I am wondering how KTHV deals with the mismatch from operating a Channel 11 antenna on Channel 12 frequency. Also, what effect does this operating on Channel 12 have on the radiation pattern(s). If it's not too much trouble, I may have other questions.

There is no mis-match. The antenna was purchased new and designed specially by Dielectric as a high band vhf antenna tuned for channels 11 and 12. Each channel has its own transmitters transmission lines and individual tuned elements. There is also a back up antenna. The pattern for each channel is almost a perfect circle for an omni-directional broadcast. So when KTHV went digital nearly 4 years ago, we also improved the analog transmissions with the new antenna.

This is a common type of TV station installation that you would find all over the country. Most of stations however have uhf as their digital channel, where ours is vhf. That just makes it a little easier for us. Hope that helps.

alison,

Folks are glad KTHV isn't in the lowband VHF (chs 2-6). No giant antennas on the roof or impulse noise problems.

Have you heard what KETS-DT plans to do? Last I heard, they were still trying to get channel SEVEN or TEN in the second round channel elections.

Also, will "KTHV 11" become "KTHV 12" when analog goes dark in '09? IOW, will the OTA tuners finally map to the correct RF channel numbers?

I am certainly not trying to answer for alison here, or speak for any other station for that matter, but my understanding is that stations will be able to keep their "legacy" channel numbers, so they can stay at the familiar locations that they've been at for 50 years in some cases. I assume that OTA stb's will continue to remap to those numbers. Again, I don't know that for sure, but that's what I've heard. I mean, all over the country, hundreds of stations would have to undo decades of branding if they have to change their numbers.

If true, it seems like that would cause viewer confusion if former analog channel slots are eventually reassigned to a new/different station (like AETN is trying to do with channel 7)?

Well, that's why the boxes remap now, to avoid that confusion. In other words, it won't really matter to someone whether AETN is on 5 or 7 or anywhere else, because they will see it remap to 2, where it has always been. KARK will still appear to be on 4, KATV on 7, etc. It's set up that way to avoid the confusion, not cause it.

I had to explain the system to my wife the other day, when, for some reason, my STB freaked out and temporarily showed 16 on it's actual channel of 30.1. She couldn't figure out what 30.1 was and I had to explain the whole virtual channel vs. actual channel deal. But as long as the boxes work correctly, it shouldn't really matter that the virtual channels are different than actual channels.

We too are happy to be a high band vhf station. It is better than the alternatives. We have elected to go with channel 12 in the future because that is where our new equipment is. We are fortunate in that we are able to use all solid state technology on channel 12, whereas old channel 11 and the uhf stations use vacuum tube technology. I am not anti vacuum tube, but in that design you always end up with large power tubes that your whole life depends on rather than arrays of modular amplifiers. The uhf folks have no choice.

The channel numbers will continue to "re-map" so viewers do not have to remember new numbers for channels. That is also partly why this station is branded as THV rather than branding as channel 11 so we would not be tied to a number. I would imagine though eventually people will learn what channel their TV is really on.

I forgot that you asked about AETN. I am not sure but i think they have picked 5 as the first choice and 10 as a secondary. Don't hold me to that...I barely can keep the facts straight on KTHV much less some other channel!

Just curious how the transition to full power is coming along. I know they were shooting for March 1st....but anyone have any idea when they will have it up and going.

Just a question? Ever since I got my new antenna setup and did a new channel scan (about a month ago) I get station 21.1 with a weak signal and 38.8 with no programming. Anyone else receiving locks on these and if so, what are they.

02Crewman,
Up here in the Ozarks, 21-1 is KOZK-DT out of Springfield, MO. It's possible that is the 21-1 your scan found, especially if you scanned during favorable weather conditions for DX channels (http://home.cogeco.ca/~dxinfo/tropo.html).
No idea where the 38-8 came from. Maybe KASN-DT mucking with their PSIP?

There is no mis-match. The antenna was purchased new and designed specially by Dielectric as a high band vhf antenna tuned for channels 11 and 12. Each channel has its own transmitters transmission lines and individual tuned elements. There is also a back up antenna. The pattern for each channel is almost a perfect circle for an omni-directional broadcast. So when KTHV went digital nearly 4 years ago, we also improved the analog transmissions with the new antenna.

This is a common type of TV station installation that you would find all over the country. Most of stations however have uhf as their digital channel, where ours is vhf. That just makes it a little easier for us. Hope that helps.

Thank you for your prompt answer to my question. I was also wondering about the vertical radiation pattern and if the vertical nulls are falling in the same locations for Channel 12 as they are for Channel 11?

Just curious how the transition to full power is coming along. I know they were shooting for March 1st....but anyone have any idea when they will have it up and going.

Not a peep out of ch 32 near Star City today

Last time I picked up ch 32 my box remapped to "WABG-DT" 6-1

But I shouldn't have a problem with KARK when they *finally* go online

Thank you for your prompt answer to my question. I was also wondering about the vertical radiation pattern and if the vertical nulls are falling in the same locations for Channel 12 as they are for Channel 11?

The old antenna was circularly polarized using both hor. and vert. planes. But this new antenna we have is a horizontally polarized design so the energy is designed to spread out only in the horizontal direction with a slight beam tilt so it won't shoot too high. This provided us with more gain than we had previously. It is an 8-bay bat wing type and was configured specially for us as a dual channel device. It is about 51 feet long and weighs several thousand pounds. The are a couple of nulls in the pattern both east and west out from the center of radiation about 85 miles distant.

...The channel numbers will continue to "re-map" so viewers do not have to remember new numbers for channels...alison,
In KTHV's situation, I dont see a problem. But when the station has a lowband VHF analog & UHF digital, I think the station should use the real channel number post-transition. It's not fair to the consumer trying to figure out what kind of antenna to buy. Example in post #9 of this thread (http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?p=506306#post506306).

You have got a great point. Howver, UHF is the band that stations have been alloted for their new channel a UHF antenna is a given. I have found that most vendors that sell antennas and receivers are not informed about the products they sell and consequently do not help their customers understand either. Particularly satellite vendors. It ends up falling on the TV stations to educate folks and answer their questions. New HD customers have a sharp learning curve they face on the technology. We have found that explaining the technology a little difficult to do over the air because of the multitude of issues and detail involved. What can you learn in a 30 second spot? Mostly we try to help viewers here one email or phone call at a time.

alison,
At least your station tries to help, and that help is appreciated by many viewers.

[QUOTE=alisonf] It ends up falling on the TV stations to educate folks and answer their questions. New HD customers have a sharp learning curve they face on the technology. /QUOTE]

Alison F, some of the local TV stations in Little Rock (especially that one with the big ol' tower in Redfield) have had a closeted attidude about HDTV. Either running operations on the cheap, or not even publicizing the availablity of that service. Probally not to p.o. the potential viewers that can't see the station while the analog OTA signal comes in fine.

Add to that, the stores salesperson's own lack of knowledge of digital/HDTV. Many are biased toward certain content vendors that are unsuitable for a particular customer.

I lurked on these boards for several months before taking the plunge and knew the limitations and benefits of HDTV in my area. Certainly in 2006 its not the simple plug and play solution as 480i +analog cable tv a generation ago. Its more like the stories of Arkansas's early days of TV in the 1950's.

... Certainly in 2006 its [digital TV] not the simple plug and play solution as 480i +analog cable tv a generation ago. Its more like the stories of Arkansas's early days of TV in the 1950's.

Good analogy.

ps: I think people at both of the low power digital stations in Redfield don't give a rat's a** about anyone that doesn't have cable....

Not a peep out of ch 32 near Star City today

Last time I picked up ch 32 my box remapped to "WABG-DT" 6-1

But I shouldn't have a problem with KARK when they *finally* go online


I should not either...I get all the other LR locals with a signal range from 70 on KATV to 95 on FOX. THV comes in at about 85 most of the time. Just ready for KARK to come online.

As ususal, lost KATV's digital p*** ant signal during the storms.

Even KVTN has stronger signal strength.

No big loss though since the SEC games will be in glorious sub-par 480i on JP Sports.

No idea where the 38-8 came from. Maybe KASN-DT mucking with their PSIP?

Nope, not us. I don't see it on my set in Maumelle.

E

Today, and yesterday missing KATV DT (it was on Sunday night during Housewives ) showing no signal when pointed right at the tx. Also KLRT's transmitters on digital and analog are lower power than ususal. Normally snow free analog is fuzzy, and signal is too low to lock channel 30 digital (16-1).

KTHV DT is normal signal strength.

I didn't have any issues with either KATV-DT or KLRT-DT last night.

I saw KATV fine Sunday night while my wife was watching Grey's Anatomy. Also, KLRT-DT and analog are both cranking out the same power as usual. We have not lowered power nor are we down for any reason.

E

Might check your coax connections, UHF will show problems before VHF. Its possible with the wind and rain, some moisture got into your coax connector and is throwing the SWR through the roof and shorting out your coax.

Might check your coax connections, UHF will show problems before VHF. Its possible with the wind and rain, some moisture got into your coax connector and is throwing the SWR through the roof and shorting out your coax.


Yes....that was what I was thinking last night. Did turn the 4228 slightly and signal strength increased on the KLRT channels. Watched part of American Idol with signals in the 68%-75% range. KATV is still too weak to decode. There is one tree nearby with new foliage....THAT could be the culprit as i'm not even supposed to get that weak signal here.

I do plan on moving the array to a clearer area and a higher elevation. Also adding a rotor to end the endless hand-turning during DXing.

Did anyone else notice last night that KTHV is now broadcasting in Dolby Digital? I knew it before I even looked at my receiver--the sound was noticeably different (and better). Kudos to KTHV for doing this in time for the NCAA tournament (among other reasons)!

alison,
In KTHV's situation, I dont see a problem. But when the station has a lowband VHF analog & UHF digital, I think the station should use the real channel number post-transition. It's not fair to the consumer trying to figure out what kind of antenna to buy. Example in post #9 of this thread (http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?p=506306#post506306).
It's a FCC Mandate to run the PSIP as your analog channel number.

It's a FCC Mandate to run the PSIP as your analog channel number.Even after analog is shut down? Post-analog, it would make no sense to keep using the old channel numbers. What if the (former analog) channel slot is later assigned to another station?

Yes, There is to much at stake in branding and everything else for a television station. Whether or not the FCC will change it after the transition, I don't know. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Alison, I hope you don't mind the extra comments on my part.

Yes, There is to much at stake in branding and everything else for a television station. Whether or not the FCC will change it after the transition, I don't know. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Alison, I hope you don't mind the extra comments on my part.

Dan,
Be my guest!

Thanks for that info, Dan, I didn't realize it was an FCC reg, but that was exactly the point I was trying to stress a few days ago.

alison,
In KTHV's situation, I dont see a problem. But when the station has a lowband VHF analog & UHF digital, I think the station should use the real channel number post-transition. It's not fair to the consumer trying to figure out what kind of antenna to buy. Example in post #9 of this thread (http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?p=506306#post506306).

The consumer will not have a problem with antennae when alalog shuts down. The new channels will be the only ones available. Channel 11 will no longer exist, 4 will no longer exist, etc. Whether or not it happens (branding) is probably according to how much money the NAB can pump into the FCC between now and then.

Congradulations KTHV on the Dolby Digital sound, 5.1 I just noticed it today watching the NCAA tourney.

One problem though... about every 5 minutes, i get a slight pause where the sound goes dead for about 0.5 of a second, but the picture is unaffected. My signal strength is strong and steady though. I did not have this problem at all previous to the DD 5.1 sound implementation.

I have no problems with this same kind of sound skipping on Fox, or NBC (both of which are also DD 5.1 now).

Azanon

For those Razorback fans talking about the Good Old Days In Dallas, its more of a throwback than us HDTV viewers want (http://www.kthv.com/sports/march_madness_tv_sched.aspx) : The Dallas NCAA tournement games are NOT in HD. You will need to go to the D* or E* locals, analog cable, or analog OTA :mad: .

At least locally, the HD games are being shown though on 11-1, The night's last game, Kentucky v. UAB will be shown for the masses on 11-0 as well as 11-1 as its the designated "local" game. Maybe CBS will get ALL the tournment in HDTV next year.

Congradulations KTHV on the Dolby Digital sound, 5.1 I just noticed it today watching the NCAA tourney.

One problem though... about every 5 minutes, i get a slight pause where the sound goes dead for about 0.5 of a second, but the picture is unaffected. My signal strength is strong and steady though. I did not have this problem at all previous to the DD 5.1 sound implementation.

I have no problems with this same kind of sound skipping on Fox, or NBC (both of which are also DD 5.1 now).

Azanon

Thanks for the information. This is a fresh installation and we haven't gotten through all of the issues with the system yet. I appreciate the feedback.

At 3:36 pm CST KARK began broadcasting Full Power HD

Thanks RF Monkey.

Any idea when Nexstar will begin their HD upgrade for NBC KNWA in NW Arkansas?

KNWA's programing originates from the Little Rock hub. The terminal gear is in house, but still in the box. The time frame for the HD transmitter buildout, I have not heard .

At 3:36 pm CST KARK began broadcasting Full Power HD
Works great! In Hot Springs Village, 48 miles away using a lowly Winegard Amplified Sensar III antenna, my SNR is now 25 compared to a marginal 15 before on a Sony HD DVR. I'm at about 1150 ft. but with a slight hill with some trees close by in the direction of the KARK antenna.

At 3:36 pm CST KARK began broadcasting Full Power HD

About time you guys joined the party :D

I didn't realize there were a change until a while ago. Too busy with the NCAA BB tourney. Sure looks better than the E* local feed, and the static-filled analog here in Star City.

