My guess would be "KY3." They will continue mapping as 3-1 after the transition and for the forseeable future.

- Trip
I agree. KY3 is one of the most powerful and recognized brands in the midwest. They would have to think long and hard before throwing that away.

Just as some folks refer to any carbonated beverage is a "coke", to some folks in the area "KY" is television.

... Just as some folks refer to any carbonated beverage is a "coke", to some folks in the area "KY" is television.(Uh, "KY" brings something else to mind.)

KY44 would be easy to remember. Same as the Interstate.

KY44 would be easy to remember. Same as the Interstate.
Maybe, but it doesn't roll off the tongue as easily and it doesn't rhyme with "The Place to Be."

They'd have to think up something new, like KY44 is the place to... ignore? roar? explore? score? bore?

Or to sum up the sentiments of some here, KY44 is the place to deplore!

snore.

Maybe ask your Dad if he is adding Digital Sub Channel like RTN Affliate or ACUWEATHER Channel or 24/7 Local Sports or News Channel.

Lol

Maybe ask your Dad if he is adding Digital Sub Channel like RTN Affliate or ACUWEATHER Channel or 24/7 Local Sports or News Channel.

Actually thats funny that you ask that because we were just talking about that yesterday. He told me that they had no plans to do sub-channels at this time. I will find out the reason why tomorrow.

E-mailed Mike at KY3 about no PSIP on 3.1 and 3.2 This was his reply:

Thanks for your note and letting me know about the problem with PSIP. I’m not sure what the problem was as it is working now. It could have been a problem with our third party vendor that supplies the information. We will continue to monitor the situation.

The engineers tell me everything is progressing as planned with KSPR’s digital buildout. They are installing the transmitter and the coax on the tower right now. :D

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish063008.htm Joplin,MO is in it.
What Station do you think will broadcast their Newscast in HD first?

KOAM has always strived to be first in the market, but let me answer your question with tongue in cheek. Either one of the yet to be CW or MyTV stations!:)

http://www.tvpredictions.com/dish063008.htm Joplin,MO is in it.
What Station do you think will broadcast their Newscast in HD first?

It won't be the Nexstar stations, KODE and KSNF. Nexstar is grubbing to get enough money to do the DTV buildout in all their smaller markets.

Local newscasts in HD are a huge expenditure and there is absoutely no return on the investment. Advertisers won't pay any more for spots in an HD newscast.

It won't be the Nexstar stations, KODE and KSNF. Nexstar is grubbing to get enough money to do the DTV buildout in all their smaller markets.

Local newscasts in HD are a huge expenditure and there is absoutely no return on the investment. Advertisers won't pay any more for spots in an HD newscast.

I gotta disagree, rhoops. Advertisers will pay more for more viewers, and that's what a local HD broadcast will produce. Commercials produced in HD will be expected to be broadcast in HD.

SD local content will be like AM radio.

I gotta disagree, rhoops. Advertisers will pay more for more viewers, and that's what a local HD broadcast will produce...Not necessarily true. A station in Arizona (Phoenix, I believe) actually saw their ratings drop after converting their local news to HD.

Of course, it's possible that station also added a lot of gratuitous flashing, animated graphics and gee-gaws for "jolts" when they went HD, and turned off viewers in droves.

I gotta disagree, rhoops. Advertisers will pay more for more viewers, and that's what a local HD broadcast will produce. Commercials produced in HD will be expected to be broadcast in HD.

SD local content will be like AM radio.

So you're saying the a news program on AM wouldn't be as good as a news program on FM? Are there people who would tune in a news program if it were on FM, that wouldn't listen to AM?

Are you also saying that there are people at home with HDTV's that currently aren't watching the news that would tune in regularly to see HD video on local news?

In any case it's a moot point since KOLR and KFSX won't be doing HD local news anytime soon. KYTV has studio cameras that are HD-Ready, but there is a lot more equipment required. Maybe they will have the capital to buy all that, but remember they are spending a lot to put KSPR-HD on the air.

Any General Manager or News Director that proposes spending that sort of money is, in effect, betting his job and livelihood that increased viewers and numbers will pay for the added capital expenditure in a few years or less.

So you're saying the a news program on AM wouldn't be as good as a news program on FM? Are there people who would tune in a news program if it were on FM, that wouldn't listen to AM?

Are you also saying that there are people at home with HDTV's that currently aren't watching the news that would tune in regularly to see HD video on local news?

In any case it's a moot point since KOLR and KFSX won't be doing HD local news anytime soon. KYTV has studio cameras that are HD-Ready, but there is a lot more equipment required. Maybe they will have the capital to buy all that, but remember they are spending a lot to put KSPR-HD on the air.

