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

I'm a huge fan of Sunflower's HD offerings and quality. All locals, ESPN 1 & 2, TNT, UHD, HDNET, and the varoius standards are available. The company is responsive to customer inquiries and, if rumors within this thread are accurate, they are looking to add a few more HD channels shortly.

Some people in areas of Lawrence that were the earliest to get CABLE have complaints about the infrastructure. Piper doesn't fall into that category. Switch and enjoy.

I'm also a very satisfied Internet, Phone, and HD Sunflower Broadband subscriber.

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

Give Norman from Antenna Masters a call 913 722 3230. He fixed me up about 3 years ago and did a nice job. He's reasonable too. Tell him Mr. Montgomery referred you please.

Although the hissing problem previously reported has been fixed, the audio on Friday night's Olympics coverage on KSHB-DT 41.1 was not right. Both the commentators and the background music, etc., were much softer and sounded like they were coming from a cave when compared to the audio on analog KSHB-41 which sounded normal and was quite good.

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

I have had every opinion possible of Sunflower over the years. Back in 2000, I was so fed up with years of barely functional internet access, lackluster picture quality (this was in a new area of town -- no old infrastructure to blame), and awful customer service, that I switched to DirecTV for TV and SBC for DSL and swore I would never EVER go back, despite the fact that it cost me almost $50/month more than I had been spending w/ Sunflower.

I have, however, tried to keep a close eye on their offerings, as well as their service level, because it is always important to have options. Two years ago I moved from Lawrence to Basehor (in an area to which they have run fiber), and had no viable choice other than Sunflower for internet access, and reluctantly signed back up with them.

I have been overwhelmingly impressed with their quality of service since June 2004, both through my own experiences those of my friends and family in Lawrence. They have made such an amazing turnaround that I have decided that I'll be switching back to them later this year when the CableCard HD TiVo debuts.

From my vantage point, with your choices limited between Sunflower, Dish, and DirecTV, Sunflower is currently the most attractive option given their channel lineup, services, technology, and price. Most important to me is CableCard support, which gives you considerable freedom in third-party hardware choices -- something you don't currently have with DirecTV or Dish.

Has anybody experienced some sudden 'drop outs' with KSHB-DT tonight during Olympic coverage. Usually when I have a hiccup with my Voom box my home theatre reciever doesn't switch out of Dobly Digital EX but tonight a few times it is like they completly loose the signal (as in KSHB loses the HDTV from NBC) but I don't have any problems with the KSHB-DT signal.


EDIT: 7:56 PM - KSHB-DT switched to Standard Def. on the HDTV signal.

EDIT: 8:03 PM - KSHB-DT returns to HDTV. Apparently this was a region-wide loss... Chicago reports the same problem.

Problems all evening with dropouts.

Also, has anyone noticed a lot of compression artifacts on the Olympics HD signal?

Yes, NBC's HD distribution system from New York to all of the stations around the country is horrible.

Right now, it is being affected by the snow in New York City. KSHB is trying to make the best of what NBC is feeding them.

NBC is a joke when it comes to HD.

Copied from the St. Louis board......

NBC uses the KU-band side of AMC 1 to deliverer their HD feed. KU-band is more sensitive to weathers conditions than C-band. ABC and CBS use the C-band of different satellites 3700 to 4100 freq.. Currently NBC is using a freq. of 11760 while directv is around 12647 freq. We all know what happens when a big thunder cloud gets in front of our small dish, then why not the same for NBC but to a lesser extent due to the fact that their dish is probably 30 feet across. I seen it before when the weather in NY ix extremely bad that viewing NBC is impossible. So I can see how the weather in NYC where NBC delivers their HD feed can effect us.

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.TWC suits have told me for certain that Universal HD will *not* be sticking around here in KC after the olympics, but will be added in the future (since TWC has signed retrans agreements). I don't know if it is "a lack of equipment" or "lack of capacity" to add another fulltime HD channel at this time. Personally, I think channel 1400 is a waste of HD bandwidth anyway. Who needs a looping documentary on old farts talking about Route 66 or glassworks? Leave us Universal HD instead!!

TWC suits have told me for certain that Universal HD will *not* be sticking around here in KC after the olympics, but will be added in the future (since TWC has signed retrans agreements). I don't know if it is "a lack of equipment" or "lack of capacity" to add another fulltime HD channel at this time. Personally, I think channel 1400 is a waste of HD bandwidth anyway. Who needs a looping documentary on old farts talking about Route 66 or glassworks? Leave us Universal HD instead!!

Couldn't agree more. Boy, it sure would be nice if they either listened to their customer base, or did what made sense!

Count me as another satisfied Sunflower Broadband customer. I have had the HD Tier since July 2004. Since then they have added FOXHD,ESPN2HD, and TNTHD. In the bill insert I received yesterday was included notice they would be adding HGTVHD,MTVHD and WealthTVHD on March 1, and replacing WIBWDT with KCTVDT. I have found the management responsive and overall very positive.

As for the picture quality, I have been pleased on my Sammy DLP. Sure we experience lost signals on occasion but getting better all the time. The offer a Moxi HD DVR and the word is have a new HD DVR due anytime. I think Sunflower does a really good job with HD,especially for a locally owned company.

Thanks for the info regarding Sunflower. I just made the plunge. I got the Broadband Plus with the HDTV tier. To be installed next week.

In the bill insert I received yesterday was included notice they would be adding HGTVHD,MTVHD and WealthTVHD on March 1, and replacing WIBWDT with KCTVDT. I have found the management responsive and overall very positive.


I would rather have WIBW-DT than KCTV-DT...

I would rather have WIBW-DT than KCTV-DT
I was not real happy to see the change. WIBW consistently seems to have some of the best PQ around, even on their upconverted SD material. I am somewhat concerned whether KCTV can come close.

I would rather have WIBW-DT than KCTV-DT...

I love this switch. I'm tired of losing HD coverage while WIBW covers a tornado in a county 50 miles west of Salina.

Maybe I'll be dissatisfied when I find out that KCTV isn't any good. Is that the case?

Clearly, this is another example of Lawrence trying to keep things from Topeka out of here.

(adjust the way that last sentence is read to include your version of sarcasm, please)

Does anyone know if big screens need to be cleaned, if so, does anyone know of a T.V. repairman around the Lee's Summit area.

I love this switch. I'm tired of losing HD coverage while WIBW covers a tornado in a county 50 miles west of Salina
A valid point. Hopefully KCTV follows KMBC and on their digital channel stays in HD but puts up a bug saying something to the effect of "there is severe weather in the area so tune to our other channel" .

I don't really know anything good or bad about KCTV. My only concern as I mentioned was that to my eyes WIBW does a good job with their PQ. Hopefully KCTV will do similar.

Does anyone know if big screens need to be cleaned, if so, does anyone know of a T.V. repairman around the Lee's Summit area.

This is difficult to answer. Are you noticing a specific problem? Have you looked for a hardware specific thread here in AVS Forum that might be able to help you?

I am in Warrensburg and recently mounted an HD antenna from Radio Shack in my attic. To my delight I am receiving all of the Kansas City stations in HD except for NBC 41.1. I can get the analog station reception on channel 41 and it is pretty poor, just like all the other analog stations, but the HD feed on 41.1 is not coming through, whereas the other HD feeds are fine. Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions? Is KSHB 41 not "pushing" as strong a signal as the other HD stations? I'm new here.
Thanks!

I love this switch. I'm tired of losing HD coverage while WIBW covers a tornado in a county 50 miles west of Salina.

Maybe I'll be dissatisfied when I find out that KCTV isn't any good. Is that the case?

Clearly, this is another example of Lawrence trying to keep things from Topeka out of here.

I think according to Nielsen, etc., Lawrence is technically part of the Kansas City market, not the Topeka market. That's probably why this change is being made.

Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions? Is KSHB 41 not "pushing" as strong a signal as the other HD stations?

I'm about the same distance as you, only on the opposite (west) side of the tower. For me, 41 is the spottiest of the "Big 4" KC stations. Funny how 38 comes from the same tower, yet I receive them much better. You'd think they'd give more power to the NBC affiliate than to their independent station.

FYI, I'm using a ChannelMaster 4228 with pre-amp, but it's self-installed so I might not be at optimum.

What's up with KCTV-5 tonight? The digital broadcast is breaking up badly, both video and audio.

What's up with KCTV-5 tonight? The digital broadcast is breaking up badly, both video and audio.

D'oh!

Well, great broadcast by KMBC again tonight...but instead of their regular pixelation we had an HDTV dropout to SD and an audio dropout as well.

I noticed that as well during Lost.

Center channel disappeared, then the front, then a nice high pitched whine.

I was able to rewind to before it occured and kicked on closed captioning.

Invasion played thru fine however.

I have had my big screen for 3.5 yrs. Sometimes now when I turn it on the picture is a little blurry and I have to push the flash focus button a couple times. Does this mean it needs to be cleaned or something?

taylor,

There's a couple of likely explanations, either singly or in combination:

* First, the Flash Focus adjustment will lose effectiveness over time as your CRTs age. On most sets with auto-convergence this can be addressed by reworking geometry and convergence via the service menu and then re-registering the "flash focus" points stored in memory.

* Cleaning is probably required, both for the lenses and the mirror. In general, I don't touch the mirror when I calibrate new RPTVs, but after a couple of years it's critical to ensure a well-focused and well-converged picture. I recommend that lenses on RPTVs be cleaned at least once per year.

Of course, these are adjustments that I provide as part of my video calibration services. I'm still scrambling around looking to get a KC tour organized for March (delayed from February). If you think you might be interested and you'd like to know about how calibration would benefit you, drop me an eMail or give me a call on either of the numbers below.

FYI -- I'm also likely to be including Lincoln, NE and Lawrence, KS on my next swing through KC, so if anyone from those areas is lurking and is interested, go ahead and give me a call.

I noticed that as well during Lost.

Center channel disappeared, then the front, then a nice high pitched whine.

I was able to rewind to before it occured and kicked on closed captioning.

Invasion played thru fine however.
I almost thought it was just a mood thing done on the show, but then the sound totally dropped out and then the high pitched whine came on. I pretty much got the idea of what they were saying though even without closed captioning. I wonder when KMBC will get around to fixing their problems. In my opinion, they usually have the most problems of any station.

I almost thought it was just a mood thing done on the show, but then the sound totally dropped out and then the high pitched whine came on. I pretty much got the idea of what they were saying though even without closed captioning. I wonder when KMBC will get around to fixing their problems. In my opinion, they usually have the most problems of any station.

I thought the same thing at first that it was some kind of artistic thing they were doing. And it happened at a most critical time in the program.

I am getting tired of the problems with 9's digital broadcasts. It seems almost everyone is having the same problems. I've been told by someone associated with KMBC that the problems are related to electrical interference in each persons home and not the stations signal. No other local digitals are having problems. I think their engineering department needs to go back to school.

I thought the same thing at first that it was some kind of artistic thing they were doing. And it happened at a most critical time in the program.

I am getting tired of the problems with 9's digital broadcasts. It seems almost everyone is having the same problems. I've been told by someone associated with KMBC that the problems are related to electrical interference in each persons home and not the stations signal. No other local digitals are having problems. I think their engineering department needs to go back to school.
Apparently we also missed something important. When the clock went down to 0, there was supposedly something that sounded like a generator starting up and doors closing (or so I've read).

If they were electrical problems, we'd be getting errors more frequently. I don't believe mine can be electrical problems either because I watch my HD through my computer and my computer is plugged into a UPS that would prevent that. Of course they can't blame this latest blunder on electrical problems because I've never heard of electrical problems causing an HD outage and audio dropouts :p

I live in Olathe Ks and I'm tired of paying Comcasts outrageous cable bill just to get some HD channels. I was wondering if anyone else in Olathe uses an antenna to recieve the over the air HD channels? If so do you pick up all the local channels? Do you use an indoor or outdoor antenna?

Thanks

Great, I have LOST on my DVR but haven't watched it yet. Guess I know what to look forward to. :mad:

1) KMBC needs to move to a UHF channel. VHF is NOT working for digital TV. Especially since we live in a heavy thunderstorm area. We shouldn't have to turn off all electrical devices in our homes just to watch VHF digital television.

2) KMBC needs a new Dolby Digital encoder. It has been sent in for repair at least once. It keeps going out at crucial times. Please buy a new one KMBC.

I live in Olathe Ks and I'm tired of paying Comcasts outrageous cable bill just to get some HD channels. I was wondering if anyone else in Olathe uses an antenna to recieve the over the air HD channels? If so do you pick up all the local channels? Do you use an indoor or outdoor antenna?

Thanks
I am.

I live close to 127th and Blackbob. I have a Channel Master 4228 on my roof with a tripod. RG-6 cable. No amp. RG-6 grounding block attached to a water pipe. Signal is then split to the bedroom HD-STB and the 2 HD-DVRs in my HT.

My reception:
4 = Excellent
5 = Excellent
9 = Excellent (except when there is lightning in the area, they are VHF)
19 = Excellent
29 = Excellent
38 = Excellent
41 = Excellent
62 = Good (I loose this station during bad weather. They are low power. They will be full power this summer.)