Antenna: CM 4228 @ 17ft w/ CM 3041 preamp.
RX: E* 811 and RS Accurian STB into a Panasonic CT26WX15

KNWA's programing originates from the Little Rock hub. The terminal gear is in house, but still in the box. The time frame for the HD transmitter buildout, I have not heard . Thanks for that info RF!

Everyone up here in NWA is really fed up with Nexstar's feet dragging....

Thanks for that info RF!

Everyone up here in NWA is really fed up with Nexstar's feet dragging....

If you have satellite service and the HD package with that satellite provider you should apply for a waiver to receive the stations out of New York such as WNBC, WCBS, WABC. I believe that if that is the only way you can receive HD broadcasts in your area, the station(s) is (are) required to give you a waiver since that waiver is the only means that you have of viewing HD programming from those networks and you can't receive a decent signal off the air from that station. At this time, there are no local station HD broadcasts being provided in the Little Rock or Fort Smith areas by any satellite company. The local stations and network affiliates, in effect, are preventing you from viewing programs that you can only get thru your satellite provider. Services to which you may be entitled under the Arkansas Consumer Protection Act. This will apply only if you can't receive the local station's HD broadcast off the air.

Thanks for the information. This is a fresh installation and we haven't gotten through all of the issues with the system yet. I appreciate the feedback.

Alison,
I isolated the problem to my antenna. I have a relatively new antenna setup, but i hooked up my old indoor antenna and i'm having no problems with digital KTHV with it.

Azanon

If you have satellite service and the HD package with that satellite provider you should apply for a waiver to receive the stations out of New York such as WNBC, WCBS, WABC.[/B]It's easier to just "move" your service address to a town with no Grade B reception of any OTA TV, then you're auto-qualified for WABC-DT, WCBS-DT, WNBC-DT & WNYW-DT out of New York. Those HD channels are free on DirecTV if your service address qualifies and you have the HD package.

It's easier to just "move" your service address to a town with no Grade B reception of any OTA TV, then you're auto-qualified for WABC-DT, WCBS-DT, WNBC-DT & WNYW-DT out of New York. Those HD channels are free on DirecTV if your service address qualifies and you have the HD package.


Yes, they are free and are great to have. The switching is as good as it gets at those stations. But, if you lie to your satellite provider about your service location(and you would have to in order to "move" your service) they could and would terminate your service and they have ways of finding out exactly where your service is such as where your phone line is connected (area code) for your TIVO sevice among others. A person does not have to have the Tivo service but I cannot imagine why not. The satellite companies are delighted to furnish you the service.

The local stations don't want to approve the waivers for fear it would diminish their prime-time viewers but you see promos and PSA's running in news blocks and prime-time in the Little Rock market and that ain't good for revenue.

Yes, they are free and are great to have. The switching is as good as it gets at those stations. But, if you lie to your satellite provider about your service location(and you would have to in order to "move" your service) they could and would terminate your service and they have ways of finding out exactly where your service is such as where your phone line is connected (area code) for your TIVO sevice among others. A person does not have to have the Tivo service but I cannot imagine why not. The satellite companies are delighted to furnish you the service.Yes, they could terminate your service, but they don't care and don't check. All they care about is a paying customer and that everything is ok on paper.

D* does not match area codes or prefixes to an address . And if you have VOIP, you can get a phone number from anywhere in the country, so there's no way to match that data any more. I prefer to keep the phone modem unplugged, due to lots of lightning where I live. I've had boxes fried through the phone modem (yes, the line was connected to surge protection).

I prefer to watch network HD OTA, since it's 1920x1080i, and the networks on D* are only 1280x1080i and don't look as good if you have a really good big screen HDTV. But if the local isn't receivable for one reason or another, I have a backup.

Well, anyway you can get it, it is great. KARK's going full power pushed me up to the max on my meter and the others are above 95, but my receiver has a limiter and is not linear. The larger the screen, the more space betweens the lines.

Alison,
I isolated the problem to my antenna. I have a relatively new antenna setup, but i hooked up my old indoor antenna and i'm having no problems with digital KTHV with it.

Azanon

Azanon,
Glad to hear your problem was corrected. We have had no other complaints at this point, so hopefully things are okay for now.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6315190.html?display=Search+Results&text=kthv

Here is an article from Broadcasting and Cable about the Little Rock market. Not alot of HD news, but a little about THV2 and other multicasting possibilities.

Glad they finally got full power up. I am pulling it in here in Arkadelphia with a signal strength of 88. Now I can't wait for Las Vegas in HD, and wouldn't ya know it...it's not on tomorrow night.

Have found the problem, but recent rains, and family concerns have delalyed it until yesterday. The 300 ohm twin feed from the 4228 to the 3041 preamp came loose with the wind. (the vhf antenna's lead was unaffected, as I was still seeing KTHV and KETS) Decided to nip that problem in the bud.

Replaced the preamp (it still works, and will go on another installation) with a CM 7777. :D

No more twin lead harnesses to break with the wind, plus getting to see how directional the 4228 is.

BTW, comparing apples to apples, KARK's signal levels seem to be 3-4 % lower than KLRT. Due likely to KARK's DT antenna located below KTHV's and KARK's analog.

Not really an HDTV topic, but... Is it my monitors analog settings, or what here? Ch 42 (analog, antenna) appears to be way overbright, with low color levels. The other analog stations appear ok, although I watch the digital versions. Is it a reception problem, or do they not know how to adjust their video output at ch42? I was going to watch mash tonight, but the video was so horrendous, I just turned it off.

I think its on their end, you should get a good analog signal from there. PQ is one of the *least* of "WB42's" problems...God help us if those guys get the CW affliation. BTW, I only get a very snowy analog pic from 42 here, but watch very occatiionlly on E*.

H.

Davenlr,

KWBF 42 analog on DirecTV looks the same as you described. It's overly bright and hardly any color saturation. But KWBF's sista station, KWFT analog 34 out of Eureka Springs, looks very good OTA here.

KWBF has a problem with low chroma and lack of setup pertaining the black level. I never watch it. I don't know why the FCC would allow them to continue to transmit such a poor quality picture, then again I do.

Send KWBF 42 complaints to

(CEO) lmorton@ebcorp.net
(dir. tech operations) arothberg@ebcorp.net
(dir. public relations) dkrile@ebcorp.net

Everyone else has already confirmed the answer, but I've got to gripe about 42's setups as well. I have worked in Master Control before, and it's not that hard to set levels to broadcast specs, but they can never get it right.

I've got sort of a unique situation. I'm temporarily displaced from New Orleans and living in a corporate apartment in the Little Rock area near Otter Creek. I have basic Comcast cable service, but digital/HD cable is not an option for me, since I'm not paying for the service. An outside antenna is also not an option for me. My only options seem to be an indoor antenna or a QAM tuner (assuming the local channels are unencrypted over basic cable). Are all of the locals available via QAM tuner? If not, is an indoor antenna good enough in my area to receive most or all of the local digital broadcasts? I've been reading about most of the locals now transmitting at full signal strenght. Any suggestions about where I could get a TV with good ATSC/QAM tuner built-in? How about a local place to get a good indoor antenna? Any help is appreciated.

Is anyone noticing that KARK (4-1) can't seem to get their audio to sync with their video? The audio is about .5 second ahead of the video. It seems to be out of sync only when local. When they are in network it is fine. I know they are still trying to get the "bugs" out and learn how to switch, etc., but they should at least crawl an apology every now and then for surely they are aware of the problem

I've got sort of a unique situation. I'm temporarily displaced from New Orleans and living in a corporate apartment in the Little Rock area near Otter Creek. I have basic Comcast cable service, but digital/HD cable is not an option for me, since I'm not paying for the service. An outside antenna is also not an option for me. My only options seem to be an indoor antenna or a QAM tuner (assuming the local channels are unencrypted over basic cable). Are all of the locals available via QAM tuner? If not, is an indoor antenna good enough in my area to receive most or all of the local digital broadcasts? I've been reading about most of the locals now transmitting at full signal strenght. Any suggestions about where I could get a TV with good ATSC/QAM tuner built-in? How about a local place to get a good indoor antenna? Any help is appreciated.

Hi clar2391,

Check with Best Buy or Sears for TVs with integrated ATSC/QAM tuners. Do NOT buy an indoor antennna from them if it has the name TERK on it. Most of these are overpriced junk, but like monster cables, they are pushed on the TV buyer because of their high profit margin. Some sales people will even lie to you and tell you you have to have one of their "HDTV" antennas for reception. All you probably need is a good UHF antenna like a Zenith/Gemstar Silver Sensor. Most UHF antennas will also pick up KTHV-DT, which is on highband VHF ch 12. Forget trying to get KETS-DT (also VHF but lowband) with an indoor antenna because it's very low power. If your apartment has metal siding or stucco-on-wire-mesh screen, an indoor antenna will not work well unless you can position it near a window in a location for favorable reception.

If you get a TV with a QAM cable tuner, you can get the local digitals thru scumcast's analog package. No digital tier or cablebox should be needed because they are not allowed to encrypt those channels.

Apparently KTHV 11.1, 12, HD does not have all the bugs out of their audio problems. When the station switches to HD CBS, the audio is twice as loud as when they are in local or SD network programming, requiring the viewer to turn the volume down. This is not the old "enhanced commercial audio" thing. This is newwork programming. Does anyone have any idea what is going on with this?

They just got DD 5.1 installed and are likely still working out bugs.
Switching to (analog) dolby pro logic may help until they get everything fine tuned.

My only options seem to be an indoor antenna or a QAM tuner (assuming the local channels are unencrypted over basic cable). Are all of the locals available via QAM tuner?

It has been a while since I ran my Comcast cable drop directly into the ATSC jack, but all the broadcast HD stations were open and the QAM decoder (Mitusbishi) pulled them all in. Hope things work out and you can return home soon.

They just got DD 5.1 installed and are likely still working out bugs.
Switching to (analog) dolby pro logic may help until they get everything fine tuned.
That doesn't reduce the volume--I have only a dolby system and it is still loud. For some reason the audio on almost all the various stations' HD signals are lower than regular SD broadcasts. I'm running the volume up and down constantly. At least the Channel 11.1 audio is nice and crisp, even if loud.

Although I don't look at it much, that 11.2 video quality is really bad. (but their audio is OK) It even looks bad on an old analog set (comcast puts it on one of the high digital channels so I can see it there) Reminds me of a recent picture of Liz Taylor shot through 5 layers of gauze over the lens. Real soft and no wrinkles.

The audio problem could result from people in master control or wherever they do their switching not watching the vu meter when local. I guess it is possible that the network programming is bypassing their control room audio board and going straight to their transmitter since they are not doing any local HD programming unlike WCBS which I watch now instead of 11.1 because of this audio problem. Maybe someone who knows will post here and fill us in.

11.2 appears to be a channel that they can run spots (advertisements) on for revenue, although I have never watched it for more than a minute or two.

11.2 appears to be a channel that they can run spots (advertisements) on for revenue, although I have never watched it for more than a minute or two.

KTHV does air advertising on "THV2", and also PSA's.

Very, very compressed picture quaility, and the once usful radar image (former Live View before THV2), is played in a loop and of poor quality. My guess its downrezed to not impact the main channel's bandwidth.

Also since KARK begain transmitting its high powered digital/HD broadcasts, widescreen (plasma?) monitors have mysteriously appeared on the weather and news sets.

H

KTHV does air advertising on "THV2", and also PSA's.

Very, very compressed picture quaility, and the once usful radar image (former Live View before THV2), is played in a loop and of poor quality. My guess its downrezed to not impact the main channel's bandwidth.

Also since KARK begain transmitting its high powered digital/HD broadcasts, widescreen (plasma?) monitors have mysteriously appeared on the weather and news sets.

H

I will agree that the once useful radar image (I stayed tuned to it a lot, especially during bad weather) has been replaced with what appears to be a revenue-based venue of poor quality. It also seems that the big four stations, KARK, KATV, KTHV, and KLRT are beefing up their web pages as well. They are about as cluttered as they can get.

Also, I would have to say that KLRT the "new kid on the block" (only been around since the early 1980's) is in fact the leader, so far, in this HD race. The seem to have their audio, video, and switching down to network quality and their signal level stays at above 95 per cent on my receiver.

Let's hope the rest can catch up quickly and bring those HD programs to us with quality audio, video, and switching as soon as possible. I am sure that they will.

KTHV will likely get all the audio problems ironed out before long.

I think THV2 looks about as cluttered and tacky as the KTHV web site, and both need to be totally redone.

The poor 11-2 PQ is likely due to very low bandwidth allocation to keep 11-1 almost HD quality. Still IMO, 1080i PQ always suffers when a station attempts multicasting, and they shouldn't attempt it.

I sure would like that 11.2 (KTHV) radar back. Who can I complain to? Who really watches 11.2 for news? Plus, as has been mentioned, the PQ is horrible. It's not like there's not an abundance of news on 24-7 on TV or internet at any moment. Nobody else had a full time radar going locally. I thought it was very useful. I wouldn't even mind some advertisements on it! Anyway, my $.02.

Perhaps some other local will add their radar. KARK will likely add NBC's weather plus (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds17003.html) station when they figure out how...

Personally, I just look at the internet for radar.

Yep, I miss the full-screen radar and the news appears sometimes hours old on 11.2

It is my understanding that everyone at KTHV has to submit something to the THV Internet site. I visit the THV Internet site about as often as I visit 11.2, for the same reasons.

You could complain to the station manager about getting the radar back and a letter would be better than a phone call. Complaining to anyone else would be a waste of time, at least that has been my experience with this station.

I'm not a huge college basketball fan, and I wasn't home to check much, but did THV do any multicasting of the games during March Madness, like they did last year? I know they weren't the few times I checked, I figured they didn't want to interrupt THV2 much with it being so new. I personally kind of like having it, I agree the pq is bad, but it's not like it's important for the info on there. I will check it often for a quick look at the temp and forecast, but I rarely leave it on for more than a minute or two.