Any General Manager or News Director that proposes spending that sort of money is, in effect, betting his job and livelihood that increased viewers and numbers will pay for the added capital expenditure in a few years or less.

AM news is not as good as FM news. The reception is poorer, and there is static and interference.

I get my radio news mostly from NPR on KSMU. They often interview people over a phone line, and the sound is bad and sometimes difficult to understand when they do that. So, yes sound quality matters, even for the news.

HD news is better than SD news. The picture is clearer and sharper. Of course it's not the only factor, or the most important factor. But it's a factor nontheless.

You seem to be making an argument that because the content is the same, it doesn't matter about the picture and sound. If that were the case, there is no point in having any HD at all. We are seeing the same broadcast content as we always have for movies, sports, and other entertainment. It's just a better picture now, and that's why I have 3 HD TV's. I've made my investment, and I expect my entertainment and information providers to make theirs.

I understand (and sympathize) that all this is expensive, but the bar has been raised. Right now, KOLR and Fox are the area leaders in broadcast quality by not having sub-channels, and I notice that and appreciate it. If they had local HD, I think people would sit up and take notice too.

One thing I enjoy about HD newscasts (ESPN News, Fox Business, etc.) is the side panels being used for information that would other wise be on a ticker or taking up space in the 4:3 area of the screen. Local newscasts might display weather, HS sports results, election results, community events calenders, etc. all of which might provide a more informative, therefore possibly higher rated newscast. Of course they could use the extra space for ads as well, I suppose.

It's just a better picture now, and that's why I have 3 HD TV's. I've made my investment, and I expect my entertainment and information providers to make theirs.
You can expect all you want, but local HD news isn't going to happen anytime soon. Yes, eventually it will. The history of color television can give some insight. For several years it was network programming with Bonnanza and Disney's Wonderful World of Color. Local color newscasts came later.

One thing I enjoy about HD newscasts (ESPN News, Fox Business, etc.) is the side panels being used for information that would other wise be on a ticker or taking up space in the 4:3 area of the screen. Local newscasts might display weather, HS sports results, election results, community events calenders, etc. all of which might provide a more informative, therefore possibly higher rated newscast. Of course they could use the extra space for ads as well, I suppose.
But 4:3 SD content in a pillar box isn't HD at all.

That's right, but a 16:9 broadcast can have information panels on each side and still have an HD picture in the middle, in what was the old 4:3 space, the panels covering the edges. As I said in my post, ESPN News and FOX Business Channel and others of the like do it all day long. I couldn't tell you how long it's been since I watched ESPN News before they went HD, now I watch, because I get more info, and a better picture. Just my opinion...

KOLR-DT will be converting to Channel 10 at the DTV transition date of Feb 19, 2009

Channel 52 transmission will go dark around Feb 20, 2009.

On or about Feb 17, 2009, KOLR analog will drop to half power. At that point half of the power amplifiers will be shut off and converted to digital. On Feb 19 the analog half of the transmitter will be shut off, and we will be digital on channel 10 at half power.

Over the next two days the other half of the transmitter will be converted to digital and then we will go full power digital on channel 10.

The practical effect will be that all of you that have been receiving KOLR on channel 52 will lose the signal until you re-scan.

Also note that initially we will be at half power on DTV, until the transmitter conversion is complete so don't panic if reception is marginal for two days or so.

I don't think many of you will need a VHF antenna, for this. The channel 10 antenna is higher than the channel 52 antenna, and should have greater range and higher received signal strength.

I had thought there would be a longer period of simulcast with channel 52 and channel 10 both transmitting digital, but that is not the case.

If you are on this forum, you will be a "DTV Guru" to your friends and neighbors, so help spread the word. I am sure we will have an education campaign on this, but inevitably many folks will be surprised by this.

For most people it will be a simple matter of hitting the "re-scan" button on their tuner.

..For most people it will be a simple matter of hitting the "re-scan" button on their tuner.rhoops,
Thanks for all the detailed conversion info.

I assume a simple message about rescanning on D-Day will be put on crawls and the KOLR web site? And the LP info with date of conversion to full power, too? The LP may not matter much in urban area but out here in the sticks......

On both my ota tuners KOLR is already 10-1. Who does this channel 52 thing apply to?

KOLR-DT sends out data to make your TV display 10-1 to match their analog channel number (10). Their digital channel is actually broadcasting on channel 52. When analog is shut down in Feb. KOLR-DT will move from channel 52 and begin broadcasting digitallly on their old analog frequency, channel 10.

You will need to rescan for channels at that time.

