Originally posted by hdtimmy
I would say it's KMBC.

Me too. I have nothing to back this up other than observation, but it looks to me like they're retransmitting an off-air SD signal on KMBC-DT when ABC isn't sending a network feed.

My rationale for this assertion is that I actually see ghosting on local content on KMBC-DT (9.1, 7), which as far as I know should be impossible to introduce on a digital signal path, and otherwise unlikely to show up if they're sending the analog output from the master switcher straight to an encoder (i.e., not picking up an OTA signal from KMBC (9) and running it through an encoder).

Also, I agree. Their pre-recorded HD looks great! Live HD still needs some work though...the SuperBowl was stunning, but I haven't been wowed by any ABC HD Sports since then.

Hey, Comcast users...check out channel 173. ESPN-HD is up and running in Olathe. I read about the agreement between the two sides elswhere in this forum and decided to check my TV...and there it was! Looks like they're just showing the SD version of ESPN, and they're stretching the picture to fill the screen, sort of like KMBC-9 tried a few weeks ago. Can't wait to see an actual HD event on this channel!
Bob

I'm getting channel 173 (ESPN HD) on Comcast in Greenwood, MO.

There is a separate generic thread on this, but anyone have
any theories on whether or not the Buffalo and KC Chiefs game will
be shown on ESPN HD, or carried by the local affiliate (ABC???) in SD or HD?

Since i can't post any URLs... Go to google, search for ESPN HD Schedule, and the 1st link is the schedule for ESPN HD for the next month or so.

All the Monday Night Football games on ABC will be available locally OTA or through Comcast. (Don't know about Time Warner.)

As for ESPN HD. They're upconverting everything that's on ESPN that isn't natively HD. But they do have true HD stuff. Watch later tonight at 7pm
the Yankees at Red Sox. Should be in HD.

7

The Buffalo Vs. Chiefs game is schedule to be on ESPN HD. What I was refering to was black rules.

Will they blackout the ESPN HD feed because it is being shown on ABC?

Does anyone have any specific memories of last year when the Chiefs were on ESPN? Did it show on both ESPN and ABC, or just ABC?

KMBC usually picks up the Chiefs' games for local broadcast when they are on ESPN, so, technically, they aren't on ABC. ESPN, as far as I can remember, hasn't been blacked out in the past when this has happened.

Regarding KMBC's SD digital broadcasts, I haven't seen any artifacts except chroma crawl on the upconverted programming. (No "ghosts" or smearing.) I also use a Dish 6000, and it seems to work fine. BUT I DO see "ghosts" on KCTV-DT, channel 24! It's more of a multiple ghost, or "ringing" of the image, and it seems to be more noticable on sports, for some reason. I don't even watch their digital channel for that reason, as the analog is much cleaner.

Brad

Brad - is today the day for KSHB and/or KMCI to put their digitals up? I'm hoping to see new signals and have to do a channel scan tonight on my stb when I get home later !!!

Kendal

Just called KSHB and was told they're having a few problems at the site, but engineers were out working on it right now. They couldn't say for sure if it would be on today, though they said that's still the goal.

Bob

Maybe it'll be on in time for Jay Leno - that's the only thing on in HD on NBC tonight, anyway. I'm ready!

Brad

Went home and tried KSHB DT (42?) and nothing so far.. Will try later tonight when "Jay Leno" is on...

At least they are working on it, looks like not much on NBC anyway, ER,Faith Hill later this week and Law and Order, etc...

Hurry up KCTV and WDAF

OK, whelp, I guess we'll wait some more. We're all used to that by now, right guys? :rolleyes:

Waiting is what Kansas Citians do best (and most!). Anybody hear anything today?

Brad

I just talked to the switchboard (main #) lady....

Apparently they tried turning up 38-1 (36?) yesterday and had a problem, and had a similar issue with 41-1 (42) as well. They're working on the problem now, and hope to have it fixed soon. (And no I don't know what kind of problem it is).

Hurry up and wait!!! But hey, at least they're trying (can anyone at Meredith hear me?!?!?!?!!!)

Kendal

At least 38 "the spot" is crystal clear for me now. I really enjoyed the Simpson's marathon(s) last week also!!:D

That's the other thing Kansas Citians are great at - finding the silver lining in the cloud !!! Thanks Timmy !

So...Has anyone been able to use the diag mode to get 1500 to work on their new pioneer box yet?

fonman--negative. Played around with it but didnn't really know what to do. Anyhow, if you go to page 12 of this thread you'll see some comments by craash on this box. However his "instructions" were vague and he hadn't tried them out himself. He was going to test and report back here but never did. I assume he didn't get it working either.

Here's his post below:
====================
Here's the key to the hidden channels on the 3510. Hold the "Select" and the "<>" keys. Wait 10 seconds and then enter 1500.


__________________
Craash

Sorry about the vagueness of the instructions, but they are word for word what came from my buddy in engineering. I haven't got a chance to try it out yet, our new twins are wreaking havoc with my life.

Maybe I can try it tonight.

I tried it. There is a " <> " key, and when you hold it and the "Select" key, a DIAG comes up on the panel, and the channel changes to the diag screen, but you can't put in the 1500.

Not even using the original remote?

the remote they gave me with the unit looks like the generic TW remote that i've seen with the SA boxes as well. It does not have this "<>" key, or at none that I can tell.

I also have gone to the diag channel (693?) but have seen no way to input 1500 either.

If you already had an old SA HD Box, the make you use the same remote.

fonman--it's just what they gave me when I went in to the store to swap out the units--was a different remote from what I turned it, although it was the same kind.

I guess no KSHB DT yet.. I have checked since Monday and nothing.. Unless I am doing something wrong...

Kansas City Chiefs in HDTV next week on KMBC-DT 07!

Originally posted by jeffdbs
Kansas City Chiefs in HDTV next week on KMBC-DT 07!

Holy cow! That's great!!

For anyone who gets ESPN-HD (DirecTV, at least), I read this morning that the Black Coaches Association game on August 23,

K-STATE VS. CALIFORNIA @ ARROWHEAD!

will be in HD also. I'm going to the game, and don't get ESPN-HD anyway (Thanks, Dish), so this doesn't affect me, but have fun watching if you can get it!

Brad

The TWC-KC web site now says that Discovery HD wil be available as of tomorrow (8/1). It also says that KSHB-DT is "coming soon".

Does anyone know if KSMO-DT 47 is having problems? For the last few days my STB shows weak signal when I tune to the station but the setup menu shows a signal strength of 60-70% for the channel.

Update on TWC 8/1. Finally can get Discovery HD on 1500. However, it isn't one of the recognized channels on the STB. Powered off/back on my 3510 box but it made no difference.

This is what i did--went to the diag channel, enter 1500, hit select and now it switches to the channel (behind the diag screen)--usually in the past it has said out of range.

To dismiss the diag screen I then hit the yellow triangle button three times till it faded away.

As a side note, I also tried it on 1431 and 1441 but those reported out of range.

My signal strength has been weaker on 47 (62-1) for some time now. So, situation same here as you have.

Update on KSHB / KMCI - essentially the same as the other day. They're working on it, they had it up, but something burned out (according to the switchboard) and they continue to work "day & night" to get it back up.

Kendal

With TWC no need to do the diag channel since 1500 is now recognized.

One interesting note is that the 1st time I tuned to 1500 the info said "Free preview until midnight. Call 816-368-xxxx to continue these channels". However, after changing channels and coming back it then started just displaying the schedule of shows for the channel.

Glad to hear that it's not just me who's having trouble getting KSMO-DT. My first thought was that they had just stopped sending signals to the northland ;) . Guess it's time to get on the phone and see what's up.

DT-47 is on the air for me @94% signal strength but all I get is a blank screen. I tried calling but nobody is home.:confused:

Yes !!! KMCI-DT (38-1 / 36) is up and on the air. Can anyone say Royals Baseball in digital, I thought you could.

The best news is that KSHB-DT (NBC - 41-1) will soon follow.

Do your channel scans - get this new one in the channel lists, etc.

Kendal

Nice job Kendal. I now have 38-1 also but signal strength is low for me @ 65%.

I thought ABC was going to broadcast all of the Monday Night Football games in HDTV this season. I can't find out anywhere if this Monday's game between the Chiefs and Packers is in HD.

Does anyone know?

YES! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=285615

I tried channel channel 36, while it locks in, i dont get a picture or anything... Hopefully that will be fixed... Kinda like 47-1 lately...

Thanks for the heads up.. At least its progress!

Cant wait till Monday!!.. Chiefs in HDTV...

I have the Samsung TS-160 receiver. When I did a scan for digital stations over the weekend, my receiver would stop scanning midway through and I would get the message, "Not supported mode", and then the system would re-boot and begin to download the guide data. I have never had a problem scanning with this receiver before. I tried this several times, same result.
Called Samsung this morning, described the problem and they told me that a local station must have made changes to the PSIP data they are sending out. The problem occurs during the scanning process just as it reaches the new KMCI, channel 36.
I would be curious to know if anyone else with this receiver in the KC area has this problem now.

I don't have a Samsung (I have a Dish 6000), but this may give you a clue:

When I added channel 36 (KMCI) manually, the signal locked, but the indicated (virtual) channel kept toggling between 36 and 38. To me this would indicate faulty PSIP info being broadcast by the station (not uncommon at startup). I hit "save" when the indicator was on "38," and my guide shows "38-1" for the virtual channel, so I guess everything is OK.

Can you add the channel manually instead of scanning? That might work for you.

Brad

I called the station and left a voice mail with the engineering department and also sent them an email.
Waited a few hours and the scan was successfull. I now have 38-1.
Don't know if it was coincidence or if they had changed something.

Anyone getting KSHB digital yet?

Sure is nice to see the Chiefs in HD! Too bad it took them 15 minutes to turn it on... Oh well, what can you expect for preseason...

Once again KMBC HDTV looks great! Thank you KMBC DT-07.

I still can not get DT-47 on my Dish Network 6000 is anybody having problems with KSMO DT-47?

Tonight I am receiving a station DT-11 KTWU Topeka Kansas here in Oak Grove Missouri. WOW! Also DT-44 is up to 35%. New channels for me here in the sticks.

Jeffdbs-

I tuned into DT-47 last night, and got a black screen with 95% siqnal. Something is definitely screwed up. Congrats on getting 11 and 44. I've never gotten a sniff of either, although my antenna is pointed toward KC, so I wouldn't expect it. On the occasions i tried to pick up 44 (with a temporary antenna pointed west), I had no luck. You must be at least 90-100 miles from 44, as I'm about 63!

Brad

Question on Discovery HD picture quality on TWC in Kansas City--what are you all seeing? Some shows come through perfect. Other shows have lights and other artifacts on the right side of the screen. I have the Pioneer 3510HD box.

Well, with the development of having the first ever CBS broadcast of the Kansas City Chiefs in HD on September 7th, I wonder if the dolts over at KCTV now have a fire lit under their collective rears?

Go WIBW! Go Chiefs!

Still haven't seen anything on KSHB-DT 42. Anyone else seen a blip or heard anything? KMCI-DT 36 is coming in strong here in Lawrence!

Is anyone else using the Samsung T165 tuner and able to tune in
kCMI digital 36. I'm guessing its a PSIP problem because my Mits Directv
HD tuner has no problem when scanning channels but the Samsung just skips over it. The Samsungs seem to be real picky about PSIP because mine
also keeps rebooting when I change to channel 23 kTWU. I would say it
reboots about 3 times before it locks on to KTWu and then I'm able to
watch it with no problems.