I don't know about all the games that they carried but I do know that at one point they were transmitting one game on analog 11 and another game being played at about the same time on digital 11.1 in HD.

I know that I was wanting to see the game in HD that they were transmitting on 11 analog. Don't know who decides what game will be in analog and what game will be in HD. I guess maybe a letter to the GM would get an answer.

Hi everyone. I unfortunately do not live in the Little Rock DMA, I'm in the El Dorado/Monroe market. I'm new here, and I was wondering if any of you here may know when KTVE 10 in EL Dorado/Monroe is going to upgrade their digital signal 27. Right now, the low-power DTV station is a STA. Also, do any of you have any suggestions on receiving Shreveport digital signals from El Dorado? I ordered a CM 7777 preamp for my LD outdoor Radio Shack antenna, right now I have it 15 feet off the ground attached to a tri-pod roof mount. I ordered another five foot of mast to supplement the five feet of mast I already have. I get a grade B analog from KTBS, and barely a grade B from KSLA, but depending on the weather, I can get it pretty decently. I originally bought the antenna to see if I could receive KTHV and KARK via analog from here, antennaweb.org said it was possible, but I had no luck. The cable here only carries two Arkansas stations. KATV and KETG. I guess El Dorado is the unwanted step-child, haha. But after I got the antenna, I started getting interested in HDTV, to the point where I actually bought one. Unfortunately the only digital channel nearby is KTVE, and I read on here how many of you have been able to receive stations up to 60 or 70 miles away, so I thought I'd give this a shot. Any suggestions you may have will be helpful. Thanks!

Keith

Keith,

Welcome to the Little Rock board. KTVE is under the thumb of Nexstar which pretty much controls NBC programming in Arkansas save for Memphis and Springfield, MO DMAs :( . KTVE's owner is Piedmount but LMA'd to Nexstar (much like KOLR-CBS in Springfield, MO is) which owns KARD-14 (FOX) in Monroe. Except for KARK, Nexstar stations (O&O and LMA) are SD and LOW power. My residence is in the grade-B coverage area for KTVE analog, but its a station (like KEJB, and KETG) that I seldom watch.

I would write off HDTV from Little Rock, unless you were interested in UPN as KASN is the strongest southerly signal. KATV is directional towrad LR/Saline County and low power. KETG (AETN/PBS) @ Gurdon broadcasts limited HDTV programming on RF channel 13, and does a four-channel mulitcast. However, its low power.

Good Luck in this brave new world of DTV/HDTV.

KTBS 28 ABC HD
KPXJ 21 UPN HD
KMSS 34 FOX HD
KSLA 17 CBS HD
KLTS 25 LPB/PBS HD?
KSHV 44 WB HD
KTAL 15 NBC SD

Of these, KTBS, KPXJ, KLTS are the strongest. KSLA, KSHV, and KMSS are not full power and KTAL is both low power and SD. (although i've received all these stations at some time EXCEPT for KLTS-DT via dx tropo openings).

BTW, you might even get some east Texas stations during tropo enanchements.

H

I don't know about all the games that they carried but I do know that at one point they were transmitting one game on analog 11 and another game being played at about the same time on digital 11.1 in HD.

I know that I was wanting to see the game in HD that they were transmitting on 11 analog. Don't know who decides what game will be in analog and what game will be in HD. I guess maybe a letter to the GM would get an answer.

Some of the early games did not have HD production/cameras. This was true of the Dallas and Salt Lake City sites. I usually watched the HD games :D

It would appear that CBS only has four HD production units for sports. The first weekend of the tournament featured eight sites, so only four of those could be produced in HD. Channel 11 would broadcast the game picked for our region on the analog station and broadcast a game in HD from another region on DT. There were a few instances where that happened to be the same game--Kentucky-UAB comes to mind. Needless to say, I was very disappointed to find out that Dallas was not one of the HD sites, so I have still yet to see a Razorback game in HD. :( Hopefully CBS will be able to broadcast all of the games in HD next year.

Thanks again Haley for the info. Last night my HD receiver was trying to lock on to KMSS, KPXJ, and KASN...but never quite made it. It didn't even attempt to lock on to KTBS...that kind of upset me. I guess I'll have to wait until that CM 7777 comes in Friday :-) I hope that helps. I tell you one thing, I'm about tired of KTVE...too many audio problems! I think the station is getting worse each day...haha. Well anyway, thanks again for the much needed info.

I originally bought the antenna to see if I could receive KTHV and KARK via analog from here, antennaweb.org said it was possible, but I had no luck.
Keith

Hi Keith. Im surprised you cannot get the analog stations, since my map shows you are 121 miles from the station thereabouts, I would think you would get a little something. Let us know what happens when you add the preamp. Its possible you are just losing your signal in the coax run. The preamp should help that. Im not sure of your height there. When I was trying to receive Memphis (analog), at 140 miles, I had to go to about 80 feet (70' Rohn tower) to get a consistantly watchable signal. Keep us posted on your results after adding the preamp.

Davenlr,

Did you ever get any digital out of Memphis?

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/news/article.asp?u=%7B6F6CB2C4%2DBA92%2D4B3A%2D8B0D%2DA393A4B0899 C%7D%7B6F6CB2C4%2DBA92%2D4B3A%2D8B0D%2DA393A4B0899C%7D&cid=12&aid=43672

KWBF has signed on with MyNetworkTV. Still don't know anything definate about KASN 38 getting CW, but this is good news, in my opinion anyway.

When I was trying to receive Memphis (analog), at 140 miles, I had to go to about 80 feet (70' Rohn tower) to get a consistantly watchable signal.

Hey Dave, Wow you were getting Memphis stations??? How good was the signal? how difficult, and how expensive would a tower that size cost? A tower is what I want to get, but I figured it was a lot of trouble. 80 feet is pretty high... my antenna is probably 15 feet off the ground, it's on a tri pod roof mount, with 5 feet of mast. I ordered another 5 feet of mast along with the preamp.. I don't know if that'll help. But I'd like a tower. Even though I live in the center of town...I think it would help, especially since I am in town. What kind of antenna do you have? And as arxaw said, are you able to get any digital stations from Memphis?

Thanks,
Keith

Davenlr,

Did you ever get any digital out of Memphis?

No, I moved to a house with McCain Hill between me and Memphis before they had any digitals, I cant even get any analog from here.

Hey Keith...
>Wow you were getting Memphis stations??? How good was the signal?

Watchable, some snow, afternoon fade. Nights and mornings were excellent

>how difficult, and how expensive would a tower that size cost?

$769 list for 70' with 10' mast, base extra. I bought mine used 10' at a time, so paid considerably less than that. Lots of people sell cheap if you take down.
They arent difficult unless they are rusted together. New ones are easy.

>A tower is what I want to get, but I figured it was a lot of trouble.

Hardest part was digging the 3 sq ft hole and filling it with concrete. I rented a trailer full of concrete rather than mixing on site or paying someone to bring it in.

>What kind of antenna do you have?
I have a Channel Master Quantum Suburban VHF, Deep Fringe UHF combo, Also a CHannel Master Quantum Deepest Fringe VHF only, and a Televes DAT75 UHF. Im not currently using the Quantum VHF, as I dont have room for it, its huge. In my current location, even tho Im on a hill, surrounding hills in all directions are about 50 ft higher than my antenna, so I dont get squat here, and didnt move the tower when I moved here, and havent gotten the bug to put up another one yet. TV was just secondary on my last home, I mainly used the tower for a 3 band ham radio antenna, which was about as big as my whole house, and needed to be WAY up away from trees. I occasionally got Shreveport channel 12 until our local digital came online, and can pick up channel 8 and 10 from your area most mornings (analog). Havent picked up any digital skip yet, except one station in NE Texas, one time.

Tis the season though, you should be able to get channel 30 digital from Little Rock in the mornings and evenings if you get a little higher and get your preamp working, because I used to be able to pick up ch 33 from east of sheveport in the mornings pretty well. For sure you should be able to get digital 39 out of Pine Bluff.

Keep us posted on how things work out.

Dave

Keith,

What time of day did you try to receive the Shreveport digitals. When you get the preamp installed and point in that direction try to receive those some weekend afternoon you are home 12pm-2pm. That will give you an accurate rule of thumb for what will be available on a day-to-day basis. Morning reception can be skewed by tropo scatter.

H.

Haley,

I usually try around 8PM.... My preamp and the extra mast came in today from Warren Electronics, I'm in Jackson, MS until tomorrow though, so as soon as I get home tomorrow, I'm going to be working on my system. I'll let you know how things go!

Keith

Hey again guys,

I have this problem I just cant seem to figure out. I'm so close to having a killer OTA setup, cept for this one nagging problem.

I'm having problem with intermittent audio dropouts on more than one station. Where it is most peculiar is on KLRT where my signal strength literally (almost) pegs the meter, yet i'll get this 0.5 second audio dropout every 3 minutes or so, sometimes more frequent. Anyway, i've definitely noticed the problem on KLRT, KTHV, and KATV; problem being the worst on the first 2. However, rarely do I lose picture in these events, and just the rare pixellation occurs every now and then but not near as frequent as the audio dropouts.

I had been using a DD 5.1, fiber optics connection for my audio. But to help isolate the problem, i hooked up/swapped out just a standard red/white to my receiver, and i'm still getting the dropouts using just plain stereo/DPL II. My receiver, btw, plays just fine with never a skip using a coaxial digital from my DVD player or just playing the radio, so the receiver isnt failing.

What could this possibly be? Does audio drop out before video with a weak signal? Is this possibly a multipath issue? I'm so close to a great setup but this is an annoying issue.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Bradley

If it didn't always occur, your OTA tuner may be going bad.

Are you still using a D*/OTA receiver?

If it didn't always occur, your OTA tuner may be going bad.

Are you still using a D*/OTA receiver?

I think its likely associated with a new antenna setup I have. I dont have this specific problem with my old, indoor antenna setup. Then again, that setup often had me completely losing signal, which is worse.

But just because that's when it started happening, i'm not assuming that there's something wrong with the antenna. It still could be a STB issue, or the tuner not dealing with multipath correctly.

Any thoughts on which goes first, (sound or video on a digital signal) or do they usually go concurrently?

>But yeah, i'm still using the OTA D* STB, but i dont have D* enabled. I'm just using it for its OTA capabilities.

It may vary by brand and model.

It might also be too strong a signal. Have you tried an adjustale inline attenuator? Here's one at RadioShaft (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062022&cp=&kw=attenuator&parentPage=search). If it doesn't help, just return it.

Hmm, one concern i'd have with a product like that is would I have to adjust it everytime i changed the channel, because one setting might not work for another one. If i used something like that, i'd want to be able to just leave it hidden behind my receiver.

I wish there were a way to tell if my STB was defective without costing me $$$. I just never feel right taking back an expensive, new STB if nothing was wrong with it. I recall you mentioning that you felt the new H20 STB was better at resolving multipath.

But specifically, i know my STB isnt just defective in this respect, it just may be not as good as another unit. For instance, i never hear the audio skip on PBS (which does peg my signal strength meter), but my PBS is being picked up on a separate antenna.

Bradley

I seem to have found my problem; Its a common flaw in my STB; a Zenith HD-SAT520
I'm reading about it here: http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/history/topic/188122-1.html

I seem to have found my problem; Its a common flaw in my STB; a Zenith HD-SAT520
I'm reading about it here: http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/history/topic/188122-1.html

Ill try to bring an STB along with me when we install that yagi, and you can see if you still have the problem on another STB before going and spending good money to replace the one you have or sending it in for repair.

Cool thanks Dave,

Only thing is, i only notice it frequently when its displaying HD content; and I think that falls in line with the claims of others on that website. Apparently the reason for that is because the STB is theoretically having trouble decoding and outputting a DD 5.1 sound source, but doesnt have any problem (or much problem) with just stereo content. However, using the RCA audio cables during HD content didn't really make the problem go away. So... unless you install the antenna in the evening (finish by primetime HD content, 7pm), I wouldnt really be able to test it.

What's odd is I think updating the firmware made the problem go away for most folks. I have the latest firmware, but still have the problem.

Its probably the STB, but without knowing for sure, its an expensive gamble for me to assume it.

Azanon

Azanon,

If wallyworld still has any USDTV OTA receivers, you could always go buy one and see if that fixes the problem. Then keep it or return it to wallyworld for a refund. You could also do this at BB or CC.

Cool thanks Dave,

Only thing is, i only notice it frequently when its displaying HD content; and I think that falls in line with the claims of others on that website. Apparently the reason for that is because the STB is theoretically having trouble decoding and outputting a DD 5.1 sound source, but doesnt have any problem (or much problem) with just stereo content. However, using the RCA audio cables during HD content didn't really make the problem go away. So... unless you install the antenna in the evening (finish by primetime HD content, 7pm), I wouldnt really be able to test it.

What's odd is I think updating the firmware made the problem go away for most folks. I have the latest firmware, but still have the problem.

Its probably the STB, but without knowing for sure, its an expensive gamble for me to assume it.

Azanon

I am kinda new here but would using a receiver such as the HD10-250 with an HDMI cable to your monitor make any difference. You mentioned using RCA cables for audio. The HDMI carries both audio and video and you would have no need to use the RCA cables. Just a thought.

I am kinda new here but would using a receiver such as the HD10-250 with an HDMI cable to your monitor make any difference. You mentioned using RCA cables for audio. The HDMI carries both audio and video and you would have no need to use the RCA cables. Just a thought.

My TV and STB uses DVI, not HDMI. For audio i use/want to use Fiber Optics DD 5.1. The only reason i mentioned trying out the RCA audio cables, was to ensure that neither my optical jacks, or my optical cable was bad. Since i still get the sound dropouts with the RCA jack as well, it told me the problem is either with the STB or my signal. I know the receiver is not bad, because it never studders playing DVD's or the radio.

