KDBC, the CBS station just launched their hdtv signal at low power this past Monday night. Their chief engineer says the audio will be 2.0 for now though, not dd 5.1. They don't have the funds yet for a 5.1 upgrade.

To add:

Fox and two Hispanic channels are also available OTA DTV in El Paso

More,

KVIA-DT ABC is now broadcasting OTA DTV in El Paso!

Anyone know when NBC will up with their DT Signal ?

IMO, El Paso is AWFUL for HDTV. CBS, which is the best, is frequently not boardcasting HDTV for shows that are in HDTV (Raymond, Two and Half Men) are very often sent in digtal, but standard definition. ABC's HDTV boardcasts are more often than not without audio. Fox is not even in HDTV.

The worst is NBC. The west side of El Paso can NOT recieve the NBC DT signal. Myself and others have made many calls to the local NBC station, and the comment is basicly "too bad". I will not watch the local NBC until they resolve this, and I know at least a few others on the west side that will do the same.

What have you tried to receive the NBC station on the west side of El Paso. I am also on the west side and I got my HD TV and Reciever last week. I have them hooked up to a Silver Sensor. I can get ABC, CBS and FOX, but not NBC or PBS. What anntena are you trying?

Also what have you tried with regards to calling/emailing NBC?

Thanks for any help.

El Paso is terrible when it comes to high definition. I live on the east side and use the silver sensor as well. I pick up all the channels fine except for NBC, the signal drops out every minute or so but comes right back.

When KVIA first started broadcasting in hd, I used to call and they'd fix it, but I got tired of calling every week and I don't even watch half of what's shown. The good thing though is that they answer the hotline on the weekends unlike KDBC which was extremely frustrating during football season.

KFOX used to be good about everything that was shown in 480p widescreen up until their channel went black and has stayed like that for 3+ weeks now.

What channel NBC HDTV in El Paso. I live on the west side and can't find it.
Thanks,
John

NBC is channel 16.1, but it's not HD. It's just their digital channel.

So who is receiving NBC (KTSM) is El Paso?

Folks on the east side and west side are not having luck with a Silver Sensor-- so who is, where are you, and what is your set-up?

I am about 2 miles west of KTSM antenna on Ranger Peak, with a clear line of sight, Silver Sensor in attic.

I am considering purchasing a new antenna, but I don't want to re-rig my set-up if it is not going to make an improvement.

Thanks in advance.

OK, just what IS the HD situation here in ELP?

what I can tell thus far.

- I'm about 12 miles east of the Mountain, on Montana west of Joe Battle. Silver Senson indoors on a DTV Samsung 360

ABC - good signal, looks to be doing 16:9, and windowbox on the 4:3 stuff
CBS - ditto ABC, with some occasional drops
FOX - two channels there, one on 15-2 with a 4:3 SD feed, the one on 14-1 getting a nice strong signal.. for a black screen

NBC - yuk. 4:3 SD with dropouts every 20-30 seconds

PBS - ?????? Is KCOS even alive? (wish I could get Las Cruces, but not a chance it appears).

How much HD Content does ABC/CBS pass? Is FUX doing anything? NBC just showing distain for the viewers... and where or where is PBS????

am I all alone here in El Paso????

You are not alone Londo...though it seems to be a bit lonely here :p

I just moved here to El Paso, TX.. a week ago from Los Angeles, CA (HDTV paradise)..and I just started looking for all the HD channels out here. I am located in the Loretto area in central El Paso and I seem to get:

4:1 CBS - looks pretty good on most stuff

9:1 NBC - Has tons of dropouts even though im picking up a good signal..dont know whats wrong with channel 9? Am I alone with this problem with channel 9?

15:1 FOX - Seems to look pretty good...havent seen anything digital on there so far though.
15:2 FOX...i dont get anything on there??

7 ABC - I am not getting any signal anymore, I was picking up a signal a few days ago with my rabbit ears..but the signal seems to be gone??..which is dissapointing..because i was looking forward to seeing the Stanley Cup game yesterday in HDTV..did channel 7:1 go off the air or something?

13 PBS...i cant find any HDTV signal whatsoever.

I can also get a few spanish channels..i think 25:1 and a few others...that look pretty good.

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS!!!!!!!!!!

agree on CBS.. WHEN they pass the real HD stuff it looks good, but the don't most of the time..

ABC.. was gone for a little while but came back... today... they seem to pass the full monty for HD...

FOX I'm finding them on 14-1 and 15-1 (I think).. 15 has the SD feed, 14 is empty..

NBC... same here... good solid picture for about 30 seconds at a time.. then 'twitch'... all in glorious SD

PBS .... sounds like a Moody Blues song "I know you're out there somewhere..." but I'll be dipped if I can find it!

Yes, several spanish channels 25-1, and 52-1 (I think) very strong... 4:3 but strong...

lol :D Its lonely out here in the wild!

Hey Londo, can you still find ABC 7:1? I cant seem to pick up their signal anymore.

Did they go off the air again?

As for FOX, for some reason I get their SD feed on 15:1 and their HD feed on 15:2 ...but nothing comes out on 15:2.

yeah... ABC is still there... I can't explain the KOX discrepency tho.. I get nothing on 14-1 and the SD feed on 15-1

Thanks Londo for your help.

I still cant seem to get ABC though..dont know why? ahh ill give it another shot tomorrow.

Hey guys, you're not alone! I'm just getting started with this OTA stuff, and it's clear that the small unidirectional UHF antenna that I bought according to antennaweb.org's recommendation is not going to cut it. Where do you get these silver sensor antennae locally?

Believe it or not.... Sears at Cielo Vista Mall has them...

I bought my Silver Sensor at a Circuit City...but that was in California. I dont know if they would have it at the Circuit City's here in El Paso? :)

El Paso folk... are PBS, CBS and ABC MIA for you also? (this is 7/4, 7p)

My ABC,CBS, and PBS are now gone also. I have tried a reset but sitll have nothing.

ABC is back., but that is it.

same here... I've still got CBS in the guide (but no signal) but PBS is gone completely .....

I thought I was having a problem with my equipment not getting CBS.

I live on the west side and cannot get NBC at all. I am using a Samsung 360 and a Silver Sensor. Never had any luck with NBC, but the CBS problem started this week.

What kind of antenna are you using and where are you located?

Samsung 360 w/Silver Sensor and on the East side (up near the WallyWorld on Joe Battle/Mottwood).

NBC is fine (if you call 4:3 fine)
ABC is (now) fine
FOX is confused (14-1 with a nice 16:9 card that says you are watching FOX Digital, 15-2 with 4:3)
CBS - mia
PBS/ELP - back in 4:3
PBS/LAC - can't get (darn it, they look like they really do HD)

I came back from camping a few days ago..and I also noticed that most of the HD channels were gone.

But I think they have all come back..this is what i got today.

4:1 CBS - Is back for me, looking good in 16:9, it was MIA for a while though.

9:1 NBC - Still has some dropouts although some days I dont get any dropouts..and its a lousy 4:3 :(

15:1 (14)FOX - looks pretty good - 4:3
15:2 (14)FOX - I get the same "watching KFOX digital" card - 16:9

7:1 ABC - I got this channel back a few days ago, it looks good again - 16:9
(I can only get this channel on my VOOM HDTV reciever, I cant seem to get it with my RCA DTC-100..dont know exactly why?)

30:1 (13)PBS - looks good though its in 4:3

got a few other digital spanish channels but all of them in 4:3

YIKE!

anyone else see that KCOS-DT is now sporting KCOS-DT2, KCOS-DT3 and KCOS-DT4??

of course, they are all dups of the main channel and still SD.

YIKE! #2

KFOX is FINALLY BROADCASTING SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE TITLE CARD on the HD channel.

their normal programming ZOOMED/CROPPED! (with double KFOX logos no less). I'll be curious to see what happens when the Network programming comes on in a little while..)

PBS HD is now up and running.

Talked to someone at KTSM and said they're pushing to have NBC in HD just in time for the olympics so we shall see...

Originally posted by conflix
PBS HD is now up and running.I saw that also.. but they're not running to 24/7 yet :(.

Fox now has the 16:9 on 14-1 (they quit the cropped crap) and a weather loop on 14-2 (last I looked)

Talked to someone at KTSM and said they're pushing to have NBC in HD just in time for the olympics so we shall see... I'll be lieve that when I see it :)

I was just about to report the same thing as you guys...I guess I got beat to it :)
Also got a few questions for you guys..

I saw my HDTV in primetime today a little bit to see which shows where on HDTV..and I noticed that CH 4 was in HD showing i believe JAG in nice 16:9 HD..but i also noticed that CH 7 which was supposed to be showing their primetime shows in HD was only showing them in 4:3...again...whats up with that?? Infact I havent seen any HD programming on CH 7 lately..anyone else notice this?

I also noticed the new CH 14-1 on 16:9..anyone know if its gonna be showing any HD programming anytime soon? The title for channel CH 14 (14-1) on my HD reciever now says "KFOX High Definition", anyone know if this means that they are HD ready now?
Also CH 14-2 is now KFOX-WX it shows pure weather radar stuff..which can be useful on stormy days. :)

The PBS HD channel (13) hasn't been showing up for me lately..is it only on sometimes..and not all day? I would like to check it out one of these days if its in HD.

CH 9 still looks like crap on 4:3..i dont think these guys will be ready for the olympics..i dont think they'll be ready til next year or so :)

Update on PBS CH 13...I was able to pick it up again..but the signal keeps dropping out regularly, anyone else have this problem?

13-1 is now PBS-HD ..which is a national feed of pure PBS programming in High Definition. I had this channel back when I lived in Los Angeles on 28-1..It had some pretty cool documentaries in awesome HD.
13-2 is CH 13 KCOS DT in regualar 4:3..hopefully it will become HD soon.
13-3 and 13-4 show nothing for me.

Seems as though KTSM came through and have NBC in high def for olympics, finally.

Originally posted by conflix
PBS HD is now up and running.

Talked to someone at KTSM and said they're pushing to have NBC in HD just in time for the olympics so we shall see...

Wow Conflix...you were right on target when you posted this message a couple of weeks ago!