A grounding block attached to a water pipe will help with the dropouts on KMBC. But there is nothing that you can do with lightning and KMBC until they move to UHF. I hope they seriously consider this. KMBC is hard to watch during the spring thunderstorms.

A grounding block attached to a water pipe will help with the dropouts on KMBC. But there is nothing that you can do with lightning and KMBC until they move to UHF. I hope they seriously consider this. KMBC is hard to watch during the spring thunderstorms.

I have my antenna grounded and I still have the frequent dropout problem. Grounding won't help.

Does anyone know if dish or directv offers local KC channels in HD?

I think Directv is projecting a May date for HD locals into Kansas City. It would just be 4,5,9, and 41. But you need to live in the KC market to be eligible.

Dish is rolling out HD locals (including KC) with their new mpeg4 receivers.

A grounding block attached to a water pipe will help with the dropouts on KMBC. But there is nothing that you can do with lightning and KMBC until they move to UHF. I hope they seriously consider this. KMBC is hard to watch during the spring thunderstorms.

KMBC will be going back to channel 9 after the analog shutoff date (2/2009). They have no plan to go UHF, as far as I know. 9 should be somewhat better than 7 as far as electrical interference is concerned, however.

Brad

Great, I have LOST on my DVR but haven't watched it yet. Guess I know what to look forward to. :mad:

1) KMBC needs to move to a UHF channel. VHF is NOT working for digital TV. Especially since we live in a heavy thunderstorm area. We shouldn't have to turn off all electrical devices in our homes just to watch VHF digital television.

2) KMBC needs a new Dolby Digital encoder. It has been sent in for repair at least once. It keeps going out at crucial times. Please buy a new one KMBC.
Yeah, and it's been a least a month since they've sent it for repair and got it back with no apparent errors. I know they probably aren't cheap, but damn do they need a new one. These errors are getting ridiculous.

Curious as to why the Olympics coverage on KSHB-DT this morning (2/18) is in SD instead of HD. Something wrong at KSHB?

Edit: They finally switched it.

Curious as to why the Olympics coverage on KSHB-DT this morning (2/18) is in SD instead of HD. Something wrong at KSHB?

Edit: They finally switched it.
I called them.

The "weekend" crew is not used to having to flip the HD switch, as very little is on in HD on Saturdays (especially in the morning).

Hello?!?! It IS the Olympics... figured they would get a memo about that down there. lol

I'm being sarcastic... thanks for fixing it today though.

I live in Olathe Ks and I'm tired of paying Comcasts outrageous cable bill just to get some HD channels. I was wondering if anyone else in Olathe uses an antenna to recieve the over the air HD channels? If so do you pick up all the local channels? Do you use an indoor or outdoor antenna?

Thanks

I mostly watch OTA HD programs so cable was not really attractive to me at all. I have DirectTV right now with a special package from several years ago for just HBO package (I only pay $12/month). Comcast sent me a mail last month with a deal for just $29.99/month for digital cable Gold with HBO and Starz. I thought about it and still declined because the opportunity cost for me watching that much TV is not just the price of cable but the price of my health :)

In the mean time, I am enjoying OTA HD using a combination of outdoor (Winegard Sensar III) and indoor (Silver Sensor) antennas. However, if you are interested in a HD-DVR with built-in ATSC tuner, cable card support, etc. there is a killer deal going on now at Tweeter.com on the Sony 500GB (yes 500GB) HD-DVR.

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2017121&cp=&keywords=sony+hdtv&y=0&searchId=5534019799&x=0&parentPage=search

This used to be $999 then $699 and now $249 free shipping. I have the 250 GB version which I bought just this past november for $499. I actually went ahead and ordered the 500GB version also. It is back ordered right now. For $249, just the 500GB HDs are worth it. it has built-in ATCS tuner. It has QAM support. It has cable card slot. It has dolby digital output. It has component video output and HDMI. it comes with HDMI cable and DVI adapter. Nice remote. It uses TVGuide system for program guide. It is kinda of a pain compared to Tivo but there are not monthly fees.

I have friends in Grain Valley, MO that get OTA Hd using an attic antenna. I live in Lees Summit and I can get them through indoor and outdoor. Hope this helps.

Why oh why does the 500 have to be on the one channel I can never get to come in OTA? This sucks....

Comcast does send their local HD channels via un-encrypted QAM. So if you have Expanded Basic and a CableCard Ready TV, you can get your locals without a cablecard and without a digital box.

Comcast does send their local HD channels via un-encrypted QAM. So if you have Expanded Basic and a CableCard Ready TV, you can get your locals without a cablecard and without a digital box.

Slight correction to your statement. The TV does not need to have a cable card slot. It just needs to have a QAM tuner. My Sanyo 30" HT30744 has a QAM tuner but no cable card slot. It will be able to tune to unencrypted cable channels that are broadcast using QAM. I was told that the local HD channels are the only ones unencrypted in Comcast in this area.

Does anybody know if the technical problems with the HD Olympic coverage last night were local or national? I lost the center audio channel during the skiing and then the picture started breaking up and then went to SD. They finally got it back to HD.

Does anybody know if the technical problems with the HD Olympic coverage last night were local or national? I lost the center audio channel during the skiing and then the picture started breaking up and then went to SD. They finally got it back to HD.

I noticed that too OTA. I actually enjoyed it a little bit not having the announcers. The best thing to do is ask on a few other city threads on this board and see if they had that experience.

I not only lost audio, but also had video glitches.

I switched to NBC out of Topeka, and it was working fine. (I live in Lawrence, and received from K.C. and Topeka).

Must have just been KSHB then.

I know this isn't totally the reason for this forum, but can somebody recommend a broadband internet service near the Lawrence airport? Sunflower is just out of range.

How is your reception of KCPT DT18 PBS Over the Air since KCPT DT-18 is now multicasting four channels? My reception is terrible yet I have an outdoor antenna pointed straight at the KCPT tower. If I swing my antenna around 180 and point toward the southeast KMOS DT-15 PBS at 45 miles away comes in just rock steady. My KCPT DT-18 PBS picture just pixels badly-very unwatchable. :(

NBC's HD feed tonight of the Olympics is riddled with glitches and breakups. It's very distracting. I love how it cut out the worst during Sasha Cohen's performance ... probably NBC's #1 rating for the whole low-rated olympics.

I last viewed KCPT 1 thru 4 on Sunday the 19th. All four video feeds were 480 SD and no pixel problems. I am curious if they could downconvert the PBS HD feed down to 480P Widescreen 16x9 instead of chopping off the ends and giving us 4x3. No audio problems. I am sorry that you are having reception problems as I know that you are very knowledgable about your antenna and cables.

I last viewed KCPT 1 thru 4 on Sunday the 19th. All four video feeds were 480 SD and no pixel problems. I am curious if they could downconvert the PBS HD feed down to 480P Widescreen 16x9 instead of chopping off the ends and giving us 4x3. No audio problems. I am sorry that you are having reception problems as I know that you are very knowledgable about your antenna and cables.

Thanks.........I am trying to figure this one out on my KCPT DT-18 OTA reception. KCPT DT-18 PBS 18-01 1080i reception is great for me but now this multicasting maze is just plain bad for my receiver. I miss the good old days of KCPT DT-18 full-bandwidth PBS primetime 1080i broadcasting. :)

NBC's HD feed tonight of the Olympics is riddled with glitches and breakups. It's very distracting. I love how it cut out the worst during Sasha Cohen's performance ... probably NBC's #1 rating for the whole low-rated olympics.


I talked to the chief engineer at KSHB yesterday and he said their HD satellite receiver is acting up and they have to reboot to get it working. With all the problems they had last night I think its time for a new one.

NBC's HD feed tonight of the Olympics is riddled with glitches and breakups. It's very distracting. I love how it cut out the worst during Sasha Cohen's performance ... probably NBC's #1 rating for the whole low-rated olympics.
Yeah, and during the repeat later, they made all of her performace SD.

last night was really bad for NBC, the glitches were so bad I had to move to SD to appease the wife, but oh so frustrating. Going from the HD OTA to a standard brodcast in DISH sucks bad, for me it might as well be in black and white.

I live in Olathe Ks and I'm tired of paying Comcasts outrageous cable bill just to get some HD channels. I was wondering if anyone else in Olathe uses an antenna to recieve the over the air HD channels? If so do you pick up all the local channels? Do you use an indoor or outdoor antenna?

Thanks
frankbobjones - I live in olathe 151st and blackbob, roughly. I get all of the UHF channels really solid, although have to adjust the antenna a little now and then. I have an issue getting ABC-HD on the VHF frequency, must be some obstructions etc. I am currently using a RCA indoor antenna, I'm sure I could get ABC with an outdoor antenna. I'm just buying my time till DISH provides the local HD's.

I talked to the chief engineer at KSHB yesterday and he said their HD satellite receiver is acting up and they have to reboot to get it working. With all the problems they had last night I think its time for a new one.
Were they able to get a new one from Scripps Howard or NBC? Cuz it's fine tonight (Wednesday).

Thanks KSHB!! (and either Scripps Howard or NBC) :)

If only KMBC and Hearst-Argyle could do the same with their DD box.

It's pretty frustrating for them to have these HD glitches during the Olympics. I recall same types of issues for whomever did the Olympics a couple years ago.


This is one of the very few times I actually watch live TV.

It's pretty frustrating for them to have these HD glitches during the Olympics. I recall same types of issues for whomever did the Olympics a couple years ago.NBC always covers the olympics ... at least for the last several olympiads. It's their baby. Kind of like ABC and MNF. Ooops! ;)

I'm thinking of buying the sony hd reciever/dvr.

I have read on here previously that if I subscribe to expanded comcast basic and buy an HD tuner that I will be able to recieve the HD channels via cable instead of OTA without having to buy for the additional comcast digital package and HD reciever. Can anyone confirm if this actually works for them?

Thanks

I'm thinking of buying the sony hd reciever/dvr.

I have read on here previously that if I subscribe to expanded comcast basic and buy an HD tuner that I will be able to recieve the HD channels via cable instead of OTA without having to buy for the additional comcast digital package and HD reciever. Can anyone confirm if this actually works for them?

Thanks

I pay for limited basic, and I get the major 4 networks using my QAM tuner. see my post here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6790904&&#post6790904)

Here are the latest digital HD channels available without:

19-1 - KCPT
19-2 - KCPT-DT
82-3 - KMBC-DT
83-3 - KSHB-DT
86-3 - KCTV-DT
98-1 - MoviePlex (alternating Encore movie networks)
104-x - MusicChoice channels
113-4 - ToonDisney
114-3 - WDAF-DT
121-3 - KCWE-DT

Olympics audio on 41's digital totally screwed up tonight. Too bad they can't get their act together.

Olympics audio on 41's digital totally screwed up tonight. Too bad they can't get their act together.

Yes, i'm having the same problem on OTA 41.1. D* 41 from my dish seems to be fine sound wise. Anyone else having issues?

Yes, i'm having the same problem on OTA 41.1. D* 41 from my dish seems to be fine sound wise. Anyone else having issues?

Yes, me too.

I cannot get their newsroom to answer the phone. Anyone else having any luck?
I guess they monitor video on 41-1 but not audio.
I am being forced to watch 41-0, yuck.

HDTIMMY
I had to do the same thing. Sounded like their Dolby encoder was on the fritz. It did clear up later.

Yes, me too.

I cannot get their newsroom to answer the phone. Anyone else having any luck?
I guess they monitor video on 41-1 but not audio.
I am being forced to watch 41-0, yuck.

This reminds me, is there anywhere in this thread where there is a list of the newsrooms/engineering depts of channels 4, 5, 9 and 41? Just so if we KNOW that it is a local affiliate or network issue we can contact them? I figure this would be a useful thing.

I live in Grain Valley and get all the local channels perfect with the HDTVo Terk Antenna in my attic...most are %85+....also, KSHB's feed is just awful...it goes out almost daily.

Quote:
We have experience difficulties with our NBC HDTV receiver. We had NBC ship in another one, but it was not much better. Either we have two bad receivers or a related issue. We have requested NBC to come out and do a complete check on our RF system.

Does anybody know the channel listings for Lawrence's Sunflower QAM digital
lineup? All of the analog stuff is rebroadcast in QAM and my tv found about one hundred channels, would be nice if I could actually find stuff :-).
In particular, looking for the local HD channels.

Would love to hear from any other sunflower QAM users as well.

Thanks,

Warren

This reminds me, is there anywhere in this thread where there is a list of the newsrooms/engineering depts of channels 4, 5, 9 and 41? Just so if we KNOW that it is a local affiliate or network issue we can contact them? I figure this would be a useful thing.


I can attest that calling the station during a problem is the worse thing you could do. If we're talking to you about a problem, we're not fixing it......TI

I can attest that calling the station during a problem is the worse thing you could do. If we're talking to you about a problem, we're not fixing it......TIOn the face of it, that would make sense. But in practice, it's a brush-off.

