There have been several questions in this forum regarding placement of an antenna in the attic. Here is what my experience with the subject. I live South of KC in Raymore. According to ANTENNA WEB, channel 62 is the furthest station at 19.7 miles. WDAF is not listed, but the rest are mostly listed as YELLOW antenna, exept for KSMO62 is a RED antenna and KMBC9 is a GREEN antenna. I have a Samsung SIR T-351 and a VU-75 XR antenna ($40.00 at Radio Shack) in my attic of a 2 story house. My receiver and TV are in the basement and used an existing R59 coax to connect. Antenna is positioned straight north, and is placed at the Northern most part of the attic. I have never received WDAF but all other stations come in at least 80% except for KSMO and KMBC at 60%. KMBC will usually have some break up until late in the evening, when the signal is more consistant. I imagine if I were to upgrade the cable to r6 coax, these numbers would be improved. I did not know that WDAF was boosting their signal in November until I found the forum. Good information as I was hopeful.

The networks determine what games are shown in HD on a week to week basis, therefore it's impossible to say right now what games will be in HD and which ones won't. Typically, the most attractive matchups are the games that are broadcast in HD, the more successful the team, the higher the probability that the game will be broadcast in Hi Def.

Welcome heinrke to the Kansas City local HDTV forum. :)

There have been several questions in this forum regarding placement of an antenna in the attic. Here is what my experience with the subject. I live South of KC in Raymore. According to ANTENNA WEB, channel 62 is the furthest station at 19.7 miles. WDAF is not listed, but the rest are mostly listed as YELLOW antenna, exept for KSMO62 is a RED antenna and KMBC9 is a GREEN antenna. I have a Samsung SIR T-351 and a VU-75 XR antenna ($40.00 at Radio Shack) in my attic of a 2 story house. My receiver and TV are in the basement and used an existing R59 coax to connect. Antenna is positioned straight north, and is placed at the Northern most part of the attic. I have never received WDAF but all other stations come in at least 80% except for KSMO and KMBC at 60%. KMBC will usually have some break up until late in the evening, when the signal is more consistant. I imagine if I were to upgrade the cable to r6 coax, these numbers would be improved. I did not know that WDAF was boosting their signal in November until I found the forum. Good information as I was hopeful.

I highly doubt upgrading your cable would help much. The loss of RG-59 versus RG-6 isn't very different until you get to some really long runs >100 feet. KMBC is broadcasting in the VHF spectrum and all the other stations broadcast their digital in the UHF spectrum. You probably have a UHF only antenna which is why you're having problems. You can get a VHF antenna and get a combiner at radio shack to join both antennas. Or, you could replace it with a UHF/VHF antenna. Don't ask me why they're broadcasting at that frequency when just about every station is in UHF.

Radio Shack Combiner (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-2586)

The Radio Shack antenna is a low end VHF/UHF antenna. I guess I assumed that since KMBC is VHF, that is why the signal is not as strong, or maybe there is some interferance close by that shuts down in the early eve. KMBC recently did some equipment upgrades, and I don't see the improvements here.

From: http://www.kcchiefs.com and http://www.hdsportsguide.com/nfl.php

Kansas City Chiefs Schedule
Preseason
Result Date Opponent Time Network
08/12/05 at Minnesota Vikings 7:00 PM CBS
08/20/05 Arizona Cardinals 7:30 PM CBS
08/27/05 Seattle Seahawks 7:30 PM CBS
09/02/05 at St. Louis Rams 7:00 PM CBS
Regular Season
Result Date Opponent Time Network
09/11/05 New York Jets 12:00 PM CBS
09/18/05 at Oakland Raiders 7:30 PM ESPN+ <<<< ESPNHD 720P>>>>
09/26/05 at Denver Broncos 8:00 PM ABC+ <<<< ABC 720P>>>>>>>
10/02/05 Philadelphia Eagles 12:00 PM FOX
10/09/05 Bye
10/16/05 Washington Redskins 12:00 PM FOX
10/23/05 at Miami Dolphins 12:00 PM CBS
10/30/05 at San Diego Chargers 3:05 PM CBS
11/06/05 Oakland Raiders 12:00 PM CBS
11/13/05 at Buffalo Bills 12:00 PM CBS
11/20/05 at Houston Texans 7:30 PM ESPN+ <<<<ESPNHD 720P>>>>>
11/27/05 New England Patriots 12:00 PM CBS
12/04/05 Denver Broncos 3:15 PM CBS+
12/11/05 at Dallas Cowboys 3:15 PM CBS+
12/17/05 at New York Giants 4:00 PM CBS+
12/24/05 San Diego Chargers 12:00 PM CBS
01/01/06 Cincinnati Bengals 12:00 PM CBS


All times Central. Times listed as time of kickoff.
(*) Tentative; (+) National-TV Game

So we have 3 games out of 16 regular season in HD. If you only have OTA or
just basic cable then you will only get the ABC game.

This isn't entirely true. The only games we know will be HD going into the season are the ABC and ESPN games. CBS does 3 games weekly in HD; FOX does 6. So almost all FOX games are HD (the Eagles certainly will be; the Redskins probably will). The "national" games marked with a + will be. CBS does HD of the games they send their top 3 crews to, but often they don't decide this until a week or 2 beforehand. It'll be updated regularly - I'd expect that the Chiefs will be in HD all but about 3 or 4 games (Arizona, Miami, Cincinnati - depends on how each team is doing), but that's mostly speculation. I can guarantee they'll be in HD at least 8-10 times.

There have been several questions in this forum regarding placement of an antenna in the attic. Here is what my experience with the subject. I live South of KC in Raymore. According to ANTENNA WEB, channel 62 is the furthest station at 19.7 miles. WDAF is not listed, but the rest are mostly listed as YELLOW antenna, exept for KSMO62 is a RED antenna and KMBC9 is a GREEN antenna. I have a Samsung SIR T-351 and a VU-75 XR antenna ($40.00 at Radio Shack) in my attic of a 2 story house. My receiver and TV are in the basement and used an existing R59 coax to connect. Antenna is positioned straight north, and is placed at the Northern most part of the attic. I have never received WDAF but all other stations come in at least 80% except for KSMO and KMBC at 60%. KMBC will usually have some break up until late in the evening, when the signal is more consistant. I imagine if I were to upgrade the cable to r6 coax, these numbers would be improved. I did not know that WDAF was boosting their signal in November until I found the forum. Good information as I was hopeful.

You might try rotating your antenna slightly west. The direction of KMBC & KCWE's tower is approximately 350 degrees from the center of Raymore. One thing to check, the Radio Shack antennas that I've owned had a jumper that needed to be connected in order to get both UHF and VHF reception. There's not too much difference in spec between the VU-75 and the VU-90, their next model up. The big difference is in front to back rejection but that shouldn't be an issue.....TI

Help. I have an antenna in the attic and recieve all local channels except ABC (9.1) and fox (4.1). I probably have about 60 feet of cable to get from the antenna to the TV. No matter where I position the antenna, these do not come in. Since I get some but not all, I am assuming I need to either put in a line booster or an amplifier for the antenna. Can you add an amp to any antenna or do you need to match them somehow? From reading this site, I doubt I will be able to get FOX in HD or can you add a powerful amp to get it ?

Help. I have an antenna in the attic and recieve all local channels except ABC (9.1) and fox (4.1). I probably have about 60 feet of cable to get from the antenna to the TV. No matter where I position the antenna, these do not come in. Since I get some but not all, I am assuming I need to either put in a line booster or an amplifier for the antenna. Can you add an amp to any antenna or do you need to match them somehow? From reading this site, I doubt I will be able to get FOX in HD or can you add a powerful amp to get it ?
Lambeau, ABC's signal is in the VHF band (same freq as analog 7). If your attic antenna is mainly for UHF (higher frequencies) you may not pull in ABC. However, I am over 50 miles west of the towers and I pull in ABC with simple $10 rabbit ears stuck inside my bay window (I do have an amp on that line). You may want to use a signal combiner from Radio Shack and add this very complex antenna ;) to your repertoire.

FOX 4 is probably a pipe dream until they raise their power. (was supposed to happen in July, now looks like November... halfway thru the NFL season and AFTER the World Series... nice going, WDAF) Their signal is UHF so your antenna will pick that up.

I'm guessing by your handle that you'd like to see Green Bay play in HD this fall. Get this: the 2 Chiefs games that will appear on WDAF this season occur before the power-up, so only the "inner circle" of antennas will receive the HD signal in the KC area (excepting cable subscribers).

Go Chiefs, but more importantly, go WDAF-DT!

Chilmorg...

If you do a search for my name on this thread, you will see everything I've said about my struggles to get KC Locals OTA from here in St. Joe.

Can you tell me what part of town your dad is trying to pick them up in?

I'm in East Central St. Joe JUST east of I-29 and about a mile north of Frederick. I have had intermittent luck and I'm looking forward to getting all stations to broadcast at full power. I know that on cloudy days, it's a GREAT day for reception...sunny days suck for reception.

Best antenna I've had is a Silver Sensor, but I can't figure out how to get it mounted properly outside and still get all the channels.

Tell him not even to bother with calling the local "experts" here in town...they are clueless.

I'm hoping someone can help me out and provide a little bit of info on CableCARDs with Time Warner. My grandparents are moving into a new house and are getting a new LG LCD TV (26LX1D, I think) that fits their new living room. I'm trying to figure out what the best HD option for them will be. They currently just have standard cable.

The TV has a ATSC tuner and a CableCARD slot. I don't know if they will want to mess around with OTA reception, so I've been trying to find pricing on CableCARDs with TW. I sent them an email, but haven't heard a response yet (Their phone line was busy.) I read earlier in the thread that there is $1.75 fee. Is that just for the card rental or is that the total price increase over standard cable? If it's just a rental fee, what is the price difference between standard and digital cable?

The TV has a built in EPG, so they are fine there, but has anyone had any CableCARD issues that would be difficult for technically chanlleged grandparents to figure out? Seeing how my search of the thread on CableCARD didn't turn up many hits, I figure there is either few people using them or they work fine.

Thanks for any info.

I'm hoping someone can help me out and provide a little bit of info on CableCARDs with Time Warner.They are a great way to save money and avoid needing a box on your TV for digital cable. You will NOT be able to use the interactive cable guide, PPV, or VOD. You WILL be able to subscribe to HDTV, digital cable, and premium movie channels. The $1.75 is just the rental for the card. It does NOT include the programming fees for digital cable (~ extra $10-15/mo). It's also extra if you want the upper tier HD channel package ($6.95/mo?) ... HDnet, inHD, DiscHD, ESPN-HD, etc .. as opposed to just the KC locals in HD and TNT-HD. The CC's are not perfect and still have some bugs to work out as you can see from other threads on this forum, but it's a work in progress. I would have them try it, and they can always get a box later if they don't like it.

Help. I have an antenna in the attic and recieve all local channels except ABC (9.1) and fox (4.1). I probably have about 60 feet of cable to get from the antenna to the TV. No matter where I position the antenna, these do not come in. Since I get some but not all, I am assuming I need to either put in a line booster or an amplifier for the antenna. Can you add an amp to any antenna or do you need to match them somehow? From reading this site, I doubt I will be able to get FOX in HD or can you add a powerful amp to get it ?

Lambeau, welcome to the forum.

I just installed an antenna (actually two) in an attic for a friend in Louisburg. I think he's around 32 miles on average from the transmitters. I had an old UHF yagi I wasn't using, and I built a cheap dipole tuned to channel 7 for the VHF. The UHF works great, although he can't get FOX 4 - he's just too far out. The homemade VHF, however, isn't cutting the muster (he gets sporadic reception, but no long-term lock). I suggested to him that he get a Channel Master 7777 UHF/VHF amp (it has individual inputs for each). He hasn't done that yet, however.

BTW, FOX 4 is coming in pretty reliably for me these days. I'm 15 miles west in Shawnee with an attic antenna. Jeffdbs says that they recently raised their temporary antenna, and that seems to have made all the difference for me.

Brad

I have a dish 811 hd receiver. Until Feb., I could get 62 with no problem. I am quite sure they had to change their PSIP stream per FCC regs. Since then, however, all I get is a black screen with no audio. I still get the correct info in the guide, and the signal strength is between 75 and 80%. Does anyone else with an 811 have this issue with 62? Both sides, the station and dish, tell me its the other persons fault. Also, if anyone from 62 reads this post, is there a way to contact DISH and run the PSIP settings by them to see where/if the problem is?Smallville in HD is worth the hassle.
Scott


Did you ever slove this issue? I am having the same problem.

I've been having the same problem with KCPT 1 & 2. I get the audio, but just a black box. I have an old Voom 550 Reciever to get OTA locals.

I get CBS, ABC, PBS, UPN, 38, NBC & PAX... 62 has never come in for me over at 95th & I-435 in Lenexa.

Looking to get HD in Blue Springs with Comcast (primarily because I have their basic service and don't want to buy a HD DVR).

Any insight into good service plans / competitive pricing? Do they have a retention policy if I threaten to go to a dish? I don't want HBO and other premium channels, but do want HD.

I spoke with DISH about the issue on 8/8/05. They changed their menu on the phone with a direct line to HD systems. (I wonder if its from all the complaints:) Anyway, the guy seemed reasonbly aware of issues like this and sent a memo to engineering. The process is apparently for DISH to contact KSMO and determine if the problem is broadcaster vs receiver and fix the problem. He said give it a week. I hope they have better luck than when I talked with KSMO. I guess all of you having this issue report it to DISH and KSMO so they know its not an isolated incident.

I spoke with DISH about the issue on 8/8/05. They changed their menu on the phone with a direct line to HD systems. (I wonder if its from all the complaints:) Anyway, the guy seemed reasonbly aware of issues like this and sent a memo to engineering. The process is apparently for DISH to contact KSMO and determine if the problem is broadcaster vs receiver and fix the problem. He said give it a week. I hope they have better luck than when I talked with KSMO. I guess all of you having this issue report it to DISH and KSMO so they know its not an isolated incident.

I'm glad you mentioned it. I would have assumed it was just the lower sensitivity of the 811 compared to my earlier receiver. I'll contact E* and let them know I have the problem.

Looking to get HD in Blue Springs with Comcast (primarily because I have their basic service and don't want to buy a HD DVR).

Any insight into good service plans / competitive pricing? Do they have a retention policy if I threaten to go to a dish? I don't want HBO and other premium channels, but do want HD.

No, they will not give you a deal unless you leave and go back to them. I was with Dish Network for a year and then recently went back to Comcast with their dish buyback promotion. I have the Digital Silver package, single tuner HD-DVR, all the main digital locals, ESPN-HD, Discovery-HD, TNT-HD, INHD1 and 2, HBO including HBO-HD for $29.95/mo for 16 months. I also have Cinamax and Showtime including MAX-HD and SHO-HD for $5/mo for 12 months.

You can switch to the Dish Network Top 60 package in our area for $19.95/mo for 12 months + $4.98/mo for a DVR. Then, you can switch back to Comcast and get in on a promo.

I was out at lunch today and did some scouting around. A couple of things:

1) WDAF has partially dismantled their short tower that the digital antenna used to be on. As jeffdbs said, they have moved their temporary antenna onto the main mast. It appears to be about 1/2 way up, mounted on the northeast side of the tower. That is why some of us are able to get DT-34 now.

2) KCTV has a crew working on their digital upgrade. I couldn't see where the new digital stick was, but it was NOT near the ground, hanging from the tower, as it has been for awhile. Any updates, Dog-of-madness?

Brad

I spoke with DISH about the issue on 8/8/05. They changed their menu on the phone with a direct line to HD systems. (I wonder if its from all the complaints:) Anyway, the guy seemed reasonbly aware of issues like this and sent a memo to engineering. The process is apparently for DISH to contact KSMO and determine if the problem is broadcaster vs receiver and fix the problem. He said give it a week. I hope they have better luck than when I talked with KSMO. I guess all of you having this issue report it to DISH and KSMO so they know its not an isolated incident.

This is interesting - I'm not having this issue with either of my Dish receivers - a 6000 and a 921. I wonder why only the 811 would be affected?