Finally, KTSM in HD!! and it looks freaking great on my TV :)

Olympics in HD!! AWESOME!

Still no luck with NBC on the west side, any idea who at KTSM is a good point of contact? I get every other digital channel perfect, nothing-- no droouts, no signal with NBC.

I moved teh Silver Sensor to the highest point in the attic this weekend without an inprovement.

Any thoughts?

Originally posted by jmh28
Still no luck with NBC on the west side, any idea who at KTSM is a good point of contact? I get every other digital channel perfect, nothing-- no droouts, no signal with NBC.

I moved teh Silver Sensor to the highest point in the attic this weekend without an inprovement.

Any thoughts?

I cant see why you wouldnt be able to get the NBC signal in West El Paso? I get a strong 94 signal on my VOOM reciever..have you thought about maybe getting a different antenna to try out? or maybe a pre-amp? my pre-amp helped me out tons when i lived in LA.

Come to think of it, my old HDTV reciever doesnt seem to get nbc very well either no matter what i try..though i do atleast get a low signal on it and lots of drop out. (Dont know if this info helps?)

Well good luck to you bud, hopefully you can pull in the nbc hdtv soon. the olympics (though they are just replays over and over) look awesome in hdtv.

are the people at KTSM (NBC) just complete MORONS? Once the Olympics finished, I have yet to see a SINGLE HD program on the digital feed? Mind you they're IS a 16:9 digital signal.. but it's all STRETCHED 4:3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EVEN THE PROGRAMS THAT SHOULD BE HD!!!!!!!!! (lovely washed out, short/fat American Dreams tonight).

KFOX (FOX) is doing the same thing on the (what should be) 4:3 shows, but at least is passing the 16:9 HD signals....

ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

I think KTSM blows. They show us the olympics in nice HD like you said...then thats it..that channel is pathetic.

WOW!! Sounds like all of the station there still have their stuff scattered. I escaped many years ago (in ’85) but my folks still live there. I was considering trying to convince my Dad to buy an HD set so he can watch football in HD while I am in town for Thanksgiving. Reading thru your posts, I really don’t think it would be a good experience for him. Not trying to rub it in but living in the DFW area, things are great. Last Monday night, I was flipping thru all of the OTA HD channels (Greenbay was getting thumped) and FOX, NBC, CBC, ABC, WB, and PBS were all showing HD programming. It was awesome. Where are the towers located that transmit HD? Co-located up on Franklin? My folks live on the Eastside. How is the reception there? I checked http://www.antennaweb.org and it seems that the majority of the towers are indeed on Franklin and even closer than the towers I get in Rockwall (little suburb of Dallas) but sounds like you are having major troubles. Can anyone pull in the Alamogordo stations (31, 34,59)? Thanks!

ok, when did KTSM go bye bye??? Nothing at all the past few days?

Today (Nov. 18), is the first time i notice HD programming on KTSM after the olympics. Caught a few glimpses of Joey and ER. Now to see how long it lasts.... =\

Looks like KFOX is off the air (digital) since sometime last night...

KFOX HD was off the air also a couple of days last month..but it came back quick. Hopefully itll come back quick again.

I also noticed KTSM was showing some HD shows a few weeks ago..they looked very very nice.

I was happy to see all the HD local channels showing great quality HD earlier tonight.

KDBC, KVIA, KTSM, KCOS and KFOX were all showing HD programming tonight.

All of the channels were working for once at the same time and they looked great. :D

I live in Las Cruces and I have been able to get Fox (14.1, 14.2) ABC (7.1) and CBS (4.1) in the past. Recently, I have not been able to get any of the FOX OTA channels at all. Are any of you local people having the same issue? Also, have any of you applied for waivers to get the national HD feeds?

thanks in advance...

I live in las cruces also and I think fox is out right now. I am also only able to receive fox I cannot receive cbs or abc. What kind of antenna are you using danilope?

Originally posted by sf49ersnfl
I live in las cruces also and I think fox is out right now. I am also only able to receive fox I cannot receive cbs or abc. What kind of antenna are you using danilope?

Hi. I live on the North Side of Cruces out in Dona Ana. I am using a Radio Shack High-Definition Amplified Outdoor TV Antenna $73.99 Catalog #: 15-2185.

My wife wouldn't let me put up a traditional antenna, but she comprimised with this one.

I am also not able to get KRWG 22.1 and 22.2 anymore. All I get now is 7.1 (ABC) and 4.1 (CBS).


:)

yeah i live in the four hills area by del ray and i can only get cbs at a 25% signal but i am using a silver sensor which is indoor. Oh and I sent fox an email and they said they are waiting on a part to get here to fix the transmitter. I am also able to get pbs so its strange that you cannot.

also does anyone know when cbs,abc and nbc are going to be at full power?

Originally posted by sf49ersnfl
yeah i live in the four hills area by del ray and i can only get cbs at a 25% signal but i am using a silver sensor which is indoor. Oh and I sent fox an email and they said they are waiting on a part to get here to fix the transmitter. I am also able to get pbs so its strange that you cannot.

I started with a Silver Sensor that I picked up at Sears, but I could only get Fox. But once I put up the RadioShack "FlyingWing" (that is what the antenna looks like) I was able to pick up CBS and ABC as well.

I get PBS sometimes, but not always.

PS: Sorry about the 49ers this year. I am huge Steelers fan and I am riding pretty high right now. :)

yeah its been painful to watch the 49ers this year. I think i might try that antenna it sounds like a good deal because im missing monday night and all the cbs games. I might try this indoor from wal mart it has a 45db amplifier http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2625059

sf49ersnfl, a friend of mine tried that indoor antenna - Philips MANT410. He bought it at Lowes, and it didn't work very well for him at all and he lives here in East El Paso.

I wanted to see if it would work better than his own silver sensor because thats what I use too and his silver sensor performed way better than that phillips one. He returned it back to Lowes.

interesting I guess im just in a bad spot and have to wait for the networks to go full power does anyone know when that is?

Originally posted by sf49ersnfl
interesting I guess im just in a bad spot and have to wait for the networks to go full power does anyone know when that is?

If you can get a bigger outdoor antenna and maybe a pre-amp you should be able to pick up most, if not all of the EP/LC channels. I'm thinking of getting a Radio Shack outdoor antenna, I used to use one in north Los Angeles (40 miles away from TV CH antennas) that worked very well.

Also I'm not sure when the TV channels in El Paso are going to go full power. I thought they already were at full power

no they are only temp towers the only one at full power is fox

Originally posted by sf49ersnfl
no they are only temp towers the only one at full power is fox

Oh wow..I didn't know that, no wonder I can get KFOX almost without even having an antenna connected.

BTW for everyone else, KFOX seems to have fixed their problem and are back on the air.

Nice to find this group. I have been getting OTA HDTV for a month or so now. I have not been to resolve the "no audio" problem I am having with KTSM. Is anyone else getting KTSM (9-1) without audio? I can get every other channel with audio no problem. What I get with KTSM is a "blurb" of audio, sometimes, and then nothing. There is only one audio channel so I can't switch that around like I can with KVIA. I have a USDTV receiver and a Jensen TV920 indoor antenna. I'm in the NE and can pick up all the channels I could expect and want, the only issue I have is the lack of audio from KTSM. When I called, they told me they are broadcasting and its my equipment. It just works with everyone else's broadcast. USDTV has been very helpful (the box manufacturer) and is sending me the diagnostic hardware/software I need to see what kind of audio feed KTSM is broadcasting and what I can do on my end to fix the problem. Thanks!

MKZTG

(This is at my old house, not in the N. Hills)
4-1 KDBC - CBS - GOOD (SD)
7-1 KVIA - ABC - GOOD (SD)
9-1 KTSM - NBC - Video in HD but no audio
13-1 KCOS - PBS - GREAT HD from 11am-11pm national feed
13-2 KCOS - PBS - Good SD local feed
14-1 KFOX - FOX - Good (SD)
14-2 KFOX-WX - local weather radar loop in SD
25-1 ?? Couldn't care less about this channel
39-1 ?? Couldn't care less about this channel

mkztg, I can get KTSM really well with audio on a voom HDTV receiver that I have, but on an older RCA receiver that I use once in a while the only channel that gives me problems is KTSM, both video and audio problems. All the other channels work great, but KTSM doesnt work well at all. I think its KTSM's crappy HD signal, but who knows?

Hi. I don't live in El Paso but my father does. I'm poking around on his behalf.

I haven't noticed anything in this thread about HDTV over cable. Doesn't the local Time-Warner cable service offer any HTDV channels?

Hi boomerbubba, yes Time Warner Cable does have a HD package in El Paso. I have the Time Warner Cable HD package and can say its actually pretty nice. They offer two HD cable boxes, Scientific Atlantic Explorer Digital Cable boxes: 3250HD and 8000HD. The 8000HD box has DVR service which works even with HD, this is what I got and is extremely nice. The 3250HD works very nice but it does not have DVR.

The current HD channels in the El Paso TWC-HD package are:
HBO HD - East
HBO HD - West
Showtime HD - East
Showtime HD - West
KTSM HD - NBC
KDBC HD - CBS
Discovery HD
TNT HD
In Demand HD1
In Demand HD2
Fox Sports Network HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
ESPN HD
KCOS HD - PBS

I wish they would add the rest of the local HD channels, though I think I heard that they will be doing that soon. Another nice feature I wish they would have is a OTA feature that would allow you to find your OTA channels with an antenna.

One bad note about Time Warner Cable is that a lot of their cable installers, don't know how to set up the HD receivers properly when they put them in peoples homes here in El Paso. The cable receivers have to be set up to work in 1080i or 720p when they are initially installed, otherwise they will only show programming in 480i. It happend to me twice, where the installer installed the receiver and left it on 480i only. I had to go to Scientific Atlantic's website to get an online manual for the 8000HD box to set up the box properly myself to work in 1080i.

But other than the installation-set up problem, TWC HD-DVR seems to be a good deal for me here in West Texas.

boomerbubba,

TW does offer digital cable but think of it just like you would SAT. It is a digital signal but not always HD. I don't have cable but I have friends that do and from what they say it just gives you more channels, with the TW box of course. This thread is for local HDTV info and reception, to me that means OTA. There probably are threads about TW here.

