I don't know if this is just a tropo thing tonight, but after changing around my setup I decided to rescan channels on my SIR-T451, and I'm getting a LOT more channels that I previously was, all in the 80-90% signal range.

Setup:
Samsung SIR-T451
ChannelMaster Antenna literally hanging from a rafter in the attic

Location: West Nixa, MO, Flat land.

Channels:
3.1 (KY3/SGF)
3.2 (CW15/SGF)
3.3 (WeatherPlus/SGF)
4.1 (WDAF/KC)
5.1 (KCTV/KC)
8.1 (KOMU/Columbia)
8.2 (KOMU-WX/Columbia)
8.3 (KOMU-CW/Comumbia)
10.1 (KOLR/SGF)
21.1 (KOZK/SGF)
21.2 (KOZK-HD/SGF)
21.3 (KOZK-CREATE/SGF)
25.1 (KNLJ/Jeff City)
27.1 (KSFX/SGF)
33.1 (KSPR/SGF)
62.1 (KSMO/KC)

Anyone else seeing any of these channels lately, or is this just a tropo trick?

Anybody know what I can expect in monett from an ota antenna?

jchwkjr,
Enter your complete address and ZIP Code at:
http://www.antennaweb.org

jchwkjr,
Enter your complete address and ZIP Code at:
antennaweb org

Doesn't look promising for HD ota in monett.... :(

violet - uhf KODE-DT 43.1 ABC JOPLIN MO 286° 35.2 43

I get the freebie ppv's also, but sometimes in the middle of the movie it will switch to another movie, or kick off altogether. But it is free

Doesn't look promising for HD ota in monett.... :(

violet - uhf KODE-DT 43.1 ABC JOPLIN MO 286° 35.2 43

I would say with a good antenna and you live up high with nothing between you and the towers it would be fine.

Doesn't look promising for HD ota in monett.... :(

violet - uhf KODE-DT 43.1 ABC JOPLIN MO 286° 35.2 43Go back to:
http://www.antennaweb.org
Enter your complete address.
At the bottom of the page, click OPTIONS and add 100' to the antenna height. This will give you a more realistic idea of the stations you may receive at your house with a decent outside antenna+preamp, than if you only enter your address...

Go back to:
antennaweb Enter your complete address.
At the bottom of the page, click OPTIONS and add 100' to the antenna height. This will give you a more realistic idea of the stations you may receive at your house with a decent outside antenna+preamp, than if you only enter your address...

When I did that, I lost the 1 DT station and 5 of 10 SD stations :eek:
Maybe if I subtract 10 feet and put the antenna in the basement? :D

That makes no sense at all.

Try this site:
http://www.tvfool.com/templates/tvfool_basic/images/Banner.jpg (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=45)

When I did that, I lost the 1 DT station and 5 of 10 SD stations :eek:
Maybe if I subtract 10 feet and put the antenna in the basement? :D

I think the 00's in 100 feet threw it off. Try 30 or 40 feet.

rhoops,

I think you're right....

Also, the tvfool.com site seems to be more accurate than antennaweb.org

Nice to get our guide data up again for our sub channels from dish network. What I wanted most was PBSHD channel from KOZK.

Just got this response from the Chief Engineer at KY3 about KSPR and their HD plans (don't hold your breath!).

"KSPR operates a low-power standard definition transmission system at
their Springfield studio site.

Currently we and the new KSPR owner are waiting on FCC approval of the
ownership change. If approval is granted, we plan to move forward with
HD facilities to pass through network programming as soon as possible.
The construction process should take just under a year from the time of
FCC approval.

Thanks for taking the time to write."

Tom McKleroy
Chief Engineer, KY3 Inc.

Absolutely unbelievable that in a market of this size an ABC affiliate STILL doesn't pass along HD programming. Very backwards and short sighted (I know, not enough money). Give me a break.

Absolutely unbelievable that in a market of this size an ABC affiliate STILL doesn't pass along HD programming. Very backwards and short sighted (I know, not enough money). Give me a break.

The orignal announcement of a KYTV - KSPR partnership was last August or September. We might have expected FCC approval by January or February 2007.

Since that didn't happen on schedule, we can assume the FCC has reservations on this combination.

Note that Tom said "if" and not "when".

Currently Mediacom carries KSPR-HD on clear QAM, which doesn't require a special subscription or cable box if your TV has a QAM tuner. That's the only way you are likely to get KSPR-HD anytime soon.

Mediacom has a fiber backhaul from each of the Springfield stations. The satellite providers pick up Springfield station from a facility at the KYTV studios, and currently there is no way to get an HD signal from the KSPR studios to the Dish and DirectTV pickup point.

(Well, I guess they could get it from Mediacom, but why would Mediacom agree to that?)

never gonna get it, never gonna get it, never get it. LOL

If KSPR-DT can't provide an HD signal to D*, KSPR-DT will be omitted from the Springfield HD MPEG4 locals when D* offers them later this year. New HD sat to be launched in July.

Unfortunately I'm in Nixa and Suddenlink is the cable provider, not Mediacom. Guess I'll just plan on not catching any ABC programming in HD, which means I will rarely have a need to tune in to KSPR.

Unfortunately I'm in Nixa and Suddenlink is the cable provider, not Mediacom. Guess I'll just plan on not catching any ABC programming in HD, which means I will rarely have a need to tune in to KSPR.

Does Suddenlink carry the other Springfield Stations in HD? Mediacom pipes the Springfield stations to other Mediacom markets like West Plains. Since Suddenlink and Mediacom are not in direct competition I would think a deal could be reached.

If House Resolution 2821, introduced last week, goes on and becomes law; those of us on the Arkansas side of the Springfield DMA will finally be able to also receive Arkansas news, weather and sports from Arkansas stations.......

It is currently in committee. This would be great news.

Can't satellite companies already do that, if they choose to?
From:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/shvera.html
"It is up to your satellite company to decide whether or not to offer significantly-viewed stations"

Dish could offer LR locals to Northern Ark. viewers currently in the Springfield DMA, IF the LR spot beam reaches this far . But to get FSM/FAY locals, Dish viewers would need a SuperDish® (http://www.anywherewireless.com/programming_packages.html) to receive those stations.

DirecTV limits LR locals to only select zip codes in the LR DMA, due to tight spot beam coverage that is weak in certain ZIPs in that DMA. D* could easily offer FSM/FAY locals in the Springfield DMAs in Ark., since both towns use a 72.5° dish for locals.

Can't satellite companies already do that, if they choose to?
From:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/shvera.html
"It is up to your satellite company to decide whether or not to offer significantly-viewed stations"

Dish could offer LR locals to Northern Ark. viewers currently in the Springfield DMA, IF the LR spot beam reaches this far . But to get FSM/FAY locals, Dish viewers would need a SuperDish® (http://www.anywherewireless.com/programming_packages.html) to receive those stations.

DirecTV limits LR locals to only select zip codes in the LR DMA, due to tight spot beam coverage that is weak in certain ZIPs in that DMA. D* could easily offer FSM/FAY locals in the Springfield DMAs in Ark., since both towns use a 72.5° dish for locals.

The stations have to meet certain criteria to be considered "significantly viewed". It has to do with percent of the county that can receive a "usable" signal via antenna.

Here is a list county by county, of what stations are considered signifcantly viewed in that county. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/significantviewedstations.pdf There are none listed for Boone, only Springfield stations. It is the same for Carroll as well.

Not sure how, but Harrison cable has provided both Little Rock and Springfield networks for as long as I can remember......back into the early 70's.......

This bill would change the significantly viewed rules to allow subscribers to receive in state telecasts if the DMA they are in originates in another state.

Is the proposed rule change forcing sat companies to offer in-state channels, or just allowing them to?

There's still the problem of needing different dishes in some cases (at least for SD channels) and insufficient spot beam coverage. So, unless forced to do so, I doubt that you'll see D* & E* do this. Currently it would be difficult to implement, at least in this region of Arkansas.

Currently it would be difficult to implement, at least in this region of Arkansas.


That may be, but the Bill was introduced by Rep Mike Ross of the 4th District of Arkansas, with Arkansas viewers in mind. http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ar04_ross/062107tv.html

Our representative here in the 3rd District has signed on as well, http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=68098

I think we might have a chance with this one......

I think the bill is mainly due to complaints from viewers in SW Ark. that were moved out of the LR DMA and IIRC, now have to watch Louisiana TV.

Unless "Must Carry" rules are included in this bill, I doubt you'll see any Ark. channels added to the counties in the Springfield DMA any time soon, due to technical hurdles of current sat delivery setup. Maybe on cable.

I think the bill is mainly due to complaints from viewers in SW Ark. that were moved out of the LR DMA and IIRC, now have to watch Louisiana TV.

Unless "Must Carry" rules are included in this bill, I doubt you'll see any Ark. channels added to the counties in the Springfield DMA any time soon, due to technical hurdles of current sat delivery setup. Maybe on cable.

There have been complaints from this area as well, I know several people here who have taken the time to contact officials regarding this issue. It will be interesting to see how it plays out if this bill becomes law. As you know, Dish is already capable of providing LR locals here if given the green light. DirecTv is also in position to provide Fayetteville locals here. It can be done. Let's hope it will get done......

Is Dish using a spot beam to provide LR locals? If so, is the spot strong enough to reliably provide the channels in this area without rain fade complaints? If so, then yes, they could provide the LR channels. If the spot is too weak, an alternative would be to offer a SuperDish to new customers or a SuperDish upgrade to existing customers, and provide both Springfield and Fayetteville channels to N. Ark. folks forced to watch Springfield DMA channels.

D* already offers a choice of either Springfield or Fayetteville to customers in our ZIP Code. When you sign up for service, if your ZIP is 72632 they ask you which county you live in. If you say "Benton" they give you Fay channels. If you say "Carroll" they give you Springfield. Local D* installers are aware of this... http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/smilies/wink.gif

I hope they do provide those channels. But it's academic to me, since there are already several ways to get around these archaic laws from the 1950s.

Does Suddenlink carry the other Springfield Stations in HD? Mediacom pipes the Springfield stations to other Mediacom markets like West Plains. Since Suddenlink and Mediacom are not in direct competition I would think a deal could be reached.

Suddenlink does not even have HD available.

Suddenlink does not even have HD available.

Bummer! At least you can get 4 Network HD signals off air. In my opinion KOZK-HD is the best of the bunch.

I take it off air on my living room set and via Mediacom on my bedroom set. Both seem just fine.

Is Dish using a spot beam to provide LR locals? If so, is the spot strong enough to reliably provide the channels in this area without rain fade complaints? If so, then yes, they could provide the LR channels. If the spot is too weak, an alternative would be to offer a SuperDish to new customers or a SuperDish upgrade to existing customers, and provide both Springfield and Fayetteville channels to N. Ark. folks forced to watch Springfield DMA channels.

E* uses the 119 sat for LR locals (and the "older" HD channels: HDNET, HDNMovies, etc). They were on a spotbeam the last time I remember, but have since dropped locals since I never watched them anyway. They did put all the LR locals on the same sat because I didn't get KKYK, KKAP, or KVTN when I first got E*. Before dropping E* locals I was getting program guide data for KTVE (received OTA), and was seeing the spotbeam for the Monroe, LA Channels.

I don't see an issue, and there *should* be some overlap in the SPR and FAY beams, but could be wrong.

If it were up to me, anyone should be able to purchase local programming from any market they wish without jumping though hoops to do so.

The issue in Nevada County AR (home county of Rep. Ross D-AR 4th) was mainly due to D* viewers loosing KATV for KTBS since the DMA for that county changed. It will likely change in Carroll county from what i've seen and heard since KNWA/KNWA-DT is nearby. I would say the bulk of the "KY3" viewers are older that grew up in the era of only "2 channels". And with ABC and CBS from Fayetteville digitally, the only network lacking from NWA is The CW.

H.
Downstate AR

It will likely change in Carroll county from what i've seen and heard since KNWA/KNWA-DT is nearby. I would say the bulk of the "KY3" viewers are older that grew up in the era of only "2 channels". And with ABC and CBS from Fayetteville digitally, the only network lacking from NWA is The CW.
KNWA being nearby is an understatement. I can see KNWA, KPBI and K13EG's tower lights from my yard, but D* and E* can only legally offer me Springfield, MO TV, which is another state and 4 counties away from here. What a crock.

... I don't see an issue, and there *should* be some overlap in the SPR and FAY beams, but could be wrong.Those spots probably overlap quite a bit. But some of the N Central Ark. counties might prefer LR channels over NWA channels, which they currently might not be able to get a strong enough signal for. Just guessing.... I'm sure Carroll would prefer to get NWA TV.


If it were up to me, anyone should be able to purchase local programming from any market they wish without jumping though hoops to do so.
I totally agree. I can buy newspapers from all across the country that contain the same AP coverage, TV should not be any different. It's NAB lobbying that keeps this obsolete business model afloat, and wastes thousands of wasted satellite transponders, all beaming simultaneous network programs.