Brad

KCTV has a crew working on their digital upgrade. I couldn't see where the new digital stick was, but it was NOT near the ground, hanging from the tower, as it has been for awhile. Any updates, Dog-of-madness?

Brad

It's actually back down on the ground for testing. Things are now progressing at a fever pitch! Sorry, but I'm not going to publish my estimate of the time frame as this project has been fraught with problems!! But it shouldn't be long now.

It's actually back down on the ground for testing. Things are now progressing at a fever pitch! Sorry, but I'm not going to publish my estimate of the time frame as this project has been fraught with problems!! But it shouldn't be long now.

Thanks for the update, Dog!

Brad

Ah! That is why I am no longer getting KCTV-DT... I was wondering what happened. I lost PAX as well... but then again... is that a loss?

Ah! That is why I am no longer getting KCTV-DT...

No, our current signal is just the same right now as it's been for 2 1/2 years. The antenna mentioned is for our upgrade to one megawatt ERP.

It is funny how touchy these antenna's are. I just "bumped" my antenna a little and my signal for KCTV-DT shot up to 93% from 0%

I now get everything except KCMO & WDAF.

I'm using a Home Theater PC with the ATI HDTV wonder card for digital reception from an 8bay bow tie UHF antenna in the attic. When I first set this thing up in April, I was able to receive FOX OTA with 4 out of 6 bars on the MCE meter (I'm located in Merriam). When summer hit, I lost the signal for FOX completely.

The other day, I did some antenna direction adjustments and my Media Center now shows a full strength signal on screen. Yet when I try to view the channel, I get NO SIGNAL present message.

Does anyone know if they changed anything with this channel? I'd really like to have this one back.

Thanks,

Pokke

This is interesting - I'm not having this issue with either of my Dish receivers - a 6000 and a 921. I wonder why only the 811 would be affected?

Brad

I stand corrected on this one (loss of picture and sound on locked-in signal from KSMO 62.1). My 6000 receiver DOES pick it up fine, but my 921 DVR does NOT. Not only that, but if I tune to 62.1, and then go to another OTA channel, the picture won't lock in - I have to go to a satellite channel first, then back to OTA to fix the problem.

I'm sure this must be a PSIP issue of some kind, as I'm showing something like 103 (out of 125) signal strength on KSMO.

Sorry about the misinfo - I was going from memory, and I don't watch 62 very often.

Brad

Chilmorg...

If you do a search for my name on this thread, you will see everything I've said about my struggles to get KC Locals OTA from here in St. Joe.

Can you tell me what part of town your dad is trying to pick them up in?

I'm in East Central St. Joe JUST east of I-29 and about a mile north of Frederick. I have had intermittent luck and I'm looking forward to getting all stations to broadcast at full power. I know that on cloudy days, it's a GREAT day for reception...sunny days suck for reception.

Best antenna I've had is a Silver Sensor, but I can't figure out how to get it mounted properly outside and still get all the channels.

Tell him not even to bother with calling the local "experts" here in town...they are clueless.

Wildcat:

He lives near the boy scout office. Caddy-corner from it on the corner as a matter of fact. You can see antenna from the back of the house. I installed a DB-8 from antennasdirect.com on his house. I have a DB2 and am about 20-30 miles away from towers in St. Louis and pick them up crystal clear. Also, St. Louis towers are scattered south of town, whereas most KC towers are on signal hill and within a mile or two of each other. You are right about the dealers in St. Joe, they're idiots. I would recommend the DB-8, but my dad isn't hooked up with dish and the OTA signals. I'll be in St. Joe on Aug. 26th, so check back then and I'll tell you how it all works.

If he is on Buckingham Street, like I think he is from your description, I live just North of him about 1/2 mile. If you get something working well, I DEFINITELY want to know about it...

I will keep my eye out for the antenna's in the neighborhood.

Mine literally works better on the ground than on the roof.


Can't wait for KCTV to get to full power.

Can someone recommend a place to buy RG6 quad here locally, that has it in stock. I am wanting to pull some cables tomorrow while it is COOL and did not think ahead enough to order the cable online.

You might call Electronic Supply @ 816.931.0250. They're located at 4100 Main Street KCMO. They're the local Belden cable rep....TI

Yeah if anyone would have it it would be Electronic Supply on Main.

Thanks they do have it in stock.. for a decent price. 500 ft ~$70
just wish they were open on saturday :-( or past 5

EDIT... HD now has the Quad in stock for ~$60/500ft

I have a Hughes E86 DirecTV/OTA HDTV receiver. I have an indoor antenna (awaiting outdoor installation) and can tune ABC, PBS, NBC, UPN, and WB HD channels. The picture looks fine. However, the receiver does not show me the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for the DT channels. It just says "Regular Schedule". However, if I look at the EPG for the analog equivalents of these channels, I can see the program guide data (I cannot tune to those channels however and don't want to).

I guess the receiver is probably getting the program information from the satellite rather than the PSIP data. Is this a problem with the directv server database or my setup or receiver. Can anyone confirm?

On another note, I bought a Winegard Sensar III antenna (with preamp) on eBay and plan on installing it once I get a hold of a tall ladder from my neighbor. I will report my results once I do that. I am not getting KCTV or WDAF right now.

Hello AVS Forum'ers. We just got word from ABC that they will be temporarily suspending their HD feed beginning Tuesday, August 23rd through Friday August 26th. They are going to make changes to their HD distribution center during this time. KMBC will continue to broadcast 760/4x3 DTV on 9-1 during this period. Sorry for the inconvenience......TI

I thought that I had heard earlier this Spring/Summer that TWC would have ESPN2-HD by the end of the Summer, but haven't heard anything since. Does anyone have an update?

For that matter, what about CinemaxHd or StarzHD?

Thanks!

Hello AVS Forum'ers. We just got word from ABC that they will be temporarily suspending their HD feed beginning Tuesday, August 23rd through Friday August 26th. They are going to make changes to their HD distribution center during this time. KMBC will continue to broadcast 760/4x3 DTV on 9-1 during this period. Sorry for the inconvenience......TI

ti,

While unfortunate, it's probably the best time to take care of it before the fall season starts. Thanks for keeping us in the loop as always - all you local engineers on here are wonderful!!

I spoke with DISH about the issue on 8/8/05. They changed their menu on the phone with a direct line to HD systems. (I wonder if its from all the complaints:) Anyway, the guy seemed reasonbly aware of issues like this and sent a memo to engineering. The process is apparently for DISH to contact KSMO and determine if the problem is broadcaster vs receiver and fix the problem. He said give it a week. I hope they have better luck than when I talked with KSMO. I guess all of you having this issue report it to DISH and KSMO so they know its not an isolated incident.


I'll call DISH Network and let them know I can't receive 62's digital signal either. I have an attic mount antenna and I receive everyone but channel 4's digital signal. For what it's worth does anyone know why I pick up a signal on channel 1-01? I get a black box, no audio. I did a recent scan and locked onto digital 40 and digital 45 also. I don't get any picture on these channels either.....

From the FAQ section of WDAF's website:

WDAF’s DTV antenna has recently been relocated to the 650 ft. level on our main tower. From our tower at 3030 Summit, our new low power coverage on Channel 34 is approx. 30 miles. WDAF welcomes hearing from viewers that can receive our signal with an off-air antenna.

HIGH POWER DIGITAL TELEVISION

Within the next few months, we will be installing a new DTV antenna on top of our main tower at 3030 Summit which is approx. 1200 feet and increasing our power from 1.1 kW to 1000 kW. WDAF plans on offering full service high power digital television on Channel 34 by the end of September, 2005. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal viewer.

From the FAQ section of WDAF's website:

WDAF’s DTV antenna has recently been relocated to the 650 ft. level on our main tower. From our tower at 3030 Summit, our new low power coverage on Channel 34 is approx. 30 miles. WDAF welcomes hearing from viewers that can receive our signal with an off-air antenna.

HIGH POWER DIGITAL TELEVISION

Within the next few months, we will be installing a new DTV antenna on top of our main tower at 3030 Summit which is approx. 1200 feet and increasing our power from 1.1 kW to 1000 kW. WDAF plans on offering full service high power digital television on Channel 34 by the end of September, 2005. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal viewer.

Getting so close to full-power and full-bandwidth FOX 720p HDTV. :)

From the FAQ section of WDAF's website:

WDAF plans on offering full service high power digital television on Channel 34 by the end of September, 2005. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal viewer.

If this is the case, the whole KC area (and importantly myself!) will get to see the Chiefs/Eagles game in HD (If the game is chosen to be shown that way by FOX, that is)

I'll call DISH Network and let them know I can't receive 62's digital signal either. I have an attic mount antenna and I receive everyone but channel 4's digital signal. For what it's worth does anyone know why I pick up a signal on channel 1-01? I get a black box, no audio. I did a recent scan and locked onto digital 40 and digital 45 also. I don't get any picture on these channels either.....

Welcome to the KC DTV Forum, Steviejo. It's great to have another OTA-er!

You didn't mention which Dish receiver you have. I have a 921 DVR, and I got 62-1 back last week with the new L219 software. I haven't checked my 6000 since then, but it was working with 62-1 before, so it probably is now.

Brad

Hi All. I plan on shutting off the KCTV-DT XMTR daytime 8/17 for electrical modifications. Should be back on by Prime-Time.

Thanks for the heads-up, Dog! Good thing I'm not into Y&R.

Brad

Hey, TWC subs. Let's do what we can to get KSMO-HD added to the lineup. Go here and request it!

http://www.twckc.com/company/chanrequest.asp

It's the only HD channel the local office controls, so maybe it can make a difference. It'd be really nice to have by the time the new season starts.

Hell, request any others you want to see (I added ESPN2HD, Cinemax HD, StarzHD, Universal HD, NFL Network (+HD), ESPNU) even though those are contingent on carriage agreements on the national level.

Welcome to the KC DTV Forum, Steviejo. It's great to have another OTA-er!

You didn't mention which Dish receiver you have. I have a 921 DVR, and I got 62-1 back last week with the new L219 software. I haven't checked my 6000 since then, but it was working with 62-1 before, so it probably is now.

Brad

Hey Brad,
did you have the same symptoms as us with an 811, signal lock with no picture or audio? Or were you unable to add/rescan KSMO? The programing for the receivers, if they were ever similar, have taken independent update paths. But maybe if E* fixed the 921 the info would help with the 811. Thanks

Hey Brad,
did you have the same symptoms as us with an 811, signal lock with no picture or audio? Or were you unable to add/rescan KSMO? The programing for the receivers, if they were ever similar, have taken independent update paths. But maybe if E* fixed the 921 the info would help with the 811. Thanks

Yes, that's how it was working - good signal but no picture or sound. The first time I noticed it was with 921 version L218, but it may have happened sooner (I don't watch 62 very much). With L219, it's back. Sorry you can't get it on your 811 - if I could give you my channel 62, I would!

I'm just very pleased that WDAF took the trouble to raise their temporary antenna during the middle of all their other upgrade work - Thanks, FOX4! I've had a good lock on their signal for a couple of weeks, now, at around 70 out of 125. Two nights ago it was locking at 60, but with occasional brief pixelization. Always watchable, however.

Brad

Hey Brad,
did you have the same symptoms as us with an 811, signal lock with no picture or audio? Or were you unable to add/rescan KSMO? The programing for the receivers, if they were ever similar, have taken independent update paths. But maybe if E* fixed the 921 the info would help with the 811. Thanks


I will check my 811 tonight.

But on a side note... I am switching to Everest next week, anyone with their HD service have advice on if I will need a amplified distribution mod, I will be distributing to 6 places with HD on only 1 of those. I am rewiring my house with new RG6 quad, and need to get the splitter before next friday, or will they install an amp if needed?

Hello all,

First time poster, long time reader. I live in Raytown and was wondering if anyone could give guidance on what to do to lock in WDAF-DT on a Dish 921 receiver. When I go to Add DTV on the menu and add channel 34, it shows signal locked at around 70, but when I try to save it does not capture the station. I have also tried re-scanning for all the stations, but do not get the lock on WDAF. I get all the other stations when I scan them in. Up until a couple of weeks ago I could not lock the signal on the Add menu. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

Hello all,

First time poster, long time reader. I live in Raytown and was wondering if anyone could give guidance on what to do to lock in WDAF-DT on a Dish 921 receiver. When I go to Add DTV on the menu and add channel 34, it shows signal locked at around 70, but when I try to save it does not capture the station. I have also tried re-scanning for all the stations, but do not get the lock on WDAF. I get all the other stations when I scan them in. Up until a couple of weeks ago I could not lock the signal on the Add menu. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

Welcome to the forum, woofwoof! (And welcome to the adventure of 921 ownership, also!). I've really been pretty lucky with my 921 - I don't have nearly as many problems as some people, but it can be pretty quirky.

My 921 will lock in on FOX4 with either a scan or a manual add. Like I said in my earlier post, my signal strength is usually around 70, too, so I don't know why yours won't "take." I get a very stable signal at 70.

If you haven't tried already, try deleting all OTA digitals from the list in the "Add DTV channels" screen, and then rescan. I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try. I always get some strange "extra" stations when I do that, most of which really aren't there - maybe you'll get lucky. What software version are you running? L219 is current.

Multipath could also be the issue. Your receiver could be trying to lock in on two or more slightly out-of-phase signals. I suspect that this would be much more of an issue with a very low-power signal such as FOX4's. You didn't say what kind of antenna you're using, but a slight rotation one way or the other might make a big difference. You may want to hook up to an analog TV and adjust channel 4 for the best picture (fewest ghosts) possible. This would give you the least digital multipath also.

Brad

I live in Raytown and was wondering if anyone could give guidance on what to do to lock in WDAF-DT on a Dish 921 receiver. Of course, just buy yourself a 200 foot antenna mast, and a 40 foot length antenna with at least 6000 elements. Simply add an amplifier powered by a nuclear reactor, and voila!! Fox HD!

Welcome to the KC DTV Forum, Steviejo. It's great to have another OTA-er!

You didn't mention which Dish receiver you have. I have a 921 DVR, and I got 62-1 back last week with the new L219 software. I haven't checked my 6000 since then, but it was working with 62-1 before, so it probably is now.

Brad

Thanks for the welcome Brad! From what I've seen, this IS a great group. It is also wonderful to have the local engineers here providing us with updates. I have an 811 receiver. I talked with DishNetwork on Monday night and I did get a software update. I re-scanned the DTV channels, but still no picture on digital 62 (signal strenght around 73%). I can lock on digital 4, but alas, I can't get their feed either. This station only comes in around 49-56%. I will try to adjust my attic mounted antenna to see if that helps. I'll keep my fingers crossed as to WDAF getting the work done sooner rather than later.....

or just wait until some time next year when fox hd goes high power.

or just wait until some time next year when fox hd goes high power.

Believe what you want, but FOX4 has stated on their website that they will be full-power by the end of September, 2005. They told the FCC that they would be full-power by November 1, 2005 in their extension application. Personally, I think September is a stretch, but I certainly hope they prove me wrong.

Brad

For example, KCPT 18.2 broadcasts 4x3 as 4x3 fullscreen. Every other station broadcasts 4x3 material as a 4x3 window in the middle of 16x9. Is it technically difficult or impossible to switch back and forth (which is why 18.2 can do it, since it never sends 16x9 HD?)

Thanks,

Ron

For example, KCPT 18.2 broadcasts 4x3 as 4x3 fullscreen. Every other station broadcasts 4x3 material as a 4x3 window in the middle of 16x9. Is it technically difficult or impossible to switch back and forth (which is why 18.2 can do it, since it never sends 16x9 HD?)

Thanks,

Ron
Channel 19-2 is a 4:3 480i digital broadcast. In the list of ATSC formats, 480i can be 4:3 fullscreen.

When a station upconverts their 480i programming to 720p or 1080i, it must be in 16:9 according to the ATSC formats.

It is not impossible for a station to switch from 480i to 720p/1080i, but if they did, there would be a huge "blip" in the signal. Some set top boxes might also freak out requiring a power cycle.

Mark Alford on FOX4 News this morning mentioned that they were "putting something new up there [on their tower], and taking something down." He added that it "has something to do with HDTV."

