There seems to be an echo echo echo in here here here. :)

It sure was nice to see the Sooners in HD. Who knew that Bob Stoops had big pores?

well, again, no KC Chiefs in HD this week on CBS. Plus none of the games that are scheduled in HD are being shown here in KC. Let's get into the 21th century.

I think the KC Griefs need to get A LOT better before anyone at the network (CBS) or KCTV will care about watching them (lose) in HD.

KCTV screwed up again. They forgot to throw the HD switch on Cold Case.

Psyclguy. Please refer to my post on 9/20/04, page 117 of this thread.

Long NFL games can throw the network into delay for their prime time shows. But there is no delayed HD feed, only SD. (Like DOM had said previously.)
The Chiefs finally won one tonight!! Now we are tied with Oakland at the bottom of our division. :)

Originally posted by hdtimmy
technicalitalian,

RE: KCWE-DT 29-1

For the past two weeks, "Veronica Mars" has had stuttering sound during the entire episode. It is still watchable, but very annoying. Can you look into this pretty please??

The stuttering sound only occurs when on network, local sound is fine.

Eyedox, this is an excellent show worth catching in HD, even though it is on UPN. ;)

We'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up. TI

Originally posted by 4MUKC
Is there anything going on with 29 (UPN), I haven't messed with my antenna/anything for a while and I stopped picking it up a couple of weeks ago. Enterprise is about all I watch there, so I haven't worried about it too much.

There's been no changes made to the 29-1 transmission. You might try reprogramming your IRD. TI

Yet again Aaron Barnhart has another article on HDTV in today's Kansas City Star. http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/entertainment/10351047.htm Aaron mentions WDAF low-power outout and talks HDTV. Two articles today in the kansas City Star on HDTV. http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/entertainment/columnists/aaron_barnhart/10334046.htm :)

I drove by WDAF this past weekend and couldn't help notice that the Salvation Army Tree on their corner is higher and has more wattage going to it than the digital mini-me tower.

Is anyone else experiencing excessive video and audio drop outs during the MNF game? I have the SA8000HD DVR from TWC and it is almost unwatchable. It even occurs during commercials. I have been noticing this more and more over the last few weeks. I was getting ready to call TWC, but just wanted to check and see if anyone else was having the same problem.

Did anyone else have problems with sound during MNF last night? Almost every commercial was bairly audible. The main program was usually OK, but some of it was even muffled.

kcsooner - I missed your post. So for me, the main part of the game was fine (although I thought the mix was significantly different than most 5.1 broadcasts). There was a lot less center channel. Also my HD was coming in OTA through an RCA DTC210.

ABC used to have the opposite problem where the 5.1 program audio was very soft, and the commercials would make your ears bleed. I guess I would rather have them mute those annoying commercials more if I had to choose. :)

I agree completely that it was rather nice to not listen to the commercials, but the problems extended to anything that was outside of the football stadium. For instance, I could not hear the players announce themselves at the beginning of the game. I'm happy that the game was HD and the sound for the game itself was ok.

Can someone in the area recommend an antenna for picking up ABC. I am in an apt so i cannot install a huge outside one, wondering if the DB2 would work? Want to get the bowl games in HD, even though my team is not in one :(

I would try for any of the powered indoor tabletop antennas which support VHF. Remember that KMBC is the ONLY KC Digital channel NOT broadcasting on UHF. They are on 7-1. So if your antenna is UHF only, you won't get ABC. If you are in Lenexa, hopefully your apartment windows face North or East. Otherwise you could try a powered stick antenna and mount it on your outside balcony or attic if you have one.

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through this thread, not a user was lurking, not even one post. :)

That's because Comcast is playing scrooge and not letting us have a new HD DVR.:D

I've been playing with my new Dish 921 HD DVR. It just got a new software download which includes, among other things, local OTA guide information. This is the "killer ap" that we "Dishies" have been waiting for........But wait, there's a catch (there always is with E*)......You have to be subscribed to Dish locals (compressed crap!) in order to receive guide info for DIGITAL OTA's! This is unbelievable............and to think, I always thought that Time Warner was the evil empire! No, wait.....I still do!

Brad

gps, check your private messages

Hey Jerky,
can I get one of those private message ? :)

Originally posted by Jerky
The freezing problems with the new guide software in Comcast digital boxes is a nationwide problem and Motorola is working on a fix now. don't know when it'll be pushed to the boxes.

I originally commented on this a few weeks back, but it's gotten worse in the last few days. Bringing up the guide screen is now resulting in delays of a minute or more before the guide finally appears on the screen. I talked to some flunky at Comcast, and she didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. Am I the only one with this problem? I figured I'd hear some other griping about it on the board, come to think of it, there hasn't been much of anything on the board in the last few days . . . .

I originally commented on this a few weeks back, but it's gotten worse in the last few days. Bringing up the guide screen is now resulting in delays of a minute or more before the guide finally appears on the screen. I talked to some flunky at Comcast, and she didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. Am I the only one with this problem? I figured I'd hear some other griping about it on the board, come to think of it, there hasn't been much of anything on the board in the last few days . . . .

I have the same problem and I also talked to some Comcast reject. I wish they would fix the box, or at the very least provide me with the HD DVR that I want!

I'm surprised nobody's talking about how the new Comcast HD-DVR's are -- I just picked mine up today in Olathe.

Originally posted by Jayhawk1977
I have the same problem and I also talked to some Comcast reject. I wish they would fix the box, or at the very least provide me with the HD DVR that I want!

I finally got someone on the phone at Comcast to confirm what Jerky posted a few days back. They're pinning the problem on Motorola and I was told that they have no idea when the problem will be fixed, other than a promise from Moto that "they're working on it" . . .

I got my Comcast HD DVR today too :) If you want one you better hurry because they told me they are going fast and they don't have enough for everyone that wants one.

I just picked up my HD DVR from the Independence Comcast office this morning, but there's a problem. Does it take awhile for the programming to download? I'm not getting a signal from the STB to my TV (Sammy DLP), it's been hooked up for about an hour and still no signal? Is this common? Any responses would be appreciated, thanks.

"A flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no holes is a danish"
T. Webb

Originally posted by bladesfan1972
I just picked up my HD DVR from the Independence Comcast office this morning, but there's a problem. Does it take awhile for the programming to download? I'm not getting a signal from the STB to my TV (Sammy DLP), it's been hooked up for about an hour and still no signal? Is this common? Any responses would be appreciated, thanks.

"A flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no holes is a danish"
T. Webb

I picked up a HD DVR Comcast box for my parents today. Download was within an hour. Did you set the box to output 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i to fit the inputs on your tv? The Comcast HD-DVR STB is real nice. I had my parents enjoying the PVR functions right away. Hope everthing is going ok now for you. :)

Originally posted by bladesfan1972
I just picked up my HD DVR from the Independence Comcast office this morning, but there's a problem. Does it take awhile for the programming to download? I'm not getting a signal from the STB to my TV (Sammy DLP), it's been hooked up for about an hour and still no signal? Is this common? Any responses would be appreciated, thanks.

"A flute with no holes is not a flute, and a donut with no holes is a danish"
T. Webb

I had the same problem -- called 1-800-COMCAST and they sent an update to my box and I had the guide info within 10 minutes after that.

Originally posted by jeffdbs
I picked up a HD DVR Comcast box for my parents today. Download was within an hour. Did you set the box to output 1080i, 720p, 480p or 480i to fit the inputs on your tv? The Comcast HD-DVR STB is real nice. I had my parents enjoying the PVR functions right away. Hope everthing is going ok now for you. :)

Is the display menu the same? "Info button with the box off for settings?" I can't get the menu to even come up on the screen, so I can't change the settings. I set it up exactly like I set up my old HD box, but I keep getting the "NO SIGNAL" message . . .

Disregard last message, I've determined the problem to be "user error", namely I'm a knucklehead and didn't have everything hooked up correctly . . .

I got the Comcast dual tuner also. I previously had the single tuner. The software seems to be a lot better.
I could be imagining things, but the non-hd channels don't seem to look quite as good as with my old box.( not that anything but HD will ever look truly good)

hehe....
there's precious few Dually HD-DVRs from Comcast, which is why you do have to be qualified (via account payment history) first. I guess they figured that would be the most effective way of issuing them while limiting who they went out to. Anywho, from what i've heard the new guide software which is having 'issues' on the regular HD boxes, seems to be a-okey-dokey fine on the dually dvr.

Now, i'm just waiting to find out if Comcast will have ESPN2 from day one and if/when they'll get UniversalHD (formally Bravo HD+). Both channels promise tons of HD programming.

We'll See!

Is Comcast using the Pioneer Passport software for their HD-DVR or something else?

The dually DVRs have the new i-Guide software that has just recently been loaded to most of the other boxes. check out http://www.comcast.com/newguide/

Whoo-Hoo !! I got my Comcast HD-DVR. Wow very simple to use. I hope there won't be too many bugs. I tried to record InHD's Santa vs Snowman last night, the show was scheduled for 5 am sunday morning. When I got up and checked, the dvr said Santa vs Snowman but what actually got recorded was tennis. I hope this was just a schedule change and the guide wasn't updated. I am trying to do some more recording today, I'll report back if there is any problems. I didn't really notice if the non hd channels looked worse. Mine looked pretty good. Hopefully Comcast will add more HD Channels soon and I will be in record heaven !

the only thing that's kinda goofy, is if you had a regular comcast box, or HD with the new guide, you've gotta press "ok/select" to pull up the info bar for the program you're watching. Before you could just hit an arrow button. If u used that at all before, u'r gonna end up pausing live tv a few times before you get used to it. :)

If you are with Comcast in Olathe, I just got off the phone with them and they still have some of the new HD-DVRs available. I'm going to pick mine up this afternoon. Going to be sad to get rid of ol' TiVo.

Does anyone know of a good local antenna supplier where one can "try" antennas?

Originally posted by mws6468
Does anyone know of a good local antenna supplier where one can "try" antennas?

Maybe Radio Shack? :)

All is quiet in Kansas City HDTV news. Good stations, engineers and loyal digital television viewers make Kansas City a great place to see local HDTV broadcasting. The future is looking razor sharp for Kansas City HDTV.

Hopefully alot of new HDTV's with built in OTA and cable HDTV turners will be under Kansas City Christmas trees next weekend. Full-power and full-bandwidth digital broadcasting will make these new HDTV's shine. Thank you all for your help in the transition from the old analog broadcasting to the new exciting world of HDTV. :)

Originally posted by rombuu
If you are with Comcast in Olathe, I just got off the phone with them and they still have some of the new HD-DVRs available. I'm going to pick mine up this afternoon. Going to be sad to get rid of ol' TiVo.

Welcome rombuu :)

Thanks. I've found this forum very useful and have been lurking for the past year or so.

If anyone cares, I've had the Motorola 6412 for a couple of days now. The UI isn't as nice as the TiVo (although light years ahead of the earlier versions), but it is maybe 80% of the way there. So nice to have dual tuners now, and the HD recordings look as look as they do live. Definitely worth the extra $5 / month if you are with Comcast and have any interest in DVR functionality.

Time Warner Cable in Kansas City is now internally testing the new SA Explorer 8300HD DVR boxes. No release date set yet, until they work out the software glitches. It will use the same Pioneer Passport software as the SA Explorer 8000HD. TWC is speculating at a Q1 release next year.

The Chiefs game was originally supposed to be broadcast in HD, but they moved the time of the game up to noon from 3:15, will that affect whether it's broadcast in HD or not? I've got relatives coming over this afternoon and want to show off the HD goods for the game . . .