For folks with "real" theatre sound, HDMI is useless because to my knowledge, receivers only have inputs for either fiber optics or coaxial digital for DD 5.1 or better sound. I know there's some kind of copy protection built into HDMI too, but I was under the impression that the latest DVI has that too. I guess one of the advantages is that the sound doesnt have to be split from the signal with HDMI, but since the sound is just going to cheap TV speakers, I assume anyone doing it that way isnt that worried about their sound quality anyway.

Yeah, my Sony television speakers are cheap but the 5.1 Dolby sounds pretty good on my Altec Lansing speakers.

I was picking up DTV channel 21 this morning, peaked at 93 signal, but didnt last until station ID. Had some weird local show with people dressed up like haloween singing. Local spot ad for Southern Electric Coop I believe. Database shows either New Orleans or Dothan Al. FM skip was from the Monroe LA, West Monroe LA direction. Anyone else get this one this morning with an ID?

Dave,

Another possibility is KPXJ-DT 21 Minden (Shreveport),LA the UPN affilate for that market. It was analog until September last year when it flash-cut to digital (did not have a seperate digital channel). A common visitor (along w/ KTBS-TV/DT) with tropo to my SW.

I have been trying to "systematically" check my KARK-DT reception since the full power upgrade. I guess I am forced to admit I can see no change. I have checked it at different times of the day, different shows, even using two different antennas (I have one pointed to Shinall, one pointed to Redfield).

I just simply haven't noticed a change. KARK still goes out occasionally (even on the Shinall antenna) and is by far my worst reception station, especially in windy conditions. Has anyone else noticed no change since the upgrade?

I definitely noticed the change immediately when 4 went full power. I couldn't receive them at all in Benton before. I did have to turn my antenna about an 8th of a turn in order to lock it in, but I haven't had any dropout issues since. However, I lost Ch. 2 when I moved the antenna, and 38 gives me occasional dropouts now. I need to spend a little more time to see if I can lock in all the channels in one position.

Thanks for the info on channel 21. As for KARK, they went from 59 on my signal meter to pegging at 100, and are rock solid here in the Camp Robinson area. They actually come in better when the antenna is pointed off Shinall than Fox does, either stronger or less multipath, not sure which. My constant headache to being able to receive all the stations without turning the rotor now falls entirely to KTHV. That VHF peak on my UHF antenna is about 25 degrees off on either side of the direction the antenna is really pointed, so if I turn it to get KTHV, I lose FOX and NBC to multipath cutouts, point at FOX and NBC, lose KTHV. Three bands, two directions, its obvious the FCC wants everyone to get cable, cuz its sure a pain in the butt to receive them on OTA antennas unless you are way out in the country where they all are in the same general direction.

Thanks for the info on channel 21. As for KARK, they went from 59 on my signal meter to pegging at 100, and are rock solid here in the Camp Robinson area. They actually come in better when the antenna is pointed off Shinall than Fox does, either stronger or less multipath, not sure which. My constant headache to being able to receive all the stations without turning the rotor now falls entirely to KTHV. That VHF peak on my UHF antenna is about 25 degrees off on either side of the direction the antenna is really pointed, so if I turn it to get KTHV, I lose FOX and NBC to multipath cutouts, point at FOX and NBC, lose KTHV. Three bands, two directions, its obvious the FCC wants everyone to get cable, cuz its sure a pain in the butt to receive them on OTA antennas unless you are way out in the country where they all are in the same general direction.

Dave, it sounds like you may be in one of the nulls that they don't want to admit having.

New to HDTV but have been craving it after seeing at a friends house. I do have a panny hdtv monitor but need a receiver, antenna, etc. I have been looking on ebay at different ones. I just want something economical without going too overboard for ota reception. Anywhere locally hdtv stuff is sold? Right now I am looking at getting one of the old voom (activated) receivers for local hd. Any advice on a good receiver or know anyone who has one for sale?
thanks,
chris

I would be very leery of HD receivers on eBay. Many of the boxes being sold there suffer from heat damage, weak OTA tuners or other defects. I would buy something locally from CC or BB, like these 2 models:
LINK 1 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7259245&productCategoryId=cat03022&type=product&cmp=++&id=1117178265456)
LINK 2 (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Pro-Brand-HDTV-Receiver-HD3150PLUS-/sem/rpsm/oid/136560/catOid/-15607/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do)

Both CC & BB have excellent return policies.

I would be very leery of HD receivers on eBay.

Chris, I concur. Here is a link for one of the receivers ARXAW suggested for about $50 less: LINK1 (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=330411)

Other options include building your own HTPC with an older computer and one of the two major available ATSC tuner cards (ATI and MyHD) which would allow you to record the incoming HD.

In any case, Im not sure where you are located, but stay away from those Terk HD antennas they try to push when you buy a receiver. If you need antenna advice, come here.

Thanks for the advice. One thing that has stopped me from pulling the triggr on one is what I have been reading on other forums about the MPEG 4 bandwidth. As more and more sat service convert to it, how long is a MPEG 2 receiver going to be good for in terms of OTA only? I did ask fox16 com about it and this is what they said:
Chris, I assume you are talking about satellite receivers. From what I
have read, MPEG-4 is the way the satellite companies are headed. I
have
Dish Network at home and have recently had to upgrade to an MPEG-4
receiver to get the newest HD offerings. Right now, I think it is
completely up to the consumer as to whether or not they want to spend
the money to upgrade. The satellite companies look to be setting
themselves up to transition from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4, but it is probably
going to be a long, slow transition due to the sheer volume of MPEG-2
STBs in the US.

If anyone wouldnt mind, please tell me what receiver you have and any adv or disadvantages you feel like you got. Ideally, I would like to have HDMI outlet, but only some have this. Any real loss of quality or difference in DVI-HDMI?

Thanks for the tip on antenna. I have read on other forums about the Terk antenna to stay away. It is funny that you said that b/c a guy at CC tried to sell me one the other day and said "it worked for some" I live only 4 miles from the WLR towers. Once I get all setup, what is the quality of reception from the ABC tower in Redfield. It is 24 miles from my house. Do those of you in WLR have any problems getting it? I used antennaseb org and antennasdirect for advice

Does anyone know where I could get a satellite dish in LR. Any 18" dish would do. New or used.
Any help???

In the system I installed in WLR, we are picking 22 up off the back of the UHF antenna pointed at the WLR towers, so it depends on your exact elevation compared to other hills in the direction of Redfield. If you cabn get any signal with an indoor antenna (or a piece of wire stuck in your coax jack), you will probably not have a problem with outdoor installation. The problem comes in when trying to get channel 12 and 5. Those are the troublemakers for me. As far as the receiver, for OTA, it wont change. If you are planning on adding satellite too, then definantly go with a mpeg4 capable satellite STB or just rent one from the satellite company in the mean time. OTA will always be Mpg2, as its the standard the FCC agreed on, and I doubt they will change that at this point in the game.

do you think if you installed a VHF antenna that would help with those types of channels?

do you think if you installed a VHF antenna that would help with those types of channels?

Certain UHF antennas (such as the Channel Master 4228) will work with higher VHF channels as in 7-13. As for channel 5, you will need to add a small ( 4-6 element ) VHF yagi and run seperate feedlines and a antenna switch. If you lived farther from the towers, you could use a preamp with seperate UHF/VHF inputs, but given the proxcimity to the west Little Rock towers, I would not recommend it.

Yes, VHF antenna would work Chris, however, in my case, the VHF antenna points south for channel 5,putting channel 12 off the side of that antenna. The only system I have installed that is about 99% effective is a three antenna system, one low band pointed south, a channel 12 antenna pointed west through a channel 12 join-tenna, then a UHF 4 bay bowtie pointed west (and picking up ch 22 and 39 off the back) going through a VHF/UHF coupler. Thats a lot of hardware for OTA reception (and fairly expensive). I just gave up at my house and use a rotor. I just keep it pointed west at 12, 30 and 32 and dont watch PBS or ABC or UPN unless something really good is coming on in which case I just rotate the antenna. Once DirecTv implements their HD locals with their new Mpeg4 satellite system, Ill just subscribe to locals that way. Real shame, since the stations could have gotten together and come up with some plan to make it alot easier for us.

Rchutts,

There is also impulse noise on VHF, which is very prevelent on low VHF channels. During storms between my location and the towers, there will be frequent rapid drops in audio and video. This even effected me during the NCAA semi-finals last weekend (especially the LSU-UCLA first half) on ch 12. Being on the fringe, that is to be expected but I checked the UHF channels and they were far less effected by this. I'm sure this is going a problem post-transistion for outlying cable companies and rural OTA viewers.

I hope WMC at Memphis realizes the error they are about to make giving up a perfectly good UHF channel for low VHF 5 for DTV/HDTV---we here in Central Arkansas already know.

H.

Does anyone know where I could get a satellite dish in LR. Any 18" dish would do. They're pretty cheap on eBay (http://electronics.*********/).

As more and more sat service convert to it, how long is a MPEG 2 receiver going to be good for in terms of OTA only?The fcc only requires that all digital OTA TV stations broadcast at least one free channel in MPEG2. It can be HD quality or as bad as 480i.

Broadcasters are free to use other compression schemes like MPEG4 if they wish, for multichannel digital TV. One company that plans to do so is USDTV, an OTA multichannel pay service that uses rented bandwidth from OTA stations. MPEG4 wil double their channel capacity. USDTV, or an equivalent service will likely be in LR eventually. They are evidently testing in NWA because the USDTV "barker channel" is up and running on a digital station in Springdale. USDTV info here (http://www.usdtv.com/).

Any real loss of quality or difference in DVI-HDMI?It depends.

What kind of monitor do you have (CRT, CRT projection, LCD, LCoS, plasma, etc.), and how big is the screen?

...Once DirecTv implements their HD locals with their new Mpeg4 satellite system, Ill just subscribe to locals that way...Just received this email from DirecTV this morning:

"... It's likely we'll launch Little Rock by year end, but we do not yet have
a specific date.

Robert Mercer
Director, Public Relations
DIRECTV, Inc.
rgmercer@directv.com
"

HD locals are included in the price of TotalChoice or any other package that includes standard def local channels, if you have a DirecTV MPEG4 receiver and a 5LNB dish.

What kind of monitor do you have (CRT, CRT projection, LCD, LCoS, plasma, etc.), and how big is the screen?[/QUOTE]

I have a panyy ct-34wx15= 34" widescreen tube. It has an hdmi outlet on it. I didn't know if it were better to get a hdmi outlet receiver or was DVI outlet just as good. And still i have yet to research on how to get the best quality sound out of hdtv. I know hdmi will carry both A&V. will V be better with component and then add on Dobly sound on a separate component, optical. I really dont know on the sound component.

i will say that i am glad that people like you all read these postings and offer advice. Most of the people I know look at me like I am crazy and speaking another language when i start talking about dvi, hdmi, mpeg's, etc. I loved the hdtv idea ever since i heard of it last year and it is good to get some answers here locally. chris

Local Market:
Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR
DMA Ranking: 56 out of 210 *
This page is designed to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information about Digital Television and High Definition in your local area. All information presented below has been contributed by HDTVPub's members and we would really appreciate if you could add to the information on this page.
DTV Channels in Your Area: ( Add Information )

View individual stations (http://www.hdtvpub.com/local/localarea.cfm/group_plasma-hdtv/zipcode_72201/)

This link states that only CBS and FOX are 1080i. Is that the only HD we have right now??

Local Market:
Little Rock-Pine Bluff, AR
DMA Ranking: 56 out of 210 *
This page is designed to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information about Digital Television and High Definition in your local area. All information presented below has been contributed by HDTVPub's members and we would really appreciate if you could add to the information on this page.
DTV Channels in Your Area: ( Add Information )

View individual stations (http://www.hdtvpub.com/local/localarea.cfm/group_plasma-hdtv/zipcode_72201/)

This link states that only CBS and FOX are 1080i. Is that the only HD we have right now??

FOX is 720p and UPN is 1080i, they have their resolutions wrong. Most UPN prime is broadcast in HD now, don't know what the fall will bring with the network going away.

E

Yeah, it looks like that info is old. First of all, we are DMA #57, no 56 and as errett said 16 is 720p, which is HD btw, and 38 is 1080i. KATV Ch. 7 ABC is also 720p. KTHV Ch. 11.1 is 1080i. KARK 4 NBC is also 1080i, and have been for about 2 months. WB is the only broadcast network we don't have access to here in Little Rock.

KETS-DT does occasional HD at night in 1080i. But the LR/PB station is very weak and in a bad channel band for digital TV (lowband VHF), so reception is difficult for many.

Months ago, someone posted on the Fayetteville board showing a listing of HD programming for AETN. I would be interested in seeing more HD programs there, at least more than once every other month.

Getting the signal isn't a problem for me, but its the constant electrical interference from low humidity days and thunderstorms that truly kills KETS's receiving here.

But from a public broadcaster that cares more about Lawerence Welk than HDTV, that is to be expected.

H.

When AETN does broadcast in HD, it's been the very highest quality OTA HD I've ever seen. I believe this is because they turn off all extra sub channels when doing HD.

Please contact AETN and tell them you appreciate HD programs (with NO multicasting) and ask them to show more.
dblencowe@aetn.org
tbrooks@aetn.org
aweatherly@aetn.org

They need to know there's an audience out here....

Just checked AETN's website (http://www.aetn.org/pbsx/) and NOVA is in HD tonight at 7pm

Hopefully the information is correct. The few times i've seen AETN air PBS HD shows they are trully breathtaking.

H.

Can anyone in the central Ark area tell me what digital station I might be getting an occasional lock on every morning, with my antenna pointed at about 260 degrees on channel 18? I show Ft Smith on the list, but Ive never even gotten a smidgen of an analog signal from any of the stations there, so Im kinda doubting thats it.