My experience attests that too often TV stations are not routinely monitoring either the video or audio of their digital broadcasts. In some cases, the station engineers have confirmed to me that they have no way of monitoring certain aspects of those broadcasts, particularly for audio.

You're basically suggesting that viewers should assume that if there's a problem with a digital station, it can be safely assumed the station is aware of the problem and working on it.

Well, I look forward to the day when that's actually proven to be true, but in the meantime calling the station remains the shortest path between problem and resolution.

I've seen both situations. Stations sometimes don't realize they're having a problem with their DTV broadcast and sometimes they already know.

I have to agree that most stations either don't have monitoring capabilities or don't utilize them when it comes to their DTV broadcasts. I travel this nation installing master control automation systems for TV stations from markets 1 to 200 and can attest to this reality. During the past 6 months I've been in 3 TV stations in NYC, the #1 market. Of these 3 stations the ability to monitor their DTV broadcasts either didn't exist or was not being utilized. Yeah they have the video up on a monitor in their control rooms but usually that's all. Nobody is usually actually monitoring the audio aspect. (I'm not saying that there aren't some that do but they're the exception not the norm)

In these days of broadcasting so many stations either already have or are launching upwards of 4 channels 1 analog & 3 services within their DTV spectrum (1 HD, 1 upconverted analog, & 1 weather channel). Most master control facilities are staffed with one individual. That one individual’s primary responsibility is to worry about their SD broadcasts as that is what generates revenue. (Nielsen ratings aren't metered from DTV broadcast viewers) That one task doesn't just include OTA analog demodulated signals. It also encompasses DirecTV, EchoStar, & the various cable companies if returns are available. So just with the 1 analog channel you now have a minimum of 4 video & 10 audio channels. (Don't forget about SAP on at least the OTA & cable) From my experience its very annoying to listen to them all at once as the Echostar & DirecTV feeds can be up to 5 seconds behind your OTA demod.

Now you add in the DTV spectrum. The HD stream gives you a minimum of 1 additional video & 6 additional audio channels. The upconverted SD & weather channels add 1 video & 2 audio each to bring you to a grand total of at least 7 video & 20 audio channels. This is way too much for one person to handle effectively. In comes video and audio presence detection equipment which simply provides alarms based on the lack of video level, sync, or still video & audio that passes below or above set thresholds. This equipment has been available and in a lot of cases in place for years as far as SD broadcasts are concerned. The gear is available and even better for HD streams but it's very expensive.

The DTV channel(s) are merely there. They deal with them when they get a chance or when the problems are obvious. I don't fault the broadcasters though. Their stance is why invest in the technology to monitor it when it makes us no money & if you wait the prices and technology will get better. The standards surrounding DTV broadcasting are still changing so why invest now when you'll have to reinvest again latter. To let you in on a little secret most stations use consumer STBs to monitor their DTV broadcasts. (Sometimes early generation ones at that) I've even seen several stations use PCI based HDTV cards in the same computer used by their operators to check their email.

Right now TV stations don't really care much about their DTV broadcasts. They do them because they have to and as of right now they only cost them money. When I go into a station and place one of their DTV channels under my control I've changed these feeds on air with 0 negative consequences. In some cases when their users are training on our systems they do it on their DTV channels as they have 0 revenue impact when they "crash" the channel into the wall.

You all are going to have to give it time. Stations are operating off of the bare minimums right now. Quotes like "we'll switch our DTV to channel 9 and our antenna pattern to full circular rather than the kidney shape it's in now" should give you all the indication that the same efforts placed on their analog broadcasts aren't being placed on their DTV broadcasts.

I've said this before but things will get much better when the DTV stream starts generating these stations revenues. KMBC can't bill for commercials without audio and people won't watch their programs without it. Viewers will change the channel to alternative markets like Topeka or seek completely different programming if the video is annoying because of jerky video like we've all seen at KSHB. These situations result in lost revenue & viewers. 2 losses station GMs won't put up with.

-HiDefAutomation

Sunflower cable has added new HD channels as of this morning. Wealth TV HD and MTV HD are new and they have replaced WIBW DT with KCTV DT. No sign of HGTV HD just yet. So far the new channels look pretty good. The network bug on MTV HD is obnoxious, but the sound is pretty good. It seems like Wealth TV may be a plot to make the "poor" people feel bad but the more HD the better I always say! Now if can get them to add National Geographic HD.

Everest Connections in Johnson County launched On-Demand today. The portal is on channel 110.

According to weekly uplink reports on DBSTalk.com and Satelliteguys.us, the Kansas City HD Locals are uplinked on 129. They are NOT available to subs, yet, but it should be days, rather than weeks, until they are. For now, they are on a conus beam, but I suspect that when E*10 goes into service at 110, they will be moved over there on a spot beam.

You have to have a satellite on 129, or a Dish1000, and an MPEG4 receiver (622, 411, or 211) to receive them, however. :( I won't have mine until the 921- for-622, $99 upgrade occurs in April. This will allow me to record three (3, count 'em!) local HD programs at once (one OTA, two satellite) on those rare occasions when there are 3 good things on network TV at once.

The nice thing is that I'll be able to decommission my 6000, saving that extra receiver fee, and subscribe to E* locals at a "wash." :)

Brad

It's nice to see that everyone is getting updates to their HD but us TW folks. I haven't seen an update since WB got added, and I can't remember before that. (I don't count the Universal for olympics. I don't personally know anyone who watched more than a few minutes of the olympics, period and it was temporary anyway.)

Anybody have any news for the TW folks? Cinemax? Bravo? NFL network? Bueller, Bueller?

It's nice to see that everyone is getting updates to their HD but us TW folks. I haven't seen an update since WB got added, and I can't remember before that. Anybody have any news for the TW folks? Cinemax? Bravo? NFL network? Bueller, Bueller?TWC has the rights to Universal HD but is not adding it in KC for the forseeable future. They won't say if it's a bandwidth problem or satellite downlink equipment thing. (Hello! Get rid of the Ch 1400 Loop!) I am quite disappointed in their laxidasical push for HD on their system. Everest is starting to look better and better. Especially if they start pushing HD like Sunflower is doing more of. TWC better get their act together soon or they will lose a lot of livid HD customers.

it could be that they just don't care since Comcast will likely have control of this market soon.

Here are the latest digital HD channels available without:

19-1 - KCPT
19-2 - KCPT-DT
82-3 - KMBC-DT
83-3 - KSHB-DT
86-3 - KCTV-DT
98-1 - MoviePlex (alternating Encore movie networks)
104-x - MusicChoice channels
113-4 - ToonDisney
114-3 - WDAF-DT
121-3 - KCWE-DT

Where are you located? I rescanned my QAM cable again last night, and I definately don't have that lineup. I'm using a Samsung SIR-T451 tuner on Olathe Comcast.

... Two years ago I moved from Lawrence to Basehor (in an area to which they have run fiber), and had no viable choice other than Sunflower for internet access, and reluctantly signed back up with them.

I have been overwhelmingly impressed with their quality of service since June 2004, both through my own experiences those of my friends and family in Lawrence. They have made such an amazing turnaround that I have decided that I'll be switching back to them later this year when the CableCard HD TiVo debuts.

From my vantage point, with your choices limited between Sunflower, Dish, and DirecTV, Sunflower is currently the most attractive option given their channel lineup, services, technology, and price. Most important to me is CableCard support, which gives you considerable freedom in third-party hardware choices -- something you don't currently have with DirecTV or Dish.

Ditto bocktar's comments regarding Sunflower Cable. I too live in the Basehor/Bonner Springs area. Just under a year ago they upgraded to fiber in our subdivision. Prior to that I avoided their service b/c neighbors had the same negative experiences of lackluster cable offerings, unreliable service, and poor customer service. Since upgrading to fiber, there seems to be a significant turn around across the board. So much so that I signed up for their digital cable, internet and phone service. This is month 5 and overall I am pleased. I just purchased a Pioneer Plasma unit and will be custom installing it over the next few weeks, and will then upgrade to Sunflower's HD service. From what I've been reading, seems Sunflower is leading the competitive pack in the KC metro area for service and variety. What a pleasant surprise! I hope Sunflower stays hungry and maintains their offerings leadership, quality and top notch customer service. I don't think I'll jump into cablecard b/c at present it doesn't allow for bi-directional communication so on-demand video and related services won't work.

-Doug

Noticed tonight a couple of new channels on my lineup. I have D*, and OTA, I get 5-1 for channel 5 KCTV HD, also noticed 5-2 and 5-3 tonight. Anyone know what they are planning?

Anyone know what's up with KCTV broadcasting 5-2 and 5-3 all week along with their 1080i 5-1?

As far as I have seen, 5-2 and 5-3 are 480i and have bars and tone on them.

I certainly hope this isn't part of a permanent multicasting plan that they may have. If it is, Kansas City can say goodbye to pristine 1080i CBS forever.

They will loose me as a viewer because I will be watching WIBW out of Topeka.

Man we are good. :p

Exact same question at the exact same time!! :D

Both good, or both bad, not sure which :) Thought I was seeing double!!

Anyone know what's up with KCTV broadcasting 5-2 and 5-3 all week along with their 1080i 5-1?

As far as I have seen, 5-2 and 5-3 are 480i and have bars and tone on them.

I certainly hope this isn't part of a permanent multicasting plan that they may have. If it is, Kansas City can say goodbye to pristine 1080i CBS forever.

They will loose me as a viewer because I will be watching WIBW out of Topeka.


I noticed quality is lower on the "David Letterman Show" already. One of Kansas City best full-bandwidth 1080i pictures KCTV5 DT-24 is now history. KCTV5 DT-24 is now a maze of lower quality multicasting broadcasting. A sad day in the history of Kansas City Over the Air digital broadcasting. :(

I noticed quality is lower on the "David Letterman Show" already. One of Kansas City best full-bandwidth 1080i pictures KCTV5 DT-24 is now history. KCTV5 DT-24 is now a maze of lower quality multicasting broadcasting. A sad day in the history of Kansas City Over the Air digital broadcasting. :(

Maybe they are planning multi casting for the NCAA tournament?

Shawn

If you look at the digital guide being broadcast:
KCTV-1 standard lineup
KCTV-2 NCAA Basketball March 16-19
KCTV-3 Multicasting Programming

If I owned one of these stations I would have been selling discounted advertising space to generate some revenue from the very start. Any broadcaster that does not take advantage of the multicasting revenue stream doesn't belong in business.

It is the governments fault that bandwith is limited to begin with. DTV was only designed to give the masses high quality 480P. Do the math, 480P gets nearly 100% pixel repaint. DTV was brought to us by the same government that brought us regulated flush toilets!

I agree ... the FCC should have reallocated the channels for wider bandwidth than 6 MHz spectrums. Then they wouldn't have had to squeeze down to a 19.2 Mbps stream to fit into it. It's also unfortunate that MPEG4 is not the standard for ATSC compression instead of MPEG2.

The HD Basketball game on earlier today looked horrible during fast motion. :mad:

I would much rather have one excellent HD game during March Madness than three crap-o-vision games.

This stinks. I'll have to tweak my antenna to get WIBW in more reliably.

Where are you located? I rescanned my QAM cable again last night, and I definately don't have that lineup. I'm using a Samsung SIR-T451 tuner on Olathe Comcast.

I am in Olathe. They also added

87-1 - MoviePlex on Demand
90-46 - Encore on Demand
114-300 - TNT-HD

I've now firmed up dates for my first Kansas City calibration tour for 2006 -- March 13-18.

I'm currently booked on the 14th, 15th and 16th, but that means I still have openings for what are usually the most popular and convenient days of the week -- Friday and Saturday (March 17-18). Monday, March 13 is also available.

If anyone is interested in having a display calibrated during my upcoming visit to KC, you can contact me by phone on either of the numbers below. I can provide both online reviews of my work and customer references for interested parties.

Everest is relocating their HD channels, and they are adding KCWE ( UPN ).

600 TNT HD
602 KCPT HD
603 KCPT Create
610 KMBC (ABC)
615 KCWE (UPN)
620 KCTV (CBS)
630 KSHB (NBC)
640 WDAF (FOX)
650 ESPN HD
651 ESPN2 HD
652 NFL Network HD
654 HDNet
656 HDNet Movies
657 Discovery HD Theater
658 INHD
659 INHD2

Their on-screen notice said this was happening March 1st, but they hadn't moved as of last night ( 3/5 ).

Still no KSMO-DT (WB) on Everest though? Damn. You would think they would want to get ALL the locals in HD on their system rather than have missing channels. No one wants to get cable -AND- have to put up an antenna for ONE channel. That was my whole beef with TWC until FEB 1 when they finally added KSMO.

OK, got a mailer from Everest today, the HD channel lineup change is going through on March 16th.

And, it says National Geographic HD is "coming soon".

I can attest that calling the station during a problem is the worse thing you could do. If we're talking to you about a problem, we're not fixing it......TI
TI, I decided to test your statement tonight.

The sound was screwed up on KCWE-DT tonight from 7-9, which is the entire time that KCWE is passing UPN HD from the network.

Following your advice, I did not call in, expecting the engineers to fix the problem. They did not. It was not a national issue, and it was happening on two different OTA boxes.

