might be a little lower right now than it was.

There's some equipment on order to fix the aspect ratio issues. Hopefully within the next month or so things will be ironed out.

Thanks Matt.

Steve: 100% here on 32, no issues.

KAIT-DT on ch 8 at 50%, 8-2 weather radar, 8-3 "The Tube" music vids.

KETS-DT kicked back to full power at 7:55pm.

Send em $30 bucks. Well worth it IMHO. And they give you a cool Orange AETN coffee mug!I will start supporting them again, after they get the aspect ratio problems ironed out on KAFT, which have been going on way too long. Until then, I'll watch (and support):
http://www.optv.org/images/station_logo.png (http://www.optv.org/about/index.html)

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=159705 says that 49 will be going dark on DirecTV after the switch. WTF?? Really?? Why?

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=159705 says that 49 will be going dark on DirecTV after the switch. WTF?? Really?? Why?

Probably because Directv isnt required to carry low power analogs or subchannels. Its possible they plan to replace it with RTN. Hopefully they will put KETS on the HD bird now as well.

So that means we are skee-roo'd when it comes to Sunday Cards games.

No, it means you need to watch it OTA. It REALLY depends if they are actually getting it from ch 49 or 20. If its from 20, and the signal never disappears at Castle Rock, they may not turn it off.

You should get ch20 good there, its up on the mountain.

Nope, never gotten it better than heavy snow. Looks like a major blizzard when I try to watch it.

EDIT: I was going to take a pic of it to show you, but it looks better in the picture than it does when I see it on TV.

This is what I see. The pic evidently freezes the snow a little bit, but this is about what I see most of the time. Sometimes it gets a tiny bit better.

this is what i see. The pic evidently freezes the snow a little bit, but this is about what i see most of the time. Sometimes it gets a tiny bit better.

4221

For one channel? I think I'll just go with audio only courtesy my FREE MLB Gameday Audio for being a Cardinals Nation member. :) That 4221 would probably overload me even more on 4-1 and probably a couple other channels. If you have one to let me test out with, I will be happy to see how it does, but I can't justify dropping the coin on it for an unknown.

Nope, dont have one.

WMC-DT ch 5
KAIT-DT ch 8
KETG-DT ch 13
WREG-DT ch28
VTN ch 48

all coming in tonight.

KTVE analog and digital hitting here. Thats all I am getting though.

Yea, I've got KETS back. Well, on 1 TV anyway. The other 3 tuners in the house just aren't getting enough signal. I've been putting off climbing into the attic to adjust the antenna but now that most of the noise is gone sounds like a good Saturday activity (Before it gets to hot anyway).

KAIT-DT 8, WMC-DT 5, and KETZ-DT 10 all logged between 10:47pm and 11pm. Now waiting on KLRT to sign off analog, and for KEJB to flash cut.

Haley,

KETZ was signed on at 11pm (at last). What kind of signal strength are you getting compared with before the channel change?

Ready to test...

KVTH 26 is 250 degrees. Signal when pointed at 250, 12%. Signal when pointed at 215 degrees is 88%.

We shall see what happens when analog 16 turns off.
I suspect it will jump to 100%, and everyones problems under the mountain will go away....Hope Im correct.

Result: 12% jumped up to 46%. Turned 10 deg south, 100%. Adios KLRT analog.

Haley,

KETZ was signed on at 11pm (at last). What kind of signal strength are you getting compared with before the channel change?

Its ranging from 60% to 70% in North Little Rock. Solid lock. Skip I know, but I dont usually get much from the Monroe market...so its impressive.

Now, if I could EVER lock KEMV...which I could easily get on analog...

Give KEMV some time. Upgrades are coming.

Give KEMV some time. Upgrades are coming.

Yea, I know, but those bat wings sticking up above Fox are awesome...

Whatever WMAO is, I am getting WMAO-SD and WMAO-HD on 23-1 and 23-2 respectively.

Mississippi PBS.

- Trip

Whatever WMAO is, I am getting WMAO-SD and WMAO-HD on 23-1 and 23-2 respectively.

With all these storms around, I sure wouldnt think the tropo would be that strong...

If you ever need to find a station, you can google call-dt or check w9wi.com and click on list by channel.

Fritz' site has links to stations logos and bugs too I believe.

FWIW, the only two stations I can get on my battery tv with rod antenna now are KTHV analog, and KaTV-DT... Sure glad Allenf put that vertical polarity in the signal.

Another thing not making sense...Im getting WMC ch 5 from 140 mi away, with a t-storm 10 miles away, using a VHF-hi antenna...

Mississippi PBS.