Here's the list of digital ch 18s (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=&call=&arn=&city=&chan=18&cha2=18&serv=DT&type=0&facid=&list=2&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&size=9). Perhaps Nacogdoches, TX?

When I lived in LR I used to get occasional UHF from Houston TX, early mornings when tropo was good, using a samsung TS160 receiver and a CM 4228 4bay bowtie antenna + CM7777 preamp.

Hello everyone, I hope things are well your way! I bought the CM 777 Preamp a couple weeks ago. I went to install it...followed ALL directions precisely, except I didn't mount the power supply, and I haven't fiddled with the factory presets for FM trap and all that, but I mounted it on the antenna mast, followed all the directions, plugged it in, and I get all snow. It's like the antenna isn't even there. Do you know what the cause may be? I've been racking my brain on this... and I have the antenna five ffet higher, but it seems as thought I'm getting worse signal than I did before. If anyone could shed some light on this problem, I'd appreciate it. Have a great night!

Keith

Hi Keith, Well, there are several reasons. The first thing I would check would be the wall outlet you are plugging the power supply into. Make sure its got voltage. Plug in the Power supply, and attach a small 3 foot piece of coax to the (ant) jack, and using a Volt meter, touch the positive lead to the center conductor of the coax and the negative to the shield and you should read 18 volts DC. If you dont, your power supply is defective, or its not getting 115V, try another wall outlet. If you do get 18VDC there, reattach your coax going to the antenna, and move to the roof, disconnect the amplifier, and test the voltage coming out of the antenna end of your coax run, again, you should have 18VDC. Keep in mind, any splitters, or passive devices between the power supply and mast mounted amplifier can block or short out the power supply if they are not rated as pass thru devices. If you have 18VDC at the antenna end of the cable, plug it into the amp. If it does not receive any signal at this point, you either have a bad amplifier, or the cable betwee the amp and antenna is not getting a good connection to the antenna. Unless you are using fairly expensive premade jumper cables, with the heavy duty connectors on them, the coax is usually the cause of most problems like you describe. Carefully check the connectors on each one for possible shorts where a single sheild braid may have laid across to the center conductor, also check that the center conductor is not bent, and is long enough to actually contact the female recepticle. Some patch cables use very short center conductors and they occasionally do not make good contact when screwed on. If in doubt, swap cables. If all this fails, connect the amp using small patch cables in your living room, with patch cables, and use a 12" piece of wire for your "antenna" and test the amp on a strong local station. Hopefully, you will find its something simple, like accidentally connecting the in and out reversed, or a faulty connection.

http://i2.tinypic.com/vdnynn.gif

Make sure there are NO other cables or splitters connected between the preamp and the power supply brick.

Has anyone else noticed any jerkiness in the picture on HD channels received through Comcast? I'm wondering whether it's signal strength or if something is wrong with my box.

Shhhh, dont say anything, or they will charge you extra for the jerks...

Has anyone else noticed any jerkiness in the picture on HD channels received through Comcast? I'm wondering whether it's signal strength or if something is wrong with my box.

A couple weeks ago I was seeing some picture breakup which I attributed to a slowing processor or disk drive going bad. It writes to the disk before reading it off and sending to your set. Yesterday I couldn't get any audio out of the box-plenty of good pictures in HD and SD. I unplugged the power for about 4 hours, and when I plugged it back in, the audio worked again. (short-term unplugging didn't work)

Both problems I had could be heat related. Every once in a while the box seems to go nuts and not giving it electricity has usually shocked it back to normalcy. That seems to be about standard for the Motorola boxes.

I just got the new VIP622 from E* a couple of days ago, and it seems to be working ok except that now I can just barely tune KATV with the OTA tuner. With the 942 I could get a solid signal, but now it barely hits 60 on the signal meter, and the picture is in and out (mostly out). Is anyone else having trouble picking up KATV? Has something changed recently with KATV that would cause a weaker signal, or is the OTA tuner on the baby less than desirable?

I checked and got a few dropouts on 7 this morning, but it seems to be locked in now. I have a Samsung T351. I was talking with errett a couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me that the OTA tuner on the VIP622 was a lot better than the one on the 811, but I don't know how the 942 compares to those two.

I just got the new VIP622 from E* a couple of days ago, and it seems to be working ok except that now I can just barely tune KATV with the OTA tuner. With the 942 I could get a solid signal, but now it barely hits 60 on the signal meter, and the picture is in and out (mostly out). Is anyone else having trouble picking up KATV? Has something changed recently with KATV that would cause a weaker signal, or is the OTA tuner on the baby less than desirable?

Like Rocky mentioned, I got a 622 a few weeks ago and love it. I did not have a 942, but I did (do, but sitting on a table unused now) have an 811. The tuner in the 622 is far superior to the tuner in the 811. I am seeing KATV at 78 in Maumelle today. I recorded Primetime from KATV last night and had no dropouts. I think the tuner in the 622 is as good as the tuner in my Samsung DLP.

E

I have a Samsung T351.

Don't forget who hooked you up, R.

Cole!! Good to have you around man, I've been missing ya! I guess you hooked G up recently as well. Got any more cool gear laying around?

KASN 38 will be the CW affiliate starting in September!

http://www.upn38tv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=2C401158-08AB-4398-A523-AB13B429CACB

KASN 38 will be the CW affiliate starting in September!

http://www.upn38tv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=2C401158-08AB-4398-A523-AB13B429CACB

Thats the best news I have heard since I got digital. Way to go Clear Channel.

From what I've read it looks like getting HDTV in LR is a bit of a pain. As I'm married to my DTiVos I'm not terribly gung-ho about HDTV at the moment. I purchased the TV primarily for my Xbox 360.

Is there no simple and relatively inexpensive solution for someone in the Mississippi/Evergreen area of WLR? I wouldn't mind sitting down once a week or so for some HD.

My TV has both an OTA HD tuner as well as a QAM tuner. (Pardon the possibly incorrect terminology. :) )

I'd say find a good (but returnable) indoor antenna, hook it up to the OTA tuner and see what you can get. I just have standard def E* with a 2 tuner DVR for most of my TV viewing, but it's great to also have some free OTA HD.

From what I've read it looks like getting HDTV in LR is a bit of a pain. As I'm married to my DTiVos I'm not terribly gung-ho about HDTV at the moment. I purchased the TV primarily for my Xbox 360.

Is there no simple and relatively inexpensive solution for someone in the Mississippi/Evergreen area of WLR? I wouldn't mind sitting down once a week or so for some HD.

My TV has both an OTA HD tuner as well as a QAM tuner. (Pardon the possibly incorrect terminology. :) )


If you have a pair of "rabbit ears" laying around, you could try them. That would give you a general idea. Next question: are you on a hilltop or valley? Valleys are not as friendly to reception (the issues save for AETN and KATV are multipath). Having lived in midtown Little Rock and attempting analog OTA in a high-rise apartment ( in a valley) got frustrating. Finally gave up and went back to cable :eek: until moving to my present location

Haley

If you have a pair of "rabbit ears" laying around, you could try them. That would give you a general idea. Next question: are you on a hilltop or valley? Valleys are not as friendly to reception (the issues save for AETN and KATV are multipath). Having lived in midtown Little Rock and attempting analog OTA in a high-rise apartment ( in a valley) got frustrating. Finally gave up and went back to cable :eek: until moving to my present location

Haley

Doesn't look like it is going to happen for me. I live right off Mississippi near Evergreen which puts me in a slight valley. Could barely get any reception. Looks like the antenna is going back tonight. Bummer.

Doesn't look like it is going to happen for me. I live right off Mississippi near Evergreen which puts me in a slight valley. Could barely get any reception. Looks like the antenna is going back tonight. Bummer.Make sure you have the tuner set for OTA DIGITAL channels (NOT Cable or QAM) when you do a channel scan.

You should at least be able to get something from Shinall.

What does antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/) say when you enter your exact address and 9 digit zip?

From what I've read it looks like getting HDTV in LR is a bit of a pain. As I'm married to my DTiVos I'm not terribly gung-ho about HDTV at the moment. I purchased the TV primarily for my Xbox 360.

Is there no simple and relatively inexpensive solution for someone in the Mississippi/Evergreen area of WLR? I wouldn't mind sitting down once a week or so for some HD.

My TV has both an OTA HD tuner as well as a QAM tuner. (Pardon the possibly incorrect terminology. :) )

If your TV has QAM, why not just get the $12/mo basic plan from Comcast? That should give you your unscrabled digital HD locals and maybe more. No multipath, drop-outs, antennas, etc.

Cole!! Good to have you around man, I've been missing ya! I guess you hooked G up recently as well. Got any more cool gear laying around?


I've got so much "cool stuff" I can't walk in my apartment. Mostly computers, though. And a lifetime replaytv w/ like 300h of playback I'm not using.

Yeah, I gave G a loaner OTA tuner but since I'm quitting in May I'll be needing to get that back. I'm bailing before the A2D conversion starts (...and that old Aladdin finally goes belly up.)

I hope that you will all be tolerant with my ignorance regarding all the new-to-me technical terms in this field. My husband and I are "TV-poor" and want to replace our 32" TV that is 7 years old with a Sony LCD Grand Wega. We live in West Little Rock off Hinson Road on top of a hill. I just wondered whether or not any of you have opinions as to whether or not we would be able to cancel our cable and use an antennae. We basically watch the local channels, Hallmark, TCM, History, Sci-Fi (that would be my husband). I thought that if we could cut the cable, we might be able to buy even more TV. I know there are no guarantees, so I’m just looking for your opinions. If you have any other advice, I’d love to hear it.

Happy TV watching to all,
Donna

I hope that you will all be tolerant with my ignorance regarding all the new-to-me technical terms in this field. My husband and I are "TV-poor" and want to replace our 32" TV that is 7 years old with a Sony LCD Grand Wega. We live in West Little Rock off Hinson Road on top of a hill. I just wondered whether or not any of you have opinions as to whether or not we would be able to cancel our cable and use an antennae. We basically watch the local channels, Hallmark, TCM, History, Sci-Fi (that would be my husband). I thought that if we could cut the cable, we might be able to buy even more TV. I know there are no guarantees, so I’m just looking for your opinions. If you have any other advice, I’d love to hear it.

Happy TV watching to all,
Donna

On top of Hinson seems like an ideal spot to get a signal from the Chenal towers. Don't know about Redfield.

I hope that you will all be tolerant with my ignorance regarding all the new-to-me technical terms in this field. My husband and I are "TV-poor" and want to replace our 32" TV that is 7 years old with a Sony LCD Grand Wega. We live in West Little Rock off Hinson Road on top of a hill. I just wondered whether or not any of you have opinions as to whether or not we would be able to cancel our cable and use an antennae. We basically watch the local channels, Hallmark, TCM, History, Sci-Fi (that would be my husband). I thought that if we could cut the cable, we might be able to buy even more TV. I know there are no guarantees, so I’m just looking for your opinions. If you have any other advice, I’d love to hear it.

Happy TV watching to all,
Donna

Of course you can. If you are only interested in local (network) HDTV then a HDTV with built-in tuner and a antenna will work. However.....

Digital TV uses different channel assingments than analog TV. Except for KETS (AETN/PBS), the large monster VHF antennas are not needed. Being on a hill is a *big plus*.

The major issue is that Little Rock TV is served by two antenna farms: Chenal (or Shinall) Mtn, and Redfield. KARK, KTHV, KLRT come from west of Little Rock. KETS, KATV, and KASN come from Redfield. KWBF is a non-player in HDTV presently, but the most popular WB and UPN programming will end up on the CW network which KASN will affliate with later this year.

Forget ESPN, CNN, Fox News, TNT, Weather Channel, etc unless you go the DBS (sat) route. Those channels are not available free OTA.

You may need a rotor depending on the antenna used. If you get a new tv, try it with some rabbit ears laying around. That will give you an idea of what to expect in a worse case.

Good luck in getting free of "Comcrap"

Haley

I would not personally buy such an expensive LCD (you mean LCD, not DLP, right?) if I wasn't going to feed it more than just a few OTA channels.

But to answer your question: Yes, you should be able to pick-up NBC, CBS, FOX, and UPN no problem. ABC probably. VTN would be a reach, though.

I live near you (Napa Valley) and can get ABC no problem. Trees and hills are blocking my path to the others so I get drop outs. But I have Comcast (good product) and everything is nice.

If your TV has CABLECARD and a QAM tuner, you might try keeping the cable and going with the $10 basic plan. You can pickup the unscrambled digital HD locals with your QAM tuner since its against the law for Comcast to block those out.

"Forget ESPN, CNN, Fox News, TNT, Weather Channel, etc unless you go the DBS (sat) route. Those channels are not available free OTA."

Has anyone tried any of the Free-To-Air satellite systems? I have seen where one can buy a receiver and dish for less than $300 and all the satellite programs are free with no monthly charges. Wonder what the catch is.

"Forget ESPN, CNN, Fox News, TNT, Weather Channel, etc unless you go the DBS (sat) route. Those channels are not available free OTA."

Has anyone tried any of the Free-To-Air satellite systems? I have seen where one can buy a receiver and dish for less than $300 and all the satellite programs are free with no monthly charges. Wonder what the catch is.

Third-world television, and Religious channels. From what little i've seen online. And the occational wild news feeds that aren't scambled.

actually, you might want to check that, haley. you can get all kinds of local affiliate feeds and even some HD feeds. check out lyngsat for the master list.

i checked it out last year when I found a FTA signal from a FOX affiliate in Marquette, MI I was pondering opting for to watch Packers games instead of getting NFL:ST.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond and for your advice. I appreciate the update for our area from those who have experience with these matters because we understand that the technology is changing.