I got an Email from Kirk Black, VP-GM of KCTV-5 stating that...

"Our goal is to be HD by the end of September. If we can swing it, maybe as soon as the Chiefs first regular season game."

Well, September 7 and the end of September are very far apart, so I wish them luck in their attempt. At least it seems like it will be a reality in the not to distant future. I hope they can also get it on TWC in time!

I'm glad to hear that someone is seeing a picture on KCMI-DT 36. Just like KSMO- DT 47 all I get is a blank screen on my RCA DTC-100. Both of the stations show a signal strength in the 60%+ range but the STB can't seem to get anything else from them, so it must be a PSIP issue.

Regarding KCTV-5, they are already starting to slip in their projected schedule. I got an email from Daniel Somes (Dir. of Engineering) on 7/24 stating that they planned to be "on with HD at the START of the fall lineup as well as football".

Spoke to the folks in engineering at KSMO and they said that a few weeks ago they had to reset the equipment that generates the PSIP information for them and ever since then, they have gotten calls concerning the lack of picture on the station (particularly from RCA DTC-100 owners). They are trying to figure out on their end what is going wrong and would like to hear from other individuals who are having similar issues with the reception of KSMO-DT 47 (ie. a signal for the station but no picture).

In the interim, they suggested that I might try to reboot my receiver and see what happens. Apparently, the DTC-100's have been having problems nationally with some stations PSIP information and rebooting seems to have solved the problems (I'm wondering if DirecTV has done any tweaking of the software for their signals which has created a problem for the OA side of the box). It's worth a shot since I can't seem to get KCMI-DT 36 either.

According to another thread, the first Chiefs regular season game is going to be broadcast in HD.

Looks like the only way we'll be able to see it is to have DirecTV sunday Ticket since channel 5 isn't HD yet.

I think we should all call channel 5 to complain.

I just got back from vacation and my Samsung SIR-T165 (OTA only tuner) can't tune in KMCI-DT 36 and KSMO-DT 47.

I will e-mail both stations so they can add yet another KC viewer that can't get their digital stations.

Glad to see another Samsung owner not being able to get either station (36 or 47).. I have the older T-150 receiver..

What is up with KSHB??. You think they would have done all their testing weeks before the release date instead of ON the date.. Nothing yet, and hoping its not like 36....

Well, at least they are making the attempt i guess....

Thank god for KMBC...

Still no 47 on my Dish 6000, either. 36 comes in fine, though.

Brad

Anyone who owns the Samsung T-150 or 165.. How do you do a reboot of the receiver??.. Is it as easy as unplugging the unit for a short time and then powering it back up??

I just want to know if that will fix the PSIP problem for both 36 and 47

Thanks..

I hated missing the Royals yesterday or digital 38..

Just received this reply from Dan Somes at KCTV regarding an email I sent to them asking when they might be ready to broadcast in HD:

"We have just ordered the equipment and barring no problems we should be HD in mid September. Thank you"

Wonder what Aaron Barnhart has to say about this?!

Kendal

Just rigged a new antenna in Olathe at my brother-in-law's house ... he has an integrated Mitsubishi set ... it "sees" that there is a signal on 47 (WB), but cannot tune in the sound or a picture. It's just blank. Picked up ABC, CBS, UPN, PBS, and an IND just fine. Nothing from NBC still ... I know in the past I have been able to get a signal on 47 (WB), but they must be apparently having problems. PAX is scheduled for Sept 30th live date. Also, where the hell is FOX??

Talked to a TWC guy at a booth at the mall tonight, he said that NBC HDTV should be online 9/17, at least that is the plan. He also said that ESPN-HD is coming but no date yet.

Please keep calling KSMO on the problem. Something is wrong. Thanks

re KCTV
"We have just ordered the equipment and barring no problems we should
be HD in mid September. Thank you"

This is getting to be a joke. To just be ordering the equipment in mid August and expecting to be online in 30 days? LOL

I called KSHB, engineering department, saturday and got someone who insisted that the HD channel was 41 not 47. I give up!

Larry

Larry,

KSHB's digital channel is 42 (not broadcasting yet, but "any day"). The channel 47 everyone's having trouble with is KSMO (WB), analog channel 62.

Brad

OTA Audio, Dolby 5.1 or just 2 PL?
I read thru alot of the post but dont see anyone commenting on the audio.
I am getting Dolby digital but only 2 discrete channels.
Is there ever 5.1?
I see that ABC's Alias is supposed to be 5.1 but I only get 2.

Thanks
Michael

Originally posted by Michael.Chrisco
OTA Audio, Dolby 5.1 or just 2 PL? I read thru alot of the post but dont see anyone commenting on the audio. I am getting Dolby digital but only 2 discrete channels. Is there ever 5.1? I see that ABC's Alias is supposed to be 5.1 but I only get 2. Remember that the LOCAL affiliate also has to support 5.1 to receive it locally, regardless of what the network sends. So if the local ABC has no DD 5.1 online, you get DD 2.0 !

KMBC-DT 07 is scheduled to go to DD 5.1 in mid-October. I don't know anything about the other stations' plans.

Brad

I just received this response from channel 62:

----------
Tim,
You are correct and the problem is being working on currently. I believe they
are waiting on the part to fix the transmission. Thanks for the comment.
Regards,
RJ Morris
Program Director
KSMO TV - The WB Kansas City
----------

I have not received any kind of a response from channel 38. Who is able to get 38? From previous comments, I'm gathering that:

All Samsung STB = NO
RCA DTC-100 STB = NO

Mits Integrated = YES
Dish 6000 = YES

Does anyone have a Hughes or Hughes clone D* box? Or a Sony?

Has anyone with a Samsung or RCA received a response from 38?

I have the Samsung TS-160 and I have been receiving 38-1, their digital broadcast for about a week now.

The Mitsu and Toshiba boxes are clones of the Hughes E-86. I've got the Mits HD-5.

I've been getting 38-1 (36) for @ 10 days now - no problems at all, nice and clear, 100% on the signal strength.

62-1 (47) has been an issue for me for @ a week - same as everyone else.

Where the heck is KSHB???

Kendal

I'm in the same boat as I was last week with both KSMO-DT 47 & KCMI-DT 36 and was glad to hear that someone got a more definitive response from KSMO about the signal issues for them.

With KCMI it's hard to tell what's going on, since its only showing a 28-35% signal strength and I don't think that my DTC-100 will lock with that small a to work with. I can get the analog signal fine, so I'm puzzled at why the digital signal isn't stronger here in Liberty, MO. Hopefully, we'll hear something from them soon.

Is their signal directional towards Lawrence / West ?? - if so, that would explain why Liberty might be having an issue. I believe that their city of license was Lawrence as their tower used to be somewhere out that way.

I don't really know, just speculation.

Kendal

KMCI-36 is directional toward the west, but not overwhelmingly so - you shouldn't be having any problems in Liberty, HypnoToad, as far as signal strength is concerned. My guess is that it's a PSIP issue of some kind, but I could be totally wrong.

Timmy, I'm getting a great signal (93-97%) on my Dish 6K on 36.

Brad

As you guys are probably tired of hearing, I have a Samsung SIR-T165. It's a OTA only box. When I try to tune in 36, the box tries for about 10 seconds and then times out and switches to analog 36. It is doing the exact same thing on 47. I'm not worried about 47 because we know that it is the station.

I get analog 38 perfectly. No ghosts, no problems. I can't even give you guys a digital signal strength because my STB can't even tune it in. My box needs to be locked in before I can get a signal reading. All my other analog and digital signals are great as well (except FOX digital 34).

I also think it is very weird that some Samsung owners can get it (TS-160), while others cannot (150 and 165).

I guess my question is, do you guys think this is a PSIP issue that I should just wait out, or should I climb up on my roof and adjust my antenna?

Don't bother getting on your roof because it's not your antenna. I have the Mits HD5 and the MYHD pc tuner card and they both pick up 36 just fine,
my HD5 is showing between 86-93 on the signal meter. On the other hand my T165 will not tune it in at all. It has to be some sort of PSIP problem.

I'm guessing that the only reason that the 160 will tune in to 36 is because
Samsung did some upgrades to the 160 and fixed the problem that the rest
of us are having, but it seems that they aren't willing to give us poor slobs
with the 165 a break and issue a upgrade to fix some of the problems the
165 has, even though it has a 232 port for an easy way to upgrade the software.

As I am writing this I totally lost signal from 36, so who knows whats all wrong with them.

Ok I have been lurking for awhile now and cant seem to catch what PSIP is?
Newbie I know!

I don't know what all it is and I guess it seems that many of the stations don't either, but basically it is the stations ID info, the time of day and program guide info. Some tuners only use the PSIP to tune in the digital channels and if the PSIP info isn't correct they won't tune in the channel.

Follow this link for PSIP info:

http://www.nab.org/scitech/psip/default.asp

Most boxes up until now only use the channel mapping feature of PSIP (36 = 38-1). Then the box gets all of the other programming and etc. info from D* or E*.

The Samsung 165 is OTA only and it is one of the first to use all of the PSIP features coming from the broadcast stations. However, it is VERY touchy. If ANYTHING is set up wrong, the box can't tune in the station.

PSIP needs to be taken more seriously by the stations. For example, it is 10:50 PM on 8-14-03 right now. But if I am tuned to KCTV5 they are on 12:19 PM on 8-16-03. This totally makes the on screen guide and firewire timer recording features of this box useless. FWIW, 9, 19, and 29 have the correct time. 62 was screwed up back when they were actually on the air.

You know, if analog 62 was down they would be working around the clock to get it back up. But no, little digital 47 has been down for quite a while now. Obviously, they could care less about digital TV and I wonder if we will ever have HD WB in KC.

The link that Hdtimmy pointed out is a good introduction to PSIP and what it does.

The part that appears to be affecting some of our STBs is summed up in this excerpt: "If broadcasters do not include properly encoded PSIP data in their DTV signals, receivers may not correctly identify and tune to the station. Therefore, it is vital that all broadcasters understand PSIP and include the data in their DTV stations signals."

In talking with the engineer at KSMO last week, he indicated that they didn't realise that there was a problem with their signal until he started getting calls from HD STB owners asking what was going on. The STBs that they have at the station to monitor the off-air signal (an RCA DTC-100 and a Samsung that I forget that model number of) weren't having any issues, so it was news to them when the calls started rolling in. Also, many folks with other STBs aren't having any issues with either KSMO or KMCI's signal. Which shows why we need to call the stations if we are having signal issues to see if they are aware of them.

The KSMO engineering staff seemed to be honestly concerned about the fact that some STBs weren't getting the signal and mentioned that they were in the process of getting some new equipment that should correct the PSIP issues (as was mentioned in an earlier post in this thread). Since they have an analog equivalent on the air and other STBs are still seeing the digital broadcast, this may not have been the biggest priority for them but they do seem to be working toward getting a signal out that everyone's HD STB can see. Since I (we) can't seem to get a response out of anyone at KCMI, I don't know what they are doing to become more visible.

Here is the link for the KMCI antenna on channel 36. FCC filing (http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=85065) . As you can see, they are having to prevent interference to the east, most likely to KOMU-DT in Columbia.

I get KMBC at 100% most of the time. Then it just drops off for no reason and then back to 100%. Of course the pic and sound suffer.
Anyone else have this or is it my antenna etc.?