He was referring, of course, to taking down KSHB's old antenna and putting up the new channel 34 digital antenna. If you look up there, you can see the process "in progress." I wish I'd brought my binoculars to work today!

Brad

Here's a question. If a station is using a directional antenna, does that mean that if you are behind the transmitter you receive a sorry signal or no signal at all? Reason I ask is that I cannot get KCTV-DT. Thanks.

I am sure most have seen this, but this is on Fox 4 website:

Within the next few months, we will be installing a new DTV antenna on top of our main tower at 3030 Summit which is approx. 1200 feet and increasing our power from 1.1 kW to 1000 kW. WDAF plans on offering full service high power digital television on Channel 34 by the end of September, 2005. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal viewer.

So, hopefully this will be funtional by the time the World Series comes around and some of my favorite Fox 4 shows.

I for one won't be calling D* and telling them I can now get my local fox channel in HD.
You just did. Fox4 reads this thread.

Hi all. I have been ready this forum the last couple of days and was wondering if any one in the Olathe area is able to get good HD reception ota. I live around K7 and Santa Fe. I was going to try and give it a go, just wondering if it was worth the time.

Dustinh:


You should get pretty good reception with a decent antenna...

I have a large attic antenna in the attic which previous owner put in 20+ yrs ago. replaced old cabling with RG6 and viola beautiful digital and HD TV reception. I am at about 151st & Quivira in south OP. We have lots of large trees between the antenna and towers downtown and are only about 3/4 mile from executive airport but do not have any signal problems caused by either of these.
I am able to lock onto all except FOX (KCTV,KMBC, 2 PBS, KCWE, KMCI, KSHB, 4 PAX, and KSMO) and get good reception w/o pixelization. KMBC pulls in at 100 and rest are 80-95 on signal strength using the DirectTV HD 10 receiver. When I used the scan for channels it pulled in all of these immediately and with higher quality than the Dish 811 I had until 8/2. Fox will occasionally hit 56 on signal strength but never get a pic on the screen. Greg :)

Great! Thanks for the help. I think I will give it a shot then. Any suggestions on a good HD Directv receiver? I have heard both good and bad about the HD-10.

I had the H10 for about 6 months, in the last month it kept rebooting -- sometimes once a week, sometimes 4 times a day. Hadn't heard too many other similar stories about it, so perhaps I just got a bad one. D* ended up replacing it.. but I got a HD Tivo from them instead (their mistake?). It is the HD-250 model, and has worked great since I received it. Sure, I have to pay $5 a month for the Tivo service but since I have had SD Tivo for 4+ years, I am already addicted to it and don't mind paying the extra $5.

Here's a question. If a station is using a directional antenna, does that mean that if you are behind the transmitter you receive a sorry signal or no signal at all? Reason I ask is that I cannot get KCTV-DT. Thanks.

It all depends on the direction of the main lobe of the antenna, your distance away from the antenna, the height of both transmit and receive antennas and the power......TI

I have a large attic antenna in the attic which previous owner put in 20+ yrs ago. replaced old cabling with RG6 and viola beautiful digital and HD TV reception. I am at about 151st & Quivira in south OP. We have lots of large trees between the antenna and towers downtown and are only about 3/4 mile from executive airport but do not have any signal problems caused by either of these.
I am able to lock onto all except FOX (KCTV,KMBC, 2 PBS, KCWE, KMCI, KSHB, 4 PAX, and KSMO) and get good reception w/o pixelization. KMBC pulls in at 100 and rest are 80-95 on signal strength using the DirectTV HD 10 receiver. When I used the scan for channels it pulled in all of these immediately and with higher quality than the Dish 811 I had until 8/2. Fox will occasionally hit 56 on signal strength but never get a pic on the screen. Greg :)



What kind of antenna do you have?

Justin,
To be honest not sure what type it is, like I said put in by home's original owner at least 20 yrs ago. Its in a unfinished attic on the 2nd floor facing north. Hard to see in there even w/ flashlight so no visible brand name/markings etc. Antenna is about 6 ft long along horizontal length with angled arms of varying length (5 per side) Longest of these are on the end and about 4.5-5 ft each (1 per side) Kind of reminds you of a fossil of fish bones when looking at it from above. There are also 10 smaller bars along the rear 3 ft of the antenna that are about 3 inches long and lay perpendicular to the spine of the antenna. Lastly are two spines which stick out at 45 degree angle from the main spine and parallel to it and they have 3 x 8 inch antennas attached to them. I'll try to look more closely for brand again tomorrow (lots of blown insulation around it so little dusty up there :^)

Justin,
To be honest not sure what type it is, like I said put in by home's original owner at least 20 yrs ago. Its in a unfinished attic on the 2nd floor facing north. Hard to see in there even w/ flashlight so no visible brand name/markings etc. Antenna is about 6 ft long along horizontal length with angled arms of varying length (5 per side) Longest of these are on the end and about 4.5-5 ft each (1 per side) Kind of reminds you of a fossil of fish bones when looking at it from above. There are also 10 smaller bars along the rear 3 ft of the antenna that are about 3 inches long and lay perpendicular to the spine of the antenna. Lastly are two spines which stick out at 45 degree angle from the main spine and parallel to it and they have 3 x 8 inch antennas attached to them. I'll try to look more closely for brand again tomorrow (lots of blown insulation around it so little dusty up there :^)


Don't worry about the brand name, just more interested in the size. Thank you.

Justin,
..........There are also 10 smaller bars along the rear 3 ft of the antenna that are about 3 inches long and lay perpendicular to the spine of the antenna. Lastly are two spines which stick out at 45 degree angle from the main spine and parallel to it and they have 3 x 8 inch antennas attached to them. I'll try to look more closely for brand again tomorrow (lots of blown insulation around it so little dusty up there :^)

VanWilder,
From your description, your antenna MAY be rotated 180 degrees from where it should be. The short (UHF) elements on the antenna should be on the end pointing TOWARD the stations, not the "rear." The two 45 degree "spines" should make a "V" with the open end toward the stations (they are "corner reflector" elements). The long (VHF) elements should angle forward toward the stations, also.

Brad

Brad, I agree it sound like VanWilders antenna is 180 degrees out. But then maybe it's not. The only way I can get a lock on KMBC is when my antenna is pointing 180 degrees from the tower. Everything else seems to come in ok also. Still can't get WDAF out here in the sticks no matter where I point the antenna.

Glenn

Man, this has become the KC OTA forum. All of us cable people have gotten spoiled and have nothing to complain about or look forward to? I for one am looking forward to the multi-room DVR, as well as this:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/austin/products/cable/etv/accessmenu.html

Which includes Caller ID on TV if you have digital phone, like me.

Not to mention, all of the HD channels that squeak listed.

Hi all -

I've been a long time lurker around here, but haven't jumped into HD yet. That's proabably about to change, and I'm looking for some advice.

I've been a long time D* subscriber (2 DTivo's), and I've been extremely happy with service/funcitonality. I like the idea of the D* HD recorder, however I'm a bit concerned about reception for the locals OTA (I live in the Parkville area). I'm not very interested in having to mount any attic or outdoor antenna, so anything beyond a small antenna I can have in my av closet or the adjoining utility room is out.

I do have cable running in the house, but currently only use it for roadrunner.

So... I'm looking for the pluses/minuses/advice for D* vs Cable, in terms of reliability, hardware, usabilty, and price. PVR is a requirement, and it must be user friendly.

Thanks.

VanWilder,
From your description, your antenna MAY be rotated 180 degrees from where it should be. The short (UHF) elements on the antenna should be on the end pointing TOWARD the stations, not the "rear." The two 45 degree "spines" should make a "V" with the open end toward the stations (they are "corner reflector" elements). The long (VHF) elements should angle forward toward the stations, also.

Brad
Brad, the antenna is lined up as you describe above with the 'v' spines pointing toward downtown and the short bars (UHF) on that (downtown = north facing) end of the antenna. The long elements are on the end of the spine away from downtown and those 45 degree do point toward downtown too. It is really nice as he had it mounted on a 1 inch pipe which goes from floor to ceiling so can VERY easily rotate it to adjust signal strength. Sorry I didn't mention the 'facing' part as hadn't even thought of it (newbie mistake)

Man, this has become the KC OTA forum.

Jeff, this started out as an OTA forum! ;)

You wired guys crashed the party - not that there's anything wrong with that!

Brad

Anyone here know anyone at KMBC 9? I need to contact someone there for a waiver to receive ABC in HDTV from D* because I can't receive ch. 9 in HDTV at my house. I live 30 miles S of KC. I had antenna masters install a big antenna, and I can get all channels except 4 & 9. Thanks for the help.

Man, this has become the KC OTA forum. All of us cable people have gotten spoiled and have nothing to complain about or look forward to? I for one am looking forward to the multi-room DVR, as well as this:

http://www.timewarnercable.com/austin/products/cable/etv/accessmenu.html

Which includes Caller ID on TV if you have digital phone, like me.

Not to mention, all of the HD channels that squeak listed.


I'm glad to see something new coming down the pike. Anyone know if this is available anywhere else or more importantly, when it'll be available in KC?

Hi all -

I've been a long time lurker around here, but haven't jumped into HD yet. That's proabably about to change, and I'm looking for some advice.

I've been a long time D* subscriber (2 DTivo's), and I've been extremely happy with service/funcitonality. I like the idea of the D* HD recorder, however I'm a bit concerned about reception for the locals OTA (I live in the Parkville area). I'm not very interested in having to mount any attic or outdoor antenna, so anything beyond a small antenna I can have in my av closet or the adjoining utility room is out.

I do have cable running in the house, but currently only use it for roadrunner.

So... I'm looking for the pluses/minuses/advice for D* vs Cable, in terms of reliability, hardware, usabilty, and price. PVR is a requirement, and it must be user friendly.

Thanks.

I'll give it a shot. Let me preface this by saying I'm a TWC customer and very happy with it. I also have D* and HD, but only for NFL Sunday Ticket (I was able to sweet-talk a CSR into letting me only have NFLST instead of a Total Choice package).

A lot of it will depend on who your cable provider is. I'm not sure for your part of the world...

Cable is good because you can get an HD-DVR for $5-10/month above a normal digital box - no equipment to buy. It can be expensive, but they'll cut deals to get you from D* or E*, or if Everest is a competitor in a particular area (like me! :D ). Cable generally carries all the locals (but UPN and/or WB are not carried by the cablecos yet - much to my dismay). The offerings depend on what you like. The only channel D* has in HD that cable doesn't (yet) is Universal-HD. TNT-HD is on cable, as is InHD and InHD2 - channels operated by the InDemand PPV operator that have some decent content: 3 MLB games/wk., some NBA, misc. concerts, movies, IMAX movies, etc. If you believe the hype, some HD NHL games from OLN will be on there, too. They're not available on D*. Also, the normal arguments of dish vs. cable during storms, customer service, increasing costs, etc., etc., etc.

D* is generally less costly. For now, there are only 5 channels in the HD pack (HDNet, HDNet Movies, Universal HD, ESPN-HD, Discovery HD), but they add ESPN2-HD on 9/8, which no cable companies offer yet. D* has NFL Sunday Ticket exclusively (with 9 games/wk in HD), if that's important to you. D* is changing a lot and adding capacity to "carry over 1500 HD channels". If you believe the hype, eventually, they'll offer the local networks in HD, and lots more HD offerings than they have now. The downside, all this extra capacity will be by MPEG4 compression, instead of the current MPEG2. MPEG4 won't be available until November (?), and the costs associated are unknown, but eventually, all current HD eqiupment will have to be replaced - certainly at a cost or extending your contract. They haven't said. I believe an HD receiver now is $199, but you need the triple-LNB dish. You'll definitely need an OTA antenna to get any locals for the time being. In our area, we can get a national FOX HD feed from D* because our local affiliate is owned & operated by the network. Basically, we get a New York feed of Fox network programming. HD-DVR is far more expensive, although I don't know the current costs. $600?? And all are MPEG2.

Right now (at least for me), there are far more HD offerings on cable than D*, but in a year, it could be completely different. D* seems to know that this is an important focus area and trying to progress as fast as possible. Equipment costs are less prohibitive, and a cheaper/smoother upgrade path for cable.

I think I covered most everything. Hope you find it helpful.

As a D* customer, I'd like to add to squeak's good post:

* Keep in mind with D* (and satellite in general) you have to pay $5 for each additional receiver. With cable, you don't have to have a box. There's one example of a "hidden" cost

* Another point to consider is that with D*, as you know you own your own equipment, so when it goes out or there is a problem, you have to face the possibility of replacing it with a fee. "Insurance" is offered thru D* at $7 a month. In most cases with cable since it is rented equip they would replace it for free.

Overall, I am paying about the same, if not more for D* than my previous carrier, Comcast. When you add in the fact that my High-Speed Internet went from $20 to $60 when I dropped Digital cable with them, my cost has gone up significantly. The only thing that is keeping me with D* is that it appears that they are getting their act together with HD options and that is my #1 priority, and I will pay more for that if necessary. Can't wait for ESPN2-HD to start in a couple of weeks. If Comcast adds to their HD programming significantly, and gives me a good offer to switch, I will consider going back to them.

As a D* customer, I'd like to add to squeak's good post:

* Keep in mind with D* (and satellite in general) you have to pay $5 for each additional receiver. With cable, you don't have to have a box. There's one example of a "hidden" cost

* Another point to consider is that with D*, as you know you own your own equipment, so when it goes out or there is a problem, you have to face the possibility of replacing it with a fee. "Insurance" is offered thru D* at $7 a month. In most cases with cable since it is rented equip they would replace it for free.

Overall, I am paying about the same, if not more for D* than my previous carrier, Comcast. When you add in the fact that my High-Speed Internet went from $20 to $60 when I dropped Digital cable with them, my cost has gone up significantly. The only thing that is keeping me with D* is that it appears that they are getting their act together with HD options and that is my #1 priority, and I will pay more for that if necessary. Can't wait for ESPN2-HD to start in a couple of weeks. If Comcast adds to their HD programming significantly, and gives me a good offer to switch, I will consider going back to them.


I have had TW, Comcast & currently have D*, there are +/-'s to each. I don't think the $4.99 mirror fee with satalite is a hidden cost. Yes you can hook up an extra TV and get the cable analogs without an additional cost. You are paying for digital/premiums/HD - I want those channels available on the other tv(s) as well. Cable charges even more for digital box rental (I think I was paying $7.95 for 2nd box).

$60 for cable modem? You can get a $14.99 DSL package from SBC. :)

While I might be able to get a good 12 month switch rate with cable, regular rates are much higher. I had digital/HBO/HD & 2 boxes with Comcast, vs 4 box TC Premium/HD/Eqip Protection on D* and I pay about $7/month less. Now I get all the premiums.

I am disappointed with D*'s HD progress so far, they are behind want them to get better soon. Not impressed with cable either.

$60 for cable modem? You can get a $14.99 DSL package from SBC. :)



Believe me, I have tried to get SBC. Unfortunately, all that is available in my area is Comcast or dial-up.

And when I said hidden cost, what I meant was that D* advertises $41 a month for their service, but then there are all the fees added on (additional receivers, insurance, etc.)

Anyone here know anyone at KMBC 9? I need to contact someone there for a waiver to receive ABC in HDTV from D* because I can't receive ch. 9 in HDTV at my house. I live 30 miles S of KC. I had antenna masters install a big antenna, and I can get all channels except 4 & 9. Thanks for the help.

You need to apply for a waiver through D*, however assuming that you live north of Drexel, MO or Osawatamie, KS, you are well within the Principle City signal contour of between 36>43 dbu. How is your reception on Ch. 9 & 29 analog off-air and your reception of Ch 29 digital.....TI

I'll give it a shot. Let me preface this by saying I'm a TWC customer and very happy with it. I also have D* and HD, but only for NFL Sunday Ticket (I was able to sweet-talk a CSR into letting me only have NFLST instead of a Total Choice package).

A lot of it will depend on who your cable provider is. I'm not sure for your part of the world...