Haley, you made me laugh out loud with the "Com-crap" because that's how we feel at our house. We may not be able to get rid of it entirely, but we're going to try some different options to see what will work for us at our house based on physical location and our viewing preferences.

Thanks again,
Donna

Well, I was going to ask if Com-Crap digital cable was any good, since I cant get DirecTv to stay working, and am tired of moving my dishes (yes three of them) every time a tree grows a foot. Unfortunantly, I watch HDNET, and G4, and as hard as I tried, I couldnt find a damn list on Comcasts web site that showed what HD channels they carry. Anyone care to point me to a list, if there is one? Currently paying $65 for DirecTv, and from what I could gather, two digital receivers (one HD, one regular) would set me back about $78 a month with Comcast, and Im assuming the mainstay channels are still analog too??

Well, I was going to ask if Com-Crap digital cable was any good, since I cant get DirecTv to stay working, and am tired of moving my dishes (yes three of them) every time a tree grows a foot. Unfortunantly, I watch HDNET, and G4, and as hard as I tried, I couldnt find a damn list on Comcasts web site that showed what HD channels they carry. Anyone care to point me to a list, if there is one? Currently paying $65 for DirecTv, and from what I could gather, two digital receivers (one HD, one regular) would set me back about $78 a month with Comcast, and Im assuming the mainstay channels are still analog too??

Dave,

First, here's that Comcast Little Rock HD list:

202 ESPNHD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery HDTV
206 INHD
207 INHD2
215 HBO East (HDTV)
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime East (HDTV)
227 Starz HD
231 KATV (ABC) - HD
232 KARK (NBC) - HD
233 KTHV (CBS) - HD
234 KLRT (Fox) - HD
236 KASN - UPN
240 PBS - HD

Second, Comcast's Dish buy back program is what you want. I have DirecTV from NFL:ST but once the season is over, I suspend my account and call up Comcast for the program. I happen to have a copy of my bill here. Here's the breakdown.

-DIGITAL SILVER ($39.95/mo for 12 months)
Perferred Basic, Cableguard
Digital Service: Classic&Plus
HBO
-FCC Regulatory Fee ($0.06)
-HD/DVR Service ($9.95)
-Taxes ($7.34)

TOTAL: $57.30

You can lose the HD-DVR for $5 savings, but its nice to have. Each extra cable box is $5. Install was $9.95. But you want to keep the HD package, which is $5, I believe. You have the choice of HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, or CINEMAX. Whatever you pick, you also get access to their VOD content, which is very nice.

Its a pretty nice package and I like it better than DirecTV except when football season starts! I've been pretty happy with it, even though I hardly watch any TV. HD offering is better than DirecTV's, lacking only ESPN2-HD and those satellite HD channels. Deal is good for what you get. Plus you can tack on the cable internet for 19.95/mo for 6mo with a free modem.

Just keep your options open and be ready to jump back to satellite when the price goes up in a year so you can lock in some better promo from them.

... Plus you can tack on the cable internet for 19.95/mo for 6mo with a free modem.
And what does internet end up costing after the teaser rate ends?

Wow, only 3 HD channels? ESPN, TNT and Discovery? Thats not even worth my time let alone the $5 extra. I get all the local channels on my antenna already, and I never buy PPV, so looks like Comcast is out of the running. I guess Ill just replace all the electronics on my satellite system and hope its not the receiver. Check that. Crawled under the house and found some green corrosion on the coax connector on the 22khz switch, tightened all the coax connectors after loosening them, and Im back to 100 signal on sat-b. Go figure. All the rain had me assuming it was something out in the weather and it turns out to be something under the dry house.

Wow, only 3 HD channels? ESPN, TNT and Discovery? Thats not even worth my time let alone the $5 extra. I get all the local channels on my antenna already, and I never buy PPV, so looks like Comcast is out of the running. I guess Ill just replace all the electronics on my satellite system and hope its not the receiver. Check that. Crawled under the house and found some green corrosion on the coax connector on the 22khz switch, tightened all the coax connectors after loosening them, and Im back to 100 signal on sat-b. Go figure. All the rain had me assuming it was something out in the weather and it turns out to be something under the dry house.


can u read? there are 11 channels you get for the HD package, plus the 4 premium channels of which you get 1 w/ the buy back program. I had D less than a month ago and they had less and you had to use OTA to get your locals in HD.

And what does internet end up costing after the teaser rate ends?

A stiff 42.95, i believe. however, the way this should be played is that you grab the $75-$150 rebate du jour w/ free modem (cf. www.broadbandoffers.com) take the rate for 6 months and switch to DSL for a year, then switch back for your next 6 month promo and repeat. 19.95 for 6d/756u can't be beat. Also, I know people who call and complain after their trial is up and the CSRs fold like a cheap suit and put them down for another 6/mo.

i'm on the DSL part of my cycle, but i'll be hitting it back up soon. but i think i might opt for dual WAN, so i may just hang with both.

And actually the DSL thing @ 12.95 didn't work out so good for me because they tax the heart and soul out of telco services. :-( Had to get the landline.

AT&T will be rolling out 6mbps DSL for customers less than 6000ft (?) from their CO here in the next week or so @ 29.95. Also, look for naked DSL coming in the next year due to provisos the FCC threw in on the recent mergers.

can u read? there are 11 channels you get for the HD package.

No, I never learned how to read, however, I am fairly good at spotting rude responses which are totally uncalled for.

I was not including the PPV's, movie channels, or local channels I get for free now. Its a non-issue anyway, since they dont carry HDNet which is what I watch most of the time, and have no HD music channels.

I do appreciate the list, however, it convinced me to continue my efforts to repair my DirecTv system, which I have successfully done.

Actually, PBS-HD is different from getting AETN OTA ...and The INHD channels are not PPV or Movie Channels, they are the Cable Systems' proprietary HD networks.

PBS-HD is the PBS feed that is 24/7 HD content. Not on DirecTV or OTA.

Leaving aside literacy skills and deciphering intonation in written text, it doesn't really sound like you wanted to switch to begin with.

Good luck on the repair. Hopefully someone got a little more use out of this.

... PBS-HD is the PBS feed that is 24/7 HD content. Not on DirecTV or OTA...Actually, PBS-HD is a free OTA channel; but AETN chooses not to broadcast it 24/7. Instead, they do multicasting most of the time. KOZK-DT and KOZJ-DT (Ozarks Public TV) broadcast PBS-HD 24/7 OTA.

Does comscat carry AETN's four digital OTA channels? I didn't see them in the list....

Actually, PBS-HD is a free OTA channel; but AETN chooses not to broadcast it 24/7. Instead, they do multicasting most of the time. KOZK-DT and KOZJ-DT (Ozarks Public TV) broadcast PBS-HD 24/7 OTA.

Does comscat carry AETN's four digital OTA channels? I didn't see them in the list....

That's my point. AETN can pick up something they broadcast, but why bother when you can go straight to the source that's running 24/7 in HD? I don't know anything about what the different AETN stations choose to do, but here in Little Rock its not 24/7 HD.

Yes, the AETN multicasts are available right below the HD channels. I believe its 190, 191, and 192 (or there abouts). Also the THV2 is the next channel above the HD range.

I did OTA for two years and (as Rocky can tell you) have all kinds of digital receivers and antennae. I'm happier now with Comcast HD than I was with OTA, though I won't hesitate to break it back out if need be. No drop-outs, multipath problems, or other issues that plagued my OTA setup.

...There's something nice about high quality HD for "free."

I can also go pick berries off the bush and survive; After a while I think I'd be ready for more variety, convenience, and up-time. :-)

...I can also go pick berries off the bush and survive; After a while I think I'd be ready for more variety, convenience, and up-time.
ox·y·mo·ron n. pl. ox·y·mo·ra (-môr, -mr) or ox·y·mo·rons

A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence, a mournful optimist or cable uptime.

ROFLMFAO

lose the oxy- and you'll have my response.

i guess to move this topic to a conclusion: For anyone *seriously* considering Comcast' Little Rock's HDTV offering, I've found it to be pretty good. This is coming from someone who has done OTA-HD for 2+ years and has had DirecTV HD package.

All the locals are there in HD except for WB, and KETS but that is accounted for by having fulltime PBS-HD feed. Haven't had a single outage since I signed up 3 months ago, but YMMV.

The HD channels are mush less compressed than DirecTV (as a rule) and look comparable to OTA.

If you can get the DishBuyBack program for 12months w/ the HD (mentioned above,) its a real steal, IMHO. Outside that, its a bit pricey and I'm not sure I would bite on the package I have if I had to pay retail for it. The poor man's way for cheap Comcast HD would be to get the $12 basic package and a QAM tuner... they cost about as much as an OTA box.

Hope this is helpful to someone.

The poor man's way for cheap Comcast HD would be to get the $12 basic package and a QAM tuner... they cost about as much as an OTA box.

Can you eloborate on this? What HD package are you getting for $12 and/or does it include a stb?

Sorry but I thought you had to get digital $62 and then add the HD for $5-10 after that.

The poor man's way for cheap Comcast HD would be to get the $12 basic package and a QAM tuner... they cost about as much as an OTA box.

Can you eloborate on this? What HD package are you getting for $12 and/or does it include a stb?

Sorry but I thought you had to get digital $62 and then add the HD for $5-10 after that.

If you have a QAM/Cable Ready HD tuner built in to your TV (not ALL HDTV's have those presently) you should be able to receive the local digital channels. Be sure to confirm that your TV has these. Comcast (or any other cable provider) cannot scamble those channels by law. Comcrap is not obligated to provide a STB however. It should work with the regular "analog" cable package also (since the digital/HDTV channels are located above the analog ones).

I had the "Limited Basic" package for a time since Comcrap wanted a king's ransom for its digital (non-HD) package. With taxes and fees, the bill was $14.01 per month (in 2004). At least it beat the alternative of rabbit ears and severe ghosting on an analog tv (could not have a dish or outdoor antenna at my apartment at that time, since it was a high rise, and had no balconies).

H

Well i checked my tv and it does not have any tuner built in. I really just want local hd channels for cheapest I can get. I have been looking around lately at store and on the net and just dont want to pay $200 for a regular ota receiver. i tried looking for a qam tuner and saw that those prices are pretty high as well. didnt know if comcat provided a qam tuner with that package. I have the 84 analog package right now. If i get a qam tuner and plug it in, will I be able to see the locals through this clear unscrambled type of broadcast through cable?

rc,

I'd sell the current tv and trade up to one having a built-in cable cable-card/QAM HDTV. The only way you (with the current set )would see HDTV via cable is with the cableco's provided HDTV tuner---and they are more than happy to provide one, for a king's ransom monthly :eek:

Or find a third party STB with QAM. But that would be $200 toward a new set.

H.

KaTV is showing Good Morning America in HD. Only the studio/interview segments are HD. The news cam, and of course news footage is still SD, with the colored pillars. Much like ESPN's Sportscenter.

That said, i'm no fan of GMA, prefering my news to be NEWS, not infotainment.

I live in NLR (Lakewood) and have a Terk HDTVs outdoor antenna using E*'s VIP622 as my OTA receiver. I was receiving KARK, KATV, KTHV, KLRT, and UPN ota just fine until the leaves on all the trees came out. Now the signal i'm getting from KATV is unwatchable, KARK has frequent dropouts, and the others are reduced but still watchable. I'm wondering if an amplifier of some sort would fix the situation, or if I'm just screwed until the fall. Any suggestions?

I have seen comcas* boxes on the net selling for ~200 with a dvr and hdtv fxn. what would you suppose would happen if i hook that system into my basic cable? will i be able to receive ota signal? use the dvr at all? i had a comcas* regular digital box that a friend gave me. I plugged it in, had 300 channels for a few days and it got shut off. anyone tried this before.

I live in NLR (Lakewood) and have a Terk HDTVs outdoor antenna using E*'s VIP622 as my OTA receiver. I was receiving KARK, KATV, KTHV, KLRT, and UPN ota just fine until the leaves on all the trees came out. Now the signal i'm getting from KATV is unwatchable, KARK has frequent dropouts, and the others are reduced but still watchable. I'm wondering if an amplifier of some sort would fix the situation, or if I'm just screwed until the fall. Any suggestions?

I am in Maumelle with the same receiver, but I use a DB2 from antennasdirect.com and have no trouble picking anyone up. Antenna was only $50 and gets KATV at around 90%. This is in my attic, not outside. I replaced an old 8-bay with this and the signal strength actually got better. I have several trees around, but I am not surrounded. For $50 bucks it is worth a shot.

E

I live in NLR (Lakewood) and have a Terk HDTVs outdoor antenna... Any suggestions?Dump the TERK antenna for something that works.

...If i get a qam tuner and plug it in, will I be able to see the locals through this clear unscrambled type of broadcast through cable?Yes.

One of these STBs (http://www.epvision.com/) will receive both 8VSB OTA and unencrypted QAM cable channels. By law, local HD channels are unencrypted QAM on comscat.

I have heard good things from others about the DB2. Good to hear that you (E) have had good success with it. Esp since it is in your attic.

I live in NLR (Lakewood) and have a Terk HDTVs outdoor antenna using E*'s VIP622 as my OTA receiver. I was receiving KARK, KATV, KTHV, KLRT, and UPN ota just fine until the leaves on all the trees came out. Now the signal i'm getting from KATV is unwatchable, KARK has frequent dropouts, and the others are reduced but still watchable. I'm wondering if an amplifier of some sort would fix the situation, or if I'm just screwed until the fall. Any suggestions?

The Channel Master 4221 is well regarded. Also the 4228 works well with high-band VHF (ch 7-13), but is *very* directional. Anything would be an improvement over the Terk. I would not use an amp that close to Little Rock unless it was a last resort, but feed the antenna with high quaility coax and connectors.

H.