Also I have a Sony and Samsung DirecTV receiver and on the sat signal from both the sound drops out for ~1 minute when on the local stations.
Anyone else have this?

Originally posted by Michael.Chrisco
I get KMBC at 100% most of the time. Then it just drops off for no reason and then back to 100%. Of course the pic and sound suffer.
Anyone else have this or is it my antenna etc.?

Also I have a Sony and Samsung DirecTV receiver and on the sat signal from both the sound drops out for ~1 minute when on the local stations.
Anyone else have this?

I am experiencing no problems with KMBC-DT. Even stays up during heavy thunderstorms with no problems.

Regarding KSMO-DT, I am still unable to receive it with my Sony SAT-HD200. Was receiving perfectly prior to the 'reset'. Sent an e-mail to their engineering group with all the pertinent information I could provide (location, receiver, antenna, etc). Never got an acknowledgement. Is there a specific pipe through which such information should be sent?

Regarding KMCI-DT, I'm having no problems at all. Judging by that antenna pattern map, it looks like reception problems to the east of Kansas City are by design.

Wow, I didn't recall the antenna for KMCI-36 being that directional. But, even at 5-10% field strength coming off the back, that's still 25-50 kW ERP. Compare that to KSMO-47, which is transmitting 9kW on an STA, and I'm still getting over 90% from them at 22 miles (in my attic). I still think it's a PSIP issue (for both stations). Hope KSHB has its act together when it finally debuts.

Brad

Originally posted by bocktar
Regarding KSMO-DT, I am still unable to receive it with my Sony SAT-HD200. Was receiving perfectly prior to the 'reset'. Sent an e-mail to their engineering group with all the pertinent information I could provide (location, receiver, antenna, etc). Never got an acknowledgment. Is there a specific pipe through which such information should be sent?


I don't know of a specific "pipe" by which to get information to them, my contact with them has been via phone and they seemed good about taking down information similar to what you have provided them with. So I'm not sure why you haven't heard back from them to at least acknowledge that they received your information.

Maybe they're too busy putting in the new piece of equipment that will resolve all of our problems...:D

...hopefully it is an HD encoder, instead of this SD crap.:D

I received a response when I e-mailed programming@wb62.com. I kept it short and sweet and put "TO ENGINEERING" in the subject line.

Michael, can you correlate the KMBC dropout with anything going on in your house at the time? Like A/C kicking on or washing machine? KMBC is on VHF channel 7 which is a little more prone to electrical interference than UHF.

OR, if it only happens when it is windy, your antenna could be swaying a little causing multipath.

Check all connections!! One time, my ANT IN connector had loosened enough that when someone pounded on the floor (playing with dog), my digital stations would drop out and come back.

I also have a problem with KMBC-DT. I have the Samsung TS-160 and I receive the station's signal at 100%, but the audio will drop out periodically. This is not an effect of any outside interference and my antenna is mounted in the attic. I don't have this problem with any of the other digital stations.

KMBC-DT has been a good signal for me here in Oak Grove using my VHF/UHF attic antenna. Of course I have a direct line of sight to the KMBC tower.

Originally posted by hdtimmy
...
Michael, can you correlate the KMBC dropout with anything going on in your house at the time? Like A/C kicking on or washing machine? KMBC is on VHF channel 7 which is a little more prone to electrical interference than UHF.

OR, if it only happens when it is windy, your antenna could be swaying a little causing multipath.

Check all connections!! One time, my ANT IN connector had loosened enough that when someone pounded on the floor (playing with dog), my digital stations would drop out and come back.

hdtimmy, I will keep that in mind next time and see.

Now thats on the OTA side. You guys don't have any sound drop when watching the local stations thru the sat feed?

Thanks for the replies

You guys don't have any sound drop when watching the local stations thru the sat feed?

Not on satellite or cable, just OTA for me.

Thats weird cause my sony and samsung receivers do that so I dont think its related to my set top boxes.
Hmm?

Could this be the diplexers causing problems?
Do you guys have a separate cable for antenna or combine and then split?

Thanks again.

Originally posted by Michael.Chrisco
Could this be the diplexers causing problems?
Do you guys have a separate cable for antenna or combine and then split?

Thanks again.

I am combining signals from three separate antennas (uhf-west, uhf-east, high-vhf-east) and then using diplexers to piggyback the antenna signals on the directv cables. No audio dropouts.

One thing to look for on KMBC-DT dropout problems... back in January, I had a number of dropout problems on KMBC-DT (only). I found them to coincide with the startup and shutdown of my HVAC blower, and with the actuation of the solenoid associated with the water dispenser in my refrigerator. Back then I was using a single Terk TV-55 (bidirectional) antenna. Apparently the frequency range for channel 7 is susceptible to such interference. You may want to look for similar sources in your environment.

After the April SAT-HD200 firmware upgrade, and after changing over to using the 2 uhf and 1 vhf (all preamplied) antennas, the problems went away. Whether this is the result of higher signal strenth, or of the directional antennas not picking up the interference, or something else entirely, I'm not sure.

I initially tried using a line conditioning UPS on the HD receiver and Terk TV-55 preamp to cut out the interference. It didn't have any effect. So I think the interference was being picked up by the antenna OTA...not getting introduced via the AC.

I've occasionally had problems with KMBC-DT when our washing machine motor starts, also. It seems to be something you have to live with, with VHF.

Anybody heard anything from KSHB??????

Brad

Man, I am having a difficult time.

Ok, trying to just get KMBC-DT (Digi Chan 7). Want to watch some Monday night football.

anyway, I have recently moved to Independence, from Lawrence. I have the same exact setup going in Independence that I had in Lawrence (same equipment just moved) and I can't get any signal at all. I got KMBC-DT in Lawrence really well. Nothing here. Does KMBC-DT turn off during the day?

I then tried all the other DT channels, and nothing. Not one thing on any of the channels. Out in Lawrence I got all kinds of reception, I'd get 31, 18, 7, and 24.

Anyone in Independence with suggestions?

KMBC-DT and KCWE-DT generally run from 11am to 11pm, although they've been running until midnight recently.

Have you tried tuning to an analog equivalent to see what kind of signal you're getting? Looking at the analog equivalent on a regular TV can often be a good way to tell if you're getting a signal at all. If you're seeing a lot of ghosting, you instantly know that you have multipath problems.

There's obviously not a one-to-one relationship here since digital channels are generally running lower power than analog right now, but it was a great troubleshooting tool for me.

KMBC-DT 7 (remap to 9-1) and KCWE-DT 31 (remap to 29-1) both are on the air from noon to midnight at present.

Good advice about getting your antenna adjusted using the analog to peak up on as they come from the same tower.

Thanks for the information on air conditioner blowers, solenoids pulling in, washing machine motors and all the other things that cause the stream to unlock in the receiver. My brother found that lights can also block reception of digital signals.

Anybody out there have the new 351 from Samsung? How's it working?

bshockley- I moved from Independence MO to Oak Grove MO last year. I did live at 40 hwy and 291/470 interchange down in a valley. I received all the digital OTA channels including KMBC-DT 07. I did have an outdoor antenna.

Well, I just needed to move my antenna out towards a window. I had to get another 10 feet of coax, but I got it. I was just impatient. Getting it now at about 70% reception which is great (usually anything above 40% locks in without dropouts).

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've been having problems with the local ABC digital reception. Mostly it shows up with sporting events....digital break up. My anntena is in the attic and picks up the analog just fine. Do I need a good/great signal booster to help with the signal? Does local ABC broadcast at low signal strength? Could it be my Zenith 1080 directv receiver?

ANy suggestions would be appreciated.

Ron

Originally posted by rboster
I've been having problems with the local ABC digital reception. Mostly it shows up with sporting events....digital break up. My anntena is in the attic and picks up the analog just fine. Do I need a good/great signal booster to help with the signal? Does local ABC broadcast at low signal strength? Could it be my Zenith 1080 directv receiver?

ANy suggestions would be appreciated.

Ron

I'm having similar problems with an attic antenna. I have an amplifier on it, but it is just too inconsistent in picking up a good signal. Unless someone has a suggestion I'm going to move the antenna outside. I'd rather not do that, but I think that's my only choice. BTW, I'm in southern Overland Park and the antenna is a Winegard HD7210D. Anyone had luck getting HD signals with any type of antenna that attaches to the satellite dish?

I'm at W. 61st and State Line (couple minutes south of the Plaza). My antenna is a Winegard tooo, but unsure of the HD model. I'm really hoping this is a signal strength issue with the local affiliate.

Ron

PS: I spoke with Edward King from engineering this morning. They broadcasting at full strength. From our discussions, I should have thought of this first....switching the Zenith 790P switch on the back of the unit to see if passing through the naitive signal will make a difference. Also disconnecting the booster to see if I'm over amping the signal.

I have learned some important lessons last weekend with my attic antenna and my new outdoor rotor and amplified antenna. #1) Very little difference in signal strength between the outdoor or indoor attic antenna (0%-8%)and that is before I installed an amplifier on the outdoor antenna. This includes all Kansas City digital channels except DT-34. #2) Once I installed the amplifier on the outdoor antenna the signal strength went down on all Kansas City channels . So I swung the outdoor antenna around to the southeast and DT-15 out of Warrensburg is now a strong signal for me. The amplifier hurts local stations but helps long distance stations. #3) RG-6 shielded cable and a grounding block is a must to protect from RF interference. #4) KMBC-DT broadcast of the ABC football game last night in HDTV was one best signals I have ever seen. :D

I had one of those sat antennas and took it back to see if something else was better. From other post they have a bad rap here. I would get ABC at 100% but then it would drop out sometimes to 0. My sat dish was on the south side of the house and the OTA signals come from the north. Don't know if that contributed.

So I bought a Channel Master 3020 at Lowes and put it in my attic. Smokes that thing is huge and dirty, it takes up more space than I planned on. I just laid it down on the insulation for now. I get ABC at 70% but it only dropped out once so far, it was doing it often. I don't get as many stations yet. ABC, CBS, UPN.

So I guess I have to mount it, didn't come with mounting hardware. I thought from the box that it wasn't so directional?

Didnt know that about the grounding block. I thought it was just for lighting etc.
I run mine thru a monster box, maybe that hurts too?

Michael, Hang a small length of pipe from the ceiling of the attic and attach the antenna to the pipe with the u-clamp that comes with the antenna. Point the antenna toward the cluster of towers near downtown Kansas City. RG-6 shielded cable straight to the receiver and you are all set. Yes, the grounding block is a must for outdooor antennas to dissipate static electricity from wind blowing across the antenna and to provide a common ground for the antenna with the house.

Jeffdbs, thanks I will do that.
I was planning on using a diplexer, are those ok?
I see a huge range of price on those, is there a difference? RCA 6.00 upto 20.00.

It is always best to use separate RG-6 for the OTA antenna and the satellite or cable source. Separate cables no problems-one cable many problems. The neat thing about separate RG-6 RF shielded cables for each source of HDTV feed is no degrading of the signal.

I hadn't checked on KSMO-DT47 for awhile, but last night it locked in and looked fine. Just thought I'd let everyone know. (Dish 6k, 90-93%)

Brad

Brad - excellent news. Still nothing from KSHB, i called their engineering dept earlier this week and left a message (cause I know the switchboard will just tell me "any day now"), but no call back yet.

I just keep checking and keep hoping...

Kendal

I'm now getting KSMO with my T165 but it is not remapping to 62-1, but I guess I can live with that.