Has anyone in the area tried/had success with a DB2? For instance can you receive ABC-DT ch 9? Since this is a VHF, wondering if i need to get a vhf ant?

My TWC contact suggested I post this link :

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3423_7-5581176-1.html

What are the differences between the 8000HD and 8300HD? I looked them up at SA's site, and the only signifigant difference I see is that all 8300's have 160GB HDD, and the 8000 may have an 80 or 160. I don't remember what mine has, but I am going to look when I get home now.

SA Explorer 8300HD has HDMI video/audio connector and Serial ATA connector for external HD. It's much smaller too.

D* now has the national HD fox feed on channel 88 for everyone that hasn't seen it yet. It is from New York.

Good news. :)

Originally posted by HuskerT
D* now has the national HD fox feed on channel 88 for everyone that hasn't seen it yet. It is from New York.

I'm a newbie -- what does D* stand for/mean?

I have an HD Comcast box and pretty much everything 2-99 sucks quality wise, and all the "real" digital channels 100+ come in with above average quality, and of course the HD channels are great.

two934s,

Welcome to the KC Forum!

D* is the accepted shorthand for DirecTV. E* stands for Echostar (DISH). V* is for VOOM. WDAF stands for Lame Low-Power Digital Broadcaster.

Brad

I recently converted from DirecTV to Everest, so here's some info ( their website is out-of-date ):

HD channels? HBO, SHO, TMC, ESPN, Discovery, HDNet, HDNet Movies, NFL HD, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS

Coming soon? ESPN-2HD ( possibly, two CSR's have said they "should" have this when it launches, but they didn't say "will" ).

HD DVR? Yes, Everest has the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD available. They have a limited number, so call customer service to make sure there is one for you. The cost is about $7 extra per month, compared to the regular HD box. Also, look at this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=471859) for some extremely useful information on the 8300HD.

How is it? So far, so good. The install is free ( I had internet and phone installed first, then cable after my DirecTV contract ran out, no extra charge for the extra visit ), and you can change programming packages at any time, with no charge. Picture quality is excellent, and I'm so happy to not worry about "signal strength" with my local channels off the antenna.

Downsides? No UPN or WB digital signals, and several of my most-watched channels ( Speed, Spike & HGTV ) are still analog, so the picture isn't good on those.

Overall, I'm very happy. :D

Originally posted by HuskerT
D* now has the national HD fox feed on channel 88 for everyone that hasn't seen it yet. It is from New York.

Has anyone in KC seen any programming on here? I saw the channels show up on my HD TIVO box but couldn't view anything on them, got the x721 call customer service message. Are we in KC ready to get the national feed then?
Thanks!

ESPN-2HD????????????

Why have a second channel when less than a quarter of their current programming on ESPN-HD is in high definition?

ESPN HD mirrors the content on ESPN, broadcasting in HD when possible. ESPN 2 HD will mirror the content on ESPN 2 - which is different than ESPN - broadcasting in HD when possible.

They are two seperate channels, with seperate content.

Originally posted by Bradtothebone
two934s,

Welcome to the KC Forum!

D* is the accepted shorthand for DirecTV. E* stands for Echostar (DISH). V* is for VOOM. WDAF stands for Lame Low-Power Digital Broadcaster.

Brad

WDAF, yeah -- tell me about it. What is the deal with them? Thru my search back thru the forum(s) I understand that they basically have a tiny little HD tower, nobody can basically pick up their signal. If that is the case, when do they plan on changing that? I mean, isn't the super bowl on fox this year?

Let's put it this way ... the SuperBowl is on Time Warner Cable ... not FOX if you know what I mean.

Well, living in Greenwood (Lees Summit area) means that i'm stuck with Comcast or a Dish.

Comcast Pro's:
* Already have it setup (convience)
* Provides high speed internet

Comcast Con's:
* WDAF (fox) not in HD, analog channels (fox news channel, espn2, cnbc, ect..) all analog; therefore bad display

Dish Pro's:
* all digital channels, therefore better reception for non-hd channels on my HDTV.

Dish Con's:
* Will have to pay more for Comcast Internet
* Need to get dish installed, installation charge? / Hassle

Here's where I need your all's help:

Dish ?'s:
* Will local channels (ABC,CBS,NBC,FOX) come in as HD or do I have to get an off-air antenna?
* If I have to get an antenna, will I be able to pick up FOX? My guess would be no.

Please add to my pro's + con's for Comcast and the Dish -- if you have additional information or any corrections to my claims and/or assumptions.

Thanks again,
Tim

The local channels will NOT be in HD off the DISH ... they are SD and highly compressed leading to pixelization/blocking/artifacting. You can put an antenna up on your roof and should pick up everything but WDAF, and maybe KSMO.

two943s-Over the Air, Dish Network, VOOM, DirecTV, Time Warner, Everest and Comcast all have HDTV programmimg. So many choices nowdays. Satellite receivers have Over the Air digital tuners for local digital programming while cable boxes have most local digital programming included with a cable HDTV package.

All HDTV providers have neat websites to explain their services and packages. I have Dish Network with a built-in Over the Air tuner. Reception for local Kansas City digital broadcasters is great for my location here in the sticks (except I can not receive the WDAF digital signal). Glad to have you here at the local Kansas City HDTV forum. :)

One more thing. Once you see HDTV programming on your HDTV all regular SD channels will look lower quality. Full-bandwidth HDTV is just plain cool to see and share.

All this talk about FOX-HD & ABC-HD going on D*, does any of this affect the KC area? And is E* going to try and keep up?

Originally posted by KC-Technerd
ESPN-2HD????????????

Why have a second channel when less than a quarter of their current programming on ESPN-HD is in high definition?

Click here (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/espnhd/index?gamesOnly=true) for the ESPN & ESPN2 HD schedules ( ESPN2 is at the bottom ). They have 10 NCAA men's b-ball games listed for January. Hopefully, the number of games broadcast in HD on ESPN2-HD won't decrease the number shown on ESPN-HD ( I see some that overlap, so that's a good sign ).

Here is a problem if you have a samsung TS360. the same glitch that you see with ESPN HD original movies i.e. 3 is the same glitch that you get with Fox HD on D* I was trying to watch House and the glitch was there all the time during the show but not during the commercials. Wait all this time to get fox hd and then the receiver can't show it correctly. I think I will call D* CSR and see what answers that I get.

Anybody else in this forum from KCK. I'm in western WyCo (Piper) and get WDAF pretty solid using Dish's 811 via OTA. Am I the only one?

Originally posted by jeffdbs


All HDTV providers have neat websites to explain their services and packages. I have Dish Network with a built-in Over the Air tuner. Reception for local Kansas City digital broadcasters is great for my location here in the sticks (except I can not receive the WDAF digital signal). Glad to have you here at the local Kansas City HDTV forum. :)


I am... *holds up thumb and forefinger* ...this close to signing up for D*.

Is the digital signal from D* and/or E* significantly better than the analog signal that most of the comcast channels come thru as in order for me to decide to scrap Comcast and subscribe to D* or E*?

I budgeted it out pricewise, and i'm going to save on average $20/month by choosing D* over Comcast for basically identical packages. I am just hesitant to go thru all the hassle (and $300 up front for install of the dish, 3 receivers, etc) and then have basically the same picture as I have now.

Originally posted by jwprimetime
Anybody else in this forum from KCK. I'm in western WyCo (Piper) and get WDAF pretty solid using Dish's 811 via OTA. Am I the only one?

"Am I the only one?" Good question jwprimetime. When I read your post I powered up my antenna rotor and pointed my UHF antenna straight at the WDAF tower in hopes that WDAF had increased their digital power output. But DT-34 is still a dark screen for my HDTV. Excellent news that you get the WDAF DT-34 digital signal. Let us know how WDAF FOX HDTV programming looks via Over the Air broadcasting. :)

Found this quote from another thread on FOX HDTV: From the FCC

WDAF-TV 34 DS STA KANSAS CITY MO US BDSTA-20020325ACG - 11291 1.1 kW


He's right...that sucks!!!

The good news is that WDAF's license is a S.T.A. (Special TEMPORARY authority).

WDAF-TV 34 DT CP KANSAS CITY MO US BPCDT-19991004ABP - 11291 1000. kW

This CP is their construction permit for 1 MEGAWATT. Coming soon to an ATSC receiver near you. Hang in there

Quote is from this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=485465

i wonder how long their construction permit has been on file. I'm still not gonna get my hopes up of an HD Superbowl.

I sure someone on our local forum here understands these FCC numbers and can help me understand if there is good news from a construction permit for WDAF.

Any dual-tuner Comcast DVR (6412) users out there, I have a question: how long did it take your box after initial powerup to receive guide data?

I've had mine up for nearly 24 hours now and I've still got no data at all. In addition, when I hit "Menu", I get "this feature is currently being restored"--if I hit Menu a second time, I do get a menu, but a stripped-down one.

I'm on my second 6412 now that's had similar results, and I'm not sure if I'm simply not waiting long enough, or if I've actually got some kind of signaling issue (FYI, I'm in NE Olathe).

Any thoughts?

All of the NFL that I've seen has been exceptional. I had an unstable signal for most of the World Series, but what I was able to see looked good. My signal has been very stable for several months now (knock on wood).

Originally posted by jwprimetime
All of the NFL that I've seen has been exceptional. I had an unstable signal for most of the World Series, but what I was able to see looked good. My signal has been very stable for several months now (knock on wood).

Maybe all the Christmas Decor is reflecting the WDAF signal to you now :D

My dual tuner Comcast DVR had some guide data within a few minutes.
I kept trickling in over the next, I'd say, half hour.

Originally posted by two934s
Is the digital signal from D* and/or E* significantly better than the analog signal that most of the comcast channels come thru as in order for me to decide to scrap Comcast and subscribe to D* or E*?

I switched from Comcast to Direct and the PQ is much better vs the analog channels on Comcast. IMO it's better on everything except HD which is for the most part a wash.

There are tradeoffs with both, but I have been much happier with Direct.

Originally posted by jsuhr
Any dual-tuner Comcast DVR (6412) users out there, I have a question: how long did it take your box after initial powerup to receive guide data?

I've had mine up for nearly 24 hours now and I've still got no data at all. In addition, when I hit "Menu", I get "this feature is currently being restored"--if I hit Menu a second time, I do get a menu, but a stripped-down one.

I'm on my second 6412 now that's had similar results, and I'm not sure if I'm simply not waiting long enough, or if I've actually got some kind of signaling issue (FYI, I'm in NE Olathe).

Any thoughts?

I had the same problem. Call Comcast and talk to one of their customer service people. They'll send a signal to the box to tell it to refresh the data. Should start within a couple of minutes after doing that. never had any problems with the data being up to date after doing this.

Hope you like the 6412.

I live in Lenexa, should I be getting the Fox HD national feed on channel 88? I see it but cant view anything on it, I get the call cust svc message. Do I need to call in to have it turned on? I though we'd automatically get it when it went live.
Thanks!

I had to call, bounce through a couple of levels of CSR's to get to someone in an HD/Local Eligibility group (or so he said) - he turned it on no problem.

Originally posted by rombuu
I had the same problem. Call Comcast and talk to one of their customer service people. They'll send a signal to the box to tell it to refresh the data. Should start within a couple of minutes after doing that. never had any problems with the data being up to date after doing this.

Hope you like the 6412.