This is EXACTLY why I call a station when there is an issue. Even engineers that belong to your station group do not monitor their signal.

Speak of the devil KCTV is multicasting. Don't say I didn't warn you but this trend will continue with more and more stations. Broadcasters either like to be first to do something (as they'll tell you in the promos they run) or they will quietly follow someone elses lead while trying to improve on what their competition did. Check out the links below.

NBC Weather Plus (http://www.nbccableinfo.com/insidenbccable/networks/weather/resources/inthenews/111504.html)
ABC Accuweather (http://www.accuweather.com/iwxpage/adc/pressroom/prs/ps/ps_72.htm)

LiveLite give me a break with the multicasting revenues. These channels are made to provide something their competition doesn't have. Technically on paper they sell ad space on them, but in most cases its really just given away as a package sale for buying advertisment on the SD channel. Kind of like an bonus. I've seen the invoices and at those prices you could couldn't even fill up your car with gas.
for what they one spot generates and you're lucky to have 10 of those in a given day. They can't even prove how many people are watching it so they can't justify big prices. The running joke at most stations is there are like 12 people actually watching which use to be the case though today there are quite a bit more. Unfortunately the it still gets the same priority as when there were 12 people watching.

Heaven forbid you have a city where one company owns 2 stations like KC,a "Duopoly". You could end up with a situation like this. KCTV 5.1 = 1080i, 5.2 = 480i Weather Venture, 5.3 = 480i KSMO-SD; KSMO 62.1 = 1080i, 62.2 = 480i Weather Venture, 62.3 = 480i KCTV-SD. Each 480i service taking 3Mbps which brings your 1080i down to something like 12.9Mbps after the ATSC overhead. I've seen it folks. (I'm not saying this will happen just giving and example of what could :D ) I won't even go into the PPV systems to utilize part of the ATSC transport stream or services like iBlast (http://www.iblast.com/how.php3) whitch will make that ATSC bandwidth even more crowded.

I'm currently in NYC at a TV staion. Tomorrow I will try to provide you all with a visual glimpes inside a TV station.

-HiDefAutomation

Anybody get the new HD DVR from sunflower? I picked mine up yesterday and it appears that the HD stutters a little bit. SD broadcasts fine. Anybody else notice this?

I guess we'll all get a glimpse of what multicasting can do to a 1080i station during March Madness, when we'll get three "high motion" programs at once from KCTV - two @ 480i and one @ 1080i. Yikes!

If it's anything like KCPT, with only ONE subchannel (at night) and the HD signal at 720p, we're not going to like it a bit! I don't know if it's the multicasting, or the low power, but that station is unwatchable for me, at least on my Dish receivers. It is not too bad on our newer-generation LCD TV with built-in ATSC.

Brad

Sorry this isn't HDTV related, but...

Why is Comcast, for example, the only high-speed internet provider in some areas of the metro? I have called SBC (now AT&T) and they just say they don't provide service in my area (Greenwood). So, I'm left with one provider, and get this -- my high speed cable internet costs me ~$73 a month. Thats embarassing -- if SBC was able to compete in the area I could get their internet at around $20 a month. Anyone have any insight on this? Why the monopolies?

Sorry this isn't HDTV related, but...

Why is Comcast, for example, the only high-speed internet provider in some areas of the metro? I have called SBC (now AT&T) and they just say they don't provide service in my area (Greenwood).... Anyone have any insight on this?
It depends on the telco equipment used in your neighborhood. If the cost of upgrading your neighborhood equipment to DLS vs the projected number DSL subs doesn't justify upgrading, they won't spend the money to make it DSL capable.

I'm in the same situation where I live. My phone line's copper cable connects to a fiber optic Remote Terminal a mile or so from the house, which usually means you can get DSL. But I can't get DSL because SBC (now d.b.a. AT&T) won't upgrade that RT to DSL, because they've predicted that not enough people would sign up for DSL to get a return on the equipment.

Have you checked to see if wireless internet service is available in your area? It's often faster and cheaper than cable internet. LINK (http://www.dslreports.com/psearch?e=Complete+Search+Form)

I guess we'll all get a glimpse of what multicasting can do to a 1080i station during March Madness, when we'll get three "high motion" programs at once from KCTV - two @ 480i and one @ 1080i. Yikes!

If it's anything like KCPT, with only ONE subchannel (at night) and the HD signal at 720p, we're not going to like it a bit! I don't know if it's the multicasting, or the low power, but that station is unwatchable for me, at least on my Dish receivers. It is not too bad on our newer-generation LCD TV with built-in ATSC.

Brad


Any way to find out if TWC will put the sub channels on cable during the tournament?

This was announced today in the Star Business Section. Hearst, which also owns KMBC, seems pretty excited about it. The article's writer seemed to think that KSMO and KMCI will bid for programming from a FOX spin-off called "Your Network TV," or something like that. As they say, stay tuned! ;)

Brad

HD Local-into-Local service for Kansas City began today on Dish Network. The only channels available are CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. You must have an MPEG-4 receiver (411, VIP-211, or DVR-622) to receive these channels, and must subscribe to SD locals (or you can sub to HD locals and get SD locals, also).

Anyone out there able to see them yet?

Brad

HD Local-into-Local service for Kansas City began today on Dish Network. The only channels available are CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. You must have an MPEG-4 receiver (411, VIP-211, or DVR-622) to receive these channels, and must subscribe to SD locals (or you can sub to HD locals and get SD locals, also).

Anyone out there able to see them yet?

Brad


I now have a ViP-211. I guess I could swing my 61.5 dish around to 129 and look at the Kansas City locals. I will probably call Dish Network to see how much a dish 1000 and a DP-44 switch will run me. But for right now the local full-bandwidth digital broadcasters look great via my Over-the-Air antenna. :)

This was announced today in the Star Business Section. Hearst, which also owns KMBC, seems pretty excited about it. The article's writer seemed to think that KSMO and KMCI will bid for programming from a FOX spin-off called "Your Network TV," or something like that. As they say, stay tuned! ;)

Brad


Good news on the KMBC/KCWE getting the new CW programming. :)

I guess we'll all get a glimpse of what multicasting can do to a 1080i station during March Madness, when we'll get three "high motion" programs at once from KCTV - two @ 480i and one @ 1080i. Yikes!

If it's anything like KCPT, with only ONE subchannel (at night) and the HD signal at 720p, we're not going to like it a bit! I don't know if it's the multicasting, or the low power, but that station is unwatchable for me, at least on my Dish receivers. It is not too bad on our newer-generation LCD TV with built-in ATSC.

Brad

And I thought I was the only one unable to view KCPT DT-18 OTA. Thanks for the information Brad. Yes the cancer of multicasting is spreading. I always wonder who in the world is going to watch a low-rez 4X3 multicasting picture on a 16X9 television? To take such a work of engineering art like a full-bandwidth 16X9 HDTV picture and chop of the quality to show a bunch of little fuzzy 4X3 picture channels is just so bad. :(

KCWE TV/DT to be "The CW" Affiliate for KC
This was announced today in the Star Business Section. Hearst, which also owns KMBC, seems pretty excited about it. The article's writer seemed to think that KSMO and KMCI will bid for programming from a FOX spin-off called "Your Network TV," or something like that. As they say, stay tuned! ;)
Great news... now if KMCI also gets the fox spin off it won't matter what ever does or doesn't happen to KSMO.

On Sunflower in Lawrence, Channel 205 is showing 38 the Spot. Are they digital? What will this get me? It seems odd.

I have been browsing Sunflower's clear QAM signals with the HD QAM Tuner in my tv. It seems that all of the "high definition" content is widescreen 480i, then upconverted to 720p or 1080i by the cable companies set top box. If someone with a QAM tuner in on sunflower could actually pick up a true HD signal then I could be wrong, or my tv could be misreporting an hd signal as an SD 4:3 signal, it shouldn't though, because I could pick up comcasts HD locals with this TV / Tuner.

On Sunflower in Lawrence, Channel 205 is showing 38 the Spot. Are they digital? What will this get me? It seems odd
I noticed a crawl on channel 6 that indicated they were going to showing the BIG XII tourney games on "digital" channel 205 so I am guessing it is temporary.

Is anyone in the Metro area able to receive any of the Topeka stations OTA? I know in the past, some in Olathe have reported getting WIBW-DT44. I'm trying to decide if I want to go to the trouble to put up a second antenna and a combiner (I have a spare CM 4228 that I want to use for something). I'm particularly interested in seeing if I can get KTWU (PBS), which, I think, has a pretty strong signal. (I'm in western Shawnee, but don't have good line-of sight to the west - lots of trees in the way.) Any data would be appreciated.

Brad

Yes
Look at post #1919 on Page #64

KSMO-TV GETS MY NETWORK TV AFFILIATION

By Allison Romano -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/9/2006 6:20:00 PM

Fox’s My Network TV snared six more affiliates Thursday to push its distribution to 45% of the country.

Meredith Broadcasting is committing two of its stations, WB affiliate KSMO Kansas City, Mo., and KPDX Portland, Ore., to the network. Also, St. Louis UPN affiliate WRBU, owned by Roberts Broadcasting, will become a My TV station, as will QueenB Television’s WKBT LaCrosse-Eau Claire, Wis.; Venture Technologies Group's WNYA Albany, N.Y.; and Television Wisconsin's WISC Madison, Wis.

more at: http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6314821.html?display=Breaking+News

KCTV-DT 5.2 has some interesting programming on today... Live Scout System Camera shots.

KCTV-DT 5.2 has some interesting programming on today... Live Scout System Camera shots.

I think they're also testing to see how many people are watching:

"Free Movie Pass"
KCTV5
PO Box 5555
Kansas City MO 64109

I'll bite on that... My letter is in the mail.

I think they're also testing to see how many people are watching:

"Free Movie Pass"
KCTV5
PO Box 5555
Kansas City MO 64109

Now they're showing Paid Advertising for dance instructions.

I hate the blackout rule. We have to watch the Big 12 tournament in SD on KMCI-DT, while it is being shown to the rest of the country on ESPN2HD.

In the mean time, I am enjoying OTA HD using a combination of outdoor (Winegard Sensar III) and indoor (Silver Sensor) antennas. However, if you are interested in a HD-DVR with built-in ATSC tuner, cable card support, etc. there is a killer deal going on now at Tweeter.com on the Sony 500GB (yes 500GB) HD-DVR.

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2017121&cp=&keywords=sony+hdtv&y=0&searchId=5534019799&x=0&parentPage=search

This used to be $999 then $699 and now $249 free shipping. I have the 250 GB version which I bought just this past november for $499. I actually went ahead and ordered the 500GB version also. It is back ordered right now. For $249, just the 500GB HDs are worth it. it has built-in ATCS tuner. It has QAM support. It has cable card slot. It has dolby digital output. It has component video output and HDMI. it comes with HDMI cable and DVI adapter. Nice remote. It uses TVGuide system for program guide. It is kinda of a pain compared to Tivo but there are not monthly fees.


That's a good deal, but the page says it's not available on the web. The closest store is in the Chicago area or in Texas as far as I can tell.

Press Release: http://kctv.titantv.com/alerts/view.aspx?messageId=788&ReturnUrl=%2fapg%2fttv.aspx%3fsiteid%3d52133&siteid=52133


When the brackets are set, KCTV5 and CBS Sports are prepared to bring an unprecedented level of coverage of the NCAA Tournament to Kansas City.

Thanks to new digital technology, KCTV5 viewers will be able to pick from up to three different games at a single time during first round and second round coverage of the tournament, March 16th through the 19th.

One game will always be available on KCTV5’s standard channel; cable channel 3 on all Kansas City cable providers and cable channel 5 on Sunflower Broadband, the additional channels will be available on KCTV5’s High Definition channel. Viewers will need to have digital cable or a High Definition antennae and receiver. However, all cable providers that carry KCTV5 have agreed to offer the additional channels for the extra coverage. Those carriers include: Time Warner, Comcast, Everest and Sunflowerbroadband. The extra channels will be provided free of charge to subscribers, so they will not have to pay extra costs for the improved coverage.

KCTV5 Vice-President and General Manager, Kirk Black, is pleased with the announcement. "KCTV5 is the first station in Kansas City to offer this kind of programming choice using its digital signal. We are very excited to provide local viewers with multiple games during this year's NCAA tournament.”

KCTV5 is also guaranteeing viewers that they will be able to watch one game in High Definition in each broadcast group throughout the first four days of Tournament coverage, with a total of four High Definition games a day on Thursday and Friday.

KCTV5 will learn which games it will broadcast on Monday, March 13th. Fans can see the full schedule at KCTV5.com.

The additional stations are as follow:

Time Warner Cable: Ch 1451 HD / Ch 1452 SD
Comcast: Ch 212HD / Ch213 SD
Everest Communications: Ch 620 HD / Ch 621 SD
Sunflower Broadband: Ch 201 HD / Ch 93 SD

Not only is KCTV5HD not switched over to the HD feed...the weather thingy takes up 1/4 of the screen

Hope everyone in this thread is OK and didn't suffer too much property damage.
Olathe didn't really get anything at all, but a friend of mine over in MO was hammered.