I don't mean to veer off-topic, but has anyone else lost their TV Guide info from OPT 21? I lost mine a couple weeks ago, even though I still have the same signal strength I've had since I put up my antenna. At first, I thought it was my Pio Kuro because it had lost the time. I did a master reset, and now it has no guide data whatsoever, after sitting for 4-5 days. Is it just me?

Michael

I don't mean to veer off-topic, but has anyone else lost their TV Guide info from OPT 21? I lost mine a couple weeks ago, even though I still have the same signal strength I've had since I put up my antenna. At first, I thought it was my Pio Kuro because it had lost the time. I did a master reset, and now it has no guide data whatsoever, after sitting for 4-5 days. Is it just me?

Michael

You might try starting a "Pio Kuro" forum. No one seems to be expressing much interest here. I can tell you that OPT 21.1 through 21.3 all have their normal guide info showing. Although I can't say the same for KY3 since last Friday.

If you havn't already tried it, try unplugging the unit and waiting a few minutes to plug back in - then do a master reset and start over.

You might try starting a "Pio Kuro" forum. No one seems to be expressing much interest here. I can tell you that OPT 21.1 through 21.3 all have their normal guide info showing. Although I can't say the same for KY3 since last Friday.

If you're getting the guide info OTA, then that's the info I was looking for.

Thanks!

Michael

If you're getting the guide info OTA, then that's the info I was looking for.

Thanks!

Michael

Yes - OTA

Actually, I might not have been clear about which data I am talking about. I'm talking about the TV Guide Schedule info, not the little display that comes up when you land on an OTA channel. (PSIP?) I'm pretty sure the TV Guide info is coming off the analog side of OPT. I just got an e-mail from someone else who lost the same TV Guide schedule info about two weeks ago. Are we the only two having problems?

Michael

Mine was there last night.

This is Guide info from my Zenith DTT900 on my Sanyo HDTV.

I emailed Big Mike asking when KSPR would go HD and here's what he said. I think it's pretty much what was already known though.

We are targeting the full power digital signal to working sometime during the first of August if everything goes as planned. The HD could be delayed by a few weeks but I'm .hoping that it doesn't take that long. We just took over the assets of the station last year and the prior owners had done nothing to prepare for DTV . That is why it has taken so long. I'm sorry about the delay.

Thanks!
Mike Scott

That stinks, no HD at first, hope it comes before the last 10 races of nascar.

Is nascar ever on ABC?

Is nascar ever on ABC?

Guess so:
2008 Sept - Nov Sprint Cup Series Race Schedule (All Times Eastern)

09/06/08Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Richmond International Raceway ABC/7 p.m.
09/14/08 Sylvania 300 New Hampshire Motor Speedway ABC/1 p.m.
09/21/08 Dover 400 Dover International Speedway ABC/1 p.m.
09/28/08 Kansas 400 Kansas Speedway ABC/1 p.m.

10/05/08 Amp Energy 500 Talladega Superspeedway ABC/1 p.m.
10/11/08 Bank of America 500 Lowe's Motor Speedway ABC/7 p.m.
10/19/08 TUMS QuikPak 500 Martinsville Speedway ABC/1 p.m.
10/26/08 Pep Boys Auto 500 Atlanta Motor Speedway ABC/1 p.m.
11/02/08 Dickies 500 Texas Motor Speedway ABC/3 p.m.
11/09/08 Checker Auto Parts 500 PI Raceway ABC/3 p.m.
11/16/08 Ford 400 Homestead-Miami Speedway ABC/3 p.m.

I live a few miles outside of Cherryvale, KS at about 820 ft elevation. I purchased a Radio Shack VU-190 XR antenna as well as a Channel Master CM4228 screen door. My plan is to use a Channel Master CM7777 pre-amp, but I haven't purchased it yet.

Any adivce for me on what antenna mast height would be needed or what channels I might expect to receive? I'm hoping to at least be able to pick up KOAM and it's FOX neighbor, but a few others would be nice as well.

Thanks

The CM 4228 + CM 7777 is probably all you need to get ABC CBS FOX NBC & PBS.
Based on your ZIP Code, you'll need to aim your 4228 antenna ~100° East/SouthEast. Install it as high as you can.

Enter your complete address at http://www.tvfool.com to be sure of the channels you'll get.
If you know how high off the ground your mast will be, enter that. Otherwise, make a guesstimate. Height can greatly affect the results.
Select "POST-TRANSITION" and "ONLY DIGITAL" channel list. That will list the final channels you'll be getting between now & 2/17/09.

If you can't find a 7777 locally, try warren electronics (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/7777.htm). If you have questions, just call the number on the site. I've used them many times and never had a problem.

Don't mess with a cheap, noisy amp from a big box store.

Great info, thanks.

