Was just about to post the same question also the texas game most of the abc hd games mnf for example all are dolby digital surrond sound I am only getting 2 channel sound.

hd is now working for navy army game

anyone having hd problems on 9.1 tonight with florida state vs. virginia tech? I have pixelation issues

Can anyone provide, or know where I can find, a list of QAM channel numbers for TWC (KC) subscribers?

Thanks for your help. -- Rob K.

Sorry for the length but I thought the group would be interested. This is from one of our sister stations:

In order to avoid running two antenna cables from the viewers rooftop, some satellite installers are diplexing the broadcast DT receive spectrum (at the rooftop) with the L-band output of the satellite LNB and bringing the combination into the viewers receive equipment area. At the equipment area, they split the signal and feed the satellite receiver and the viewers TV tuner/set. The viewer stated that the "diplexer" looks like a 2-way RF splitter installed backwards and that the "splitter" that feeds the satellite receiver and TV looks like a regular 2-way RF splitter!

It was suggested to the viewer that he connect his broadcast antenna directly to his DTV tuner/receiver. HE DID AS REQUESTED AND NOW RECEIVES WMTW'S DT SIGNAL AND ALL OF OUR COMPETITORS SIGNALS AT OVER 90% SIGNAL STRENGTH!
Needless to say, the viewer is happy to be able to receive our DT station but is furious about satellite installers......

Apparently, this "diplexed" method is used to get signals from the viewers
rooftop to the viewers equipment on one antenna cable has some unintended
consequences. I suspect that one or more signals in the mix are beating together to create interference to the ATSC tuner.....TI

Is this a local issue? I have noticed a lot of new shows on WDAF FOX are letter boxed, Startrek Enterprise is one show that comes to mind. By letter boxed I mean there are black bars on the top and the bottom of the picture, so I end up with bars on all 4 sides on my widescreen tv.

Apparently, this "diplexed" method is used to get signals from the viewers
rooftop to the viewers equipment on one antenna cable has some unintended
consequences. I suspect that one or more signals in the mix are beating together to create interference to the ATSC tuner.....TI

Wouldn't that be a pretty high (2gHz-0.7gHz= 1.3gHz +/-) beat frequency? At about 2X the UHF frequency I doubt if there would be a problem.

I don't have my line to my digital tuners diplexed, but I do have a line to an analog TV diplexed with no problems. It IS a good thing to try if you're having problems, though. Thanks, T.I.

Brad

Is this a local issue? I have noticed a lot of new shows on WDAF FOX are letter boxed, Startrek Enterprise is one show that comes to mind. By letter boxed I mean there are black bars on the top and the bottom of the picture, so I end up with bars on all 4 sides on my widescreen tv.

Star Trek: Enterprise is shot in HD at full 16x9 1080i. It is shown that way on UPN-HD. I have seen it on non-UPN stations in Pennsylvania in analog at 16x9 letterboxed, because Paramount shipped their 4x3 analog versions as letter boxed 16x9. That is why you are seeing it letter boxed. The best way to fix this is to zoom your TV uniformly in all direction (all black areas will disappear).

I have not watched Enterprise on WDAF (HD or analog) so cannot comment.

74 We
75 Style
76 Nat geographic
77 Discovery health
78 BBC
82-1 Showtime Next east
82-2 Showtime Family Zone east
82-3 Showtime Women east
82-4 Showtime Next pac
82-5 Showtime Family zone pac
82-6 Showtime Women pac
82-12 Showtime HD
83-12 Discovery HD
93-12 Fox 4 HD
100-1 Disney
100-12 NBC 41
101-12 Disc HD
103-12 TNT HD
106-12 CBS 5 HD
109-1 NBA
111-6 Disney
112-12 ABC 9 HD
113-11 KCPT HD
113-12 KCPT HD2
114-7 Showtime Advert
Rob this is what I get on my lg qam receiver. Let me know what you get off of the TWC feed.

Star Trek: Enterprise is shot in HD at full 16x9 1080i. It is shown that way on UPN-HD. I have seen it on non-UPN stations in Pennsylvania in analog at 16x9 letterboxed, because Paramount shipped their 4x3 analog versions as letter boxed 16x9. That is why you are seeing it letter boxed. The best way to fix this is to zoom your TV uniformly in all direction (all black areas will disappear).

I have not watched Enterprise on WDAF (HD or analog) so cannot comment.

Ok, that explains it. Maybe the other shows on Fox that I am thinking of are also syndications.
I can't zoom in on the show because I am receiving it OTA and connected to the set top box with component cables. I wonder if a HTPC could "zoom it in". I guess I could change to the analog receiver and zoom in that picture, but the the picture would look worse. Maybe I can find better versions of the show somewhere...

FROM THE EVEREST CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER:

Everest is, once again, expanding our HDTV lineup. In January, customers that subscribe to Everest HDTV will receive INHD and INHD2. These new channels present the best programming available in the high-definition format featuring a premiere lineup of live HD sports, movies, music and entertainment. Through partnerships with MLB, NBA, CSTV: College Sports Television, Arena Football League, PGA Tour and the United States Olympic Committee, INHD lets viewers experience sports as if you were in the arena. INHD2 features more than 35 stunning films made for IMAX® theaters, as well as first-run movies, riveting music specials such as Rockin' the Corps and Music 101, and weekly HD concerts from such mega acts as Bon Jovi, Usher and The Who all through the ultimate experience of High-Definition Television.

FROM THE EVEREST CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER:

Everest is, once again, expanding our HDTV lineup. In January, customers that subscribe to Everest HDTV will receive INHD and INHD2. These new channels present the best programming available in the high-definition format featuring a premiere lineup of live HD sports, movies, music and entertainment. Through partnerships with MLB, NBA, CSTV: College Sports Television, Arena Football League, PGA Tour and the United States Olympic Committee, INHD lets viewers experience sports as if you were in the arena. INHD2 features more than 35 stunning films made for IMAX® theaters, as well as first-run movies, riveting music specials such as Rockin' the Corps and Music 101, and weekly HD concerts from such mega acts as Bon Jovi, Usher and The Who all through the ultimate experience of High-Definition Television.

dlnester,

Thanks for the update. In my mind, this puts Everest AHEAD of all the other local cableco's as far as HD offerings, since they have ESPN2HD and NFL-HD. Neither Comcast nor TWC has these, and Comcast doesn't have HDNet & HDNet Movies. About all I can think of that they don't have is the smaller networks (UPN, WB, etc.) in HD.

For reasons I'm not willing to divulge here, I'm sticking with TWC, but it's nice to know that I can change providers at the drop of a hat without sacrificing any programming (except Metro Sports, which would be a little significant). Everest keeps stepping up to the plate!

Thanks for the update. In my mind, this puts Everest AHEAD of all the other local cableco's as far as HD offerings, since they have ESPN2HD and NFL-HD. Neither Comcast nor TWC has these, and Comcast doesn't have HDNet & HDNet Movies. About all I can think of that they don't have is the smaller networks (UPN, WB, etc.) in HD. Remember that TWC does NOT have WB-HD locally either. It drives me nuts that TWC *STILL* has not signed an agreement with KSMO for that. Or that ESPN2-HD or NBA-HD are not added yet.

While we're on the subject of Everest, is anyone able to get HD on a QAM capable TV on Everest. I have tried it on my TV, but nothing shows up. Aren't cable providers by law required to carry HD locals unencrypted? It looks to me that Everest is not doing this.

When I checked a few months ago, Everest did NOT have a CableCard solution to those of us with new Digital CableReady HDTV's. Does anyone know if Everest now has CableCards, and if so, how much they charge per card per month? Are there installation costs or can you DIY?

Everest does not do cable card at this time. I'd still be interested to hear if they have unencryped QAM hd channels on their cable though.

What I don't understand is that I thought the FCC was REQUIRING MANDITORY CableCard implementation by all cable companies by July 2005. Why is it that Everest doesn't need to comply with these regulations?

This is a pretty good tool. Too bad there are mistakes on it:

1. No WDAF
2. KSHB's power is wrong (should be 450, not 3450 kW)

Brad

We have just recently done an extensive update and recalculation of the data we receive from the FCC. Should be more stable data there now. Please let me know if anything still looks out of place.

Another update: If you are registered and have your home address defined, it will include a home marker and give you distance and bearing information to each station.

And thanks for the link jeffdbs.

Enjoy,

- Shane

Wouldn't that be a pretty high (2gHz-0.7gHz= 1.3gHz +/-) beat frequency? At about 2X the UHF frequency I doubt if there would be a problem.

I don't have my line to my digital tuners diplexed, but I do have a line to an analog TV diplexed with no problems. It IS a good thing to try if you're having problems, though. Thanks, T.I.

Brad

This doesn't seem to bother the analog feeds but plays havoc with the digital. Most of the calls or e-mails we get from people who cannot receive KMBC-DT have a satellite service and have a diplexed antenna system. We're looking into why this only affects the VHF......TI

I currently have regular cable subscription from Time Warner in Overland Park. Does anyone know if Time Warner regular cable will have non-scrambled HD signal? Like one poster above, instead of renting the HD tuner from Time Warner, I would like to just buy one tuner with QAM compatible. If anyone knows, please let me know which tuner model works for my scenario. I currently do not have any STB from cable company and I only receive up to channel 78.

I also do not want to mess with outside antenna as my house is at the bottom of a small hill. Olathe airport is also within five miles from my house.

Thanks,
Seth

I know TWCKC has the Cable Cards that work, but I heard you won't view the same menus and you can't use the OnDemand feature.

I have an LG 3410a DVR with hdtv qam tuner. This is the list I pick up.

82-1 Showtime Next east
82-2 Showtime Family Zone east
82-3 Showtime Women east
82-4 Showtime Next pac
82-5 Showtime Family zone pac
82-6 Showtime Women pac
82-12 Showtime HD
83-12 Discovery HD
93-12 Fox 4 HD
100-1 Disney
100-12 NBC 41
101-12 Disc HD
103-12 TNT HD
106-12 CBS 5 HD
109-1 NBA
111-6 Disney
112-12 ABC 9 HD
113-11 KCPT HD
113-12 KCPT HD2
114-7 Showtime Advert

as long as your STB has qam in it you should be able to get thses stations. I too suscribe to cable and these were a nice suprise. You will may not get any menu info for these stations though.

IF anyone gets any others let me know they keep adding and I do not keep rescanning LOL

Thanks bongo. I will evaluate if renting CableCARD from TWCKC is better option. Otherwise, I will just have to go with trial and error of setting up antenna (probably indoor or setup outdoor one in attic).

Thanks, psblake. I saw your earlier post but I didn't know whether you have regular cable subscription. Thanks again for the complete list of available digital channels. Any particular HD receiver that you would recommend?

Edit: Sorry. I didn't see the HD tuner mentioned in your first sentence. Duhh!!

I have an LG 3410a DVR with hdtv qam tuner. This is the list I pick up.

82-1 Showtime Next east
82-2 Showtime Family Zone east
82-3 Showtime Women east
82-4 Showtime Next pac
82-5 Showtime Family zone pac
82-6 Showtime Women pac
82-12 Showtime HD
83-12 Discovery HD
93-12 Fox 4 HD
100-1 Disney
100-12 NBC 41
101-12 Disc HD
103-12 TNT HD
106-12 CBS 5 HD
109-1 NBA
111-6 Disney
112-12 ABC 9 HD
113-11 KCPT HD
113-12 KCPT HD2
114-7 Showtime Advert

as long as your STB has qam in it you should be able to get thses stations. I too suscribe to cable and these were a nice suprise. You will may not get any menu info for these stations though.

IF anyone gets any others let me know they keep adding and I do not keep rescanning LOL

Noobie here and I have a few questions. What is QAM and where can I get a LG 3410a DVR with hdtv qam tuner ?

Can anyone help a brother out ?