Cable is good because you can get an HD-DVR for $5-10/month above a normal digital box - no equipment to buy. It can be expensive, but they'll cut deals to get you from D* or E*, or if Everest is a competitor in a particular area (like me! :D ). Cable generally carries all the locals (but UPN and/or WB are not carried by the cablecos yet - much to my dismay). The offerings depend on what you like. The only channel D* has in HD that cable doesn't (yet) is Universal-HD. TNT-HD is on cable, as is InHD and InHD2 - channels operated by the InDemand PPV operator that have some decent content: 3 MLB games/wk., some NBA, misc. concerts, movies, IMAX movies, etc. If you believe the hype, some HD NHL games from OLN will be on there, too. They're not available on D*. Also, the normal arguments of dish vs. cable during storms, customer service, increasing costs, etc., etc., etc.

D* is generally less costly. For now, there are only 5 channels in the HD pack (HDNet, HDNet Movies, Universal HD, ESPN-HD, Discovery HD), but they add ESPN2-HD on 9/8, which no cable companies offer yet. D* has NFL Sunday Ticket exclusively (with 9 games/wk in HD), if that's important to you. D* is changing a lot and adding capacity to "carry over 1500 HD channels". If you believe the hype, eventually, they'll offer the local networks in HD, and lots more HD offerings than they have now. The downside, all this extra capacity will be by MPEG4 compression, instead of the current MPEG2. MPEG4 won't be available until November (?), and the costs associated are unknown, but eventually, all current HD eqiupment will have to be replaced - certainly at a cost or extending your contract. They haven't said. I believe an HD receiver now is $199, but you need the triple-LNB dish. You'll definitely need an OTA antenna to get any locals for the time being. In our area, we can get a national FOX HD feed from D* because our local affiliate is owned & operated by the network. Basically, we get a New York feed of Fox network programming. HD-DVR is far more expensive, although I don't know the current costs. $600?? And all are MPEG2.

Right now (at least for me), there are far more HD offerings on cable than D*, but in a year, it could be completely different. D* seems to know that this is an important focus area and trying to progress as fast as possible. Equipment costs are less prohibitive, and a cheaper/smoother upgrade path for cable.

I think I covered most everything. Hope you find it helpful.

Hey, was all that sweet talkin done on a new install. I too have a neeeeed for NFLST, but i am fairly content with ota channels and DVD for movies. WAR hd chiefs football in springburgh mo

Thanks for the great responses!

I've been doing a bit of thinking and some research on the D* vs. Cable (TWC for me) question. The price vs. service question always comes into play in these decisions. I'm posting my thinking here in case it's helpful to others in the area looking to jump in to HD:

(BTW: I too am a RoadRunner subscriber - DSL is just not able to keep up with RELIABLE 5M down and 384k up - so I have to figure that into the mix.)

D*:

Currently I pay $71/month for 2 SD DVR receivers, Total choice, HBO, Starz. I also pay $45/month for RoadRunner - so my total for both is $116/month.

If I add a HD DVR, the price (after the reduced grace period) will jump $11/month (11 for HD service, the $5/month add'l reciever fee will just transfer to the new HD DVR when I drop one of my current).

D* is currently running a deal on the HD DVR with the OTA for $250 (after $100 rebate). They also have reduced monthly charges for 6 months though I won't include them in these calculations.

Bottom Line: Total Monthly Cost: $127/month (71 + 45 for RR) + one time charge of $250.

Cable (TWC):

I just spoke with a CSR at TWC who gave me the following price quotes:

For a new D* customer switch, cable+RR+1 HDDVR = $75 / month. This price is good for 1 year, when it jumps to $85/month. To add a second digital recorder is $15/month.

So, the bottom line is $90/month now, jumping to $100/month in a year.

Feature / Functionality:

This is where it get's a bit hard to work out. Right now my D* DVR's (hacked) have 60 and 160 hr recording capacities. I'm also able to watch recorded streams over my home ethernet (hardwired connections) using the vstream server, and I can extract/archive shows to pc/disc. This functionality is pretty handy, though to be honest it gets to be a bit of a time suck - and in reality I could just record onto my panasonic DVR and get just about the same usefulness (except for the lower geek factor). Oh, and of course I have that lovely Dish on the side of my house, and if I want OTA HD I have to mount an antenna as well (possibly in the attic).

Switching to cable, I'm not clear how much of this I'll gain/lose. As I understand it, the Tivo software in the D* units is slightly more user friendly than the cable DVR software - though this may not be a big issue. I've not heard what the recording capacity of the Cable DVR/HDDVR is, but I assume it's something similar to my current setup. Plus - the big advantage of no dish/antenna.

HD Channel comparison: Looking at D* vs TWC, it looks like they're similar in terms of lineup - at least for what I'm looking for (ESPN, DisoveryHD, HBO-HD, Locals).

Bottom-bottom line: I'm just about convinced to switch to Cable. I've been a pretty loyal D* customer for 7+ years (since 1998 I proudly proclaimed that I'd never go back to cable :eek: ), and very happy with the service, but it's starting to seem like Cable is back in the ballgame.

Somebody better talk me back off the cliff, or I'm jumping in!

trbizwiz, I was a new D* sub last year for NFLST. After the promo was over (TC Premier for 4 months free, if you purchase NFLST), I called to cancel all my TotalChoice. Had to play typical CSR roulette who would stick to the legal-eze that was on the D* website. Basically, they quit offering standalone NFLST about 3 or 4 yrs. ago, except to grandfathered customers. However, the "DirecTV Terms & Conditions" portion of their website still said that NFLST was available without a TC sub. So I held them to that, but had to call 3 or 4 times until I got a CSR who would. HOWEVER, they've since changed that. If you didn't have standalone NFLST previously, you're SOL - there's no way you're getting it now. If it's any consolation, the Chiefs games are blacked out on NFLST anyway...

jenkinsear1, sounds like you've done plenty of research and thinking. Both have their +/-, each person just has to decide what's most important to them. A few things I forgot - TWC has both the east- and west-coast feeds of HBO and SHO in HD, which most cablecos don't (I don't recall if D* does or not). Also, all the OnDemand stuff is great. FWIW, I get roadrunner, HD-DVR, every channel in English (literally - all the premiums, sports pack, HD pack, etc.), and all the OnDemand stuff for $107/mo., after all the taxes and BS.

But I think a lot of that is because of the Everest competition. Everest keeps adding HD content and is starting to creep in my conscience because of the addition of ESPN2-HD, ESPNU, NFL Network (+ HD), but still doesn't have InHD.

Update to my previous post:

I had a further conversation with someone at TWC, and found out that the $75/month HD +RR (+ HBO) package is ONLY good for Sat customers who switch AND let TWC take the satellite equipment! If you want to keep your equipment, the cost is $95 without HBO and a 12 month committment - and after 15 months it jumps to $112! HBO is something like $10 above that. So in effect, if I want to let them take the equipment I paid for, I can get a lower rate.

In otherwords, for anyone who wants to switch to cable but keep their current sat equipment, add a bunch of $$ to the figures I posted above.

D* is looking attractive again!

(Sorry, I'm not wanting to hijack this thread for my woes talking with Cable and D*, but I thought accurate pricing would be helpful to others)

I'm glad to see something new coming down the pike. Anyone know if this is available anywhere else or more importantly, when it'll be available in KC?

I know Rochester, South Carolina, and Houston all have it already. I think San Diego/Francisco have IPTV already too, where you can watch TV on your PC over the web.

jenkinsear1,

You should also check into digital phone. I ended up moving to TWC for phone service and my cable bill went up by $2. However, I am saving $45 a month that I no longer pay to SBC.

My first post here! :cool:

I believe (ha) I am paying about $65/month for HD-DVR on just one TV in the house. No second TV's hooked to a digital box or anything.

I got my HDTV (Hitachi 50" LCD Rear Proj) about three weeks ago and I could not be happier with their service. Everything comes in very clear and I haven't had any problems with any programs cutting out. I think that for anyone that wants a DVR, cable is the way to go. It's only about $5/month extra. I'll take that any day over purchasing a HD-TIVO to have D*.

I've noticed that over the last couple days, a couple things I recorded on KSHB's HD station has come in at just regular digital picture, not HD. I noticed it with Leno and Letterman last friday night and with Law and Order SVU last night, although L&O switched to 16:9 HD about halfway through. Just problems with their tower I guess.

And I think someone asked above how big the TWC HD-DVR is. I looked at the diagnostic, and it looks to be about 150 GB in size. Someone told me that is good for about 18 hours of full HD programming. Can someone verify this? I haven't had any space issues yet.

Cable generally carries all the locals (but UPN and/or WB are not carried by the cablecos yet - much to my dismay).TWC added UPN-HD a few months ago to their HD lineup. :)

Keep in mind with D* (and satellite in general) you have to pay $5 for each additional receiver. With cable, you don't have to have a box. There's one example of a "hidden" cost. True for basic cable, but if you want digital cable, premiums, etc ... then you need a box at every TV. I have TWC and prefer it right now, but when TWC leaves town next year and sells everything to Comcast, I will switch to DirecTV (and MPEG-4 by then) when Comcast jacks my rates way up. (I live in an Everest overbuild area currently.)

You need to apply for a waiver through D*, however assuming that you live north of Drexel, MO or Osawatamie, KS, you are well within the Principle City signal contour of between 36>43 dbu. How is your reception on Ch. 9 & 29 analog off-air and your reception of Ch 29 digital.....TI

I applied for the waiver through D* June 12, never heard from them so I called August 23rd, and they said there was a new law that they couldn't apply for the waiver, but that I had to contact the station myself. I called channel 9 today and left a message, but never heard back. I live North of Drexel, and I do pick up Ch. 9 analog just fine, as well as 29 both analog and digital. I had antenna masters install an antenna, 40' up on my chimney, but I think the problem is that channel 9 in HD is broadcast in UHF, and I just can't get it.

I think the problem is that channel 9 in HD is broadcast in UHF, and I just can't get it.I believe KMBC-DT (ABC-HD) is Channel 7, which is VHF. In fact it is the only digital station in KC on the VHF band. If you have a UHF only antenna, that might explain why you are not receiving the signal very well.

trbizwiz, I was a new D* sub last year for NFLST. After the promo was over (TC Premier for 4 months free, if you purchase NFLST), I called to cancel all my TotalChoice. Had to play typical CSR roulette who would stick to the legal-eze that was on the D* website. Basically, they quit offering standalone NFLST about 3 or 4 yrs. ago, except to grandfathered customers. However, the "DirecTV Terms & Conditions" portion of their website still said that NFLST was available without a TC sub. So I held them to that, but had to call 3 or 4 times until I got a CSR who would. HOWEVER, they've since changed that. If you didn't have standalone NFLST previously, you're SOL - there's no way you're getting it now. If it's any consolation, the Chiefs games are blacked out on NFLST anyway...

jenkinsear1, sounds like you've done plenty of research and thinking. Both have their +/-, each person just has to decide what's most important to them. A few things I forgot - TWC has both the east- and west-coast feeds of HBO and SHO in HD, which most cablecos don't (I don't recall if D* does or not). Also, all the OnDemand stuff is great. FWIW, I get roadrunner, HD-DVR, every channel in English (literally - all the premiums, sports pack, HD pack, etc.), and all the OnDemand stuff for $107/mo., after all the taxes and BS.

But I think a lot of that is because of the Everest competition. Everest keeps adding HD content and is starting to creep in my conscience because of the addition of ESPN2-HD, ESPNU, NFL Network (+ HD), but still doesn't have InHD.

The CHIEFS ARE BLACKED OUT??? What would be the point of the NFLST then? The only reason I was even considering it was the hopes of the CHIEFS in HD, and to guard against having to watch the LAMBS, it seems springburghs local FOX affiliat chooses the LAMBS (johnny come lately's) over the chiefs almost every time a scheduling conflict comes up. (I have half of a season ticket but there are 12 other games i have to consider!!!

this waver deal for hd programing, if i were able to get one from KOLOR 10 CBS (springfield mo), where would my HD feed come from? I called KOLOR 10 they said their HD feed would start january 1 2006, just in time to miss most of football season.

The CHIEFS ARE BLACKED OUT??? What would be the point of the NFLST then? The only reason I was even considering it was the hopes of the CHIEFS in HD, and to guard against having to watch the LAMBS, it seems springburghs local FOX affiliat chooses the LAMBS (johnny come lately's) over the chiefs almost every time a scheduling conflict comes up. (I have half of a season ticket but there are 12 other games i have to consider!!!

Sorry to make you panic - the Chiefs will be blacked out if you're considered in Kansas City's NFL market, or if they are on one of the local stations that covers your market. All games on your local station are blacked out on NFLST, both HD and SD.

Just wanted to warn you before you made the investment. However, I did look up a Springfield Zip code (65721) and it looks like it's NOT in any NFL market, so if the game is not on your local affiliate, it will be on NFLST. You might be in luck.

You can research it yourself here: http://www.directvsports.com/Packages/NFLSundayTicket/
Look at the "Blackouts and Game Availability" section in particular.

NFLST does have its merits - namely not sticking you with whatever game your affiliate decides to show. I not a Chiefs fan, so I can watch whoever I want, instead of being stuck with them. I'm an Eagles fan, so I get to watch all their games.

Sorry to make you panic - the Chiefs will be blacked out if you're considered in Kansas City's NFL market, or if they are on one of the local stations that covers your market. All games on your local station are blacked out on NFLST, both HD and SD.

Just wanted to warn you before you made the investment. However, I did look up a Springfield Zip code (65721) and it looks like it's NOT in any NFL market, so if the game is not on your local affiliate, it will be on NFLST. You might be in luck.

You can research it yourself here: http://www.directvsports.com/Packages/NFLSundayTicket/
Look at the "Blackouts and Game Availability" section in particular.

NFLST does have its merits - namely not sticking you with whatever game your affiliate decides to show. I not a Chiefs fan, so I can watch whoever I want, instead of being stuck with them. I'm an Eagles fan, so I get to watch all their games.

hey are you going to the chiefs eagles game 10/02/05. ill be in section 112 row 41 & 42 the end seat

hey are you going to the chiefs eagles game 10/02/05. ill be in section 112 row 41 & 42 the end seat

As much as it kills me to miss it - no, I can't make it. I'll be in Europe. I'm sure it'll be a great game!

hey are you going to the chiefs eagles game 10/02/05. ill be in section 112 row 41 & 42 the end seat

The definition isn't quite THAT high! :D

Brad

The definition isn't quite THAT high! :D

Brad

This is true, but we do what we can! :)

I believe KMBC-DT (ABC-HD) is Channel 7, which is VHF. In fact it is the only digital station in KC on the VHF band. If you have a UHF only antenna, that might explain why you are not receiving the signal very well.

My antenna is both UHF and VHF

CBS: http://www.sportsline.com/cbssports/schedules/page/nfl
HD Schedule is 4 weeks out, Week 1's game will be in HD

FOX: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3830132
Most (if not all) Fox games are in HD

As everyone knows, ABC's and ESPN's games will be in HD.

So here is the schedule as we know it:

Week 1 = HD (CBS)
Week 2 = HD (ESPN)
Week 3 = HD (ABC)
Week 4 = HD (Fox)
Week 5 = Bye
Week 6 = HD (Fox)
Week 7 - 10 = TBA (CBS)
Week 11 = HD (ESPN)
Week 12-17 = TBA (CBS)

This is great news... plus, looking down the schedule, the Chiefs have a very good shot at being selected for more HDTV games. For example, the Saturday game at the Giants (one of only 2 Giants games CBS can carry this season) is 99% sure to be in HD, as it will be played in the media center of the world and there are no other CBS games that day. There are other weeks, such as 10/30, where 3 better matchups are hard to find.

I think CBS loves Arrowhead as a backdrop in HDTV thanks to the red, raucous crowd. Watching the Texans/Chiefs game in HD (how did we lose? :mad: ) last year was what convinced me that HD was worth the money. The high-octane offense of the Chiefs makes them a national TV natural.

So here is the schedule as we know it:

Week 1 = HD (CBS)
Week 2 = HD (ESPN)
Week 3 = HD (ABC)
Week 4 = HD (Fox)
Week 5 = Bye
Week 6 = HD (Fox)
Week 7 - 10 = TBA (CBS)
Week 11 = HD (ESPN)
Week 12-17 = TBA (CBS)

My first post here! :cool:

I believe (ha) I am paying about $65/month for HD-DVR on just one TV in the house. No second TV's hooked to a digital box or anything.