Thanks. I called them yesterday and they just told me to 1) schedule a service call and 2) swap out my box. Problem is the second box is doing the same thing as the first.
I'll give it a shot again.

Thanks for your help!

Originally posted by 4MUKC
I had to call, bounce through a couple of levels of CSR's to get to someone in an HD/Local Eligibility group (or so he said) - he turned it on no problem.

After 6, yes 6 calls to cust service and getting disconnected while being transferred 4 times I finally got Channel 88 up and running. Those people don't know half of what they should when it comes to O&O markets etc. How frustrating! But now I'll be watching 24 in HD in a couple weeks and ready for the Superbowl.
Go Cyclones!

When it comes to guide data not loading. That will usually be taken care of by cycling power (un-plug box for 30 to 45 seconds then plug back in). It might be a good idea to do that then call comcast and have a rep send an update signal. If that doesn't clear it, there may be just enough of a signal problem to cause the guide to not update.

Merry Christmas you wonderful Kansas City digital television viewers. Merry Christmas to all the television engineers, station personnel and HDTV providers who make Kansas City digital broadcasting a reality. Merry Christmas Aaron Barnhart.

We all are so blessed to live in such a great city where we get to enjoy the best way to see television programming-HDTV. Looking forward to hearing from some of the new viewers to HDTV broadcasting this Christmas. One of the best things about having a HDTV is having family, friends and neighbors over to share the razor sharp picture and 5.1 Dolby Digital audio. May your Christmas be joyful and happy. :)

Originally posted by jeffdbs
I sure someone on our local forum here understands these FCC numbers and can help me understand if there is good news from a construction permit for WDAF.

Jeff, I'm sure it's still anybody's guess exactly what WDAF has up its sleeve in 2005, but the fact that they haven't put in for a CP modification, to me, means that they are still going to use their own tower. This means that some structural beefing will be required. My understanding is that the FCC deadline for full power digital broadcasting from the "big four" networks in the top 100(?) markets is July of 2005. (Somebody correct me, please, if I'm wrong.) So.......long story short............we should have full power from WDAF by July, but NOT by the Super Bowl - no way. :mad:

Brad

Thank you for the information Bradtothebone.

Originally posted by Jerky
When it comes to guide data not loading. That will usually be taken care of by cycling power (un-plug box for 30 to 45 seconds then plug back in). It might be a good idea to do that then call comcast and have a rep send an update signal. If that doesn't clear it, there may be just enough of a signal problem to cause the guide to not update.

I got Comcast to re-send the signal to my box and it finally pulled the guide data. Everything except local channels was in place after a few hours, but local channel data took a good 24-36 hours. Apparently they're not using a very efficient content delivery system.

Overall, though, I'm happy enough with the new box to boot my direcTivo (and my direcTV with it). Analog is of course pretty nasty but most of everything I watch from here on out will be HD anyway.

Sure beats the heck out of a $1,000 HDTivo.

Does anyone know when OnDemand will be available around here? That button on my remote is taunting me.

the local channels had some issues as far as the guide is concerned a few days ago. It was a minor thing that is fixed now. Usually, problems with the guide updating are caused by the software in the box not loading quite right when it is first turned on, usually cycling power is enough to get it going. Other times it's caused by a signal problem which is usually effecting at least a few channels, but sometimes it doesn't.

OnDemand will be available locally, i've heard, 1st quarter 2005. It is possible that will get pushed to 2nd quarter because there are some network issues with the local system that need to be resolved 1st, according to my source. If anyone has done any digging on the VOD stuff comcast has in other areas, it's definitely gonna be a big deal. They'll have tons of free stuff and HD OnDemand too.... should be fun.

FWIW, the TWC OnDemand is generally good. Sometimes a bit slow response, and sometimes you have to dial up something twice to get it to work, but considering the complexity, it usually works well. I just wish they had HD content available OnDemand...

Does anyone know if Comcast is planning on upgrading the Dual Tuner DVR for picture in picture? My remote has the appropriate buttons, but from what I have heard the boxes aren't PIP ready. It seems like a simple update and I know the TWC Dual tuner boxes have PIP.

Thanks in advance.

Joel

I just got HDTV thru D*. Without an off-air antenna, I can only get the fox HDTV national feed. My problem is that the sound on it is a second or two behind the video -- but only for the Fox HDTV channel. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what would be a solution?

I am running video directly from the box to the tv via component cables, and the audio into my receiver via standard audio/video cables.

All other channels the sound seems to be just fine.

Any ideas??

Did anyone notice 5 or 6 new channels in the Comcast guide in the last day or two? They're not active, but I wonder if they will be soon. CSTV (College sports TV) as well as a few FOX regional sports channels were listed in the guide, and I just noticed them today (in the 220-230 range). Anyone heard anything new on Comcast adding channels?

Need help with ABC, I just bought a cut channel for channel 7 ABC-DT but cannot get a signal, i can get better with just a pair of rabit ears, still no lock .. only about 50%. Any ideas???

Originally posted by mws6468
Need help with ABC, I just bought a cut channel for channel 7 ABC-DT but cannot get a signal, i can get better with just a pair of rabit ears, still no lock .. only about 50%. Any ideas???

A regular size VHF/UHF directional attic/outdoor antenna works great. Using shielded RG-6 coax cable from the antenna into a ground block and from the ground block RG-6 shielded coax cable straight to the set-top-box. Radio Shack sells good attic/outdoor antennas. :)

:mad: Every 30 seconds my picture and sound hiccup. I am using a Hughes HD-HTL directv receiver for OTA reception. This problem has been occuring for the last month and happens regardless if the program is HD or not. Any one else having this problem?

Those channels (262-274) are a new sports tier for Comcast. It's an add on that runs 4.95 a month.

Originally posted by two934s
I just got HDTV thru D*. Without an off-air antenna, I can only get the fox HDTV national feed. My problem is that the sound on it is a second or two behind the video -- but only for the Fox HDTV channel. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what would be a solution?

I am running video directly from the box to the tv via component cables, and the audio into my receiver via standard audio/video cables.

All other channels the sound seems to be just fine.

Any ideas??

I get FOXHD on Channel 88 (NY Feed); I don't, however experience the same problem that you are specifying. My setup is very similar to yours, except that I feed my audio to my receiver via digital (optical) link. Have you tried that?

Originally posted by LukeStephensOSI
:mad: Every 30 seconds my picture and sound hiccup. I am using a Hughes HD-HTL directv receiver for OTA reception. This problem has been occuring for the last month and happens regardless if the program is HD or not. Any one else having this problem?

Where do you live? Are you using an attic or outdoor antenna? Have you tried unplugging your STB and doing another channel search? TI

Originally posted by LukeStephensOSI
:mad: Every 30 seconds my picture and sound hiccup. I am using a Hughes HD-HTL directv receiver for OTA reception. This problem has been occuring for the last month and happens regardless if the program is HD or not. Any one else having this problem?

Luke-I just checked again my Over the Air VHF digital signal on KMBC DT-07. Audio and video is just fine for me for DT-07.

Originally posted by KensingtonPark
I get FOXHD on Channel 88 (NY Feed); I don't, however experience the same problem that you are specifying. My setup is very similar to yours, except that I feed my audio to my receiver via digital (optical) link. Have you tried that?


I ended up calling Direct TV and they are aware of the problem. At first seemed to only happen with NYC area programming, as the National feed (NFL game) was fine audio-wise.

I'm watching the movie (True Lies) and the audio is fine with that now too. Maybe it was just a temporary problem.

Now my only problem is getting ABC/CBS/NBC HDTV feeds. Since ABC is VHF and NBC/CBS are UHF, does anyone have any suggestions to an intdoor antenna that can pick up both signals? I don't want to do an outdoor antenna and would prefer 1 indoor one instead of seperate UHF and VHF antennas.

Thanks again
Tim

Originally posted by technicalitalian
JeffDBS is correct. KMBC-DT does use a directional transmitting antenna but I've looked at the pattern and we put a good signal over Lawrence, (approx: 258 degrees azimuth from the xmtr tower). Providing you have a VHF capable antenna you shouldn't have any trouble getting us over the air. TI


I'm assuming the signal isn't directed real hard toward the north because of KQ2 in St. Joe?

Just got set up with HD, and bought a set of bunny ears and picked up the Channel 2 DTV, but that's it..not sure I even want to try the KC channels..

Originally posted by two934s
I ended up calling Direct TV and they are aware of the problem. At first seemed to only happen with NYC area programming, as the National feed (NFL game) was fine audio-wise.

I'm watching the movie (True Lies) and the audio is fine with that now too. Maybe it was just a temporary problem.

Now my only problem is getting ABC/CBS/NBC HDTV feeds. Since ABC is VHF and NBC/CBS are UHF, does anyone have any suggestions to an intdoor antenna that can pick up both signals? I don't want to do an outdoor antenna and would prefer 1 indoor one instead of seperate UHF and VHF antennas.

Thanks again
Tim

A regular old fashion VHF/UHF directional antenna in the attic works great for receiving all the local Over the Air digital broadcast. :)

An eastern Jackson county Comcast user (Blue Springs). Any word on if (or when) Comcast may add the WDAF-DT to the their lineup? Time is ticking toward that Super Bowl Sunday on 2/6/05.

--Gary

Originally posted by jeffdbs
Luke-I just checked again my Over the Air VHF digital signal on KMBC DT-07. Audio and video is just fine for me for DT-07.

Maybe it is my antenna. I've powered off my receiver and that didn't fix the problem. The weird thing is that I only have this problem on KMBC and my other OTA signals are just fine.

I should be getting my Sat. C kit for my dish this week...Now, as I understand it, the only Network HD feeds I'll be eligible for in the KC DMA from DirecTv is Fox, correct?

Originally posted by LukeStephensOSI
Maybe it is my antenna. I've powered off my receiver and that didn't fix the problem. The weird thing is that I only have this problem on KMBC and my other OTA signals are just fine.

Luke-Are you using a preamp for your local Over the Air digital signals?

Originally posted by jeffdbs
Luke-Are you using a preamp for your local Over the Air digital signals?

Yes

Originally posted by LukeStephensOSI
Yes

Luke-for me KMBC DT-07 is one of the strongest signals I receive. I would think a preamp would lower your signal strength on such a strong local signal. If you are able try receiving KMBC DT-07 without the preamp. Hope this helps.

is anyone else experiencing problems with drop out with the weather the last two nights? And what is recommended to "cover" my dish with tonight to keep it from getting covered in ICE tomorrow?

Hey everyone,

Thanks for your help -- I had signed up for D* and got Fox (out of NY) in HD but now that I purchased the Terk HDTVi from Best Buy ($50) I can pick up NBC, CBS, ABC as well as many others all in HD. I am in Greenwood, about 20 miles from the towers. Good luck to everyone else!

Thanks again,
Tim

Originally posted by two934s
Hey everyone,

Thanks for your help -- I had signed up for D* and got Fox (out of NY) in HD but now that I purchased the Terk HDTVi from Best Buy ($50) I can pick up NBC, CBS, ABC as well as many others all in HD. I am in Greenwood, about 20 miles from the towers. Good luck to everyone else!

Thanks again,
Tim

Wonderful news!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

Originally posted by jeffdbs
Luke-for me KMBC DT-07 is one of the strongest signals I receive. I would think a preamp would lower your signal strength on such a strong local signal. If you are able try receiving KMBC DT-07 without the preamp. Hope this helps.

I switched to a pair of bunny ears and that did the trick. Thanks for your help!