QAM is a method of signal transmission, it is different than Over-The-Air (OTA) and other cable methods. If your TV or STB/DVR has a QAM tuner, you can see those channels as long as they are not encrypted. The encrypted channels can only be seen with the cable company's STB.

You could do a search on Google. (http://www.google.com/search?lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=LG%203410a%20DVR) to get an idea of how much they cost and where to purchase one.

If you have cable, I believe all companies offer a HDTV DVR for lease in the KC area.

v/r,
C-F

Thanks CF

rtuimauga,

Circuit City online has deep discount but it is not currently available. The current discounted price is cheaper than refurbished recorders selling on ebay.

Is anyone having issues with Channels 38 and 41 ? I still get very spotty signal from them. All of the other channels are solid as a rock.

I have a fairly large antenna in my attic which was installed by Antenna Masters. Norm is the guys name. The antenna has an amplifier in line to boost the line level in the run from my attic to the theatre.

This has been going on for almost 2 years now.

I live up north just about a mile south of Barry Road on 169.

All thoughts are greatly appreciated.

I used to recv all the Showtime channels listed below, but they appear to be scrambled now. TNT will come in, but I rarely have audio no matter how often I rescan.

I have a Zenith C32V37.


I have an LG 3410a DVR with hdtv qam tuner. This is the list I pick up.

82-1 Showtime Next east
82-2 Showtime Family Zone east
82-3 Showtime Women east
82-4 Showtime Next pac
82-5 Showtime Family zone pac
82-6 Showtime Women pac
82-12 Showtime HD
83-12 Discovery HD
93-12 Fox 4 HD
100-1 Disney
100-12 NBC 41
101-12 Disc HD
103-12 TNT HD
106-12 CBS 5 HD
109-1 NBA
111-6 Disney
112-12 ABC 9 HD
113-11 KCPT HD
113-12 KCPT HD2
114-7 Showtime Advert

as long as your STB has qam in it you should be able to get thses stations. I too suscribe to cable and these were a nice suprise. You will may not get any menu info for these stations though.

IF anyone gets any others let me know they keep adding and I do not keep rescanning LOL

This doesn't seem to bother the analog feeds but plays havoc with the digital. Most of the calls or e-mails we get from people who cannot receive KMBC-DT have a satellite service and have a diplexed antenna system. We're looking into why this only affects the VHF......TI

I have a Winegard Sensar III antenna and a directv dish combined using a Winegard signal combiner (forget the model number) and then split again inside the house. KMBC-DT comes in great.

-Siva

yeah TNT is buggy with my LG too. Only pick up audio rarely. Showtime still comes in great. I picked these station sup BEFORE I even got a subscription to cable. Pulled the trigger on the cable and the TV guide feature builti into the lg works great as well. Although only the local channels and the one Showtime HD channel gets any info through tv guide.

The Best buy on Quivera used to have the lg might try there.

Well, I was almost right... the Chiefs will have appeared in HD every game this season except for the bumped-up Miami game that only was seen by 3 markets in the U.S. CBS has posted that all 3 of the Chiefs remaining games (@NYG, vs. SD, vs. CIN) will be aired in Hi-Def. When you consider that CBS (which shows most of the games from the Chiefs' conference, the AFC) could only broadcast 3 HD games in any given weekend (out of up to 8), the bigwigs must have really liked the Chiefs. In fact, even the KC-Miami game may have been chosen for HD until the game moved to Friday.

I picked the right year to go HD! Count your blessings, Chiefs fans! They probably were seen in HD more than any other AFC team this year.

Now if they could just pull these last three out, then keep it rolling thru the playoffs...

Hello everyone! Longtime lurker here at AVS. I am a DTV HD customer with a 4228 antenna. I currently receive ALL (except one) of the KC broadcast channels in HD at 60 or above including 93's for channel 9 and 41. 4 comes in great also. The only one that I can't receive is KCTV 5. I always get a 0-10 with a searching for signal message. Is there anything that I can do to get it. I am located North of Orrick MO. Thanks for all of your help!

Sure is quiet around here. Anyone have a suggestion as to which type of front projector I should by....with a budget of around 2K? Anyone have a front projector?

patlives, I live in Olathe and until the 2nd quarter of the chiefs game today I've never had a problem pulling in KCTV. My signal strength for KCTV is usually about 100 -- very steady. However, this afternoon I was struggling to get 55 - 70, and it would rarely lock.

djones0865, I've owned a number of front projectors -- various LCDs, DLPs, and CRTs. My two current projectors are an Infocus X1, and a Toshiba MT700. For a budget of about $2,000 I'd go with a Panasonic AE900. Very good specs and reviews.

Sure is quiet around here. Anyone have a suggestion as to which type of front projector I should by....with a budget of around 2K? Anyone have a front projector?


I've got a front projector. I've got the Runco 1000D. Unfortunately I'm not up to speed on those in the 2K range. Sorry. You might try calling Derrick at Audioport, 913 341 2222 and ask him. He may be able to rec something. I don't think they sell anything at that price point, but I could be wrong. He's a great guy and may have some ideas for you even if he can't sell it to you.

I have friends coming into town next weekend who are big Broncos fans. They want to know if the Broncos game will be broadcast here in KC. I expect it will since we usually see AFC West games, but how can I verify this? Also will it be in HD?

tblankenship, as of now, the listings for KCTV 5 don't tell what game they will carry, but WIBW 13 (real channel 44) from Topeka plans to carry the Faders/Donkeys game in HD. If they can't watch Denver, will they stay home for the holidays? :D

I have an LG 3410a DVR with hdtv qam tuner. This is the list I pick up.

82-1 Showtime Next east
82-2 Showtime Family Zone east
82-3 Showtime Women east
82-4 Showtime Next pac
82-5 Showtime Family zone pac
82-6 Showtime Women pac
82-12 Showtime HD
83-12 Discovery HD
93-12 Fox 4 HD
100-1 Disney
100-12 NBC 41
101-12 Disc HD
103-12 TNT HD
106-12 CBS 5 HD
109-1 NBA
111-6 Disney
112-12 ABC 9 HD
113-11 KCPT HD
113-12 KCPT HD2
114-7 Showtime Advert

as long as your STB has qam in it you should be able to get thses stations. I too suscribe to cable and these were a nice suprise. You will may not get any menu info for these stations though.

IF anyone gets any others let me know they keep adding and I do not keep rescanning LOL

Anyone have the Qam channel list for comcast?

I have Comcast and a dual tuner HD DVR. If I set to tape a program and leave the dvr off I can not get sound when I turn it on. If the dvr is on when taping begins there is no problem. I guess I could just leave the dvr on all the time, but I have to keep reminding my wife about this anomoly.
Any ideas?

Sure is quiet around here. Anyone have a suggestion as to which type of front projector I should by....with a budget of around 2K? Anyone have a front projector?

I have the AE-900. It's in your price range and well worth the cost.

Anyone have the Qam channel list for comcast?

I'd also be interested in this.

I have Comcast and a dual tuner HD DVR. If I set to tape a program and leave the dvr off I can not get sound when I turn it on. If the dvr is on when taping begins there is no problem. I guess I could just leave the dvr on all the time, but I have to keep reminding my wife about this anomoly.
Any ideas?

I had the same problem w/ my kids turning off the DVR instead of the TV. When I turned it back on, I had no sound. I called customer support and she walked me through programming the remote so now my "help" button mutes / unmutes the DVR. Previously, I had to unplug the unit and reset it before I could get the sound back . . .

BLADESFAN1972
Thanks for the response. I will have to call Comcast to see if I can do the same thing.

I no longer get any showtime they are scrambled.

They probably read the forum...

v/r,
C-F

Merry Christmas to me! My wife purchased a Samsung HLR-5067W for me and I am experiencing high definition for the first time. I'm watching the NBA games on channel 7 at almost perfect signal strength using a Terk TV5. That will be my weapon of choice until DirecTV gets here.

I have noticed for the last several weeks that the second football game is not presented in HD until many minutes or quarters are played. I am curious if the switching is done manually at the station or is it some glitch from the network feed? FOX does not seem to have this problem.

Merry Christmas to me! My wife purchased a Samsung HLR-5067W for me and I am experiencing high definition for the first time. I'm watching the NBA games on channel 7 at almost perfect signal strength using a Terk TV5. That will be my weapon of choice until DirecTV gets here.

Congratulations and Welcome.

v/r,
C-F

I recently purchased a 52HM95 and I am some what disapointed with it. The PQ is horrible. I play an XBOX 360 set to 720p and it looks real good. But I watch SD CAble and most channels look jagged. Plus anytime there is a large solid color on the screen, the fuzzyness of the screen shows through. I am getting my HD Cable Box in a couple of days and will see how that goes.

I am thinking about returning this set for a Sammy HL-R5067W. My main reasons are:

1. The Sammy accepts 1080i, the Tosh doesnt.

2. The Sammy has a 5th gen dlp processor and the Tosh has a HD2+.


I would appreciate any of your input here.
Report Post

Ottis,

In my opinion, the Samsung is the better set, but here's a couple of things to know that might help you set more realistic expectations:

* The Toshiba does accept 1080i -- it displays as 720p, but it definitely accepts a 1080i signal and deinterlaces/scales that programming to 720p. The Samsung is a 1080p display, but bear in mind it does NOT accept a 1080p signal -- it de-interlaces/scales non-1080p (480i, 480p, 1080i, 720p) programming to the set's native resolution of 1080p.

* While I appreciate that you probably still watch a fair bit of SD programming, the fact is that most HDTVs won't look very good with SD content, and it's not a particularly good way to evaluate the performance of one set against another.

While there is a difference in the performance of differents brands and models and how they scale SD to HD resolutions, a bigger issue is the fact that NTSC signals were never intended to be viewed on a display larger than 27 inches. Once you go much beyond that size, you are going to see the image's line structure, and artifacts such as jaggies will become much easier to see.

This is made worse by the fact that cable and satellite program distributors compress the video/audio siginals in order to be able to fit more programming down the finite bandwidth they're dealing with. In fact, this is the biggest problem with SD programming and one that you're going to be stuck with regardless of which display you ultimately decide on.

Doug!
I wanted to thank you again for coming up out of your way for me and putting in all that time. I am sorry I was very busy the last couple of weeks and did not get back to you. We are thoroughly enjoying everything you did and hope you had a Merry Christmas.

The e-mail thing was probably all my fault, it was us.army...

v/r,
C-F

CF,

No problem -- it was nice to meet you and your wife and I appreciate the feedback.

I'd also be interested in this.

I thought I would start the Comcast QAM lineup. Here is what I have found:

82-1 ABC
83-1 NBC
86-1 CBS
114-1 Fox
118-1:10 infomercial for comcast on demand

Anyone have any others? when my samsung tuner autoprograms, it finds a bunch of others. However, when I tune to any of those it shows "no signal".

I have a ATI HDTV Wonder PC card and new VHF/UHF Channel Master Antenna. All Kansas City SD and HDTV channels come in fine except KMBC-DT (VHF CH 7) which is the only VHF HDTV channel in the area. Have searched the net but can not find any info on whether the ATI HDTV card does or does not receive HDTV VHF channels. Does anybody have this combo working or does it have problems? Any suggestions?

Not sure if this is okay to post here but since it is local...wanted to see if anyone could give me a name and # of a reputable person or company to calibrate my rear projection tv?

Thanks....Ps I have a panasonic 47" that is 2-3 years old. The middle of the picture looks greart in high def but the edges are curved and causes blurriness and doubling.

jayhawker,

I get to KC fairly regularly, and my next visit will be sometime in late January or early February, if you can wait until then.

I've done some work for a few of the forum participants here, but I can also pass onto you some references if you'd find that helpful.

FYI -- I don't get a lot of calls for Panasonic CRT sets, but I recently calibrated one during my last trip to KC/Springfield. I also own one of the very first Panasonic HDTVs sold.