I have a question about the audio from kSMO. I don't know if it has to do with how well I'm able to pull it in from Topeka but the audio from the analog channel seems out of phase or the left and right channels balances
aren't in balance and most of the audio is coming from the left channel.
And now that I'm able to get the digital channel that most of the audio is coming from the right channel. Anybody else notice this besides me?

Brad, Can you still see DT-47 on your Dish 6000? I am able to lock on a signal but the channel will not display a picture.:confused:

I also am not getting a picture in Olathe, but am definitely locking a signal with 47. I think their PSIP is screwed up.

Thanks, Yep the PSIP is screwed up on DT-47.

I'm able to watch it with both my HD5 and T165.

Here's a response from the DVD forum:

Originally posted by ssj2

The Momitsu is the only player currently available that will output an analog RGB 720P and/or 1080i signal that can be used with a CRT projector. Does anyone have this combination, and if so, what kind of results are you getting? Thanks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



If it's rear-projection CRT that you're inquiring about, I do(a year
2001 RCA Scenium 65-inch hi-def RPTV) and the results are
nothing short of EXTRAORDINARY. And that's with component to
component connection with the slight intrinsic high-frequency
rolloff resulting from the digital to analog to digital permutation.

The image is fully equal to any D-VHS, or HDTV movie broadcast
by CBS or ABC, I've ever seen when viewing any high-quality
current-generation DVD. Couple evenings ago I watched 'Cradle
2 The Grave', which is not even a SuperBit, and the result just
about knocked me off the chair. The resolution, clarity, color
saturation and all the rest of it has an almost translucent, 3-D
quality to it. It's image is mesmerizing at 1080i.

Word of caution: the Sigma Designs EM8500 decoder/board
which drives this machine and the Bravo D-1 does not work
with all displays, so you may want to check with Manowa/Momitsu
to see if they have an installed database large enough yet
to be able to tell you if your particular display poses any
problems.

Good luck!

Milt R. Smith
mrsmith2002@yahoo.com

Hey guys I'm moving to Kansas City in mid september and I'm very excited about the HDTV opportunities.

Right now I've got a directTV package here in Denver but I'd like to upgrade to HDTV in KC. Should I stick with satellite or the HD cable good enough for me to dump my dish? I'll be in an apartment in North Kansas City (barry road area). Is OTA possible? Thanks.

One consideration is that the local cable operator carries the local ABC HD signals, so no worry about OTA dropouts etc....but, you won't get HDnet and I don't think at this point they offer HD Discovey or ESPN HD. I live south of the Plaza and I'm having trouble getting a sold signal for the local ABC digital output.

thanks rboster. Is it easy enough to pick up most of the channels with an indoor antenna or is an outdoor one necessary?

HD Discovery IS currently part of TWC's lineup. ESPN HD will be at some point in the future. There are a couple of TWC markets with ESPN HD already (trial basis).

Overall, I'm very happy with TWC's HD offering.

Originally posted by rboster
One consideration is that the local cable operator carries the local ABC HD signals, so no worry about OTA dropouts etc....but, you won't get HDnet and I don't think at this point they offer HD Discovey or ESPN HD. I live south of the Plaza and I'm having trouble getting a sold signal for the local ABC digital output.

Chris, where have you heard that TWC has ESPN HD in trials?

Drew

I'm assuming you ment to ask me . . .

HDTV usenet group has several mentions of it, and I believe that the HDTV programing forum here has a couple of testers.

Having said that, I have a friend who is VP of engineering in KC and he hadn't heard anything about it. He did give me a KC contact to touch base with, but I've yet to hear back from her.

M@verick -

I'd say stick with OTA for the locals - North KC should be just fine, you'll only be 15-20 miles tops from the towers, though there has been a slight problem with some in Independence (east of downtown) picking up one of the 480p signals lately.

Satellite is a definite possibility, so is cable as Craash suggests.

I prefer the Sat, but that's me. Local stuff is pretty easy OTA, and my antenna is in the attic (RS, 10 years young or so).

Let us know if you have more Q's - we'll help if we can. :)

Kendal

Thanks Craash, sorry for calling you Chris. I've scoured the web for any news on ESPN HD on TWC, and hadn't found anything. I haven't looked at the usenet HDTV thread. Thanks again. If you get any more details do post them. From what I've heard on the boards and confirmed with TWC's programing dept in corporate, TWC is renegotiating the entire ESPN suite of contracts and the intent is to work ESPN HD into the new contract. I don't know the exact date that the current contract expires, but it is in 2003.

Drew

Just got the Comcast HD package last week. The Kansas State game on ESPNHD looked great even from a KU perspective. I am looking forward to checking out the ABC broadcasts, especially MNF. Other channels include KCTV5 and KCPT. DiscoveryHD is supposedly "coming soon". I did not opt for the SHOHD or HBOHD, but they are also available.

Is KCTV5 ever going to broadcast HD? Seems like a lot of primetime programming going to waste.

Well, I'll keep you posted on the Comcast front. The $10.99 promo for 3 months isn't a bad deal, but I'm still considering the DirecTV option for the long term.

KCTV5 is going to go HD, but there is much debate as to when. They have been the target of numerous major slams on this and other KCTV and/or Meredith stinks type threads, including Aaron Barnhart of the KC Star referring to their digital signal (now, 480p) as somewhat of a joke (i don't remember the exact wording).

The last timeframe we heard was maybe late September (so, 30 days or so), however that would have them purchasing and installing the equipment in @ 45 total days, and very few of us think that's actually do-able, especially from those that have not moved overly quickly in the past - so we remain, very skeptical.

Net-net - CBS HD is coming to KCTV, and yes, it has been very frustrating here as many close and smaller markets have had full 1080i HD material from CBS while we sit and wait. It can't be soon enough, though it appears to be in the "home stretch" at this point.

Kendal

Anyone heard when channel 62 will start passing on the small bit of HD that WB produces?

I don't think it has changed from Chris' initial statement on p 1 of this thread:

KSMO-DT WB (Analog 62 - Digital 47)

KSMO-DT is broadcast on UHF channel 47 at 9,000 watts.

Sadly, KSMO-DT had an HD encoder when they first went on the air, but
the station owner removed it and sent it to KSMO's sister station in St.
Louis. Their chief engineer is a fan of HD, and hopes to convince
management to replace it soon.

If anyone knows anything else, please let us all know.

Kendal

LSonsthagen, what exactly is the $10.99 promo from Comcast?

What does it include?

Right now I'm subscribed to basic TW cable, how much will it cost for me to get local HDTV channels from TW or Comcast?

Thanks,
Josh

So is WB-47 (KSMO-DT) aware that their digital PSIP info is screwed up and are they working on a solution?

Yes, I talked to an engineer at DT-47 today and the station is aware of the problem on the PSIP information. Hopefully soon all of us digital viewers can see DT-47 and get back to watching WB programming.:D

so its possible to get both Comcast and TWC in Kansas City? Thats interesting to say the least. Anyone have more info on this?

So areas have access to both (and even everest) but my area only has TW as an option.

seems to be the same for North KC.
Any idea what the additional cost is for the HDTV box? DVR is 9.95 but I can't find any info on HDTV cost.

Same cost as a regular box.

If you replace an existing box with an HD box, no change to bill.

If you add an additional box (hd or otherwise) there is an additional charge.

wow thats awesome...I'm definitely going HDTV

Try to get the Pioneer HD box. They have been in short supply, but I hear that is being corrected. They menu/guide overlay works on this box where it doesn't on the SA. It also has DVI.

no DVI on my RPTV :(
I hope that doesn't screw me further down the line.

I have a new Hitachi (which I love) that DOES have DVI and even I don't know if I'm safe. Mix Hollywood with Politics and lots of money, stir in the internet (file trading), and noone knows what the future holds.

yeah the DVI controversy started up right around the time that I bought my RPTV...but I was under the impression it wouldn't go through due to the fact that thousands of HDTV early adopters don't have DVI. Also no one speculated that DVI would have dramatically better video quality.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Inositle,

The Comcast promo I got was $5.99 the first three months for upgrading to digital cable (I just had basic before + DirecTV). The HD box adds another $5 monthly charge. After three months, the service is billed at the normal digital cable rate (based on your selected premiums) plus the additional $5 for the HD box, which is a Motorola DCT-5100. I'm still debating about upgrading my DirecTV receiver to an HD unit and going that route instead with OTA for local HD.

Larry

Good Morning!

At 12:34am this morning KSHB-TV 41 stopped broadcasting for about 45 seconds.

At 12:35am, color bars came up for about 1 minute on KSHB-TV 41 with the overlayed message "KSHB-TV is Transmitting from 87th & I-435 New Tower Site." KSHB-TV 41 then resumed normal programming.

Between 1:00am and 2:00am, KSHB-DT 42 (41.1) lit up and began broadcasting a pillarboxed 1080i upconvert of their analog signal.

I'm now sitting here in Lawrence, 39.5 miles from the tower, watching Conan O'Brien on 41.1 with GREAT signal strength (almost perfect on the HD200 meter).

Yippie!

I'm also now getting 42-1, When I changed to ch.41 I had color bars and no message and tried to get 42-1 and got nothing. I changed back to ch 41 and after a few minutes the message popped up and I tried 42-1 and presto 42-1. Signal strength is very good here in Topeka also

I'm getting the Spot 36-1 now with my Samsung 165 also. I've been able to get 36-1 with my HD5 but not the 165 until tonight! I would call this a
very good night

AWWWRRRIIGGGHHHTT !!!! NBC Baby !!!, almost there....

Now, because we're never satisfied.....

HELLO, KCTV ?????, CBS ????

Don't forget KSMO!! :D No WB HD in KC!!

Craig, that is excellent news on the Samsung 165!! I can't wait to get home. Have they set up the PSIP correctly so that 38 and 41 tune in quickly on your 165? Unlike 62, which I can now get with my 165, but it takes about 15 seconds for it to lock in because of incorrect PSIP setup.

Hopefully we will see Leno in HD tonight!!

There PSIP isn't set up on either channel. When I push the info button the only thing showing is the call letters - hd1 and the time is off on both also. All it shows in the guide is no info. They both seem to tune in faster than 47-1. They don't show you the no signal or take 15 seconds to lock on.
After changing channels numerous times, 36-1 is a little slow in locking on sometimes and will show the no signal for a second or 2. It only seems to do it when changing channels from 29-1 to 36-1?
The time on 42-1 is approximately 1 hour fast and 36-1 is approximately 5 hours slow give or take a minute. Neither one are remapping the channel.

Those of us who have Comcast may be out of luck for now. I called Customer Service to ask how soon KSHB-DT would be added to the HD lineup. After checking with a higher up, the rep said "There are no immediate plans to add it." I suggest we flood Comcast with calls and e-mails till they get the message that those of us who have been waiting a long time to watch NBC programs in HD and pay them extra each month for HD have a right to expect a local channel will be added as soon as it's available.

Thanks for the info Craig. At least people with the Samsung 165 can now tune in all of the digital channels available.

I'm sure the correct mapping, time, on-screen guide, etc. will all come as these stations learn how to set up their PSIP boxes.

This is a great day for KC Digital OTA!! I hope Time Warner and Comcast get these channels added ASAP for those of you with those services.

I don't have the paper handy but here's what I remember....

The KC Star said today that CBS (KCTV) has the digital gear and is 30-60 days away from broadcasting in HD.

Ron

I just checked both 41 and 38 (41-1 and 36-1).. on my Samsung T150.. Both show a lock but no picture...