The issue in Nevada County AR (home county of Rep. Ross D-AR 4th) was mainly due to D* viewers loosing KATV for KTBS since the DMA for that county changed. It will likely change in Carroll county from what i've seen...Yep, I bet Ross got an earful from Nevada county constituents when D* & E* were forced to replace Arkie TV with Shreveport. From what I've heard, Carroll is just a few "Neilsen ratings" away from being switched from Springfield to NWA market.

I bet elected representatives will hear even more grumbling when the analog plug is pulled in '09 :)

We request viewer reports on KOLR-DT audio levels.

They were too low in the past. How are they now?

rhoops,
10-1's audio level is still a little lower than most other channels. If watching 10-1 I have to turn the VOL UP, then when I change channels I have to remember to have my finger on the VOL DOWN button, or most other channels I flip to are too loud.

When you first got on the air, wasn't it the other way around?

rhoops,
10-1's audio level is still a little lower than most other channels. If watching 10-1 I have to turn the VOL UP, then when I change channels I have to remember to have my finger on the VOL DOWN button, or most other channels I flip to are too loud.

When you first got on the air, wasn't it the other way around?

Correct! We started out too loud and ultimately over-corrected. I'm hoping we are a bit closer to where we should be right now. These adjustments are done at the Dolby encoder and they are counter-intuitive. A small change in the right direction is what I'm looking for.

rhoops,
I just noticed on both my DirecTV/OTA receivers that I cannot get KSFX-DT. With my TV's built in OTA tuner, it comes in at 98-100% signal strength. Both sat boxes say "Searching for OTA signal".....

Have you made any PSIP changes to KSFX recently?

I'm also not getting KSFX on my 622 or my tv tuner.

Also the volume on KOLR 10 is very close to my other channels, maybe just a little less.

rhoops? Any answer on the KSFX-DT issue?

Another response to the KSFX blackout:
I live just outside of Nixa and last night, about 7:30, I lost all locals for about 30 minutes. I wasn't home, but I had two over the air recordings going on. They both stopped about that time, one had picked up after about 30 minutes, but not KSFX. It remains blank and searching for signal still. I have my HD antenna connected through my Directv receiver. All locals came back with the exception of KSFX (and ABC, which I could never get). I can connect to my US Digital receiver and it comes in with plenty of signal strength. I've reset my Directv box several times and reset up the antenna to search for stations twice, but no Fox.
I called the station and talked to an engineer, he said he knew of no problems and said that the signal had not changed. I called Directv and they had never heard of such a problem with just one channel, with the exception of signal loss from the antenna (no help).
I know the signal's there because of the US Digital receiver, but why it's not being picked up by other receivers, I'm clueless. I'm sure interested in hearing what caused this problem....and a solution, I hope.
Another curious note: I was at a friends when all this happened last night. We were watching one of the shows I was recording at home, not KSFX, CBS, I think. He has cable and about the time this thing happened at home, there was a couple of "blips" in his signal. We thought for a second it was going to lose signal, but it stayed on. I don't know if this has any bearing on what happened, but it sure is a coincidence.

I too have lost KSFX signal on my DirecTV boxes, fine on TV tuners, I have two hr20s and two H20s, just noticed this tonight, but I haven't been home all day.

rhoops? Any answer on the KSFX-DT issue?

From about 7:30 - 8:25 PM Thursday evening following a power hit at the transmitter site KOLR-DT was first off air and then making power but no signal on the demod. We had to send someone out there to re-cycle the power on the exciter, and then things worked OK. KOLR-DT is at full power and operating normally.

KSFX-DT appeared to be working normally all the way through with a brief power dip. Friday when the equipment was given a closer check we found some burned connectors and contacts in the HV circuit of one of the two power amps.

KSFX-DT is at half power until repair parts can be obtained.

Half power sounds like a great loss, but that's only a 3 DB drop and should not be noticable unless you are very close to the digital "cliff edge".

If the KSFX problem is signal loss, it would appear that Directv receivers need more signal than other receivers to put out a picture. Like I mentioned, if I connect the antenna to my US Digital HD receiver, it puts out KSFX with the signal bar almost maxed out. There's no way to measure what the Directv receiver is getting for OTA, but it's still searching for signal on KSFX.

cc362, which D* HD receiver do you have? AFAIK, they all have OTA signal strength meters in the antenna setup menu.

21hawk, which D* H20s do you have?
The H20-100 is made by RCA.
The H20-600 is made by LG.

rhoops, thanks for the update.

If KSFX-DT's ½ power is ~500kW ERP, seems like I should still be able to receive some signal, since I get KOZK-DT @ 100% signal strength and they're only running ~100kW ERP.

KSFX-DT is nearly 100% on my built in HD OTA tuner, but not a blip of signal on my D* receivers.
HR20-700 DVR
Samsung SIR-TS160
Channel Master CM 4228 8-bay bowtie antenna
Channel Master CM 7777 VHF+UHF preamp

Strange.

arxaw, I have the HR20-700S. I couldn't find an OTA signal meter on the D* menu and when I asked the D* tech when I called, I was told it didn't have it. Doesn't mean it doesn't as those techs aren't as on top of things as they should be. If it does have a meter, could you tell me how to get to it? Thnx.
Again, those D* boxes must need more signal to put out a picture?????

Strange.

Very strange indeed. I have no idea what is going on when one receiver gets a picture and another in the same room doesn't.

rhoops,
Especially when one shows signal strength at MAX and the other one is zilch. I have seen this happen on D* receivers in the past (when I lived in Little Rock). It was either a PSIP problem or a conflict between PSIP and the data D* sends out in place of PSIP to their proprietary receivers. I'm not saying this is the case, but it has been in the past.

arxaw, I have the HR20-700S. I couldn't find an OTA signal meter on the D* menu... (It should be in the manual)
Go to Setup menu
Sat & Antenna
Antenna
EDIT OTA Channels
Signal Meter

http://i13.tinypic.com/4p0pamh.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/4oswgnl.jpg

21hawk, which D* H20s do you have?
The H20-100 is made by RCA.
The H20-600 is made by LG.
One each.

Thank's for the tip on the signal meter. Seems you don't have to learn too much to be a D* tech. I never thought of looking under the edit OTA antenna or even looking in the manual....guess I could be a tech too.
Anyway, I have no signal at all for KSFX. Crazy.....at least they should know when it happened and the cause, if not what it caused.

21hawk, do you find the OTA tuner is better in the -600 than the -100? The 600 I had was much better than the -100, and a helluva lot better than the weak tuners in the HR20-700 DVR.

21hawk, do you find the OTA tuner is better in the -600 than the -100? The 600 I had was much better than the -100, and a helluva lot better than the weak tuners in the HR20-700 DVR.
Well, I only live 15-17 miles from the towers, so I'm not sure how much difference I could notice, 90-100 for the Fordland towers and they all pick KSPR-DT signal form downtown tower, 50-60, all this with a various array of diplexors, splitters and combiners.

Well, I only live 15-17 miles from the towers, so I'm not sure how much difference I could notice...At that distance, not much, unless you're not using an antenna.

At 70mi out, even with a good antenna+preamp, the tuner can make all the difference in the world.

The turner issue is a little confusing to me. Does anyone know of an ETA for the parts needed to get KSFX back to full power? Since running at half power seems to have caused this issue, hopefully, getting it back like it was will fix it.

No signal at all for KSFX in Bolivar on my Dish 622. Thanks rhoops for the update! I look forward to having it back when the parts come back in.

No signal at all for KSFX in Bolivar on my Dish 622. Thanks rhoops for the update! I look forward to having it back when the parts come back in.

Repair should have been made by early afternoon Tuesday.

Repair should have been made by early afternoon Tuesday.Still no signal here on KSFX-DT at 6:30pm Tuesday. And KOLR-DT is very weak.

Repair should have been made by early afternoon Tuesday.
Tomorrow Tuesday?

duh. sorry 'bout that!

Repair should have been made by early afternoon Tuesday.

Well, the parts won't arrive until Thursday now. This is a high voltage / high current contactor that handles 150 Amps at 500 Volts. It's not something you pick up at Radio Shack.

That said, KSFX-DT is at half power, which is still a lot of signal. The drop is 3 db, the same as you would lose by putting a 2:1 splitter in your coax line.

Very few viewers are that close to the "cliff edge". Since most of the problems are with that "software defined" receiver in the Dish VIP-622, we are probably dealing with something related to that.

When we first started out the signal needed to be reduced to make the 622 work, and now it probably needs to be boosted. A software defined receiver is a wonderful concept, but it makes the users into de-facto beta testers.

In any case things should be back to normal Thursday afternoon.

Thanks for keeping us updated, rhoops. I appriciate it. My question is, are Directv receivers crap? Is anyone that is running their HD antenna through any Directv receiver picking up KSFX?

Thanks for keeping us updated, rhoops. I appriciate it. My question is, are Directv receivers crap? Is anyone that is running their HD antenna through any Directv receiver picking up KSFX?
I believe there are DISH subscribers that are not receiving KSFX right now also. My DirecTV recievers seem to be as good as anything out there as far as Sat. or cable boxes go, I pick up KSPR's low power signal from about 11 miles away, without a big rooftop antenna, from what I've read, that takes a decent tuner? Signal strengths similar to my built in tuner, including a brand new Mits 65" DLP.

I have to believe it is some thing more that a signal strength issue. I have 4 different DirecTV boxes on four different software releases, they all went from signals in the 90's to absolute 0 when the problem occurred. My TV tuners still tune to KFSX int the 60-70 range. Does make sense tha tit is only a signal strength issue? If they had pushed new software or something, maybe? I have switched cables for TV tuners and DTV boxes and no difference.

I get KOLR-DT at over 95% on both my DirecTV boxes, and also on my HDTV built in tuner.

I get KSFX-DT at over 90% on my TV's built in tuner but ZILCH on both DirecTV receivers. This makes no sense. It would make sense if KSFX was less than 50% SS on the TV tuner, but it's not - it's very strong.

Could something else be wrong data-wise that prevents the D* boxes from seeing the KSFX signal?

Could it be the software used for the Channel id?
Causing the receiver to ignore even a strong signal?
I have a D* Hr20 It started acting up 4 weeks ago on KSFX.
It was having a similar problem when rhoops said he had to reboot that system due to errors?
That fixed my problems then.
I also have a win tv hvr950 tv tuner for my pc, It does not have channel info software and I never have problems receiving signal with it.
Just FYI

Those of you with KSFX problems: what happens when you punch in channel 28 manually, or do a re-scan?

Rescan doesn't help.
Entering "28" on my DirecTV HD receiver made by Samsung (it also has an analog OTA tuner) gets me analog snow.
Entering "28" on my DirecTV HD DVR made by Pace (digital OTA tuner only) returns "Channel not available." It has no analog tuner and can't tune 2 digit channels 2-69.

Perhaps Tribune Media Services is sending bad channel info to D* & E* receivers?

Those of you with KSFX problems: what happens when you punch in channel 28 manually, or do a re-scan?

When this first happened, I reset my receiver several times and reset the antenna three times. It just won't detect any signal for KSFX. If the only difference is it's at half power, then that has to be the problem with the D* receivers. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when it is restored to full power, it comes back.

On a different note about D*, FSN-MW: when the Cardinals games are broadcast in HD, their guide shows HD, their info shows HD...but, it isn't being broadcast in HD? If the Cardinals play on ESPNHD, they black it out. I've read they don't have the FSN channels in HD, so why tease me by showing it in their guide? I know if I contact them, they'll have some lame excuse, so I'm just venting....thank you.

rhoops,
Can you contact Tribune Media Services and see if KSFX-DT program data they're providing D* & E* is correct?

>90% signal strength on a TV's tuner vs no signal on D* receivers makes no sense, especially when the two different brands of D* receivers and TV tuner are connected to the same antenna/preamp.

New MPEG4 Satellite will allow D* to provide hundreds of new local and national HD channels by this fall. Springfield HD locals (minus KSPR-DT) should be added before the end of the year. The launch will be carried live on DirecTV channel 570.

If you want to watch the DirecTV HD satellite launch online, go to:
http://streamvox.streamos.com/vyvx/ils070607

Live launch time in the Central US is tentatively scheduled for 7:50pm CDT FRIDAY.

I found an article in another forum. Here is a snip from it:
"Varying the line length produces WIDLY varying strength on the HR20 (it should be noted, that the HR20 is NOT measuring strength, but QUALITY. It is measuring a variant of Bit-Error-Rate (BER)) I see differences on the Sammy as well, but not the wild excursions that the HR20 shows. (with bad effects on the ability to display a picture)"
D* boxes are measuring quality, not strength? I'm guessing from this that the 50% power loss has caused the problem with KSFX. Even if it's only 3db, the quality of what's left must be degraded. Anyway, hopefully we'll have it back tomorrow or the next day.

rhoops,
Can you contact Tribune Media Services and see if KSFX-DT program data they're providing D* & E* is correct?