Can one of you tell me what I can expect to see on signal strength for OTA Digital reception on the Samsung SIR-TS360? I'm picking up KQ2 DTV here in St. Joe...and I check the signal strength and it just bounces around...all the way from 77% to 0%...but I don't lose picture...but the "HD" picture could be MUCH better...

Also, how do you know what "format" someone is broadcasting in...for supposedly being "HD", the game last night didn't really look like it was "HD"...

WILDCAT NATION:

One of the 'known issues' with the Samsung 360 is the fact that the OTA Signal Meter is useless. (Check out the Master Samsung 360 topic on this forum). There have been a couple software revisions in the last few months but none have addressed this problem.

Another favorite 'issue' of this unit is the ESPN-HD (73) and FOX-HD (88) synch problem. Although most events (ie. football) seem fine, commercials and other recorded content have real jittery audio/video with bad delays. This problem rests somewhere between DirecTV/Samsung. I have not seen this problem on OTA content.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Hopefully these things can be resolved soon.

Thanks...I knew full well about the problems with ESPN and FOX before I bought it, just assuming that they would get the issue resolved (and it helps that all I watch on those channels is sports anyway)...but didn't know about this signal meter thing...it's kind of funny.

Doesn't matter much because the only OTA station I can get is KQ2...not even a prayer of me getting the KC stations OTA right now...so I just have rabbit ears...

I am trying to figure out why the "HD" broadcast OTA isn't as good as the quality you get on ESPNHD....

Good luck to all of the TV engineers over the next 24 hours!!

Get those backup generators ready, and remember, the digital channel has priority over the analog. :p :D

Keep up the good work and I hope you guys get some time to rest!!

WILDCAT NATION,

I just took a look at the FCC Database and I would be surprised if KQ2 was broadcasting in HD. They are only broadcasting at 1.4 kw. That is very low especially since their digital channel is so high (53).

My guess (just a guess, because I cannot receive them) would be that they are broadcasting a 480i 4:3 signal. Was the football game actually in 16:9 or was your TV maybe stretching their crappy 4:3 signal?

It didn't look like it was being stretched during the game last night...and the picture looked pretty good, but not as crisp as the Sunday night NFL game on ESPNHD.

Also, during the game last night, the little "HD" icon came up in the "Info" box on that program...during their regular programming, that is not there...

I think I may have misunderstood your post. I thought you were saying that it looked pretty bad.

I have seen some threads over in the HDTV programming section about ESPN football looking better than ABC football.

EDIT: Is KQ2 Multicasting?

Hmmm...I'm not sure what you mean by multicasting....

I get their analog signal on channel 2 and their digital signal on 2-1....

The Feed last night was pretty good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't anywhere near as good as ESPN the night before...

Originally posted by hdtimmy
Good luck to all of the TV engineers over the next 24 hours!!

Get those backup generators ready, and remember, the digital channel has priority over the analog. :p :D

Keep up the good work and I hope you guys get some time to rest!!

You mean ABC engineer keep the game in HD tonight.

Originally posted by mws6468
You mean ABC engineer keep the game in HD tonight.


We'll try but in inclement weather the digital satellite signal is the first to go. TI

Same thing tonight with KQ2....pretty darned good, but kinda grainy...and not near ESPN...just wondering if I'm doing something wrong, but the way I understand it, you either get a digital picture or you don't...

OK, it's actually a 4:3 broadcast, so I'm not sure what they are doing...

Hi all. For those of you rigged up for Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, CBS now has 5.1 audio on new episodes on all three CSI's effective 1/3.

I now have the KCTV-DT DD encoder set up to seemlessly switch between 2.0 and 5.1 via CBS's metadata. Please let me know how the switching sounds and of any glitches.

Although CBS has had some live sporting events and "specials" such as the Grammys in 5.1, this is the first regular entertainment series. I'm sure there will be more soon. Stay tuned!!

Originally posted by DogOfMadness
Hi all. For those of you rigged up for Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, CBS now has 5.1 audio on new episodes on all three CSI's effective 1/3.

I now have the KCTV-DT DD encoder set up to seemlessly switch between 2.0 and 5.1 via CBS's metadata. Please let me know how the switching sounds and of any glitches.

Although CBS has had some live sporting events and "specials" such as the Grammys in 5.1, this is the first regular entertainment series. I'm sure there will be more soon. Stay tuned!!

Cool!!!!!!!!!!!:cool: Looking forward to hearing CBS 5.1 Dolby Digital.

Originally posted by DogOfMadness
I now have the KCTV-DT DD encoder set up to seemlessly switch between 2.0 and 5.1 via CBS's metadata. Please let me know how the switching sounds and of any glitches.

Great news!!!

TI,

Major props to you and everyone at KMBC for the handling of the Orange Bowl last night (and all the BCS games for that matter)!! The game looked and sounded great in HD. I REALLY liked the "tune to analog KMBC for weather info" graphic rather than a gigantic weather map or break-ins, and that KMBC-DT stayed with the halftime show, while the analog channel went to a newscast. I was really glad to see the weather didn't hamper the broadcast. I think we often take for granted how smoothly things like this tend to run, and don't offer our appreciation for a job well-done.

It was in stark contrast to how KCTV handled the Sun Bowl during the McDonald's hostage situation, and stayed with news after the situation was over, and doing a weather report when the game ended (grrrrrrr).

Thanks a lot! Great job!!!!!

It seems that ABC had some major microphone/sound issues with the halftime show last night. You could barely hear any of the 3 artists' singing, which actually was a blessing in disguise when that no-talent ass-clown Ashley Simpson got on stage. She got hers when she was booed both when introduced and after her performance was done. Rightly so. They actually had the audacity to introduce her as "superstar" and make her the featured "artist" of the night. She couldn't even stay in sync with her very audible "backing voice track". It was like getting double the bad karaoke for the price of one. Ashlee’s singing sounded like a cross between a political prisoner being tortured and a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. At least Kelly Clarkson can actually sing and is pretty to look at. Cheers to KMBC/ABC for their coverage of the actual football game. Jeers to Disney for having ABC/BCS throw Mickey Mouse in the halftime show. I felt like I was watching a commercial for DisneyWorld. Jeers to ABC/BCS for their incredibly poor choice of halftime entertainment. This is the BEST you could do?? How sad for you.

Originally posted by squeak49
TI,

Major props to you and everyone at KMBC for the handling of the Orange Bowl last night (and all the BCS games for that matter)!! The game looked and sounded great in HD. I REALLY liked the "tune to analog KMBC for weather info" graphic rather than a gigantic weather map or break-ins, and that KMBC-DT stayed with the halftime show, while the analog channel went to a newscast. I was really glad to see the weather didn't hamper the broadcast. I think we often take for granted how smoothly things like this tend to run, and don't offer our appreciation for a job well-done.

It was in stark contrast to how KCTV handled the Sun Bowl during the McDonald's hostage situation, and stayed with news after the situation was over, and doing a weather report when the game ended (grrrrrrr).

Thanks a lot! Great job!!!!!

I second that .. KMBC did a good job with the ABC feed they got. The PQ was not quite as good as the past bowl games last Saturday, but not KMBC's fault

Wish I could pick up that KMBC signal up here darnit...

Originally posted by WILDCAT NATION
Wish I could pick up that KMBC signal up here darnit...

you might try a cut antenna.. i had to do that for i live in an apt and cannot get the antenna high enough or face the correct direction. Here is what i got.... starkelec (http://starkelectronic.com/delhi.htm)

Dog-of-Madness,

I had noticed the Chiefs game a couple of weeks ago was in 5.1 and forgot to congratulate you at the time. Thanks, and good work! (Now, see if you can nudge those guys down 31st Street into a little action.)

Brad

Anyone getting sound hiccups during LOST tonight?

I am getting them with both of my OTA STBs and they both have strong signal strength.

I hope this doesn't continue for ALIAS.

TI, any thoughts?

Originally posted by hdtimmy
Anyone getting sound hiccups during LOST tonight?

I am getting them with both of my OTA STBs and they both have strong signal strength.

I hope this doesn't continue for ALIAS.

TI, any thoughts?

hdtimmy-I was finally able to take my eyes off the programming for a moment and I noticed "ALIAS" audio is in Dolby Digital 2.0. I do not hear any hiccups so far in the audio on OTA DT-07 KMBC9. I did not watch "Lost" tonight so I do not know about any sound hiccups on "Lost". Hope the sound is ok now for you. :)

Maybe it is ice on my antenna.

I am finding out that my fancy Channel Master 4228 8 bay antenna does not do so well with ice. My old Radio Shack antenna faired better in 2002.

Since ice started accumulating on this piece of **** I have totally lost 19 and 62 and now this weird problem with 9 even though I have full signal strength on 9.

5, 29, 38, and 41 have been totally unaffected, for me at least.

I have enclosed a picture of my outdoor antenna from today. So far the little Radio Shack antenna is holding the ice but signal strength is down. I have switch back to my attic VHF/UHF antenna and signal strength is fine now.

I have noticed for me OTA PBS DT-18 KCPT19 is a dead stick for me these last two nights.

DT-18 KCPT19 is dead over Comcast also.
I was wanting to watch the new Mars program.
It is widescreen but I'm not sure if it is HD.

Speaking of Chiefs and 5.1, I unplugged my center channel to get rid of the announcers, and re-watched the opening kickoff return against Denver with the sound cranked. It sounded VERY close to being there. It was kind of amazing how clear the touchdown chant was!
I might start watching all games like that. Feels like your there without the announcer yapping combined with the surround sound.
Of course with the crystal clear picture CBS usually provides, it looks like your there also.

Originally posted by hdtimmy
Anyone getting sound hiccups during LOST tonight?

I am getting them with both of my OTA STBs and they both have strong signal strength.

I hope this doesn't continue for ALIAS.

TI, any thoughts?

I didn't see any reports on audio problems from last evening and I'm afraid I didn't watch...TI

Dear Forum Members: On Monday, January 10th around Noon, we will be changing a PID address in both KMBC's and KCWE’s DTV program streams, which may affect your receiver’s ability to find us. We chose this day since there are no HD programs on ABC. In most cases, a channel scan will “teach” your receivers how to find us again. In some of the older receivers there could be a problem. Here is a submission from another chat room from a person who had such a problem with his Samsung receiver.

--I was looking around the net for some info on my tv and found out Samsung has a code you put in and a master service menu comes up. Once in this menu I did a reset of the entire tv. I then scanned the channels and I am now able to pick up the stations.--

If your channel scan doesn’t do the trick, my only advice would be to check with your set’s or IRD’s manufacturer. I’m afraid we will not have answers other than what’s listed above. We are contacting the local cable systems which carry our DTV programming and have warned them of the changes.

This change is required by the FCC and is part of the MPEG-2 standard. I apologize in advance if this causes you a problem. If there are any changes to the schedule or if we hear of any other “fixes” I will post them Thanks to all of you for being loyal KMBC/KCWE viewers….TI

Hey look at this thread on the Fox HD feed. We can only hope this is true.
http://broadcastengineering.com/newsletters/hd_tech/20050105/#fox

Thank you, as always TI, for keeping your loyal viewers informed.

New guy here.

I recently bought a Hitachi 57'' S700 TV. What do I need to do to pick up local channels in HD? I have dish network, and a High Def receiver. Can anyone help? Thank you.

Anybody out there able to tell me if TWC-KC has ESPN2HD on yet? I don't know if anything would be on right now, but I was hoping we would get it opening day since TW had to have negotiated it being as though we just got ESPNHD about 4 months ago.