I am on the west side, by Franklin Hills, and all I receive is CBS.

I am using a Philips indoor antenna, should I get an external one?

I just installed my receiver, and the Steelers vs Jets game looked great :D


How are you guys pointing your antennas?

jfe,

I had a big long reply for you but go to antennaweb (dot) org. It wouldn't let me post the URL and it deleted what I had typed. if you go there and put in your adress it will give you an azimuth to help point your antenna.

MKZTG

The philips indoor is no good. Go with the silver sensor you can get one at sears.

I will give the silver sensor a shot

Although both of them looks the same

CBS is gone for me, and Fox looks great.

Weird

Anyone else out there have HD on TWC in El Paso?

I'm a new subscriber to HD and I am pretty happy with the available channel lineup. That being said, I am wondering if anyone has any information on when/if our local TWC will be picking up FOX and/or ABC. Also, anyone know why our FOXSN HD channel is always off the air?.

Anyway, hopefully this will get the ball rolling, and there are others of you out there!

This thread is for local HDTV info and reception, to me that means OTA. There probably are threads about TW here. [/B]
FYI, I've started a new thread (there was none) for TWC customers in El Paso. Please drop by!

What is going on with ABC 7 and their HD feed? Everytime I tune into a show that is broadcast in HD all I get is the standard black bar feed with no HD. Are they forgetting to hit the "switch?" CBS 4 shows HD all the time for their prime time listings.

Any info?

Also, any word on when they will be broadcasting at full power?

thanks,

For future reference, "HDTV" threads are for discussion of OTA and cable in the local area.

If you guys want separate threads, we can do that, but I'd make sure you have enough activity or both threads could just die on the vine.

Fox HD OTA was down for a few days about a month ago but they are up right now. Check to make sure you don't need to fine tune your antenna azimuth, thats what I had to do to get all the networks in.

MKZTG


Abaddon said:

Anyone else out there have HD on TWC in El Paso?

I'm a new subscriber to HD and I am pretty happy with the available channel lineup. That being said, I am wondering if anyone has any information on when/if our local TWC will be picking up FOX and/or ABC. Also, anyone know why our FOXSN HD channel is always off the air?.

Anyway, hopefully this will get the ball rolling, and there are others of you out there!

danilope28,

I have actually emailed KVIA and I can't get anyone to respond. I'm not sure if they just don't care or don't know how to fix it. A response would be nice though.

I am having audio problems with KTSM (NBC) is anyone else? The problem is, I will get a "blurb" of audio when I first change to the channel and then nothing. All the other channels are just fine.

MKZTG




danilope28 said:

ABC 7?
What is going on with ABC 7 and their HD feed? Everytime I tune into a show that is broadcast in HD all I get is the standard black bar feed with no HD. Are they forgetting to hit the "switch?" CBS 4 shows HD all the time for their prime time listings.

Any info?

Also, any word on when they will be broadcasting at full power?

thanks,

Originally posted by CPanther95
For future reference, "HDTV" threads are for discussion of OTA and cable in the local area.

If you guys want separate threads, we can do that, but I'd make sure you have enough activity or both threads could just die on the vine.

I started the thread under the assumption that it was S.O.P. to do so. What you say makes perfect sense, and I don't think the volume is great enough to need or support separate threads either.

Well, the silver sensor didn't work too well for me

I had to buy a huge Terk TV55 antenna, and that does seem to work

Originally posted by Abaddon
Anyone else out there have HD on TWC in El Paso?

I'm a new subscriber to HD and I am pretty happy with the available channel lineup. That being said, I am wondering if anyone has any information on when/if our local TWC will be picking up FOX and/or ABC. Also, anyone know why our FOXSN HD channel is always off the air?.

Anyway, hopefully this will get the ball rolling, and there are others of you out there!

FOXSN HD does show games and programming in HD..but I've only seen them do Houston Astros baseball games and a couple other shows back in the summer, an HD show sometimes comes out once in a while..but mainly it's just an all black-screen channel.

As for FOXHD 14 or ABCHD 7, I'm not sure when they'll add these two channels? Hopefully they will add them soon because that would make the HD package a lot better.

Originally posted by jfe
Well, the silver sensor didn't work too well for me

I had to buy a huge Terk TV55 antenna, and that does seem to work
You actually got the Terk TV55 to work for you? Thats awesome, I heard that many people have problems with that antenna picking up stations..but thats good that you got that one to work for you. :)

Originally posted by raid98 FOXSN HD does show games and programming in HD..but I've only seen them do Houston Astros baseball games and a couple other shows back in the summer, an HD show sometimes comes out once in a while..but mainly it's just an all black-screen channel.
Yeah, I was assuming it wasn't working, but there just isn't much scheduled. If anyone is interested I managed to track down their schedule, and it has a grand total of two games, one pre-game, and one southwest sports report for the entire months of January and February. Not TWC's fault, but still disappointing. The schedule can be found here: http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSSouthwest.
As for FOXHD 14 or ABCHD 7, I'm not sure when they'll add these two channels? Hopefully they will add them soon because that would make the HD package a lot better.
Yeah, I am hoping they add them soon too. I am considering buying OTA capability, but I don't have an ATSC tuner, so it isn't as simple as just buying a cheap indoor antenna. If I had any idea what the ETA was for FOX and ABC it would help me decide either way.

Still, after browsing the HDTV programming forum, I have to say that TWC here is a pretty good deal.

It took me a moment to notice last night that TWC has added KFOX-DT to it's lineup as channel 1304! I managed to catch a bit of American Idol in HD and it looked great. Woo hoo!

Is it just my antenna or is kfox dt ota down. This is very bad because the super bowl is in just a few days

Originally posted by sf49ersnfl
Is it just my antenna or is kfox dt ota down. This is very bad because the super bowl is in just a few days

I am in LC and the same thing has happened to me. I haven't checked it today, but last night around 9pm the signal was gone.

-daniel

:mad:

i also live in las cruces and lets just hope they can fix it in the next few days because i really dont wanna watch the super bowl in sd. Also did anyone contact kfox via email they usually respond quickly

I live in El Paso and I checked tonight - no signal. I did email them just to make sure they were aware it was down. I hope they get it back up in time for the Super Bowl. I don't have cable TV and I want to watch the game in HD too.

Originally posted by mkztg
I live in El Paso and I checked tonight - no signal. I did email them just to make sure they were aware it was down. I hope they get it back up in time for the Super Bowl. I don't have cable TV and I want to watch the game in HD too.

Cable wouldn't help - cable gets is signal from the OTA broadcast, after all. I just checked and the signal is still out to lunch.

I'd be very surprised if they didn't get the signal back up for the Super Bowl, but wouldn't that be a rotten surprise?

i wonder if this has anything to do with them adding their signal to time warner and comcast (possibly before super bowl) in las cruces this week. They could also be upgrading the tower as I have heard something about this possibly for more bandwidth or something like that

Originally posted by sf49ersnfl
i wonder if this has anything to do with them adding their signal to time warner and comcast (possibly before super bowl) in las cruces this week. They could also be upgrading the tower as I have heard something about this possibly for more bandwidth or something like that
AFAIK TWC adding the signal just means TWC picks up the OTA signal and rebroadcasts it over cable (same for Comcast). If that is indeed the case, it should mean that the Fox station doesn't have to do anything different at all.

They could definitely be upgrading hardware of some kind. If so, I hope it goes quickly...

kfox is back on man that was a scare. Comcast is now broadcasting kfox dt on channel 113

I'm not sure exactly how long KTSM has been out, I have been away for awhile. Anyone else not getting a signal? I am about to email KTSM and find out whats up.

---mkztg

HDNET TO BROADCAST GAMES 2-5 OF FIRST ROUND IN PLAYOFFS

For Immediate Release- April 23, 2005

DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks and HDNet announced today that fans will
be able to watch Games 2 through 5 of the Mavs vs. Rockets Round 1
Playoff Series in high-definition on HDNet in Texas.

"There's nothing more exciting than playoff time, especially when you
have a match-up featuring two Texas teams," said Mavs owner Mark Cuban.
"HDNet and the Mavs want to give viewers at home an experience that is
almost as good as being there."

Co-founded by Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, HDNet provides
viewers with exciting and topical news, sports, music and entertainment
programming. The network features up to 20 hours of original
programming each week, all produced in the highest quality 1080i HDTV
format - more original high-definition programming than any other
network.

HDNet news and entertainment includes original series "HDNet World
Report," "Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone," "Art Mann Presents," "HDNet
Concert Series," and "True Music," as well as every episode of the
acclaimed Warner Bros. series "Smallville." Live sports productions
include NASCAR auto racing, National Hockey League and Major League
Soccer games.

HDNet Movies, the company's second network, shows a wide selection of
major studios' theatrical releases - all uncut, unedited, and appearing
in their original aspect ratio. The network also features movies
produced and finished in true 1080i high-definition, including movies
premiering day and date with their theatrical releases.

Fans can contact their cable or satellite providers or visit www.hd.net
for more information. Comcast does not currently carry HDNet and HDNet
Movies, so Mavs Playoff games in HD are not available to Comcast
customers. Comcast customers are asked to call their local office and
let them know they want HDNet and the Mavs in HD.

MAVERICKS 2005 PLAYOFF HDNET SCHEDULE
(All Times Listed CT)
Game 2 Mon., April 25 - Rockets @ Mavs 8:30 p.m.
Game 3 Thurs., April 28 - Mavs @ Rockets 8:30
p.m.
Game 4 Sat., April 30 - Mavs @ Rockets 4:30 p.m.
Game 5 Mon., May 2 - Rockets @ Mavs, if necessary TBD

Anybody else hear that KVIA has upgraded their HDTV antenna to a high powered antenna? Soon KVIA will be able to be seen easily by Las Cruces and other nearby areas. I also saw that hopefully the antenna will be fully up and running later this month..KVIA is the hardest channel for me to get right now in El Paso..it has tons of dropouts at my location, so this is good news for a lot of us that can't get KVIA very well right now.

yes kvia is the weakest signal i live in las cruces and couldn't get any signal whatsoever do you know when they plan to go full power?