Not sure if this is okay to post here but since it is local...wanted to see if anyone could give me a name and # of a reputable person or company to calibrate my rear projection tv?

Thanks....Ps I have a panasonic 47" that is 2-3 years old. The middle of the picture looks greart in high def but the edges are curved and causes blurriness and doubling.

Doug beat me to it :)

I was just going to say, try to get Doug from Clearly Resolved (http://clearlyresolved.com/) out here. I have it on good authority that he's one of the best in the midwest.

I once did a search for some calibrators local to the KC metro area and found that I had very little confidence in the results. One calibrator from a local boutique shop actually told me I would not like the look of a calibrated display!

Mark

I second that recommendation.

...but you probably saw that four posts up...

v/r,
C-F

I can vouch for Doug. He did a great job for me!

Brad

I'm new to the HD market and have a hdtv ready mitsubishi tv, can I use a over the air antenna to pick up the HD signals or since my tv is only hd 'ready' do i also need a tuner? I thought the answer was just by an HD antenna but I read a post that says I also need the tuner - so as you can seem I'm confused. Any help is appreciated.

wcats,

"HD Ready" means that the TV does not have a built-in HD tuner, but will produce HD pictures if it is properly connected to an HD source.

If your Mits set is truly "HD Ready," you're going to need to find both an antenna and a tuner.

I've noticed oaccaional sound dropouts on Fox and only on Fox. I don't know if it at the network level or WDAF is having some problems. It is annoying and even my wife noticed it and complained, Anyone else notice this?

http://www.googleitfirst.com/search.php?query=hd+ready+vs+enabled

Was that really necessary? Wcats obviously is not a technical person and needed help getting the information. You obviously have just been waiting years to flame someone with a lower intelligence level for yourself. Congrats, you found someone. Now you can move on with your life. Besides, that joke is tired.

Was that really necessary? Wcats obviously is not a technical person and needed help getting the information. You obviously have just been waiting years to flame someone with a lower intelligence level for yourself. Congrats, you found someone. Now you can move on with your life. Besides, that joke is tired.

Now, Was that really necessary?

yep

Hello KC and my best wishes are extended over the Holiday season.

I have been enjoying HD for a few years now between D* and OTA. D* is very reliable but on a few occasions during some very heavy storms my reception suffers. OTA is less relyable but seems to be maintenance issues with the local broadcast channels during and after heavy storms. Also every now and then I seem to suffer from multipath problems and have to fuss with the antenna a bit(it's bizar but I do it anyway...) ABC and WB tends to be worse than CBS and NBC and PBS has been excellent in my experience.

Since the MPEG 4 conversion on D* is approaching I have been considering a conversion to Comcast. Since I already subscribe to their broadband cable service, I have been considering canceling my D* and take advantage of their HD offering. I have no experience with Comcast's receiver type or quality and am concerned I will be losing the quality I have enjoyed.

Any help will be appreciated.
Regards
Henry

BTW, I live in Lee's Summit

Kansas City Business Journal - 2:27 PM CST Thursday

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday refused to revive a cable television company's federal lawsuit against North Kansas City for planning a city-owned fiber-optic network capable of delivering television programs to customers in the city.

Time Warner Cable sued North Kansas City in 2004 after its City Council contracted with Overland Park-based Black & Veatch to design and plan a fiber-optic network capable of delivering data, voice and video.

Arguing that Missouri law requires cities to ask voters' permission before taking ownership in cable television facilities, Time Warner asked U.S. District Judge Ortrie Smith to halt work on the project until North Kansas City had held an election on the project.

But Smith dismissed the case, finding that the City Council hadn't decided to own a cable television network because the plans didn't include a "head end facility" capable of placing TV programming on the network.

On appeal, Time Warner argued that the fiber-optic network couldn't support itself without offering customers cable television programming.

The appeals court rejected the argument, saying the city hadn't required the fiber-optic network to be self-supporting and agreed with Smith's finding that Time Warner's claim wouldn't be "ripe" for consideration unless the city builds cable facilities without having an election.

"Many government programs are not, standing alone, self-supporting," the appeals court ruling said. "In any event, the facility, as currently planned, will not be capable of providing cable-television services without upgrade."

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2005/12/26/daily22.html?t=printable

Speaking of cable companies has anybody here been able to compare the local networks Over the Air HD picture quality vs local cable companies local networks HD quality? I have Dish Network and I receive my local HD via Over the Air so I am unable to compare the picture quality of local cable companies on my HDTV.

Full-bandwidth HD Over the Air local broadcasts look excellent so does local cable companies allow enough bandwidth to keep the local HD picture quality excellent?

Full-bandwidth HD Over the Air local broadcasts look excellent so does local cable companies allow enough bandwidth to keep the local HD picture quality excellent?

jeff
sounds like we both have the same concern...

As for Municipal communication networks, I'll error on the side of the commercial distribution where there is accountability and the benefits of competition.

Henry

TWC is just freaked out because they may actually have to LOWER their prices in a few more neighborhoods if they have a little competition. (Just like what Everest did for Lenexa, OP, and Shawnee.)

I have compared TWC HD vs over the air on CBS ABC and NBC I wouls say it is about the same I do not think TWC is compressing it further

I have no way to record the streams to numerically compare, but displayed on a 32" 4:3 CRT via component, I see no obvious difference between an SA8300HD and an Accurian. YMMV with a bigger display or different cable and OTA boxes...


v/r,
C-F

I'm having a curious situation. I just installed an HD tuner in my computer and I'm receiving all KC HD stations with just some rabbit ears (I'm about 20 miles away from all sources), execpt one. I can't seem to get a good fix on KMBC. I get about 20-35 strength which isn't enough for a good signal. The reason I find this curious is because I pick up KCWE fine which seems to be at the same location. So is the KMBC transmitter somehow weaker than its KCWE transmitter?

I'm having a curious situation. I just installed an HD tuner in my computer and I'm receiving all KC HD stations with just some rabbit ears (I'm about 20 miles away from all sources), execpt one. I can't seem to get a good fix on KMBC. I get about 20-35 strength which isn't enough for a good signal. The reason I find this curious is because I pick up KCWE fine which seems to be at the same location. So is the KMBC transmitter somehow weaker than its KCWE transmitter?

KMBC is VHF, on channel 7, so perhaps your rabbit ears are only UHF??

KMBC is VHF, on channel 7, so perhaps your rabbit ears are only UHF??
No, they can do VHF, UHF, FM, and HDTVdigital according to the box. It's a Philips MANT510.

I'm trying one last thing. I can scan ATSC frequencies (which is what I picked it up on before) or NTSC frequencies (which I'm trying now).

Edit: And of course that did it.

Anyone lose the CBS KCTV5 HD signal right after the Chiefs game started today? I'm using DISH, but get the local HD channel OTA. I can't even scan to get it.

--Gary

Anyone lose the CBS KCTV5 HD signal right after the Chiefs game started today? I'm using DISH, but get the local HD channel OTA. I can't even scan to get it.

--Gary

No problems with my E* OTA signal for KCTV5 HD.

gbledsoe : No problems with the OTA broadcast here. No glitches, no sound problems, no pixelation. In fact, they switched to HD much faster today when they went to the Miami - Pats game....

No, they can do VHF, UHF, FM, and HDTVdigital according to the box. It's a Philips MANT510.

I'm trying one last thing. I can scan ATSC frequencies (which is what I picked it up on before) or NTSC frequencies (which I'm trying now).

Edit: And of course that did it.


I have D* with a Samsung HD tuner and I cannot pick up channel 9DT on it. I can get all other stations in Digital from my antenna which is 40' up on my chimney. What is ATSC? I don't see that as an option to scan on my Samsung tuner, I only see NTSC. Do I need a new tuner capable of ATSC to get channel 9?

I have D* with a Samsung HD tuner and I cannot pick up channel 9DT on it. I can get all other stations in Digital from my antenna which is 40' up on my chimney. What is ATSC? I don't see that as an option to scan on my Samsung tuner, I only see NTSC. Do I need a new tuner capable of ATSC to get channel 9?
ATSC is the standard for broadcasting HDTV. NTSC is the standard for broadcasting analog TV. VHF is the old frequncy range that is being replaced by UHF.

The main advantage of UHF transmission is that its high frequency means it has a physically short wave. Since the size of transmission and reception equipment (particularly antennas) is related to the size of the wave, smaller, less conspicuous antennas can be used than with VHF or lower bands.

Taken from the Wikipedia entry on UHF.

To answer your question though, KMBC is on VHF which should be accessible through NTSC frequencies. At the moment I think all the stations are accessible through NTSC frequencies as well. However, there is of course the ever extending deadline to get them off of VHF frequencies.

i read enough of this thread to find out that some of you are getting a digital signal with their local ch. i got the hdtv then i got the dish network hd box model B11 and i can get dolby on the other hd channels. but i'm not sure if i get hd on the local channels (dont think so) and i know i don't get the dolby or anything other than pcm. i tried most of the setup options. i never was able to get the ota part of the box to work. the local ch have been named 4-00, 5-00, 9-00, and so on. if anybody can help it would be much appreciated.

thanks and happy new year,

grady

i read enough of this thread to find out that some of you are getting a digital signal with their local ch. i got the hdtv then i got the dish network hd box model B11 and i can get dolby on the other hd channels. but i'm not sure if i get hd on the local channels (dont think so) and i know i don't get the dolby or anything other than pcm. i tried most of the setup options. i never was able to get the ota part of the box to work. the local ch have been named 4-00, 5-00, 9-00, and so on. if anybody can help it would be much appreciated.

thanks and happy new year,

grady


Do you have an over the air antenna connected to your E* receiver? That is a requirement to get the local channels. This is different than your dish.

Do you have an over the air antenna connected to your E* receiver? That is a requirement to get the local channels. This is different than your dish.

Gmarcotte,
tblankinship is correct; you need to have an antenna connected to your 811. Then, you have to go into the menu - setup - local channels screen to scan for channels. There will be a button labeled "Scan Digital" or something similar. After the scan, which will take a couple of minutes, maybe, you will have a list of stations something like:
04-1 WDAF DT (34)
05-1 KCTV DT (24)
09-1 KMBC DT (7)
19-1 KCPT DT (18)
19-2 KCPT DT (18)
29-1 KCWE DT (31)
38-1 KMCI DT (36)
41-1 KSHB DT (42)
50-1 KPXE DT (51)
50-2 (51)
50-3 (51)
50-4 (51)
62-1 KSMO DT (47).

The numbers in parentheses are the digital channel numbers. If, for some reason the automatic scan doesn't pick up a given channel, you can do a manual scan by entering the digital channel number.

Depending on your location, you may be able to use an indoor antenna, such as the Silver Sensor (available, I think, at Sears), or you may need to use an attic mounted or outdoor antenna.

In my opinion, whatever you have to do to get OTA is well worth the time and effort - there is NO better picture out there. Now that all locals are at full power (except WB 62-1), the reliability is excellent.

If you have antenna problems or questions, this is the place to ask them. Good luck, and have fun!

Brad

ok so the tiny little antenna that came with it is not high enough in the air or something? it has a small one but no channels are found, i do live in a valley. so i will look for the owners manual for now. i may try to raise the antenna with a 75 ohm coax. thanks for the help. any ideas will help, thanks,

grady

The tiny little antenna that came with it is to receive the remote control RF signals only. It has its own coax receptacle to plug into, labeled "UHF remote" or something similar. Your off-air antenna needs to be plugged into the one labeled "8VSB antenna."

Brad

Bradtothebone,
thanks for the info, i had been jacking around with the 811 and the next thing i knew the remote didn't work anymore. also i would have been wasting my time looking for coax for the wrong antenna. thanks again.

grady

If your watching the Penn State game I have an opinion for you. My equipment is working just fine as I flip through the other HD channels but ABC has something effed up on the audio.

I have checked and rechecked my system but the audio is attenuated in some way. Is it me???