- Trip

The Greenville/Greenwood station, to be exact. Someone else in this thread was getting CBS out of Greenville the other day.

Haley,

KETZ was signed on at 11pm (at last). What kind of signal strength are you getting compared with before the channel change?

Last night was the first ever reception of KETZ. KTHV-DT was always too strong here in NW Lincoln County. If KETZ were not on ch12 at the time, I would have had a chance of receiving it previously.

Its was rock solid here last night, but this morning, KETZ-DT is showing up on the meter but not decoding. The stationary front between here and the transmitter site @ Bolding could be a culprit. I call it "reverse tropo". I'm not seeing a DTV signal from native channel 43 either. Only KTVE-DT is in from that area this morning and its having dropouts. I've never experienced dropouts on KTVE-DT since the station went full power pointed directly at the station.

Propagation this morning is in the toilet, after last night's great conditions.

update 7:06am...KETZ is roaring back, but I'm having rotor issues...I need to resynch rotor. KETZ is mostly locking but having dropouts still.

FWIW, the only two stations I can get on my battery tv with rod antenna now are KTHV analog, and KaTV-DT... Sure glad Allenf put that vertical polarity in the signal.


The same thing happened last night with me, but I wasn't getting a lock with WMC-DT 5. I went to the skip antenna (that big ol' beat-up Rat Shack VU190) to nab channel 5 Memphis. I don't have a rotor on it (yet) so had to go outside and hand turn the pole.

Oh, btw it seems the bands are starting to open back up somewhat, I'm seeing that KTBS 3-Nightlight (they are running a big ol' bug), but didn't see a "KY3" bug last night on KYTV's Nighlight (Springfield MO) (they pulled the plug live at 6:05pm) so that's an easy way to tell the two apart. Weird not seeing weak KFSM or KEMV on the skip analog tv. I got back home in time to see KTVE's sign off. My recording of KETG 9 was spoiled because of a possible power outage at Gurdon and/or propagation. I just checked the tape ( :( ).

Does anyone know if the DirecTV DVRs (HR20) will automatically update the KETS-DT change from 5 to 7 or do I have to reset and repeat my antenna setup?

Thanks,
fly

Does anyone know if the DirecTV DVRs (HR20) will automatically update the KETS-DT change from 5 to 7 or do I have to reset and repeat my antenna setup?

Thanks,
fly

I had to reset my antenna setup on my HR20.

Give KEMV some time. Upgrades are coming.Hopefully, the KAFT power increase is still on the upgrade list. Lots of VHF dropouts on KAFT whenever lightning is in the surrounding area.

Does anyone know if the DirecTV DVRs (HR20) will automatically update the KETS-DT change from 5 to 7 or do I have to reset and repeat my antenna setup?

Thanks,
fly

They are SUPPOSED to, but I had to RESET SETTINGS , wait for it to download the guide data, then run INITIAL SETUP again. It then worked. It also for some reason, downloads KTUWDT ch 16 as a valid channel...Have to uncheck that, or it screws up KLRT.

It might just take a while to do it automatically, but I am impatient.

They are SUPPOSED to, but I had to RESET SETTINGS , wait for it to download the guide data, then run INITIAL SETUP again. It then worked. It also for some reason, downloads KTUWDT ch 16 as a valid channel...Have to uncheck that, or it screws up KLRT.

It might just take a while to do it automatically, but I am impatient.
Where is KETS supposed to be on the channel dial? Is it still going to be 2? I did the rescan yesterday evening and nothing changed. Are you getting KETS from DirecTV?

Where is KETS supposed to be on the channel dial? Is it still going to be 2? I did the rescan yesterday evening and nothing changed. Are you getting KETS from DirecTV?

2-1 thru 2-4 on the OTA guide. Directv still sending a remapped PBS national on ch2 from Sat.

HOPING they add AeTN to their HD sat. Never would I watch the SD version.

2-1 thru 2-4 on the OTA guide. Directv still sending a remapped PBS national on ch2 from Sat.

HOPING they add AeTN to their HD sat. Never would I watch the SD version.Thanks for the info. Has anyone indicated when Directv will start sending AETN SD and stop remapping the national? I can't get the OTA AETN channels.

AETN will have to notify Directv, and they will need to retune the receiver at Clear Channel where Directv gets its OTA from. Dont know how long it takes. I kinda assumed with 6 months advanced notice, they would have been ready.

AETN will have to notify Directv, and they will need to retune the receiver at Clear Channel where Directv gets its OTA from. Dont know how long it takes. I kinda assumed with 6 months advanced notice, they would have been ready.Someone over at AETN is probably going "Doh!" right now.