Horizon City

4-1 KDBC - Working.
7-1 KVIA - Not Working. Was before, but now it is out.
9-1 KTSM - Working.
13-1 - 13-2 KCOS - Working.
14-1 - 14-2 KFOX - Working.
22-1 KRWG - No Signal
26-1 No
38-1 Yes
48-1 No
65-1 No


Did ABC drop down? When will they be full power?

i have never been able to receive kvia-dt but im guessing it is down so that they can upgrade to the full power antenna keep me posted when you can get the channel again.

RBA,
Mind if I ask what kind of receiver you're using? I lost KVIA as well. A few years back I had a Hughes E86 and one day KVIA-DT just dropped off the map. KVIA even sent a couple techs out to my house and brought a Samsung HD receiver with them to prove that they were still up and running. Everyone was kinda stumped at that point. The guys from KVIA pointed the finger at Hughes and when I called Hughes, they said it was probably a problem with something in KVIA's stream

I never did find a resolution to the problem, and just ended up buying a new receiver (a Hughes HTL-HD) I just want to get an idea if they're down for everyone, or is this just a Hughes thing again?

If they are just down for the upgrade to full power, couldn't they have found a better time than the last week of the NBA Finals? :)

i agree they should of upgraded a long time ago now they only have a few days till the july 1st deadline to be full power. Im looking forward to july 1st because they only channel you can receive in las cruces is fox and on the 1st I should be able to get all of them

RBA,
Mind if I ask what kind of receiver you're using? I lost KVIA as well. A few years back I had a Hughes E86 and one day KVIA-DT just dropped off the map.


I had the E86 and everything was working fine. I recently switched to the Directv HD Tivo (jump on the 50 percent coupon at Best Buy) and noticed KVIA was out. I don't know if it was out on the E86 just befor the switch, but the new HD Tivo is not working for KVIA.

i agree they should of upgraded a long time ago now they only have a few days till the july 1st deadline to be full power. Im looking forward to july 1st because they only channel you can receive in las cruces is fox and on the 1st I should be able to get all of them


You have a lot of faith. ;)

yeah lol I know kdbc is going full power on the 1st. Dont know about the rest though.

Hi there,
I just got a new Digital Stream HD 3150, from Circuit City..it was a cheapy brand..but wow the picture is amazing. Seems to work really well and I'm planning on keeping this puppy.
Well moving along to the signal meter:

4-1 KDBC - Signal = 86, SNR = 29.76 db (I think they went to full power a few days ago)
7-1 KVIA - Signal = 72, SNR = 21.55 db (They are back, but not at full power yet)
9-1 KTSM - Signal = 75, SNR = 23.80 db
13-1 - 13-2 KCOS - Signal = 76, SNR = 23.96 db
14-1 - 14-2 KFOX - Signal = 86, SNR = 29.75 db (They've been at full power for a while)
22-1 KRWG - Still can't get a good signal.

Channel 7 seems to be back with a better signal..I no longer get any dropouts..but they still don't seem to be at full power like they claimed they would be..so hopefully soon they will turn their antenna to full blast.
Also, I have to say that the picture quality looks amazing on every channel with hardly any dropouts here in the Eastside of El Paso.

Well it looks like 7-1 KVIA is back down again..I guess they are working on the antenna today..it was working earlier when I made the post, but I guess they are doing more technical stuff on it.
Maybe they'll get it up to full power?

lets hope so raid for us in las cruces!

lets hope so raid for us in las cruces!
You might of gotten your wish 49ers, because Ch. 7 is back up and showing up with a stronger signal on my reciever.

7-1 KVIA - Signal = 83, SNR = 27.40 db

Hopefully you guys in Las Cruces can now get the signal. :)

Getting Peak at 88 and low of 73 this morning on KvIA 7-1 No drop outs!
A peak of 90 and constant 89 on KTSM 9-1. No drop outs.
A constant 90 on KFOX-DT 14-1. No drop outs.
Constant 72 on KDBC 4-1 with Peak of 80. No drop outs
Constant 88 on KCOS-DT 13-1 No drop ots.
constant 71 on 39-0 KSCE

Location Horizon City with Directv HD Tivo.

As of this post (10:49a 2 Jul) I'm getting no signal from 7-1.

Same here RBA, I guess they are still working on the antenna..so the signal comes and goes.

It's 1:27pm and ch. 7-1 is still out.

It's back..Ch. 7-1 is back on the air with a signal in the 80's for me.

My guess is that they will be working on the antenna for a few days or even weeks..so the signal might come and go, but lets hope they keep it up for good soon.

well i can get cbs and fox now no problem just nbc and abc are still weak here in cruces. I drove past the franklins where all the antennas are. I saw some new antennas which im guessing are the digital ones but they were not as tall as some of the other ones.

from Alamogordo (90 mi away) the readings are (7/2/05)

4-1 CBS Signal = 56 (varies wildly)
7-1 ABC Signal = 85
9-1 NBC Signal = 82
13-1, 13-2 PBS Signal = 76
14-1, 14-2 FOX Signal = 80

generally lower am, higher pm

cm4228, cm7777

hmm maybe its because i have a indoor silver sensor that i am having trouble getting abc and nbc

hmm maybe its because i have a indoor silver sensor that i am having trouble getting abc and nbc


Yup, in your case an outdoor antenna is probably the best solution for you. If I were you, I would try the CM4228 first, it seems like it gets good results.

its odd because someone else is using an indoor silver sensor too in las cruces only about 3 miles away from me and can get every channel.

Can some1 confirm if you are getting a HD signal from KVIA, I have channel 7 but not 7.1 or 17.1. I'd just installed my outdoor antenna and this is the only channel I'm not able to see.

Thanks for any reply.

:D

they've been down awhile

Just called to the station, they said the tube burned and they are expecting the replacement from London but that due to the explosions is delayed but they also said the HD signal will be up and running by Tuesday 19th.

I hope this is true.

Thanks. :D

ktsm added another sub-channel (for weather)

I wanted to know if TWC offers cable cards or if their HD boxes have firewire out? It usually is a small 4-pin connection called 1394 or DTV Link. My Toshiba has a slot for it and I want to use it to record HD. I am probably the only one in El Paso that ones a DVHS recorder. Does any one know if TWC activates the copy-protect flag?

is kvia back up and i also lost kdbc is that out too now?

KVIA still not up, KTSM is UP, .1and .2

I'm still getting kdbc

im getting kdbc again sorry about that

KVIA is still down..have they even been working on KVIA's signal lately?

i heard today the 28th that kvia was coming back up

none too soon

Well, no KVIA HD today. The chief engineer did say they were very hopefull to have it up by this evening, but obvisouly no go. Chances are tomorrow.

This is getting pretty stupid though, its delay after delay after delay. While KVIA has had nothing but bad luck with their HD channel, KTSM has had their HD channel at full power for a good month now, and a nice weather channel too.

I'm glad the engineer talked to you. The Albuquerque thread has representatives from the stations that are always updating the viewers on whats changing, programming etc. I wish El Paso stations would jump on this site and do the same.

Whoa, that's pretty nice of them. In the El Paso area, I have emailed in the past KFOX, KTSM, KVIA, and KDBC. Of all the emails I have sent those stations, only KVIA has every responded. The cheif engineer is a very nice person too, and does seem frusturated with whats going on with their HD status. Hopefully today they will have it up and running.

But, I with there was a website like you mentioned for KVIA or KTSM to keep people up with whats been going on.

kfox ktsm and kdbc has always emailed me back but not kvia which is odd

I'm happy to report that KVIA-HD is back on the air..the signal isn't that strong for me though.

I got a 62-68 signal range for KVIA..maybe I just need to mess with the antenna? I'll mess with it later tonight and see if I can get a better signal.

still getting 0% here up north (9:30 pm)

memikee, I'm not sure why you are not even able to get a signal? The KVIA signal is back up, but it is a little weaker than it was before..so that might be the reason why you are not getting it?? Hopefully you will be able to get it back soon.

-----
Around an hour ago, I decided to mess with my Silver Sensor antenna in my back patio and I was able to get some stronger signals on almost all the channels. Here are my peak signal results:

4-1 KDBC (CBS) - Signal = 92, SNR = 32.02 db
7-1 KVIA (ABC)- Signal = 79, SNR = 24.21 db
9-1, 9-2 KTSM (NBC)- Signal = 88, SNR = 30.62 db
13-1, 13-2 KCOS (PBS)- Signal = 92, SNR = 32.57 db
14-1, 14-2 KFOX (FOX)- Signal = 86, SNR = 28.95 db
I had no dropouts on any of the channels.
All of the stations seemed to be running at full power now except for Channel 7.

Something I noticed earlier tonight was that KVIA wasn't showing any of their primetime shows in High Definition, my guess is that they will be working on the antenna and HD programming for a little while since they barely got it back up running today. Football season is around the corner so hopefully KVIA will be at full strength and showing HD programming again real soon.

raid - envious of your numbers

it's 830 am and i'm getting ch7 at 66% now but no channels coming in yet. I hope they're just fiddling with the setup at their end.

That's probably what is it, just tweaking here and there. The engineer told me that a man from the company in England was going to personally help them install it on the 28th, which didnt happen, so chances are their just tweaking, and fixing the delay so we can actually get HD programming now.

are any of you getting video on kvia? i get signal but no picture

Well, I live in las cruces with a motorola hd receiver and a indoor silver sensor and am getting nothing from KVIA. I take it there just working on it thru the weekend and should be back by Monday night.

Thanks, ya never know if its you or them

My signal in Horizon City is very weak at only 32 peak and it's going up in down from 5 to 32. No video fo me.

I just got home a little while ago and checked up on the signal for Ch 7 and I get their video and audio clearly...the signal was coming in usually from 75 to 78.

I wasn't around to check up on it earlier ..so I'm not sure if it was down here earlier too.

im guessing that they are using their weak antenna until the new one is back up again thats why we are getting such a weak signal or here in las cruces nothing at all

I getting about 50 now. Video breaks up a little.

The signal is still hovering in the 75-77 range for me. I think you're right 49ers, it looks like they are using their weak antenna for now..also I still haven't seen anything in HD since they came back.