At least the vidio is good! but without audio the package is not complete...

HBomb

I have noticed several times that ABC seems to have audio problems to the extent that I have to watch the analog channel. It is annoying and you would think they would have it working more consistently by now.

MCP-100 DVR with DVD Recorder/Player from Scientific-Atlanta

http://www.cnet.com/4831-11405_1-6411591.html?tag=txt

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/customers/source/7007081.pdf

Well ABC has had audio problems on every sporting event I have watched since the Penn State game.

At least the Pittsburgh game was on CBS. Go Steelers ;>)

I watched the Dish Network "HD Chat" last night. I noticed when a map was shown of the upcoming local HD channels to be carried by Dish Network-Kansas City was on the list. So it is possible soon that KMBC-DT, KCTV-DT, KSHB-DT, WDAF-DT, KCWE-DT, KSMO-DT and KCPT-DT will be available on the Dish Network 129 satellite position.

Has E* stated if there will be an additional fee for local HD channels?

Has E* stated if there will be an additional fee for local HD channels?

I haven't heard about any additional fee.

What happened to the audio on 9.1? Soon as "Commander-in-Chief" started, the audio was gone. Now the picture went to SD, and still no audio.....?

What happened to the audio on 9.1? Soon as "Commander-in-Chief" started, the audio was gone. Now the picture went to SD, and still no audio.....?


"Boston Legal" was just fine for me Over the Air HDTV.

I noticed the audio on Commander in Chief also. I set the DVR to record it and when we went to play it there wasn't any sound. Not only that the fast forward and pause functions of the DVR didn't function. The stop worked, but that was about it. Does the dvr playback key off audio tracks?

I had the same problem with Commander in Chief recorded on the DVR. Glad to see it wasn't just our problem. Perhaps technicalitalian, who works at KMBC, might have some idea of what happened.

I watched the Dish Network "HD Chat" last night. I noticed when a map was shown of the upcoming local HD channels to be carried by Dish Network-Kansas City was on the list. So it is possible soon that KMBC-DT, KCTV-DT, KSHB-DT, WDAF-DT, KCWE-DT, KSMO-DT and KCPT-DT will be available on the Dish Network 129 satellite position.

At least at first, the HD Locals on Dish (and I think DirecTV also) will be CBS, ABC, NBC, and FOX only. The others may show up later, but there have been no promises, to my knowledge.

If you sub to SD Locals, you will get the HD automatically for no extra charge, but you are not required to sub to locals to get the new HD pack, which includes 15 VOOM channels. They are adding Universal HD and ESPN2HD also.

You have to have a new MPEG4 receiver to get the new channels, including Locals. The rules for equipment upgrades are VERY murky right now. See satelliteguys.us for discussion.

Brad

...which includes 15 VOOM channels. They are adding Universal HD and ESPN2HD also.
Brad

To clarify...Voom costs an extra $5.00/month, and includes 10 additional HD channels, not 15. The other 5 are in the HD subscription, which costs $9.99/mo.

Also, I presume you DO need to sub to locals in order to get the local HD. And your message implies that you WILL get the local HD by subbing to the locals, and do NOT need to sub to the HD package. Is this right?

I'm in the preliminary stages of planning for a late-January or (more likely) early-February calibration tour to Kansas City, so I thought I'd post a short note here for anyone who might be interested. There were a couple folks here who wanted to get in on my December visit but weren't able to due to the end-of-year holidays.

Actual dates and the length of my stay in KC for the upcoming visit aren't decided yet. I'll need to line up at least three confirmed appointments before setting firm dates, but once that's done I could be available for as long as a week and could probably accommodate five or six appointments during that time.

Day, evening and weekend appointments would all be available, on a first come, first served basis.

If anyone has any questions for me about video calibration or wants to talk about specific dates, you can send me a private message, or eMail/phone via the contact information below.

Also, local references can be provided, on request.

To clarify...Voom costs an extra $5.00/month, and includes 10 additional HD channels, not 15. The other 5 are in the HD subscription, which costs $9.99/mo.

Also, I presume you DO need to sub to locals in order to get the local HD. And your message implies that you WILL get the local HD by subbing to the locals, and do NOT need to sub to the HD package. Is this right?

Actually, in today's world, you are right, and if you don't upgrade to MPEG4, nothing will change for awhile. After February 1, if you are an MPEG4 customer, the new "DISH HD pack" will include 15 VOOMs, UHD, ESPN2HD, today's HD Pack lineup, and (later) HGTV-HD and FOOD-HD. There is also a rumour that Starz-HD and Cinemax-HD will be added for those who sub to those packages, but it is just that, a rumour.

Here's where it gets confusing. The way they are pricing these packages is an add-on to the "AT-xxx" packages they have now. For example, AT-60 with HD now becomes the HD Bronze package, and on up to Platinum for AEP plus HD. The HD price is always $15 more than the "AT-xxx" price, so really, nothing has changed except that you can't get the HD pack without VOOM anymore (except grandfathered MPEG2 subs).

From everything I've read, there is only one price for locals ($5.00), and it inlcludes everything your receiver can receive. If you have a MPEG4 receiver, and your DMA is getting HD locals (which KC will be sometime this year, probably after Echostar 10 is operational this summer), you will get local HD. Just the "big 4," however.

Disclaimer: With E*, everything I just said is subject to change multiple times before the end of the day. :p

Brad

Interesting.

Any idea if Voom still require a second Dish, or is it being moved to a SAT that will allow one dish to get it all?

I'm sure curious to see if they offer an upgrade to existing 942 users.

The recent Charlie Chat detailed the upgrade program -- I think it's pretty good. Here's a good summary:

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=51882

Interesting.

Any idea if Voom still require a second Dish, or is it being moved to a SAT that will allow one dish to get it all?

I'm sure curious to see if they offer an upgrade to existing 942 users.

VOOM is available from either 129 or 61.5. In our area, either of these will work, but you can do it with one dish if you get the new Dish 1000, which gets 110/119/129. This would be installed as part of the MPEG4 upgrade, as detailed in the link above. The details on these upgrade deals are very fuzzy right now - probably until Feb 1. If you lease your 942, it's a simple swap-out to the new 622 for $99.00 ($299 minus $200 rebate). This deal isn't available until April 1. If you OWN your 942 (as I do my 921), no one can say for certain (yet) what the exact deal is. Clear as mud, right? :rolleyes:

Brad

So, since some Olympic coverage will be on UniversalHD, I e-mailed TWC today to inquire about this.

My e-mail:
Hello,

Will Universal HD be added to the channel lineup by the 2006 Winter Olympics? I know a carriage agreement has been reached between NBC Universal and Time Warner to carry this station. I'd be very disappointed if I missed HD coverage of the Olympics.

Also, are there plans for any other HD channels to be added to Time Warner Cable (it's been a while)? In particular, ESPN2HD and KSMO-HD??

TWC's very canned response:
Currently we are working closely with our corporate team concerning adding more HD programming. Please continue to watch our website for more information. www.timewarnercable.com/kansascity

Thanks for nothing.

Dear Squeak49:

Thank you for your recent letter to Time Warner Cable regarding the addition of _______ channel to the HD lineup. Unfortunately at this time, we are too busy raising your rates to respond in person. Please accept this impersonal computer-generated response instead. When we DO finally add a new channel, I promise that you will be the last to know. Also remember that you are like the buzzing of flies to us and are of no consequence. Thank you for choosing TWC over rabbit ears for your TV reception.

Sincerely,

Time Warner's Automated Response Team

Will Universal HD be added to the channel lineup by the 2006 Winter Olympics? I know a carriage agreement has been reached between NBC Universal and Time Warner to carry this station.
Time Warner Cable in San Antonio, TX already has added Universal HD as of about Christmas 2005.

http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2005/12/19/daily19.html

I also did some checking around for Squeak and got some better answers ... hope this is helpful.

------------------------------------------

"Thank you for your interest in Universal HD. Yes, we will be showing
the Olympics in HD. This will be taking the place of the Time Warner
Cable HD Channel 1400 for 8 hours each day while they are showing
Olympic coverage. We currently do not have a specific schedule for when
they are showing this, but we do plan on showing it.

I do have wonderful news for you about KSMO-DT (WB-HD). We will be launching
the WB in HD on February 1, 2006. Unfortunately, we are not going to be able
to launch NBC Universal right now. We will hopefully be adding it
sometime soon. I will add you to my contact list to notify when this
information does become available."

Sincerely,
Kristin Cherry
Marketing Specialist- Programming/Creative
Time Warner Cable

Anybody here from Lawrence on Sunflower Cable?

We got our HD setup a month ago and I've been somewhat underwhelmed with the SD channels, esp. the loewr stations. KCMI (15) was totally unwatchable for the KU/KSU game this weekend. The HD offerings are usually pretty good, with CBS the exception. The pixelation is awful during sporting events. My Brother-in-Law got the same TV I did at the same time and uses Dish Network and his SD channels and the CBS HD broadcast look nice.

What's the overall feeling about Sunflower's service with HD and SD?

Sunflower will be adding more HD channels in the next 30 days or so, but i have no idea what those offerings will be. Also they will be getting HD-DVR's sometime in March, but the first shipment is supposedly small and most are already snapped up be staff.

Anybody here from Lawrence on Sunflower Cable?

Snow Serpent, I think there are 3 or 4 of us from the Lawrence area that stop in here.

I watched the KU game on Saturday and did not notice anything particulary poor about the broadcast, but I'm also not on a large as set as you are....ours is a 27" CRT (HD) by Panasonic.

Agreed on the pixelation problem though, as at times some channels are nearly impossible to watch, however from what I've read on a number of other threads it seems to more often be a problem from the source than a Sunflower one.

Good to hear that Sunfower will be adding some more HD content though and also thanks for the heads up on the new DVR's.

And as long as I'm typing, do you by chance have the Moxi service, and if so how do you like it.

Bob

And as long as I'm typing, do you by chance have the Moxi service, and if so how do you like it.

Bob

Nah. I passed on the MOXI box, it was too much to rent the box and the service.

I also forgot to mention that the new HD-DVR's should price out at $12-15 per month.

I had the same problem with Commander in Chief recorded on the DVR. Glad to see it wasn't just our problem. Perhaps technicalitalian, who works at KMBC, might have some idea of what happened.


We've been having anomalies with our Dolby decoder locking up. The only fix is a hard reboot, which takes a bit of time to complete. We've sent it back to Dolby Labs and of course they couldn't find the problem, arrgh!........ TI

TI:

Thanks for the feedback. It does not allow me to get caught back up in the series, but at least I know it was not my HD-DVR that was the problem.

Mike

Anyone else have problems with audio dropouts on the KMBC digital broadcasts? Mine drops out frequently only on their digital channel. No problems with any of the other local digitals. The signal strength is usually around 95.

Eyedox,

Thanks for following up and getting a real answer. It's nice to know that somebody can get a straight response!! Glad to hear that we will get more Olympics in HD!!!

I have been having a lot of problems with the reception on 9's digital. There are constant picture breakups, pixilization and audio dropouts. Am I the only one having this problem?

I have been having a lot of problems with the reception on 9's digital. There are constant picture breakups, pixilization and audio dropouts. Am I the only one having this problem?

I have occasional dropouts and pixelization on KMBC-DT with my old OTA receiver (DISH 6000), but that station is rock-steady on my newer receivers (DISH 921 and Hitachi integrated TV). As you may be aware, KMBC-DT is on VHF channel 7. VHF channels are more susceptible to radio-frequency interference (RFI) than UHF channels. A lot of factors can enter into your problem, but it could be something as simple as your refrigerator or washing machine starting or stopping. If you are using an indoor antenna, something like this could definitely be the case. If you have an outdoor antenna, and the lead-in cable is a good RG-6 quad shield or similar, the interference is more likely external.

If the issue is not RFI, it could be multipath (like analog "ghosts," but invisible on DTV), or just a weak signal.