Originally posted by MC86
New guy here.

I recently bought a Hitachi 57'' S700 TV. What do I need to do to pick up local channels in HD? I have dish network, and a High Def receiver. Can anyone help? Thank you.

New guy,

You'll need an over-the-air digital antenna to pick up locals in HD. Your disk receiver should also have an input for an antenna and integrate HD locals into your program guide. Your location will determine antenna type. Go to antennaweb.org to help you determine what you need and how to point it. It's a great website. You should be able to buy the right kind of antenna at an electronics store or Radio Shack. You'll likely need to mount it on your roof or in an attic. There's plenty of info on this thread (although I understand not wanting to read thru 145 pages!), and people who will help if you run into issues.

Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of HiDef.

PS - Before you ask, you will NOT be able to get WDAF-Fox OTA (over the air) unless you're within about a mile of Signal Hill.

Originally posted by kcjefff
Anybody out there able to tell me if TWC-KC has ESPN2HD on yet? I don't know if anything would be on right now, but I was hoping we would get it opening day since TW had to have negotiated it being as though we just got ESPNHD about 4 months ago.

I was hoping so too, but it looks like that may not be the case. I guess it doesn't go live until the first game at 6:00 CT. There's a thread on the programming forum stating that Adelphia and D* will be carrying it. It didn't state whether those are the ONLY ones day 1, but it's kind of implied.

Here's the link for your reading pleasure:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=491650&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

I hope I'm wrong. The Comcast people seem pretty peeved about it nationally. Hopefully we're all getting worked up over nothing and it'll magically appear at 6:00 (fingers crossed)!! Since we (TWC) got ESPN-HD about 2 days before they announced the creation of ESPN2-HD, it'd make sense if it were in the carriage agreement...

Originally posted by Beamon
Hey look at this thread on the Fox HD feed. We can only hope this is true.
http://broadcastengineering.com/newsletters/hd_tech/20050105/#fox

It is true. Already have been receiving the Fox HD feed of FOX 5 from New York for several weeks.

The HD stuff is great, but the upconverted SD programming looks like crap. I'm guessing that FOX 5 was one of the first stations to go HD, and probably got the upconverter a long time ago.

Originally posted by sega19
DT-18 KCPT19 is dead over Comcast also.
I was wanting to watch the new Mars program.
It is widescreen but I'm not sure if it is HD.

Yes I also wanted to see this new PBS Mars program on KCPT DT-18 but no signal was available. So I watched the program in ....................SD. Ok it's true sometimes I do watch a program in Standard Definition.

Here is a question I always wanted to ask. The little rover on Mars using around a watt of power can communicate with earth millions of miles away. But I living only 28 miles away from from the tall WDAF tower can not receive a 1000 watt line of site signal on my outdoor UHF antenna. Maybe I am just doing something wrong here but I have tried everything to receive the WDAF signal in time for the Super Bowl. Any laws of science apply here? Thanks. :)

Originally posted by squeak49
New guy,

You'll need an over-the-air digital antenna to pick up locals in HD. Your disk receiver should also have an input for an antenna and integrate HD locals into your program guide. Your location will determine antenna type. Go to antennaweb.org to help you determine what you need and how to point it. It's a great website. You should be able to buy the right kind of antenna at an electronics store or Radio Shack. You'll likely need to mount it on your roof or in an attic. There's plenty of info on this thread (although I understand not wanting to read thru 145 pages!), and people who will help if you run into issues.

Good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of HiDef.

PS - Before you ask, you will NOT be able to get WDAF-Fox OTA (over the air) unless you're within about a mile of Signal Hill.

Thanks for the help. I was afraid I would have to get an antenna for the house. This of course would entail having to run wiring throughout the house to get the HD into my big screen which is in the basement correct? I've already got dish network cables running around my house, had to paint them to get them to blend in.:mad:

Originally posted by MC86
New guy here.

I recently bought a Hitachi 57'' S700 TV. What do I need to do to pick up local channels in HD? I have dish network, and a High Def receiver. Can anyone help? Thank you.

If you live in an older home that had cable service, you might have two cable outlets in each room. If you can intercept the unused cable in your attic, you could splice your antenna into that cable. You might get lucky and have that cable terminate in the basement, which is usually where cable enters the home. If you do not have cable, sometimes you can fish a coax along side your main AC return from the attic to the basement. A word of caution here though...this probably doesn't meet code. BTW, NEVER run the coax inside the vent and remember you'll need a VHF/UHF antenna to get all the over the air channels.....TI

Originally posted by KC-Technerd
It is true. Already have been receiving the Fox HD feed of FOX 5 from New York for several weeks.

The HD stuff is great, but the upconverted SD programming looks like crap. I'm guessing that FOX 5 was one of the first stations to go HD, and probably got the upconverter a long time ago.

It is great that the FOX HD feed is enabled via DirecTV. I just returned from vacation and found that WDAF FOX 4-1 OTA was now coming in strong and clear. It appears they now finally have improved the signal enough to where I can receive it OTA.

What's up with the audio for KMBC 9 lately? I haven't gotten anything in 5.1 in over a week. Admittedly, all I watch is Lost and the NFL, but I am watching the playoff game right now and it is not 5.1. I have digital sound, but not 5.1. Anyone else have this problem?

EDIT: I am watching on TWC, btw.

Man ABC has really gone down the crapper lately. I can barely stand to watch the HD signal I am getting through TWC right now. I am getting dropouts in both audio and video about every 5-10 secs. Are you OTA guys getting this as well? Or is it just the feed to TWC? I had been getting them lately watching Lost, too, but not this bad. Couple that with not having 5.1 the last few broadcasts I've watched and I am about to switch back to the analog channel.

This is no offense to you TI, it looks to me to be totally a Network issue, not you guys at KMBC.

I have been watching football today on KMBC-DT OTA without any sound or picture glitches.

The ice on my antenna must have melted enough to resolve my sound issues that I had earlier this week. If TWC picks up KMBC-DTs signal with an antenna, they may be having icing issues also. TI, how does TWC get your digital signal?

I am only getting 2.0 sound. Don't know if this is network or KMBC.

Originally posted by kcjefff
Man ABC has really gone down the crapper lately. I can barely stand to watch the HD signal I am getting through TWC right now. I am getting dropouts in both audio and video about every 5-10 secs. Are you OTA guys getting this as well? Or is it just the feed to TWC? I had been getting them lately watching Lost, too, but not this bad. Couple that with not having 5.1 the last few broadcasts I've watched and I am about to switch back to the analog channel.

This is no offense to you TI, it looks to me to be totally a Network issue, not you guys at KMBC.

KCJeff -

Are you using the HD-DVR? I am, and am having the same problems. I think it's definitely a DVR issue not an HD issue.

I've been very disappointed lately in the 8000HD because it seems as if the hard drive is having a hard time keeping up with the HD signal. I'm constantly having audio/video dropouts...

I noticed that the first game wasn't in DD 5.1 but the second one is, maybe a prime time thing, not sure. Have noticed a few dropouts in the first half of the Chargers game, and a few times the picture reverted back to SD, only to switch back to HD a few moments later.

Originally posted by DTSfan
It is great that the FOX HD feed is enabled via DirecTV. I just returned from vacation and found that WDAF FOX 4-1 OTA was now coming in strong and clear. It appears they now finally have improved the signal enough to where I can receive it OTA.

Anyone know when Comcast will start carrying Fox 4? We built a new house which is on the Olathe/Spring Hill border, looks like i'm gonna miss the superbowl & daytona 500 in HD. I dont think i will be able to pick Fox up via OTA.

Originally posted by kcjefff
Man ABC has really gone down the crapper lately. I can barely stand to watch the HD signal I am getting through TWC right now. I am getting dropouts in both audio and video about every 5-10 secs. Are you OTA guys getting this as well? Or is it just the feed to TWC? I had been getting them lately watching Lost, too, but not this bad. Couple that with not having 5.1 the last few broadcasts I've watched and I am about to switch back to the analog channel.

This is no offense to you TI, it looks to me to be totally a Network issue, not you guys at KMBC.

Saw the game in two homes tonight with OTA HDTV setup. No problems with KMBC HDTV DT-07 Over the Air broadcast of the Charger/Jets game. Dolby Digital 5.1 KMBC audio sounds good. I did not noticed any problems kcjefff.

My OTA feed went out a few times for a couple seconds at the start of the rams/seahawks game, but other than that, both games were great!

FYI I am 20 miles southeast of the KMBC tower.

I wonder how I could go about trying to convince KQ2 that they should start broadcasting in HD...

Any ideas?

I'm getting closer to trying to find an antenna shop and see if I can pick up KC locals, but even Antennaweb says I won't be able to.

Originally posted by WILDCAT NATION
I wonder how I could go about trying to convince KQ2 that they should start broadcasting in HD...

Any ideas?

I'm getting closer to trying to find an antenna shop and see if I can pick up KC locals, but even Antennaweb says I won't be able to.


E-mail the station manger to ask when will HDTV be provided to their viewers. Here in Kansas City we have come a long way toward full-power and full bandwidth HDTV from all the local digital television providers. Television stations will surprise you as to which stations choose to do HDTV. Remember it takes viewers, station management and station engineers working together to make HDTV happen.

As for receiving Kansas City local stations, Kansas City has some very powerful digital television signals. Hopefully you will get to enjoy some very good HDTV broadcasting from Kansas City soon. Best of luck. :)

My quandry is that I'm 50+ miles away from the KC towers, and have to shoot THROUGH the KQ2 towers..add to that I've got trees and am not in a high location, and I'm not too confident in spending the money to just "try" it...Hopefully, we can get locals over the satellite very soon, and I won't have to stew about it any more....

I gotta say, that Fox HD game today was NICE..

Originally posted by technicalitalian
Dear Forum Members: On Monday, January 10th around Noon, we will be changing a PID address in both KMBC's and KCWE’s DTV program streams, which may affect your receiver’s ability to find us. We chose this day since there are no HD programs on ABC. In most cases, a channel scan will “teach” your receivers how to find us again. In some of the older receivers there could be a problem. Here is a submission from another chat room from a person who had such a problem with his Samsung receiver.

--I was looking around the net for some info on my tv and found out Samsung has a code you put in and a master service menu comes up. Once in this menu I did a reset of the entire tv. I then scanned the channels and I am now able to pick up the stations.--

If your channel scan doesn’t do the trick, my only advice would be to check with your set’s or IRD’s manufacturer. I’m afraid we will not have answers other than what’s listed above. We are contacting the local cable systems which carry our DTV programming and have warned them of the changes.

This change is required by the FCC and is part of the MPEG-2 standard. I apologize in advance if this causes you a problem. If there are any changes to the schedule or if we hear of any other “fixes” I will post them Thanks to all of you for being loyal KMBC/KCWE viewers….TI

This is just a reminder....the change has been completed TI

technicalitalian
- Thanks again for keeping us informed! We appreciate your contributions to the forum and for participating in our discussions!

Well, the answer from the KQ2 station manager...'I don't know"...

Gawd, I need to move out of this town...it's like going back in time 20 years...

Originally posted by DTSfan
It is great that the FOX HD feed is enabled via DirecTV. I just returned from vacation and found that WDAF FOX 4-1 OTA was now coming in strong and clear. It appears they now finally have improved the signal enough to where I can receive it OTA.

Is this really true? Where are you located, DTSfan?