Anyone having any luck??.. Do i need to do something??.. I know 47-1 (62) now works...

Hi, everyone,

I've been out of town for a few days and missed all the fun! That's great news, Craig, on KSHB - Thanks for the scoop.

Someone asked a few days ago if I was still able to receive DT-47 on my Dish 6000 - yes, I can. Sometimes it takes a few seconds of black screen before it comes on, but it always does come on.

DT-36, BTW, does remap to 38-1 on my 6000. It does something strange, though, on the "Add DTV" screen. The virtual channel toggles between 36 and 38, which I've never seen on any other channel. When I manually added the channel when it first came on, I hit "save" when 38 was lit up on the virtual channel and it saved it as "38-1." Did anyone else notice this?

Aaron Barnhart's article today, Rboster, actually said that KCTV was "still waiting" for their equipment, and we should see HD from them in 30-60 days. Looks like no Chiefs in HD for me until MNF October 20 and then ESPN October 26 (if Dish gets its act together by then!).

Brad

Yes, KMOS (DT-15) audio is in Dolby Digital 5.1 on "Soundstage" tonight. It is wonderful to see the blue bar light up on my audio receiver from an Over the Air program. Thanks KMOS.

RATS!!

I just got home and my Samsung 165 CANNOT tune in to 36 and 42. Everything else is fine. Analog 38 and 41 are PERFECT.

Craig, are you still able to get them? I wonder if we have different firmware. Do you know how to check? My box was manufactured in November 2002 and has never had its firmware updated.

I am still getting 42-1 but I am no longer getting 36-1. I was getting them both this afternoon when I posted last time. I did not do a scan to get them in memory. All I did was press 42 and it entered it into memory, I did 36 the same way. I just checked for a signal with my HD 5 and there is no signal at all from 36. I have always been able to watch 36 with the HD 5 so
either its the weather or they are having problems or just shut it down for some reason. I just checked 42 with the HD 5 and I am still getting good signal strength from them. Mine was manufactured December 2002

No "Jay Leno Show" in 1080i HDTV on DT-42.:(

Hi all, Great forum! I just recently purchased a HDTV set. Before I drop a bunch more for a tuner, I'd like some input as to my likely reception. I'm about 80-90 miles east of Kansas City. House came with directional 10' antennae, rotor, and preamp. I currently pickup most of the analog signals from the KC area. Channel 5 is my worst reception. Am I likely to have any major problems? The antennae is probably 50' above ground

jeffdbs,

I scanned last night and am now getting KSHB digital 41-1, but they are not passing the HD signal, just like KCTV.

We're going to have to wait longer.

I scan last night and got a channel labeled "7-1," which appeared to be the ABC's Channel 9 in digital (and a perfect picture, which I had not been able to get in sometime). Also, got "47-1" digital, which I assume is channel 41, but no signal to verify. The bad news is I was not getting the Directv local channels, just OTA. So I rebooted and got the Directv, but the other two "new" channels were missing and back was the bad channel 9 reception.....

I assume this is a Zenith 1080 receiver issue? I never got the fix from Zenith because I never experienced the delay in signal lock that others were experiencing. ANy thoughts?

Thanks
Ron

First of all, welcome to AVS, Raven_13! It's always good to get additional feedback.

It sounds like you have a really nice antenna setup. You shouldn't have any problem picking up KMBC-DT07(ABC) or KCWE-DT31(UPN), and you should be able to get KSHB-DT42(NBC) and KMCI-DT36(IND), although the latter two are directional to the west. You probably won't be able to get KCTV-DT24(CBS), which is at low power (and 480i to boot). You certainly won't be able to get WDAF-DT34(FOX), which is VERY low power (1.1kW ERP). KCPT-DT18(PBS) is a possibility, but you'll have better luck with the Sedalia station (DT-15?).

BTW, I'm getting KSHB just fine on my Dish 6k, although it appears to be upconverted 1080i for now (still a LOT better than KCTV's 480i, though). It appears on my setup screen just like KMCI, with the virtual channel "toggling" back and forth between 41 and 42. If I hit "save" when the virtual channel shows "41," everything is fine - it shows up in the program guide as "41-1."

I assume they're still getting set up with their 1080i passthrough from the network, and I predict we'll see HD from them within a week or two.

Unfortunately (for my other TVs), the analog channel 41 is now a little "ghosty" since they moved to the new tower. If I adjust my antenna to make 41 and 38 better, I'm sure some of the others will start looking worse. Before, I had a great situation, as all the locals (except 38 at the time) lined up almost in a straight line from my location. Now, 41 and 38 are about 22 degrees south of the rest of the transmitters. The high price of progress!

Have a great Labor Day, everyone,

Brad

Thanks for the reply Brad.

I get kmos from sedalia easily, its only 30 miles away. I can also get the columbia/Jeff City stations very strong. So I might be able to get cbs from channel 13. I was just not sure if combination of distance and weak transmission power would eliminate the hd channels. Guess I just needed some hand holding prior to letting go some more money. In looking at a tuner, I'm considering the RCA ASTC21. One thing to mention is about a half mile in KC direction is our towns watertower. Not sure if maybe that is why I get such good reception analog currently. If you have any other thoughts, I'm all ears. Thanks again, looking forward to getting some hd telecasts soon. I'll keep all informed.

Dan

Originally posted by Bradtothebone
You shouldn't have any problem picking up KMBC-DT07(ABC) or KCWE-DT31(UPN), and you should be able to get KSHB-DT42(NBC) and KMCI-DT36(IND), although the latter two are directional to the west. You probably won't be able to get KCTV-DT24(CBS), which is at low power (and 480i to boot). You certainly won't be able to get WDAF-DT34(FOX), which is VERY low power (1.1kW ERP). KCPT-DT18(PBS) is a possibility, but you'll have better luck with the Sedalia station (DT-15?). No wonder I have had NO luck getting FOX-DT in Olathe. Their power output SUCKS. Have they said *when* they will be increasing the power so that people beyond the base of the tower can receive the signal? At 1100 watts, I have light bulbs that are brighter. Gimme a break.

Hey everyone,
I am trying to sync up with you guys on what I should be getting.
I have a samsung 160 and so I have learned it only does gets the stations that have their PSIP setup correctly. So I guess I don't have a way to plug in a station. It was also confusing cause I see you guys post the digital channel and I never see those.
So to recap for my convenience. Sorry!
I get
KCTV- (CBS) 5-1
KMBC- (ABC) 9-1
KCPT- (PBS) 19-1
KCPT- (PBS) 19-2
KCPT- (PBS) 19-3
KCWE- (UPN) 29-1
KMCI- (IND) 38-1
KSHB- (NBC) 41-1

I don?t get
WDAF- (FOX) 4-1
KSMO- (WB) 62-1

And KSHB and KCTV dont send HD?
My TV is coming so I cant tell. BTW does your TV tell you what it is receiving?
I am getting a Samsung DLP 507w.

Thanks for the time.
Michael

Eyedox, I have called and complain to the local WDAF DT-34 FOX4 channel about their low digital power output. WDAF has no plans at all to build a new tower or install a DTV antenna to boost transmitting power. With only 1,220 days left until the schedule end of analog television broadcasting in Kansas City I guess WDAF will fade into the night and go dark without a strong digital television signal to broadcast FOX programming. It is hard to believe WDAF television is in last place in Kansas City digital Over the Air broadcasting. WDAF needs better leadership to handle the wonderful switch over from outdated snowy analog television to crisp digital HDTV Over the Air broadcasting in Kansas City area.

Sounds like we need to start an advertising boycott of WDAF. We did so for WOI in Des Moines since they are running at 0.5kw! They are starting to feel the squeeze financially. The GM of the station is worried about the impact. Check out http://www.iowahte.com/

Here is what I emailed the GM at WDAF today ...
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD --- WILL YOU PEOPLE BOOST THE DIGITAL SIGNAL ON YOUR STATION???!?! 1100 watts is a joke. I have light bulbs that are stronger than that! It's pretty pathetic that NON-network affiliated independent stations in KC are broadcasting at much higher power, and have HD equipment already in place, while you are still broadcasting out of a closet. If you ever want to be taken seriously in this town, you need to get your act together. I am sure the people who live underneath your broadcast tower appreciate being able to pick up your signal, but the rest of us in the metro DONT. Fox network is going HD next fall in 720p ... I hope to God you have your HD equipment in place by then with a decent signal strength or you can forget any of us growing group of HD enthusiasts ever watching your channel. Have fun fading into nothingness as your analog channel is switched off the end of 2006 and you are left with a night lite of a digital signal for those in a two block radius to pick up. Refusing to work toward a bigger, better antenna and HD equipment is not only stupid, its financial suicide. You have no idea how many pissed off KC people there are on the forums and threads complaining about you. There is even talk of an advertising boycott. They are hassling the FCC, flooding them with complaints about not being able to receive any kind of signal even in the metro which you are required to provide. Good luck with that.

TWC had an ad in the paper today saying that hthe US Open Tennis will be in HDTV on Channel 1501 Sept. 1-4. It wasn't clear if everybody will be getting it or if you subscribe to a digital sports package.

My gosh, Eyedox, what do you REALLY think? '-)

Here's the scoop on WDAF, as I know it:

Until last week, KSHB shared WDAF's tower. The tower is incapable of supporting any new antennas - that's the reason KSHB moved, and the reason WDAF is using their short auxiliary tower to hold their pathetic temporary antenna. As far as their power is concerned, I'm guessing that they basically said "what's the use of powering up an antenna 100' above the ground?" (I'm not sure about the height.)

Now that KSHB is broadcasting from their own tower, there really should be no barrier to WDAF putting up a real antenna and powering up, UNLESS KSHB has a long-term lease on the tower space and wants to keep that transmitter there as a backup. I'm not sure that would make sense, since they don't have digital transmitter there (at WDAF), and long-term, that's what they would need.

Here's the question that no one has answered yet: Can WDAF use KSHB's old channel 41 antenna (at least temporarily)to broadcast on channel 34? I realize that it may not be very efficient, but it MAY be the low-cost option for them to buy out KSHB's lease and use that antenna at least for a while. Does anyone know enough about RF engineering to know if this would work?

Brad

Brad, If KSHB is smart they would not give WDAF any chance to pickup any viewers on the new digital HDTV frontier. Viewers are the Holy Grail of broadcast television. As long as WDAF shows a "WDAF and WDAF-DT" logo on the WDAF analog broadcast, WDAF is in fact advertising for all the other digital broadcasters. Just think when a WDAF viewer sees the DT logo on an analog WDAF broadcast and reads that FOX has widescreen sports and programming along with the 2004 FOX 720p HDTV programming coming soon. The viewer will go out and buy a decoder box and set up an outdoor antenna to receive free FOX widescreen programming and future FOX HDTV programming. But when the viewer cannot receive FOX programming because of the small 20 city block broadcasting signal of WDAF-DT the viewer will flip the digital channel on his/her new decoder box and watch all the other digital HDTV broadcasters in the area. WDAF just lost a viewer to other digital broadcasters. WDAF is giving away viewers on a daily basis. Someday soon this exit of WDAF viewers will show up in the nelson ratings for the local Kansas City television area.

Brad - good thought, we'll see what happens. Due to the 41/42 antenna change, i too was getting ghosting on 41 - I put in a RS UHF only antenna this weekend, adding to the RS std V/U combo antenna I already had. Good news - now all the analogs come in just fine, as do the digitals with one exception - hence, the Bad News - now even I can't get digital 34 (WDAF), whereas I could before.