If you could give us more information on your receiver, antenna, and signal strength, someone here can probably help you.

Brad

Brad,

I have an H10 receiver that I just added and a Samsung TS-160 that I've had for awhile. I'm receiving all OTA via a 120" attic antenna using RG-6. The dropouts occur on both receivers. I have no problems with any of the other local digital stations. And the signal strength on KMBC is usually 95%.

Guide showed it as HD, it had the HD logo at the beginning, but 9-1 aired it in 4:3 SD. Was this a case of the "switch" not being flipped? TI?

I have been having a lot of problems with the reception on 9's digital. There are constant picture breakups, pixilization and audio dropouts. Am I the only one having this problem?
Yeah, I'm trying to watch Lost now and I was getting lots of breakups and the audio was out for a little. I'm not using OTA anymore, I'm hooked in through Time Warner now using a QAM tuner, so it's not anything I have interfering with it.

I have been having a lot of problems with the reception on 9's digital. There are constant picture breakups, pixilization and audio dropouts. Am I the only one having this problem?

I have the same issue -- coming from the same area (Greenwood opposed to Lee's Summit) I have D* and use the "silver sensor" indoor antenna along with my HD-Tivo (HR 10-250) to receive the OTA channels.

All other OTA channels come in fine.

I have been having a lot of problems with the reception on 9's digital. There are constant picture breakups, pixilization and audio dropouts. Am I the only one having this problem?
Yeah, I'm trying to watch Lost now and I was getting lots of breakups and the audio was out for a little. I'm not using OTA anymore, I'm hooked in through Time Warner now using a QAM tuner, so it's not anything I have interfering with it.

Yeah, I'm trying to watch Lost now and I was getting lots of breakups and the audio was out for a little. I'm not using OTA anymore, I'm hooked in through Time Warner now using a QAM tuner, so it's not anything I have interfering with it.

That's somewhat of a relief to know that even cable folks were having the same problem, although still frustrating. I was trying to get Lost last night as well, but I thought it was just that conditions weren't right (I'm 60+ miles away). Of course, by 10:00 the picture was flawless. I wish Technical Italian from KMBC would post an explanation. These problems MUST be cleared up before the Super Bowl, or it will be more than just us complaining.

I had an extended audio dropout last night during Lost. When it came back, it was Dolby Pro Logic for awhile, then back to DD 5.1. T.I., was this the network, or something at Channel 9?

Brad

Bradtothebone .... see previous TI post for answer to your question ...
We've been having anomalies with our Dolby decoder locking up. The only fix is a hard reboot, which takes a bit of time to complete. We've sent it back to Dolby Labs and of course they couldn't find the problem, arrgh!........ TI

My DVR'd recording of Lost was flawless last night. via cable

My DVR'd recording of Lost was flawless last night. via cable

I should have clarified - the problem I had with "Lost" was on the 7:00-8:00 p.m. repeat of last week's episode. This week's was fine.

We've been having anomalies with our Dolby decoder locking up. The only fix is a hard reboot, which takes a bit of time to complete. We've sent it back to Dolby Labs and of course they couldn't find the problem, arrgh!........ TI

I assumed the decoder was reinstalled, since I was seeing DD 5.1.

Brad

My DVR'd recording of Lost was flawless last night. via cable
Did you just DVR the new one? The new episode was flawless for me, but the repeat had an audio dropout and pixelation.

I am new to HD. Having problems receiving ABC HD off my OTA. Bought the antenna through directv. I live in Peculiar, Missouri. I have bought other antennas and nothing has worked.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am new to HD. Having problems receiving ABC HD off my OTA. Bought the antenna through directv. I live in Peculiar, Missouri. I have bought other antennas and nothing has worked.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Well, according to antennaweb.org, you're about 18-26 miles from all the broadcasting stations. Your current antenna may just need to be adjusted in the direction it faces, or you may possibly need one with an amplifier. I use a Philips MANT510 which lets me pick up stations from around 26 miles away.

http://affw.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3904681&cat=4536&type=19&dept=3944&path=0%3A3944%3A133276%3A133270%3A4536

we just DVR'd the new ep...

I am new to HD. Having problems receiving ABC HD off my OTA. Bought the antenna through directv. I live in Peculiar, Missouri. I have bought other antennas and nothing has worked.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, make SURE that your antenna is for both VHF/UHF ... not just UHF. KMBC (ABC) is the only VHF station in KC on the digital dial.

Anybody hear any updates on the Comcast takeover of TWC in the Kansas City market?

Is this going to be a good or a bad thing for us current TWC customers?

Mike

Anybody hear any updates on the Comcast takeover of TWC in the Kansas City market? Is this going to be a good or a bad thing for us current TWC customers?Unless you like price hikes and poor customer service, I am guessing ... a bad thing. :)

I haven't heard anything lately on the Comcast/TWC front, but I am definately pessimistic about it. As far as I am concerned, TWC is the best in the area for HD offerings. I don't have to worry about pulling it over the air like I would with D*, and I can get an HD DVR for $10/month rather than paying $300+ to buy one. Comcast customers have never seemed like a happy bunch to me.

I haven't heard anything lately on the Comcast/TWC front, but I am definately pessimistic about it. As far as I am concerned, TWC is the best in the area for HD offerings. I don't have to worry about pulling it over the air like I would with D*, and I can get an HD DVR for $10/month rather than paying $300+ to buy one. Comcast customers have never seemed like a happy bunch to me.

Couldn't agree more. If Comcast takes away a single HD channel, or raises rates at all after taking over for TWC, I'm fleeing to Everest. Fortunately, I have that option.

The rumor is that Direct will go to an all lease model in March of this year, so the HD DVR won't cost $300 upfront. They are adding HD LIL's as well.

What's LIL?

I see what you mean, but they don't make mention of HD DVR:

DirecTV’s New Lease on Life
By Linda Moss 1/23/2006 6:05:00 AM

Adopting a strategy used by cable operators, DirecTV Inc. in March will begin leasing its set-top boxes and digital-video recorders to its customers instead of selling them.

The nation’s largest direct-broadcast satellite provider, with 15 million subscribers, notified its retailers this month that it was migrating to a lease program effective March 1.

Those dealers were told that they would only be paid commissions for leasing DirecTV’s hardware to customers, not selling those receivers.

The change in strategy is aimed at ultimately helping to drive the rollout of advanced services like HDTV and interactive, which offer new revenue streams.

“Most of our multichannel competitors use this model,” senior vice president of sales and distribution Jim Arnold said. “It’s our version of it, and we think it’s very competitive with what they do.”

In a way, DirecTV’s move toward leasing and not selling its set-tops to consumers is ironic. Cable’s long-standing modus operandi has been to lease its hardware to subscribers.

On the flip side, cable operators -- long mindful of DBS’ big presence in consumer-electronics stores -- at times have tested selling, rather than leasing, set-tops.

DirecTV currently substantially subsidizes the cost of its set-tops to retailers. The DBS provider also pays retailers a commission on the DirecTV-programming subscriptions they sell to consumers.

Initially, the switch to leasing won’t impact consumers too much. For example, right now, subscribers with basic $39.99-per-month service already get their first standard receiver free-of-charge.

And a current promotion for the “DirecTV Plus” DVR won’t change. Subscribers will have to pay $99 for it, but they can mail in a $100 rebate form.

With leasing, a customer will pay $5.99 per month for digital recording service, get a standard set-top free-of-charge and pay $4.99 to lease a second receiver that includes a DVR.

For more on DirecTV’s lease program, please see Linda Moss’ story on page eight of Monday’s issue of Multichannel News.

What's LIL? LOCAL INTO LOCAL. Local channels (not generic network feeds) sent to local dish customers over satellite. They are adding locals in HD soon on the dishes with the advent of new MPEG-4 high compression digital boxes launching soon.

Thanks for the info.

This may have already been covered, but I did a quick search of the thread and didn't see anything.

Has there been a programming change on KCPT-D lately? I have not been able to pick up their HD programming. I still get 2 digital channels from them, but both seem to be SD programming, and often not what is listed in the guide. This occurs both on my Comcast setup, and OTA via my attic antenna.

mike51,

I have TWC and noticed the other day the TWC now list 3 KCPT HD channels. Now there have been times where I can view the main KCPT HD channel and not the other 2 channels. Last night I could hear audio from the KCPT HD channel but nothing was displaying. I am wondering if TWC is still working on this. By the way prior to this week TWC only had 2 KCPT HD channels. Well really 1 true HD channel and then the other SD channel categorized with the HD channel. I hope that made sense.

Squeak49,

Why don't you have Everest now! Right now where I live I can only get TWC and we are looking at houses in Olathe and may be forced to get Comcast or go with Dish or Direct TV. My Parents and a few of my friends have Everest and Love it. Everest's customer services is awesome from what I hear. If I had a choice between Everest and TWC I would choose Everest!

This may have already been covered, but I did a quick search of the thread and didn't see anything.

Has there been a programming change on KCPT-D lately? I have not been able to pick up their HD programming. I still get 2 digital channels from them, but both seem to be SD programming, and often not what is listed in the guide. This occurs both on my Comcast setup, and OTA via my attic antenna.


I have noticed that they are transmitting 1 or 2 or 3 digital streams, depending on when you watch. The PQ suffers when they do 720P on 19-1 and 480P on the other two. The shows are interesting to watch.

Unfortunately, Everest does not have CableCard available, and is just now finally getting HD-DVR service.

KCPT can only run HD on their main channel when the secondary and tertiary SD channels (multicast) are turned off. Otherwise they suck too much bandwidth away from the HD channel to allow for a decent picture. They had been using a 720p (instead of 1080i PBS standard) HD signal and stealing bandwidth to do a low grade SD secondary channel. They may try doing just SD multicast during the day and full bandwidth HD during prime time.

Yes KCPT DT-18 started out as the first digital broadcaster in Kansas City. 4-480p sub channels but once in awhile full-bandwidth 1080i pure HDTV PBS programming. Nowdays we get about a 15mb 720p HD channel and 2-4mb 480p channel. I miss the good old 1080i full-bandwidth PBS. Multicasting tears apart the picture quality of full-bandwidth HDTV.

mike51,

I have TWC and noticed the other day the TWC now list 3 KCPT HD channels. Now there have been times where I can view the main KCPT HD channel and not the other 2 channels. Last night I could hear audio from the KCPT HD channel but nothing was displaying. I am wondering if TWC is still working on this. By the way prior to this week TWC only had 2 KCPT HD channels. Well really 1 true HD channel and then the other SD channel categorized with the HD channel. I hope that made sense.

Yep, made sense to me. They must be doing some tinkering (KCPT, that is) as last night Comcast got no picture or sound on one of their digital channels, but I could pick it up via OTA.

I have noticed that they are transmitting 1 or 2 or 3 digital streams, depending on when you watch. The PQ suffers when they do 720P on 19-1 and 480P on the other two. The shows are interesting to watch.

I did a rescan via my OTA box last night, but I didn't pay attention to how many sub-channels it picked up at that time. I'll have to look when I get home this evening.

Squeak49,

Why don't you have Everest now! Right now where I live I can only get TWC and we are looking at houses in Olathe and may be forced to get Comcast or go with Dish or Direct TV. My Parents and a few of my friends have Everest and Love it. Everest's customer services is awesome from what I hear. If I had a choice between Everest and TWC I would choose Everest!

I've really been happy with TWC. They lower their rates significantly in territories also covered by Everest to compete, so I get a pretty good deal. I get EVERY channel they have in English, including HD, all the OnDemand offerings, Internet access, and an HD-DVR for about $107/mo. after taxes. That's pretty hard to beat, IMO. Plus, I get something I shouldn't get for free, and that really helps matters. I'm not willing to go into details on this board in the off chance someone from TWC sees it. ;) It's nothing illegal; just an oversight on their part. Also, having full-time Metro Sports is somewhat significant to me.