Well, still nothing in Cruces. Like some of you wrote, I really hope their just using the weaker antenna right now, until they have the higher power transmitter installed.

This whole KIVA thing is becoming a joke really, problem after problem. It was supposed to be installed by the evening of the 28th, but its now August the 1st with nothing. And, by the looks of it, they havent fixed the problem with the HD feed so we'll actually GET hd programming on KVIA.

I've emailed them twice now, and he (Chris Swann the cheif engineer) has yet to reply. All I really want to see is 'Lost' on HD, but that seems unlikely living down here...

august 8th is the first nfl game in hd lets hope by then they can figure something out

August the 8th? That's already next Monday, you sure its not September the 8th? Either way, I hope they get it fixed up and running.

yup august 8th is the start of preseason football the hall of fame game

I can't wait for football season..and they better be showing their MNF games in HD!

On another note, I wanted to report that KVIA did show The Sixth Sense in HD earlier tonight..but even though I was getting the signal at around 78, there were tons of dropouts..one every two to three seconds..the audio worked fine..but the video kept messing up through out the movie. At least they got their HD programming up and running again..they just need to fine tune it and get it back to high power again.

Ok 49'ers fan, start emailing them to hurry up and go back to high power!

And thanks for that post about Sixth Sense being in HD, at least they have their HD programming problem fixed, maybe now they'll focus on going to full power so people outside El Paso can enjoy it too.

no problem eowynhope :)

I am noticing that they are working on the signal right now, the signal was going between 64-78 around 1 p.m. today..and then I just checked it around 2:30 and the signal has been fluctuating regularly inbetween 40 to 80. There was no video coming out at all when I checked it the second time..lets hope they fix this signal up today or tomorrow atleast.

I hope so Raid! I just wanna see Lost! I've been waiting since May when they originally said it would be at full power, but, well you know the rest.

It is strange though, they (as in Chris Swann) is usually VERY good about replying to emails, but I've sent him a few since the 28th, and nothing. Hmm...

The wife and I are very big fans of Lost aswell..so we've also been waiting for them to fix the antenna for the longest time. She also wants to see her Desperate Housewives and I want to see my Monday Night Football in HD, so we are really hoping that they fix it all up soon. If only they wouldn't of had the bad luck with their tube a few weeks ago..we would all be seeing some nice looking Lost reruns in HD on our TV's by now.

Thats true. They have had a string of bad luck, but I wonder why all of a sudden they've decided to no longer answer my emails? Strange, but I gotta believe their working on the problem now...

Well 49ernsnfl, more bad news. Here is the email I finally got from KVIA :

"Everytime we think we have fixed the problem, we find a new one. It
turns out when our tube blew out, it damaged other areas in the transmitter.
We are back to waiting for more parts. We are on low-power now and have
shipped the burned parts back to the factory for replacement. We are hoping
to be full-power before Monday Night debuts with its regular season. My
best guess is 2 weeks to get the new parts as everything is custom made."

"Chris Swann"

Thanks for the update eowynhope, I was hoping that whatever it was..it wouldn't take that long..but I guess if they want to fix it right..they gotta do it right...its just too bad that it might take a while til they get it back at full strength.

Yeah, and hopefully when they get it fixed, the problem will be fixed for good this time. Oh well, at least their trying.

Thanks eowynhope.

I wonder if they have plans to add subchannels after the Tx is repaired?

kvia video is back up here in alamogordo but at low strength. hope this isn't the final strength

Just curious Memikee, how are you getting the KVIA digital signal? Even with a good outdoor antenna most people in Las Cruces can't get it.

And, I doubt KVIA will add any subchannels when they come back. Chris Swann hasnt mentioned anything.

i have a cm 4228 (withm cm 7777 amp) pointed at franklin. at this distance (87 miles), the actual peak locations of the different stations is not noticeable (basically all same direction from here). there is nothing between the peak and alamogordo except the hills at orogrande but i think they are slightly offset and not high enough.

I'm only getting kvia at 57% but it does have a picture now.

Basically, we have a direct line-of-sight w/ the transmitter. Don't the hills block your view (especially on the East side) of the transmitter a bit?

Yeah, I guess the Franklins and the Oregon's block KVIA's low signal for us in Cruces. I guess we'll just have to wait another week and then (hopefully!) it will be back.

or maybe cover a billboard w/ aluminum foil to reflect the signal. The game in HD looked good last night...

I bet it did! Thanks to KFOX and KDBC I got to see a lot of games (both nfl and baseball) in HD. It's hard to go back! But, I really, really want to see my favorite show Lost in HD. I hope KVIA fixes everything, and tests it fully by the season two premier next month.

Hopefully, like the email said, it will be back on next week. Jeeze :(

Well, nothing new regarding KVIA for us in Cruces. But I might have a problem that mabye your guys can fix. I lost my signal for KFOX today, and when I tried to search for it again, my hd receiver finds its, but it shows it as Cbs instead. Whenever I try to seach channel 15 again, all the reciever keeps fiding is the local CBS channel instead. Anyone else having this problem with KFOX?

BTW-I'm using a Motorola receiver from circuit city, and a silver sensor atenna. Thanks!

i get the signal but no picture/sound as of last night

My 14-1 and 14-2 are gone. And just when I was enjoying seeing rain on the radar.

No news on KVIA-HD????

Well, I emailed Chris Swann (the chief engineer at KVIA) again yesterday, but no reply. It has been around two weeks now, since he said it would take that long to recieve the other damaged compents, and to install them all together. As of today, nothing, again.

I do have 14-1 and 14-2 back though, I checked just a few moments ago. I did lose them also.

I just really hope KVIA can get their act together soon, football on HD ABC has already started, and Lost season two is just around the corner. Its been about a month and a half now since they've gone "full power" and there has been nothing but bad luck, and poor thinking about it all. Yet, KTSM (NBC) has had their signal up and running for the same amount of time, and I have yet to lose it. The Tonight Show is fantastic in HD, but I really just want to see Lost in HD. Come on KVIA, start thinking!!!

Yeah, I've been watching some preseason NFL games on ESPN-HD and it will be pretty dang tough to watch regular definition going forward. I guess another question would be, assuming KVIA gets back up and running soon, when will their HD signal be available on cable? Right now, I plan to set up my "antenna" input to stay on KVIA-HD and use the "cable box" input for everything else. Sure would be nice to not have to do that.

Well, I got another email reply that basically said that the new equipment is in El Paso right now, but they have to wait until Tuesday to install it. They have to use the Franklin Mtn. tramway thingy to load everything, and Tuesday is the only day off for public use. So they have to basically rent it out for the day. He said everything should be up and running by Tuesday evening. Cross your fingers...

Is everyone else missing CBS from TW HDTV cable? (Ch 1303)

Hey all just moved to El Paso and picked up my HDTV yesterday. I was looking to add an antenna but not sure what to get for the west side (off Redd Rd). Should I get an outside one or just pickup and inside one (looking for inexpensive since I just dropped all that money on a TV)? Thanks for the help.

I'm using Time Warner cable and plan to use a homemade indoor antenna for KVIA-HD & KFOX-WX until they are picked up by TWC (already getting KFOX-WX on it). If you are not going to use cable or satellite and plan to get just local channels off-air, I would suggest an outdoor antenna if you're willing and able to put one up. A decent indoor antenna should work though. I'm getting my signal through a mesa, a patio roof, and a wall. (Sunland Park Mall area).

I don't have any experience with any particluar commercial antenna but one thing for sure is not to be fooled into thinking anntenna for HD is any different than a "standard" antenna. In other words, don't pay more for a fancy, hi-tech looking "Digital Antenna" than you would if you were just interested in standard VHF/UHF TV. HD for the major networks in El Paso is broadcast on VHF frequencies between channels 4 and 9 and on UHF on Ch 14 (is KVIA-HD going to be on 7 (VHF) or 17? (UHF)). So just get a good VHF/UHF antenna for a reasonable price -- $50 ought to get you something usable.

Thanks a lot I was expecting 100+ easy so it should be NP getting an outside antenna will check some out later today. Thanks again for the help.

Hey Netis, instead of getting an ugly outdoor espensive antenna, just look into getting a good indoor antenna, like the "Silver Sensor" Since KDBC (CBS), KVIA (ABC), KFOX (FOX), and KTSM (NBC) have upgraded their equipment, you really don't need an outdoor antenna. I live way over in Las Cruces, and with the silver sensor antenna I can pick up :

CBS
ABC (their working on upgrading their equipment today :)
FOX/KFOX Weather
NBC/NBC Weather
PBS/HD PBS (our local KRWG, you'll get the El Paso one)
KDYO (Spanish Channel)

So in total I get 9 channels.
That's about it. Not bad for living about 50 miles away, with a small, cheap, indoor antenna.

Thanks eowynhope, will go pick one up today and try it out.

I live way over in Las Cruces, and with the silver sensor antenna I can pick up :

CBS
ABC (their working on upgrading their equipment today :)
FOX/KFOX Weather
NBC/NBC Weather
PBS/HD PBS (our local KRWG, you'll get the El Paso one)
KDYO (Spanish Channel)

eowynhope, in what part of Cruces do you live? I'm guessing on the south end? I live on the north side (I-25 & 70) and have to use a channel master outdoor.

Other than KVIA not working right now, I get them all. KRWG has a mulitplexor problem (talked to the tech last week) and it is very pixeled right now. Hopefully, they will get it fixed sometime soon.

Do any of ya'll get KDBC intermittently? Sometimes its strong other times non-existent.

It was not on cable for several days until yesterday, but it seemed to be OTA. Haven't checked today to see if it's on at all.

Hi!

I live near the old Wal-Mart, near Walnut. Thanks for clearing up whats going on with KRWG, if noticed they have been really pixelated lately, and now I know why. Thanks.

Also, I do see KDBC come and go. Don't know why though...

And surprise, surprise : no KVIA. I've all but given up with their HD service. They've said it would be back one day, then another, then another, then today for sure, and nothing. I wonder what the excuse will be today? Bad weather? Wrong equipment? Jeesh!