Not me!

I've had dealings with them in the past as they provide data to TiVo and Titan TV. I've complained about Titan TV showing KPSR as having HD OTA, when they do not and saying KSFX and KOLR do NOT have HD OTA when they do. I get an autoresponder 'bot reply but nothing further.

I also went around with them about some lineup changes on Mediacom and all I got was a request that I get a printed lineup directory and fax it to them, which I did.

rhoops,
So you're saying the problem may possibly lie with the data they provide some sat receivers to receive an OTA channel, correct?

cc362,
My tv's signal strength meter measures errors. It is getting no errors on KSFX.
http://i19.tinypic.com/6aga8et.jpg
According to antennaweb.org, I'm over 71 mi from the transmitter.

rhoops,
So you're saying the problem may possibly lie with the data they provide some sat receivers to receive an OTA channel, correct?

This is something I know next to nothing about. I just know Tribune doesn't seem to listen to my suggestions. My motto is "Let Tribune be Tribune".

I have plenty of other technical issues to work on. Tonight about 8:30 we (CBS) lost audio on the HDTV. I went into SD mode and then cycled the power on the HDTV sat receiver. After that I got 5.1 audio but there was no center channel, which is worthless, so back to SD. Boston Pops might have been good in HD, 5.1, but we couldn't make it work.

It's just one "rat killing" after another. Now the Tandberg encoder with the internal ASI to SMPTE-310M converter (instead of the external ENENSYS box) is coming, so we get to start all over again with the settings, just as the Dolby box gets stupid and loses the center channel. CBS send us 8 AES/EBU pairs of audio using Dolby-E.

We're like an auto mechanic that gets a box of parts and is told to make a Lincoln Town Car out of them. We mis-wire it and when we turn on the windshield wipers the transmission falls on the ground. Bah!

At least you have a year and a half left to get the digital Lincoln figured out before the analog Edsel is put out of its misery.
In the meantime, there's always chs 80 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WCBS-TV) & 88 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNYW) on D*

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bd/WCBS2HD.jpg/101px-WCBS2HD.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WCBS-TV)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7c/Wnyw.png/90px-Wnyw.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNYW)
.

At least you have a year and a half left to get the digital Lincoln figured out before the analog Edsel is put out of its misery.
In the meantime, there's always chs 80 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WCBS-TV) & 88 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNYW) on D*

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bd/WCBS2HD.jpg/101px-WCBS2HD.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WCBS-TV)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7c/Wnyw.png/90px-Wnyw.png (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNYW)
.

Must be nice. When I first moved here I was told by D* that I would get locals, although not in HD. When the installer came out and installed the dishes, in winter, he said that when the trees came out, I may lose my signal for locals, but he would just come back and move the dish a little if that happened. Well, it happened. When he returned, I was told I had no line of sight for the locals dish because of the tree line. I also could not receive all the OTA channels with my HD antenna. My projector has no turner, so I have to rely on D*s box for my tuner, so no OTA analog either. Not one local station would give me a waiver. After threating to cancel D*, they sent an installer again and he did find a signal.
I have no idea what I would have done if he hadn't...wait for D* to go HD with locals that would be received by the other dish, I guess.

cc362, what antenna are you using?
What does antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/) show for your available channels (hint: add 20' to the antenna height, in options at the bottom of the page)?

Also, make sure you are or are not eligible for any HD big 4 network channels without a waiver at this LINK (http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressEntry.asp). If it shows ELIGIBLE for any networks (not grade A or B reception), you can get those networks in HD from NY without a waiver.

If none of the above help, you'll have to wait for Springfield HD locals to be added to D* When they're added, you can ditch the extra dish, which is only for standard def locals anyway. You will need a 5LNB dish for the Springfield locals, plus all the new HD channels they're adding this fall (assuming the new HD sat launch is successful). The new sat launches this weekend.

Slimline 5LNB dish
http://i18.tinypic.com/4mv6lft.jpg

cc362, what antenna are you using?
What does antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org/) show for your available channels (hint: add 20' to the antenna height, in options at the bottom of the page)?

Also, make sure you are or are not eligible for any HD big 4 network channels without a waiver at this LINK (http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressEntry.asp). If it shows ELIGIBLE for any networks (not grade A or B reception), you can get those networks in HD from NY without a waiver.

If none of the above help, you'll have to wait for Springfield HD locals to be added to D* When they're added, you can ditch the extra dish, which is only for standard def locals anyway. You will need a 5LNB dish for the Springfield locals, plus all the new HD channels they're adding this fall (assuming the new HD sat launch is successful). The new sat launches this weekend.

Slimline 5LNB dish
http://i18.tinypic.com/4mv6lft.jpg

First, thanks for trying to help. I'm not eligible because it shows I should get them all at grade A. Antennaweb shows me in the blue-violet range. I have a large, multidirectional antenna. BUT!, here's the catch: Picture the side of a hill with trees 60 feet plus all over. Place a house in the middle of them and that's me.
The arm on my dish has 3 LNB's. It looks like it has room for two more LNBs. Does that mean I have the right dish but will need another LNB for the new HD channels?????
I'm subscribed to the HD package now, I wonder if it's going to cost me to get the new HD channels?

KSFX is back!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

KSFX is back!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Still at half power, but we did power cycle the exciter.

If it's still at 1/2 power, whatever else you did brought it back on the D* receivers as well. It's in the upper 90s signal strength on the D* boxes and the TV's built in tuner.

...The arm on my dish has 3 LNB's. It looks like it has room for two more LNBs. Does that mean I have the right dish but will need another LNB for the new HD channels?????It is actually 5 LNBs in the 3 feedhorns. Most of them say "Slimline" on the dish itself. The 3 feedhorns have some extra space to one side.
http://i8.tinypic.com/4kbu6w0.jpg http://i17.tinypic.com/4t75lwk.jpg

I'm subscribed to the HD package now, I wonder if it's going to cost me to get the new HD channels?I don't think so since a lot of the new channels are HD versions of existing SD channels. But you never know about pay services...

Here are some of the HD channels that will be available this fall on D*:
A&E HD
ABC Family HD
Animal Planet HD
Bravo HD
Big Ten Network
Cartoon Network HD
Chiller HD
CNBC HD
CNN HD
Discovery Channel HD (different from Discovery HD Theater)
TBD (additional Discovery HD channel)
TBD (additional Discovery HD channel)
Disney Channel HD
ESPNews HD
Food Network HD
FX HD
HGTV HD
The Movie Channel HD
MTV HD
NFL Network HD
SciFi Channel HD
Science Channel HD
Speed Channel HD
TBS HD
Toon Disney HD
History Channel HD
Showtime HD (West)
Starz HD (East)
Starz HD (West)
Starz Edge HD
Starz Comedy HD
Starz Kids & Family HD
Tennis Channel HD
TLC (The Learning Channel) HD
Versus HD
Weather Channel HD
USA Network HD

Thanks, arxaw. Looks like Starz will be my premium of choice.
I called D* and asked them why my guide showed the Cardinal game in HD, but it doesn't come in in HD. The first person I talked to said it was because I needed to upgrade my satellite dish to pick up all the beams.............uh huh. Then she transferred me to a tech to set it that up. I asked the tech the same question. They said I already had everything I need. They asked me if I had the receiver set for "native". I said yes. They told me to go to the front of the receiver and press the "res" button a couple of times. When it went to 1080, they said, "there you go". All that really did was stretch out the picture and crop it a little at the top and bottom to fill the screen. I can do that on any channel. I just said thank you and hung up.
I get more answers and better help from reading forums like this.

Although not listed above, they'll also be carrying 10 or 11 HBO-HD channels which will be included with any HBO subscription.

Nice to see KSFX back up and running.

Now I can concentrate on getting KSPR..........
I never could get it on any receiver.
Antennaweb shows it as the closest station, about 14.5 miles away. Yet, under antenna type, it shows as needing the most powerfull antenna, violet, while the others are blue and red. I notice it's compass orientation shows it a bit off from the other stations, but wouldn't I get it with a multidirectional antenna? I have a DB8 I bought from antennasdirect. It says it has a range up to 70 miles.
Are multi-directional antennas really multi directional?

cc362, you probably won't get KSPR-DT. It's very low power -only ~2kW, and not located near the other towers at Fordland. By comparison, other Springfield digital UHF stations are anywhere from 100 to 1000 kW. But it really doesn't matter because KSPR-DT isn't even broadcasting OTA in HD - only standard definition digital.

"Multi-directional" antennas are multi-directional. But the higher the gain, the more directional an antenna becomes. So since the DB8 is fairly high gain, it is also pretty directional - not very multi-directional. Moving the DB8 just a few degrees may cause you to lose a station.

Nice to see KSFX back up and running.

Shortly after 3 PM Friday, KSFX-DT went back to full power. As you saw the difference between full power and half power is hardly noticable. Low power was not the cause of the loss of signal.

rhoops,

Is power cycling the exciter what fixed the "no signal" on all the D* boxes?

That power cycle seems to have fixed my Dish 811, thanks :)

cc362,
The DirecTV satellite launch was successful. Article HERE (http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=127160&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1023344&highlight=).

Thanks arxaw, going to look now.

rhoops,

Is power cycling the exciter what fixed the "no signal" on all the D* boxes?
It would appear so, although we could be dealing with a "post hoc ergo propter hoc" fallacy.

i.e. I fed my dog and it rained, therefore feeding my dog causes rain. I dunno, but as long as it works.

It worked.

We got our upgraded Tandberg Encoder back from the factory and installed Monday afternoon.

This one has the built-in card that replaces the former external ASI to SMPTE-310M converter that caused the stuttering and audio dropout problems we had back in January.

Along with that we changed some settings on the Dolby encoder. We hope we have now raised the audio levels on network programming to more closely match the other stations in the market.

Previous reports have told us that local programming and commercials (which we up-convert) are lower in audio level than the network programming so we've made an adjustment there too.

Now we are looking for reports from our viewers:

1. Any sign of the old popping, stuttering or dropout of the audio? If so how frequent?

2. Compare audio levels with other stations and local to network audio.

3. If your set has an AVL (Automatic Volume Level) you should turn it off while making your judgement.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions.

rhoops, thanks.

KOLR-DT signal strength is @ 100% for me today. However, that may just be due to the damp foggy weather conditions at the moment.
1. I noticed no audio anomalies.
2. Audio levels seem to be a fraction louder than KYTV-DT and a fraction lower than KSFX-DT. CBS network audio is lower than CBS from KFSM-DT 5-1, Ft. Smith, but not much. Before, it was much lower.
3. I do not have auto volume level. I wish I did. Hopefully TVs will include include Dolby's new Dolby Volume™ audio leveling feature (http://www.google.com/search?q=%22dolby+volume%22&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a), which is supposed to actually work.

Overall, a good improvement in the audio.

I am a D* subscriber and have a line of sight issue for my local dish but get all other signals due to it being on another dish. I have been exploring ways to get locals including OTA (little success) and DNS service through NYC. I was granted waivers on NBC, ABC, and FOX but denied CBS. I get a grade B signal yet still was denied. Anyone have a similar experience? Why does CBS want to deny me televison access?

Can someone tell me what the Springfield CBS affiliate is so I can contact them for more info?

I am a D* subscriber and have a line of sight issue for my local dish but get all other signals due to it being on another dish. I have been exploring ways to get locals including OTA (little success) and DNS service through NYC. I was granted waivers on NBC, ABC, and FOX but denied CBS. I get a grade B signal yet still was denied. Anyone have a similar experience? Why does CBS want to deny me televison access?

Can someone tell me what the Springfield CBS affiliate is so I can contact them for more info?

Well according to the coverage map, I can see why KYTV, KSPR, and KSFX granted you a waiver... you're barely in range. I don't know why KOLR wouldn't give you a waiver if KSFX did, since they're sister stations. Maybe rhoops can personally take a look at your waiver.

Well according to the coverage map, I can see why KYTV, KSPR, and KSFX granted you a waiver... you're barely in range. I don't know why KOLR wouldn't give you a waiver if KSFX did, since they're sister stations. Maybe rhoops can personally take a look at your waiver.

Thanks! If you are looking at a coverage map I am off of KK road in Osage Beach

I am a D* subscriber and have a line of sight issue for my local dish but get all other signals due to it being on another dish. I have been exploring ways to get locals including OTA (little success) and DNS service through NYC. I was granted waivers on NBC, ABC, and FOX but denied CBS. I get a grade B signal yet still was denied. Anyone have a similar experience? Why does CBS want to deny me televison access?

Can someone tell me what the Springfield CBS affiliate is so I can contact them for more info?

email David Smith, the chief engineer dsmith@kolr10.com and he'll take a look.

capnlando1,
Post back here if you do or do not get your waiver.