From my perspective, they're really about 50/50 vs. Everest, but those 2 extras, plus the hassle of not switching, makes me stay with TWC. When I decided between the providers originally, TWC had much better HD offerings, so they won at the decision point. But if they jerk me around at all, I'm gone. The more time that passes without ESPNU and ESPN2-HD makes me want to switch more.

Also, this matters a little. Can't do the digital phone thing with either company - I need an analog line for my DirecTV. I'm one of the fortunate few who has been grandfathered in with NFL Sunday Ticket only. I don't have a Total Choice package - only NFLST (and an HD receiver for it). Needs an analog phone line. But since I'm grandfathered, I can't mess with my D* service at all or it'll blow the deal, I think. My NFL team of choice isn't the Chiefs, so this is big for me to see all their games - and in HD.

I'm probably moving sometime this year, so I may re-assess my situation then. But where I'd move to is also in overlapping TWC/Everest territory, so I'd expect it to be the same. If I lose my cherry deal for NFLST on D*, I may just go all Everest. The transfer of TWC territory to Comcast control really has me concerned.

Sorry, probably a little more info than you wanted, but I wanted to show that there is a method to my madness! :D

Unfortunately, Everest does not have CableCard available, and is just now finally getting HD-DVR service.


Everest needs to work on their PR! :p

They do offer CableCard service. It's not publicized, but a friend of mine at work has it and it works fine.

And, Everest has had an HD-DVR offering for several months now ( maybe a year? I don't remember when I got my box ). It's the SA 8300HD box and it runs SARA software.

I have noticed off and on recently that the ABC signal has been weak. Seemed ok last nite. I am in Olathe and usually get a blasting signal, but both on my Sony DTV receiver and on my home theater PC with MYHD card there have been a few times the signal has been weak.
When I first started receiving HDTV 3 years ago Topeka was the only station available, and I am in Olathe. I had to put an 8ft staff to get my antenna up high enough, but it worked, still does. I would think you should be able to get ABC fairly well.

Everest needs to work on their PR! :p
They do offer CableCard service. It's not publicized, but a friend of mine at work has it and it works fine.
And, Everest has had an HD-DVR offering for several months now ( maybe a year? I don't remember when I got my box ). It's the SA 8300HD box and it runs SARA software.Thanks for that update ... every time I call their CSR's to ask about the CableCard, they tell me 'no'. You would think Everest would educate their staff about what they have to offer technology-wise. Same with the HD-DVR box. The CSR's were saying 'no' to that also, until about a month or two ago, when clearly some people (you) have had a box for much longer.

I feel better knowing that Everest is catching up in case I need to switch when Comcast takes over my TWC. I love my SA 8300HD too, but I love the Pioneer Passport software. It's a great box. Hope both companies get the MCP-100 box this spring to burn backups of my recordings and play DVDs.

PS: Can you find out from your friend how much he is charged per month for the CableCard rental from Everest? I know Comcast is FREE, and TWC charges $1.75/mo.

Breaking News off the AP Wire ...

CBS & Warner Bros. forming new TV network
UPN & The WB to cease operations; new broadcaster to go live in fall.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11006886/

So which station will survive as the "CW" affiliate, 29 or 62? For selfish reasons, I hope it's 29... its reception is much more dependable from near Topeka. I realize that 62 is not full power, but even if it were, its channel, 47, is adjacent to 48, a local Topeka channel.

My source at Sunflower in Lawrence says they will start offering MTVHD, HGTVHD and the WB affiliate out of KC (although that may change :) ).

For those wondering about KCPT. I am on Comcast and noticed that I had o go to the analog channel for some programs early in the evening. Here is the response I got:

Thank you for your email. We've gone through some changes with the channels
lately. There is no longer a separate HD channel. During the day, we are using
our digital signal to broadcast three separate channels: 19.1, which airs
analog PBS programming until 6 p.m.; 19.2, called "Create," which airs mostly
how-to shows (cooking, sewing, etc.); and 19.3, which airs the same programming
as 19.1, but with a 24-hour delay. In the evening, we use the entire signal to
broadcast only 19.1 in HD from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. In short, "Masterpiece Theatre"
airs in HD on the regular channel.

My source at Sunflower in Lawrence says they will start offering MTVHD, HGTVHD and the WB affiliate out of KC (although that may change :) ).

Any sort of best guess on the timing of when these will be added, or is it just a sometime in the next 30 days or so........

Bob

My friend says it costs $5/month.

My friend says it costs $5/month.
Wow, what a complete ripoff! They are charging as much as a cable box for those cards. How disappointing ... considering that the cards cost about one tenth as much as a cable box to manufacture. $1 or $2 is fair, but $5 is just rediculous. Especially when other cable companies (TWC) are charging half of that price.

HD Beat is a great HD related website... you all really should check it out... i stumbled across this (http://www.hdbeat.com/2006/01/18/new-dvr-coming-from-comcast-and-panasonic/), which would be pretty cool, but would be a long ways away.

I was informed by KCPT that they have contacted Comcast to tell tham that their guide is wrong and is not showing the proper amount of HD channels. Now the wait to see how long it takes Comcast to correct the situation.

Speaking of cable companies has anybody here been able to compare the local networks Over the Air HD picture quality vs local cable companies local networks HD quality? I have Dish Network and I receive my local HD via Over the Air so I am unable to compare the picture quality of local cable companies on my HDTV.

Full-bandwidth HD Over the Air local broadcasts look excellent so does local cable companies allow enough bandwidth to keep the local HD picture quality excellent?
I'd say if any channel is getting recompressed (on TWC at least), it's Fox. I capped an episode of Lost onto my computer and it's 4.9GB with the commercials cut. An episode of 24 however, is around 2.6GB. I'll cap the next one off the air though and compare sizes. Perhaps the network is skimping on bitrate and filling the mandatory 19.2 mbps for over the air with null packets, which is probably the case since I don't see any other network with the blockiness I see on Fox sometimes.

I subscribe to DirecTV right now - have a special package from a long time ago where I get just HBO (6 or 7 channels including HBO-HD) and Sundance channel for $12/month. Killer deal. I have a Hughes HD receiver.

With all the talk of DirecTV going to MPEG4 and lease only, etc. I am not sure for how much longer they are going to honor the $12/month deal I have. Already, I cannot make any changes to my package.

I also subscribe to Vonage and I also have SBC DSL (along with the mandatory phone line).

I got a promotional offer from Comcast in the mail that looks very good. I have to read the fineprints again, but this is what it says.

Digital Gold with HBO and Starz for $29.99/month for 16 months.
Taxes and fees extra.

This seems like a great deal. Of course, it is more expensive than the $12/month I have right now but I also get a lot more. And 16 months seems like a long time too. What do you all think about this? I live in northern Lee's Summit. What about cable modem. I could cancel my SBC phone and dsl and just go with cable modem and Vonage (which I already have).

Also, the fineprint I think says, that I will have to give the satellite receiver to Comcast. I don't want to do that since my receiver has a built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner and can be used without satellite service. I currently get local OTA-HD using this receiver and i have an indoor and an outdoor antenna for this.

I also have a Sony HD-DVR DHG-HDD250. It has support for Cable card. I would like to use this with Comcast cablecard instead of getting comcast's HD settop box. I heard comcast does not charge for the cablecard.

Please comment.

bommai -
Comcast Internet - 19.99/mo for 6months... they call this one a -must mention- so you've got to ask for it to get it... that's the best one going right now, and it's a new customer offer.

With the 'dish win back' offer you mentioned there's 2 ways to go about qualifying for that one... you can hand over the receiver, or give up a copy of your most recent bill.

All the locals (the major ones, ABC, NBC,CBS,Fox) are available through Comcast.

CableCard is $5/mo. But you will miss out on a few things. Since CableCard doesn't have a 2-way capability, you won't get a guide (from Comcast), you can't order PPV and, once the system is finally on-line, you won't be able to access Video On demand. Which there will be free stuff, and there will be High Def stuff. I think i heard it was something like 3000 hours of content initially with 2/3rds of that free.

Jerky -
The Sony HD-DVR was my first foray into DVR and I got hooked. Right now, I am just using it for OTA since I have become a big fan of network HD shows such as CSI, 24, etc. I had till Jan 24th to return the Sony DVR back to Best Buy. I chose to keep it since I figured if I ever went to cable, I could put the cable card in it. My TV is a 2001 model Toshiba HD-ready TV. So, the Sony acts as both the tuner and DVR. Unlike, Tivo, I don't pay anything for it monthly. However it did cost $500. The quality is great but the software UI is not that good.

So, comcast will charge me $5.00 / month for just the cable card uh!! That seems high since the box is also $5.00 right. Since, I am spoilt by DVR, I might want to get the Comcast HD-DVR. Do you know how much that runs? Also, how much does the fees and taxes come to? I might have to just stop by the Comcast office in Independence to get all the info.

Thanks

Any sort of best guess on the timing of when these will be added, or is it just a sometime in the next 30 days or so........

Bob

That I don't know for sure, but I will follow up. Sunflower also got their first shipment of test HD-DVR's. I think they got 3 or 4. :)

That I don't know for sure, but I will follow up. Sunflower also got their first shipment of test HD-DVR's. I think they got 3 or 4. :)

3 or 4. Guess we won't be getting one anytime soon to work with will we.

Back to the new channel's topic, I noticed on another thread that a National Geographic HD channel that was turned on nationally in the last few days. I would think that one would be a natural for Sunflower to pick up.

Bob

bommai -
You are right about the cost of the reg HD box. The HD-DVR box runs 9.95/mo... i will say the UI is nothing compared to Tivo.

The taxes and fees (FCC fee really is the only thing, but there is something called franchise fees which are effectively taxes) vary based on the city, so i couldn't guess what that would be...

Does anyone know if D* will air the Super Bowl on national T.V. since some of us are unable to receive ABC HD off the OTA. Will they air the game on ABC out of New York.

I am getting ready to move to Olathe February 28th and I was just curious what people thought about Comcast in Olathe? I have heard a lot of negative feedback from some of my friends but I wanted to get some more opinions from this forum. I noticed they don't have HDnet or HDnet Movies and was wondering if anyone heard if and when they plan on getting it? I also wondered if Everest ever has plans to expand into Olathe because I will be literally bordering Overland Park, just a stones throw away from an Everest neighborhood. Does Olathe have a hardcore contract with Comcast and if so, will that contract be null and void once they buy out the TWC area of Overland Park this year? I am also thinking about getting Dish because their rates seem a lot better than Comcast, plus they offer way more HD. Any opinions about this would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know if D* will air the Super Bowl on national T.V. since some of us are unable to receive ABC HD off the OTA. Will they air the game on ABC out of New York.
I doubt it.....If you find out, please post it! I live near Cleveland, MO, and even with a huge UHF/VHF antenna 40' in the air, I cannot pick up 9DT, and they won't give me a waiver to get it on D*. Where do you live TAYLORMADE3? Did you get a waiver from KMBC to watch Hi-Def on D* (channel 86)?

When will D* start broadcasting LIL? That would solve all my problems with receiving Hi Def 9 out here in the boonies.

I doubt it.....If you find out, please post it! I live near Cleveland, MO, and even with a huge UHF/VHF antenna 40' in the air, I cannot pick up 9DT, and they won't give me a waiver to get it on D*. Where do you live TAYLORMADE3? Did you get a waiver from KMBC to watch Hi-Def on D* (channel 86)?

When will D* start broadcasting LIL? That would solve all my problems with receiving Hi Def 9 out here in the boonies.

Although nothing is for certain, there's a good chance that LIL-DT will be on D* within a few months.....TI

[/QUOTE]Although nothing is for certain, there's a good chance that LIL-DT will be on D* within a few months.....TI[QUOTE]

Great...too bad it won't be before the Super Bowl. Wonder what D* will charge? :)

Although nothing is for certain, there's a good chance that LIL-DT will be on D* within a few months.....TI

It will be on E*, and that is certain (sometime in '06). This was announced at CES earlier this month. If I had to guess, sometime this summer. It will be after Echostar X is launched, tested, and put into service. It launches sometime in February.