Anyone else getting FOX 4 where they couldn't before? Looking forward to trying tonight, but I'm pretty sure I'll be disappointed.

Brad

Hate to say it but the mods we did this morning caused Time Warner some unexpected grief. They will have to reset a device to enable decoding our bitstream. Since this device controls ALL of TWC's DTV channels, they decided to do it overnight. As stated earlier, there are no HDTV programs on ABC this evening so I invite you to enjoy some good old fashioned analog TV this evening.....It's retro you know?......TI

technicalitalian- No problems after the change on my Dish Network Over the Air STB. I did read where the final digital channel placement is coming up with the FCC and television stations. If my memory serve me right I remember something about KMBC Over the Air DT-07 possibly moving to Over the Air DT-09. Will KMBC or KCWE choose to use their analog channel numbers in the new digital channel numbers final lineup?

I live 80 miles from Kansas City (east) and getting the cm 4228. Anyway I can get the Super Bowl in HD?

Originally posted by zeus75
I live 80 miles from Kansas City (east) and getting the cm 4228. Anyway I can get the Super Bowl in HD?

zeus75-I live only 28 miles east of the WDAF tower and so far I am unable to receive WDAF FOX Over the Air programming. A DirecTV HDTV satellite receiver will probably be your best bet to see the Super Bowl in FOX 720p HDTV.

Originally posted by jeffdbs
technicalitalian- No problems after the change on my Dish Network Over the Air STB. I did read where the final digital channel placement is coming up with the FCC and television stations. If my memory serve me right I remember something about KMBC Over the Air DT-07 possibly moving to Over the Air DT-09. Will KMBC or KCWE choose to use their analog channel numbers in the new digital channel numbers final lineup?

Glad there were no issues with your receiver. My Zenith HD230 had no problems either. Regarding the channel selection, we are going through that now. KCWE will remain on RF Ch. 31 but we'll still call it Ch. 29. KMBC will most likely go back to RF CH 9 so we can get our omni pattern back but there's still some studies left to do before we make our final selection, which will happen within a few months....TI

A year ago, regulars here told us that if you contact TWC and tell them you are thinking of going DSL, you'll get a reduced rate for a year. You had to call them sometime in January 2004.

Well now it's January 2005 and all of our Roadrunner bills will be reverting to the regular price.

Anyone tried calling TWC recently to try to get another 12 months of reduced price internet?

Thanks.

Originally posted by pappy97
A year ago, regulars here told us that if you contact TWC and tell them you are thinking of going DSL, you'll get a reduced rate for a year. You had to call them sometime in January 2004.

Well now it's January 2005 and all of our Roadrunner bills will be reverting to the regular price.

Anyone tried calling TWC recently to try to get another 12 months of reduced price internet?

Thanks.

I just wish I had another CHOICE besides comcast. Living in Greenwood, that is your only choice (I think). $60/month for high speed hurts the wallet, know what I mean? Unless any of you know of any other providers -- I have looked but can't find any.

WOW! As of Saturday I've been able to get FOX 4 OTA. I'm 10 miles from the tower but I'm only using a little indoor ant... So if you haven't tried a channel scan lately you might give it whirl, especially if you've got an outdoor unit... Good Luck...

Originally posted by Jerm
WOW! As of Saturday I've been able to get FOX 4 OTA. I'm 10 miles from the tower but I'm only using a little indoor ant... So if you haven't tried a channel scan lately you might give it whirl, especially if you've got an outdoor unit... Good Luck...

Stop teasing us! :mad:

Now I'll have to try it out when I get home... and I have to work late tonight. :D

My guess is it's atmospherics.

Originally posted by Jerm
WOW! As of Saturday I've been able to get FOX 4 OTA. I'm 10 miles from the tower but I'm only using a little indoor ant... So if you haven't tried a channel scan lately you might give it whirl, especially if you've got an outdoor unit... Good Luck...

I tried mine Sunday but still couldn't get a connection. Hopefully I can get a connection soon because the Fox NY feed (88) has consistent audio lag problems. It was fine during the NFL sunday afternoon, but 24 was all F'ed up. Of course, the commercials were fine. Can't it be the other way around?

My FOX feed is jacked up as well. The Football games look great and I was really looking forward to 24 but now I have to watch it on a 27 inch instead of my 60 inch LCD in HD because of the lag/audio sync issues. I am not sure if I have the Samsung model or not, it doesn't say anywhere on the HD box. I just got it a week ago. I am also in Greenwood, too far to get FOx over the air!!!!

Hey two934's, in response to your message above, about Comcast being expensive for internet. I also have Comcast and pay in upwards of 60 a month, however, I called them on Monday and told them i was thinking of switching to SBC DSL (I know, the dont offer it in Greenwood, but THEY dont know that) anyway, they gave me 6 months at 19.99! You might give it a shot!

Thanks all for the input about the ABC problems I was having. I can't say for certain it was an issue with the 8000HD or the network, but I wasn't having problems with any other channels. Nonetheless, the problem seems to be gone for now.

Is Craash still hanging around here? Have you heard anything about the 8300HD?

Sunflower's channel guide has a new channel: 204 DWDAF. Can it be? Can it really, really be? Judge Judy is on. She's not giving anything away. I'm fired up.

Originally posted by kcjefff
Have you heard anything about the 8300HD?TWC says they are still in primary testing of the 8300HD DVR & its software, having no concrete release date as to when they will begin beta-testing them with the public.

Originally posted by bmwjhawk
Sunflower's channel guide has a new channel: 204 DWDAF. Can it be? Can it really, really be? Judge Judy is on. She's not giving anything away. I'm fired up. Did someone run a fiberoptic line 45 miles from the tower over to chalktown? :)

Originally posted by Eyedox
Did someone run a fiberoptic line 45 miles from the tower over to chalktown? :)

Not that all the KC people care about my potential happiness, but a month ago I was told that Sunflower Broadband thought they had found a work-around to the "wire directly to the WDAF tower" thing. If this works out, those of you in the KC Metro area without FOX HD should definitely have some ammunition!

Must be either a satellite feed or dedicated DSL line possibly?

I'm betting that Sunflower Broadband has an antenna out in Basehor or Western KCK, and sending it back to Lawrence over their fiber network.

They serve customers in those areas already. I'm out there, and can pick up WDAF-DT OTA.

I'm about 1.5 miles directly west of Verizon Wireless ampitheatre.

That's just my guess.

Wow! Happy Happy Joy Joy FOX HD in Lawrence! Thanks for the heads up! Way to go Sunflower

Originally posted by Gojhawks
Wow! Happy Happy Joy Joy FOX HD in Lawrence! Thanks for the heads up! Way to go Sunflower

Great news for you guys and gals in Kansas. FOX HD just in time for the Super Bowl. :)

I believe SBC DSL is available in at least parts of Greenwood. My friend lives in Cheyenne Estates and he got it within the last month.

DogOfMadness-My wife and I watched CSI: NY. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio sounds excellent. Really is one of the best DD 5.1 audio I have heard. Very rich sounds, good center channel and the rear speakers and sub woofer sound cool. When switching to commercial in Dolby Digital 2.0 everything sounded fine. Nice work for KCTV5 DT-24 Over the Air Dolby Digital audio.

I may be wrong but I was trying to remember awhile back of reading of an antenna upgrade was coming for KCTV5 DT-24. If so hopefully we Kansas City HDTV viewers will not miss any KCTV5 CBS HDTV 1080i Over the Air programming. Once again thank you for making CBS HDTV 1080i a reality here in the Kansas City metro area. :)

Has anyone gotten ANY feedback from Comcast on Fox HD? I've called, e-mailed, done everything short of walking into the office and reading the clerks the Riot Act to find out any information. I'm jealous of our friends in KS now that they can watch the SB in HD and I can't.

Originally posted by jeffdbs
DogOfMadness-My wife and I watched CSI: NY. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio sounds excellent. Really is one of the best DD 5.1 audio I have heard. Very rich sounds, good center channel and the rear speakers and sub woofer sound cool. When switching to commercial in Dolby Digital 2.0 everything sounded fine. Nice work for KCTV5 DT-24 Over the Air Dolby Digital audio.

Interesting. I was going to post a comment on how the audio seemed messed up on my TV (Panny Plasma) for this same show through the TV's tuner and internal speakers (musical passages overwhelming, dialog muffled). May have to look again at the audio settings on the TV to see if anything looks funky in the set-up but none of the other programming that I watched last night had this issue.

While the audio was an issue for me, the video portion looked great!

Originally posted by TheHypnoToad
Interesting. I was going to post a comment on how the audio seemed messed up on my TV (Panny Plasma) for this same show through the TV's tuner and internal speakers (musical passages overwhelming, dialog muffled). May have to look again at the audio settings on the TV to see if anything looks funky in the set-up but none of the other programming that I watched last night had this issue.

While the audio was an issue for me, the video portion looked great!

Hmmm, that's odd...I agree with Jeffdbs - my CBS audio and video feed remains the sharpest, brightest and most stable of all KC locals. The DD5.1 programs have all been in audio sync and I have not experienced any drops or spasms. I know Jeff is running a dedicated receiver, using optical connections from the STB, as am I. I wonder if the receiver is making all the difference here, as opposed to the monitors internal mechanisms?

BTW - NBC is looking and sounding pretty good as well.

No problems with audio lip sync or video PQ on any channel. PAX even has their audio volume up to normal on 50-1. I spend more time just watching the shows now and don’t worry about the technical issues.

Any of you station engineers know when you might produce your own HD programming?

Comcast is going to get so much flaming hate mail come February if they don't get Fox HD in time for the Superbowl. I am so glad I am in a TWC service area now ... Olathe was overpriced and underserved.

Originally posted by Eyedox
Comcast is going to get so much flaming hate mail come February if they don't get Fox HD in time for the Superbowl. I am so glad I am in a TWC service area now ... Olathe was overpriced and underserved.

I am sure if Comcast could receive a full-power and full-bandwidth Over the Air WDAF FOX 720p digital signal-FOX HDTV would be on Comcast right now. Comcast needs a strong WDAF Over the Air signal in order to rebroadcast FOX HDTV Super Bowl on the local Comcast cable lineup.

I am amaze at the local electronic stores how many HDTV's are being sold with the idea that the Super Bowl will be in FOX 720p Over the Air HDTV on DT-34 throughout the entire Kansas City metro television viewing area.

Where exactly are the towers? I was able to get at least a HINT of a signal from KMBC earlier today with rabbit ears...and I'm 50 or so miles away according to antennaweb...

Originally posted by WILDCAT NATION
Where exactly are the towers? I was able to get at least a HINT of a signal from KMBC earlier today with rabbit ears...and I'm 50 or so miles away according to antennaweb...

Good news WILDCAT NATION. If you could just put up a directional attic/outdoor VHF/UHF antenna pointed toward the downtown Kansas City area you will be all set to receive the Kansas City digital signals. :)

Even if Antennaweb is saying I won't be able to do so?

I never got KMBC-DT to come in, but it did at least register a little bit of a signal on my Samsung 360....So who knows what that means...

Originally posted by WILDCAT NATION
Even if Antennaweb is saying I won't be able to do so?

I never got KMBC-DT to come in, but it did at least register a little bit of a signal on my Samsung 360....So who knows what that means...

If you can give a directional antenna a try. Hopefully you will be surprised on the good signal strength. :)

I'll probably give it a shot...

I had occasional audio and video glitches during today's AFC game between the Colts and the Patriots. Did anyone else get that, or is it just my RCA DTC-210 receiver?