The CM 4228 + CM 7777 is probably all you need to get ABC CBS FOX NBC & PBS.
Based on your ZIP Code, you'll need to aim your 4228 antenna ~100° East/SouthEast. Install it as high as you can.

Enter your complete address at ... to be sure of the channels you'll get.
If you know how high off the ground your mast will be, enter that. Otherwise, make a guesstimate. Height can greatly affect the results.
Select "POST-TRANSITION" and "ONLY DIGITAL" channel list. That will list the final channels you'll be getting between now & 2/17/09.

If you can't find a 7777 locally, try ... If you have questions, just call the number on the site. I've used them many times and never had a problem.

Don't mess with a cheap, noisy amp from a big box store.

Please post an update when you are done. I'm in Parsons and I have an antenna in attic and I'm able to get koam & fox ( digital). On the analog side all channels abc, nbc, etc. Ever think about aiming antenna towards Tulsa to pick up there digitals?

THE “CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC” GOES HD --

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008

The CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC will officially go live in HDTV Mon., July 28 and broadcast in the 1080-line interlace format. The CBS EVENING NEWS is broadcast weekdays 6:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. EDT on the CBS Television Network.

"The entire CBS Evening News team is excited that viewers can now watch our award-winning broadcast in HiDef," said executive producer Rick Kaplan.

Replacing a 20-plus-year-old control room, the HD broadcast will originate out of a new multimillion-dollar control room, which broke ground a year and a half ago and includes new graphics and conference rooms. 60 MINUTES is expected to go HD in September and all of CBS News’ broadcasts will be HD by the end of 2009.

Thanks, rhoops. I assume they'll be using an industrial strength soft filter on Ms Couric. :)

Any updates on kspr-dt progress?

The news is sooooo much better in HD, I will give Katie a try. I have watched more CNN the last couple of months, (since we have it in HD), than I have all 12 years put together that I have had satellite tv. NBC Nightly news has been great in HD.

Tower Dogs was really interesting the other night on Dateline,( and it was in HD). Hope the tower dogs are working to get 33 up and running, looks like a very dangerous job.

http://dtv.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=324647

Maybe they got tired of waiting on KSPR to get their act together...

http://dtv.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=324647

Maybe they got tired of waiting on KSPR to get their act together...

I'm sure they will blame it on the stations, retransmission agreements, etc. Who knows, but it has been a long two years since they announced "by year end".

arxaw, Still cool in the Ozarks ? I got the Zenith DTT but now 901... It is very good. I have a Sony TV with Digital Tuner & Sony Direct TV - with Digital tuner they sold for a short Time on My Antenna. The Zenith is best... , On signal streanth as well. My friend put Me in on the Gov. discount. I got it for My Vintage TV's so they won't go to snow in 2009... arxaw, Thanks for all the help in the DTT forums...

Dish is still saying Joplin is coming by years end, Springfield is still not mentioned.

I'm sure they will blame it on the stations...It's easy for the satcasters to skip a market for another nearby, when all of the originally announced market's stations still aren't broadcasting in HD yet. KSPR says "coming soon"... but where's the beef? Obviously not in Springfield.

G.B. Not very cool here. It's about 89° on our hill right now. :)

arxaw, I sent You a PM...

It's easy for the satcasters to skip a market for another nearby, when all of the originally announced market's stations still aren't broadcasting in HD yet. KSPR says "coming soon"... but where's the beef? Obviously not in Springfield.

G.B. Not very cool here. It's about 89° on our hill right now. :)

How about Jeff City - Columbia, 2 out of 4 OTA in HD I believe. They are on the latest list from Directv.

CBS distribution screwed up the audio and put the two channel audio on AES pair's 7 and 8 which is normally used as a SAP channel. We had to revert to SD for the first half of the show to have any audio on DTV.

By 5:45 they had fixed the problem and we could "normal up", so we had full HDTV.

Just as I expected there was substantal content played back in a pillar box, but it's a start.

Things should go better tomorrow.

For those of you following the CBS satellite upgrade, we now have the Netplus 300 IRD's in place to replace the Netplus 200's. CBS will commission us on August 19th. That should take care of the rare but irritating audio glitch.

I forgot to watch Katie in HD tonight.

It was reported earlier today that someone called 911 to report a unauthorized person near the top of KY3 tower in Fordland, police responded and found out it was actually a tower worker? Sounded to good to be true, anyone heard anything on this?

Tower Dogs was really interesting the other night on Dateline,( and it was in HD). Hope the tower dogs are working to get 33 up and running, looks like a very dangerous job.

Speaking of Tower Dogs...