(...)

And I think someone asked above how big the TWC HD-DVR is. I looked at the diagnostic, and it looks to be about 150 GB in size. Someone told me that is good for about 18 hours of full HD programming. Can someone verify this? I haven't had any space issues yet.

I would say 18 hours sounds about right. I would love to have an option to TWCKC's HD offerings. DISH looks best for HD content, but the locals are the problem right now. I don't feel like putting in an antenna.

This is great news... plus, looking down the schedule, the Chiefs have a very good shot at being selected for more HDTV games. For example, the Saturday game at the Giants (one of only 2 Giants games CBS can carry this season) is 99% sure to be in HD, as it will be played in the media center of the world and there are no other CBS games that day. There are other weeks, such as 10/30, where 3 better matchups are hard to find.

I think CBS loves Arrowhead as a backdrop in HDTV thanks to the red, raucous crowd. Watching the Texans/Chiefs game in HD (how did we lose? :mad: ) last year was what convinced me that HD was worth the money. The high-octane offense of the Chiefs makes them a national TV natural.
I think you might be over-analyzing it a bit. IIRC, CBS simply goes the games in HD where they send their top 3 announcing teams; and that's based by how "sexy" the game is, usually by competitiveness, but also by market size.

Seems I have been mis-informed.. [EDIT -bad info was here]


BTW go go first post!..

WIBW-TV in Topeka reports they will air 11 Chiefs games in HDTV this year.

Microsoft Word Document: http://media.graytvinc.com/documents/2005+football.doc
*You have to scroll a few pages down in the document to get the schedule.


CBS HDTV CHIEFS SCHEDULE (From WIBW-TV)

Sunday Sept. 9 12:00-3:00P New York Jets @ Kansas City
Sunday Oct. 23 12:00-3:00P Kansas City @ Miami
Sunday Oct. 30 3:00-6:00P Kansas City @ San Diego
Sunday Nov. 6 12:00-3:00P Oakland @ Kansas City
Sunday Nov. 13 12:00-3:00P Kansas City @ Buffalo
Sunday Nov.27 12:00-3:00 New England @ Kansas City
Sunday Dec.4 3:00-6:00 Denver @ Kansas City
Sunday Dec. 11 3:00-6:00 Kansas City @ Dallas
Saturday Dec. 17 4:00-7:00 Kansas City @ New York Giants
Saturday Dec 24 12:00-3:00 San Diego@ Kansas City Christmas Eve
Sunday Jan.1 12:00-3:00 Cincinnati@Kansas City New Years Day

DogOfMadness,

Just a friendly reminder that David Letterman will be in HD from the network starting Monday night (8/29/05). Get that switcher ready!! :)

During the football season, do you know if CBS is still only going to have 1 HD feed for PrimeTime on Sundays? If so, that means we will continue the tradition of seeing CBS Sunday night HD only if we also see the primary late HD football game.

I'm just wondering because it screws up Cold Case in HD sometimes.

I have a reception question. I live at 119th & Ridgeview in a two story house with a decent sized OTA antenna installed in the attic.

I have noticed whenever there is cloud cover or rain that I get very heavy pixelation on 41.1, but all my other channels are fine. My antenna is a VHF/UHF unit. I am wondering if I have an aiming issue or if I should consider purchasing a separate UHF antenna.

Anyone else have a similar problem?

Any thoughts?

Brad

I have a reception question. I live at 119th & Ridgeview in a two story house with a decent sized OTA antenna installed in the attic.

I have noticed whenever there is cloud cover or rain that I get very heavy pixelation on 41.1, but all my other channels are fine. My antenna is a VHF/UHF unit. I am wondering if I have an aiming issue or if I should consider purchasing a separate UHF antenna.

Anyone else have a similar problem?

Any thoughts?

Brad

If possible can you bring up your signal strength screen for DT-42 (41.1) and move your antenna slightly to see if your signal strength improves.

Hey, Dog-of-Madness,

That big red stick is looking REALLY good up there! When are you going to fire that baby up? :D

Brad

I have a reception question. I live at 119th & Ridgeview in a two story house with a decent sized OTA antenna installed in the attic.

I have noticed whenever there is cloud cover or rain that I get very heavy pixelation on 41.1, but all my other channels are fine. My antenna is a VHF/UHF unit. I am wondering if I have an aiming issue or if I should consider purchasing a separate UHF antenna.

Anyone else have a similar problem?

Any thoughts?

Brad

I have my antenna "cheated" a little toward KSHB's tower (they're at 81st and Blue River Road). I never have any trouble with them or 38-1 (on the same tower). That being said, I'm quite a ways west, so I don't have to "cheat" much.
Try rotating your antenna a little bit to the east.

(other) Brad

My wife surprised me with a HDTV for our anniversary-- now I've just got to figure out how to set it up right!

Can anyone recommend any ISF techs in the KC area....I don't trust myself for the calibration.

Also, I haven't seen a whole heck of a lot about Everest here, mostly TWC and Comcast. I'm currently with Everest on my phone/TV/internet and would be interested to hear how people have felt about their HD service.

Thanks!

My wife surprised me with a HDTV for our anniversary-- now I've just got to figure out how to set it up right!

Can anyone recommend any ISF techs in the KC area....I don't trust myself for the calibration.

Also, I haven't seen a whole heck of a lot about Everest here, mostly TWC and Comcast. I'm currently with Everest on my phone/TV/internet and would be interested to hear how people have felt about their HD service.

Thanks!

I just got Everest for everything last friday .. so far they have been great, install was great, and the HD seems to be very nice. I compared a few shows on Everest vs OTA and they were very close. Plus they have a DVR with no upfront cost :-) I am still hooking all the tvs up, but will keep you posted.

[QUOTE=midtv]My wife surprised me with a HDTV for our anniversary-- now I've just got to figure out how to set it up right!

You have a great wife! She's a keeper! :)

From the FAQ section of WDAF's website:

WDAF’s DTV antenna has recently been relocated to the 650 ft. level on our main tower. From our tower at 3030 Summit, our new low power coverage on Channel 34 is approx. 30 miles. WDAF welcomes hearing from viewers that can receive our signal with an off-air antenna.

HIGH POWER DIGITAL TELEVISION

Within the next few months, we will be installing a new DTV antenna on top of our main tower at 3030 Summit which is approx. 1200 feet and increasing our power from 1.1 kW to 1000 kW. WDAF plans on offering full service high power digital television on Channel 34 by the end of September, 2005. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal viewer.


I haven't seen much chatter on this lately, but for awhile I was getting WDAF-DT out here in Blue Springs. I understand that had something to do with the atmospheric conditions. But even after their announcement of moving their antenna up to the 650 ft level, I can't get a lock on it at all. It's only showin 49-56% signal strength on my DISH 811 receiver.

Anyone else seeing similar results?

I haven't seen much chatter on this lately, but for awhile I was getting WDAF-DT out here in Blue Springs. I understand that had something to do with the atmospheric conditions. But even after their announcement of moving their antenna up to the 650 ft level, I can't get a lock on it at all. It's only showin 49-56% signal strength on my DISH 811 receiver.

Anyone else seeing similar results?

I'm the guilty one who thought it was due to atmospheric conditions (and maybe some of it was). That being said, I'm still receiving 34-1 pretty well most nights at around 70% on my Dish 921.

Their antenna work is progressing pretty nicely. It looks like they've taken down the old channel 41 antenna and moved their channel 4 analog antenna down the tower temporarily while they mount the new channel 34 digital stick. If you go down Southwest boulevard near Margarita's and Ponak's, you can see what they're doing pretty clearly, especially if you use binoculars (not while driving, of course!). I suspect that they'll put the channel 4 antenna back at the very top, so that they can take it down easier later (after the transition, they plan to stay on 34).

Channel 5 (KCTV-DT24) has their new bright red full-power digital antenna side-mounted on the southwest corner and near the top of their "eye-full" tower, and the wave guide "cable" installed down to the transmitter building. It shouldn't be long before their full power transmissions begin.

Things are definitely looking "up" for Kansas City OTA digitals! :cool:

Brad

I haven't seen much chatter on this lately, but for awhile I was getting WDAF-DT out here in Blue Springs. I understand that had something to do with the atmospheric conditions. But even after their announcement of moving their antenna up to the 650 ft level, I can't get a lock on it at all. It's only showin 49-56% signal strength on my DISH 811 receiver.

Anyone else seeing similar results?
All I know is that I can receive it in Olathe after they raised it to 650 ft. I couldn't even get a whiff of it before.

I'm feeling confident that they will actually be at full power by the end of September. My office windows look right out at their tower and they are working on their tower like crazy.

Over the past week or so, they have removed their old red analog stick and KSHB's old white analog stick from the top of the tower. This week they have put up a new white stick and a new red stick on the top of their tower. It also looks like the transmission line is already in place.

I haven't seen much chatter on this lately, but for awhile I was getting WDAF-DT out here in Blue Springs. I understand that had something to do with the atmospheric conditions. But even after their announcement of moving their antenna up to the 650 ft level, I can't get a lock on it at all. It's only showin 49-56% signal strength on my DISH 811 receiver.

Anyone else seeing similar results?

we received the wdaf-dt signal for a few days (parkville), but now we can't get it, either. looking forward to a full power signal.

I know that WDAF-DT is not yet full power. I cannot get it in Lee's Summit yet. However, I noticed that antennaweb.org does not list WDAF-DT as a valid channel for this area. They list WDAF analog though. Who can we inform to get this fixed?

I know that WDAF-DT is not yet full power. I cannot get it in Lee's Summit yet. However, I noticed that antennaweb.org does not list WDAF-DT as a valid channel for this area. They list WDAF analog though. Who can we inform to get this fixed?

They probably don't list it because of its low power status (and their Special Temporary Authority shows the former lower antenna height). This will take care of itself when WDAF goes full-power and becomes a fully licensed DTV station in a month or two. The headings for the analog are valid for the digital since they're on the same tower.

Brad

Hey, Dog-of-Madness,

That big red stick is looking REALLY good up there! When are you going to fire that baby up? :D

Brad

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

Locked at 45% near Cleveland, MO. Keep it up. :)

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

On the east side of Blue Springs, it's coming in between 89-92%.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

Greenwood, MO -- 95%. Strongest HD signal of the KC providers out here in this neck of the woods.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

Solid 92 Sig near Gladstone on my Directv Tivo hd dvr!
My antenna is pointed about 30 degrees away from your tower to
enable a solid lock on all KC digital stations. (R.S. VU75 antenna)

You are now tied with KSMO-DT for the strongest UHF signal at my location at this
antenna orientation. Strongest Sig here is VHF CH.7 KMBC-DT at 95 on the meter.

Thanks for putting out a great signal.

94% in Olathe.

According to people in other cities, the U.S. Open should be in DD 5.1. I am only receiving DD 2.0. Is there something wrong with the Dolby decoder at the station?

94% in Olathe.

According to people in other cities, the U.S. Open should be in DD 5.1. I am only receiving DD 2.0. Is there something wrong with the Dolby decoder at the station?

Well, we ran into a snag with the brand new digital tech center that was built when KSMO joined KCTV. At this time we can not pass 5.1 through the system. I hope to come up with a solution soon, but I can't honestly say when.

Well, we ran into a snag with the brand new digital tech center that was built when KSMO joined KCTV. At this time we can not pass 5.1 through the system. I hope to come up with a solution soon, but I can't honestly say when.
Oh man, that's really bad timing with HD DD 5.1 football starting in a week. I know whatever happened is out of your hands, but hopefully you can work your magic quickly.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

I have always been able to get KCTV since my antenna was installed in May, though the signal is stronger, like 95% to 98%.

Still waiting to be able to get WDAF channel 34 though.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

DOM-Thanks so much for the upgrade on KCTV-DT. Now showing 90-94% in Sedalia, MO with a Dish 811 and outside antenna. Best part is that signal is holding daytime and nighttime. Who do I talk to about issues with my 811 now not able to display video and audio on KSMO-DT? Worked great until Feb.
I appreciate all you do to keep us informed on your stations.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

I wonder why my outdoor antenna was melted. :) Holy watts Batman! Thank you KCTV5 for all the hard work.

I am getting KCTV at 100% using an indoor rabbit ear in my basement connected to a Hughes E86 HD receiver. However, I am not getting it as strong on my Sanyo HDTV with integrated tuner using a Silver Sensor in the first floor. Weird. I moved the silver sensor around, but the signal strength never became very strong. Also, as a big tennis fan, watched US Open in HD all weekend. Great job CBS. However, I am not sure if they are going show US Open today or the MDA telethon :(

KCTV is coming in about 85% in Raymore with a medium range attic antenna

KCTV No noticable change in signal strength in Liberty. Sufficient signal (approximately 50%) on the receiver in my Sony KDF-70XBR950. Minimal signal on my Sony SAT-HD300 receiver anytime analog channel 19 is broadcasting. I'll re-report after I do some antenna aiming and tweaking. The antenna isn't optimally aimed, and it requires a climb up a ladder and a few acrobatics to reaim it.

Hey, guys. Do you know where I can get a lot of quality speaker wire for a decent price? I need to wire a new 7.1 system and want to do it right.

Thanks,

Joel

Is KCTV-DT at full power or just using the new antenna. I can barely get it in North Independence with a amplified indoor antenna. I can get the rest of the full power stations. Thanks.

Costco, Home Depot, Sears, Radio Shack, etc. Just don't worry about getting Monster-brand wire and you'll be fine....plus your wallet will be heavier.


Hey, guys. Do you know where I can get a lot of quality speaker wire for a decent price? I need to wire a new 7.1 system and want to do it right.

Thanks,

Joel

100% with an attic antenna in parkville. thanks, kctv.

any one know if time warner is going to add espn2 hd anytime in the near future. I have sent several emails and always get the same response telling about their current line up of hd channels.

Any info?

thanks

I keep asking the same questions and get no answer. Obviously the local folks are completely in he dark.

It's going to take someone at the corporate level who knows anything to help us out....
\

Just install a Radio Shack V90 in my attic and I get all the digtal feeds except for fox and 62. Looking at there web site the "say" they should be full power by the end of Sept. Hurry up boys football starts soon. Espn2hd is supposed to be added to Directv on Sept. 9th.

any one know if time warner is going to add espn2 hd anytime in the near future. I have sent several emails and always get the same response telling about their current line up of hd channels.

Any info?

thanks

Espn2 -- http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=568709
Look for this on D* channel 72.

NHL in HD -- http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=577716

More sports coming to D* subscribers very soon!! I was thinking about moving back to cable but I am very happy with the new additions for D*. Now if they would just add TNT HD, I would be completely set.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

I'm receiving KCTV at 95% in Topeka, KS. Fortunately I live on at high hill here in Topeka called Burnett's Mound close to 39°00'35"N, 95°44'07"W. I'm using a simple Channel Master 4228 w/out a preamp, as of yet. :)

-HiDefAutomation

KCTV is smokin in Belton. It runs 98-100%.

WDAF is non-existant - a signal but no pic or sound. KSHB is a bear. I upgraded from a mid-size outdoor antenna (type unknown) in our attic to a Radio Shack VU-190. I used a shorter run of RG6 coax to boot. I was disappointed, I really didn't see any major difference from the mid-size. If I can get the antenna pointed in a precise direction, I can get KSHB, but if it is off a hair it is gone.

Along with the upgrade my Labor Day Saturday was spent relocating the entertainment center from one end of the room to the other (wife decided to rearrange the furniture). That meant rewiring the 5.1 surround sound. The arrangement IS better but I would only want to do it say, every 5 years or so.

Looking forward to more full-power stations around town.

I live in the Lakewood area in Lee's Summit. I have just the opposite situation. KCTV has been spotty. KSHB is 100% no matter which way I turn my indoor antenna. I get everything except PAX and FOX.

-Siva

KCTV is smokin in Belton. It runs 98-100%.