They are also showing the Superbowl on E*, but only to ABC's O&O cities (not KC).

Brad

I'd say if any channel is getting recompressed (on TWC at least), it's Fox. I capped an episode of Lost onto my computer and it's 4.9GB with the commercials cut. An episode of 24 however, is around 2.6GB. I'll cap the next one off the air though and compare sizes. Perhaps the network is skimping on bitrate and filling the mandatory 19.2 mbps for over the air with null packets, which is probably the case since I don't see any other network with the blockiness I see on Fox sometimes.
Well, I can say without any doubt that no HD channel is being recompressed. I captured tonight's 24 off the air and it was the same size as the ones I'd previously captured off of cable.

Tech... I live in Peculiar, Mo and I have tried several times but KMBC will not give me the waivers.

Tech... I live in Peculiar, Mo and I have tried several times but KMBC will not give me the waivers.
Nope, KMBC won't give waivers....not here in Cleveland, MO anyway.

5-1 has the State Of The Union in Hi-Def...........COOL!

5-1 has the State Of The Union in Hi-Def...........COOL!
Both CBS and NBC carried it in HD last night. If I remember correctly, last year was the first year the SOTU address was in HD. No idea why FOX or ABC chose the SD feed. I'll bet not a single person with an HDTV watched FOX or ABC last night ... their loss.

Today is supposed to be when TWC adds The WB to their HD line-up (KSMO-DT). Nothing yet, as of 8:30am. Hope it's on by prime time tonight. It will be so nice to finally have ALL the national networks in HD on the cable system.

It will be so nice to finally have ALL the national networks in HD on the cable system.

Yes, but how long will it last with CW coming out.

Comcast customers -

KCWE-HD Channel 236 Now Available

Both CBS and NBC carried it in HD last night. If I remember correctly, last year was the first year the SOTU address was in HD. No idea why FOX or ABC chose the SD feed. I'll bet not a single person with an HDTV watched FOX or ABC last night ... their loss.

We watched SOTU on ABC in HD last night (OTA). There was even an "ABC-HD" logo in the corner. Didn't check FOX, so I don't know about that. The Demo response was in SD with sidebars (like ESPN).

Brad

Yes, but how long will it last with CW coming out.
TWC New Channel 1471 KSMO HD (KSMO-DT) as of prime time WED NIGHT (FEB 1st).

Either the UPN or WB affiliate in KC will take over the The CW when it launches this fall, so the TWC retrans will just have to be reworked to allow carriage once again. Don't know what KC is going to do with TWO Independent OTA stations this fall (we already have The Spot).

All I know is they better keep Supernatural. Reports I hear so far are good.

I am sure they will keep both Smallville and Supernatural, especially since they are losing their two big ticket shows after this spring ... 7th Heaven and Gilmore Girls. I never miss an episode of Smallville or Supernatural. At least now I can finally watch them in HD on TWC.

since they are losing their two big ticket shows after this spring ... 7th Heaven and Gilmore Girls.


Whoa now, I have not heard about Gilmore Girls.... are they done after this year?

I have a HDTV reciever that picks up HDTV over the airwaves...I don't pay for cable. I get ABC and the nightly shows are in HD....

Now the question.

Does anyone know for 100% certain that I will be receiving the superbowl on the normal free ABC HDTV that I recieve on Sunday? I'm inviting family over and want to make sure I get the Superbowl and it's not only for cable subscribers of ABC or something.


THANKS for your responses in advance!

Whoa now, I have not heard about Gilmore Girls.... are they done after this year?
That's the inside rumor but then there is this speculative article ...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11007437/

“Gilmore Girls” (WB): The girls Gilmore, who helm the highest-rated show between the two networks, aren’t going anywhere, although there are rumors that writing team and real-life husband and wife Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino are developing another show and thus may not return. Even if the writers should change, the show’s devoted, overwhelmingly female audience loves the “Girls,” and the WB knows it. Rest easy, fans. Odds of survival: 9.9 out of 10.

Conjecture ... for what it's worth ...

Does anyone know for 100% certain that I will be receiving the superbowl on the normal free ABC HDTV that I recieve on Sunday? I'm inviting family over and want to make sure I get the Superbowl and it's not only for cable subscribers of ABC or something. It's on Free OTA broadcast TV in HD, if you can receive the signal from wherever you are.

Hey guys...I'm having a problem. I don't watch much TV at all, and so I don't know when Channel 9.1 cut out for me, but I know I used to get it, and I was checking tonight in preparation for the superbowl party and I'm not getting it now. AHHH....(after I already invited over all my family to watch it on the HDTV projector)

I have a zenith HDTV free air reciever so I'm not hooked up to the cable company or anything. I have a really crappy antennae from about 10 years ago, but it's worked before. I still get 4, 5, 19, 38, 50's....But I need 9 so I can watch the superbowl. On channel 9 I get no signal - absolutely none...Is the free digital version of channel 9 down right now?(HDTV portion) or is my antennae just messed up? I have noticed that my upstairs TV picks up the analog version of channel 9.

I live right by the Chiefs stadium on 57th street and blue ridge cutoff. I'm only about 6 miles fromdowntown and I have no idea why i'm not getting 9 all the sudden.

Is anyone else having problems...Do you guys have any recommendations?

I can pick up 9.1 out here in south lee's summit, so I don't think that the channel is down. Of course it always pixcelates for me, which is an issue. I think earlier in this thread TI has talked about them getting some new hardware, so who knows if that has fixed the issue or if it is still a problem.

To be safe, what you could do is go to best buy and get an indoor antenna, the silver sensor (terk) works great for me, it is ~$50, and if it gives you the same results as the antenna that you currently have you can return it.

Just my .02

Anyone know what the new game plan at KCPT is? I noticed this past week that during the day, they are broadcasting 3 SD 480 subchannels, and during the evening, they are broadcasting only one 1080i channel. It looks like they've completely re-evaluated their digital broadcasting, again.

two934s, I'm right up the street in Rain Tree and have the same problems you do. ABC needs to get on their game!

HBomb

I'm also in Raintree and am plagued with the same dropouts on channel 9 digital. I have my attic antenna feed split, one directly to the TV and the other through the satellite receiver. The direct feed to the TV has a lot of breakups, audio and video. When I watch through the satellite and let it do the scaling I usually only have the audio dropouts. No problems on the UHF signals from the other local digitals so it must be 9's VHF feed.

I'm also in Raintree and am plagued with the same dropouts on channel 9 digital. I have my attic antenna feed split, one directly to the TV and the other through the satellite receiver. The direct feed to the TV has a lot of breakups, audio and video. When I watch through the satellite and let it do the scaling I usually only have the audio dropouts. No problems on the UHF signals from the other local digitals so it must be 9's VHF feed.

Well at least i'm not the only one. I'm afraid that its going to be cutting out and locking up all during the super bowl, which will suck. All other channels (4.1, 5.1, 41.1) come in great with no issues whatsoever. I hope I don't have to watch the game in SD.

If I have problems with ABC on Sunday I will definetly be bumbed. That said, I'll have my Beer pouring. Go Steelers!

HBomb

I'm heading out to pick up a terk antennae from best buy tonight.

I'm sure hoping that it will remedy the problem. Do you guys find that indoor/vs outdoor antennaes make much difference? At this point I would pay the 150 for an outdoor antennae from best buy if it made a difference...I'm having my entire extended family come and I don't want this to be a problem.

I'm in the basement of my house - concrete walls - I get most other channels fine...just having trouble with 9. I live right by the stadiums on blue ridge cutoff...so I wouldn't think I'd be far enough away to need an outdoor antennae....but whatever it takes.

Also I've heard that the radio shack antennaes are actually better by some people...but my exp. with radio shack in the past has been poor, and I don't like their products for the most part.

If your in the basement I'd bet a buck rabbit ears won't help... At least you can take it back after a quick settup. The outdoor antenna with a good run of RJ6 would do the best for you IMHO.

HBomb

Make sure you get an antenna with good VHF reception since 9.1 is actually channel 7 (VHF). All other digitals are in the UHF band in KC. I use a Silversensor for all channels in my basement in northern Lee's Summit, but have trouble with 9.1. However, I also have a Winegard Sensar III outdoors and use that for 9.1. For some reason, the Winegard gives me trouble with Fox and CBS. Weird. They come in fine with my Silver Sensor indoors.

If it is just channel 7 (mapped to 9) that you are not getting, you might just try the rabbit ears by themselves, before purchasing a new UHF antenna with rabbit ears for VHF. Of course the RS antenna has an amplifier.

v/r,
C-F

KC-Technerd
Your observation is correct about KCPT. They advertised in their guide that they were going to do this and they confirmed it in an e-mail to me when I observed that I had to watch
Masterpiece Theatre on their analog station. I told them they should go back to 2 subchannels at night and act like it was already 2009. I guess they didn't like that since I didn't get a reply.

I bought a terk hdtva antennae and it works like a charm...I get channel 9 in the far corner of my basement!

Sweet....thanks guys! Superbowl party ON!

Anyone know what the new game plan at KCPT is? I noticed this past week that during the day, they are broadcasting 3 SD 480 subchannels, and during the evening, they are broadcasting only one 1080i channel. It looks like they've completely re-evaluated their digital broadcasting, again.

KCPT DT-18 Over-the-Air is back to full-bandwidth 1080i PBS evening broadcasting? Wow. I got to check this out. :)

I bought a terk hdtva antennae and it works like a charm...I get channel 9 in the far corner of my basement!

Sweet....thanks guys! Superbowl party ON!

Good news and congrats.

HBomb

Hi,

I just got HDTV through Directv and loving it so far. I get all the major OTA HD channels except KSHB 41.1. The signal strength is abot 10-15%.

In looking at antennaweb.org, this station should be at 65 degrees. FOX 4.1 is supposed to be at 39 degrees and I get between 89-93% strength.

In looking at the antenna Directv installed (BTW, is this a good antenna?), it looks like it's pointing between due north to 10-20 degrees east. Will just moving the antenna a few degrees east make a difference? I want to move it to between 40-60 degrees to be able to get 41.1, but still get 4.1 and the other OTA HD channels. Any help will be appreciated.

BTW, I'm in Olathe, near Ridgeview and 119th. Anybody else having this problems with 41.1?

Thanks

What I would try is add all the "locations (in degrees) of the big 4 channels (4.1, 5.1, 9.1 and 41.1) and divide by 4. Point your antenna to that number, and that is the average location of the 4. That is what I did out here in Greenwood.

I get 41.1 loud and clear out here in Greenwood / Lee's Summit.

There was a Google Earth waypoint file in this thread that located all the towers. You could find your house and load the towers up to get a better reference.

v/r,
C-F

KMBC better get their act together ESPECIALLY today. The NBA game today is supposed to be HD and it IS NOT and there is no sound. If this isn't fixed by 5 pm, you will have A LOT OF ANGRY HD viewers in the KC area.

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried that and it worked. I'm receiving 41.1 at about 73% now.

For the Super Bowl, I'm getting ABC at 76%. I wish it was like fox (92%), but I guess that's better then nothing. It still looks pretty good.

Laz

KMBC better get their act together ESPECIALLY today. The NBA game today is supposed to be HD and it IS NOT and there is no sound. If this isn't fixed by 5 pm, you will have A LOT OF ANGRY HD viewers in the KC area.


My 9.1 in Greenwood, MO is pixcelating BAD. Anyone else having this issue on Super Bowl Sunday?

It doesn't suprise me, I don't know why I even bother getting my hopes up of seeing it in HD.

My 9.1 in Greenwood, MO is pixcelating BAD. Anyone else having this issue on Super Bowl Sunday?