Hopefully everyone's dishes and antennas are OK!! :eek: (I had to keep this on-topic somehow.)

Take care everyone.

All is well here in Lenexa. We didn't get much damage at all. Hope those who were in the path of the storms held up okay.

Not only is KCTV5HD not switched over to the HD feed...the weather thingy takes up 1/4 of the screen

Actually, last night, while Katie was on Channel 5 , Channel 62 and both DTs, the CBS movie was being broadcast on channel 5-2.

Just one final update on my schedule for my calibration tour here in KC this week...

I'm just about fully booked from Monday afternoon through Saturday -- apart from an all-day opening on Friday. It's a bit unusual for me to have a Friday slot open, as this traditionally seems to be the most popular day for my customers to play hookey for all or part of the day. ;)

So anyway, if anyone else is interested in having a display calibrated while I'm here and is available either Friday morning or afternoon, just drop me a private message, an email, or call me on my cell phone (314 495-2993).

FYI -- I drove in from St. Louis last night, arriving here just before 1 a.m. (I just HAD to catch the Sopranos season premiere). I passed two tractor trailers that had been flipped over and heard later that there were six others overturned along the same stretch of I-70. Very scary stuff.

I hope everyone here dodged the severe weather bullet...

NKC set to test utility of offering Internet service
City's goal: Sign up 30% of homes, 40% of businesses in '06
Kansas City Business Journal - March 10, 2006
by Charlie Anderson, Staff Writer

North Kansas City will roll out high-speed Internet service to its residents and businesses next month after beating a legal challenge by Time Warner Cable.

It has ambitious goals: City officials want to sign up 30 percent of the city's residences and 40 percent of its businesses by year's end.

"We're going to knock on every door," said Paul Rader, who was tapped in October to lead liNKC City, the name for the city's broadband utility.

How Rader's team does will answer a question with national implications: Do cities, which often operate water and electric utilities, belong in the Internet service business?

Larger cities such as Philadelphia, San Francisco and Chicago have announced plans to build citywide wireless Internet networks, which could pose an emerging competitive threat to telecom carriers.

North Kansas City's liNKC City is far bolder in that it presents a direct attack on cable modem service and DSL service that is already marketed heavily by the cable and phone companies.

Time Warner Cable tried to block the city's plans last year by filing a lawsuit. In its suit, the company cited a state law that requires cities to get voter approval before offering a video service.

In December, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling that there was no ground for a challenge unless the city gets in the cable television business, which it has no plans to do.

The city is marketing a service with Internet speeds on par with cable modem and DSL service for $34.95 a month. The $10 million network will reach all 2,500 residential units and 900 businesses in the city by the fall.

North Kansas City was in an unusual position to undertake the costly job of building a network. The city, which collects $10 million a year from riverboat gambling taxes, paid for the network without incurring any debt.

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2006/03/13/story4.html

Actually, last night, while Katie was on Channel 5 , Channel 62 and both DTs, the CBS movie was being broadcast on channel 5-2.directv removed the 5-2 from my menu so I didn't even think to check it.

As mention before Dish Network now has Kansas City HD locals up on the satellite. http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2006/03/dish_network_launches_local_tv_stations_in_high_definition_i n_kansas_city.php

slightly off topic:
Sunflower Broadband in Lawrence has a download limit and you are charged a penalty if you go over. I have never seen this before, I have had Comcast in Olathe, and Time Warner. Does any other cable company have this download limit? It really limits your ability to use the Internet.

When I lived in Wichita in 2003 Cox had this.

When I lived in Wichita in 2003 Cox had this.

From what I've read and learned from talking to some of the reps, there has pretty much always been one, but it has only been in the last year or so that they started to actually enforce it, which as much as anything may be a result of monitoring technology catching up.

The primary reason, as I understand it anyway, for now seriously setting and watching caps, and charging for overage was that there was a group of around 5% or so that were consuming seriously large amounts of bandwidth.

I understand Sunflower's position, but like you am not particulary pleased with the cost of going over the limits.

For those following along the numbers work out this way.
512 Kbps download speed, 512 MB transfer $19.95/month
3 MbPs download speed, 6 GB transfer $29.95/month
10 Mbps download speed, 18 GB transfer $44.95/month
10 GB additional data is $10/month if you sign up ahead of time.
Overage=$2/GB

Bob

For those following along the numbers work out this way.
512 Kbps download speed, 512 MB transfer $19.95/month
3 MbPs download speed, 6 GB transfer $29.95/month
10 Mbps download speed, 18 GB transfer $44.95/month
10 GB additional data is $10/month if you sign up ahead of time.
Overage=$2/GB



Sounds like a good reason to get DSL if it's available.

Is there a way to check your current usage without self-monitoring?

Thursday on KCTV-5

KCTV5 will broadcast the following games on Thursday:

Channel 5
(Ch. 3 on all cable providers)

11:25am Oklahoma vs. Milwaukee-Wisconsin
1:40pm Marquette vs. Alabama (also on 5.1)
6:25pm Illinois vs. Air Force (also on 5.1)
8:30pm Syracuse vs. Texas A&M

Channel 5.1
(1451 on Time-Warner/212 on Comcast/620 on Everest/201 on Sunflower)

11:20am Wichita State vs. Seton Hall
1:40pm Marquette vs. Alabama
6:25pm Illinois vs. Air Force
8:30pm Duke vs. Southern

Channel 5.2
(1452 on Time-Warner/213 on Comcast/621 on Everest/93 on Sunflower)

11:40am Boston College vs. Pacific
1:45pm Florida vs. South Alabama
6:20pm Gonzaga vs. Xavier
8:40pm Indiana vs. San Diego State

*******************************************

My question -- so will 5.1 be in HD, while 5 and 5.2 both be in SD? Regardless, i'm very excited about the ability to switch between 3 games! Hopefully the picture won't be dropping out and pixcelating because they are multicasting!

Here is the link for the CBS full coverage and what will be HDTV and what won't.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/cbssports/schedules/page/collegebasketball

The KU game against Bradley should be on Channel 5.1
(1451 on Time-Warner/212 on Comcast/620 on Everest/201 on Sunflower).

Where did you find this? Can you find a similar listing for WIBW-13 out of Topeka? Even though they don't multicast (note to all you PQ purists out there) it's possible that they could provide the missing games in all time slots except the 4:00 West Coast-only game.
Wouldn't it be nice if 5 and 13 coordinated like that?
Thursday on KCTV-5

KCTV5 will broadcast the following games on Thursday:

Channel 5
(Ch. 3 on all cable providers)

11:25am Oklahoma vs. Milwaukee-Wisconsin
1:40pm Marquette vs. Alabama (also on 5.1)
6:25pm Illinois vs. Air Force (also on 5.1)
8:30pm Syracuse vs. Texas A&M

Channel 5.1
(1451 on Time-Warner/212 on Comcast/620 on Everest/201 on Sunflower)

11:20am Wichita State vs. Seton Hall
1:40pm Marquette vs. Alabama
6:25pm Illinois vs. Air Force
8:30pm Duke vs. Southern

Channel 5.2
(1452 on Time-Warner/213 on Comcast/621 on Everest/93 on Sunflower)

11:40am Boston College vs. Pacific
1:45pm Florida vs. South Alabama
6:20pm Gonzaga vs. Xavier
8:40pm Indiana vs. San Diego State

*******************************************

My question -- so will 5.1 be in HD, while 5 and 5.2 both be in SD? Regardless, i'm very excited about the ability to switch between 3 games! Hopefully the picture won't be dropping out and pixcelating because they are multicasting!

Where did you find this? Can you find a similar listing for WIBW-13 out of Topeka? Even though they don't multicast (note to all you PQ purists out there) it's possible that they could provide the missing games in all time slots except the 4:00 West Coast-only game.
Wouldn't it be nice if 5 and 13 coordinated like that?

You can find it at:

http://www.kctv5.com/Global/link.asp?L=11771

Sounds like a good reason to get DSL if it's available.

Is there a way to check your current usage without self-monitoring?

Yep, that feature is availble via a web page, and is updated every midnight. We can also pull up our usage for monthly and weekly recaps along with daily numbers for the month that we are in.

For the most part I don't have a problem staying inside the 18 GB figure. The only time I've really blown it out of the water is when I got involved in downloading some of those Home Theater DVD demo discs, and the Bit Torrent program that I thought I had closed ran another 36 hours or so. But I made a lot of folks happy at the same time.

As to DSL, the last time I looked I was declared a couple of hundred feet to far away to make things work.

Bob

has KCTV already started their multicasting or testing of it? I watched Monday's CSI: Miami on my DVR tonight and the PQ was seriously lacking compared to what it was before. I never realized how much of a difference it makes until I saw it in person. Sometimes, it seemed like they could have built the scenes from HD legos, the scenes were so full of compression artifacts. Did we determine this was a temp thing for MM or are they going to multicrap their bandwidth permanently?

God I hope it's temporary.

I really do appreciate their ambition to provide us with a Complete March Madness package for free.

BUT...

With the current ATSC spec, they need to understand that you can't multicast with a 1080i channel without the 1080i image going to complete crap with any fast motion.

720p is better with multicasting, but not by much.

I can only get WIBW in at night.

I guess my question is whats the point of making 5-2 available when you degrade 5-1 so bad that both aren't worth watching?

I say this without having watched either of them in the last night or two. I'll give them a shot tonight to see how it is for me OTA.

5.2 looked terrible last night even on my SDTV. Lots of pixilization during 5.1 HDTV programming.

has KCTV already started their multicasting or testing of it? I watched Monday's CSI: Miami on my DVR tonight and the PQ was seriously lacking compared to what it was before. I never realized how much of a difference it makes until I saw it in person. Sometimes, it seemed like they could have built the scenes from HD legos, the scenes were so full of compression artifacts. Did we determine this was a temp thing for MM or are they going to multicrap their bandwidth permanently?

Multicasting destroys an HD channel picture quality . When multicasting any motion in the picture of the HD channel or the little SD channels will show up as small squares or as mention before as compression artifacts. It is sad to see the once beautiful full-bandwidth 1080i KCTV5 DT-24 CBS HDTV picture now degraded to almost SD quality. You will also noticed on the HD channel with multicasting the HD channel is softer and is no longer razor sharp. :(

Either multicast the programming ALL in SD or just have ONE HD channel. There just isnt enough bandwidth for HD and an SD multicast.

So what type of recourse do we have? Write the affiliate?

Thanks,
Mark

I don't think we really have any recourse. They are a business. Their goal is to increase profit. By multicasting, they have more hours of ad space to sell, so more money is made. We can boycott, but it will not be a big enough number to put a dent in their ratings. The only people that could potentially send a message would be the ones buying airtime. I don't know of any of those companies that would boycott.

I don't know if it is Comcast but the KCTV subchannel 5.2 looks VERY VERY pixelated. The regular Channel 3 looks much better than channel 213 (5.2). The KCTV HD channel 212 (5.1) still looks pretty good. I guess they decided to really compress 5.2 which probably perserves the picture for 5.1? Just a guess.

OTA 5.2 looks pretty bad. I think they did it on purpose. 5.1 HD (Wichita State game) doesn't look too bad.

So what type of recourse do we have? Write the affiliate?

Thanks,
Mark

Friendly e-mailing, letter writing and phone calls may help us all out to see KCTV5
DT-24 restored back to full-bandwidth CBS HDTV razor-sharp picture quality. Sometimes large companies do hear their loyal digital viewers. I just hope the phrase "Boy you should have seen KCTV5 HDTV picture quality back in the good-old days of full-bandwidth broadcasting" never becomes an often used phrase here in our local digital forum. We all have seen CBS HDTV 1080i in full-bandwidth.
For me it is hard to lose such great HDTV picture quality. :(

Just a thought. Maybe just a dream. I understand that the data rate that the networks use to move HD content is somewhere around 45MB/sec. It seems to me that there is an opportunity there to market some kind of satellite hardware that the regular consumer could buy/lease to receive a special high data rate HD signal. The PQ quality would surpass what we could receive OTA.

My take on multicasting is this. If the station wants to multicast, then the signals needs to be 480P 16x9. A smooth clear picture at 480P is better than 1080i with pixel repaint limitations. Watch FOX baseball this summer in 480P 16x9 and see what I mean. I do not like the digitized analog.

I think KCTV is doing a fine job of trying to maintain a watchable 1080i picture with low data rate for the second video stream. Unless you are really interested in trying to watch that second game on 5-2. Ouch!

We don't just lose bandwidth to multi-casting, companies like disney's moviebeam buy bandwidth from broadcaster to broadcast digital content to subscribers of their service. Where do they get the bandwidth? They further compress their HD signal. At least with multi-casting were getting something out of it, although I'd rather have the highest possible bitrate / resolution.

I thought the drawback of the reduced PQ HD signal (which wasn't all that bad. Not as good as we're used to, but definitely tolerable) was outweighed by the benefit of having an extra game available to watch. I'm going to write KCTV to thank them for providing that to us.