WDAF is non-existant - a signal but no pic or sound. KSHB is a bear. I upgraded from a mid-size outdoor antenna (type unknown) in our attic to a Radio Shack VU-190. I used a shorter run of RG6 coax to boot. I was disappointed, I really didn't see any major difference from the mid-size. If I can get the antenna pointed in a precise direction, I can get KSHB, but if it is off a hair it is gone.

Along with the upgrade my Labor Day Saturday was spent relocating the entertainment center from one end of the room to the other (wife decided to rearrange the furniture). That meant rewiring the 5.1 surround sound. The arrangement IS better but I would only want to do it say, every 5 years or so.

Looking forward to more full-power stations around town.

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.



Live in Raytown and KCTV-DT is now smokin' at 100%, up from 70% previously. Only station I cannot get is WDAF-DT, which comes in at 70% but will not lock on my Dish 921 receiver. Things definitely getting better in DT Land. Thanks guys, for all the work getting the stations up and running.

Well, I had them ALL working perfectly.....and now I've lost KMBC and KCTV tonight...have no idea what could have changed...

Anyone know why KCTV didn't show the conclusion of the Agassi/Blake match Wednesday night? I was watching on USA and they had to switch due to "contractual obligations". They said it was going to be on your local CBS station but when I switched over, it was on Inside Edition. Very disappointing...

don't know but am quite unhappy that I stayed up till midnight watching this and don't get to see the end because they are showing inside edition.

It has always bugged me how KCTV doesn't follow the standard Late night line up. I mean they do show Letterman, but then they show 2 sub par syndicated shows and then finally show the Late Late Show. With the US Open last week and this week they definitely should have follow the network programming and had the US Open follow Letterman, like it does throughout the nation.

KMBC also bugs me with not showing Jimmy Kimmel Live right after the news. I mean I love Seinfeld but I would think Jimmy Kimmel might bring in more rating. Then again, I could be wrong and Seinfeld may draw more viewers.

Anyone else loose KMBC last night?

I lost KMBC after 9 sometime.

Bongo, I for one agree with both of the local stations cutting the normal late night programs. I hate jimmy and the late late show. I'm always up for a good seinfeld, though I don't watch it regularly.

Anyone notice Law & Order last night on NBC it seemed really jumpy? I was watching on Everest HD, and checked OTA it was the same.

Anyone notice Law & Order last night on NBC it seemed really jumpy? I was watching on Everest HD, and checked OTA it was the same.

Can someone explain what causes that? Also, what causes the sound dropouts that I routinely get when watching HD shows on Fox (particularly 24 and House). It was also happening on the last episode of "Wanted" on TNT-HD.

Comcast subscriber in Blue Springs.

I am disappointed too. I was watching the score update on the internet. I don't get USA since I don't have cable and get only HBO on satellite (just $12/month). I was hoping to catch the Agassi/Blake match on CBS at least during the daily highlights. But no highlights - only inside edition!! Blah!!

My wife and I just hit refresh buttons to keep the scores updated. I hope KCTV-DT does not screw up Friday/Sat/Sun coverage of the tennis.


Anyone know why KCTV didn't show the conclusion of the Agassi/Blake match Wednesday night? I was watching on USA and they had to switch due to "contractual obligations". They said it was going to be on your local CBS station but when I switched over, it was on Inside Edition. Very disappointing...

Anyone notice Law & Order last night on NBC it seemed really jumpy? I was watching on Everest HD, and checked OTA it was the same.

I noticed this last night as well on Time Warner. I've actually noticed it several times while watching Law and Order. L&O: SVU and CI have always been fine, but the original has been really jumpy on more than one occasion.

Anyone have an explanation?

I live on the 2nd floor of a 3 story apartment building in an apartment complex with multiple 3 and 4 story buildings in the nearby vicinity. I am using a Terk HDTVi pointed at about 170 degrees and can get a signal on most stations, but can not get a lock on anything besides PAX and PBS. Whoopity-do. I'm less than 12 miles from almost all of the towers. CBS is the biggie, obviously, since I want to see some HD NFL. My signal jumps from 3 bars to 0 bars, back and forth which I'm worried is due to multipath interference given my location near so many tall-ish buildings. This causes KCTV-DT to stutter horribly, and inevitably grind to a halt. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can obtain a better signal? Thanks in advance for your help.

I live in Grain Valley off Duncan and BB. I'm still getting wdaf-dt at about 65-70-%, with a Dish 6000

I live on the 2nd floor of a 3 story apartment building in an apartment complex with multiple 3 and 4 story buildings in the nearby vicinity. I am using a Terk HDTVi pointed at about 170 degrees and can get a signal on most stations, but can not get a lock on anything besides PAX and PBS. Whoopity-do. I'm less than 12 miles from almost all of the towers. CBS is the biggie, obviously, since I want to see some HD NFL. My signal jumps from 3 bars to 0 bars, back and forth which I'm worried is due to multipath interference given my location near so many tall-ish buildings. This causes KCTV-DT to stutter horribly, and inevitably grind to a halt. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can obtain a better signal? Thanks in advance for your help.


Give this (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1880) one a try, I used to live by 87th and 435 in Lenexa and had excellent results.

I live on the 2nd floor of a 3 story apartment building in an apartment complex with multiple 3 and 4 story buildings in the nearby vicinity. I am using a Terk HDTVi pointed at about 170 degrees and can get a signal on most stations, but can not get a lock on anything besides PAX and PBS. Whoopity-do. I'm less than 12 miles from almost all of the towers. CBS is the biggie, obviously, since I want to see some HD NFL. My signal jumps from 3 bars to 0 bars, back and forth which I'm worried is due to multipath interference given my location near so many tall-ish buildings. This causes KCTV-DT to stutter horribly, and inevitably grind to a halt. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can obtain a better signal? Thanks in advance for your help.

Welcome to the forum, PainBreak!

There are a lot of us who would like to help, but you'll have to help US. Can you tell us more about where you live?
1. Approximate location (you must be north of the river)?
2. What direction do(es) your outside wall(s) face and what are they made of?
3. How far away are the buildings around you, and in what direction (doesn't need to be exact)?
4. Do you have a balcony, and will your landlord let you put an antenna out there?
5. Is cable available in your complex? Which company?

Brad

So, is anyone else having trouble with KMBC? It's the only one I can't get, and it's usually the only one I CAN get...

I live at 95th & I-435 in Chesapeake Estates and I'm getting KCTV at 94% (with a simple RCA indoor rabbit ear) and I get KMBC, KCWE, KSHB, KMCI all in HD... KCPT takes some work but is recievable and FOX bounces up and down... also get PAX just fine...

I'm watching ABC tonight for "Monday Night Football" on this Thursday Night and I'm getting audio drop-outs... anybody else witht his problem?

I too saw the jitters occur on KSHB last night during L&A. It looked to me like an encoding problem. It only happened on the edge of changes within the scene, things that caused motion. It looks very much like a GOP structure problem like not all the appropriate I-frames were being transmitted. The problem didn't exist on the commercials, news, Leno, or Conan which leads me to believe it's something on that recording of L&A. I'm not surprised though knowing the things that occur at NBC NY. (I sometimes work there being in the TV automation industry)

All day and as of right now KMBC has been alright for me when I've looked at it. (Raiders v. Patriots as I type this) :) All stations coming except for WDAF coming in strong here in Topeka, KS. :D

-HiDefAutomation

Signals
KMBC-DT 95 (LOCKED)
KCTV-DT 94 (LOCKED)
WDAF-DT 38-42 (NO LOCK)
KMCI-DT 95 (LOCKED)
KSHB-DT 95 (LOCKED)
KCPT-DT 89 (LOCKED)
KPXE-DT 97 (LOCKED)
KCWE-DT 95 (LOCKED)
KSMO-DT 89 (LOCKED)

I just figured out my Washing Machine is causing my audio problems... go figure! I don't get any problems with the picture..lol

Comcast has Dual Tuner DVRs with HDMI output now available. Sounds like these are the Phase 3 boxes as they're called. You can use adapters to go from HDMI to DVI and DVI to HDMI.... don't forget the audio cables along with that. If you're using HDMI everything then the HDMI cable itself will handle the HD video and Digital Audio.

Thanks for the reports...after I found out others were getting it, and the problem was my end, I went and tweaked the antenna yet again....now getting it.

Between this ABC game, and getting ESPN2HD for football tonight, I'm in Football HD heaven!

So, is anyone else having trouble with KMBC? It's the only one I can't get, and it's usually the only one I CAN get...

Getting ABC HD great. NFL is back!!

I'll have to switch over after the Okie State game.

Good "RED FRIDAY" to you all.

Dog-of-Madness,
KCTV-DT is coming in at 117-118 (out of 125) on my Dish 921. I know it was somewhat lower before power-up, but I don't have the exact numbers. (I'm not sure that the numbers actually indicate signal strength, anyway. Someone said that it has something to do with the lack of errors in the data stream - does anyone here know for sure?)

Interestingly enough, WB62.1 is coming in at a steady 120. Have they powered up, also? The only signal stronger at my house is KMBC, which is almost always 121-125.

Keep up the good work!

Brad

On the air with the new KCTV-DT antenna 1:32 AM 9/3! Reception reports would be appreciated.

I live in KC North, 111th and N. Oak. I have spent alot of time tweaking my attic mounted Radio Shack antenna. I receive a lock on every KC OTA HD channel. I finally got WDAF after they raised their transmitter. The signals range from low 90's (9 and 5) to the mid 80's (29, 38, 41, and 50) to the mid to upper 60's (19 and 4). It takes awhile for the signal to come in on 19, but it does come in. All pictures and audio has been great! The only problem I now have is with channel 62. I get a lock on their signal also, but no audio, no video. I have talked with a Dish Network rep about this. I insisted he submit a report to an engineer about this. I told the rep that other KC customers with the 921 can get 62, but those of us with the 811 receivers could not. We'll see what happens. And by the way, Dish Network now carries the NFL network, channel 154 and NFLHD, I don't remember the channel number, but it is there!

Comcast has Dual Tuner DVRs with HDMI output now available. Sounds like these are the Phase 3 boxes as they're called. You can use adapters to go from HDMI to DVI and DVI to HDMI.... don't forget the audio cables along with that. If you're using HDMI everything then the HDMI cable itself will handle the HD video and Digital Audio. Does anyone know WHAT BOX they are using? Is it the same as Time Warner's SA Explorer 8300HD?

Tonight KCTV 5 delayed Letterman by a 1/2 hour because of a Chiefs special. Now I am a big Chiefs fan and enjoyed the special, but since they delayed Letter until 11:05 it isn't in hD. Doesn't KCTV have equipment to record in HD? I mean most of us have HD DVR's and I can record any HD program I want and play it back at any time, IN HD. I would think getting an HD recorder wouldn't be a problem, that way they can rebroadcast an HD show in HD. Just a little thing that bugs me.

We had the same problem with KSDK in St. Louis when they did Rams specials. They finally got an HD recorder after several years of having Leno in SD. Time to let KCTV to get one for themselves.

Welcome to the forum, PainBreak!

There are a lot of us who would like to help, but you'll have to help US. Can you tell us more about where you live?
1. Approximate location (you must be north of the river)?
2. What direction do(es) your outside wall(s) face and what are they made of?
3. How far away are the buildings around you, and in what direction (doesn't need to be exact)?
4. Do you have a balcony, and will your landlord let you put an antenna out there?
5. Is cable available in your complex? Which company?

Brad

Thanks for the hospitality! I'm at N. Hickory St and Barry Road with my balcony facing about 6 degrees south of east. I've currently got my Terk HDTVi sitting on the balcony's rail pointing at about 160 degrees. I currently have Time Warner Cable, but the HDTV tuner I have is an ATSC-only card in my HTPC. I get a full signal on almost every UHF station but the signal drops in and out on CBS and a couple others, from multipath I assume. ABC sitting on VHF chugs along nicely even though my antenna's supposed to be better for UHF than VHF. I get the feeling I could get ABC without an antenna at all... Just trying to get the Chiefs game on Sunday... :)

We had the same problem with KSDK in St. Louis when they did Rams specials. They finally got an HD recorder after several years of having Leno in SD. Time to let KCTV to get one for themselves.

Yeah I know you may say you have DVRs that allows the recording of HD content but your DVR and what is required for a station are completely different. Your DVR probably only records HD content at a max of 19.6Mbps to comply with the ATSC standard. Even though uncompressed HD is 1.5Gbps the major networks out here deliver MPEG2 HD content to their affiliates between 30-50Mbps and the video servers that record them support between 20 & 80Mbps. Now it depends on how you want to record it. The station may need a server that can record an HD-SDI video input and separate AES audio inputs, embedded HD-SDI, or a DVB/ASI stream. (The same needs to be available on the output side as well) Then the device has to be genlockable to a reference signal so that switching between sources doesn't cause unwanted flashes or audio pops. It also must have remote serial control capability for interfacing with automation systems. All these things your consumer DVR can not do.

Yeah there has been HD recording technology for years now but in the video server world it would have required multiple servers to accomplish a delay for both SD & HD. The technology to do all this affectively in one box came out just over a year ago. (The up and down conversion on the same timeline with simultaneous SD & HD outputs is what I'm referring to)

Now this needed HD technology is available, but doesn't mean it works well. Most of these video servers take a year or so to iron out their issues. :mad: I remember early HD recording technology especially the DVB/ASI stuff. No station would ever want to touch this stuff except for special occassions when timing wasn't critical because its playback latency was variable and you didn't find out until you played it what it would be. (due to the nature of a DVB/ASI stream)

The broadcast industry has been slow on HD because quite frankly they don't care about it. They never wanted to go to it anyway because it only costs them more money to do so. Now their infrastructures have to be replaced with virtually all new equipment. They already have a working model generating revenue so why would they want to spend the money for HD? They'll still charge the same amount of money whether the commercial is in SD or HD. Yeah maybe the networks might charge more for HD commercials now but when SD goes away they won't be able to charge that premium. 1kW DTV transmitter, waveguide, & antenna acquisition and installation can be $500,000 easily. The above mentioned server (x2 for redundancy) and storage capacity (which now will need to be increased by at least a factor of 3) $250,000-$500,000. Not much opportunity for a return on that investment.

Due to the lack of HD focus on the behalf of broadcasters the makers of the equipment haven't either. The closer and close we get to cut over the better things will get. TV technology all together is changing quickly right now not just the HD stuff. Even the ATSC standards are still changing. They just did on 9.7.05 which might require the purchase of multiple transmitters for a distributed transmission models for better coverage since DTV transmissions are harder to pick up than our analog ones. That same company that provided the first server to support HD & SD up & down conversion within the same box just over a year ago has already released a new line of servers to the same thing but better with support for CIFS, iSCSI, & better file exchange interoperability. (Very big in the broadcast industry as transmissions of assets are moving to file transfers instead of linear feeds or tapes)

It's only advantageous to the station to wait until as late as possible to adopt HD technology because they get better products without the premium prices HD stuff now draws. I know Denver is happy about their HD rollout delays. :)

Right now the focus in TV is the SD transmission because that’s what generates the revenue. Since I work in the broadcast industry I've seen first had the lack of concern for the DTV transmissions. Hence why sometimes a stations DTV transmissions will be off the air for hours or a switch to the network HD feed doesn't occur (like during the US open Agassi vs. Ginepri match 5th set I'm watching now :) ) because "who cares its just the HD channel. There's only like 20 people watching it" (Something I've heard many times) Once there is only DTV the same care will be shown to it.

We all are on the cutting edge right now and because of that we live through these difficult times. I've had an HDTV for 1.5 years but am no just getting OTA. I live in Topeka and knew that before they went full power there's no hope of picking it up reliably. Hell I don't even get all the local stations here in my own town because they're low power. (They're waiting until the last minute to not run up their electricity bills) Hang in there it will only get better.

-HiDefAutomation

P.S. They finally switched the 5th set of the match back to HD. :D

Give 15-1880 RS link this one a try, I used to live by 87th and 435 in Lenexa and had excellent results.

Picked one of those up to try it... It's quite a bit worse indoors and out on the balcony than the Terk HDTVi, which is disappointing. I'll be taking it along with three other antennas I've dropped $50 each on back to the store.