I could understand KATV since they are low power, but if you are getting KLRT, you should be getting KARK, since they are on the same mountain. Try raising it if you can, and you might even try lowering it. UHF is very fickle, sometimes 6 inches will take you from no signal to full strength. Just have to play with the antenna and find a good spot, or invest in a real antenna system. Its possible your signal dropped just a little bit, and was enough to allow multipath off the lakewood tower building to interfere, if you are close to that.

I could understand KATV since they are low power, but if you are getting KLRT, you should be getting KARK, since they are on the same mountain. Try raising it if you can, and you might even try lowering it. UHF is very fickle, sometimes 6 inches will take you from no signal to full strength. Just have to play with the antenna and find a good spot, or invest in a real antenna system. Its possible your signal dropped just a little bit, and was enough to allow multipath off the lakewood tower building to interfere, if you are close to that.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. This weekend I got much better reception all around without doing anything different, so I assume my reception is very sensitive to the weather. I would probably purchase one of the antennas that you guys have suggested, but I'm already down $130 for the antenna I have, and I'm afraid the spousal acceptance factor is low for more antenna purchases. The only show that I like that is hard to get OTA is Lost, but there are plenty of ways to see the wide format version of Lost through the internet. I guess I'll just grin and bear it until E* gets HD locals.

... I would probably purchase one of the antennas that you guys have suggested, but I'm already down $130 for the antenna I have...I hate it when people get ripped off by TERK.

There are far superior antennas for a lot less money. Example, the CM 4221 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas//4221.htm).

I guess I'll just grin and bear it until E* gets HD locals.

E* has not indicated that Little Rock is anywhere close to getting HD locals. Little Rock may have to wait until another satellite is online. See the following link for the cities that have been released as in E* plans for HD locals.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=54667

E* has not indicated that Little Rock is anywhere close to getting HD locals. Little Rock may have to wait until another satellite is online. See the following link for the cities that have been released as in E* plans for HD locals.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=54667


What is an E*? I've also noticed a Comcas* and a D* in other posts. I'm guessing these are disguised company names. What's the reason for the * stuff?

Jack

What is an E*? I've also noticed a Comcas* and a D* in other posts. I'm guessing these are disguised company names. What's the reason for the * stuff?

Jack

Thanks for asking that question, Jack. I have been wondering the same thing for a while. Will someone post a "glossary" of HD terms so we laymen can understand this lingo?

Some common abbreviations on AVSForum:

E* = Echostar's Dish Network
D* = DirecTV
V* = Voom
DTV = Digital Television (usually referring to OTA television)
OTA = Over The Air

2 websites of common hdtv terms
http://www.hdtvpub.com/terms.cfm/category_A/
http://www.dtvmag.com/Tutorials/Glossary/Glossary-S.asp

Anyone heard when KATV plans to turn up their power? That would solve a lot of peoples problems. I cannot get KATV and KTHV at the same time without turning the antenna, however, I can get the KASN, KLRT, and KARK fine pointed between them. Just works out that as soon as KATV pops up enough to lock, KTHV drops out. Once KATV goes full power, I wont have to turn the antenna except to get PBS.

davenlr,
what antenna are you using?

Im using a Channel Master Quantum Suburban VHF/Deep Fringe UHF combo antenna, and also have a Televes DAT75. I did the CM pointed south, and the Dat75 pointed west, combined at the receiver with a coupler, which works perfect except for KTHV, which wont come in on the Dat75 pointing it west (have to point it NW, which drops the UHF stations off). All would be paradise if the two VHF stations would have been in one location.

I setup a friend's antenna in LR using a much less directional CM 4221 aimed in a sweet spot that got everything except KETS. For KETS, we used a homemade dipole cut to ch 5. Both antennas were combined to a CM 7777 V/U preamp w/ separate V/U inputs. Worked great.

He had a much newer receiver than the E86 though - an LG, but I forget the model #. New tuners are much more forgiving of multipath than 1st-gen stuff.

Anyone heard when KATV plans to turn up their power?

I emailed KATV's engineering department about this issue, and this was their response.

KATV has purchased a new high power UHF transmitter. We have some technical difficulties which are undergoing engineering studies. We will increase power as soon as practical.
James Tidwell
Director of Engineering
KATV, LLC

Maybe our troubles with KATV will be over sooner rather than later.

Maybe our troubles with KATV will be over sooner rather than later.

Only the power issues. KATV i'm sure will continue to preempt Lost during Feb sweeps, not show ABC College Football in HD because the thrilling Vanderbilt v. Miss State game runs a minute over on JP, and show only one hour of GMA on weekends.

From Star City you cant pick up Ms or La ABC stations? I would have figured the tropo down there would be good every night.

He had a much newer receiver than the E86 though - an LG, but I forget the model #. New tuners are much more forgiving of multipath than 1st-gen stuff.


Thats funny you should mention that, because I split the antenna combo mentioned above to both the E86 and the built in tuner on a new Samsung 26" widescreen tv, and the E86 would report 90-100 signal on KTHV and show the station fine, but the Samsung wouldnt lock on it, and would finally default to analog channel 12. I even swapped the cables, thinking I had a bad cable, and the same thing happened. Dont know that the deal was there. Plugged in rabbit ears to the Samsung, and got KTHV great.

I wish these receivers would have a meter that showed dropped bits, rather than "signal strength".

some new tuners.... sorry.]

I have no experience w/ OTA tuners built into Samsung TVs, but I've had 2 different models of their DirecTV receivers and neither one of them dealt with multipath very well either.

I agree about some SS meters. Most don't tell you much about the quality of the signal. I do have a Sony TV with built in tuner that does displays errors. It is also much more immune to multipath than Samsung tuners I've used.

From Star City you cant pick up Ms or La ABC stations? I would have figured the tropo down there would be good every night.

The closest out of market ABC's that are in HD here are WABG-DT 32 (http://www.wabg.com) Greenwood, MS and KTBS-DT 28 (http://www.ktbs.com) in Shreveport. I get the Shreveport station quite often during mornings (both analog and digital). KTBS airs both hours of GMA on Saturday mornings, plus the full ABC Saturday morning sked from what i've seen. WABG was my closer standby for a few months when KATV preempted Wed nights sked, but they are also directional like KATV and aim the signal toward their market area, meaning that from Gould-Monticello-Dumas that it should be received well. WABG was iffy from my then 15ft height at best and I haven't received WABG since KARK-DT's sign-on.

Now if I had the CM 4228 at 70ft with hardline.... :p

H.

Yea, I did a survery around my area with a mobile GPS unit. My hilltop is 90' lower than the hilltops all around me which are 1 mile (east), 3 miles (south), and 2 miles (west), so I would have to install a 100' tower to clear them in order to receive the Memphis and Mississippi digitals, and I just cant justify that expense for DX'ing, but hardline would be a great investment if I were even receiving a marginal signal at all. I think its funny how we all started out with antennas if we wanted to watch any TV at all, and have come full circle to needing them again.

I still remember when I lived about 30 miles SE of Milwaukee, Wi. Had a huge Channel Master on the roof with a rotor, and friends would come over to watch the Cubs games in the afternoons from WGN in Chicago (90 miles). I received more stations OTA there than ever, could choose between 4 network stations from 4 markets, and several independants. UHF was just beginning to be used, and you had to buy a stand alone UHF converter if you wanted to watch them. Ah, the good old days. Now its right back to the same thing with digital TV. I think its funny.

Yea, I did a survery around my area with a mobile GPS unit. My hilltop is 90' lower than the hilltops all around me which are 1 mile (east), 3 miles (south), and 2 miles (west)...
If you have Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/) (it's free), you can also check your address' elevation by rolling the mouse over your location and surrounding hills in your area. The "display terrain" box must be checked in viewing options.

It makes it easy to see if anything's in the way between your house and a TV tower.
http://earth.google.com/

Thanks, Ill check that out also.

No HD on Desperate Housewives as of 8:12pm on KaTV :mad:

H.

Let katv's general manager know how his station is being run.
http://www.katv.com/contact.hrb

Someone finally woke up and threw the switch. I decided to tape DH for later viewing since it was going to be SD anyway apparently, and there was E-skip occuring. I just rechecked at 8:40pm and DH is in HD finally.

No HD on Desperate Housewives as of 8:12pm on KaTV :mad:

H.

It's nice to be able to watch WABC-HD, courtesy of Direct TV-HD. I don't watch Desperate Housewives but I do watch Boston Legal. Other than some occasional sports, that's about all I watch on ABC.

It's always nice to have NY as a backup, when the local channels forget to switch to HD, pre-empt something or plaster weather maps or election results all over the screen :-)

It's always nice to have NY as a backup, when the local channels forget to switch to HD, pre-empt something or plaster weather maps or election results all over the screen :-)

So far down here the locals (even lil ol' ch 7) have managed to keep HD on without the WX bugs even during severe weather (save for cut-ins). My pet peave (somewhat OT) though is showing watches (not so much warnings) for areas outside the station's DMA and where it obviously cannot be received OTA. Prime examples would be KARK showing a Severe Thunderstorm watch for Washington and Benton counties, NO ONE would watch that station there and Nexstar won't let 'em anyway. This borders on "Cryin' Wolf" and a real weather situation (an instance where Local TV can come into play in a postitve manner) could be ignored (oh, that's another bug on the screen Mary......).

BTW KaTV has yet to answer my email about Sunday Night's forgetfulness. Maybe I should have invoked Duddy Waller in my comments since they are the "Razorback Station". :eek:

Actually LR stations are watched well outside of the DMA with both cable and more recently satellite. For example, we have cable viewers in Carroll County and satellite viewers in Ashley County. One is all of the way north and the other far south.

Just thought I would let you know.

... My pet peave (somewhat OT) though is showing watches (not so much warnings) for areas outside the station's DMA and where it obviously cannot be received OTA. Prime examples would be KARK showing a Severe Thunderstorm watch for Washington and Benton counties, NO ONE would watch that station there and Nexstar won't let 'em anyway...
Actually people in NWA can watch KARK and several other LR stations on cable. Most North & NW AR cable systems carry LR, plus Ft Smith/FAY and/or Springfield MO locals, depending on which county you're in.

DirecTV may also eventually add LR channels up here too. They can do that now, under new satellite regulations. D* is slowly rolling out significantly viewed out of market stations, where possible. For example, some MS counties in the Jackson DMA also get some Baton Rouge channels under "significantly viewed." Select Baton Rouge in the list HERE (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/see/SvChannels.jsp?_requestid=19423).

The problem with offering significantly viewed channels in NWA on D* is the LR locals require a 3LNB multisat dish but Fay/Springfield locals require a second 18" dish pointed at 72.5°. So, NWA probably won't get significantly viewed locals on D* for a while. They *may* when LR/Fay/Springfield HD locals get up & running in MPEG4 next year.

alison,
(and then there's those pesky satellite "movers"... :) )
Any definite date yet on when LR HD channels will get added to D*?

All I have is rumors to report. I heard something about DirecTV adding them at the end of this year. But I remain a little skeptical on that.

All I have is rumors to report. I heard something about DirecTV adding them at the end of this year. But I remain a little skeptical on that.

All I can say is thank goodness for the stations that are not afraid to grant waivers.

All I have is rumors to report. I heard something about DirecTV adding them at the end of this year. But I remain a little skeptical on that.I heard that LR HD locals will be on the next MPEG4 satellite that goes up. Don't know when the launch date is though...

Alison, will existing waiver/white area viewers that get LR SD channels & NY HD channels on D* have their NY HD channels shut off when LR HD becomes available on D*? Just curious.

There will most likely have a grace period followed by a shutoff which was the pattern from before when local analog channels were added. But that is just a guess on my part.

My humble opinion is that your best HD signal will be received OTA rather than through satellite in any case and the signal will be more likely to be received during a hard downpour when other signals have rain fade.

Does anyone know how to view this thread in an RSS reader?

...My humble opinion is that your best HD signal will be received OTA rather than through satellite in any case and the signal will be more likely to be received during a hard downpour when other signals have rain fade. I agree the best HD picture quality is nearly always OTA, but rain fade on locals delivered by D* is almost non-existant now, due to high power spot beams.

Up here in NWA, we nearly always lose 2 local OTA stations during heavy rain. Supposedly it's not their tranmitters, they say it's their link between the studio and the transmitter....(?)

I can only imagine how difficult it must be to get a microwave signal through the hills in NW Ark. Could be their path is a little marginal. In central Ark. the STL paths are solid and not typically subject to rain fade. The weak link is usally the individual reception at homes.

If you have something solid between the studio and transmitter, like a hail shaft, you will fade out. But even at that it has to be pretty significant.

DirecTV must have something on Dish, because we have rain fade in every hard down pour.

Actually LR stations are watched well outside of the DMA with both cable and more recently satellite. For example, we have cable viewers in Carroll County and satellite viewers in Ashley County. One is all of the way north and the other far south.

Just thought I would let you know.

You are right. I grew up in Harrison and always watched Little Rock locals. We had them and Springfield available on cable. Unfortunately with satellite, I can only get Springfield.

Cable here still carries both.......

Well, KATV is running GMA in HD this morning with no network audio. Sound pops on during their 30 second weather breaks, then turns off again. Tried calling engineering, but the girl answering the phone said I had the wrong number. Hmmmm. This is the first morning Ive actually been home from work to watch it. Is this a common event, video with no audio?

Up here in NWA (KHOG-DT, 29-1), audio was fine this morning on GMA.

Contact KATV's CE at:
324-7790 or 324-7792

Audio glitching or "skipping" continues on KTHV during network programming.

KARK has audio/video problems with the audio about a second ahead of the video when local.

KATV is trying to do something.

KLRT has no problems as far as I can tell.

I got an email from the engineer at KATV, and they had a bad audio cable at the transmitter site, and repaired it. He apologized for the girl telling me I had the wrong number, and said she did call him right after I had called to report it, so everything worked out ok.