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/26004519.html

It was reported earlier today that someone called 911 to report a unauthorized person near the top of KY3 tower in Fordland, police responded and found out it was actually a tower worker? Sounded to good to be true, anyone heard anything on this?

Simultaneous posts!

How about Jeff City - Columbia, 2 out of 4 OTA in HD I believe. They are on the latest list from Directv.Hard to say. Some of it has to do with spot beam capacity in an area. D* might be using spare capacity on KC & STL spot beams.

Regardless, DirecTV plans to migrate all local markets that are currently on the 72.5° sat. (which is leased) to MPEG4, ASAP. This is so D* won't have to lease sat space and customers won't need a second dish for locals any more. So, Springfield should still be in the running to be added to MPEG4 "soon"....

Hard to say. Some of it has to do with spot beam capacity in an area. D* might be using spare capacity on KC & STL spot beams.

Regardless, DirecTV plans to migrate all local markets that are currently on the 72.5° sat. (which is leased) to MPEG4, ASAP. This is so D* won't have to lease sat space and customers won't need a second dish for locals any more. So, Springfield should still be in the running to be added to MPEG4 "soon"....

Or moved to 110 sat when national MPEG2 HD is moved off, still in glorious SD...

Yep. Time will tell.

We got 17 more HD channels from dish, where is KSPR? Wasn't today the day to go full power?

Aren't they supposed to get on the air sometime in August?

August 18th is the deadline, I was told recently that they are still trying to decide how they want to send the HD signal from St Louis St to the Fordland tower. Evidently they don't want to spend money on equipment that they won't need sometime next year when they move to KY3 studios. Rhoops or someone with more technical knowledge may be able to elaborate on that .The move looks more like middle of next year at this point, plans are done, job is out to bid, construction to start later this year, or so I am told.

Looks like all discussions from last week are gone, anyone with info on KSPR as to when they might go full power, bring it on, get us excited.

Some people didn't like the way the Olympics looked on KY3, I think they looked pretty good compared to my satellite Olympic channels. I know my eyes aren't as good as they used to be, but I'm not to unhappy.

AVSForum had a crash and lost all posts back to Aug 1.

It was posted earlier that KSPR-DT is supposed to get their full power transmitter on the air by the 18th. High Definition to follow sometime later.

.

Does anyone know if there are more channels on the horizon? Recently I turned my tv on and i had 21, 21.1, .2, .3 which is normal. However, I also had .4 and .5. I then ran a channel scan and picked up channel 34 or something close to it plus a couple others. I dont think it was 31 from AR but it could have been as I have never received it before. I have yet to install my rooftop antenna so I have no idea what is in store for me when I do.

A co-worker of mine ran a scan on his DVR and received 8.1, .2, and .3. Do those mean anything out there or was it a fluke?

Thanks

Does anyone know if there are more channels on the horizon? Recently I turned my tv on and i had 21, 21.1, .2, .3 which is normal. However, I also had .4 and .5. I then ran a channel scan and picked up channel 34 or something close to it plus a couple others. I dont think it was 31 from AR but it could have been as I have never received it before. I have yet to install my rooftop antenna so I have no idea what is in store for me when I do.

A co-worker of mine ran a scan on his DVR and received 8.1, .2, and .3. Do those mean anything out there or was it a fluke?

ThanksKPBI, Eureka Springs ch 34 (http://i38.tinypic.com/2hdtyix.png) ("myNetwork") is flash cutting their analog station to digital sometime between now and 2/17/09. I haven't heard how far along they are, but the analog channel was dead earlier today. So, it's possible they're cutting it over. The digital station will be 1,000kW ERP.

Don't know what the 21-4 & 21-5 were. Might've been KOZK mucking with their PSIP signal.

KOMU in Columbia (http://www.fcc.gov/ftp/Bureaus/MB/Databases/fm_tv_service_areas/maps/DT606184.gif) may have been the DTV channel 8s your co-worker found. Finding odd channels is common in the summer, when they travel farther. Early to mid mornings and mid evenings are best for distant reception.

Does anyone know if there are more channels on the horizon? Recently I turned my tv on and i had 21, 21.1, .2, .3 which is normal. However, I also had .4 and .5.
KOZK will sometimes add an extra sub-channel or two for a few hours to air a seminar or special program. Last winter they added 21.4 for a couple of hours every Friday afternoon. It was a locally produced symposium for area teachers.

Ky3 must be messing with something, I'm having audio dropouts and signal breakup everyonce in awhile. Maybe they are figuring something out for KSPR.

Olympics on KY3 and KSPR digital upgrade the same week, gotta love timing.

Too bad the Olympics aren't on KOLR-DT or KSFX-DT.