I don't have a plan to address it at the moment - all the other digitals are the same or better than they were before. I didn't try for Topeka while I was climbing around up there....I totally forgot about it.

Can't wait for NBC 1080i, and someday soon, CBS / KCTV too.

Kendal

I finally got through on the phone to the engineer at KSHB-TV DT-42 about passing on the NBC HDTV 1080i feed. KSHB is expecting anyday to receive a piece of equipment to pass the 1080i NBC feed to us the viewers.:)

Is KCPT DT-18 down tonight? All these local television broadcast stations just need to look to KMBC DT-07 on how to put up an Over the Air HDTV digital signal and stay on the air. KMBC engineers have an excellent record since firing up at full power last May 2002. KMBC has kept the digital HDTV flame going in Kansas City. Years from now someone will produce a show on how Kansas City television stations got started in digital HDTV broadcast. KMBC engineers and management will be shown as gusty, tech savy and forward thinking people who got the digital television transition done right.

I'm having a heck of a time getting Channel 9 (ABC) in HDTV. I have Direct TV, and the Hughes HD STB. I can get 100% digital signal on KCPT, KCTV, KCWE, KSHB, KCWE and KMCI. My signal on KMBC is only 15%. I have tried a couple of antennas, boosters, etc. Anyone else having problems getting this VHF-digital signal. I notice that the channels I can get are all in the UHF freq. I live in Belton, and have a roof mounted antenna, and nothing but trees to the North of my house (in the direction of the stations). Thanks

Originally posted by djones0865
I'm having a heck of a time getting Channel 9 (ABC) in HDTV. I have Direct TV, and the Hughes HD STB. I can get 100% digital signal on KCPT, KCTV, KCWE, KSHB, KCWE and KMCI. My signal on KMBC is only 15%. I have tried a couple of antennas, boosters, etc. Anyone else having problems getting this VHF-digital signal. I notice that the channels I can get are all in the UHF freq. I live in Belton, and have a roof mounted antenna, and nothing but trees to the North of my house (in the direction of the stations). Thanks
I'm at approx 160th and Metcalf in southern Overland Park and am having similar problems with Channel 9. The signal strength is actually pretty good, but it breaks up on a regular basis, to the point of being unwatchable. I seem to get the other channels OK. My next step is to move my antenna from the attic outside. I'm open to other ideas if anyone has any.

djones0865, Are you using any splitters? How about a 300 ohm to 75 ohm converter near the antenna along with RG-6 RF shielded cable to a ground block and then straight to the STB. KMBC is a 720p signal, is your box setup to upconvert to 1080i? How is KMBC 9 analog signal coming in on your VHF/UHF antenna?

I haven't been able to get KMBC for some time now. Used to get occasional break-ups but now can't get a signal lock at all. I'm using a dish 6000. I also noticed that KCPT-DT didn't seem to be on tonight.

Wow, I didn't know KMBC DT-09 signal was having problems being received by so many viewers. :( How is the analog KMBC 9 signal coming in at these locations with DT-07 KMBC signal problems?

I too have had problems with the ABC signal. Live at W. 61st and state line (so of the Plaza). I remember the Oscars came in perfect. MOnday Night football has been unwatchable. I get the analog signal fine.

I have a Winegard antenna in the attic. The signal runs down to basement into a signal booster, then into a monster 2 gig diplexer....both the sat and ant in one cable to the HT room, then divided back out via a Monster 2 gig diplexer into a Zenith 1080 receiver. ALL digital signals come in fine, but ABC.

I've tried an increase in signal booster (34 db) and no real help.

Ron

Originally posted by jeffdbs
djones0865, Are you using any splitters? How about a 300 ohm to 75 ohm converter near the antenna along with RG-6 RF shielded cable to a ground block and then straight to the STB. KMBC is a 720p signal, is your box setup to upconvert to 1080i? How is KMBC 9 analog signal coming in on your VHF/UHF antenna?

I don't have any splitters on the antenna....it runs through a 25' RG6 cable straight to the tv, and I have tried a couple of 10-30 gain amps, which haven't made a difference on channel 7 (9). Analog 9 is fine, and digital 5 (24, I think) comes in great too, along with 19. (18). I don't have anything to take it from 300 ohm to 75 ohm that I know of. Would that be built into the antenna? This is something I haven't tried. The box is set to 1080i.

Don't know if this is related or not, but I previously had similar issues with KMBC - but numerous weekends and analysis sessions later - I determined that it wasn't the station/signal - it was my box that was bad, it was heat related - when fully warmed up, I could not get KMBC to hold a digital signal.

I have a Hughes E86 clone - the Mitsu HD-5. The one test I can recommend is - put the box in the frig, or take it outside (now that it's not 100+ degrees any more) for a good length of time, and let it cool down. Plug it back in, do the local channel scan and immediately tune to KMBC 9-1 - if the picture is good, with no pixelization, and the signal is constant/steady (probably coming in at 100%), then it's your STB, not the station.

You can also get a laptop cooler fan for the unit - it will keep it cool and should reduce the problems. I had my unit replaced by the manufacturer and have used a fan ever since - no problems, and KMBC is just fine thanks.

Hope it helps.

Kendal

Hey KC HD fans,
I think I've decided on a Samsung SIR-T165 for my set top box. Don't have anything to hook it too for recording unless a long firewire run to PC in basement is an option. In the forum I've seen where the 165 uses clock signals sent by stations. How are the KC stations for correct time being sent? Most of the posts about this problem where early Feb time frame. Have the stations got their act together now, or is this still a problem?

TIA,
Dan

Originally posted by jeffdbs
Wow, I didn't know KMBC DT-09 signal was having problems being received by so many viewers. :( How is the analog KMBC 9 signal coming in at these locations with DT-07 KMBC signal problems?

Let me ask the question a different way. Who is getting a great signal on KMBC DT-09 and what it your location and antenna setup? I do get the other HD signals fine, plus Channel 9's analog signal is good. Before I go moving my antenna outside I want to have a good feeling that it will solve the signal problem.

Raven_13, KMBC-7, KCPT-18, and KCWE-31 are the only stations with correct date and time. These three stations also transmit all of the on screen guide information. The 165 is a great box, but it is touchy. I cannot get KMCI-36 and KSHB-42 right now because of their incorrect PSIP setup. I cannot get through to their engineering department over the phone and they are not responding to my e-mails. Also, if you get a D-VHS deck and hook it up to this box via firewire, it works great. I have recorded many things off of KCPT-18. Not much off of KMBC-7 yet, though.

Ohmylord, I get KMBC digital channel 7 perfectly. I live in Olathe and I have a mid-range RS VHF/UHF antenna on a tripod on my roof. The tripod is grounded and the RG-6 coax is grounded to a water pipe. Besides the grounding block, the RG-6 runs right into my Samsung 165. I get all of the analogs perfectly, and I get these digitals nice and strong: KCTV-24, KMBC-7, KCPT-18, KCWE-31, KSMO-47. I do not get WDAF-34 because of weak strength on their part. I don't get KMCI-36 and KSHB-42 because of some incompatibility with their setup and my Samsung 165.

Timmy,

Thanks for the info. I probably will get a recorder in the future so that is my main reason to purchase the 165. Hopefully KMCI and KSHB will get their PSIP straightened out.

Dan

Anybody having problems with there HD 5 should call Mits and see if they will give them a $500 dollar credit. Mits just gave me a $500 credit for mine
and I am waiting for my Sony HD 300. They give you the credit at the original place of purchase

hdtimmy.

Your still unable to get 36 and 42? Did you try just entering the ch. 36 and 42? Seems strange that I can with my 165 and you can't. Mine is only one month newer than yours.

Dan

As of right now from what I have read you can't use the 165 with a PC. There are no drivers to do this. A company is working on drivers so you can record to PC with firewire devices that have havi, but they will be testing to see if the 165 will work also. Check out the firebus post in the recording section if your interested.

Is anybody still getting KCPT? I don't show any signal from them at all.

Thanks Criag,

I'll look into that. I'm in no hurry for recording purposes. Just need a box first and this one seems a possibility, even given it's eccentricities.

Dan

Hmmmm... yea, when I enter in the channel number directly (36 or 42) the box turns on the green DTV LED and tries to tune in for about 15 seconds. Then it gives up and switches to analog which is a picture with snow, of course. I am getting perfect signals from 38 and 41, which are on the same tower.

I am not getting KCPT also.

I normally get KCPT over Comcast but it is not coming in for me either.
This normally wouldn't be an issue, but the are actually supposed to be showing a hi-def program right now (other than concerts or plays) :(

I am getting KMBC fine and I am in raytown, I have a huge antenna hooked up against my chimney... I dont get KSHB or 38 the spot (36-1).. I have the Samsung T-150 and havent got a singal yet.. It does hit green and acts like it does for a few seconds but then it goes to no signal.. I cant add the channel since it wont let me input the (1) with the channel...

I might try a reboot of my system, but dont know how, is it unplug the power cable for awhile and then restart??..

Thanks!!.. I want my NBC HDTV :D

I e-mailed KCPT engineering and this is what I received back.

We are indeed off air with our digital signal. I had no way of running a crawl to indicate this would be happening. We had to send a board back to the manufacturer to have some power transistors replaced. I just received word this afternoon that the board has been repaired and will be allowed to 'burn in' overnight before being shipped back to us tomorrow. Look for the return of our digital signal with better 'power' on Friday afternoon. I also want to take time to mention that we do indeed retain the 5.1 dolby encode when we tape delay our 'Sound Stage' presentations. I believe that after some technical difficulty on PBS's part, that they are now being distributed in 5.1...............Thanks for watching.

Another Aaron Barhardt article today on the Front page of the KC Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/6686445.htm

Chiefs go high tech on TV, but KC viewers left behind
By AARON BARNHART
The Kansas City Star

Great news, high-definition TV owners: CBS has selected Sunday's Chiefs-Chargers match-up to be its first HDTV “game of the week” of the football season.

Just one catch — local CBS affiliate KCTV won't be offering the game in high definition.

etc.....

Good article.

I just wish he'd call out KCTV on their lack of planning instead of allowing the casual reader to believe it is a 'supplier' problem.

Aaron definitely needs to place the blame on KCTV for not having HD capacity by now! They have drug their feet so long the soles must be worn off their shoes! I also wonder where he got the figure of 10,000 people ready to view HDTV programming. I would bet TW has distributed more HD boxes than that, plus add in the OTA and the sat users, DBS and C band. He should also be talking about the fact that tonights game, on KMBC, will be in HD from TW, Comcast and OTA.

After CBS and NBC in KC go HD this month, we need to target our efforts and pressure to WB to reimplement their HD equipment.

After CBS and NBC in KC go HD this month

I think we'd all be dreaming if CBS & NBC (especially CBS - KCTV5) go HD this month, let alone by next month.

Call it blind optimism. :D

Ok, "blind" anything from someone with a username of eyedox is interesting...

The other view of this would be- blind optimism, you MUST be new here - this is KCTV/Meredith that we're talking about...