I had to laugh tonight tho, I dont usually watch network TV because the affiliates do such irritating things, and tonight was no exception. Noting they are using 7-2 as a subchannel which they could have put the info on, KATV decided for whatever reason, to shrink the world premier of Stephen King's Despiration down to a small "picture in a picture" size, to facilitate election results which could easily have been broadcast on 7-2. Then, to add insult to injury, they passed along the networks non-hd letterboxed commercials, which added black bars on the top and botton of the small "picture in a picture" size screen. On a 37" LCD monitor, I had to sit three feet from the TV to see the damn thing. What is wrong with those people? Hell, it was a 4:3 movie (At least thats how it was transmitted), so why couldnt they slide the movie over to the right, and use the double black area remaining on the left for the election results? Back to HDNet for me. I cant take to much of this ignorance.

We have cable viewers in Carroll County and satellite viewers in Ashley County.

Hi Alison,

THV has satellite viewers in Ashley county? I was surprised to read that, because both Union and Ashley counties are in the Monroe/El Dorado market...if you can call it a market...although I guess it's very possible you could have quite a few viewers in the southern tier of the state, with satellite "movers", and on cable as well. I know Eudora cable in Chicot county carries THV, KARK, and KATV, as well as WABG and WXVT from Greenville, WLBT and WJTV from Jackson, as well as KTVE from here in El Dorado. I was amazed they carried all the LR channels, with the exception of KLRT, and two Jackson stations. But, Chicot county is in the Greenville market, and I imagine that has something to do with it. I noticed even the cable systems in Greenville, and a few towns in west central Mississippi carry KATV, and for what reason? Shouldn't they carry WAPT out of Jackson?

In the southernmost counties of Arkansas, you're hard-pressed to find any LR stations other than KATV, which makes me mad. I know Magnolia carries KARK as well as KATV, but no THV. But, Magnolia is in the Shreveport market. I've just been curious as to why certain markets allow out of market stations... while stations in some markets will not allow anything other than themselves.

Does it just depend on the market a person is in? Because I know for a fact that every county throughout the Monroe/El Dorado market ONLY carry the stations within the market, while one could travel to Magnolia in Columbia county, and find all the Shreveport locals, as well as KATV and KARK...and travel 30 miles to Camden in Ouachita county, and find all the Little Rock locals, as well as KTVE from El Dorado, and KSLA from Shreveport. But, travel south 25 miles, to El Dorado, here in Union county, and just find KTVE (NBC), KNOE (CBS), KAQY (ABC), and KARD (FOX)...along with KATV and KTBS from Shreveport. Notice that our cable system here has Three ABC affiliates, and only one NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliate. I just don't believe there's a need for three ABC affiliates here!

I've sent a few emails asking Cox why we can't have other choices, like THV and KSLA... or KARK and KTAL.. Sorry for the long post, but I've just been wondering how a cable line-up can be so much different, and have the flexibility to offer a wide selection of the big 3 networks to one town, but in another, just 20 miles away, have only the "must carry" stations. And if anyone could maybe give a direct answer, it would be appreciated.

I was always under the impression a cable company could carry and pass along any OTA station it was able to pick up with an antenna. I didnt know they even had any regulations regarding what stations they could carry, as long as they picked the signal up OTA. Ill be interested in reading the response to your post.

Dave,

The cable regs passed a few years ago changed things. It created a two tier system. Popular network (big 4) affliates invoked retransmission concent, and smaller (often religious, or minor networks) "full power" licensees could force cable ops (and now Sat companies) to carry their stations under Must Carry. That is why KKAP (which is neither "educational" nor "full power"), and KVTN is spammed over my E* local channel lineup.

I had to laugh tonight tho, I dont usually watch network TV because the affiliates do such irritating things, and tonight was no exception. Noting they are using 7-2 as a subchannel which they could have put the info on, KATV decided for whatever reason, to shrink the world premier of Stephen King's Despiration down to a small "picture in a picture" size, to facilitate election results which could easily have been broadcast on 7-2. Then, to add insult to injury, they passed along the networks non-hd letterboxed commercials, which added black bars on the top and botton of the small "picture in a picture" size screen. On a 37" LCD monitor, I had to sit three feet from the TV to see the damn thing. What is wrong with those people? Hell, it was a 4:3 movie (At least thats how it was transmitted), so why couldnt they slide the movie over to the right, and use the double black area remaining on the left for the election results? Back to HDNet for me. I cant take to much of this ignorance.

Not suprised, not in the least. Doesn't KATV know that its viewers could switch to their sd feed (D*, E*, cable, rabbit ears) and get the election results. I wasn't home to watch this, as was out of pocket. Time after time, I have noticed the derlictive attitude KATV has given its HDTV viewers. Sometimes I wished that ABC will get wind of this and pull its affliation from them and give it to KASN. At least, there would be fewer preemptions. KATV could function okay as a indie, do what KTVK ch 3 in Phoenix does, run lots of syndicated shows etc in the evenings. The old-school news viewers wouldn't mind anyway, they'd watch KATV for news since they've done so for the last 40-50 years.

Did KARK, KTHV, or KLRT pull this also, or pass along the straight HD feed?

Hi Alison,

THV has satellite viewers in Ashley county? I was surprised to read that, because both Union and Ashley counties are in the Monroe/El Dorado market...if you can call it a market...although I guess it's very possible you could have quite a few viewers in the southern tier of the state, with satellite "movers", and on cable as well. I know Eudora cable in Chicot county carries THV, KARK, and KATV, as well as WABG and WXVT from Greenville, WLBT and WJTV from Jackson, as well as KTVE from here in El Dorado. I was amazed they carried all the LR channels, with the exception of KLRT, and two Jackson stations. But, Chicot county is in the Greenville market, and I imagine that has something to do with it. I noticed even the cable systems in Greenville, and a few towns in west central Mississippi carry KATV, and for what reason? Shouldn't they carry WAPT out of Jackson?

In the southernmost counties of Arkansas, you're hard-pressed to find any LR stations other than KATV, which makes me mad. I know Magnolia carries KARK as well as KATV, but no THV. But, Magnolia is in the Shreveport market. I've just been curious as to why certain markets allow out of market stations... while stations in some markets will not allow anything other than themselves.

Does it just depend on the market a person is in? Because I know for a fact that every county throughout the Monroe/El Dorado market ONLY carry the stations within the market, while one could travel to Magnolia in Columbia county, and find all the Shreveport locals, as well as KATV and KARK...and travel 30 miles to Camden in Ouachita county, and find all the Little Rock locals, as well as KTVE from El Dorado, and KSLA from Shreveport. But, travel south 25 miles, to El Dorado, here in Union county, and just find KTVE (NBC), KNOE (CBS), KAQY (ABC), and KARD (FOX)...along with KATV and KTBS from Shreveport. Notice that our cable system here has Three ABC affiliates, and only one NBC, FOX, and CBS affiliate. I just don't believe there's a need for three ABC affiliates here!

I've sent a few emails asking Cox why we can't have other choices, like THV and KSLA... or KARK and KTAL.. Sorry for the long post, but I've just been wondering how a cable line-up can be so much different, and have the flexibility to offer a wide selection of the big 3 networks to one town, but in another, just 20 miles away, have only the "must carry" stations. And if anyone could maybe give a direct answer, it would be appreciated.

Hello Keith!
I was not actually sure why we had satellite viewers in Ashley county myself, because they aren't in the DMA. I am sure there are probably several ways to get local channels if you are creative! As for cable systems, you will see multiple affiliates coming from many headends but that is changing a bit. It used to be an inexpensive way to provide many channels (even if they are the same network) to customers. All cable headends had to do was put up a receiving antenna and they had a new channel. Some cable companies go to a lot of trouble to receive distant local channels by using tall towers and microwave hops to bring in a clear signal and some don't try at all. But like someone has already said they now must also have a retransmission agreement with each station, so it is not as easy as it once was to add a cable channel.

Not suprised, not in the least. Doesn't KATV know that its viewers could switch to their sd feed (D*, E*, cable, rabbit ears) and get the election results. I wasn't home to watch this, as was out of pocket. Time after time, I have noticed the derlictive attitude KATV has given its HDTV viewers. Sometimes I wished that ABC will get wind of this and pull its affliation from them and give it to KASN. At least, there would be fewer preemptions. KATV could function okay as a indie, do what KTVK ch 3 in Phoenix does, run lots of syndicated shows etc in the evenings. The old-school news viewers wouldn't mind anyway, they'd watch KATV for news since they've done so for the last 40-50 years.

Did KARK, KTHV, or KLRT pull this also, or pass along the straight HD feed?

KLRT only ran crawls and such on the SD, we did not touch our HD feed.

E

Fortunately we didn't have to make that decision in prime time because the country awards show wasn't offered in HD.

See Alisonf, you are doing it right tho, using THV-2 for the "extra" stuff without mucking up the network HD. Since KATV has the same arrangement, I see no reason why they have to mess up a network feed for anything. Thats the whole point of subchannels. If I wanted election results, I could have checked the subchannels for the feed, if I lived in Perfect :)

See Alisonf, you are doing it right tho, using THV-2 for the "extra" stuff without mucking up the network HD. Since KATV has the same arrangement, I see no reason why they have to mess up a network feed for anything. Thats the whole point of subchannels. If I wanted election results, I could have checked the subchannels for the feed, if I lived in Perfect :)

Thanks! That is nice to hear. Its launch has not been without criticism. That was my whole idea with putting THV2 on the air was to give us the ability to communicate news and weather without interrupting programming. But it is not as easy to do as it may seem. Our little project is just now in its infancy stage with much work yet to do. The concept of multicasting is great in theory, the reality of making it successful is a bit of a challenge. Everyone here at THV has worked hard to make it happen. So I completely understand if our local competition prefers to keep things simple...it is a lot less stress!

From what I am seeing on the Little Rock market stations, it appears that some people need to take a field trip to KLRT and see what they are doing in their "shop." Maybe that would help get the other stations "up to speed, as far as engineering goes.

I am considering getting Comcast digital and hdtv service because I can include my internet and phone into one bill. I am tired of SBC's messed up billing. Each month it is a different amount being billed. Is HDTV through cable really that bad? I have heard many times that satellite is superior in quality picture.

Also, with the motorola tuners Comcast uses, can it be hooked up to get OTA reception? My TV is a Panasonic CT-34WX15 without an internal ATSC tuner.

Thanks for any help.
RC

Hi Alison,

Thanks for shedding some light on that situation...I think I understand it a little better now!


It's been a little "quiet" in here for the past few days...where is everyone?

Rchutts, go to Circuit City, they have several Comcast HDTV demos set up, you can see for yourself on a comparably sized screen

Glad to help. It is kind of quiet. I know some folks that went to the lake this weekend. But it is kind of stormy out my way. We are getting some of the 40% rain they predicted. I was a little dissappointed the Indy race wasn't in HD. Or at least I couldn't find it. Did you watch?

Apparently ABC did not offer the race in HD. WABC- HD New York did not broadcast it in HD. I, too, was dissappointed.

Apparently ABC did not offer the race in HD. WABC- HD New York did not broadcast it in HD. I, too, was dissappointed.
Hey, count your blessings that Channel 7 didn't preempt the broadcast and run backtoback paid programs instead of the race. They've done it on other IRL races.
ABC/espn efforts on covering races really makes you appreciate what FOX does with nascar.

I was surprised that ABC didn't offer the race in HD also, when you consider that it is constantly billed as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing!" I was wondering when all the coverage during the month was SD, but I was still hoping when I tuned in yesterday it would be in HD.

At least the 600 was in HD, and it turned out pretty good, but you can't beat the finish at Indy. I really wanted to see Marco pull it off.

E

I was surprised that ABC didn't offer the race in HD also, when you consider that it is constantly billed as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing!" I was wondering when all the coverage during the month was SD, but I was still hoping when I tuned in yesterday it would be in HD.

At least the 600 was in HD, and it turned out pretty good, but you can't beat the finish at Indy. I really wanted to see Marco pull it off.

E


I wasn't home to see the Indy 500 (did record it and saw the great finish), but caught most of the NASCAR (coke 600) race. Disgusted at Tony George and IRL for being such luddites. At least KATV mgt won't be getting hate mail about not showing something in HD that was supposed to be. Hopefully KATV will get with the program about carring NASCAR when ABC picks up the races in 2007 (problem will be during early football season).

Hey, count your blessings that Channel 7 didn't preempt the broadcast and run backtoback paid programs instead of the race. They've done it on other IRL races.
ABC/espn efforts on covering races really makes you appreciate what FOX does with nascar.

I will guarantee you that if the UA Fayetteville had a race car, KATV would carry every race and supply their own HD equipment.

NBC and Fox have the NASCAR races covered in HD.

Will ABC carry the race next year?

... Also, with the motorola tuners Comcast uses, can it be hooked up to get OTA reception? My TV is a Panasonic CT-34WX15 without an internal ATSC tuner.I've heard that comscat's billing is no better than AT&T's.... YMMV.

comscat's cable boxes use QAM tuners only. They do not have 8VSB OTA tuners, so they do not tune OTA digital channels at all.

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=301619

Being born and raised as a Hoosier, I am ashamed about what has happened to "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing".

I went to a friends house who has a 50" DLP 1080p and he has the HD package with Comcast. I played with it for a while. The HD was really good, however, some of the lower numbered channels looked absolutely horrible. It was supposed to be digital but it looked like a snowfest on the screen for some of those channels. Is that just one of their letdowns in service?

Thats why I dont have "digital" cable. The lower numbered channels, 2-100 are actually analog channels, not digital at all. THose are the "basic" channels, and the locals. Since the locals are duplicated in HD higher up, that doesnt really matter, but if you watch alot of basic cable, cnn, weather channels, etc, you will be disappointed.