A good thing the Olympics aren't on KOAM-HD or sister station KFJX-SD, same tower, Pittsburg/Joplin. Both stations went off the air at 12:20 p.m. yesterday while I was viewing the noon news. A brief explanation on the KOAM-SD evening news at 6, with film of tower work, that the interruption may last as long as several weeks.

Make that KFJX-DT.

Details:

http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8813221

http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8830280

Wow. KY3's signal just went down the tubes. Unwatchable.

How did it go down the tubes?

Some people didn't like the way the Olympics looked on KY3, I think they looked pretty good..

What size screen?

Olympics on KY3-1 look like crap on my 50" TV, compared to KNWA-DT and WNBC-DT NY. A blurry, pixelly mess at times, especially swimming.

Does anyone else's KSN-16.1 signal keep dropping out every so often? It does on mine, and I'm not sure if I need to move my antenna, to get better reception, or if they just don't have a very strong signal, yet.

I think KSNF-DT is still at low power and on a short antenna (maybe rhoops knows for sure?). See their FCC application here (http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101238065&formid=337&fac_num=67766), begging the FCC for a time extension to construct a new DTV facility.

What's your general location or ZIP Code?

What size screen?

Olympics on KY3-1 look like crap on my 50" TV, compared to KNWA-DT and WNBC-DT NY. A blurry, pixelly mess at times, especially swimming.

I agree. It sure looks like crap on the 73" screen here. Beautiful when they are still but fast movement (spinning diver for example) trashes the picture. I wonder if multicasting is the problem?

What's your general location or ZIP Code?

Webb City

...I wonder if multicasting is the problem?Of course it is. You can't do decent 1080i with sub channels. There isn't enough bandwidth to do it, especially on motion.

KY3's GM has admitted they have a problem due to multicasting. When KSPR-DT 19 gets on the air, they plan to move the CW to a sub channel on 19-2. That will help KY3's bandwidth starved HD picture. But it will be at the expense of ABC-HD. They are going to attempt two HD channels on sub channels of KSPR-DT. ABC-HD 720p & CW-HD 1080i :(

Webb CityYou should be able to get KSNF-DT in Webb City. But since they're low power and on a short antenna, you may need a good outdoor fringe antenna and maybe a preamp for more reliable reception.

What kind of antenna are you using?

Of course it is. You can't do decent 1080i with sub channels. There isn't enough bandwidth to do it, especially on motion.

KY3's GM has admitted they have a problem due to multicasting. When KSPR-DT 19 gets on the air, they plan to move the CW to a sub channel on 19-2. That will help KY3's bandwidth starved HD picture. But it will be at the expense of ABC-HD. They are going to attempt two HD channels on sub channels of KSPR-DT. ABC-HD 720p & CW-HD 1080i :(

Don't blame it all on KY3. some of that satellite feeds on Directv from USA and UniversalHD have the same problems at times with macroblocking. However I'm sure that Directv is to blame as well but HD sports on NBC in general has been an issue with macroblocking for quite a while.

I think KSNF-DT is still at low power and on a short antenna (maybe rhoops knows for sure?).

Thank you for this information. :)

I've been wondering why I can't pick up KSNF
more than a few minutes at a time, and poorly
at that. Analog is ghosty here, but very good
on most days.
I don't get KODE DT due to low signal as well,
but it too will come in now and then.
I bought a Terk HDTVa a few months ago and
find it ironic that now that I can receive all
my channels clearly, we are going to digital
and it's uncertain if I'll get those two channels
that I have always enjoyed for free.
I get three PBS, and CBS, Fox, although the
digital is being worked on the latter two are
down for perhaps a month. I really hope that
KODE DT will increase it's signal and KSNF
gets their act together eventually.
I think if the signals are stronger, I'll get it
all just fine.
I did move my Terk into another room, away
from the TV, where it seemed to pick up inter-
ference from the phone, or maybe the metal
window frames? I also put the plug to the
amp in there with it, instead of with the rest
of the electronics plugged in at the set. I've
noticed a much better signal and less drop
out.
We won't mention the tin foil additions...not
too sure that really helped. :o

Most Terk antennas are junk, but it you bought the one that looks like this (http://www.electotronics.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=94307), it's a knockoff of the Zenith/Philips/Antiference antenna, and about the best one Terk sells, although often overpriced. Unfortunately, that antenna is designed for UHF channels 14-69 only, and often works poorly on VHF (chs 2 thru 13). KOAM-DT is on VHF 13 now, and KFJX-DT will take over 13 in February, after KOAM-DT moves back to VHF ch 7. KOAM-DT 13 must remain at fairly low power until Feb. because of interference protection to KAFT, analog 13 in Fayetteville, Ark. If you're getting KOAM-DT with that antenna, you're either lucky or live close to the transmitter.