Thanks.

When i spoke to Comcast about 2 weeks ago, they pointed the finger at WDAF. Not really sure if Comcast is being honest, considering how shabby their service is.

Originally posted by tblankenship
I had occasional audio and video glitches during today's AFC game between the Colts and the Patriots. Did anyone else get that, or is it just my RCA DTC-210 receiver?

Thanks.

I did watch alittle of the game but I did not noticed any problems.

Originally posted by BajaBrian
When i spoke to Comcast about 2 weeks ago, they pointed the finger at WDAF. Not really sure if Comcast is being honest, considering how shabby their service is.

And exactly how did TW get the WDAF-HD feed?

Apparently TW does some kind of work for WDAF, I think in regards to advertising or some such. When they partnered they ran a fiber line between TW and WDAF's offices. So, TW has a direct hardwired line to WDAF which is how they get WDAF's signal instead of OTA like everyone else.

Originally posted by gbledsoe
And exactly how did TW get the WDAF-HD feed?

No clue. Wasnt sure if it was a techinical or contractual holdup. I am going to buy the Zenith indoor antenna & see if that can bring in the Fox OTA signal.

Originally posted by gbledsoe
And exactly how did TW get the WDAF-HD feed?

Didn't someone on here say Everest recently got the WDAF-HD feed? I think the more pertinent question would be how Everest got the feed, since it happened just a few months ago. I apologize if I'm misinformed on this. But I'd think Comcast would be big enough in the area to find some way to carry this. I feel sorry for you folks without TWC or D*, especially come Super Bowl time. It's not just any year we get to watch the Eagles win it all!!! :D (Sorry, I'm biased!!)

Ok, Newb question right quick...

I went and got a silver sensor today just out of curiousity...Brought it home, and just hooking it up and setting it on top of the TV I got a lock on PAX channel 50-1, 50-2, etc...out of KC...others like 38 seem to be close...

I think I'm going to try running coax and setting this thing near a window or even running it outside to see what happens..

Basically, I'm thinking if I can get these, shouldn't I be able to pick up the others too?

I noticed KMBC is a vhf signal...that's gonna be trouble from 50 miles away isn't it?

Just FYI to anyone using Comcast. I just got off the phone with their CS in Independence because their guide pissed me off way too much again today. They refunded the cost of the box for this month back to my account. That means $5 dollars credit back! Yay!

Just FYI

Brad

As was mentioned earlier in this thread we finally have WDAF HD on Sunflower cable in the Lawrence area. I still don't know how they accomplished adding it. I e-mailed the general manager of Sunflower thanking him and asking how they accomplished it. All he would say was they had to be creative. I still blame WDAF for all of this as they refuse to go full power until they absolutely have to. I suspect there are going to be some very unhappy HDTV owners come Super Bowl Sunday.

Update....I opened the garage door and grabbed about 75 feet of coax, and actually got a signal on every channel out of KC except for 19, 4 (of course), and 9....

This was all using a Zenith Silver Sensor...

Now, I'm not sure how to get the signal strength where I need it, and I'm not sure I can mount this thing outside, but I am encouraged...

I'm just hacked I didn't try this sooner...and could have watched the CBS game in HD yesterday...

Now, does anyone have suggestions? It's obvious I need a very strong directional antenna...and it appears I need VHF as well, to get channel 9...

Any help is appreciated.

WILDCAT NATION...Radio Shack has good VHF/UHF directional attic/outdoor old fashion television antennas. Pick up an antenna, RG-6 shielded coax cable, a ground block and plastic wire-ties. Welcome to seeing the best HDTV local broadcasting in our great United States.

Those signals have to be REALLY strong for me to be getting them up here...

What was weird is I was getting very close to picking up KMBC with a UHF antenna..

Now, I'm curious what this is going to cost me.

Originally posted by WILDCAT NATION


Now, I'm curious what this is going to cost me.

One of the good deals of Over the Air local HDTV broadcasting is that there is no monthly fees. It's free. :)

WILDCAT NATION I have the radio shack antenna (I think it cost around $70) and can get all the KC digitals except 62-1 (and that good "4" nothing one). I'm about 50 miles south of KC. I also have a ChannelMaster Amp. Without the amp I can get everything except KMBC, KCMO and WDAF.

From another thread...........Yes folks as soon as WDAF FOX goes full-power-we are closing in on the top spot in local HDTV broadcasting. (I still say we are the best).

UPDATED INFO:

If you're looking for all 7 in HD and at least 6 in DD5.1:
Chicago
Indianapolis
Hartford
Orlando
San Francisco

If you open it up a bit to all 7 in HD, at least 5 also in DD5.1, but the Big 4 must be among the 5:
Atlanta
Chicago
Boston
Dallas
Detroit
Seattle
Orlando
Hartford
Charlotte
Kansas City
Columbus, OH
New York City
Norfolk
San Francisco

If we start to narrow it down by eliminating any market that multicasts more than a Weather Radar with a 1080i HD feed - or more than a single SD channel and Radar with a 720p HD feed (Big 4 Networks only):

Eliminated from consideration
Hartford - (Low Power & other issues)
Charlotte (CBS has SD/Radar)
Norfolk (NBC has SD)
San Francisco (NBC has SD)
New York City (Power issues)
Kansas City (Power issues)
Dallas (1080i ABC with ABC News Sub-channel)
Seattle (NBC has SD)

***********************************************
Making the cut
***********************************************
Atlanta [plus TBS HD/DD5.1]
Chicago [plus WGN Sports in HD]
Boston
Detroit
Orlando
Columbus, OH


__________________
LOCAL HDTV DISCUSSION THREAD INDEX

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=483294

Originally posted by squeak49
Didn't someone on here say Everest recently got the WDAF-HD feed? I think the more pertinent question would be how Everest got the feed, since it happened just a few months ago. I apologize if I'm misinformed on this. But I'd think Comcast would be big enough in the area to find some way to carry this. I feel sorry for you folks without TWC or D*, especially come Super Bowl time. It's not just any year we get to watch the Eagles win it all!!! :D (Sorry, I'm biased!!)

Yes, Everest does carry the WDAF HD feed. I imagine Everest's small size and local ownership went a long way towards getting a deal worked out, whatever the details are.

Hey all, been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I'm in KC, north of the river, and havve DTV (Samsung 360) with an OTA. My question is, has anyone else been having trouble getting 9 DT to come in? It's been out at my house all weekend. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Question for those in the know. Is KCTV 24 operating at full power? I know they had a temp license at 225 Kwatts. I'm curious as KCTV has been a hit and miss for me at my 70+ mile distance. In fact I could hardly get a sniff for a couple of weeks, but last night things are back in a mostly watchable fashion.

TIA,
Dan

There's a RUMOR on Satelliteguys.us that Dish will have the Superbowl in HD for FOX O&O's. This is ONLY A RUMOR at this point, but the guy who posted it does have some contacts at Dish. I really hope he's right.

Brad

Originally posted by Raven_13
Question for those in the know. Is KCTV 24 operating at full power? I know they had a temp license at 225 Kwatts. I'm curious as KCTV has been a hit and miss for me at my 70+ mile distance. In fact I could hardly get a sniff for a couple of weeks, but last night things are back in a mostly watchable fashion.

TIA,
Dan

They're still operating on an STA at 225 kW, 308 feet lower on the tower than their license app calls for. They will ultimately (by July?) be at 1000 kW. Is that correct, Dog-of-madness? BTW, I haven't had any trouble at all with their signal lately.

Brad

Originally posted by Bradtothebone
They're still operating on an STA at 225 kW, 8 feet lower on the tower than their license app calls for. They will ultimately (by July?) be at 1000 kW. Is that correct, Dog-of-madness? BTW, I haven't had any trouble at all with their signal lately.

Brad

Thanks,
B-t-t-B

Closeness to towers works wonders. It's just that over 70 miles east of KC, I'm over the horizon. I'm always surprised I get anything. I think the numbers for tower elevation posted at FCC are in meters. The thing is the KCTV transmitter is approximately 100 meters lower than other towers to my recollection. For my fringe reception, height is more important than power of signal.

Raven_13,

I went back and edited my last post. The construction permit height on the KCTV antenna is actually 308 feet higher than the STA height, rather than 8'. They have a side-mount antenna now due to a conflict with a radio station's antenna on the tower top (whose lease, I think, is about to expire.

The tops of all the towers in KC are within about 100ft of 2000 feet above sea level (plus or minus).

Brad

Originally posted by Bradtothebone
They're still operating on an STA at 225 kW, 308 feet lower on the tower than their license app calls for. They will ultimately (by July?) be at 1000 kW. Is that correct, Dog-of-madness?
Brad

Yep, that's correct. It'll be late spring.

Originally posted by DogOfMadness
Yep, that's correct. It'll be late spring.

I'll eagerly await that day. Our family loves the CBS broadcasts. Once that transmitter is at the 588 meters above mean sea level, I should have no real problem getting consistent reception of KCTV digital. The additional height and power should make it the most reliable signal I receive. The only other signal close would be KMBC which I can still receive with my antenna off-axis by 90 degrees. Gotta love those low channel digitals.

Thanks for the replies gents

I don't know if anyone has noticed it yet, Time Warner turned on HD on Demand today on channel 1550. There's only one IMAX movie available for $3.95, but its a start!!!

That's one big item off my "want" list. Thanks TWCKC, if you're listening. And, if you're listening, the rest of my list is:

* Stars! HD
* Bravo HD
* ESPN 2 HD
* More on demand HD

I'm sure everyone else here has a few other ideas. Thanks!

Enjoy,
HCIV

Good News Kansas City we are almost there........

CPanther95
AVS Moderator

Registered: Oct 2002
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 4792
I didn't look beyond the low power FOX affiliate in KC - so I'm not sure of the multicasting in KC. If they have minimal multicasting on the Big 4, FOX goes full power, and UPN goes DD5.1 - that would make them #1 (if all channels are UHF). Assuming there are no improvements in these other markets.

A lot of ifs, but possible.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=483294

Originally posted by stillslimshady
Hey all, been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I'm in KC, north of the river, and havve DTV (Samsung 360) with an OTA. My question is, has anyone else been having trouble getting 9 DT to come in? It's been out at my house all weekend. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Welcome stillslimshady. What type of antenna are you using? A directional VHF/UHF attic/outdoor old fashion television antenna is great for local reception of the Kansas City local channels.

Originally posted by stillslimshady
Hey all, been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I'm in KC, north of the river, and havve DTV (Samsung 360) with an OTA. My question is, has anyone else been having trouble getting 9 DT to come in? It's been out at my house all weekend. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

I should have read the question better so I assume you had KMBC9 DT-07 signal but now the signal is lost. Have you done a channel rescan since last Monday? Thanks for posting here at the local Kansas City HDTV forum. :)

Originally posted by hciv
And, if you're listening, the rest of my list is:
* Stars! HD
* Bravo HD
* ESPN 2 HD BravoHD+ is now called Universal HD. Also, don't forget about Cinemax HD which TWC should have had a long time ago. It's owned by the same parent company after all! And where the hell is KSMO-DT on TWCKC? We are STILL waiting for our WB in HD! I cannot receive them OTA in Shawnee -OR- Olathe so how about cable step up to the plate already!

Originally posted by jeffdbs
I am sure if Comcast could receive a full-power and full-bandwidth Over the Air WDAF FOX 720p digital signal-FOX HDTV would be on Comcast right now. Comcast needs a strong WDAF Over the Air signal in order to rebroadcast FOX HDTV Super Bowl on the local Comcast cable lineup.