Just a thought. Maybe just a dream. I understand that the data rate that the networks use to move HD content is somewhere around 45MB/sec. It seems to me that there is an opportunity there to market some kind of satellite hardware that the regular consumer could buy/lease to receive a special high data rate HD signal. The PQ quality would surpass what we could receive OTA.

My take on multicasting is this. If the station wants to multicast, then the signals needs to be 480P 16x9. A smooth clear picture at 480P is better than 1080i with pixel repaint limitations. Watch FOX baseball this summer in 480P 16x9 and see what I mean. I do not like the digitized analog.

I think KCTV is doing a fine job of trying to maintain a watchable 1080i picture with low data rate for the second video stream. Unless you are really interested in trying to watch that second game on 5-2. Ouch!

MPEG-2 is old news as far as compression standards....New European networks are broadcasting in MPEG-4. Once that equiptment becomes readily available for transmission 5-7 years we willbe able to have our cake and eat it too (hd multicasting)

I thought the drawback of the reduced PQ HD signal (which wasn't all that bad. Not as good as we're used to, but definitely tolerable) was outweighed by the benefit of having an extra game available to watch. I'm going to write KCTV to thank them for providing that to us.

I agree. While the picture on 5-2 certainly isn't great, it IS great to be able to flip the channel over to it to catch another game. Thank you KCTV-5!

I agree. While the picture on 5-2 certainly isn't great, it IS great to be able to flip the channel over to it to catch another game. Thank you KCTV-5!

As someone who has absolutely no interest in sports, I don't think it is so great.

Mark

I think it would be better, if they are going to multicast multiple games, to just do them all in 480p 16:9. The bandwidth issue is more forgiving that way. I would rather have a few widescreen DVD quality games with less pixellation, than one pixellated HD one and a very crappy SD 4:3 one.

Don't get me wrong. I am not against multicasting special events that require more than one channel. MM is one example. Another I think could be the olympics. However, I have to agree with eyedox in that they are trying to do too much. If the event requires multicasting, then you should not attempt to squeeze HD into the picture. ED multicasting would be much better.

ED might be the way to go for overall best quality, but what do you do if you are the station manager? The broadcast is sent by CBS as HD and the people with HD sets are expecting it to be in HD. Do you give them HD or do you sneak in an ED signal that looks like borderline HD. Are there network requirements involved etc.? Do you anger some people if they find out it wasn't true HD?

Totally ignoring rules/politics and the technical re-scaling problem, I think I would be upfront and lay out the position as a positive.
During this special event, we [the station] decided a [large enough] set of viewers desire more [games/programs/content]. We have decided to provide as many viewing options as possible during this special event. We will be offering one analog SD channel as normal, and broadcasting two Enhanced Definition digital channels to provide as much content as possible. We have decided this is preferrable to the multicasting impact to the HD channel because:

Adding sub-channels reduces the viewing quality of the HD signal.
We can serve two channels of digital ED resolution with normal DVD visual quality.
Balancing fast moving content between the digital HD and SD-sub channels reduces visual quality on both channels.
Maintaining acceptable quality with fast moving content on the HD channel requires greatly impacting the sub-channel visual quality.
Of course, in addition to the rules/political and technological problems, there are two more:

The station's future plans for multicasting. Even though there is [evidently] a clear impact, this would demonstrate the station's admission that multicasting reduces quality...

Interest in the additional content. The idea that all three [programs] are equally important is endlessly debatable. Would the majority of the viewers like say - three (SD/ED/ED) NFL games on Sunday, or the Chiefs in SD and [best quality] HD, with a second game as a slide-show? (again ignoring rules/politics)

v/r,
C-F

Nice article on a HD camera on a local news helicopter. Hopefully soon one of our television stations here in Kansas City will have the ability to provide some of the local news in HD. http://digitalcontentproducer.com/hdhdv/depth/video_hd_eng_takes/

Is it just me or is KCTV5 DT-24 Over-the-Air back to just a single digital channel(5.1)?

Can't KSHB turn off Dolby Digital when a non-HD program is on? I noticed tonight during Deal or No Deal that Dolby Digital was turned on. Well I don't think that Non-HD program was encoded with Dolby Digital. I also noticed the same thing with Scrubs. I know KCTV switches from Dolby Digital to Pro Logic even when they go from an HD show with Dolby Digital to a Commercial that isn't. Hopefully someone from KSHB is reading this forum and will turn off Dolby digital during Scrubs. Not sure why Scrubs isn't HD, but that is another story.

Side Note: Just notice this same thing with Leno coming on right now. I don't think Leno is Dolby Digital yet? Yet, it is HD but never has been Dolby Digital. So turn off Dolby Digital. Hey look I changed it to KCTV and Letterman, which is HD, is not being encoded in Dolby Digital and in Pro logic. I guess KCTV knows what they are doing.

Is it just me or is KCTV5 DT-24 Over-the-Air back to just a single digital channel(5.1)?

It's not just you, my 5.2 has been missing since Sunday

I noticed CSI: Miami looked MUCH MUCH better last night. So indeed 5.2 must be gone.

I would expect 5.2 to be gone as the NCAA tournament was the primary reason it was being used. For the games this Thursday and Friday there are only two games at any given time. Hopefully KCTV will show one on the SD channel and one on the HD channel and not the same one on both channels.

For an NCAA BB lover like me I was in heaven when I could be watching three games at the same time. One on my 13-inch that I brought into the basement, one on my projector, and one using PIP on the projector though my TWC HD box. It was great.

All remaining NCAA games are in HD. I'm sure that whatever game is decided to carry on the analog channel will be in HD on 5.1.

Yes - I looked at their listings and they are carrying the same game on 5 as 5.1 (SD/HD) and I think that stinks.

I personally wish they would multicast the other game on 5.2 and keep it active thru Friday after the games.

I sent an e-mail to KCTV, but I doubt I will get a reply.

Yes - I looked at their listings and they are carrying the same game on 5 as 5.1 (SD/HD) and I think that stinks.

I personnaly wish they would multicast the other game on 5.2 and keep it active thru Friday after the games.

I sent an e-mail to KCTV, but I doubt I will get a reply.

The people at KCTV5 do respond to their viewers. Just check through the history here at the local Kansas City HDTV forum. They are real nice people.

Could someone please confirm for me that Time Warner is definitely broadcasting multi-channel sound (Dolby Digital).

I'm using Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR and noticed a couple days ago the multi-channel decoding light is not coming on my receiver for any programming, while it is still working fine for other video sources (DVD, XBOX360).

Messing around with cords didn't change anything.

Thanks for the help!

Could someone please confirm for me that Time Warner is definitely broadcasting multi-channel sound (Dolby Digital). YES. Check your menu settings on the box and your receiver.

Thank you.

Think I'm going to have to call them, I was working fine a week ago and my settings are ok, unfortunately.

*****UPDATE*****

I went back into settings and although Dolby Digital WAS selected, I reselected it and that solved the problem, in case anyone has a similar issue.

Hey everyone,

I did a channel scan for OTA channels middle of last week to pick up the additional KCTV OTA (5-2). It showed up as expected.

What wasn't expected is that I noticed a day or two ago I now have 5 -- thats right, FIVE KCTV channels. They are:

5 (normal SD channel from D*)
5-1 ant KCTV-DT
5-2 ant KCTV-DT2
5-2 ant KCTV-SD
5-3 ant KCTV-DT3

I checked them all out this morning and they are all showing the "Early Show" programming. I'll have to see what they all end up showing tonight during the NCAA Tourney. Anyone else have all these channels OTA? I didn't even do an additional scan to pick them up, they just appeared, I think on Tuesday.

...Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD DVR...[inexplicable loss of DD]...[came back by changing setting to PCM then back]...This is a known problem with Passport and the 8300HD. I thought it was mainly only HDMI users, using component, I have not experienced it until this morning. We have been running the same firmware since ~July/August of last year.

There was just some discussion of this in the Passport thread a bit ago #2809 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7160606&&#post7160606)

Hardware sticker on bottom = rev 1.2 (02/09/2005)
Passport version = 1.8.112
PowerTV version = 6.14.43.3sp

I use component video and both Analog and Coaxial Digital audio.

I hope this does not mean that they changed something at the head-end...

v/r,
C-F

Their website shows that they will show Bradley vs. Memphis for the Thursday Game #1 on 5 and 5-1.

Here's what i'm getting:

5 -- Bradley/Memphis (SD)
5.1 DT -- LSU/Duke (HD)
5.2 DT -- LSU/Duke (HD)
5.2 SD -- LSU/Duke (HD)
5.3 DT -- LSU/Duke (HD)

* Yes, I am getting 5 different channels, 4 of them OTA
* Yes, there are two 5.2 channels, one labeled SD and the other DT
* Yes, the 5.2 SD is showing an HD game

I'm confused. And all I want to do is watch Bradley/Memphis in HD and its not on!!! :mad:

Their website shows that they will show Bradley vs. Memphis for the Thursday Game #1 on 5 and 5-1.

Here's what i'm getting:

5 -- Bradley/Memphis (SD)
5.1 DT -- LSU/Duke (HD)
5.2 DT -- LSU/Duke (HD)
5.2 SD -- LSU/Duke (HD)
5.3 DT -- LSU/Duke (HD)

* Yes, I am getting 5 different channels, 4 of them OTA
* Yes, there are two 5.2 channels, one labeled SD and the other DT
* Yes, the 5.2 SD is showing an HD game

I'm confused. And all I want to do is watch Bradley/Memphis in HD and its not on!!! :mad:. Try a rescan of DT-24 Over-the-Air.


All I am showing now is a single channel 5.1 (DT-24) channel Over the Air.

anyone not getting 5.1 surround sound for the games on cbs hd, I am getting 5.1 on the rest of the hd channels and movie channels. I have had the same problem as mention above with the 8300 box but am thinking it is just this channel tonight

. Try a rescan of DT-24 Over-the-Air.


All I am showing now is a single channel 5.1 (DT-24) channel Over the Air.

Did a rescan, still showing all 5 channels.

OT: Anyone use or know someone who uses Lawrence Free net?
http://www.lawrencefreenet.org/

looks like a great alternative to sunflowers uncompetitive internet plans. I just need to find out if a large area wireless network like this introduces a lot of latency so that online games such as xbox live are unplayable.

OT: Anyone use or know someone who uses Lawrence Free net?
http://www.lawrencefreenet.org/

looks like a great alternative to sunflowers uncompetitive internet plans. I just need to find out if a large area wireless network like this introduces a lot of latency so that online games such as xbox live are unplayable.

What a great idea for Lawrence, and what a crappy website. Can anyone tell me how much this "free" service costs without having to input all my personal info first?

Can someone tell me how good the KC locals look on dishnetwork in HD.Thanks in advance.

Can someone tell me how good the KC locals look on dishnetwork in HD.Thanks in advance.

This is hearsay, but a guy in Leavenworth over on DBSTalk.com said that the MPEG4 locals look pretty bad in comparison to the OTA locals. There is a better-than-even chance that E*'s MPEG4 encoders are still being tweaked, however, and I would guess that, as time goes by, things should improve somewhat.

When I upgrade to the 622 DVR (after April 1), I'll be able to tell you first-hand. I'm really only going to use the sat HD locals as a backup second source for recording two or three HD local network shows at once. That is really my biggest gripe with the 921 - only one OTA tuner, and thus only one network recording is possible (I don't currently sub to SD locals). I do at least have a second receiver (6000) to watch a second show while one is recording, so I can't complain too much (see my sig!).

Brad

Unless something has just recently changed, Dish is not using MPEG4. Rather, the data stream is labeled such that only mpeg4 receivers can detect the signal, but it's still just mpeg2 encoding and decoding. That's why so many current Dish HD customers are upset -- their equipment has been prematurely made obsolete while Dish works on mpeg4.

I'm trying to watch the the NCAA tournament on 212 which is the Comcast equivalent of 5.1. It gets very jerky during fast movements and the picture looks really jagged most of the time. What gives? I don't see 213 on my guide so I don't think they are multicasting 5.2 anymore but the picture is still crap.

Anyone else still seeing this?

I watched on Comcast in Lee's Summit and didn't see any major problems. There were a few glitches here and there, but overall the quality was okay. I wish they had kept the additional subchannel during the week. CBS assume that local stations would broadcast one game on analog and the other on digital. However that didn't happen here and I would have liked to see the Villanova game.

Can someone tell me how good the KC locals look on dishnetwork in HD.Thanks in advance.

Dish Network was out here early today to install a Dish 1000 and Dish 500 satellite dishes so I may receive the Kansas City locals in HD. I can now receive programming from the 129, 119, 110 and 61.5 positions. So far the Over-the-Air Kansas City HD locals look richer and sharper vs the Kansas City HD locals via satellite. I have included a picture of the dish 1000.

Unless something has just recently changed, Dish is not using MPEG4. Rather, the data stream is labeled such that only mpeg4 receivers can detect the signal, but it's still just mpeg2 encoding and decoding. That's why so many current Dish HD customers are upset -- their equipment has been prematurely made obsolete while Dish works on mpeg4.