Actual VHF& UHF channels Joplin DTV stations are/will be on:
KOAM DT CBS 07 - VHF (Feb '09)
KODE DT ABC 43 (won't change)
KFJX DT FOX 13 - VHF (Feb '09)
KSNF DT NBC 46 (won't change)
KOZJ DT PBS 25 (won't change)

August 18th is the deadline, I was told recently that they are still trying to decide how they want to send the HD signal from St Louis St to the Fordland tower. Evidently they don't want to spend money on equipment that they won't need sometime next year when they move to KY3 studios. Rhoops or someone with more technical knowledge may be able to elaborate on that .The move looks more like middle of next year at this point, plans are done, job is out to bid, construction to start later this year, or so I am told.
Anyone know if 33 is still on track for the first of the week?

Olympics on NBC have looked fine for me... until today. Now it is very pixelated.

On another note, if I'm reading the last couple of pages correctly... the ABC affiliate in Springfield will be getting the HD towers up fairly soon, but won't actually start broadcasting HD for a few more weeks? Any idea if they'll be up and running before the football season starts?

Most Terk antennas are junk, but it you bought the one that lookslike this [URL], it's a knockoff of the Zenith/Philips/Antiference antenna, and about the best one Terk sells, although often overpriced. Unfortunately, that antenna is designed for UHF channels 14-69 only, and often works poorly on VHF (chs 2 thru 13). KOAM-DT is on VHF 13 now, and KFJX-DT will take over 13 in February, after KOAM-DT moves back to VHF ch 7. KOAM-DT 13 must remain at fairly low power until Feb. because of interference protection to KAFT, analog 13 in Fayetteville, Ark. If you're getting KOAM-DT with that antenna, you're either lucky or live close to the transmitter.

Actual VHF& UHF channels Joplin DTV stations are/will be on:
KOAM DT CBS 07 - VHF (Feb '09)
KODE DT ABC 43 (won't change)
KFJX DT FOX 13 - VHF (Feb '09)
KSNF DT NBC 46 (won't change)
KOZJ DT PBS 25 (won't change)


Thanks for the information. I've always had a hard time
receiving channel 7, and the fact that it's been on 13 lately
has been soooo nice. I don't know why Terk is getting it
for me when it's on 7, because I've been watching it as DT
for awhile before it was on 13.

I guess one reason could be that this Terk has really long
dipoles included, and the S Sensor in that photo does not.

Right now I'm not bothering with the digital unless it's
a good line up on PBS. The CBS and Fox are what I watch
more than any, and with the towers down I'm back on
anlog. I just wish they'd get it finished before the
season premiere of one of my shows on September 4th.
:(

Sorry, I am sure this has been discussed at some point in the previous 100 pages of posts, but I am new to the Joplin area (living in Carl Junction) and was wondering if there are any local networks available in HD, and what stations I can look to get here (OTA).
Thanks in advance for your help!
By the way, I am also currently renting so placing an antenna on the roof is out of the question for me right now. Are there any good indoor antennas that are good for pulling in signals from 30 miles away and less?

Thanks for the information. I've always had a hard time
receiving channel 7, and the fact that it's been on 13 lately
has been soooo nice. I don't know why Terk is getting it
for me when it's on 7, because I've been watching it as DT
for awhile before it was on 13.

I guess one reason could be that this Terk has really long
dipoles included, and the S Sensor in that photo does not.
I thought you said you had the HDTVa without dipoles? If you have the model they added dipoles to, that explains your VHF reception. The "xmas tree" part is for UHF and the dipoles are for VHF.

According to this thread over at dbstalk.com (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=136539), DirecTV is moving all local channels off the leased satellite space at 72.5° within the next year or so.

DirecTV customers in 72.5° markets like Springfield (that use a 2nd dish for locals) will have their two-dish installs replaced with a single larger MPEG4 capable dish, if the customer doesn't already have an MPEG4 dish. Also, all legacy MPEG2 receivers (both HD & SD) will be changed out.

I thought you said you had the HDTVa without dipoles? If you have the model they added dipoles to, that explains your VHF reception. The "xmas tree" part is for UHF and the dipoles are for VHF.

Sorry for the mix up. I may have meant that
the antenna in the picture via the url, didn't
have dipoles. Mine does.

Yes. I've never seen any Terks in this
area without the antenna, or maybe it was the
lower priced one next to the one I purchased.

I've always used dipoles for VHF, and used
to have to have the loop antenna on the tv
as well. I think this antenna is much better
than the loop, the dipole part is adequate,
but not much better. I'm just sorry to see
DT CBS go to 7 where it will be harder to
receive, but glad that Fox will be on DT 13
which I seem to be getting very well.