We got our upgraded Tandberg Encoder back from the factory and installed Monday afternoon.

This one has the built-in card that replaces the former external ASI to SMPTE-310M converter that caused the stuttering and audio dropout problems we had back in January.

Along with that we changed some settings on the Dolby encoder. We hope we have now raised the audio levels on network programming to more closely match the other stations in the market.

Previous reports have told us that local programming and commercials (which we up-convert) are lower in audio level than the network programming so we've made an adjustment there too.

Now we are looking for reports from our viewers:

1. Any sign of the old popping, stuttering or dropout of the audio? If so how frequent?
2. Compare audio levels with other stations and local to network audio.
Seems about the same now.

3. If your set has an AVL (Automatic Volume Level) you should turn it off while making your judgement.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions.

Four pops, one with first commercial, one about ten minutes later during NCIS, and two within a few minutes of each other around 7:35 during NCIS...

email David Smith, the chief engineer dsmith@kolr10.com and he'll take a look.

Thank you, I e-mailed him last night and I will let you know what I find out...

We got our upgraded Tandberg Encoder back from the factory and installed Monday afternoon.

This one has the built-in card that replaces the former external ASI to SMPTE-310M converter that caused the stuttering and audio dropout problems we had back in January.

Along with that we changed some settings on the Dolby encoder. We hope we have now raised the audio levels on network programming to more closely match the other stations in the market.

Previous reports have told us that local programming and commercials (which we up-convert) are lower in audio level than the network programming so we've made an adjustment there too.

Now we are looking for reports from our viewers:

1. Any sign of the old popping, stuttering or dropout of the audio? If so how frequent?

2. Compare audio levels with other stations and local to network audio.

3. If your set has an AVL (Automatic Volume Level) you should turn it off while making your judgement.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions.

I noticed while watching Shark tonight, during a commercial that came on around 9:45-46. a short audio pop - not as pronounced as last time I reported several. Audio levels still remain about the same as other stations.

I noticed while watching Shark tonight, during a commercial that came on around 9:45-46. a short audio pop - not as pronounced as last time I reported several. Audio levels still remain about the same as other stations.
Thanks for the report. I heard on pop about 8:38 PM on CSI. It looks like we've improved things a quite a bit, but not totally elminated the problem.

email David Smith, the chief engineer dsmith@kolr10.com and he'll take a look.

David was kind and helpful but suggested he could not help me get a waiver since I the waiver was rejected by DTV in Jefferson City. This is so confusing to me because I am in the Springfield Market (I live in Osage Beach in Camden County) yet I am being rejected by CBS in Jeff City (accepted for a waiver on ABC, NBC, FOX). Thoughts on how I can fix this?

KRCG may be claiming you as a viewer, even though you're in another Designated Market Area (DMA).

What CBS station(s) does this web site show you can receive with Grade B coverage?
http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx

KRCG may be claiming you as a viewer, even though you're in another Designated Market Area (DMA).

What CBS station(s) does this web site show you can receive with Grade B coverage?
http://directvdnseligibility.decisionmark.com/app/AddressForm.aspx

You are correct! It is KRCG! I appreciate your help!

capnlando1,
Check your PMs....

I was looking for input regarding RG11 vs RG6, I am planning on building a new house soon and was considering running RG11 for OTA along with RG6 for D*TV, anyone have any thoughts? I have read that RG11 is the best choice for fringe OTA and I was hoping to pick up a few extra channels from NE AR as well as Joplin/Pittsburg. Thanks.

I was looking for input regarding RG11 vs RG6, I am planning on building a new house soon and was considering running RG11 for OTA along with RG6 for D*TV, anyone have any thoughts? I have read that RG11 is the best choice for fringe OTA and I was hoping to pick up a few extra channels from NE AR as well as Joplin/Pittsburg. Thanks.
I wouldn't run both. RG11 is better so I'd go with that.
What I would do is put ethernet cable in every room, prewire 7.1 surround speakers in any room I even thought about putting video in. Maybe throw in fiber optics. You don't have to finish the job with terminals, just get the wires from one box to another or from a central access point.

RG6 quad-shield solid-copper-center-conductor is fine for both D* and OTA.

What you want to be sure of coax-wise is that you have extra coax runs in each location. IOW, if you think you'll need 2, run 3 to each junction box. That way you'll have a spare if one goes bad or if you want to later add a device that requires an extra coax like a D* DVR.

For fringe OTA reception, antenna height and type make more difference than anything else. A good low noise preamp like the CM 7777 VHF+UHF (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/7777.htm) is usually needed too, if you're splitting the OTA antenna feed to multiple outlets.

sigh...

just got email from directv about the bbc. i think when i had them put up a new dish a couple of years ago, they took the bbc with them.

and i know that it probably not work with my samsung, just my h20.

i do have a h20 in the box that i bought before they started "leasing" them.

question is: Do i have to have the 5 lnb? and will the bbc work with the samsung?

thanks

cjc

All new HD channels will be MPEG4 and on the 99 & 103 sats. So, you need an MPEG4 receiver (H-20 receiver or HR20 HD-DVR) and a 5LNB slimline dish. Single and 3LNB dishes can't see the 99 & 103 birds.

Someone on the Little Rock forum just called D* customer retention and they are installing him an MPEG4 HD DVR and 5LNB dish @ no charge. You must subscribe to the HD package at the time of install (if you don't already have it), but you can drop it later at directv.com if you don't like it. Requires a 2-year commitment to their basic package only - not the HD channels.

Since you own the Samsung, you can keep it as a second D* MPEG2 receiver or drop the sub to it and use it on another set for OTA only.

But you'll have to go MPEG4/5LNB for all the new HD channels this fall.

thanks for the info.

DirecTV provides so much information on their website it is hard to get thru it all :)

Existing customers won't get a free install from the web site. First of all, it's not there. And even if it was there, you could never find it in all the clutter, useless flash ads, etc.

If you're serious about an HD upgrade but don't want to pay, call and tell them you're probably going to disconnect and switch to dish or cable. They'll connect you to customer retention. They are usually the only CSRs that can offer you the free installs, etc.

Any news on KSPR? I just can't believe we are still waiting. I can understand watching your locals if they can provide you the service, but if they can't you should be able to get it somewhere else if available.

Prediction: kspr will find the money to go full power digital before Feb. 09. But I wouldn't want to wager a guess on HD.

(If you have DirecTV, why don't you just "move" and forget about waiting for kspr?)

KSPR would be stupid to fund anything right now, even if they did have the money. They definitely do not. It will be up to KY3 once they take over, and then i'm sure they'll have 6 subchannels and it will look just as bad as NBC does.

If they take over. It still hasn't been approved by the FCC for KY3 to own 3 networks in one town.

If they take over. It still hasn't been approved by the FCC for KY3 to own 3 networks in one town.
It's really more like 2 and a 1/3 networks, IMO, but I think the advantages of this merger far outweigh any risks. FWIW.

As a bystander here in Joplin, KY3's HD signal looks pretty good to me compared to KSN's digital only. And surprisingly, I get watchable
reception fairly often (evenings and early mornings) depending on weather conditions. KYTV, KOLR, KSFX usually with signal strengths of 60's and low 70's. Occasionaly KOZK low 60's.

It looks better than standard def, but still not that great. Especially on sports events with lots of movement. KNWA-DT in Fayetteville and even downrezzed WNBC on DirecTV both look better. KNWA-DT multicasts, but only one sub channel. And since their encoders are several generations newer, they work significantly better. Both are bit-starved during certain scenes, though. There just isn't enough bandwidth to run sub channels + 1080i sports at the same time.

It looks better than standard def, but still not that great. Especially on sports events with lots of movement. KNWA-DT in Fayetteville and even downrezzed WNBC on DirecTV both look better. KNWA-DT multicasts, but only one sub channel. And since their encoders are several generations newer, they work significantly better. Both are bit-starved during certain scenes, though. There just isn't enough bandwidth to run sub channels + 1080i sports at the same time.
Thanks arxaw for your comments. Reference KNWA DT,
I've never been able to draw in their signal, one reason
probably being a forest of oak trees to my south. Some
days I get a little analog audio on channel 51 ("northwest
Arkansas news all the time.") BTW, I've learned a lot from
you many interesting posts.

It's weird how reception varies.

A friend of mine lives about 7-8 mi from the KNWA transmitter located in NE Benton county, AR (http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DT1006433.gif). He also lives in a very deep valley surrounded by mountains. He can get KNWA-DT @ full signal strength with an indoor antenna, but he can barely see KNWA analog through the snow on the screen....

I'll first admit I've been busy and not following as close as I should but was it pretty much decided that the Dish 622 Issue with 10 and 27 not work via OTA was fixed?

We haven't been watching any network channels this summer but I saw the lineup of new shows and there are tons I'll be interested in and would love to be able to DVR them in HD!

It's been several weeks since I last checked but last time I checked I was still having issues.

I'll play around with it tonight and report back.

My 622 works fine now on 10 and 27 and other locals. (EXCEPT 33) Looks like a great fall for HD with all the new HD channels coming 15th Aug and Sept. And I can't wait for this external storage coming soon. I have got to get me one or two harddrives bought. BB has pretty good buy this week on 500GB WD.

I haven't heard about the external storage...what's the scoop on that? I've already got about 640GB of External space I can use:)

I canceled my HD package since I wasn't watching any of it. Have you heard whether USA, Sci Fi, TBS, or ABC Family are any that we are getting in HD?

I've been paying the premium to keep my 622 because I like the software on it better then my old one upstairs.

I'll have to play around then with my OTA locals. How are you pulling the signal in MRuss? I've using a RCA HDTV Antenna from best buy. I also have another antenna hooked directly to my TV which is a Silver Sensor. That way I can watch one show and record another:) I didn't know if you were using an attic or outdoor antenna.

My signal strength though is usually pretty good on them.

Have you guys seen the list of cool shows coming out.
Bionic Woman
Sarah Conner Chronicles (Yes, It's a Terminator Show)
Moonlight (Vampire Crime Flick)
New Amsterdam (Interesting Flick About an Immortal)

I've guess with the success of Heroes they are all trying the sci-fi angle this year. No complaints from me here! Those are all on the main OTA networks.

My DVR is going to be busy!

Does anyone know what channel KSPR-HD is on Mediacom using clear QAM? I don't have cable and a friend asked me if I knew. He found CBS, FOX, NBC, but can't find ABC.

I got home last night a looked at my OTA through the 622. 10 was ok but 27 was still cutting out so I did a rescan of the locals and that seemed to work. Now both seems to come it pretty well.

I'm getting signal strength of:
10 @ 83
27 @ 78 - 81
3 @ 100

I may move my antenna around some or turn up the amplifier to see if I can get some better signals but it seemd to be working!

If they take over. It still hasn't been approved by the FCC for KY3 to own 3 networks in one town.
The KSPR license transfer to Perkin Media (who has an agreement with KY3 to operate the station) was approved on Monday.

PDF (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-3476A1.pdf)
TXT (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-3476A1.txt)
DOC (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-3476A1.doc)

The KSPR license transfer to Perkin Media (who has an agreement with KY3 to operate the station) was approved on Monday.

PDF (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-3476A1.pdf)
TXT (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-3476A1.txt)
DOC (http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-3476A1.doc)

That's good news for HDTV viewers. What did the chief engineer at KYTV say? That it would take about a year? I think things will move fairly rapidly at this point.

KSPR has a lease agreement with American Tower so they will build on the same tower that KSPR, KSFX and KOLR are on currently, in the position where KOZK formerly had it's antenna.

I'm sure that KSPR, KYTV et al would like to get out of that contract, but American Tower is not so inclined.

I noticed that EBC Harrison (actually Equity Broadcasting Little Rock) filed a petition to stop the transfer. They file FCC petitions and complaints against stations in almost every market they're in. They are an awful company with poorly operated stations. I'm glad the FCC DENIED their petition against this.

Maybe Springfield OTA viewers will finally get ABC-HD. And KY3 can move "the CW" station off of bandwidth-starved KYTV-DT over to KSPR-DT.

I noticed that EBC Harrison (actually Equity Broadcasting Little Rock) filed a petition to stop the transfer. They file FCC petitions and complaints against stations in almost every market they're in. They are an awful company with poorly operated stations. I'm glad the FCC DENIED their petition against this.

Maybe Springfield OTA viewers will finally get ABC-HD. And KY3 can move "the CW" station off of bandwidth-starved KYTV-DT over to KSPR-DT.

I've heard that KSPR-DT construction will start within days of the closing date if not sooner. KY and Perkin are anxious to get KSPR upgraded the sooner the better.

BIG changes are in store at KSPR, and they'll happen fast.

A couple other things to note, 49 has been moved off by the TBN repeater (they went to 47) I'm guessing this may get KRBK on sooner than later.