My understanding is that you are correct with respect to the recently-added national HD channels (Universal HD and ESPN2HD). Reports are, though, that LIL HD channels are, for the most part, real MPEG4 at 4 per transponder. People say that PQ is not too great, and wonder if the MPEG4 encoding is "optimized" yet. According to jeffdbs above, apparently not!

Brad

Dish Network was out here early today to install a Dish 1000 and Dish 500 satellite dishes so I may receive the Kansas City locals in HD. I can now receive programming from the 129, 119, 110 and 61.5 positions. So far the Over-the-Air Kansas City HD locals look richer and sharper vs the Kansas City HD locals via satellite. I have included a picture of the dish 1000.
Dish installed my 622 almost 2 weeks ago, and I would agree that the OTA locals seem to be slightly richer than the Dish HD locals. Personally its not a big detractor from watching the sat locals, although maybe someone else can see a bigger difference than me. I have noticed that the SD channels seem to be much better quality on my 622 receiver than my previous receiver, 522 I think it was.

The battle has begun. The April issue of Sound & Vision has ads for both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. I think I will skip being an early adopter on either format if they downrez the picute for those of us who don't have HDMI inputs. Also both sides need to stabilize their software etc.

Lamar Hunt finally got his wish for a Turkey Day game in KC. The question is: will non-pay-TV viewers get to see it, and will it be in HD?

The game will be on NFL Network, the first-ever regular season game they've carried (watch for bugs and oopsies). I can receive NFLN via DirecTV, but their track record of getting NFLN's HD games on is spotty.

The game will probably be made available to one of the local KC stations, but will they be able to rebroadcast NFLN's HD transmission? Aren't they only set up to rebroadcast HD from their respective network?

As much as I like the idea of the Chiefs in the national spotlight (we could be talking the highest ratings of the year outside playoffs), if it means no HD on my set I'm not in favor of it.

I know, I know... I sound like a spoiled brat, and it's way too early to worry about this. Or not.

I was also wondering about how this game was going to be seen in KC with those viewers who don't have NFL network. I know in the past when ESPN games were on KMBC Channel 9 would simulcast it, but that is because ABC owns ESPN. Now as far as the NFL network that is a BIG question on who or if they will simulcast it.

About if it will be in HD on NFL network, I would guess yes since this is their Inaugural game and the rumors how the NFL want all their games HD by either this year or next. I have Comcast in Olathe and we get NFL network, but I am not sure if they ever show programs in HD on a separate channel or what. I guess I will have to wait or someone here who has Comcast and watched it last season can tell me.

They will definately have the game available to a local OTA station. I don't think it is necessarily going to be KMBC. Also, I highly doubt it will be in HD. Even when ESPN was showing a Sunday night game in HD, KMBC could not carry it that way. So, TWC users prepare to watch a possible HD game in SD analog since TWC refuses to carry NFLN.

I agree with kcjeff, but if the deal with Comcast and TWC goes through in the KC area, all those TWC customer should get NFLN.

This is a great forum. I'm glad we can discuss our area's HD issues.

I use E* so who know what I'll have in time for football season. Hopefully a good strong OTA broadcast of every game in HD.

I have to agree with KSBugeater, however, maybe we are all a little spoiled :-)

Just read this:

NFL Network's game telecasts also will be available to the participating team markets via an over-the-air station.

At this link: http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9340849
at the bottom

Unfortunately it doesn't say anything about the games being show in HD.

I agree with kcjeff, but if the deal with Comcast and TWC goes through in the KC area, all those TWC customer should get NFLN.

What deal is this? I Hate Comcast. Paying over $75 for high speed internet really stinks.

Here is the info on the deal:

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2005/05/09/daily25.html

This is a great forum. I'm glad we can discuss our area's HD issues.

I use E* so who know what I'll have in time for football season. Hopefully a good strong OTA broadcast of every game in HD.

I have to agree with KSBugeater, however, maybe we are all a little spoiled :-)

If you have, I believe, AT-180 or higher on E*, you will get NFL Network HD. Last year they only had one HD program a week; it was a re-broadcast of a "game of the week" on Wednesday night, I think. This year they will start with some live games, with the KC Thanksgiving Game to be one of them.

Brad

This year they will start with some live games, with the KC Thanksgiving Game to be one of them. Brad


Football in HD on the NFL channel on Dish Network looked good last year. Over-the-Air full-bandwidth NFL football is still the best picture quality in my opinion. :)
Looking forward to the new NFL football season via Over-the-Air and Dish Network.

For those of you who are Royals fans. Those who don't know what RSTN is, it is the Royals Cable network that broadcast their games. I emailed RSTN asking them when they will be in HD, and here is the response:

Me:

When will the games be broadcasted in HD? Are there any plans to broadcast them in HD?

RSTN:

There are no plans for any RSTN HD games for 2006. We will look at the options for future years. RSTN


Not very promising.

For those of you who are Royals fans. Those who don't know what RSTN is, it is the Royals Cable network that broadcast their games. I emailed RSTN asking them when they will be in HD, and here is the response:

Me:

When will the games be broadcasted in HD? Are there any plans to broadcast them in HD?

RSTN:

There are no plans for any RSTN HD games for 2006. We will look at the options for future years. RSTN


Not very promising.

The RSTN games are produced by Metro Sports of Kansas City (A Time Warner Company) and none of their production trucks are HD Ready as I believe. The RSTN Website is at http://www.rstn.tv

Anyone know when D* is putting up more HD satellites, and when is D* going to carry locals in HD?

thanks

djones, take a look at this:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=820591&highlight=

I know I already asked this but never really got a response. Is it just me that when KSHB shows a program in primetime or late night like Scrubs or Conan they have Dolby Digital on even though the program is not in Dolby digital? So basically it give me an echo effect. I know I could turn off my Dolby Digital on my receiver but other HD channels automatically switch from Dolby Digital to Pro Logic automatically. I did notice when they show a local commercial that it switched to Pro Logic, so it makes me wonder if it is the National feed or the Dolby decoder that KSHB uses.

Does anyone know anything about the new channels that have showed up for Time Warner in the 700 range? Some work, some say that a subscription is required, even though I already get these channels.

Some are channels that are currently analog (2-99). Maybe they're starting the digital simulcast of these channels???

Lately, my 8300HD has been giving me a lot of problems. Usually I'll turn on the TV in the morning, and it has frozen sometime overnight. It's still working, and changing channels unfreezes it, but it's kind of annoying.

Thursday night, none of my shows recorded. They all appeared on the list, but they all started and stopped immediately, i.e. The Office - 8:00-8:00.

I've re-booted, and even left the box unplugged for a half-hour, but it's still being wierd. The latest thing it's doing is when you bring up the PIP, it's always on channel 1, the TW channel. No matter what you do, change channels, swap tuners, it's constantly happening. This effectively removes the ability to use both tuners at the same time.

I'm going to swap it out tomorrow, as long as they have units in stock, but I wanted to see if I was alone on this one.

Jayhawk,
I have Comcast instead of Time Warner, but they are probably going to be used for MLB Extra Innings package, I bought that package from Comcast and that is the range they are using.

Does anyone know anything about the new channels that have showed up for Time Warner in the 700 range? Some work, some say that a subscription is required, even though I already get these channels.

Some are channels that are currently analog (2-99). Maybe they're starting the digital simulcast of these channels???

I got the same thing. I have ALL those channels on other frequencies, but got the "subscription required" message. I think they might be the "family tier" I think they're offering. But it's just a guess. Interesting hodgepodge of channels that are all available elsewhere. MLB Extra Innings is always on the NHL Center Ice Channels.

Just upgraded to a new 50 in plasma and was looking for any recommendations on installers in the Kansas City area. I am looking for someone to hang the tv, run the cords thru the wall and hook up Dish Netwok HD. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Also, what was the lead time on getting Dish to upgrade you to HD?

In their latest newsletter, Everest says they will be adding HGTV HD "in the coming months".

KSHB-DT had a weather bug overlay in HDTV last night! Woo-Hoo !
KSMO-DT sadly did not for the second thunderstorm Thursday evening in a row.
FOX & UPN & PBS don't bother to bug you.




"One of the 12"

In their latest newsletter, Everest says they will be adding HGTV HD "in the coming months".
Sunflower Broadband added HGTV HD a week ago, but all it has been so far is an endless promo loop. I keep reading April 10 is the channels official launch date. Looking forward to checking it out.

I am happy to report HGTV HD programing is up and running on channel 226 on Sunflower Broadband as of today. Looks and sounds great. Yeah! More HD television! Appears pretty limited programing blocks to begin with but it is a nice start.

Does anyone know when TWC plans on adding another HD channel? Seems like there are a lot of available channels out there, but we have the bare minimum.

TWC has been lazy and indifferent to the calls for the addition of more HD channels. They don't care what you want or think, but they'll take your money all the same. What do they care? They are ditching KC in a few months and giving it over to Comcast anyhow!

TWC has been lazy and indifferent to the calls for the addition of more HD channels. They don't care what you want or think, but they'll take your money all the same. What do they care? They are ditching KC in a few months and giving it over to Comcast anyhow!

Actually, they don't even want to take your money either. I tried to get them to provide service for our new office. When I told them I wanted CableCards they became totally disinterested. Even though they "support" them, apparently they don't want anybody to use them.

I've got to ask if anyone gets this kind of picture error with KMBC. I've mentioned before I get pixelation problems in various threads including this one I believe, but I've never posted a picture of the problem. It seems to follow an AC3 CRC error, so I'm wondering if it's a problem with their encoder. I'm getting a 85-90% reception on my antenna, so it's not a problem on my end since I don't get it with any other channel. It'll happen only once or twice during an ep for a second or so at most, but it's quite annoying when it does.

http://kjordan.net/kmbcerrorsthumb.jpg (http://kjordan.net/kmbcerrors.jpg)

I'm a huge fan of Sunflower's HD offerings and quality. All locals, ESPN 1 & 2, TNT, UHD, HDNET, and the varoius standards are available. The company is responsive to customer inquiries and, if rumors within this thread are accurate, they are looking to add a few more HD channels shortly... I'm also a very satisfied Internet, Phone, and HD Sunflower Broadband subscriber.

Ditto those comments from a locale between Basehor and Bonner Springs. Joined up in Sept. '05 for full digital bundle, then upgraded to HD two weeks ago - nice!

So far I've been pleasantly surprised w/quality of customer service and tech support folks. HD STB swap went well and I like my new Pioneer 50" Plasma. ;) But wish there were more HD channels, and that Sunflower's TV Guide was more accurate for HD. Also noted on their web site that they've reconfigured their services bundles with higher pricing and less clearly explained descriptions (compared to what they had previously posted).

Two service improvement suggestions for Sunflower BB:

1. Offer downloadable user guide for the STBs with an addendum for its use on Sunflower - I had to rummage around AVSforum to locate one for the Moto 3412 (actually had to download info for a 6412 b/c apparently there isn't a separate one for the 3412.);

2. Simple Q & A info. sheet about changing to HD service. For example, the severe audio dynamic change between regular programming and commercials can be a jolt. I had to again search the net to discover that the trade-off partial solution is to maximize the audio compression in the STB settings.

But otherwise, I'm a pretty happy camper with Sunflower BB. Based on other forum comments, seems SBB may be one of the better service providers in the KC metro area?

Lamar Hunt finally got his wish for a Turkey Day game in KC. The question is: will non-pay-TV viewers get to see it, and will it be in HD?

The game will be on NFL Network, the first-ever regular season game they've carried (watch for bugs and oopsies). I can receive NFLN via DirecTV, but their track record of getting NFLN's HD games on is spotty.

The game will probably be made available to one of the local KC stations, but will they be able to rebroadcast NFLN's HD transmission? Aren't they only set up to rebroadcast HD from their respective network?

As much as I like the idea of the Chiefs in the national spotlight (we could be talking the highest ratings of the year outside playoffs), if it means no HD on my set I'm not in favor of it.

I know, I know... I sound like a spoiled brat, and it's way too early to worry about this. Or not.


Boy, I'm more nervous about the outcome of the game/season.

I am a Sunflower broadband customer, I just moved from a comcast service area and Sunflower's pricing is about triple what I paid with comcast. Additionally they have an archaic bandwidth cap on their cable internet service and if you exceed it they charge you $2.00 a gig. With companies such as disney and other networks soon to provide free downloads of their primetime offerings, and the downloadable game demos for xbox360 this is unacceptable. So much of the internets multimedia is out of reach due to their inane limitations.

I hope someone can help me.

I just bought a Samsung 50" DLP HLR5067w. I have an OTA attached to it, but I am not able to get any of the local HDTV signals. I know I might need a stronger antenna, but is that the only problem, or have I set something up wrong? Even when I put the channles in manually, like 4.1 etc., it won't even go there.

I have Directv, and will be getting an hdtv receiver soon, but I wanted to see what OTA HDTV was like.

Please help me out.

Thanks,

Andy

BTW, I am obviously a complete HDTV noob.