I'm showing 2-1 through 2-4 down at the moment. It was working earlier.

With the antenna array (Winegard YA1713/CM4228/CM 7777 preamp) pointed at Bolding AR (KTVE, KETZ transmitter site) at 11:15am. Receiving location at Palmyra near Star City AR.

KETZ-DT 10 (12-n) 27-30% with the AOC-Envision LCD TV's internal ATSC tuner

In comparison, KTVE-DT 27 (10-n) blasts in at 89-91% signal.

AETN's DTV stations are rather underpowered, as my attempts at consistant OTA reception of KETG-DT the last few months indicates.

NO signal indicated with antennas pointed at Little Rock (Shinall Mtn site) @ 11:37am. All other Little Rock stations except for KKAP decoding perfectly here.

haley-SEA: Seeing anything on KEJB-43 yet?

- Trip

We're on the KETS issue. Should be back shortly.

Someone over at AETN is probably going "Doh!" right now.

Doubt it wa AETN. They have been right on top of Directv. Im guessing Directv dropped the ball, or just wants to wait until things like popped circuit breakers and such quiet down.

HECK, those breakers on KETS are probably rusted from non-use...send Nicholson the bill :p

Here is a first day transition pic from wmc-dt Memphis on ch5 during a local thunderstorm...
http://i42.tinypic.com/fbclx.jpg

haley-SEA: Seeing anything on KEJB-43 yet?

- Trip

I checked at 1:25pm CT. There is a signal detected on the TV's internal tuner (very low signal, about 3-5%) and also on the Zenith converter. Not strong enough to decode yet, not sure if KEJB-DT is full power yet, or just breaking in the transmitter and testing. Also its the worst part of the day for tropo propagation. I'll know closer to sunset, but am 99% sure that is KEJB.

Update:
KEJB-DT 43 El Dorado AR finally decoded for a second with video and PSIP at 1340 CT before dropping out. I'm currently detecting NO signal for KEJB-DT, there might have been a tripped breaker, etc.

Second Update-- 2:05pm:
KEJB-DT back with a signal, but too weak do decode here at Palmyra (near Star City). Second photo shows where KEJB had previously decoded, and return of signal.

I'm here in El Dorado for the weekend...rescanned my mom's tv today... here are the results -

KNOE-DT 8.1, 8.2 (RF 18) Signal 74%
KTVE-DT 10.1, 10.2 (RF 27) Signal 92%
KETZ-DT 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 (RF 10) Signal 89%
KEJB-DT 43.1 (RF 43) Signal 91%

Trip, I'll try to get the TSReader info to you soon on KETZ and KEJB... As well as the stations in Jackson that I haven't sent to you... been busy with work lately!

Trip, I'll try to get the TSReader info to you soon on KETZ and KEJB... As well as the stations in Jackson that I haven't sent to you... been busy with work lately!

Thanks. No rush; I'm still trying to get caught up with the changes that took place yesterday. :D

I actually got most of the Jackson stations when a contact from Phoenix drove through on the way to Knoxville, though I'm always glad to have new data, especially on WLBT and WJTV now that they've transitioned.

- Trip

The fourth sub-channel of KETG (9.4) has been off for weeks or even months now.

though I'm always glad to have new data, especially on WLBT and WJTV now that they've transitioned.

- Trip

From my first impressions since the two transitioned to new channels, I'd have to say the reception on WLBT-DT had little to no change... and the reception of WJTV-DT on RF 12 is not as good as it was on 52. When I get back down there tomorrow I'd get some new info on them for you.

Yesterday at 7:45pm I got out an old B&W tv to watch the analog sign-offs. For about a second I saw the circle square triangle CTV logo on channel 3 (obviously Canada) and something Spanish speaking on 6. I have read that Mexico won't go all digital until 2021.

routine check of AETN @ 8:26pm:

KETS-DT off the air (again)

KETZ-DT in at 52% signal strength, pointed at transmitter.

routine check of AETN @ 8:26pm:

KETS-DT off the air (again)

KETZ-DT in at 52% signal strength, pointed at transmitter.

KETZ comes in great at my mom's with the outside antenna, but doesn't come in at all on my laptop tuner with rabbit ears. Trying to catch KLTM-DT 13 from Monroe.... signal is there, but not enough to decode.

Wonder whats causing the problems at KETS?

My guess would be not enough testing before they went on the air.

I thought I had seen every possible format combination on AETN, until this afternoon, when I saw this:
http://i44.tinypic.com/1owzer.jpg
Pillarboxed & double letterboxed on the bottom of the screen. Impossible to zoom. :rolleyes:

Hahaha, I saw that on Create channel yesterday. Someone is waiting on a new toy to plug in :) and correct it. Its a shame they can pay the gambling czar half a mil a year, and poor educational tv doesnt get squat.