I haven't heard about the external storage...what's the scoop on that? I've already got about 640GB of External space I can use:)

I canceled my HD package since I wasn't watching any of it. Have you heard whether USA, Sci Fi, TBS, or ABC Family are any that we are getting in HD?

I've been paying the premium to keep my 622 because I like the software on it better then my old one upstairs.

I'll have to play around then with my OTA locals. How are you pulling the signal in MRuss? I've using a RCA HDTV Antenna from best buy. I also have another antenna hooked directly to my TV which is a Silver Sensor. That way I can watch one show and record another:) I didn't know if you were using an attic or outdoor antenna.

My signal strength though is usually pretty good on them.

Have you guys seen the list of cool shows coming out.
Bionic Woman
Sarah Conner Chronicles (Yes, It's a Terminator Show)
Moonlight (Vampire Crime Flick)
New Amsterdam (Interesting Flick About an Immortal)

I've guess with the success of Heroes they are all trying the sci-fi angle this year. No complaints from me here! Those are all on the main OTA networks.

My DVR is going to be busy!

Sorry I hadn't got back,you could learn alot more at satelliteguys than I can tell you. What I can tell you is external storage is coming 8/15, most any harddrive will work up to 750GB. The cost will be a one time fee of 39.99 and the harddrive will work on any of your 622 or 722 receivers but not other peoples receivers.
New HD channels will be MHD,Golf/Versus,Animal Planet,TLC,Discovery 8/15.History channel 9/1.
I'm using the XG91 outside antenna with a preamp at the present time.

Great news for KSPR and maybe HD coming sooner rather than later.

So they provide the HDD for $40.00 that will only work with your receiver. That's pretty cool. I don't use all my space now so I might pass for the time being. Until I reactivate my HD Sub with dish.

Shame there's not any TBS/ABC Fam/USA etc coming.

I heard rumors that D* was getting it soon with the new Sat launch.

Discovery and Animal Planet will be cool though.

New HD channels being added by D* are in this press release (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4310090).

There will be more Dish channels in September as well if you listen to the rumors, with TBS as the main rumor. Dish doesn't provide anything for the $40 other than enabling to software that allows you to hook up your HD.

Also USA and ABC Fam do not exist yet, so nobody can add them. Direct only has agreements to launch when they become available.

I would be shocked if Direct EVER passes Dish Network in channels available, they tout this huge number of channels they are going to launch, but they are counting RSN's, Sunday Ticket, PPV and similar things in those numbers. Well, if you count like that Dish already has 50+ HD channels.

So they provide the HDD for $40.00 that will only work with your receiver. That's pretty cool. I don't use all my space now so I might pass for the time being. Until I reactivate my HD Sub with dish.

Shame there's not any TBS/ABC Fam/USA etc coming.

I heard rumors that D* was getting it soon with the new Sat launch.

Discovery and Animal Planet will be cool though.

jliehr is correct on this, you have to furnish your own HDD or multiple drives as many as you want. I purchased 2 500 GB at BB Saturday for 114 each with sale and 12% discount.

I'm sure the weather channel will be one we will get when it's available because on Carl Edwards car the weather channel HD and Dish Network were both sponsers.

I hope D* can add all the channels they say is coming, I also believe E* will be right along with them.

I got a new 70" JVC FH97 to watch them on when they come. These big screens are such a bargain to buy now I couldn't resist. Bigger is better when it comes to tv's, just get one big enough when you buy or you will always wish you had. They recommend at 10' you need a 72" tv.

Oh, this is a locals forum so bring on channel 33 soon.

Bigger is better when it comes to tv's, just get one big enough when you buy or you will always wish you had. They recommend at 10' you need a 72" tv.
I just bought a 19" Magnavox LCD HDTV at Sam's for $284. It replaced my 17" Quasar vintage 1976. It's got built-in ATSC / NTSC / QAM tuners and really does a neat job on Mediacom. It found the clear QAM channels and put them in the lineup. 3.1 is just above 3 Weather Channel and 21.2, 33.1 are all in the right place. KOLR-DT and KSFX-DT somehow end up on 62-14 and 62-13 but that's not the TV's fault. It will also work as a VGA monitor if you want to use it with a computer.

One particularly cool thing is I was paying Mediacom $7 for a box since the 1976 Quasar was not cable ready with it's detent tuner. At that rate in 40 months the HDTV is free.

jliehr is correct on this, you have to furnish your own HDD or multiple drives as many as you want. I purchased 2 500 GB at BB Saturday for 114 each with sale and 12% discount.

What sort of interface does this use? esata, usb, firewire?

What sort of interface does this use? esata, usb, firewire?

USB

Having a probelm getting an HD signal on my MCE. Have the antenna signal split and get KOLR and KSFX fine on TV. But only receive KYTV on the computer. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

Having a probelm getting an HD signal on my MCE. Have the antenna signal split and get KOLR and KSFX fine on TV. But only receive KYTV on the computer. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

Swap the leads on the splitter to see if that makes a difference.

Having a probelm getting an HD signal on my MCE. Have the antenna signal split and get KOLR and KSFX fine on TV. But only receive KYTV on the computer. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?Location?
Antenna type?

I never even thought about changing the leads. Major Brain Cramp. :eek: Thanks jliehr. Everythings working great. Now I don't have to miss any HD Football when I go on vacation. :cool:

Anyone have any idea if we might get some regular updates or behind the scenes info during the KSPR upgrade? rhoops, your "play by play" of the KOLR/KSFX upgrade was very informative and much appreciated.

Anyone have any idea if we might get some regular updates or behind the scenes info during the KSPR upgrade? rhoops, your "play by play" of the KOLR/KSFX upgrade was very informative and much appreciated.

I agree, I keep comeing back here hopeing for info.

The KSPR upgrade may be easier than KOLR's for one big reason. KSPR's control room is already fitted with the stuff to handle ABC-HD.

The big challenge will be a new STL to Fordland and getting all that up and running. I was told that $1.5 million is budgeted to upgrade KSPR and it will happen as soon as they can get everything running.

Here's an article from this week's SBJ. http://sbj.net/article.asp?aID=34535377.4472293.1020383.9272751.291276.224&aID2=78482

...The big challenge will be a new STL to Fordland and getting all that up and running.STL = Studio to Transmitter Link (?)

Correct. Do remember the long term plan is to move everything to SunShine at some point.

Hopefully, they will move "the CW" from 3-2 to 33-2.

KY3's GM told me a long time ago that they were looking at "options" to solve 3-1's bandwidth starvation.

Anyone have any idea if we might get some regular updates or behind the scenes info during the KSPR upgrade? rhoops, your "play by play" of the KOLR/KSFX upgrade was very informative and much appreciated.
Thanks so much. I don't have any inside information on KSPR's plans. I don't even know which tower a new HDTV transmitter would be on, but I have heard that KSPR has a pretty ironclad contract with American tower to use the northern-most tower that KSPR, KOLR and KSFX currently occupy.

I'm sure they would rather build on the south tower KYTV owns. If they go on an American Tower facility they have to follow American Tower's rules and use only their approved tower crews. There is sometimes a wait to get on the tower crew's schedule. Putting up an antenna and transmission line can take several weeks or even more than a month.

I'm not sure whether the current KSPR building has room for a new HDTV transmitter.

KOLR/KSFX was going to build a new building, but for economy reasons used the old KOZK building.

TV transmitters are really custom built to order, although many components may be off the shelf. It really the same with transmission line, and it's very expensive to buy and install. 1700 feet of tranmission would take several flatbed semi-trailers to haul and a pretty large chunk of warehouse space to store.

The STL (Studio to transmitter microwave Link) is the easiest part. They can use existing antennas and simply switch out the transmitter and receiver boxes and turn them on and they should work. Microwave Radio Corp's "Twinstream" system lets you send both analog and digital on the same carrier.

Even switching studios is not too hard with the STL. You just install a new transmit transmission line and anteanna at the new studio. Have a tower crew to aim the antennas and change out the transmitter.

If KYTV is clever ( and I think they are ) the plans and purchasing orders are in place, and all it will take is a few phone calls to say "do it".

I'm sure they and everyone else thinks it would be cool to be on the air before Christmas so that new HDTV has all the major networks available.

I know Joe and Christine's news will not be directly opposite any other newscasts, to they are trying to fill a niche.

I'm sure they are headed down the same path that Nexstar uses with KSFX and KOLR. They will use shared facilities and try to re-brand everything so it looks different while coming out of the same "spigot".

rhoops, Thanks for the info.

Have you seen any post-analog timetable yet for KOLR-DT's move back to VHF channel 10? I get analog 10 & digital 52 just fine, but from experience with digital VHFs here in Arkansas, I'm not looking forward to KOLR-DT moving to that band. There's too much impulse noise interference that causes dropouts. Video droputs are OK, but losing the audio is very frustrating. It can happen when the dishwasher or clothes washer changes cycle, A/C comes on, light switches are flipped or during distant lightning... :(

I helped my neighbor upgrade from a 36" CRT to a 42" 720p Plasma this weekend and even though he just wanted to watch cable I was able to convince him to get an antenna for OTA HD and man he was glad I did. At first he turned on the set and saw the SD feed of the locals from the cable company...His cringe told me enough. I then got the HD feeds going for him and he was amazed by the golf and baseball that was on.

So I know me and my neighbor are looking forward to KSPR in HD!

LOL, The cableco propaganda ads going on about how ugly antennas look suddenly appear as what they are: empty propaganda ads trying to convince subs that "cable is the answer to everything...."

rhoops, Thanks for the info.

Have you seen any post-analog timetable yet for KOLR-DT's move back to VHF channel 10? I get analog 10 & digital 52 just fine, but from experience with digital VHFs here in Arkansas, I'm not looking forward to KOLR-DT moving to that band. There's too much impulse noise interference that causes dropouts. Video droputs are OK, but losing the audio is very frustrating. It can happen when the dishwasher or clothes washer changes cycle, A/C comes on, light switches are flipped or during distant lightning... :(
I don't have any information on that, other than it has to happen rather quickly. I don't think we can occupy channel 52 very long after analog goes dark.

We will use the original channel 10 antenna on the very top of the 2000 foot tower, and push maximum allowable power. It should be an abolute powerhouse. At 192-198 Mhz, Channel 10 will carry very well. I know the impulse noise is a problem on low-VHF, but hope it will be less of a problem on channel 10.

I can't think of a combination that would provide more coverage over a larger area than a full power channel 10 station with a 2000 foot high antenna.

Of course due the "inverse square law", it will be very hard to overpower a dishwasher in the next room.

I e-mailed Michael Scott of KY3 about KSPR-DT - This was his reply

We have already started the engineering that will allow is to move it to our tower but it will still take up to a year. It could be less if the equipment and a tower crew is readily available. We’re very anxious to get this done.

Michael A. Scott
President/General Manager
KY3, Inc.
999 W. Sunshine
P.O. Box 3500
Springfield, MO 65808
Phone: (417) 268-3000
Fax: (417) 268-3360

I e-mailed Michael Scott of KY3 about KSPR-DT - This was his reply

We have already started the engineering that will allow is to move it to our tower but it will still take up to a year. It could be less if the equipment and a tower crew is readily available. We’re very anxious to get this done.

Michael A. Scott
KY3, Inc.
999 W. Sunshine

The "our tower" is very informative. That means they are thinking long term. It will require getting out of the American Tower contract and modifying the construction permit, but will end up with KSPR-DT on a tower they own.

Obviously when analog goes dark KSPR analog can vacate the present tower.
They will probably have to pay through the nose to get out of the American Tower contract, but will be free after that. Very costly short term, but good in the long term and it substantially increases the value of the stations if they are ever sold.

We will use the original channel 10 antenna on the very top of the 2000 foot tower, and push maximum allowable power. It should be an absolute powerhouse. At 192-198 Mhz, Channel 10 will carry very well. I know the impulse noise is a problem on low-VHF, but hope it will be less of a problem on channel 10.Hopefully, they'll allow max ERP, which looks to be ~80kw (WXIA-DT, Atlanta).

Of course due the "inverse square law", it will be very hard to overpower a dishwasher in the next room.If you haven't experienced this frustrating VHF DT annoyance, someone in charge at KOLR needs to before it's too late. :(

If you haven't experienced this frustrating VHF DT annoyance, someone in charge at KOLR needs to before it's too late. :(
If you are talking about ending up on some channel other than 10, that die was cast years ago. Channel 52 is going to be sold off to the highest bidder and there is no where else to go.

I sure hope Mr. Scott is working from the "under-promise, over-deliver" playbook with his time estimation.

I wish KOLR the best, and I hope the FCC allows your station maximum ERP. And hopefully, the FCC will allow increased power in the VHF band, post analog.

So far, having dealt with VHF DTV in NWA and down in Little Rock, it has been a very frustrating experience for me and many many others.

I live in Springfield out by Kansas and Grand and don't have any large structures (other than some trees) within blocks of the house. I have basically a 2-story house with the second story being all attic. I plan to get an antenna within the next few months whenever I finally upgrade my TV, and I have a few questions for you guys.