I've got to ask if anyone gets this kind of picture error with KMBC. I've mentioned before I get pixelation problems in various threads including this one I believe, but I've never posted a picture of the problem. It seems to follow an AC3 CRC error, so I'm wondering if it's a problem with their encoder. I'm getting a 85-90% reception on my antenna, so it's not a problem on my end since I don't get it with any other channel. It'll happen only once or twice during an ep for a second or so at most, but it's quite annoying when it does.

http://kjordan.net/kmbcerrorsthumb.jpg (http://kjordan.net/kmbcerrors.jpg)

These types of artifacts are usually caused by some type of impulse noise between your antenna and ours. You don't see them on other channels because we're the only VHF in town and we are somewhat susceptible to this type of interference....TI

I hope someone can help me.

I just bought a Samsung 50" DLP HLR5067w. I have an OTA attached to it, but I am not able to get any of the local HDTV signals. I know I might need a stronger antenna, but is that the only problem, or have I set something up wrong? Even when I put the channles in manually, like 4.1 etc., it won't even go there.

I have Directv, and will be getting an hdtv receiver soon, but I wanted to see what OTA HDTV was like.

Please help me out.

Thanks,

Andy

BTW, I am obviously a complete HDTV noob.

First step would be to go to: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

and make sure that you are pointing your OTA towards the right direction. I have D* with a Sammy HDTV as well -- although I have a Tivo HD DVR. How far away from the towers are you, if you are reasonably close you should be able to do a scan and pick up at least a few of them, if not all of them. I'm between 15 and 20 miles away from all of them and get strong signals on each.

Let me know how this works and if you are still having issues let me (us) know.

I hope someone can help me.

I just bought a Samsung 50" DLP HLR5067w. I have an OTA attached to it, but I am not able to get any of the local HDTV signals. I know I might need a stronger antenna, but is that the only problem, or have I set something up wrong? Even when I put the channles in manually, like 4.1 etc., it won't even go there.

I have Directv, and will be getting an hdtv receiver soon, but I wanted to see what OTA HDTV was like.

Please help me out.

Thanks,

Andy

BTW, I am obviously a complete HDTV noob.

Some HDTV's (like my 26" Hitachi LCD) have separate antenna inputs for ATSC and NTSC signals. Make sure your antenna is hooked up to the "ATSC" or "8VSB" input. Also be aware that the digital channel # (for manual entry) is different than the analog channel number. For example, in KC:

channel 4 = 34 digital
channel 5 = 24 digital
channel 9 = 7 digital
channel 19 = 18 digital
channel 29 = 31 digital
channel 38 = 36 digital
channel 41 = 42 digital
channel 50 = 51 digital, and
channel 62 = 47 digital.

Brad

if TWC has its own version of D* HD-Lite?

Or does TWC give full bandwidth to HD transmission for better PQ?

Thanks for any and all replies.

Doesn't anybody have experience with both D* and TWC?

Or maybe nobody in KC cares about HDTV or is it just apathy about the "vendors" we're stuck with.

flight planner,

I used to have TWC and now have Comcast and it appears to me that every channel they show in HD is true HD. Well maybe not PBS, but that has nothing to do with TWC or Comcast because PBS is multicasting on 4 channels which seriously degrades the picture. As far as Directv and Dish, I have heard, not seen, that Direct TV is really bad with HD lite and Dish is ok with HD except for their Voom channels, which are HD lite. Now I can't personally confirm if Directv or Dish's HD channels are that bad, but that is just what I have read.
I am pretty disappointed with Comcast HD lineup and seriously considering switching to Dish mainly because they have way more HD channels and now have the 4 local big networks in HD. Plus I can hook up an antenna and pull in the other HD channels, where Comcast only has the 4 big network and UPN in HD.

KCPT's digital signal will not be available for a short period of time for certain viewers as we make a major equipment upgrade.

To improve our analog and digital broadcasts for those who receive the KCPT signal over the air, its necessary to take our digital transmitter out of service while we make upgrades. Customers who receive the KCPT digital signal using a terrestrial antenna or via Everest and Comcast cable providers will not be able to receive our digital broadcasts beginning Wednesday April 19 at 12:01 a.m. for a duration of nearly three weeks.

KCPT is making an important major equipment upgrade which will require our digital transmitter to be down for that time. The signal could be back up sooner than the estimated three weeks. We will work as quickly as possible.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your patience and understanding as we strive to improve our service.

Please visit this website often for progress updates and information on when our digital signal will return.


http://www.kcpt.org/about/advisory.shtml

Regarding Kmj0577 pixelation issue.
Regarding the momentary video disruption which you have encountered, the following experience may be of interest. From my location at Weatherby Lake I have been able to pick up a good signal with a rotating antenna from KTWU Topeka on DT channel 23 at a distance of 58 miles. However, occasional breakup of the picture for about one second per event has been encountered on that channel. I have pinned this down to aircraft lining up with the S to N runway at Kansas City International Airport, lets say several miles out from touchdown. The aircraft just happen to be in a position for an instant to disrupt the KTWU transmission. If you are in a location from which the sky in the general direction of KMBC can be viewed, then an eyeball check just following the video glitch may be worth following up on. Night time works well because of the readily visible A/C lights. Certainly it would seem that any signal from the KC cluster of TV stations would be a candidate in the Leavenworth area due to the various KCI traffic patterns, though why only KMBC suffers from the problem has made me hesitant to offer this as a possible explanation.

Welcome Colonia9 to the local Kansas City HDTV forum.

KCTV5 screwed up big time last night...first they switched from HD to SD about 45 minutes into the movie and NEVER switched back...i think it's because no one is smart enough to put the graphic on the HD feed....1.5 hours into the movie they did a weather break on all the channels (5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) and didn't switch back until the movie has 1 minute left....so I wasted 2 hours last night and have no idea how the movie ended.

KCTV5 screwed up big time last night...first they switched from HD to SD about 45 minutes into the movie and NEVER switched back...i think it's because no one is smart enough to put the graphic on the HD feed....1.5 hours into the movie they did a weather break on all the channels (5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) and didn't switch back until the movie has 1 minute left....so I wasted 2 hours last night and have no idea how the movie ended.

I found out that KCTV has to switch their HD to SD when they put up the map graphic during weather situations, because they don't have the ability to put that graphic up in HD format (this is from one of the techs at KCTV whom I called during the previous bad weather cycle last Tuesday - because it ruined my watching NCIS).

KMBC has a better way of informing their HD viewers - they put a small graphic text box at the upper right hand corner of the HD screen stating "There is a severe weather advisory for our area. For details, go to KMBC Analog." leaving the decision to watch the weather advisory to the individual. I wish the other stations would go to this type of advisory.

KMBC has a better way of informing their HD viewers - they put a small graphic text box at the upper right hand corner of the HD screen stating "There is a severe weather advisory for our area. For details, go to KMBC Analog." leaving the decision to watch the weather advisory to the individual. I wish the other stations would go to this type of advisory.

I wish all stations would just do the text bar at the top/bottom on BOTH HD and analog. I could care less if Katie wants to blab and blab about a storm 20 counties away, and I certainly don't need a map (large enough to see my own house) covering 3/4 of the TV screen.

I figure it is either a requirement/[strong suggestion] or enough folks in the broadcast area want to be constantly informed or the stations would quit. So I think it will continue.

**-- Just asking --**

Would you rather have interruptions and loss of content or a Weather-Watch / AMBER ALERT / Breaking-News sub-channel and a small bug/banner with a degraded picture?

I wonder how much trouble it was to spin up/down the sub-channels for the basketball tournament? I doubt they could turn it on/off, as problems would occur with folks scanning for the new channel. I guess they could rate shape it to little or nothing when unused. Or they could swap the content over to the sub-channel where the 'Type-A' folks know how to get it, and the rest just watch the brightly colored maps.

v/r,
C-F

I absolutely HATE large colorful distracting weather maps on the screen. If I am worried about dying in a tornado, I will notice the small HD weather bug message and tune to the SD channel to see what is up. I DON'T want my nice HD picture degraded (like KCTV has done every week during my favorite WB shows lately) to SD, with an abnoxious large color map blocking 40% of the screen. It's rediculous.
On a positive note, kudos to KMBC for keeping the HD feed during storms, and putting a small HD bug in the corner to alert us of our potential impending doom.

Well I'm looking forward to griping about the need for more HD on TWC in KC. lol Waiting on the new samsungs and finally plunging in. Just stopped by to read up and see what I'm in for. Sounds like TWC does an OK job eh?

For crying out loud KCTV.... can I get HDTV tonight? I mean, the storms are MILES AWAY and not severe!

Katie Horner obviously does not have an HDTV or she would better understand why pulling HD to put up her pretty color maps (of a storm in St Louis) generates tons of flaming hate mail from the HD community.

For crying out loud KCTV.... can I get HDTV tonight? I mean, the storms are MILES AWAY and not severe!

Does anyone know if the local stations will be boosting signal strengh significantly for their digital broadcasts? Or have they already come up to what will likely be full power?

The reason I'm asking is that I've got an AV Closet where all my gear lives, including my OTA HD receiver (actually it's a D* HDTivo... but I think that's probably beside the point). I'm getting by using a Terk TV-5 indoor antenna, but what I find is that some nights (and for some stations) I have to adjust the antenna to get a clean signal. I do have a "sweet spot" that generally tunes all stations cleanly, but it doesn't work 100%, especially with channels 5 and 41 (which some nights seem to be mutually exclusive).

This gets to be a real problem when I'm recording shows while I'm away, or recording shows on two OTA stations that I can't tune cleanly at the same time. I don't particularly want to install an outdoor antenna, so I'm hoping that this is a temporary inconvenience that will go away once all stations come up to full power.

So... am I going to be in luck with waiting for better signals, or do I need to be looking at a better antenna?

You might try an in-attic antenna. That worked well for me. 1/2 hour, four screws and a hole for the cable. Post @4047 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6249161&&#post6249161)

Radio-Shack (in Leavenworth at least) has a nice map with colors highlighting the expected signal reception all around KC. It was not a generic radial or [big handwave] pattern, it was very detailed with variations within our housing area. For my little spot of green in the middle of a bunch of red - it was spot on.

v/r,
C-F

You might try an in-attic antenna. That worked well for me. 1/2 hour, four screws and a hole for the cable. Post @4047 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6249161&&#post6249161)

Radio-Shack (in Leavenworth at least) has a nice map with colors highlighting the expected signal reception all around KC. It was not a generic radial or [big handwave] pattern, it was very detailed with variations within our housing area. For my little spot of green in the middle of a bunch of red - it was spot on.

v/r,
C-F

I wonder where they got that map. I'd like to get my hands on one!

Brad

JUNE 1, 2006 Cable Company Swap

Has anyone heard what is going to happen for certain on June 1 regarding the Comcast - Time Warner cable swap? My understanding is that Comcast will pull the trigger, giving TWC the rights to Houston, meaning all of KC will be Comcast by the end of this year.

I just noticed this morning that Good Morning America was in HD on KMBC this morning. I don't know if this was the first day or not, because I usually have the TV on for 20 or so minutes in the morning on my older TV in my bedroom. I just happen to check it this morning on my HDTV and was pleasantly surprised. Did KMBC get new equipment to record the show or did ABC finally get their second link up?

JUNE 1, 2006 Cable Company Swap

Has anyone heard what is going to happen for certain on June 1 regarding the Comcast - Time Warner cable swap? My understanding is that Comcast will pull the trigger, giving TWC the rights to Houston, meaning all of KC will be Comcast by the end of this year.


What!

Did KMBC get new equipment to record the show or did ABC finally get their second link up?
It is my understanding (from a discussion in the programing forum) that today was first day it was in HD in the central time zone. Guess I will have to check it out in the morning.

What!
I haven't heard an update, but that is what I am expecting. I wonder if I can sue TWC for breach of contract, because they locked me in for 15 months at my current price to get me as a phone customer. They would charge me a termination fee if I left. "I want my 2 (hundred and fifty) Dollars!"

I haven't heard an update, but that is what I am expecting. I wonder if I can sue TWC for breach of contract, because they locked me in for 15 months at my current price to get me as a phone customer. They would charge me a termination fee if I left. "I want my 2 (hundred and fifty) Dollars!"


That blows! Comcast sux compared to TW!

I will be transitioning to Everest as SOON as the switch is thrown at TWC over to Crapcast. The rates at Comcast are higher and they have LESS HD than TWC (which isn't great either). Everest has the best selection of HD programming. They also have CableCard and the SA Explorer 8300 HD DVR (dual tuner) now, so there is no reason not to. Great high speed internet and even digital phone.

Eyedox,

I used to have TWC with the 8300 HD box and now have Comcast with the Motorola 6412 HD box because I moved to Olathe. Now comparing the 2, TWC beats Comcast by HD programming and a much much much better DVR box. I loved the 8300 HD box and I really miss it now. Now my Parents, Sister and Friends all have Everest and they all love it. In fact the all have the combo packages of Cable. Internet, and Phone service with them and say their customer support is second to none. No I do not work for them, but if I could get Everest here in Olathe, I would switch in a heartbeat. I am serious considering switching to Dish because they have WAY more HD channels and their new 622 DVR box is much better than the crappy Motorola box.