I have also about given up on KVIA. I think they went the cheap route on their xmitting equipment and it caught up with them. I also don't think they care too much about their OTA as their satellite and cable feeds are unaffected. My many emails to them were unanswered so I assume they could care less about OTA. I wonder what penalties the FCC has for those stations who drag their feet? KVIA has only served their total veiwing area for about 5 days total since the 1 July mandate by the FCC.

KDBC has been up and down. I emailed the station back in June about them using PSIP/Program Guide. Got a nice reply back that stated 1 July their signal would get stronger and they would have program guide info. They did, but for only a few days. They are obviously having issues. I may email them again and get the scoop.

KTSM and KFOX are very strong. KFOX had some problems a couple of weeks ago but they fixed them very quickly.

As for KRWG, teh engineer was very frustrated when I spoke with him a couple weeks ago. He said I was the only person who called and he actually did some tests to get my input. I encourage Crucen's to call him at KRWG, his name is Bill and is a very nice fellow.

Hope this helps.

Hi!

I live near the old Wal-Mart, near Walnut. Thanks for clearing up whats going on with KRWG, if noticed they have been really pixelated lately, and now I know why. Thanks.

Also, I do see KDBC come and go. Don't know why though...

And surprise, surprise : no KVIA. I've all but given up with their HD service. They've said it would be back one day, then another, then another, then today for sure, and nothing. I wonder what the excuse will be today? Bad weather? Wrong equipment? Jeesh!

You don't live that far from me! I am amazed you get everything with a Silver Sensor. Line of sight may be an issue with me. Where did you get yours and what was the cost?

Good info Harry, thanks. I did not even know there was a July 1st mandate, but I doubt the FCC would do anything to KVIA. Chris Swann does seem like he cares about the OTA issues, but boy do they drag their feet. I emailed him again, but I doubt I'll get a reply. I can only assume the weather delayed their instaltion yesterday. But, knowing them, another part was damaged, missing parts, can't use the tramway until next Tuesday...blah blah blah.


And I live in a two story house if that makes a difference. I think I remember buying my silver sensor from Amazon.com around May or June of last year. Since my HD tv is in my bedroom on the second floor I have a good line of sight toward El Paso with it. I don't remember how much it was though, around $20 I wanna say.

The only reason I got HDTV was just really for FOX and ABC. Fox has been rocking with HD for over a year now, come one ABC, get with the program! I wanna see Lost already!!

As to KDBC, I emailed them and here is the answer:

I apologize for the interruptions of our HDTV signal. We installed a
new high power HDTV transmitter this summer. As with all new equipment,
there are bugs that need to be worked out. We should have these issues
resolved within the next few weeks. We also installed a new PSIP
(programming guide) unit to the system which also needs the bugs worked
out of it. Thanks for your comments.


Lawrence A. Montenegro
KDBC-TV Chief Engineer
Phone: 915-496-4480

thanks for passing that along HarryinLC

Who cares about KDBC? Just joking, thanks Harry.

Really now though, another day without KVIA, and no email replies.

Who cares about KDBC? Just joking, thanks Harry.

Really now though, another day without KVIA, and no email replies.

Yeah, I was hoping that they would have been up and going last night. Oh well, I feel another excuse coming on!

KDBC, to me, seems to have the best HD picture. KTSM is clear but kind of washed out. Kfox is very good as well. Have you noticed any difference? Can't say about KVIA since they are MIA! :)

Tram is closed both Tuesdays and Wednesdays....I wonder if they were back up there yesterday....?

Good info KennyEddy, but since its not back on, chances are they were just enjoying the view up there.

And yeah, KDBC does seem to have the best picture. The superbowl was FANTASTIC (go Patriots!) as well as their tv shows, and other sporting events. KTSM does seem a bit washed out, but the tonight show and the Conan O'Brien show both look really, really nice. KFOX can be good, it really depends on the show I guess. Last year's ALCS and NLCS (basball) looked really, really good. (again, go Red Sox!). Too bad KVIA is dragging their feet again. I'd just really like to see Lost in HD just once. Damn them.

Don't bother emailing KVIA, try emailing Chris Swann the cheif engineer there. He hasnt replied to my emails yet, but if enough people email him, maybe they'll get their act together.

Here ya go :

Swannchris@hotmail.com

Again, he wrote that KVIA was supposed to be up and running by Tuesday evening. I really wonder what's up with that station...

Good info KennyEddy, but since its not back on, chances are they were just enjoying the view up there.

And yeah, KDBC does seem to have the best picture. The superbowl was FANTASTIC (go Patriots!) as well as their tv shows, and other sporting events. KTSM does seem a bit washed out, but the tonight show and the Conan O'Brien show both look really, really nice. KFOX can be good, it really depends on the show I guess. Last year's ALCS and NLCS (basball) looked really, really good. (again, go Red Sox!). Too bad KVIA is dragging their feet again. I'd just really like to see Lost in HD just once. Damn them.

Don't bother emailing KVIA, try emailing Chris Swann the cheif engineer there. He hasnt replied to my emails yet, but if enough people email him, maybe they'll get their act together.

Here ya go :

Swannchris@hotmail.com

Again, he wrote that KVIA was supposed to be up and running by Tuesday evening. I really wonder what's up with that station...

I just emailed him but will not hold my breath anticipating an answer! :eek:

I also sent in inquiry to the FCC to see what they say. Again, not holding my breath!

Well, at least some people are trying. If enough people email him and KVIA maybe they'll get a clue that viewers in Cruces want their HD channel. Who knows, maybe it will be up and running by tonight!
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Yeah right :(

Well, again nothing from KVIA. I've made it a habit to check every evening, but again, nothing. I would like to see one pre-season football game in HD. Hell, wasnt even the little league game in HD today? That would of been nice too see.

Is PBS (sorry don't know the El Paso call letters) off or at low power. I remember about a month ago BB had it on an indoor antenna and they got all four versions: Analog, HD Digital, Digital and Digital-2. I had a simple rabbit ears antenna hooked up to my Tosh 95 and it received NBC, FOX, and ABC. I got a very snowy analog PBS, but when I moved the antenna slightly I lost it completely. Does anyone else have it?

EDIT: Why is it that reruns of Jay Leno are only SD? I thought something happened to my antenna. Is this the same with rerun Conan and SNL?

Sorry, I don't get El Paso PBS here in Cruces so I can't help. I'm sure someone will though.

And I dont know why Leno re-runs are in SD. Maybe to save money?

Well, surprise, suprise, KVIA is FINALLY up and running, in HD too! The football game looked great. No pixels, no stuttering. Solid, solid picture. Thank you KVIA. Finally!

I haven't been able to post in a while..but its good to be back and I see this forum is picking it up, which is really good. The more people the better.

Here are my new signal readings from earlier tonight:
(I'm Located in the Lee Trevino-Vista Del Sol, East El Paso area/ Silver Sensor antenna)

4-1 KDBC (CBS) - Signal = 71, SNR = 19.96 dB
7-1 KVIA (ABC)- Signal = 86, SNR = 29.14 dB
9-1, 9-2 KTSM (NBC)- Signal = 87, SNR = 30.01 dB
13-1, 13-2 KCOS (PBS)- Signal = 76, SNR = 23.63 dB
14-1, 14-2 KFOX (FOX)- Signal = 87, SNR = 29.41 dB

I had quite a few dropouts on channel 4, it seems that they were at low power tonight. I was very happy to see channel 7 running at full power, with no dropouts.

Eowynhope, it looks like we will finally be able to see Lost in HD! Gonna keep my fingers crossed. :D

c_hernandez32, KCOS (PBS) does seem to be operating at a lower signal than before..I used to get them at 92, now their signal is in the mid 70's. I can view the channel though with no dropouts, it just has a lower signal than before. As for Jay Leno, I'm glad to report that it was back in HD tonight on KTSM.

FYI KVIA is on both 7-1 and 17-3.

Well, surprise, suprise, KVIA is FINALLY up and running, in HD too! The football game looked great. No pixels, no stuttering. Solid, solid picture. Thank you KVIA. Finally!

Amen to that!

FYI KVIA is on both 7-1 and 17-3.
That's odd. 17-1 is redirected to 7-1. Is 17-3 the same thing or are they broadcasting an alternate channel like KTSM and KFOX do?

I get the same programming on both channels (well, for the hour or so I goofed with it last night anyway).

I guess my next question is, now that KVIA seems to have a robust DTV transmission, will TW Cable put them on the roster anytime soon? Until then, I have to use an indoor antenna to pick up KFOX-WX and KVIA-DT.

KVIA's website makes mention of using channel 17-1 to broadcast DTV:

http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=1580429&nav=AbBzJto1

It says:

HDTV / DTV offers greater picture and sound quality. KVIA is currently broadcasting DTV on channel 17-1 from Ranger Peak in the Franklin Mountains. Even though KVIA is assigned to channel 17, your DTV receiver may pick KVIA up on Channel 7. This is due to a feature in some receivers that routes the DTV channel to the current analog channel assignment (Channel 7), to prevent confusion and ease channel and network identification.

I guess my next question is, now that KVIA seems to have a robust DTV transmission, will TW Cable put them on the roster anytime soon? Until then, I have to use an indoor antenna to pick up KFOX-WX and KVIA-DT.
[B]
I spoke to someone from TWC (about KVIA) around a month ago, and they said that they were currently in negotiations with KVIA to add their channel to their HD-tier channel line-up, so hopefully they will add it soon, but who knows? I'm not sure if they will add 14-2 in the near future.

Not sure about TW, I have Dish but get the locals OTA. I know the El Paso stations uplink their DTV to Direct and Dish.

I've had DTV and love it, but wanted to know what channels TWC offered in its HD tier. Could never find out it website and don't have time to call them up. Are any of the HD channels In Demand?