Kendal

Originally posted by ksmith4
Ok, "blind" anything from someone with a username of eyedox is interesting...The other view of this would be- blind optimism, you MUST be new here - this is KCTV/Meredith that we're talking about...Yes I am new to the KC area. I am moving the end of September to Olathe. As you guessed, I am an optometrist. I am active in the Des Moines area HD threads. I have been lurking here for awhile. I was wondering if anyone would catch the irony of my post. :)

I am just happy that Eyedox is on our side! I enjoyed Eyedox e-mail to WDAF. Especially the first words. "For the love of God". What passion. We need all HDTV viewers, salespeople, newspaper reporters, station management and broadcast engineers in the KC metro area to help keep the bright crisp great sounding future of HDTV growing in Kansas City. :)

Eyedox - glad you're here too. Thanks for the passion, flaming or not - we can use all we can get...and especially that directed at stations and lack of support for HD.

RoberttheBruce,

Aaron definitely needs to place the blame on KCTV for not having HD capacity by now! They have drug their feet so long the soles must be worn off their shoes! I also wonder where he got the figure of 10,000 people ready to view HDTV programming.

Aaron Barnhart has been one of the key voices for HD in this area, so careful here - he absolutely places blame on KCTV - I believe there is a real good one earlier in this thread, like p 3 or so, specifically about them dragging their feet and (paraphrasing) "their digital signal being a joke", or something along that line. As to where he got his figures - call him and ask - I'm sure he can support them with facts. We're really (really) glad Aaron is on our side !!

Kendal

Check out this rumor http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=298179. Doesn't KMBC run KCWE the DT-31 UPN channel? If so then DT-31(analog 29) is already upconverted and just waiting for an HDTV feed from the UPN Network satellite. So maybe real HDTV on DT-31.

I picked up a Zenith HDV420 today and got my first taste of HDTV watching the skins-jets game. Sweeet!!! Bad news is, it appears to have burnt out my rotor box. The game had a few drop outs from the KC ABC station, but my antenna even while pointed towards KC would pick up Columbia with better signal strength. Anyone have any thoughts as to why it fried?

Dan

How big is your antenna?:D

Well, the ABC digital signal mocked me last night. For several minutes prior to the kick-off, the HD signal was terrific. I had a fan blowing on the receiver to keep the heat down...seemed to work great. Then the kick-off and Fu@#%k, digital break-up until two minute warning right before half. Never got a good solid signal for the rest of the evening. The receiver was cool, I tried both the 15 db and 34 db signal boosters. I rebooted and manual programmed channel 7 in.....and I never could get a solid signal. FOr the love of god, I'm at 61st and State Line (so of the Plaza)-I'm not in Topeka. Is it the Zenith 1080 receiver? ANy suggestions?

Ron

Jeffdbs,

My antenna is a 10' long VHF/UHF combo, approximately 50' above ground, preamp and rotor. Could I have had too much juice? I'm at least 65 miles from the Kansas City stations. It's a 90 trip by car. The only thing I did was unhook the cable from my DVD/VCR unit and hook up to the Zenith. Everything else has been in place and running for long time.

Dan

To macman and any other Everest users: any update on when they will offer HDTV? I was an Everest customer but got so frustrated with their lack of HDTV progress that I switched my TV service to TWC (still kept the phone/cable) earlier this year.

Can say that I'm glad I made the switch, if only to pick up ABC (MNF), DiscoveryHD, and InHD (US Open Tennis was great!).

I'm still picking up KMBC-DT fine, although there were a few breakups (somebody described this as the picture "blowing chunks!") on MNF last night. This used to happen with some regularity when KMBC first started up on digital, but it hasn't happened much lately.

I've got a large RS VHF/UHF combo in the attic with a preamp. I can't get WDAF, of course, but everything else comes in fine. It seems odd that the Hughes clones would only have heat problems with VHF signals - I'd never heard that one before!

Brad

rboster, at 61st and State Line, you are only 7 miles away from their tower. You do not need to use any signal boosters at all. They will actually make the signal worse at only 7 miles away. Hmmm... at that distance your antenna should work just fine in the attic or outside, so that's not it. Try running the RG-6 coax directly from the antenna to your STB. Is the RG-6 in good shape? Check all connections. Don't use any splitters, you should use a grounding block, this is essential for VHF to reduce electrical interference. Antenna should be pointed in NE direction, but a little more to the north at your location. How many long VHF elements does your antenna have? For example, mine has 4 long elements on each side of the boom. Are they all in good shape? Are you seeing any multipath or ghosting on analog channel 9? How about any electrical interference like white sparkles? Are you having to aim your antenna through overhead power lines?

HD timmy:

Great questions. The antenna was professionally installed in the attic. I need to go up and take a look at it. I do have two diplexers in the RG6 cable path....they couldn't run the cable to the closet, so they piggy backed on the satellite cable. The grounding block is an issue that I can't say for sure?

THanks for your help-I'll collect some data and get back to you

Ron

rboster, try a RG-6 cable run without the diplexers. If not, just try an indoor rabbit ears antenna.

kchdtv, I haven't talked to anyone at Everest about hdtv in awhile. The last person I talked to earlier this spring indicated that it would be next year sometime (spring '04??). I haven't dropped my current service with them but gave up and bought the Dvico HDTV II card for OTA reception. Looking forward to KCTV finally getting their act together.

I'll try and give them a call next week and see what's up with the latest on their HDTV plans.

There is a thread started at KCTV5 website on the lack of the Chiefs game not being in HDTV this Sunday. Please post your thoughts. http://users.boardnation.com/~kctv/index.php?board=4

Hey guy's I'm glad to see that people in KC care so much about HDTV. I work at Best Buy off Metcalf in OP,KS and there are so many customers that come in and purchase HDTV's and could give two sh*ts about getting an HD signal. Anyway back to my question and you guys might have answered it already but I haven't spent the time to go through all 24 pages. Do any HD cable STB's from TW, Comcast, or Everest have an input for over the air antenna's or does it matter since they are local cable company's? I know both of the HD boxes we sell for DirecTV (Samsung SIR-TS160 and Hughes HIRD-E86) have OTA hookups so I was wondering if cable boxes did or like I said do they really need to? Thanks for the info.

Welcome biggda. As far as I know and someone please correct me if I am wrong-the Time Warner and Comcast Set Top Boxes do not have an input for an Over the Air antenna only satellite HDTV STB's have an OTA HDTV input. Soon as directed by our Congress all television sold will have an digital OTA decoder. This move by Congress will allow viewers to access free Over the Air crisp HDTV broadcasts along with Dolby Digital 5.1 pass onto a viewers audio receiver. Please let all your fellow salespeople and customers know about our Kansas City forum here at AVS. Thanks and glad to have your input here.

Didn't have much luck watching the Chiefs today. Signal would lock, but voice dropouts, freezes, and lost signal, almost on a play by play time period. Of course my analog was pretty lousy as well. With my recent rotor problem, I couldn't turn the antenna to the east and pick up the game on KRCG 13 (analog) As far as I know their digital is not broadcasting yet. It was really close, just need a better amp system (or at least I hope)
Wife calling chow, more to come.

Dan

Follow up:

After I got back home from a meeting, KCTV was coming in perfect. That was around 8:30 last night. Analog stations always do come in clearer in the evenings for me. I was also able to pick up KSMO and KCPT yesterday. If KSMO is still at 9 KW, that would be the lowest power I have locked onto so far. If my problem is mostly a day time interference problem, does anyone think a better amp will help?

Dan

I live in Olathe and haven't been able to lock on to KCTV's signal lately. Anybody else having this problem?

I had trouble getting WIBW yesterday afternoon. It would lock on for a few minutes at a time. Saw enough of the game in HD to know that I didn't want to watch it in SD on KCTV so I listened to the game on the radio. Antenna was still pointing at Topeka last night and I was still able to get most of the KC digital stations. WIBW comes in perfect at night and on cloudy days. Still no luck getting KMBC-DT so I guess there's no HD-MNF for me tonight. I can get the ABC station from Topeka but they aren't passing the HD signal yet.

I haven't tried KCTV today but I had a good signal (if you can call SD good) yesterday.

Originally posted by Gleyser
I had trouble getting WIBW yesterday afternoon. It would lock on for a few minutes at a time. Saw enough of the game in HD to know that I didn't want to watch it in SD on KCTV so I listened to the game on the radio. Antenna was still pointing at Topeka last night and I was still able to get most of the KC digital stations. WIBW comes in perfect at night and on cloudy days. Still no luck getting KMBC-DT so I guess there's no HD-MNF for me tonight. I can get the ABC station from Topeka but they aren't passing the HD signal yet.

Do you have a preamp in your setup? If so, you may want to try taking it out of the loop (or maybe just turning it off) to pick up KMBC-DT. If you're picking up ABC out of Topeka, you should be able to get KMBC-DT unless there's a huge hill directly to your north.

A preamp can sometimes hurt your ability to lock in on an already strong signal. I initially had that problem with KCWE-DT.

I'll try turning off the preamp after they turn on their Digital signal this afternoon. I tried running a fan on the 6000 to cool it down and see if that would help, it didn't.

Originally posted by ssj2
I live in Olathe and haven't been able to lock on to KCTV's signal lately. Anybody else having this problem?


I can lock on, just can't hold it reliably enough to watch. I'm approximately 68 miles from the tower thou. I just got my STB this last thursday so my experience is very limited at this time. Still Wow, what a difference it makes when you can pick it up compared to analog. I won't even complain about SD versus HD at this point as either is far superior to what I'm acustomed to watching. (no cable or sat for me, strictly an ota household)

Dan

I live in Olathe and haven't been able to lock on to KCTV's signal lately. Anybody else having this problem?

Not at all - in fact, KCTV (and almost everything else too) pegs my signal strength meter at 100%. The only ones that didn't last night were WB (62-1/47 - it came in at @55%), WDAF/Fox (4-1/34 - @40%), and KCPT (19-1/18 - @50%). All were good enough to hold the signal and were very watchable, I'm at 123rd & Switzer in Overland Park.

Kendal

Thanks Kendal. I re-positioned my antenna Sat. afternoon and I think I screwed it up. It's a small directional unit with no rotor. Guess I better put it back where it was.

This is in response to UPN HD which was brought up a page or so ago.

I wrote:
There is word today that UPN will be doing HDTV broadcasts this fall season. Is KCWE-DT prepared to pass on the HDTV signal to its viewers as soon as it is available? Also, when will Dolby Digital 5.1 be available on KMBC-DT? I would also like to add that your stations are doing an EXCELLENT job with HDTV in KC. Keep up the great work!!

kswisher@hearst.com wrote:
At present I know of no plans of UPN HDTV this fall. A HD receiver would be required when it does happen but KCWE-DT does have the required equipment in place to pass HD signals received from UPN. The plan is to add 5.1 equipment this fall to pass the ABC 5.1 Dolby Digital.

So at least when UPN decides to do HD, we should see it as soon as it is available, unlike other unnamed channels... AND we will be enjoying DD 5.1 Monday Night Football soon!!

Great news, Thanks hdtimmy

KCTV-DT signal is fine from our location in Olathe at 159th Street.

I am in KC and I am sick of waiting for ESPN HD. I would like to start an emailing petition to Time Warner Corporate. I think I have figured out the naming convention for Time Warner's email system and I looked up the CEO's name. Glenn Britt. I sent an email this morning (about 5 hrs ago) to glenn.britt@twcable.com to begin the petition letting him know I can't wait to for the end of the year as they are saying. I want ESPN HD now, or I will switch to DirecTV. I have not gotten the message from their server saying this is not a valid email address so I have to assume it is indeed his address. If you would like to support me in this please send a TACTFUL email to glenn.britt@twcable.com letting him know your feelings. I think this will actually help our cause as long as we are courteous and direct in our messages. Please pass this on to the other "official" city threads that involve Time Warner.