What antennas you guys are using? Where did you place them (attic, roof, etc.)? Did any of you buy your OTA antenna through Dish Network and have them install it? If so, how was your experience? And lastly (I promise) how is your reception?

Kal - I'll chime in here. I live in Nixa in a subdivision. We have a 2 story house as well however my theater is on the 1st level.

Rather than mess with an attic antenna I just bought an HD antenna called the Silver Sensor for 20 dollars. It works just like rabbit ears sitting by your tv.

I do have mine on top of my tv which is pretty tall so I'm sure that helps but I get all the channels in the 80% to 90% range and have no complaints. The quality is awesome.

IF you read above my neighbor just did the same on his 1st floor...he has a walkout...he bought an RCA antenna from BB and it works great as well.

So I can't answer any of your other questions and my setup was pretty simple but just so you know out in Nixa I"m getting a great picture with and HD OTA sit by the TV type antenna.

Kal, the Silver Sensor that rlu929s is using may not work for KOLR when they switch back to VHF channel 10 in about 18 months (their digital station is currently on UHF ch 52). The Silver Sensor is a great UHF antenna, but from past experience with it, it usually does not work well for VHF reception.

So looking to the future, you might want to make sure the antenna you buy is capable of both VHF & UHF reception. Ignore "digital" or "HDTV" labels on antennas. There is no such thing, since all broadcast TV uses the same VHF and UHF frequencies.

He is correct my silver sensor is UHF only...however I've got a backup in case.

It's a RCA like my neighbor has that is an amplified VHF and UHF that BB sells. I can report as well that it works perfectly from the same location.

Here is the one I have and it works ok....other may have more suggestions.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7367896&type=product&id=1122653825071

I would add though that you most likely will get better reception with something in your attic or on the roof.

At this point I don't want to mess with running anything into the house so this was the best option and I am more than happy with the result.

I live in Springfield out by Kansas and Grand and don't have any large structures (other than some trees) within blocks of the house. I have basically a 2-story house with the second story being all attic. I plan to get an antenna within the next few months whenever I finally upgrade my TV, and I have a few questions for you guys.

What antennas you guys are using? Where did you place them (attic, roof, etc.)? Did any of you buy your OTA antenna through Dish Network and have them install it? If so, how was your experience? And lastly (I promise) how is your reception?
A simple inexpensive UHF antenna, such as the one Radio Shack sells for $30 will provide all the antenna you need. If you can put the antenna 5 or 10 feet above your roof it will work better. If it needs to be in the attic, that will work too. Radio shack sells many different mounts, including ones that attach to plumbing vents and chimneys.

There is nothing "HD" about any antenna. Any indoor antenna is merely a 21st century version of the 1950's "rabbit ears". It can be affected by movement in the room or placement.

You should particularly avoid "Terk" brand HDTV antennas such as ones the look like a yardstick and fit under an eave. You'd do as well to tape a piece of 300 ohm twinlead to a yardstick and put that up there.

There is very little correlation between cost and performance. People will sell you a $100 + antenna that won't work any better than Radio Shack's $30 antenna.

I wouldn't worry too much about VHF capability. From your location you'll be able to get KOLR using the proverbial "wet noodle" when they revert to VHF.

Yep, attic or roof would be better than indoor. But as long as you get a strong enough signal to overcome the noise threshold and get a reliable digital lock, indoor may be all that's needed. Anything bigger will not improve the picture quality.

Start with a simple VHF+UHF antenna. If it doesn't work reliably, consider an attic or outdoor antenna. They're not expensive.

...You should particularly avoid "Terk" brand HDTV antennas...I agree with rhoops. Some Terk antennas are gimmicky looking antennas sold on looks, not performance. Other Terks are expensive, similar looking knockoffs of cheaper antennas that often outperform the Terk lookalike. Big box stores carry and promote Terks because their high profit margin is obscene.

I wouldn't worry too much about VHF capability. From your location you'll be able to get KOLR using the proverbial "wet noodle" when they revert to VHF.I really hope you are right. This was not the case for me (and others), when I lived in Little Rock trying to receive a full power digital on VHF channel 12. (check the Little Rock reception forum for discussion of VHF reception woes). Many people there, even in town have to have separate VHF antennas, or at least a larger style UHF (like the CM 4228) to get KTHV-DT rf ch 12. I have a friend that lives 5 miles from the ch 12 transmitter and he still can't get it after trying 4 different indoor antennas. He can get all the UHF stations though, including some that are 20 miles away. Using a short piece of speaker wire stuck in the coax jack.

Thanks guys for all the responses and the great info! I'll probably pick one up from Best Buy, since I have a $75 gift card there. For all of you who use an indoor antenna, where do you place it? I'd like to place it somewhere that won't look too bad (like not on top of the TV). Also, if I don't get great reception with the antenna in the first floor, would it be worth it to place an indoor antenna in the attic, or should I get something like this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8408476&type=product&id=1183160363349)?

Thanks again for all the help! Hopefully I'll be enjoying free HD with you guys before too much longer (still waiting for a Pioneer 5080 price drop).

You can try a set top antenna in the attic if reception is sub par in the house or if you just want to hide the antenna. If your house has a metal roof or foil backed insulation in the walls, you may have problems and might have to use a small outdoor antenna.

The one you posted is good, but ChannelMaster makes one similar that has more net gain, for a fraction of the cost. Look HERE (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4221.htm) or google CM4228 antenna. The 4221 also has more net gain than the DB4 on high VHF channels 7 thru 13. KOLR will be moving back to the VHF chanel 10 in about 18 months.

See "net gain" chart for antennas here:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

Attic installations result in significant loss of gain vs a rooftop antenna. But in a suburban setting, that's not usually important. And an advantage to the attic vs outdoor is no wind or weather damage or corrosion to worry about.

...I hope D* can add all the channels they say is coming,List of HD channels recently up and running on the D*10 sat in "engineering" or "test" mode:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457

I got tired of waiting and switched to Dish, mainly to get the free HDDVR. However, D* keeps calling me trying to give me all sorts of free stuff including paying my cancellation fee at Dish to come back. I am going to wait and see if they actually add all of these at a decent price though before I go back. I am much happier with the OTA reception of my Dish receiver than with my D* one anyways.

I am assuming D* means Dtv btw, if it doesn't then just disregard my post :P

On AVSForum:
D* = DirecTV
E* = Echostar Dishnetwork

DTV = Digital Television

brodypenn, which D* receiver did you have?
H20-100
H20-600
Or something else?

List of HD channels recently up and running on the D*10 sat in "engineering" or "test" mode:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=899457


Up and running is a stretch, an accurate statement is EPG placeholders. Basically D* has mapped out WHERE the channels will go. That does not mean the channel is broadcasting yet, or that a video stream is up. I guess the D* folks have been lagging behind for so long now that they get excited at the smallest things :p :D.

Engineering mode doesn't mean they have active programming on them.

Jeez.

Engineering mode doesn't mean they have active programming on them.

Jeez.

In the thread you linked all the D* folks are acting like this means they flip a switch and everything is there. Ooh, 100 channels, the most channels a user will see will be 40-50. Not the 100 claim that has been false advertising for years.

They'll be lucky if they ever catch up with or pass E*.

Look, I'm not trying to get into an E* vs D* pissing match. I only posted the thread link for the purpose of informing D* subs about upcoming channels.

If you prefer D*, please, stay with them.

I am not sure which one it is, but it was an H-20 non-DVR.

Thanks for the info on the abbreviations as well :)

Look, I'm not trying to get into an E* vs D* pissing match. I only posted the thread link for the purpose of informing D* subs about upcoming channels.

If you prefer D*, please, stay with them.

I wasn't trying to start a pissing match either, just wanted to inform the D* subs that there is no video stream present currently for these channels, in fact the satellite hasn't even hit it's transmission locale yet. To call it "up and running" was not really accurate. If they add all of these channels, great! Upconverted SD for all!:D

see ya (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/profile.php?do=addlist&userlist=ignore&u=7467808).

I am confused.... what just happened...lol

I am confused.... what just happened...lol

He placed me on his ignore list. :rolleyes:

Found this link of a TV station that went HD for local news...I am so waiting for this to happen in springfield.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/30/what-it-takes-to-produce-an-hd-newscast/

rhoops, any hope for us?

Found this link of a TV station that went HD for local news...I am so waiting for this to happen in springfield.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/30/what-it-takes-to-produce-an-hd-newscast/

rhoops, any hope for us?
Not from KOLR/KSFX in the forseeable future. Nexstar is carrying over $ 600 Million in debt and is still trying to fund OTA HDTV in their smaller markets. Even if they wanted to, I don't think the bankers would advance more money for local HDTV news.

KYTV has studio cameras that are HD ready, but there is an awful lot more equipment needed. Not the least of which is a box to downconvert the HD newscast to SD for the analog viewers. A box like that would cost nearly $20 K and be totally worthless with no re-sale value in Feb 2009.

Also the whole 5.1 surround imaging is close to worthless for news. Even David Letterman doesn't do his show in 5.1. There just isn't anything there for 5.1. Talking people and a band just don't fit into the whole surround sound pattern.

I don't think any of the networks are doing HD news, and I don't know what their plans are for that.

Another factor is the current news desks and sets. In SD their small imperfections don't "read". With HD, you'd see all the scratches on the desks and seams and staples in the carpet, so that would have to be re-done.

This is one where the networks will have to take the lead. When you see the evening news in HD, we might be getting closer. Even 60 minutes which is shot mostly on film comes in SD.

NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams is HD, as well as the Today Show, FWIW.

ABC does HD with GMA as well as NBC's nightly and Today are in HD.

I am curious about the ATT service that is here/coming he to Springfield. ATT Says that they are a few blocks from my house in SW Springfield.

Anyone know anything about this?

Andy

I am curious about the ATT service that is here/coming he to Springfield. ATT Says that they are a few blocks from my house in SW Springfield.

Anyone know anything about this?

Andy
It's called AT&T U-verse. It's IP based, and involves fiber to the neighborhood node (FTTN ). Unlike Verizon's FIOS fiber to the premises.
The offerings are pretty much like cable or satellite. They bundle it with internet, wi-fi and other stuff to make it look like more than it really is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-verse

KSPR's new web site URL kspr.com (http://www.kspr.com) now has a placeholder up saying:
"COMING SEPTEMBER 9, 2007"

KSPR's new web site URL kspr.com (http://www.kspr.com) now has a placeholder up saying:
"COMING SEPTEMBER 9, 2007"
Note Joe and Christines's 4:30 and 5:30 local newscasts. They are not up against any local other local news at those times. People who like local news could get several newscasts, those who favor national news could get two national news programs in a row.
I think I'll TiVo the ABC national news at 6, in addition to CBS at 5:30. It's almost like viewers have a choice.

On the downside, at 3 PM they have Peoples Court up against Judge Joe Brown, and Inside Edition against Entertainment Tonight at 6:30 PM. IE and ET are virtual clones as far as I can tell.

I noticed that they have also moved Everybody Loves Raymond to CW and only one episode rather than the two they were showing. Glad to see Andy Griffith back on KY3, those damn motorized wheelchair commercials over and over again on CW were driving me away.

well, Carlos came by on Thrusday with DTV and got the Slimline installed.

noticed that they must have done a software upgrade to the H20? menu seems faster and there is a "dong" whem putting in channel numbers.

Nothing new on my old samsung. just buying time until i have to replace it.

Any news on when the new channels are up? I keep hearing this month

One thing I noticed with the Slimline, there are only 3 LNBs on it, all grouped over to one side. I do not subscrible to locals becuase i pull them OTA. WHen I go to channel whatever to see if "I am ready" it does say searching for signal like what it should.

SO I am guess that I am okay?

... noticed that they must have done a software upgrade to the H20? menu seems faster and there is a "dong" whem putting in channel numbers.Which do you have: H20 receiver or HR20 DVR?

Nothing new on my old samsung. just buying time until i have to replace it.When the new channels begin to be added (D* retention rep told me ~ the last of Sept.), they may offer you a deal to upgrade the MPEG2 Samsung for free. It would involve a programming commitment to basic D* package for 2 years. If you don't get an offer, you can probably call and tell them it quit working and ask to switch that box to a leased receiver. They will sometimes let you do that if you're "thinking of cancelling service."

One thing I noticed with the Slimline, there are only 3 LNBs on it, all grouped over to one side. I do not subscrible to locals becuase i pull them OTA. WHen I go to channel whatever to see if "I am ready" it does say searching for signal like what it should.The Slimline actually has 5 LNBs integrated into 3 feedhorns to "see" the 99°, 101°, 103°, 110° & 119° birds.

Which OTA tuner are you using, the D* built-in OTA tuner or your TV's?

I have the H20 receiver.