I've had DTV and love it, but wanted to know what channels TWC offered in its HD tier. Could never find out it website and don't have time to call them up. Are any of the HD channels In Demand?
These are the channels we get from TWC:

1301 KTSM (NBC) HD
1302 KTSM Weather Plus HD (NBC)
1303 KDBC (CBS) HD
1304 KFOX (FOX) HD
1306 Discovery HD Theater
1307 TNT in HD
212/1312 HBO HDTV East
213 HBO HDTV West
250/1314 Showtime HDTV East
251 Showtime HDTV West
1317 iNHD
1318 iNHD2
1320 FOX Sports HD
1321 HDNet
1322 HDNet Movies
1324 ESPN HD
1345 KCOS (PBS) HD
1346 KCOS (PBS)
There is also a PPV-HD channel (I think it is 1323), it is used for sports PPV, like Boxing in HD.
And they did just add a HD-On Demand channel, but it is PPV so far..and it only has like 4 movies at the moment, I think the movies are like $4.95. .they will probably be adding more stuff in the future.

Here is the TWC channel lineup (you need adobe acrobat to read it):
Time Warner Cable Channel Lineup (http://www.timewarnercable.com/Media/15/Content%20Management/Products%20And%20Services/documents/elpaso.pdf)

The list needs to be updated, since they have added a few more channels and it was last updated on 7/20/05.

That's not a bad line up. I know Comcast Digital in Cruces is pretty expensive and I don't think they have any HD content.

That's not a bad line up. I know Comcast Digital in Cruces is pretty expensive and I don't think they have any HD content.
I just found out that Comcast in Las Cruces does have HD, I'm not sure if they just added the HD channels recently?

Here is the Las Cruces lineup:

213 KFOX HD
220 KRWG HD (PBS-Las Cruces)
225 Discovery HD
226 iNHD 1
227 iNHD 2
228 HBO HD East
233 Cinemax HD East
238 Showtime HD East
248 Starz! HD East
249 TNT HD
252 ESPN HD

It's not that bad either. :)
In El Paso, for an extra $5 a month the HD cable recievers come with an optional HD-DVR package which is really awesome..I'm not sure if Comcast in Las Cruces has the same receivers as we do though.

Comcast-Las Cruces Channel Lineup (http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx#)

Cool, I'll call them and check it out. Getting tired of Echostar's lack of content and will not pay $100 to install a 2nd Dish to get their HD junk.

Thanks for the info.

Cool, I'll call them and check it out. Getting tired of Echostar's lack of content and will not pay $100 to install a 2nd Dish to get their HD junk.

Thanks for the info.

After doing some research, Comcast is still too expensive. Would cost me $75+ a month to get what I'm getting now for $50. The OTA HD we get now is still better than what satellite or cable really offers. ($5/mo for HD, $9.95/month for DVR)

I use a Pioneer CD-DVR and it works quite well and can format CD's to view on other DVD players w/out paying $10 a month!

Guess I'll stay with Satellite...

I would of stayed with Directv ( I loved satellite TV)..but when I decided to move the family back to El Paso..I decided to try out the cable HD package down here and so far its been pretty good..but yes it can be pretty expensive.

So far I've had OTA, DirecTV-HD, Voom, and Time Warner Cable-HD..and out of all of those, OTA HD looked better than all of them..Voom came in a close second, DirecTV third..and Cable last..but it still looks really good..just not as good as the rest. But man o man..I can't live without that HD-DVR..its changed my TV life forever :p

While I was watching Letterman in HD (yeah baby!) on KDBC I noticed that they are back to full strength, so thats real good news for everybody.

4-1 KDBC (CBS) - Signal = 87, SNR = 29.34 dB

All of the local El Paso HD english channels (except KCOS) are at full strength, this is great news for all HD lovers in the tri-state metro area.

Is anyone ready for football? HD football!

BTW, 'Lost' looked great on KVIA tonight..finally Lost in HD with no dropouts..I couldn't believe it. Thank you KVIA!

I would of stayed with Directv ( I loved satellite TV)..but when I decided to move the family back to El Paso..I decided to try out the cable HD package down here and so far its been pretty good..but yes it can be pretty expensive.

So far I've had OTA, DirecTV-HD, Voom, and Time Warner Cable-HD..and out of all of those, OTA HD looked better than all of them..Voom came in a close second, DirecTV third..and Cable last..but it still looks really good..just not as good as the rest. But man o man..I can't live without that HD-DVR..its changed my TV life forever :p

The difference is, the satellites really compress the signal/data stream because of bandwith where OTA does not. The more compression, the worse the quality.

My next acquisition will be an HD-DVR. I really like the Pioneer CD-DVR I have. Not as fast as a hard-drive DVR but does the same thing, pause a live recording, watch another recorded program while recording another. If it was HD it'd be heaven! Still, when I record off of OTA with my STB, the quality is very good.

I'm getting them all pretty good up here in Alamogordo (even without an amp!) I hope they stay this way through the season.

The only thing I'm getting is KVIA on 7-1. it must be an antenna issue for me.

Thanks for the updates on what channels are up!

MKZTG

The difference is, the satellites really compress the signal/data stream because of bandwith where OTA does not. The more compression, the worse the quality.

My next acquisition will be an HD-DVR. I really like the Pioneer CD-DVR I have. Not as fast as a hard-drive DVR but does the same thing, pause a live recording, watch another recorded program while recording another. If it was HD it'd be heaven! Still, when I record off of OTA with my STB, the quality is very good.
I never had heard of a CD-DVR..that sounds pretty cool actually..you get to capture stuff onto CD's and are able to play them on DVD players?

memikee, it's good to hear that you are able to get the channels over in Alamogordo, with football season almost here and the reruns on primetime being over soon..its gonna be gooood for HD viewers.

mkztg, all the channels are up running strong..so you should be able to get them all, a different antenna should be able to make the difference.

Here's the antenna I'm using. It's homemade and will cost nothing if you have a length of coax cable and some other miscellaneous debris sitting around :D . I have it set on top of the wall unit in the living room. I have a wall, a patio roof, and a mesa between me and the towers. Although this antenna is optimized to work on Ch 17, it seems to work fine for ALL the channels 4-17. (I guess "an" antenna is better than "no" antenna). In fact, at least from my location (near Sunland Park Dr & I-10), the direction it's aimed at picks up everything except KCOS. I have to rotate the antenna further north to get that station, but once it's turned it picks that station up just fine.

Would be interested to see how this works for others, especially those outside El Paso.

I did screw around with a few different homemade antenna types (dipole, folded dipole, T2FD), and this one was by far the best. I think one distinct adavntage is that it matches directly with the coax; no balun/transformer needed.

See attached TXT file for some truly frightening ASCII-art instructions. Be sure you view the TXT file using a fixed-pitch font like Courier New.

raid98,

Thanks, I agree, the antenna I have right now is an amplified indoor (Jensen TV920). It worked better at our old house but since we moved I haven't been able to fine tune it to where I can get everything.

Any thoughts on this antenna? Channel Master Stealthtenna Outdoor Antenna

They sell them at Lowes. The biggest hurdle I have will be my wife allowing me to put an outdoor antenna on the house, "as long as it is small and doesn't look bad" is all the guidance she would give :)

Any feedback on the Channel Master would be great unless there is a better one that might even be smaller.




memikee, it's good to hear that you are able to get the channels over in Alamogordo, with football season almost here and the reruns on primetime being over soon..its gonna be gooood for HD viewers.

mkztg, all the channels are up running strong..so you should be able to get them all, a different antenna should be able to make the difference.

KennyEddy, that looks cool. I didn't even think about how to make my own antenna..but that looks like it can be done by just about anybody.

mkztg, I wish I could help you out with that antenna..unfortunately I'm not that familiar with the latest antennas..so hopefully someone here can give ya some good or bad comments about the Stealthtenna. I have an older version of the Zenith Silver Sensor, its an indoor antenna but it seems to do the trick over here in East El Paso and according to some people that live in Las Cruces on here too, I'm not sure if they still sell the older version of the Silver Sensor though? It works better than most indoor antennas.

channel 7 isn't showing the college game in high def!

Raid98,

is this the same antenna you are talking about?

http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=49&id=131

If so, is it picky about how exact you have it pointed to pick up the stations?

My wife would prefer an indoor antenna so if this one works for you on the east side then I would think it would work for me in the NE.

Thanks.

It's interesting that the Silver Sensor works for all the local channels -- because the Silver Sensor is intended to cover the UHF band (Ch 14 and up) and not VHF (Ch 2-13). The homemade antenna in my previous post is designed for Ch 17 but it also picks up all VHF channels as well. So for whatever reason, based on Raid98's and my experiences, it seems a UHF antenna is all you need to get it all!

I do know that right now here in El Paso all the stations are broadcasting their feed on an unused UHF channel. From what I understand the intention is that they will be switching over to their VHF channel when the deadline for HDTV comes around.

I can't recall the person I spoke with at KVIA earlier in the year when I asked about the channel actually being on UHF but remapped to their VHF number.

I just got the Stealthtenna, when I get a chance to install it I'll post my results.

I was able to convice my wife that I can install it so it won't make the house look bad from the road. :D


UPDATE: So far I have just hooked it up inside the house, it is not that big. I can pick up 5 channels now instead of 2. I have the following:

7-1 KVIADT
9-1 KTSM-DT
9-2 KTSM-2
14-1 KFOX-DT
14-2 KFOX-WX

The biggest problem is I am not getting any audio. I'm thinking that my rca cables are bad.

when I manually search for KDBC on UHF 18 I get zero signal. Is this the weakest transmitter up on the mountain? If so, it would make sense.

Also, some of the channels are coming in pixelated so I am hopeing that putting this thing outside will help a little more. I'll keep you updated.

I do know that right now here in El Paso all the stations are broadcasting their feed on an unused UHF channel. From what I understand the intention is that they will be switching over to their VHF channel when the deadline for HDTV comes around.


That might explain the seemingly miraculous performance of a UHF-specific antenna over what appears to be VHF frequencies....

mkztg, can you list the UHF frequencies that the local channels are using? I can't seem to find anything showing up on UHF except KVIA (17-3), KFOX (14-1 & 14-2), and 25-1.

KennyEddy,

This is the site I use for stuff like that:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx

just put in your zipcode, thats all it really needs

Then click the radio button that says "Show digital stations only"

To the far right it will show the UHF freq each station is using.