I am amaze at the local electronic stores how many HDTV's are being sold with the idea that the Super Bowl will be in FOX 720p Over the Air HDTV on DT-34 throughout the entire Kansas City metro television viewing area.

According to my wife who i guess spoke w/ some at WDAF, the problem w/ Comcast is that there is a building that is in the signal path to Comcast which is causing signal blockage. WDAF is working to either boost power or move transmit location.

Again, this is what was told to us, I'm just a third-hand messenger. :)

Originally posted by BajaBrian
According to my wife who i guess spoke w/ some at WDAF, the problem w/ Comcast is that there is a building that is in the signal path to Comcast which is causing signal blockage. WDAF is working to either boost power or move transmit location.

Again, this is what was told to us, I'm just a third-hand messenger. :)

Thank you BajaBrian for the information. Kansas City needs a full-power and full-bandwidth WDAF FOX 720p HDTV signal for Over the Air reception and cable retransmission. I truly hope that WDAF is moving Godspeed ahead in bringing FOX HDTV to all viewers in the Kansas City metro television market. The Superbowl is FOX Network chance to say to America HDTV is the future of television and FOX Sports look sharp in 720p HDTV.

Years ago when this local thread started I probably would have never thought that WDAF would be the last station in town to broadcast a good HDTV signal. But here it is 2005 and we keep waiting to see a WDAF digital signal available across this great Kansas City metro area. Alot of Kansas Citians are going to cheer when WDAF goes digital Over the Air full-power- especially me. :)

Well, Here's an update..I went to Radio Shack and got the 75 dollar model of VHF/UHF last night..just put it together (it's huge) and set it on a tripod in my driveway, much like I did with the Silver Sensor and pointed it..

Well, I got a perfect picture on KMBC, which I expected, but I'm not getting any of the UHF signals..I think i'm close though..

Here's the deal..I don't want to go drilling holes into my roof, etc.. unless I KNOW I can at least get ABC, NBC, and CBS digitals out of KC...it was hard enough talking the wife into putting this monstrosity up...

SO, I'm gonna have to get the ice off the roof and try to temporarily fix this thing up there to see if I can't get a signal.

The real kicker is that toward the end, I wasn't even picking up KQ2, and their tower is a mile from my house...

Pretty disappointing evening...

Originally posted by KC-Technerd
It is true. Already have been receiving the Fox HD feed of FOX 5 from New York for several weeks.

I have DirecTV and can get local channels in SD on my TIVO HD tuner. However, I am not able to pick up any feeds from CBS, ABC, NBC or FOX from either the east or west coast.

What does one have to do to get FOX? I tried a channel scan again last night, and FOX remains the only local HD channel I cannot receive. I'm getting impatient as the Super Bowl is quickly approaching...does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

Brad

dd,

Call up DirecTv and get in touch with the HD eligibility Dept...they will turn it on for you...

Hope you don't have the Samsung, or you won't be able to watch anything but live broadcasts on it...
I'm just glad I'm not a big fan of 24.

What do I have to tell them specifically?

I found a number on one of the programming threads, and I just called and asked about my eligibility for distant network HD feeds...

You should get Channel 88, Fox East..

I think I have the number written down at home, but I'm guessing if you call in and ask about it, you will be good to go..


It's been nice to have the football in HD the last couple of weekends, but I'm not a big fan of NFC football....I want to get CBS to come in...badly.

I'm wondering if location has anything to do with this as I don't get ANY our-of-market HD feeds on my satellite (CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX - none). I live in Olathe...is anyone else in my area able to pick up out-of-market network feed in HD thru DirecTV?

DD, Have you called?

If you are in the KC DMA, you should get it if you call...on Channel 88, does it say "call customer service, etc..."?

Do you subscribe to the locals over D*?


If so, call them, and they will turn it on..Fox is all you are eligible for unless things have changed.

Originally posted by diamond devil
I'm wondering if location has anything to do with this as I don't get ANY our-of-market HD feeds on my satellite (CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX - none). I live in Olathe...is anyone else in my area able to pick up out-of-market network feed in HD thru DirecTV?

The national HD feeds on D* are only available to markets that are owned & operated by the network. In Kansas City's case, WDAF-4 is owned by Fox, but that's the only one. You should be able to get that national feed through D* on 88 (call if you don't), but we are unable to get any of the other networks due to being owned by entities other than the parent network. I think it's a law.

Fortunately, for those in the immediate metro area, the other networks of the big 4 should be able to be received with a digital antenna through your receiver, since they are broadcasting at a reasonable power.

Hope that helps.

OH Glorious Day!

I knew there was a reason to get out of bed this morning...

After talking to a front-line person at DirecTV, she was insistent that I had to get a waiver from the local affiliate done thru DirecTV...of course I argued this but to no victory. She told me she would transfer me to someone who would initiate the request on my behalf...

When the next gal picked up the phone, she asked what the problem was, I explained the situation, and she said I should have a signal now on channel 88! Unfortunately, I am at work right now, so we'll have to see tonight when I get home!

For anyone else who is having this problem, YOU MUST GET TO SOMEONE IN THE "HD ELIGIBILITY DEPT" who knows the new law change that went into effect at the end of December.

Thanks for all of the follow-ups, Daddy should be watching the Super Bowl in HD now!!!!

Diamond Devil,

Good for you! Now, if only DISH will come through, at least for the superbowl, as rumored.

BTW, this rumor seems to be stronger today.

Brad

Last night, 1/18/05, KSHB decided to pre-empt one hour of primetime NBC programming, i.e., the Biggest Loser, in favor of a Billy (Franklin) Graham special. KSHB showed that ep of Biggest Loser at 1am.

Why should we HD enthusiasts care? The Biggest Loser was not an HD show (and the episode was an extra episode obviously plugged in to try to steal AI viewers), but the precedent these kinds of stunts set are troublesome. When we allow (without complaining) our local affiliates to pull this, the next time they do this we might have a station pre-empting an HD show, and you can bet that when they show that episode at 1am, it WON'T be in HD.

Anyone else disturbed by this stunt? I'd hate to see KCTV pre-empt CSI for some other evangelical telethon or something.

Originally posted by jeffdbs
I should have read the question better so I assume you had KMBC9 DT-07 signal but now the signal is lost. Have you done a channel rescan since last Monday? Thanks for posting here at the local Kansas City HDTV forum. :)
No I haven't. It's reallystrange, I get the program title etc, but no picture. I just wanted to make sure none esle was having the issue. I'll rescan the channles this evening.

Thanks again!

Originally posted by WILDCAT NATION
Well, Here's an update..I went to Radio Shack and got the 75 dollar model of VHF/UHF last night..just put it together (it's huge) and set it on a tripod in my driveway, much like I did with the Silver Sensor and pointed it..

Well, I got a perfect picture on KMBC, which I expected, but I'm not getting any of the UHF signals..I think i'm close though..

Here's the deal..I don't want to go drilling holes into my roof, etc.. unless I KNOW I can at least get ABC, NBC, and CBS digitals out of KC...it was hard enough talking the wife into putting this monstrosity up...

SO, I'm gonna have to get the ice off the roof and try to temporarily fix this thing up there to see if I can't get a signal.

The real kicker is that toward the end, I wasn't even picking up KQ2, and their tower is a mile from my house...

Pretty disappointing evening...

WILDCAT NATION-Please wait until the ice melts and someone can help you set up your antenna. Watch out for any overhead powerlines. Will this antenna fit in the attic? Are you using a 300 ohm to 75 ohm connector at the antenna? Did you do a channel rescan? How are the analog UHF channels coming through?

Originally posted by pappy97
Last night, 1/18/05, KSHB decided to pre-empt one hour of primetime NBC programming, i.e., the Biggest Loser, in favor of a Billy (Franklin) Graham special. KSHB showed that ep of Biggest Loser at 1am.

Why should we HD enthusiasts care? The Biggest Loser was not an HD show (and the episode was an extra episode obviously plugged in to try to steal AI viewers), but the precedent these kinds of stunts set are troublesome. When we allow (without complaining) our local affiliates to pull this, the next time they do this we might have a station pre-empting an HD show, and you can bet that when they show that episode at 1am, it WON'T be in HD.

Anyone else disturbed by this stunt? I'd hate to see KCTV pre-empt CSI for some other evangelical telethon or something.

Did you e-mail the station with your opinion? KSHB is a wonderful HDTV broadcaster with good management, personal and engineers. KSHB has always answer my e-mails on HDTV broadcasting. Remember KSHB has done so much in so little time to bring Kansas City full-power and full-bandwidth NBC 1080i HDTV. :)

Originally posted by pappy97
Last night, 1/18/05, KSHB decided to pre-empt one hour of primetime NBC programming, i.e., the Biggest Loser, in favor of a Billy (Franklin) Graham special. KSHB showed that ep of Biggest Loser at 1am.

Why should we HD enthusiasts care? The Biggest Loser was not an HD show (and the episode was an extra episode obviously plugged in to try to steal AI viewers), but the precedent these kinds of stunts set are troublesome. When we allow (without complaining) our local affiliates to pull this, the next time they do this we might have a station pre-empting an HD show, and you can bet that when they show that episode at 1am, it WON'T be in HD.

Anyone else disturbed by this stunt? I'd hate to see KCTV pre-empt CSI for some other evangelical telethon or something.

Personally, I feel anything that takes reality programming off the air is a good thing. Add to that, the fact it was replaced with a show with a positive message, and that's even better.

Originally posted by jeffdbs
WILDCAT NATION-Please wait until the ice melts and someone can help you set up your antenna. Watch out for any overhead powerlines. Will this antenna fit in the attic? Are you using a 300 ohm to 75 ohm connector at the antenna? Did you do a channel rescan? How are the analog UHF channels coming through?

What I have done is downloaded the program guide for KC as my secondary OTA source....then I go to the different channels and test them out...no channel scans..

Hooked up the Silver Sensor again last night and was able to get 50, 38, and 29, but couldn't get a picture on 5, 19, 9, 62, or 41...

As for analog picture on the big combo antenna...I only checked 38, and it was snowy, so I know that I'm VERY close to getting the signal..

The antenna came with a converter that allows me to run RG-6 to it... KMBC-DT looked VERY good on it.

The thing is, I have no reliable way of knowing what my signal strength is because the Samsung 360 tuner is haywire...it will go from 77%, to 0, to 44, to 10, to 77, to 45, etc...even if I've got a perfect picture...

I'm gonne give it another go because I want to see the playoff game on CBS in HD, and March Madness, etc..in HD...and we love watching ABC, so that would be cool..

I'm just not real excited about drilling holes in the roof without the guarantee that it will work.

Has anyone with the new Comcast 6412 dual tuner experienced this problem? If I set it to record a show at, for example, 7 pm, it actually comes on at about 7:00:25, missing the first half minute or so of the show. Sometimes it's important scene-setting stuff that's missed. I can't seem to find a way to adjust the 6412's clock to be in synch with network time. I called customer service and they say nobody's ever called about that, but they'll turn in the request at the headend (I love that term!) and see if there's anything that can be done on their end. I know it's possible to set it to come on a minute early, but that's a pain to make that setting each time. Plus, sometimes it causes conflicts if I'm already recording something the previous hour. Thanks for any input you may have.

Olathebob -

Just go into your recording options and change the time to start one minute early. A question for you... Has you box locked up a couple of times requiring it to be unplugged and rebooted.

Joel