I'm just about to the point where I fold and wait until I move to a new apartment mid-October to see how things go. Shame I'll miss a lot of HD Chiefs games that way. Maybe I'll put a large outdoor antenna on the floor of my balcony. Don't know that it'd matter, though... I think it's mostly a multipath issue, since signal strength seems strong.

Yeah I know you may say you have DVRs that allows the recording of HD content but your DVR and what is required for a station are completely different. Your DVR probably only records HD content at a max of 19.6Mbps to comply with the ATSC standard. Even though uncompressed HD is 1.5Gbps the major networks out here deliver MPEG2 HD content to their affiliates between 30-50Mbps and the video servers that record them support between 20 & 80Mbps. Now it depends on how you want to record it. The station may need a server that can record an HD-SDI video input and separate AES audio inputs, embedded HD-SDI, or a DVB/ASI stream. (The same needs to be available on the output side as well) Then the device has to be genlockable to a reference signal so that switching between sources doesn't cause unwanted flashes or audio pops. It also must have remote serial control capability for interfacing with automation systems. All these things your consumer DVR can not do.

Yeah there has been HD recording technology for years now but in the video server world it would have required multiple servers to accomplish a delay for both SD & HD. The technology to do all this affectively in one box came out just over a year ago. (The up and down conversion on the same timeline with simultaneous SD & HD outputs is what I'm referring to)

Now this needed HD technology is available, but doesn't mean it works well. Most of these video servers take a year or so to iron out their issues. :mad: I remember early HD recording technology especially the DVB/ASI stuff. No station would ever want to touch this stuff except for special occassions when timing wasn't critical because its playback latency was variable and you didn't find out until you played it what it would be. (due to the nature of a DVB/ASI stream)

The broadcast industry has been slow on HD because quite frankly they don't care about it. They never wanted to go to it anyway because it only costs them more money to do so. Now their infrastructures have to be replaced with virtually all new equipment. They already have a working model generating revenue so why would they want to spend the money for HD? They'll still charge the same amount of money whether the commercial is in SD or HD. Yeah maybe the networks might charge more for HD commercials now but when SD goes away they won't be able to charge that premium. 1kW DTV transmitter, waveguide, & antenna acquisition and installation can be $500,000 easily. The above mentioned server (x2 for redundancy) and storage capacity (which now will need to be increased by at least a factor of 3) $250,000-$500,000. Not much opportunity for a return on that investment.

Due to the lack of HD focus on the behalf of broadcasters the makers of the equipment haven't either. The closer and close we get to cut over the better things will get. TV technology all together is changing quickly right now not just the HD stuff. Even the ATSC standards are still changing. They just did on 9.7.05 which might require the purchase of multiple transmitters for a distributed transmission models for better coverage since DTV transmissions are harder to pick up than our analog ones. That same company that provided the first server to support HD & SD up & down conversion within the same box just over a year ago has already released a new line of servers to the same thing but better with support for CIFS, iSCSI, & better file exchange interoperability. (Very big in the broadcast industry as transmissions of assets are moving to file transfers instead of linear feeds or tapes)

It's only advantageous to the station to wait until as late as possible to adopt HD technology because they get better products without the premium prices HD stuff now draws. I know Denver is happy about their HD rollout delays. :)

Right now the focus in TV is the SD transmission because that’s what generates the revenue. Since I work in the broadcast industry I've seen first had the lack of concern for the DTV transmissions. Hence why sometimes a stations DTV transmissions will be off the air for hours or a switch to the network HD feed doesn't occur (like during the US open Agassi vs. Ginepri match 5th set I'm watching now :) ) because "who cares its just the HD channel. There's only like 20 people watching it" (Something I've heard many times) Once there is only DTV the same care will be shown to it.

We all are on the cutting edge right now and because of that we live through these difficult times. I've had an HDTV for 1.5 years but am no just getting OTA. I live in Topeka and knew that before they went full power there's no hope of picking it up reliably. Hell I don't even get all the local stations here in my own town because they're low power. (They're waiting until the last minute to not run up their electricity bills) Hang in there it will only get better.

-HiDefAutomation

P.S. They finally switched the 5th set of the match back to HD. :D


Wow HiDefAutomation! Thanks for the detailed explanation. I knew it was much more than the station buying a HD DVR, but I do remember last Monday KCTV 5 showed the telethon at 2 pm and then on KCTV-HD they showed the Agassi match. It was a day that I was happy I had HD and could enjoy the HD tennis match. I guess KCTV 5 could have showed the Chiefs special on their SD side and then run the network Letterman broadcast on the HD side, but again that probably bites them in the ass as far as adverstising money.

About the Agassi match today. I found it ironic that when they came back from Commercial in SD, Dick Enberg was talking about how this is being broadcast in HD where available, and yet just 2 minutes ago it was and now all the sudden it wasn't in HD. I wander if someone at KCTV took a bathroom break and didn't get back in time to switch back.

Uh oh... they're doing the preview before the game (11:55am) and its not in HD... does someone at KCTV need to flip the switch??

I thought the Chiefs would be in HD today...guess not.

I thought the Chiefs would be in HD today...guess not.

I believe it was just switched. :D The pregame show wasn't coming from Arrowhead.

Ok, its in HD. Good!! Go Chiefs!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, got it...

And after not having trouble locking on KCTV all weekend...conveniently, I'm getting blips in service...This OTA just pi$$es me off.

Mine went out for about 2 seconds 2 seperate times about 10 minutes ago. Other than that, going well.

Ok, maybe it was them and not me....because I haven't had any problems recently.

It was gone, completely, then slowly came back...Same experience you had?

Comcast uses the Motorola DCT-6412 (http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp)

(that link doesn't have the Phase 3 info. )

BTW, the phase 3 boxes have Serial ATA connections on the back as well which may allow for the connection of an external hard drive to expand capacity. I havn't been able to verify if that is active as yet though.

Just thought I would post this in case it might help some of you in pointing your antennas. From reading various forums I've seen people indicate that antennaweb.com isn't always correct.

I've used Google Earth (a really sweet free program :D ) and mapped the locations of all the Kansas City DTV transmitters. If you open the attached Kansas.City.Stations.Antennas.kmz file into Google Earth it will plot the location of all the KC antennas. (The .kmz file was zipped since this board doesn't allow the .kmz file extension) When it's opened it will put the group in your "Temporary Places" folder you can then right click on the group and save it to the "My Places" section to save it permanently. You can then search for your own home address using the "Fly To" feature and it will plot your house.

Expanding the Kansas City Stations Antennas group you will find an entry for each of the stations. There you can hide or select them individually. Double clicking on any single station listed within the group will automatically fly you to that location. Double clicking on the group will zoom to show you all the stations. Once you've searched for your home address you can right click on the target for your home and save it to the "My Places" section. If you drag and drop your home location into the Kansas City Stations Antennas group and double click on the group it will zoom to show you an overall view of all the stations antennas and your home. From there you can get a better perspective of where the antennas are located in relation to your house.

I'm fairly certain these plottings are correct. I took the coordinates from the FCC's antenna structure registrations for these stations. I could be wrong though.

Google Earth can be downloaded here. http://earth.google.com/ There are many more things you can do using Google Earth. It was used quite a bit post Hurricane Katrina by media outlets. You will see how in the link.

-HiDefAutomation

The attachment below was edited to correct KMBC & KCWE antenna placement. You can download the file again to correct this.

That OTA picture from Fox 4 Digital yesterday was amazing....Amazingly BLACK....Not only do we get the crap 3pm game (Rams), but we can't get it OTA in HD.

That OTA picture from Fox 4 Digital yesterday was amazing....Amazingly BLACK....Not only do we get the crap 3pm game (Rams), but we can't get it OTA in HD.

Fox doesn't appear to be serious about their HD anyhow. Hell, I'm 9 miles from their transmitter, on a hill, and can't even see WDAF-DT on a scan. I know they say "end of September" on getting to full power, but seriously, they started new programs and season premiers on Fox last night...you'd think they'd have their hurry on. :)

So, an update about my uhm..."situation" with multipath interference. Seems as if that wasn't the issue after all with KCTV-DT. It just so happens that the decoder SageTV was using didn't happen to be the most efficient. 720p was all good, but 1080i choked it out. It'd get a few frames in, then hiccup really badly...processor spikes to 100%, signal meter goes to zero (nothing coming in because the CPU is tied up) then jumps back to 100%, rinse, repeat. Looked like classic multipath interference...but in reality, it was classic "I don't have my crap set up right."

Thanks for the help, directly and what I've found through searching. This community is awesome.

Picked one of those up to try it... It's quite a bit worse indoors and out on the balcony than the Terk HDTVi, which is disappointing. I'll be taking it along with three other antennas I've dropped $50 each on back to the store.

I'm just about to the point where I fold and wait until I move to a new apartment mid-October to see how things go. Shame I'll miss a lot of HD Chiefs games that way. Maybe I'll put a large outdoor antenna on the floor of my balcony. Don't know that it'd matter, though... I think it's mostly a multipath issue, since signal strength seems strong.

I just saw this new indoor Winegard "straight shooter" antenna Here (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/sharpshooter.htm) and it MAY work for your application. Winegard also makes the highly-regarded "square shooter" outdoor/attic antenna (same site) that might be something to try, also.

From your location, if your building faces a little south of east, you should be able to "look" at all the transmitters in town. KCTV and WDAF should be pretty much due south from you, but chances are pretty good that there are multiple reflections from the nearby buildings. Both of the above antennas are supposed to be good with multipath, and might be worth a try. The indoor one would, at least be easy to "tweak." Don't give up yet!

Brad

I can't figure out why I'm all of a sudden having major trouble picking up KMBC.

I can't figure out why I'm all of a sudden having major trouble picking up KMBC.

That's because Monday Night Football's on tonight. It's God's way of telling you that he didn't mean for Jimmy Skinner to throw an interception with 9 seconds to go... :)

But in seriousness, it's the only one in our area that's VHF, so it shouldn't be too bad to pick up... I've found that it's one of the least resilient stations, but once you have it in, it tends to stay in. I'm not at home to check and see if I'm having issues now, though.... Was fine last night... :)

I can't figure out why I'm all of a sudden having major trouble picking up KMBC.

You seem to lose stations all the time -- KMBC, KCTV, etc. Have you tracked this to a specific reason (Off-air antenna, HD box, weather, etc)??

My KMBC (9.1) is working just fine as of thisafternoon.

Well, it used to be weather related...now it seems to either be a problem with my antenna alignment or the HD Box...

This is why I've never set the thing up permanently...I have to adjust it every 2-3 days it seems..

The real kicker is that it works best about 3-5 feet off the ground. Not at all on the roof...just very frustrating.

Well, it used to be weather related...now it seems to either be a problem with my antenna alignment or the HD Box...

This is why I've never set the thing up permanently...I have to adjust it every 2-3 days it seems..

The real kicker is that it works best about 3-5 feet off the ground. Not at all on the roof...just very frustrating.

Are you getting KCTV 5-1 better since the power-up?

Brad

The only trouble I've had with KCTV in recent weeks was the blip yesterday at the beginning of the Chiefs game...It's been very nice...

It's weird, because I only used to be able to get KMBC with any consistency (of the big 4) and 5 and 41 were very, very hard to get...now, 5 and 41 are flawless and 9 will be on...doing fine, then pixelate, go out completely, then come right back...and it seems like there is no way to fix it.

The day I get this to work is gonna be awesome...living 50+ miles away, I'm surprised I can get anything, to be honest.

Lots of short dropouts on video and audio on KCTV-DT 5.1 tonight. No apparent change in signal level. Never had any problems before. Still need to reaim the antenna to see if I can get the signal strength up.

And....Now I get KMBC just fine...NOTHING ELSE...This hobby will drive a man to drink....

Once I thought I had them all tuned in, I went out to tighten everything up...lost every single station...

This is a complete crapshoot.

Oh well, at least I can get ABC in HD again.

I cannot WAIT for DirecTv to offer HD Locals...

That OTA picture from Fox 4 Digital yesterday was amazing....Amazingly BLACK....Not only do we get the crap 3pm game (Rams), but we can't get it OTA in HD.

I also had problems getting a picture from WDAF FOX4 DT-34 yesterday. Taking almost 3-5 minutes to go from a black screen to a 720p HD picture. My feelings is the WDAF PSIP data stream is corrupt. I have seen this before when KCPT data stream got corrupt and all I got was a blank screen.

I will e-mail WDAF engineering in hope that WDAF engineering will look at the PSIP data stream. With HDTV broadcasting it seems so much has to work together in order for some of our Over the Air decoder boxes to function smoothly.

jeff....

I have never seen anything but a black screen on WDAF-DT. I was being sarcastic, as Frank Boal SWORE they would be to full power by July 1.

I am at a total loss with this antenna....The closer I put it to the ground, the better it seems to work...Why I lost ALL the channels but KMBC is beyond me.

I've had to tinker with the VHF "wands" of the antenna so much to get KMBC to come in, it's not even funny. Sometimes, I think I'd be better off just trying to pick it up with a UHF only antenna...the Silver Sensor picked it up.

I also had problems getting a picture from WDAF FOX4 DT-34 yesterday. Taking almost 3-5 minutes to go from a black screen to a 720p HD picture. My feelings is the WDAF PSIP data stream is corrupt. I have seen this before when KCPT data stream got corrupt and all I got was a blank screen.

I will e-mail WDAF engineering in hope that WDAF engineering will look at the PSIP data stream. With HDTV broadcasting it seems so much has to work together in order for some of our Over the Air decoder boxes to function smoothly.

WDAF 34-1 is coming in fine for me on Dish 6K and Dish 921 (not strong, but fine).
I suppose the PSIP could be messed up, but I'd be inclined to let them work on one thing (the power-up) at a time. I don't think they're great at multitasking. :rolleyes:

Brad

Google Earth Stuff

Thanks for putting that together. Google Earth is an excellent program, especially for the price (free for most features). I've been using it since it was still owned by Keyhole, and it continues to get more useful every day. It's nice to see that people are actually using it. :)

Can someone in the area suggest a good FM antenna to install in the attic. I am having all sorts of trouble getting a good signal on FM stations in my home that i can get great in the truck. Will i need an amp with a FM antenna? I have an old cutenna for VHF channel 7 (used to use it for OTA of KMBC DT 9.1) can i modify this to receive FM stations? Should i just create a dipole out of some old 300 ohm wire?

Can someone in the area suggest a good FM antenna to install in the attic. I am having all sorts of trouble getting a good signal on FM stations in my home that i can get great in the truck. Will i need an amp with a FM antenna? I have an old cutenna for VHF channel 7 (used to use it for OTA of KMBC DT 9.1) can i modify this to receive FM stations? Should i just create a dipole out of some old 300 ohm wire?

Either of those should work pretty well - really, any VHF TV antenna should work. I doubt if you'll need an amp. This (http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/misc/dipole.html) is a link to a site for instructions to build your own dipole, if you don't already have it. Personally, I'd try the channel 7 antenna first. You may have to trim it a bit, but it will probably work as-is. Good luck! :)

Brad

I'm fairly certain these plottings are correct. I took the coordinates from the FCC's antenna structure registrations for these stations. I could be wrong though.-HiDefAutomation

This is really cool. I haven't had a lot of time to play with it yet, but it looks promising.

One thing you need to change: KMBC and KCWE are broadcast from a tower at 23rd and Topping (it has a candelabra top with 3 antennas pointing up and one down). The coordinates are 39d05'01" and 94d30'57".

The location you are showing, I believe, could be channel 50's old tower. This is, however, close to where KMBC/KCWE are building their new studios.

Thanks for the links! :cool:

Brad

This is really cool. I haven't had a lot of time to play with it yet, but it looks promising.

One thing you need to change: KMBC and KCWE are broadcast from a tower at 23rd and Topping (it has a candelabra top with 3 antennas pointing up and one down). The coordinates are 39d05'01" and 94d30'57".

The location you are showing, I believe, could be channel 50's old tower. This is, however, close to where KMBC/KCWE are building their new studios.

That's the one station I pulled two different locations for. I guess I should have checked KCWE's registration as well. Here is an updated .kmz file.