If you want, I can post my last update and software numbers that are on the menu.

okay, so then there may be physically three feedhorns, but there are actually 5 LNBs. Good becuase I didnt want to call DirecTV back and say the installer messed up.

thanks

There have been recent firmware updates for both the H20-600 (LG mfg) and the H20-100 (RCA mfg).

For a list of updates, see:
http://www.dbstalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=110

Hey All in the region!

Perhaps you guys can point me in the right direction. Here are the facts:

I currently Have:

-Mediacom (expanded basic) - analog = 57.00 a month
-Tivo DVR service - 13.00 a month.

What I will have next week

-Samsung 5054 (720p) HD
-Oppo 980 Upconvert DVD

What I don't know:

What kind of programming should I get now? I hate paying the mediacom rates but haven't made the switch to satellite yet. I have been reviewing the packages on Dish Network and really like the HD packages and the dual tuner HD-DVRs that come with the package. Nice.

However, the big downfall that I see is that my wife watches a lot of reality (both live and DVR'd). I have concerns about not getting HD local channels. Perhaps the digital SD signal from Dish will be acceptable. I don't want her to think we spent 2k for fuzzy people on the screen SO...the question is:

1)Should I really be concerned about SD local channels through the satellite?
2)Is there any way to get OTA HD signals and still run it all through a DVR of some sort?
3)Mediacom - do I have any other choices? I understand that they have the local channels in HD - see next question
4)How many shows are truly HD broadcasts ? They may be recorded in SD and send over and HD signal correct?

Any other information that you guys can pass along would be much appreciated.

Bman.

1)Should I really be concerned about SD local channels through the satellite?

Nope. They have nothing to offer you better than what you have.

2)Is there any way to get OTA HD signals and still run it all through a DVR of some sort?

Sure, get a TiVo HD or TiVo series 3.

With your current TiVo, connect the DVD and TiVo to two inputs and the Mediacom cable to the TV's RF input. Watch HDTV in real time or SD off the TiVo.

An alternative is Mediacom's DVR which you probably wouldn't like since TiVo has spoiled you.

If your TV has NTSC, ATSC and QAM tuners (I think it does) you won't need Mediacom's box unless you want PPV or premium digital channels.

3)Mediacom - do I have any other choices? I understand that they have the local channels in HD - see next question

Read the manual that came with your new TV set. Many have NTSC (analog)
ATSC (OTA Digital) and QAM (cable digital) capability in the tuner.

I recently bought a Magnavox 19" LCD set that has all three types of tuners and hooked it up to Mediacom. It found the 5 Local HD stations, KYTV, KSPR, KOZK, KOLR, KSFX, and integrated them into the channel lineup.
e.g. 3 is Wx channel, 3.1 is KYTV-DT, 33 is Hallmark, 33.1 is KSPR-DT

You can also get all of the above stations OTA except for KSPR.

4)How many shows are truly HD broadcasts ? They may be recorded in SD and send over and HD signal correct?

Currently only network originated programs are in HD. Syndicated programming and locally originated programs are in SD.

KOZK's 21-2 is all HD, all the time.

Split the mediacom signal to feed both the TiVo and the Samsung antenna RF input. Connect the TiVo to the Samsung's S-video and audio inputs, not the RF. Connect the DVD player to the HDMI input.

As an added feature, connect a UHF TV antenna to the other RF input on the Samsung and try out OTA TV as well.

Thanks for the info rhopps-

Dish Network does have something to offer - 30 additional HD stations (mediacom only has 9). I like the option to get NGC HD also. Dish network does carry local channels - just not HD. Not to mention it comes with a dual tuner HD-DVR.

My current bill is $70 bucks - Dish network can better that and get me a lot more.

I guess my real question is if I am going to get OTA (yes my tv also has the ATSC tuners) - then am I losing anything that Mediacom could offer since only limited shows are recorded in HD anyway?

The true concern is that SD channels are going to look rough but I suppose they are going to look fine. After all, most channels and (including some SD programming on HD channels) are going to be in SD anyway.

Hmmmm. I guess I need to see digital SD just to make sure it doesn't look horrible. If I can get local SD channels through Dish and HD locals channels through OTA then it really comes down to month bills?

Am I missing anything?

Bman.

I guess my real question is if I am going to get OTA (yes my tv also has the ATSC tuners) - then am I losing anything that Mediacom could offer since only limited shows are recorded in HD anyway?

KPSR-DT OTA is currently low power and SD only. Mediacom is the only way you will get them in HD, until they build their new HDTV facilities. That's less than a year away and probably 9 months or so.

DishNetwork VIP-211 and VIP-222 receivers and VIP-622 and VIP-722 DVR's offer you the best of both worlds because they have OTA HD tuners built in.

There is actually quite a bit of free HD from the major networks. When the fall season kicks in you'll be seeing mostly HD in primetime.

Cool - I just spoke with the Dish Network reps and they said I would be getting the 622 dvr. He also confirmed that it does have OTA antenna hook up. Dish really sounds like the way to go if I want additional HS programming above the 9 channels the Mediacom offers.

The money appears to be with Dish Network. Is there anything that I should be mindful if I make the switch to DN? I know Wx etc. may knock out my signal on the occasion...is there anything else?

Bman.

Cool - I just spoke with the Dish Network reps and they said I would be getting the 622 dvr. He also confirmed that it does have OTA antenna hook up. Dish really sounds like the way to go if I want additional HS programming above the 9 channels the Mediacom offers.

The money appears to be with Dish Network. Is there anything that I should be mindful if I make the switch to DN? I know Wx etc. may knock out my signal on the occasion...is there anything else?

Bman.
Well the latest model DVR is the 722, with increased storage space. Why not get that one?

If I go with dish I will ask them. I just go back from reading truck loads of reviews on the 622. CNET editors give it a 8.7 or something and then the public dropped down to 6.5.

The negative reviews are what are really scaring me. Forget the overheating problem. I am concerned with the comments of programming. They say if you are use to Tivo be prepared for nothing but frustration. This is one guy talking but several.

The key factor her is keeping the lady happy. If it's completely UI unfriendly for her I will be toast. Not really but the grief wouldn't be worth it.

How difficult is the Dish UI compared to Tivo?

Garrhhh. I just can't win.

... Is there anything that I should be mindful if I make the switch to DN? I know Wx etc. may knock out my signal on the occasion...?If modern dishes & receivers from E* (Echostar Dishnetwork) are as immune to rain fade as the newest ones from D* (DirecTV), rain fade will only be an occasional issue for a very few minutes, and only during or just before the heaviest of rain/thunderstorms. And you should probably turn the TV off when the weather's that bad.

Ask if there is any way to get out of the programming commitment if you're not satisfied in any way. And have them spell out what programming package(s) you have to keep and for how long.

I currently have a 622 Bman and it works fine for me. Granted I've never had a Tivo so I don't know what I'm missing.

But the 622 is my fav as it does exactly what I want. It records my shows. But you can set it to only record ALL NEW SHOWS that way you only get the new shows and not the reruns.

It's smart enough that if that show is moved to a new day it will know and get it if you have all new shows selected.

For me that's all I ask out of a DVR......

I've not had any issues though and I have a OTA indoor antenna from BB hooked to my 622 via that antenna out and it works great. It adds the channels to the guide and lets you DVR anything.

NOTE: In order to get the guide data you must subscribe to the SD local package through dish.

The SD stuff doesn't look bad at all on my Panny 42" Plasma...granted it's only an EDTV.

It doesn't look great on my 65" 1080p set though but like I said you get OTA HD so who needs it.

I would go with the 622 or 722...I"m sure you'll like it.

I think right now they are giving out the 622 sets and the 722 are $99.00...but you might be able to cut a deal.

Also you can now add external storage if so desired. What comes with the 622 is more than fine for me and I'm not about to pay 39.99 to have them turn on a USB port:(

But for recording TV and allowing HD through my DISH I"m really satisfied with my box so far.

Also my wife has no problem using it at all. By default you can set it to record X min before and after the show to make sure you get it all. So really all you have to do is to select the show and choose your timeframe and recording method. You either choose All Shows, All New Shows etc etc.

But it's really a set and forget type of setup for TV. I would stay away from the ALL SHOWS options....I tried that and one day that show I was recording had a marathon...took awhile to delete all those reruns. That would be my only gripe. To delete stuff it's one at a time. Not a problem if you keep up but it takes awhile if you fall behind.

.

Bman2005, before you place your order, read this thread on HighDefForum (http://www.highdefforum.com/showthread.php?p=357698).

Thanks for the information fellas. rlu929s that is good information to know. I figured that a lot of the negative reviews were from people who just didn't work very hard at learning how to use their 622. Yeah that's the way we are use to recording as well - one button and presto you are recording the whole season (choice of all, only new etc). Tivo is just clean and a very easy UI.

I have a Samsung 5054 on the way (50" 720p) so I imagine that the SD channels will be a little mooshy.

Arxaw - Looks like D* is adding to their lineup. I see the commercial where the gal is pushing that they have bandwidth for 150 channels or whatever. Interesting. What I don't like about D* right now is that you have to buy their DVRs. I would have around a $300 startup fee just to get rolling with D*.

How well do the installers actually install the cables etc? I feel like I will have to be there to supervised or they will just through it on the ground and run off. Can I tell them where to run cables etc?

Sounds like a pain...

... What I don't like about D* right now is that you have to buy their DVRs. I would have around a $300 startup fee just to get rolling with D*...I got and HR20-700 HD DVR from D* for $169 as an existing customer. I called them and asked for a discount if I purchased a DVR from a local D* retailer/installer. They gave me $100 off and the dealer sold me one out right for $269.

I would think that new customers could get better deals than what I got.

I would have around a $300 startup fee just to get rolling with D*.
You should at least consider getting a TiVo HD and staying with Mediacom. I think there are some TiVo S3 Mediacom users on this forum. It does take two cablecards to get the premium channnels.

I hear that Mediacom is planning a major digital upgrade for Springfield in early 2008.

There is no non-TiVo DVR on the market which will fully satisfy a former TiVo user.

The FCC data now shows a modified construction permit for KSPR-DT in the name of Perkin Media.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=35630

The modified CP is for the north tower that has KSPR, KOLR and KSFX on it.
This is evidently the spot vacated by KOZK when they moved to the south tower donated by KYTV.

It looks like American Tower has them captive to the contract that Piedmont signed years ago.

Yeah, I have considered the Tivo + Mediacom option. The $300 is expensive but it would be worth it if what ever I transfer to does not cut it. I have no doubt that I could handle any new DVR just fine. It's truly the concern of the wife who is use to easy "season pass" manager. We only use Tivo service as a DVR only thing. No pictures, games etc. Only record and watch - but that alone is easy.

The new HD Tivo doesn't work with satellite.

Major upgrade - I wonder what this entails? Are they getting more HD? I mean 9 channels versus 40 is not even close.

Bman.

I have had Tivo and the Directv HR20, I personally think the HR20 "series link" feature is alot easier, you just tap the record button twice and it's done. If you want you can goto prioritizer and adjust, but the initial setup never leaves the guide page.

Major upgrade - I wonder what this entails? Are they getting more HD? I mean 9 channels versus 40 is not even close.
I am not privy to the programming details, but they are changing the underlying techology to provide more capacity. Technically it's easier to provide more capacity on a cable system than on a satellite system, since you don't need to launch more satellites and stick yet another LNB on that dish.

I think cable companies in general are moving toward all digital, all HD with blazingly fast internet combined with IP delivery of specialty programming. Some companies use SDV or switched digital video. Networks with low viewership can be put on SDV, which is sort of like PPV, in that it isn't put online until someone (in the neighborhood cluster) actually tunes it in.

Of course they can't cut the analog customers off suddenly and require them to get digital boxes.... or can they? I think they can "chip away" at the analog channels. They currently have about 65 analog channels. If they converted half of them to QAM digital that could provide about 150 SD channels and 45 more HD channels or various other combinations. That just by "re-stacking" the current capability.

That doesn't include the system upgrade we're talking about.

After the system upgrade, I think we'd see a gradual campaign to convince basic analog subscribers to go digital. First they simulcast all analog channels in digital for a period of time, and offer various "carrots" to convert to digital. Eventually, regulations permitting, they cut over to totally digital delivery.

Dish is undergoing a painful conversion to MPEG-4 while trying to keep current customers happy. It's much like trying to change the tires on a car without coming to a complete stop. Upgrading a cable system is not without similar problems. In both cases they need to have the customers upgrade their equipment. Of course DISH is bending over backward not to tell customers with the earlier non mpeg-4 equipment that the box they bought two years ago is obsolete. Cable doesn't have that problem because generally customers don't own the box.

Rhoops, thanks for the info about KSPR, maybe it will come sooner than later.

Also I think dish is doing a pretty good job getting everyone upgraded to the new MPEG 4 boxes with no charge. Sure I'm a looser when I paid 1000.00 for my 921 and 700.00 for my 942, but times have changed and everything is pretty much leased now. It just don't pay to own your receivers now because charges are the same if you have more than one receiver.