It doesn't suprise me, I don't know why I even bother getting my hopes up of seeing it in HD

Don't know which is worse.... I can't even lock a signal in on 9DT in Cleveland, MO.....never could....trying now to 'trick' my D* into thinking I am near a different ABC station (Pittsburg, KS, Columbia, MO, Springfield, Joplin....etc) Was able to pick up Columbia's NBC station OTA in Digital....just got to find an ABC station. Wish me luck.

My 9.1 in Greenwood, MO is pixcelating BAD. Anyone else having this issue on Super Bowl Sunday?

It doesn't suprise me, I don't know why I even bother getting my hopes up of seeing it in HD.
It did a couple times on me, but it seems to be doing fine now.

Edit: Spoke too soon, did it a couple more times. :mad:

Well I must admit that 9.1 did pretty well during the super bowl. I counted 3 times it pixcelated, but each time was only for a split second. I guess thats better than the average! Now if only the seahawks would have won...

My 9.1 in Greenwood, MO is pixcelating BAD. Anyone else having this issue on Super Bowl Sunday?

It doesn't suprise me, I don't know why I even bother getting my hopes up of seeing it in HD.

Here in Oak Grove Mo the Super Bowl was really super in HD for me on KMBC DT-07 Over-the-Air. No problems receiving DT-07 on my old clunky Dish Network 6000 Over-the-Air receiver. :)

9.1 was absolutely awful here in Parkville.
Pixelization was so bad, I went to 9 analog and watched what looked like a picture from the 60's. Poor color, shadows, etc.
4.1 and 5.1 are perfect here.
Glad I don't normally watch the local networks here.

Couldn't get KMBC-DT OTA in South Olathe (at my family's house) for the SuperBowl yesterday. I scanned it many times and to no avail. Had to watch the crappy analog SD feed off Dish Network.

we're in parkville and received an excellent 9.1 transmission all super bowl evening, using an antenna in the attic.

I live in northern Lee's Summit and received Super Bowl in glorious HD using a Winegard Sensar III antenna mounted on the side of my house. Curiously, this antenna picks up KMBC great, but does not pick up KCTV or WDAF. So, I use an indoor Silver Sensor for KCTV and WDAF. This was my first superbowl in HD, since I moved here from Erie, PA last year. Erie, PA has no HD stations except the PBS affiliate (even now).

Just found out that Universal HD will be available locally to Comcast folks. INHD2 will be swapped out for Universal HD during the olympics. Comcast does have an agreement with Universal HD to allow permanent inclusion in the lineup, however it's not a must carry type of agreement, so it's up to the individual service areas to include the additional equipment in their budget... so no telling when we might get it for good. But at least we'll get our fill of Olympic Hockey!

Universal HD 2006 Olympic Schedule (http://www.universalhd.com/Schedule/search.bravo?month=2006-12&keyword=Olympic&start=today)

While on the topic of the olympics, here is a list of all HD programming:

http://www.hdsportsguide.com/olympics.php

Well I must admit that 9.1 did pretty well during the super bowl. I counted 3 times it pixcelated, but each time was only for a split second. I guess thats better than the average! Now if only the seahawks would have won...


I noticed about the same and am glad I bought my Channel Master Omni a while back. I just can't figure out how a national broadcaster could allow this type of quality. It has to be their distribution network taking hits because with my active antenna my signal is in the upper 3rd above the normal and at the cusp of good.

and BTW two,... Here we go Steelers, HERE WE GO! :>)

Henry

HI I live in Leavenworth and have HD through direct tv. I also have a RCA rabbit ear anntena that I can barely get the local HD networks. Can anyone recommend an installer and an antenna for a roof mount? I dont want to climb up on the roof!!thanks
David

Does anyone know when Good Morning America will be broadcasted in HD in out area?

Is anyone else experiencing audio audio problems with 41.1? For a little over two weeks now, any programming originating from the NBC network feed is being accompanied by constant extra white noise (hisses, pops, etc.) in the rear surrounds. It is quite distracting, and affects both live broadcasts and those that I have recorded with TiVo for later viewing.

The noise goes away when they cut back to the local feed for commercial insertion, news, etc.

I do not believe this to be an equipment problem of my own, as it only affects 41.1, only when they're broadcasting the network feed, and only for about the last two weeks. I have an HD TiVo recording of "The Office" from early January that does not have this problem, and one from last week that does.

Is anyone else experiencing audio audio problems with 41.1? For a little over two weeks now, any programming originating from the NBC network feed is being accompanied by constant extra white noise (hisses, pops, etc.) in the rear surrounds. It is quite distracting, and affects both live broadcasts and those that I have recorded with TiVo for later viewing.


I'm actually hearing something different. I'm getting an echoing sound like I've got my tuner set on a Stadium setting. Only, I don't have a tuner, it's just playing through my tv speakers. Every person sounds like Dick Enberg broadcasting from the Colosseum in Rome.

I've noticed this for the last two weeks on Will & Grace and SNL, but not any of the other Thursday night shows on NBC. The wierd thing is that on SNL, it sounds like it only happens in certain scenes but not all of them.....

Anyone else?

Hey all-

For anyone interested, I've started a "Kansas City, MO - Comcast" thread at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=641952.

I'm actually hearing something different. I'm getting an echoing sound like I've got my tuner set on a Stadium setting. Only, I don't have a tuner, it's just playing through my tv speakers. Every person sounds like Dick Enberg broadcasting from the Colosseum in Rome.

I've noticed this for the last two weeks on Will & Grace and SNL, but not any of the other Thursday night shows on NBC. The wierd thing is that on SNL, it sounds like it only happens in certain scenes but not all of them.....

Anyone else?

I think I am having the same issue as you -- at first I wasn't sure what was wrong, but I knew it was something. Actually I didn't hear it at first but my fiancee did when she was watching some show on NBC in HD. SNL did it a little bit like you said last week. I would think it would be a programming issue as it doesn't do it for all HD shows.

I've noticed echoing on 41 also, OTA.

I was watching Las Vegas last night from my DVR and noticed the last 2 episodes had a bad echo when music was playing. I adjusted my Receiver to somewhat conteract the echo, but it was still faintly there. I do think it is a programming issue with either 41 or the national NBC. I have TWC and my friend had teh same problem and he has Everest. So maybe 41 should check their Dolby Digital decoder.

I was watching Las Vegas last night from my DVR and noticed the last 2 episodes had a bad echo when music was playing. I adjusted my Receiver to somewhat conteract the echo, but it was still faintly there. I do think it is a programming issue with either 41 or the national NBC. I have TWC and my friend had teh same problem and he has Everest. So maybe 41 should check their Dolby Digital decoder.

Having the same problem as well (OTA)

I agree with the others that during the last two weeks, I have noticed an annoying audio hiss on all NBC network programming. I hope they get this fixed before the Olympics.

I have sent a message to KSHB-DT describing the problem that I'm experiencing, and kindly asking them to see this forum for additional reports.

Thank you all for confirming that I wasn't crazy.

Info. for D* customers...Channel 75 TNT HD will be available on Feb. 17 according to DBS Forum.

Does anyone know when Good Morning America will be broadcasted in HD in out area?

We're told by the Network that we should be getting the HD feed within the next 2-3 months.......Stay tuned, (as they say).....TI

technicalitalian,

I was reading how KARE 11 in Minneapolis will be doing their news in HD starting April and I know KMBC is building a new Studio and office due open this Fall and I assume that hopefully this fall the news on KMBC will be HD. Is that correct?

Whomever is FIRST to get a local HD newscast on the air will be the ONLY news station I will watch from now on.

I've had the problems on NBC's HD feed as well. I have TWC.

I also noticed that Leno and Conan have not aired in HD the last few nights. Anyone know what is going on with that? They're new episodes, so it doesn't make any sense that they're not airing in HD.

I just talked to KSHB's head engineer late today. He told me he had worked about 4 hours yesterday and 6 hours today to try to get the audio problem resolved. Based on a test today, he thinks the problem has been fixed. He said it was related to some changes NBC made to do separate feeds of the Olympics in each time zone. I guess we'll find out tonight if he was right about the fix.

KSDK in St. Louis started broadcasting their news in HD this week. From commentsd on the St. Louis forum they are doing a good job except that the wide angle has caught some people leaving on the side and some obviously unaware that they were on camera.

I just talked to KSHB's head engineer late today. He told me he had worked about 4 hours yesterday and 6 hours today to try to get the audio problem resolved. Based on a test today, he thinks the problem has been fixed. He said it was related to some changes NBC made to do separate feeds of the Olympics in each time zone. I guess we'll find out tonight if he was right about the fix.

I received a very nice e-mail reply from their engineering department yesterday, and it does appear that they fixed the problem. Everything sounded great last night!

I'm thinking about jumping from Dish to Sunflower. Anybody have any Sunflower experience?

I'm thinng about jumping from Dish to Sunflower. Anybody have any Sunflower experience?

Have had Sunflower service since the late '70's, and have always found them to be responsive and willing to go that extra mile for me. I currently have not only their TV feed, but also their Internet and phone service. All in all a miracle...1 cable and 3 services, including the HD side.

On the other hand I've not ever had any of the competing satellite services so I don't have a comparison to give you, but then again they never really gave me much reason to look elsewhere.

Bob

KCPT DT-18 Over-the-Air is back to full-bandwidth 1080i PBS evening broadcasting? Wow. I got to check this out. :)


Yeah, this is great. I was particularly annoyed when KCPT was broadcasting the same program in 720p reduced bandwidth on 19.1 and SD 480 on 19.2.

According what Mr. Robert Hagg at KCPT sent me before, Channel 19 was required by the FCC to mirror the same programming on digital that was being brodcast on analog. Hence the reason for 19.2. I'm wondering if this requirement has now changed.

I do far prefer that the network (PBS) feed be sent in it's native format. I have to say that I enjoyed much of the Kansas City local HD programming that was presented a few years ago, but I also enjoy the PBS-HD feed programs. I'd certainly like to see a mix of both.

Yeah, this is great. I was particularly annoyed when KCPT was broadcasting the same program in 720p reduced bandwidth on 19.1 and SD 480 on 19.2.

According what Mr. Robert Hagg at KCPT sent me before, Channel 19 was required by the FCC to mirror the same programming on digital that was being brodcast on analog. Hence the reason for 19.2. I'm wondering if this requirement has now changed.

I do far prefer that the network (PBS) feed be sent in it's native format. I have to say that I enjoyed much of the Kansas City local HD programming that was presented a few years ago, but I also enjoy the PBS-HD feed programs. I'd certainly like to see a mix of both.

I talked to Mr. Hagg today. From what I understand the format of KCPT DT-18 is now 6pm-6am 19.1 (480p) and 19.2 (PBS HDTV) 720p. 6am-6pm 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 (480p). 19.3 and 19.4 are just screen shots between 6pm -6am. Last weekend showing of glorious PBS 1080i full bandwidth (18-01) is now gone. A victim to the disease of multicasting. The broken dreams of multicasting revenue is destroying wonderful full-bandwidth HDTV. :(

I talked to Mr. Hagg today. From what I understand the format of KCPT DT-18 is now 6pm-6am 19.1 (480p) and 19.2 (PBS HDTV) 720p. 6am-6pm 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 (480p). 19.3 and 19.4 are just screen shots between 6pm -6am. Last weekend showing of glorious PBS 1080i full bandwidth (18-01) is now gone. A victim to the disease of multicasting. The broken dreams of multicasting revenue is destroying wonderful full-bandwidth HDTV. :(


Disappointing. HD material needs to be maintained in it's native format, whether that is 1080i, or 720p. It also needs to be broadcast in full bandwidth. What's the point of having HD, if the quantity is more important than quality?

Whether we will keep it after the Olympics or not is another question. I'm guessing that since they didn't put it on a new channel, that it'll be gone afterwards.