What might be confusing the issue is that the stations are remapping thier signal to a psudo channel that people are use to associating them with, like ABC, CBS and NBC.. Their analog signal is going over a VHF channel but their digital is going over a UHF channel, the HD receivers are given enough info over the digital feed to know to remap those stations to their VHF number

So while KDBC analog is VHF ch 4, thier HD is being broadcast on UHF 18. In that digital signal some receivers are able to read the information telling them to remap 18 to 4, so that may be why you are seeing KDBC on 4 instead of 18 for HD.

I have only learned this from contacting the stations and through google research :)

hope that helps.

mkztg, thanks for the info. Exactly what I was looking for. I guess I kinda knew about this "mapping" thing but now it makes more sense. I guess there must be something "different" about KVIA's signal for me to pick it up on both 17 and 7; I get the other channels only on the "VHF" channel numbers.

Update: Actually, now that I found the UHF channels that they are on, I am able to get both. see next post.

One thing the antennaweb site doesn't show is that KTSM is broadcasting on 16-3 and 16-4. I found this website which seems to cover it all:

http://www.w9wi.com/tvdb/states/tx.htm

I never had heard of a CD-DVR..that sounds pretty cool actually..you get to capture stuff onto CD's and are able to play them on DVD players?

I had never seen one either. I got this one at Wally World for $250. It's a Pioneer. It has two formats, video and VR. If you format your CD for video, it will play on other DVD players but has no other features. If you format it with VR, you can watch what you are recording, pause it, skip, slow mo, etc. You can also watch something you recorded while recording another program. I'd rather have one with a hard drive but they are too expensive. It is actually nicer since you can record programs to play on another DVD player. Uses DVD-RW's so you can erase them and reformat them to the different formats base on your need. Way better than a VCR.

It also has component and composit connections although it does not do HD. (Darn it!) It also has a coax cable/antenna for analog OTA input and 3 composit inputs. Things recorded off of my digital STB are excellent quality and crystal clear.

If I am not mistaken the VR format is the same as the dvd-rams use on the Panisonic dvd recorders...

week 1 of the nfl season and kdbc has to be at low power again :(

kdbc goes down and fox pulls a heidi and doesn't show the end of the game...not a good beginning

I'm panicking! My friends are coming over to watch the Falcons game on ABC, when I see that there is no video on 9-1,9-2, or 7-1; only audio. Fox 14-1, 14-2 are completely gone and CBS 4-1 is dead too. Signal is strong and I get the snowy analog channels. Is this typical of the stations? Can I expect the channel to be up by 7pm?

I'm panicking! My friends are coming over to watch the Falcons game on ABC, when I see that there is no video on 9-1,9-2, or 7-1; only audio. Fox 14-1, 14-2 are completely gone and CBS 4-1 is dead too. Signal is strong and I get the snowy analog channels. Is this typical of the stations? Can I expect the channel to be up by 7pm?

Hopefully everything came back in time for your game party -- it was a hell of a game. FWIW I had KVIA Monday morning before work (video and sound). Also noticed lots of freeze-ups and temporary switching to SD then back to HD during the game -- did everyone see this, or is my TV acting up?

i also got the sd - hd flip flop

Just heard from KVIA, here it is: (9/13/05)

Sorry about the late reply, but I have been out of town working at our
sister stations in California. We are on the full-power HD transmitter at
KVIA, operating at 60% of our capacity. We are making some adjustments and
plan to be at 100% in about 3 weeks. This is not a low priority but
unfortunately we are at the mercy of a few vendors who are making custom
equipment for stations all over the country, so supply and service is
spotty. Thank you for your patience. Because we are at 60% capacity, you
should be getting a good signal at this time. Let me know. Thanks

Chris Swann
KVIA TV

What is with that metallic buzzing distortion on the audio on KDBC-DT? It shows up on cable and OTA, but not on SD.

Yeah, I noticed that also. I would of watched the CBS game in fact, but switched to the FOX game 'cause I couldn't stand the high frequency distortion/noise. (New Orleans game was better anyway)

I e-mailed CBS and it was fowarded to their engineers, but havn't heard anything back yet.

Did you notice they were showing one game on HD and a different one on Analog? (Still the same annoying metalic twang)

Also noticed lots of freeze-ups and temporary switching to SD then back to HD during the game -- did everyone see this, or is my TV acting up?

Yes, I noticed it too. It was only about 10-12 seconds each time. It did it at least 3 times between 8 and 9PM.

Hello all,

I recently purchased a high definition receiver and, naturally, was enamored by the prospect of getting a few channels in HD.

Unfortunately, the only thing I can pick up is KFOX. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching House in HD last night, but I really, *really* want Monday Night Football. I have an antenna mounted on my Satellite outside the house, but it obviously isn't strong enough to pick anything up other than Fox (signal strength 85).

So, to you Cruces people out there, do I have any hope? If you have any advice on which antenna(s) would do the trick, please feel free to share any information you have.

Also, I live in the Sonoma Ranch area in a two story house, if that helps.

Thanks for your time!

Hello all,

I recently purchased a high definition receiver and, naturally, was enamored by the prospect of getting a few channels in HD.

Unfortunately, the only thing I can pick up is KFOX. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching House in HD last night, but I really, *really* want Monday Night Football. I have an antenna mounted on my Satellite outside the house, but it obviously isn't strong enough to pick anything up other than Fox (signal strength 85).

So, to you Cruces people out there, do I have any hope? If you have any advice on which antenna(s) would do the trick, please feel free to share any information you have.

Also, I live in the Sonoma Ranch area in a two story house, if that helps.

Thanks for your time!

I assume you have a Terk on your dish. You need a better outdoor antenna. A channel master 10+ element and possibly a preamp.

Living in Sonoma, you may be blocked by the hills to the south. (I live at 70/25 interchange) You can get an antenna and a preamp at Lowes. You will also need to get a couple of diplexors to combine your Sat and OTA signals so only one cable run is needed. You combine the SAT and OTA into one diplexor and break them out with another at your TV/SAT receiver.

Some have said a silver sensor antenna works well but I have not tried it.

Try an antenna first. If that doesn't get everything then try adding a preamp. (Make sure it handles the correct uhf freq's)

Let us know how it comes out. I'm interested to see if folks east of I-25 have any trouble getting the DTV/HD OTA stuff.

Another note, you should also currently get KRWG's DTV/HD signal but they are currently offline.

Is it just me or does no one else get any EPG data for KTSM?

I had a Hughes HTL-HD up until yesterday and NEVER has a single bit of guide data for 6 months.

Then yesterday, I go the HD DVR hooked up (anyone want a HTL-HD at a good price?) and STILL no OTA guide data, needless to say this will make trying to use the TIVO functionality PRETTY MUCH USELESS.

OTA Guide data from everyone else but 'Regular Schedule' for KTSM.....

Anyone got guide data???

Londo, I have an HLT-LD as well and have never gotten any guide data for KTSM.

I was just checking in on this thread to see if anyone else was having issues with CBS and the distorted audio, glad I'm not. Has anyone heard back from them yet? Watching the Panthers/Pats game has almost been unbearable because of the sound and now there are a bunch of picture breakups as well. My signal meter is pegged at almost full, so I'm guessing they're having some definite issues at the station?

Thanks,
Gary

Who do we need to pummel to get KTSM's guide data in these? Kinda makes the HD-DVR useless for NBC

This morning KTSM had guide data up to 6 pm then nothing but Regular Schedule

This morning KTSM had guide data up to 6 pm then nothing but Regular Schedule
Not on my HD-DVR ....

tonight (friday) the guide was good to 3 am

Noticed a blurb in the paper this weekend that KRWG is building a new tranmission tower on "A" mountain. They are currently off the air (not sure why) but when the new tower is completed, they will transmit their DTV/HD signals from there.

The new tower will replace several others that the FCC apparently wants removed.

Anyone else get bubkis on NBC tonight? (9/27) Had "My Name is Earl" to record and got 20 minutes of pixelleated dropouts....

Better question, anyone weasled a HD Waiver out of NBC in El Paso???

Anyone else get bubkis on NBC tonight? (9/27) Had "My Name is Earl" to record and got 20 minutes of pixelleated dropouts....

Better question, anyone weasled a HD Waiver out of NBC in El Paso???

Londo, what is the HD waiver for? Is it to get the HD signal from another station when DirecTV carries the local HD channels for the top 10 DMAs?

c_hernandez, that's basically correct. THere's a pretty good explanation on KVIA's website at http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=1580429 -- scroll down to "The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act". Sounds like if they think you should be getting their signal they will deny it, so Londo's use of the word "weasled" is pretty much spot-on.

How about the WB? We have no local station, in fact on DirecTV I get a Florida station. Do we call DirecTV? I would love to see the LotR in HD. They seem to play each movie every year.

I have finally found some time to mess with setting up my antenna and I can get everything except CBS (KDBC). What is with this station? when I try to manually add the channel (uhf ch 18) the signal bounces from max to zero, back and forth.

Is anyone getting them OTA right now? Its almost like the station management doesn't care if they stay up on HD or not. :mad:

Thanks for any info you may have!

EDIT: I sent an email to the general manager of the station and actually got a call within 30 minutes of sending it. WOW!

After speaking with him about my particular situation, it seems that I may have terrain blocking the signal. I am in the NE part of town close to the mountain. He offered that I consider TW or Direct TV to get his station on HD, I asked him to move the antenna higher on the mountain. We both laughed as neither one of those would happen.

Just thought I'd post the results.

Yeah well the Denver/JAX game was on HD channel 1303 in SD. At least the sound wasn't distorted.

the denver/jax game was not in hd only 3 games a week on cbs taht wasnt one of them

This is my first post. After reviewing this forum for the last month and finally fealing optimistic about my chances for off-air HD in Cruces, I decided to try the silver sensor antenna. I live about 0.5 miles NE of the I-25--70 intersection, off Del Rey. Much to my surprise, I was immeidately able to pick up ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX, in addition to one of the Spanish channels (Sweet!). What a difference!

It was pretty tricky finding the right direction for the antenna, but it seems to work best pointing just W of the Organs. The signal strength meter on my Samsung SIR-TS360 was ranging between 45--75%, but usually near 45%. I decided to try adding a $30 RadioShack amp today, which improved the signal strength to consistently over 65%.

I can't pick up the local PBS station and was wondering if anyone else in Cruces was receiving their broadcast.