Well, I sure dont know whats going on down here...but I have not been able to get 39.1 for the past two days:confused: Its been at 80% for the past 6 years but on the day all the swithces got flipped from analog to digital, suddenly I've lost KASN! Also, 2.1 is no longer coming in, only get 38%.....and 25.1 was coming in at 70% but now only around 24%. Since the switch got flipped on Friday...I actually get worse reception than ever here in yell county. I hope this is just all a power problem from the storms and not a permanent situation.:rolleyes:

Could be what Fritz was noting...reverse tropo. Weather here has been strange. DX stranger.

Course, it could also be some moisture got in your coax (that was a hell of a gust storm blew through), or some debris shorting out your phasing lines on the antenna itself. If all the other stations are OK except those two, I wouldnt sweat it just yet. KETS is having problems. They arent even on the air right now.

Could be what Fritz was noting...reverse tropo. Weather here has been strange. DX stranger.

Course, it could also be some moisture got in your coax (that was a hell of a gust storm blew through), or some debris shorting out your phasing lines on the antenna itself. If all the other stations are OK except those two, I wouldnt sweat it just yet. KETS is having problems. They arent even on the air right now.

Your probably right. I'm still getting all the other channels fine.

Did you get WMC 5 from Memphis TN in North Little Rock AR?


Yep. Using a ch 7-13 yagi antenna (not designed for lo-vhf at all), and a 25db channel master 7777 preamp.

Just weather conditions...its WAY outside my normal coverage area.

Well, KETS was looking good when Nora Jones was on, but I guess the circuit breaker tripped again. It was *almost* fullscreen HD. It was really nice looking. I hope they get the power probs fixed real soon. I agree to send the bills for all this crap to Nicholson. He deserves it. Mr. "I've been at KATV for 46 years". Blah blah blah, go retire you old coot! :)


EDIT: BTW, Dave, that MANT is doing pretty darn good on KETS after I remapped it myself in Windows 7 Media Center. My Vizio picked it up real well too. Kinda wish they would pull that 2-4 out of the information, though. Makes me think something might be there each time I pass by it. :)

Cant you do like Sage and just hide it? My directv boxes and sage both let me hide it from the guide.

For all I know, its really there and you need one of those blind speaking boxes hooked up to get it???

Ill check it out next time they are on the air.

Well, yeah, I can hide it. Just don't want to in case something comes on it that I might wanna see. You catch Nora just before they died again?

No. I was just watching Nova, but alas, its cropped and upconverted. Sorta looks ok. 14:9 ASPECT RATIO. Which is what I do if I stretch anything...Compremise.
But...Im getting "searching for signal" on -2,-3, and -4. Maybe they had to go to just -1 for a while.

Huh? It was like Austin City Limits or something like that just before they went down again. All 3 channels are down now. Wondering if you aren't just watching off the satellite again. :)

Dave, (or anyone) are you seeing KETS at 12:14 am?

Dave, (or anyone) are you seeing KETS at 12:14 am?
Pretty blocky, but its definitely up.

Thanks for the info. We're on the backup transmitter that covers Little Rock. There have been some mysterious overload issues that will need to be ironed out, we just didn't have any time to do this before going on the air Friday. Rest assured, it'll be fixed.

Thanks again for the quick reply. Tropo is giving me headaches with telemetry at the moment.

Yeah, not able to get it anymore now. I know its gotta be hell on you getting this back up. We are patient. We waited this long to get you guys back, we can wait more. Just hope you can get HD stuff in true 16x9 with the new toys you are waiting on.

Dave, (or anyone) are you seeing KETS at 12:14 am?

Yep, 95-100% with 16db yagi at 35' and about a 26db gain/.2db nf amp.

Yeah, not able to get it anymore now. I know its gotta be hell on you getting this back up. We are patient. We waited this long to get you guys back, we can wait more. Just hope you can get HD stuff in true 16x9 with the new toys you are waiting on.

Yea, its REAL weak now... Im still getting Nova in HD (slightly cropped), but its a good show.

I have been watching some signoffs from all over the country but did not see any from LR on the list. Maybe some will be added soon:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=analog+sign+off&aq=f

...send the bills for all this crap to Nicholson. He deserves it...Much of the fault lies with the suits at AETN. They were initially allotted a perfectly good UHF channel (47) and gave it away, for an iffy VHF slot. Had they kept 47, none of this would've happened.