That last post was a copy of my post to the SPOT. I actually emailed around 24 hrs. ago and have not received an autoreply telling me invalid address. This must be his address. Please remember that if you are going to take the time to petition, be respectful and courteous so we don't get ignored.

WOW!! This must be the week for the stations to answer their e-mail!!

I wrote:
I have a Samsung SIR-T165 Set Top Box and I am unable to tune in your digital channels 36 and 42. I receive analog channels 38 and 41 perfectly. I receive all of the other local analog and digital channels strong and stable with no issues. I believe this may be a PSIP setup problem on your end. Looking forward to a rapid fix!!

Wil Mistele wrote:
Here at our studios we are using an older model of the Samsung Digital TV set top box. Our model is a SIR-T151. We are broadcasting at full power with 450,000 watts for 42 and 500,000 watts for 36. Channel 36 comes in as 36-1 and channel 42 as 42-1. Please let me know if you are still having problems.
Thanks,
Wil Mistele
Assistant Chief Engineer
KSHB-TV / KMCI-TV
4720 Oak
Kansas City, MO 64112-2236
PH: 816 932-4302
Fax: 816 932-0502
e-mail: mistele@nbcactionnews.com

Any suggestions for me? I am going to see if I can borrow another STB from a friend. If that works and my Samsung still does not, I will get back with this guy and let him know.

hdtimmy -

I too think there may be a PSIP problem with KMCI & KSHB (KCTV too). I get the channels just fine, but there is no program or guide info on any of them. Every other station is fine, but they all show up as "Regular Programming" 24/7.

Kendal

For all of you OTAers out there, what is the status of KSHB DT? Have they gone HD yet? I am trying to find out exactly when so I can start pestering TWC. What about KMCI? Are the signals reliable yet?

Interesting news on KMCI & KSHB and that they are up at full power. Up in Liberty, MO my RCA DTC-100 can barely get KSHB-DT 42 (42 - 47 signal strength with lots of break-ups in the transmission) and won't lock in at all on KMCI-DT 36 (33 - 38 signal strength). I was hoping that they were just broadcasting at lower power during the start-up. I've got other channels that are in the same signal strength range as KSHB-DT but don't have the problems that I'm seeing, so I'm not sure what's up with the signal.

In another anomaly, my receiver shows KSHB-DT as coming in on 42-3 not the 42-1 that they told hdtimmy which makes me think that there may be a PSIP problem. Is any one else seeing this?

....what is the status of KSHB DT? Have they gone HD yet? I am trying to find out exactly when so I can start pestering TWC. What about KMCI? Are the signals reliable yet?

A few pages back in this thread, one of the contributors here found that KSHB will be going full HD sometime this month. They only got their digital signal up and running a couple of weeks ago. KMCI has been up and running on digital for a few weeks longer and Yes, the signals (at least from what I've found) are very reliable and stable. As indicated above, they're operating at full power off their new tower location. A few of us had ghosting problems due to that tower switch a couple weeks ago.

Kendal

Originally posted by Gleyser
I had trouble getting WIBW yesterday afternoon. It would lock on for a few minutes at a time. Saw enough of the game in HD to know that I didn't want to watch it in SD on KCTV so I listened to the game on the radio. Antenna was still pointing at Topeka last night and I was still able to get most of the KC digital stations. WIBW comes in perfect at night and on cloudy days. Still no luck getting KMBC-DT so I guess there's no HD-MNF for me tonight. I can get the ABC station from Topeka but they aren't passing the HD signal yet.

I usually get great signal from WIBM, but I did have some trouble Sunday with the Chiefs game also, was tolerable, but kept breaking up, so must have been the feed.
I am surprised to say that you cannot get ABC High Def for MNF. I live in Olathe around 119th and Ridgeview and the signal strength almost knocks my roof off!! I am not sure I could turn the antenna far enough away to not get their signal. I am using the Sony HD200 receiver which does a very good job of grabbing signal though. Good Luck

According to this email from yesterday, KSHB has been broadcasting HDTV for some time now:
======================
We have been broadcasting HDTV on channel 36 for about 4 to 5 weeks now. Channel 42 was signed on around August 28th. Time Warner and Scripps Howard are talking about the rights for retransmission on the cable side. Hopefully that decision will be made quickly.

Thanks,

Wil Mistele
Assistant Chief Engineer

Originally posted by TheHypnoToad
Interesting news on KMCI & KSHB and that they are up at full power. Up in Liberty, MO my RCA DTC-100 can barely get KSHB-DT 42 (42 - 47 signal strength with lots of break-ups in the transmission) and won't lock in at all on KMCI-DT 36 (33 - 38 signal strength). I was hoping that they were just broadcasting at lower power during the start-up. I've got other channels that are in the same signal strength range as KSHB-DT but don't have the problems that I'm seeing, so I'm not sure what's up with the signal.

In another anomaly, my receiver shows KSHB-DT as coming in on 42-3 not the 42-1 that they told hdtimmy which makes me think that there may be a PSIP problem. Is any one else seeing this?

I punched in some numbers for Liberty and your only 19.5 miles (center of town) from the KSHB tower. At those power levels they should be blowing your meter out. I also noticed the 42-3 PSIP info this weekend. I'll recheck it tonight.

Dan

kchdtv, from what I understand (because I can't see them) 38 and 41 are broadcasting in 1080i HDTV, but they are upconverting everything from their analog station for now. Soon they will actually start showing us the 1080i 16:9 NBC feed. They are not right now.

Sounds like the 42-3 PSIP could be confusing my already touchy STB.

Originally posted by hdtimmy
kchdtv, from what I understand (because I can't see them) 38 and 41 are broadcasting in 1080i HDTV, but they are upconverting everything from their analog station for now. Soon they will actually start showing us the 1080i 16:9 NBC feed. They are not right now.

Sounds like the 42-3 PSIP could be confusing my already touchy STB.

If I change to KSHB-DT from a DirecTV channel, it shows up as 42.3. If I change to it from an OTA channel, it shows up as 41.1. There's definitely something wrong with the PSIP data they're sending. I have similar problems with KMCI-DT. I'm using a Sony SAT-HD200.

You're right on the money, Timmy - they're upconverting to 1080i for now.

It's interesting that their engineer says that they receive their own signals as "36-1" and "42-1." My Dish 6k receives them as "38-1" and "41-1!"

As I said before, I added the channels manually, and the "virtual channel" on the "Add DTV" screen flashes (toggles) between the analog and the digital channel numbers (i.e. 41 & 42 for KSHB and 36 & 38 for KMCI). I hit "save" while the toggling number was on the analog channel (38 &41, respectively), and the channels were saved as above. I did NOT try saving while the toggling number was on the digital channel, so I don't know what that would do.

I get good, strong, consistent signals on both.

Brad

Could you all please e-mail or call Wil Mistele and tell him about your weird PSIP experiences on both channels? Maybe if they get enough feedback on this issue they will take a closer look at their PSIP equipment.

Wil Mistele
Assistant Chief Engineer
KSHB-TV / KMCI-TV
4720 Oak
Kansas City, MO 64112-2236
PH: 816 932-4302
Fax: 816 932-0502
e-mail: mistele@nbcactionnews.com

Originally posted by Ohmylord
I'm at approx 160th and Metcalf in southern Overland Park and am having similar problems with Channel 9. The signal strength is actually pretty good, but it breaks up on a regular basis, to the point of being unwatchable. I seem to get the other channels OK. My next step is to move my antenna from the attic outside. I'm open to other ideas if anyone has any.
As an update to my earlier post. I moved the antenna outside this weekend and attached it to the chimney. The signal is now outstanding. I watched MNF last night in high def with no breakups. I didn't even hook up the amplifier that I had when the antenna was in the attic.

My only remaining question is about properly grounding the antenna. I ran one ground wire from the antenna and mast, but I think I need to run a separate ground wire from the coax connector. Send me a PM if you are an expert (or even if you think you are) in this area.

Ohmylord, If the antenna is mounted to the chimney I would only suggest a coax grounding block on the shielded RG-6 cable coming from the VHF/UHF antenna to bleed off static buildup.

Was able to get MNF from KMBC-DT last night, but signal was up and down all night. I'd get a lock at 60 or so and then it'll drift back down into the 40's and then drop out. Signal would come in good for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Picture was great when I had it.

I noticed something last night on KSMO. I caught the last few minutes of Everwood and I think it was in HD. I'll check tonight when Smallville comes on.

As far as KSHB and KMCI, I also have a 6000 and had to manually set them. (41.1 and 38.1). I figure I'm around 45 to 50 miles from the towers and still get around 70 to 80 ss with the antenna pointing toward Topeka. 80's to 90's when pointing towards KC. Since their location is on the east side of KC they might have a directional signal going West.

Originally posted by Gleyser
Was able to get MNF from KMBC-DT last night, but signal was up and down all night. I'd get a lock at 60 or so and then it'll drift back down into the 40's and then drop out. Signal would come in good for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Picture was great when I had it.

I noticed something last night on KSMO. I caught the last few minutes of Everwood and I think it was in HD. I'll check tonight when Smallville comes on.

As far as KSHB and KMCI, I also have a 6000 and had to manually set them. (41.1 and 38.1). I figure I'm around 45 to 50 miles from the towers and still get around 70 to 80 ss with the antenna pointing toward Topeka. 80's to 90's when pointing towards KC. Since their location is on the east side of KC they might have a directional signal going West.

KMCI is definately directional towards Lawrence, KS. I can pick up all but KMCI, WDAF (lightbulb.....1.1Kw) and KPXE which is not broadcasting yet, supposedly end of Sept.

Dan

Originally posted by Raven_13
I punched in some numbers for Liberty and your only 19.5 miles (center of town) from the KSHB tower. At those power levels they should be blowing your meter out. I also noticed the 42-3 PSIP info this weekend. I'll recheck it tonight.

Dan -

I agree that I should be seeing a fairly strong signal from both KSHB-DT and KMCI-DT given the distance but after they moved to the new tower, even KSHB's analog signal is weak. KMCI's analog on the other hand is now clear as a bell. I'm in a low lying area with houses at the top of the hill to the south of me so it could be that I'm just SOL for the time being, unless I decide to erect a tower. :eek: I'll drop a line to the engineering department over at KSHB and see what they offer up. Anyone else in the northland have any signal levels that they would be willing to share?

Kurt

Originally posted by hdtimmy
Could you all please e-mail or call Wil Mistele and tell him about your weird PSIP experiences on both channels? Maybe if they get enough feedback on this issue they will take a closer look at their PSIP equipment.

Wil Mistele
Assistant Chief Engineer
KSHB-TV / KMCI-TV
4720 Oak
Kansas City, MO 64112-2236
PH: 816 932-4302
Fax: 816 932-0502
e-mail: mistele@nbcactionnews.com

I sent Wil my info today, along with some questions about when they would pass NBC-HD and DD5.1. I also asked about the possibility of WDAF using their old antenna to upgrade their signal (I doubt if he'll answer that one. ;) )

Brad

Thanks Brad!!

Raven_13's post prompted me to look up KPXE on the FCC database. They have not filed for a 4th extension yet, so they are required to be on the air by September 30th. In fact, their 3rd extension was never formally approved.

Also, and I think this is funny, they have not filed for a Special Temporary Authority for lower power. So as of right now, they will be on the air at 1,000 kw!! That is by far the strongest digital signal in KC to date. Too bad I won't be watching it. :D