-HiDefAutomation

WDAF 34-1 is coming in fine for me on Dish 6K and Dish 921 (not strong, but fine).
I suppose the PSIP could be messed up, but I'd be inclined to let them work on one thing (the power-up) at a time. I don't think they're great at multitasking. :rolleyes:

Brad

Thanks Brad for the information. I noticed tonight that channel 34-01 had been remapped on my Over the Air Dish Network 6000 receiver to WDAF 4-01. This has solved my problem with receiving DT-34. :)

Check out this story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050914/tv_nm/television_mtv_dc

Check out this story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050914/tv_nm/television_mtv_dc


Just goes to show that when subscriber fees are a large part of your revenue stream $$$ come easy.....(and yes I'm whining). TI

Can anyone explain what causes audio dropouts on digital broadcasts? The season premiere of House last night was utterly unwatchable because of all the dropouts that occured during the broadcast. I don't know if the problem is my set(Samsung DLP, older HLN model), the cable box (motorola 6412 I believe), the network feed, or if it's a local issue with WDAF. I only have problems w/ shows on Fox, all of the other networks are fine, which would lead me to believe that it's a network / local problem, but I'm not sure. Also, I typically watch the shows after they have been recorded, so I don't know if the DVR is contributing to the problem at all. Any advice, suggestions, explanations would be helpful. Thanks.

We tried to watch "House" OTA on WDAF-DT, also. PAINFULL!

Does your cable co (Comcast?) get WDAF OTA, or by fiber? I'm sure the rain had something to do with OTA problems on an already-weak signal, but I can't explain cable problems if they get it by fiber link.

Brad

MHD would actually be something people cared about if they ACTUALLY played (HD) music videos, but it will probably be a lot of the same old tired crap reality shows that MTV is now infamous for.

I remember reading that Comcast tapped into TW's fiber line for WDAF right before the Superbowl last February. Thing is, I've always had this problem w/ FOX, which sucks because two of our favorite shows are House and 24. I've resorted to setting the DVR to record the SD broadcast (oh, the horror!) just so I don't pull my hair out from the audio dropouts.

The regular OTA broadcast that Everest Cable had of SD FOX had some breakup in it during the broadcast... but it appeared to be their Network downlink from the satellite as the severe weather bug didn't seem to have any problems. Might have been weather related.

That's the one station I pulled two different locations for. I guess I should have checked KCWE's registration as well. Here is an updated .kmz file.

-HiDefAutomation

That's perfect. Thanks!

Brad

We tried to watch "House" OTA on WDAF-DT, also. PAINFULL!

Does your cable co (Comcast?) get WDAF OTA, or by fiber? I'm sure the rain had something to do with OTA problems on an already-weak signal, but I can't explain cable problems if they get it by fiber link.

Brad

I checked around in some other forums (home theater spot, etc.) and didn't find too much information on the problem either. What I did notice though (and this was around the country, not just here locally) was that the majority of the complaints were about FOX, or their local affiliates. I'll dig around some more and see if I can find a technical explanation of why that happens, as I'm sure we're not the only ones experiencing problems . . .

I only noticed breakup once during House while watching Fox HD on Everest. Otherwise, it looked great.


The regular OTA broadcast that Everest Cable had of SD FOX had some breakup in it during the broadcast... but it appeared to be their Network downlink from the satellite as the severe weather bug didn't seem to have any problems. Might have been weather related.

Dish users,
Anyone spoken with KSMO lately about not decoding their signal with the 811? For those of you like me who need to watch something in HD there, I have found a fix. I can tune to 62.01 and disconnect/reconnect my antenna in the back of the 811 quickly, then the channel comes in. If you change channels, however, the channel will go back to black screen no audio. Hope the info works for you all, and maybe this info will help troubleshoot the issue.

Dish users,
Anyone spoken with KSMO lately about not decoding their signal with the 811? For those of you like me who need to watch something in HD there, I have found a fix. I can tune to 62.01 and disconnect/reconnect my antenna in the back of the 811 quickly, then the channel comes in. If you change channels, however, the channel will go back to black screen no audio. Hope the info works for you all, and maybe this info will help troubleshoot the issue.

Have you tried dropping KSMO WB62 DT-47 from your channel lineup and then rescan and reinstall DT-47. The PSIP information may have change causing your receiver to not be sure where to place DT-47 or remapped to KSMO 62.01.

Have you tried dropping KSMO WB62 DT-47 from your channel lineup and then rescan and reinstall DT-47. The PSIP information may have change causing your receiver to not be sure where to place DT-47 or remapped to KSMO 62.01.

This PSIP issue is a permanent problem with KSMO since february 05. I have tried every way (rescanning, deleting, adding manually, renaming, etc) but no resolution. I have noticed several posts over the past few months regarding this issue, but nobody wrote anything about speaking with the station, just DISH. I am going to try calling the station, again, with this new info and see if they have an idea what is causing it, but I tend to get blown off since us DISH + OTA users are so few.

chrobert,
Did your loss of KSMO coincide with a new software version that showed up in February, or did you just get your 811 then? I scanned the 811 support forum over at DBSTalk.com and didn't see any other complaints of PSIP problems with other stations, so a couple of things are possible (or maybe more than a couple):
1) KSMO is sending out something in their PSIP that only 811's see (my 921 and 6000 work fine on KSMO).
2) There is something wrong with your 811.
3) There is something wrong with all 811's.

To me, number 1 is the probable culprit, but you need to get the ear of someone in engineering. It seems to me there was someone on this forum from KSMO awile back. Does anyone remember? Is anyone else on the board seeing this issue with an 811?

Brad

KSMO and 811 problem.

I recently tried to get KSMO, couldn't get a signal lock before. I now get a 69% signal but no picture or sound. I don't currently have the antenna hooked up to the 6000 so I can't check it. I'll try to hook the 6000 up and check it on my next weekend which doesn't start til Wednesday.

chrobert,
Is anyone else on the board seeing this issue with an 811?

Brad

I used to ... haev now switched to Everest for my HD service. But i had the same problems with my 811, just a black screen.

I have the same problem.

chrobert,
Did your loss of KSMO coincide with a new software version that showed up in February, or did you just get your 811 then? I scanned the 811 support forum over at DBSTalk.com and didn't see any other complaints of PSIP problems with other stations, so a couple of things are possible (or maybe more than a couple):
1) KSMO is sending out something in their PSIP that only 811's see (my 921 and 6000 work fine on KSMO).
2) There is something wrong with your 811.
3) There is something wrong with all 811's.

To me, number 1 is the probable culprit, but you need to get the ear of someone in engineering. It seems to me there was someone on this forum from KSMO awile back. Does anyone remember? Is anyone else on the board seeing this issue with an 811?

Brad
Hey Brad,
The issue did occur with the software change in Feb. I used to be able to get KSMO before that. I do not know enough about PSIP tables to help the station troubleshoot their end. I have learned that the 811 reads data dynamically. For example, if a channel decides to multicast for a special event, the 811 would pick it up without having to rescan the channels like most other OTA receivers. However, this makes the 811 extremely prone to minor PSIP problems like the one mentioned in this forum several times, while most other receivers can overcome these minor glitches. Consequently, it is hard to convince station engineers that there is a problem, when most others boxes are getting the channel fine. Anyway, if no one has any luck with the station my workaround at least gives you a change to watch Smallville in HD :)

I have the same problem.

Me too!!! The KSMO and the Dish 811 problem is quite widespread based on the discussion from earlier pages I have experienced the same problem since February and have called both Dish (keep complaining until they said they wrote a memo to their engineering department)and the station. I have a great signal from 62 here in Sedalia, but it results in only a black screen and no audio. I have deleted, added, renamed, hard reset, plugged and unplugged, said the Rosary and sacrificed a live chicken in front of my Dish 811--all to no success. I was hoping Dog of Madness could help us since KCTV is operating KSMO under an joint marketing agreement with Sinclair Broadcasting, pending FCC approval of the sale of 62 to KCTV.

Me too!!! The KSMO and the Dish 811 problem is quite widespread based on the discussion from earlier pages I have experienced the same problem since February and have called both Dish (keep complaining until they said they wrote a memo to their engineering department)and the station. I have a great signal from 62 here in Sedalia, but it results in only a black screen and no audio. I have deleted, added, renamed, hard reset, plugged and unplugged, said the Rosary and sacrificed a live chicken in front of my Dish 811--all to no success. I was hoping Dog of Madness could help us since KCTV is operating KSMO under an joint marketing agreement with Sinclair Broadcasting, pending FCC approval of the sale of 62 to KCTV.

Oh my goodness "a live chicken". Looks like we will need help from the PSIP CSI engineer-"Mr DogofMadness please help us loyal digital viewers". "You are our last hope DogofMadness". Please look at the PSIP data stream for KSMO. Thank you.

I sat down last night to watch the Chiefs game in HD on KMBC and all I got was SD.

My Titan listing said the game would be rebroadcast in HD.

Anybody here know why KMBC failed to broadcast the ESPN HD signal?

When Chiefs' games are on ESPN, KMBC is always given (I'm not sure that's the correct word) the broadcast as a courtesy, since ESPN and ABC have the same parent company (Disney). However, they don't get the HD feed, since that is exclusive to ESPN-HD.

TitanTV is known to be in error "occasionally."

Brad

When Chiefs' games are on ESPN, KMBC is always given (I'm not sure that's the correct word) the broadcast as a courtesy, since ESPN and ABC have the same parent company (Disney). However, they don't get the HD feed, since that is exclusive to ESPN-HD.

TitanTV is known to be in error "occasionally."

Brad

BttB is correct. Every time we do one of these games we request permission to air it in HD but because of the cable deals etc., etc., we are not given permission to do so. Sorry.....TI

I am glad I have ESPN-HD! :) It was a glorious HD game!

Anyone else watching MNF upconverted SD in the 4th quarter with 13 minutes to go without audio? So much for QC. :(

yes only sd without audio

Anyone else watching MNF upconverted SD in the 4th quarter with 13 minutes to go without audio? So much for QC. :(


I also noticed KMBC9 DT-07 audio is down. I am glad to see others report the problem. I thought my hearing had gone out. :eek:

Just thought I would post an update. Everyone knows that WDAF is supposed to have their signal boosted sometime by the end of September. Well being impatient, I decided to email Frank Boal, and he actually replied.



"as close as i can come is "the end of this week"..or shortly there after..they won't make a definitive statement in case it doesn't happen..
thanks for your patience..
frank boal"

I received his reply the same night I sent the email. Monday September 20th. :rolleyes:

Well after I saw Painbreak's post I thought I'd post my problem.

I'm using an indoor antenna, the Radioshack 15-1880 which is pretty good, with my Sony which has a built-in tuner. Right now I've got CBS LOCKED in and it's near 100, I can get KCPT in, NBC, I HAD gotten UPN in, etc. Basically I get all in fairly strong except for WDAF which I haven't been able to get in at ALL in the time I've been messing with my Antenna and I'm a big "House" and "24" fan, then WB and KMBC. KMBC I picked up once and might be able to pick up again. WB has been at 50, then 62 so not fairly locked but I picked it up at this time of night.
I live in Olathe a few miles from Target on Strang Line.
edit: Btw what's with all these multiple channels of PAX? I'm picking up 50.1-.6 and 51.1-.6. I'm also believing the problem is with FOX since at one time I managed to pick up either some KCPT DT and KTWU DT stations in Topeka even. Also mileswise I'm 16 1/2 miles from the FOX antenna.
Putting an Antenna on the roof is not an option.

Anyone notice last night on the premier of Vegas the video was very jumpy? I was watching on Everest, anyone with OTA notice this?

Just thought I would post an update. Everyone knows that WDAF is supposed to have their signal boosted sometime by the end of September. Well being impatient, I decided to email Frank Boal, and he actually replied.



"as close as i can come is "the end of this week"..or shortly there after..they won't make a definitive statement in case it doesn't happen..
thanks for your patience..
frank boal"

I received his reply the same night I sent the email. Monday September 20th. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the info. They must be doing some switchover work with the network's HD splicer or something, as they were showing FOX's SD feed on a 16:9 background last night. I'll sure be thankful when I finally get a good, solid, reliable signal from WDAF-DT! As Jeffdbs pointed out, they have changed their virtual channel to 4-1.

Welcome to the forum, s.o.c.!

Brad

I also noticed KMBC9 DT-07 audio is down. I am glad to see others report the problem. I thought my hearing had gone out. :eek:

Sorry about the audio on Monday Night Football. Last evening, KMBC-DT had a failure of our Dolby audio encoder. Our Tech was out 'till early in the AM to patch around it but at this writing, I'm not sure about our ability to do 5.1 audio until we get our Dolby repaired/replaced......TI

TI,

Don't you love technology? Thanks for the update. Very strange to watch channel 9 and everything was ok, but 9-1 had no audio!

At last I didn't have to listen to that windbag john madden to watch the game in HD!

Anyone notice last night on the premier of Vegas the video was very jumpy? I was watching on Everest, anyone with OTA notice this?

I experieced the same phenomenon via OTA.

This post is a blessing for me. I'm new to the HDTV way of life and was going crazy trying to find answers to my questions. These are the things that have happened within the last few days of HDTV and the "oh so great" (add sarcasm here) TWC.

1. Both Las Vegas & Medium were very jumpy
2. Lost sound during MNF on HD channel only
3. Saw two plays of the GB / Browns game then TWC decided to switch over to the SD / Denver game instead, even though they showed GB/Browns on the schedule.
4. A lot of pixcalation (sp) during other shows.
5. Shows freezing for a few seconds then jumping forward to catch up.

Whew, glad I got that off my chest. Funny how none of the TWC Service Techs can answer why any of this is happening. Is KC new to the HD game as well, or is that just TWC for ya?

not impressed that I had to watch arrested development in SD last night, hopefully they'll
have it fixed soon.

my apartment complex shutdown my plans for an OTA antenna install... should have known
better. Any way I have a:

Terk TV36 outdoor antenna
channel master 7777 uhf/vhf high end preamp
channel master 9521a roter with infrared remote

perhaps someone else in KC can give this setup a good home, all is still in original box unused.

PM for info

Sorry about the audio on Monday Night Football. Last evening, KMBC-DT had a failure of our Dolby audio encoder. Our Tech was out 'till early in the AM to patch around it but at this writing, I'm not sure about our ability to do 5.1 audio until we get our Dolby repaired/replaced......TI
Hopefully he can work his magic before the LOST season premier. :eek:

This post is a blessing for me. I'm new to the HDTV way of life and was going crazy trying to find answers to my questions. These are the things that have happened within the last few days of HDTV and the "oh so great" (add sarcasm here) TWC.

1. Both Las Vegas & Medium were very jumpy
2. Lost sound during MNF on HD channel only
3. Saw two plays of the GB / Browns game then TWC decided to switch over to the SD / Denver game instead, even though they showed GB/Browns on the schedule.
4. A lot of pixcalation (sp) during other shows.
5. Shows freezing for a few seconds then jumping forward to catch up.

Whew, glad I got that off my chest. Funny how none of the TWC Service Techs can answer why any of this is happening. Is KC new to the HD game as well, or is that just TWC for ya?

TWC HD has been a little shaky for me the past week or so, too. But only in terms of picture quality (breakups and audio hiccups). I'll see if I can help.
1) Could be TWC or KSHB - don't know (didn't watch either).
2) KMBC problem - you can see that the engineer at the affiliate (who's most helpful) posted that the DD5.1 equipment went down and is still being worked on. Everyone had this problem, not just TWC subs.
3) An affiliate decision. TWC just passes on what the affiliate shows. SD/Den was in HD shortly thereafter though.
4/5) I've been having this problem on-and-off the past few days with all the HD channels on TWC. If it continues, call customer service, but make sure it's DEFINITELY a consistent problem at the TWC end, and not isolated to one particular channel. If things are bad at the provider's end, there's nothing TWC can do to fix it.

Hope this helps.

my apartment complex shutdown my plans for an OTA antenna install... should have known better.


On what grounds? If you have a balcony or window that faces the right direction, they have to let you install an antenna. What you can't do is install an antenna on the roof or in any other "common area".
See http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html
I don't know about installing on exterior walls, but you can't drill through them.