Much of the fault lies with the suits at AETN. They were initially allotted a perfectly good UHF channel (47) and gave it away, for an iffy VHF slot. Had they kept 47, none of this would've happened.

Well, that is true too. I see their side as well, being underfunded. It costs much more to operate a UHF than it does a VHF, which Im guessing is their reasoning for staying almost all VHF. Jonesboro confuses me, as I would have thought they would use a vacated VHF channel up there also.

No skip for past 24 hrs here. How is it doing up your way? Getting anything new on any of the vacated analog channels?

I screwed up and scanned for extra channels last night, so I lost KETS on my TV. Gotta wait for their power to come back up to scan and get them again. :(

Has anyone noticed the weather radar on 7-2 shows to be clear, while 11-2 shows raging thunderstorms in the west part of the state, and all over W Tenn?

Has anyone noticed the weather radar on 7-2 shows to be clear, while 11-2 shows raging thunderstorms in the west part of the state, and all over W Tenn?
LOL, yeah, been noticing that for a few days now when weather is moving it. It's ridiculously clear! I bet they have the wrong mode chosen on it or something. It's got to be a simple mistake that they haven't realized yet. I bet once Allen or someone sees this, they will fix it. :)

I have a widget on my DVR that grabs the NWS live radar, but would like KATV to fix theirs, since its the only one I can get on my emergency tv in case of a power failure.

I've noticed the lack of detail on KATV's radar also. Part of the problem seems to be that the state's background is almost an identical color to the green for light/moderate rain and only the yellow and red shows up well. It also seems they have much less yellow/red intensities than other sources for radar. Sometimes it's almost useless.

dmatch

....No skip for past 24 hrs here. How is it doing up your way? Getting anything new on any of the vacated analog channels?Gotten some OKC channels and several "2s" running nightlight service. But nothing new on vacated channels in the area. Some of my channels are actually weaker now, but I'm getting KHBS RF 21 a lot more these days.

FYI for tropo hounds,

South Texas coming in with various "nightlight" signals. One, is KRGV channel 5 Weslaco TX on the US-Mexican border (Brownsville area), the other strong signal is closer KPRC 2 en Houston--their NL is easy to ID since there is a crawler, and a logo bug. KTBS analog is good quality, like a analog cable signal run through too many splitters, lol.

DTV Logs From Houston TX Tonight

10:20pm KTXH-DT 19 Houston (My Network) "20-1"
10:21pm KIAH-DT 38 Houston "39-1" regular prgrming, "39-2" Universal Sports
10:22pm KTBU-DT 42 Conroe TX "55-1" reg. prgm, "55-2" VAN TV (Asian), "55-3" Nacion (Hispanic, religion), "55-4" ITV (Asian)

(BTW, Shreveport is blasting in also)

now back to our regular programming...

Has anyone noticed the weather radar on 7-2 shows to be clear, while 11-2 shows raging thunderstorms in the west part of the state, and all over W Tenn?

I noticed that also...time for a fix in the KATV skunkworks.

Thanks for the heads up. Snagged KIAH...and KTAL, but nothing else...very spotty....up here.

NEED to order another 7777 for the quantum to dx low band with...everyone is out of stock right now tho.

The fun continues - logged KBTX ch 50 in Bryan Tx, NW of Houston at 3:45am. CBS 3.1 and CW 3.2.

Was getting Joplin's KODE RF 43 solidly last night. Not a peep today. They do ABC-HD on 12-1 and KSNF NBC-SD on 12-2. KSNF will remain on KODE's dash-2 sub channel until their collapsed tower is repaired.

I usually can't get Joplin, due to some hefty hills in the way.

Man, was hoping they would have a solution for KETS by now, but I see its off again. At least too low power for me to decode.

KETS is on the air, but power is reduced. At 4:57pm pointed at Redfield with the Winegard, I'm getting a pitiful 40% signal strength.

Perhaps, there has been a power reduction until issues(?) are resolved.

Looks like KETS is back on DirecTV

Looks like KETS is back on DirecTV

In SD...totally unacceptable and unwatchable. At least I can schedule recordings now with the DVR using OTA.

Newshour is on right now (in HD AND the correct aspect ratio) and looks great...Need a high gain antenna system to get it though.

In SD...totally unacceptable and unwatchable. At least I can schedule recordings now with the DVR using OTA.

Newshour is on right now (in HD AND the correct aspect ratio) and looks great...Need a high gain antenna system to get it though.

This is just ridiculous. I'm done with AETN and PBS. They had plenty of time to get things resolved and didn't do it. Screw 'em! :o I'll watch better content elsewhere.