Our latest HD channel is the History channel, they are adding new HD channels pretty much as they become available.

Also I see Springfield is growing, we are 74 on the list now, not long ago we were 77.

So Mruss - You are with Dish Network? Have you used the 722 DVR? or 622?

Bman.

So Mruss - You are with Dish Network? Have you used the 722 DVR? or 622?

Bman.
I have 2 622's, 1 for the wife and 1 for me, that way we don't mess with each others stuff. I also have 2 external 500 GB harddrives, with 64 HD movies already recorded on one with less than 1 hundred gigs left. I just don't see how you could beat them now.(things may change in the future) I think we now have 40 plus HD channels.

For HD it really depends on your tastes.

I'm a big movie watcher. I like a good nature channel to eww and ahhh at the graphics but in all most of the time I'm looking for:

1. Decent Movies in HD

2. MY Fav TV shows in HD.

So far no HD package has met that for me. To me E* has tons of HD channels but I don't consider them quality as far as programming goes.

For the heck of it I"ll check all the channels in the guide just to see if there is anything I'll watch and there hardly ever is anything.

That's why I canceled my HD Package.

2 things will bring me back.

1. They get channels with better movies
2. USA, SCI-FI and TBS are offering along with TNT that already is.

As of right now no sat company offers these channels so that does not make one better than another.

If you like to just watch history,nature,sports show for the HD you'll have more channels than you know what to do with.

Every once in awhile Universal HD, MONSTER and HDNET Movies will have a good movie on but they act just like HBO where they play a movie over and over for the month and then change it up.

So out the programming for a month you'll have maybe 20% of good movies and you watch those pretty quick.

I still kept my 622 though and pay the HD Fee of $5.00 per month just because I love the unit and the way it operates allowing me to record OTA in HD and the smart way the software on the DVR Operates.

Remember with these you can operate 2 TV's. I have a second feed going to my bedroom which works out great since it's still a CRT so the 480p feed doesn't look so bad. On TV2 you can also still watch your HD channels it's just down rezzes them to 480p but they still stay widescreen so they'll look good on a plasma still.

I've considered finding a way to move my EDTV 42" Plasma in the bedroom for the very reason.

Oh and about the comment about Springfield growing. This is not related but I am a Netflix user and I just noticed within the past couple weeks my movies return address have changed from Kansas City to Springfield.

So apparently we had a big enough base for Netflix to put a hub here in Springfield.

Oh and about the comment about Springfield growing. This is not related but I am a Netflix user and I just noticed within the past couple weeks my movies return address have changed from Kansas City to Springfield.

So apparently we had a big enough base for Netflix to put a hub here in Springfield.
I'm beginning to think that some folks will decide with free OTA HD, and quick delivery of DVD's they don't really need either cable or satellite.
With a good HD DVR to catch the OTA stuff I really want, I just might be one of them.

I just got off the phone with Mediacom. Looks like I can get a pretty good deal.

(2) Two - Dual Tuner HD-DVRs (I have two HD tv's in the house)
DVR Service
HD Local Channels
HD Lineup (Discover, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, HDNet etc) - 9 Channels
The lineup of the digital channels - NGC, science, life etc etc.

$80 bucks.

This is similar to what satellite can offer me. They all land around 80 bucks for what I want. Ouch!

Anyone notice the picture was really grainy tonight during the Colts/Saints game? It was probably the worst looking football game I have watched in HD. Signal strength was good, on my end, at least.

Anyone notice the picture was really grainy tonight during the Colts/Saints game? It was probably the worst looking football game I have watched in HD. Signal strength was good, on my end, at least.DjinniMan, the poor picture quality is due to multicasting on KY3. With 2 extra sub channels, there's just not enough bandwidth for NBC-HD. It is not a signal strength issue.

Contact KY3's GM and complain. mscott@ky3.com They're considering moving the CW (3-2) over to KSPR-DT when they get it running at full power. That would free up bandwidth for 3-1 and should help NBC-HD picture quality tremendously, especially on sports with lots of movement.

I just got off the phone with Mediacom. Looks like I can get a pretty good deal.Call D* and see if they will beat that. Some new customers are getting DVRs for $19.95. See this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11547626&postcount=3218).

As a Dish "Everything Pak" customer, I elected not to pay extra for
local station reception via my 211 and instead went OTA antenna.
This meant giving up guide information for my locals. Dish techs
told me this was policy. But as of yesterday I now have local guide
info! Anyone else care to comment on this unexpected but welcome
change? BTW, my locals include the Springfield HD channels on
good reception nights, which is quite often here in Joplin.

Hey JopMan3305,
Which Joplin stations are full power?
Which Joplin stations are High Def ?

when watching the colts game the other night, was anyone able to get 5.1 sound? i used at ota and couldn't get the 5.1

That's KY3, they have older equipment and it doesn't work well with 5.1. If you want to see someone pass the buck, email Mike Scott at KY3, he blames it on the cable companies, funny how they don't have a problem with 10/27 5.1 sound.

Hey JopMan3305,
Which Joplin stations are full power?
Which Joplin stations are High Def ?

Hey back to you! I think you already know the answers.

Full power? None.
High Def? One.

And I jumped the gun with my elation over getting local
station guide info. What Dish giveth it taketh away,
after a few hours of teasing. Back to "No description
available for this event" this evening. Shucks!

Thanks for your reply, arxaw.

Full power? None.

KOZJ-DT is a full power DTV station in the Joplin market. It's the same transmitter & power output as KOZK-DT in Fordland (but different antenna, so different ERP).

Thanks, MrBeReady, for pointing out my error. A senior moment!
I also erred in saying only one HD station. There are two. KOZJ-DT
(PBS) and KOAM-DT (CBS). Another senior moment! Take note
aarwa.

A third senior moment! Take note arxaw.

You can always click the Edit button to correct a post!

I knew KOZJ-DT was higher power than the commercial stations in Joplin, but wondered if any of the commercial ones had gone full power yet. I get KOZJ-DT occasionally, but never turn the antenna toward Jop any more...

I think they are being very conservative on their timeline.
I'd expect OTA HDTV by Spring 2008 at the latest.

http://www.kspr.com/about/faq

Do you broadcast in high definition?

As of September 2007, KSPR-TV and ABC programming on it is only available in high definition through Mediacom's digital cable system. KSPR broadcasts its digital standard definition signal from central Springfield. We anticipate broadcasting in high definition from our tower in Fordland, Missouri, by mid-to-late 2008.

I had to have the D* tech come out and re-allign my dish today. While he was here, he stated that I should get a bunch new HD channels next Wednesday. We'll see.
He said no locals in HD yet, though.

I had to have the D* tech come out and re-allign my dish today. While he was here, he stated that I should get a bunch new HD channels next Wednesday. We'll see.
He said no locals in HD yet, though.

DirecTV began testing D10 sat from it's 103B location this morning, expect national HD rollout to begin in a matter of days.

I also read on another forum that the 19th is when they will start adding adding additional HD channels to the brand new 103° sat.

Is anyone using cablecards from mediacom cc? If so how much do they charge a month or however they charge to use them?

This is stolen from a the TiVocommunity.com forum.
I'm seeing lots of those big beige boxes going up all over town (Springfield, MO), so they are going to roll out U-Verse sometime in the next year.

The problem is that 18 MBPS just can't deliver multiple channels of HD content.

---
U-Verse uses a completely different distribution system compared to traditional cable companies and FIOS. They use fiber to the node and then DSL over copper to individual homes. FIOS uses fiber all the way to the home and then traditional QAM & NTSC over coax for distribution inside the house (same as cable). U-Verse instead of QAM are using IP over DSL that only gives you a 24Mbps pipe (6Mbps reserved for internet) that only leaves 18Mbps for video which is why there is a restriction on how many unique streams of video you can view at a time (about 4 SD channels and 1 or 2 overly compressed HD channels). It's not a worthy replacement to traditional cable providers or FIOS that's for sure, at least in it's current incantation... The S3 & THD units with their ATSC, NTSC and QAM tuners would therefore be useless for U-Verse.

----

They've been installing Uverse in our neighborhood over the last couple weeks (technically, they're installing the infrastructure to support it). New ATT boxes around the neighborhood with fiber optic lines running in, and (on some streets) new cable along the poles for individual houses. (I'm not sure why some lines had to be replaced, and others not?)

I've spent some time learning about Uverse, and moyekj pretty much nailed it. You can get up to four IP streams, but only one can be HD. And from reading a few forums, it appears the PQ is highly compressed and only so-so.

It's hard to understand what ATT is thinking. HD is the big gorilla these days. We have two HD TVs. But to only watch one HD stream at a time? Huh? Can you imagine the arguments this will cause. "Honey, can you flip to Desperate Housewives in SD, so I can watch SNF in HD?"

I had to have the D* tech come out and re-allign my dish today. While he was here, he stated that I should get a bunch new HD channels next Wednesday. We'll see.
He said no locals in HD yet, though.
Since all of Springfield locals aren't HD yet, D* may have moved this DMA down a few notches on the HD locals waiting list.

Many of the channels below will start showing up Wednesday. If you currently have D* HD access, you will get the HD versions of the channels, if you currently subscribe to them in SD. You won't have to learn any new channel numbers because the HD version will automatically show up on the SD channel numbers you're used to.

http://i4.tinypic.com/6c8hcg4.jpg

Make sure your signal strength is fairly good for the 103b satellite transponders. That's where most of the channels above will be located. 103a and the 99 are currently all spot beams, and may show up as very low strength or zeros.

Any of the new HD channels show up yet?

Bill 3,
Live date for new HD channels to start appearing on D* is still scheduled for tomorrow, 9/19 (per DBSTalk.com forum)

:o

Sorry, I got so excited, I skipped a day. I'm an idiot.

Got my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

schlinkaj - The cable cards from Mediacom are 1.99 a month per card. The problem is that the cards are not two way. You can decode the digital content but you can get PPV etc as it won't send any information back to Mediacom.

Any way, I hooked everything and it looks great, sounds great and mediacom service to this point has been top notch. Their customer support has been very helpful and quick to answer the phone. That's a bonus.

Tivo...garhhh....30 minute hold time just to cancel.

Bman.

I've read in other forums where people are recieving the signal from 103b. They're saying they are getting a signal meter reading in the 80-90 range across the country. I'm only getting 45-60. 45 on the odd transponders and 60 on the even. Anyone know if I should be concerned yet about signal strength? I'm probably jumping the gun, but I'm curious.
BTW: The D* tech I spoke with didn't know.

Saw this in another forum this morning: "There has been a delay in rolling out the new High Definition Service. Circumstances are unknown and new service date is also unknown."
My signal from the 103b is now down to 35-50. Hmmmmm.....

cc362,
In all likelihood, you'll need to get your 5LNB dish alignment fine tuned. Sounds like bubba installer only set it up for the 101° sat and didn't bother to do the fine tuning alignment necessary to get the MPEG4 sats. Or your cabling isn't up to par (solid copper RG6, no staples in the coax, no U bends in the cable, or the B-Band converters are defective or not installed).

What do you get on channel 499?

cc362,
In all likelihood, you'll need to get your 5LNB dish alignment fine tuned. Sounds like bubba installer only set it up for the 101° sat and didn't bother to do the fine tuning alignment necessary to get the MPEG4 sats. Or your cabling isn't up to par (solid copper RG6, no staples in the coax, no U bends in the cable, or the B-Band converters are defective or not installed).

What do you get on channel 499?

I get the "searching for signal" message on 499 and the non existant picture does go to 750p/720p. The other sats, that I do receive, are in the upper
80's-90's.
I'll probably have to have it fine tuned, but the D* tech said to wait till the channels are up before doing that. Seems like they think if I get a picture, everything is okay, regardless of the signal strength. But I don't want to be getting drop-outs every time it gets cloudy.
I'd adjust it myself, but my wife refuses to yell up to me on the roof when the meter changes.
One question: If I do deciede to adjust it myself, is there one sat I can fine tune in that will give me the best signal on all sats or do you have to play around with them all?

... If I do deciede to adjust it myself, is there one sat I can fine tune in that will give me the best signal on all sats or do you have to play around with them all?Searching for signal is what you should see on ch 499.

The 5LNB dish is fine tuned, using the 101° & 110° sats, and jumping back & forth between the two sats. It is a fairly involved "dithering" process and for best results you almost need a sat meter at the dish to get it right. But it can be done, using the receiver and a helper. I did mine.

You can download the Slimline 5LNB manual with detailed fine tuning instructions HERE (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf).

You can download the Slimline 5LNB manual with detailed fine tuning instructions HERE (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Slimline_Dish_Installation_Manual.pdf).

Thanks arxaw, you are a constant help and I do appriciate it. I may try it tomorrow. All the honey-do's have been done today. Nothing much else to do.