Since I can remember watching it, which is
likely about '59 or '60, channel KOAM with
rabbit ears has always been fuzzy and hard
to get. I hate to see it move from where it
is now, since it's very clear, even analog. I
guess they can't put them both there, for
whatever reason?

Once Bitten,
Your reception should improve dramatically, once all the Joplin stations get on their final channel assignments and increase power and tower heights. You should be able to get KOAM-DT 7 with the dipoles, too, and just as clear as it is now, since it's digital.

KSPR digital signal from downtown tower has been off all day, no new signal yet, I wonder how much the fine is for missing a deadline?

KSPR digital signal from downtown tower has been off all day, no new signal yet, I wonder how much the fine is for missing a deadline?
Not much. All it takes is a phone call to your Washington law firm and he makes a phone call to the FCC.

KSPR Full Power is up. 100% in Ozark.

I was just sent a TSReader capture. 720p and 5.1 audio. 17.45 Mbps for the HD picture.

- Trip

Well, now Bewitched is on in glorious HD.

It looks pretty good to me. Whatever the problems were, they finally got it working just fine.

Any reports from outlying areas?

KSPR-DT is 720p HD, 100% signal strength and 31 dB SNR down here in far western Carroll County, Ark.

http://i35.tinypic.com/i1xocn.jpg

Bewitched took a little bit before they threw the HD switch...

....Any reports from outlying areas?

My first post here, been lurking for quite a while and have read this WHOLE thread....thanks to all who have contributed!

I have about 72% on KSPR, located down in a hollow between Republic & Mt. Vernon (Chesapeake area), 20 miles west of Springfield. We are using the homemade "HDTV coat hanger" antenna that I built following a video on YouTube, it's about 40' up on our 50' tower, but soon to be replaced by a CM 4228. Other levels seen here are:

KYTV-82%
KOLR-77%
KOZK-85%
KSFX-92%

:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/barkeywayne/Antenna2.jpg

Welcome to the forum, phlatwound.

I've heard those coat hanger antennas work pretty good if built correctly, since they're based on the CM4221, sans reflector screen. The 4228 will probably get you 100s on all the Springfield channels.

How tall is your tower?
What's the antenna on top aimed at? Anything?

I've got a major audio sync delay on Bewitched on KSPR-DT. Anyone else have this issue?

Just tuned in KSPR showing 80% signal strength. I only have 40% signal strength on ky3.

I had a couple of dropouts, no sync issues. I wonder how many of us would have watched Bewitched if it wasn't the first oppurtunity to observe KSPR HD OTA. I probably wouldn't have. I thought there were some volume issues, but I was impressed with the start up. Now if KY3 would get onboard with 5.1 audio, there wouldn't be much more to ask for, except maybe HD newscasts, or HD weather overlays, or.....

Welcome to the forum, phlatwound.

I've heard those coat hanger antennas work pretty good if built correctly, since they're based on the CM4221, sans reflector screen. The 4228 will probably get you 100s on all the Springfield channels.

How tall is your tower?
What's the antenna on top aimed at? Anything?

Thanks for the welcome, arxaw, I've enjoyed and learned a lot from your posts.

As you can tell from my SQ numbers the coat hanger rig works pretty well, and I've gotten a few laughs from everyone that's seen it!

Our tower is almost 50' tall, I pieced it together from the salvageable pieces of a 150 footer that was blown down in Springfield. The antenna on top is aimed towards the Fordland towers...problem is it's 20 years old, has the old flat 300 ohm lead and one of the connections was pulled loose in the great ice storm of 2007, we were out of power for 14 days here. I would have to lower the tower to repair the connection, rather than do that I think I'd rather just climb it and U-bolt a new 4228 near the top, with a new run of RG-6. Any thoughts or ideas are most welcome!

Here's a pic of the other signal catchers in my yard:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/barkeywayne/SatCandKu.jpg

Thanks for the welcome, arxaw, I've enjoyed and learned a lot from your posts.

As you can tell from my SQ numbers the coat hanger rig works pretty well, and I've gotten a few laughs from everyone that's seen it!

Our tower is almost 50' tall, I pieced it together from the salvageable pieces of a 150 footer that was blown down in Springfield. The antenna on top is aimed towards the Fordland towers...It looked to me like it was aimed a different direction than the homemade antenna.

I'd rather just climb it and U-bolt a new 4228 near the top, with a new run of RG-6. Any thoughts or ideas are most welcome!I would be sure to use dielectric grease on the RG6 connectors and balun, to prevent corrosion. And compression-type RG6 connectors (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100605439&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=100605439&cm_mmc=1hd.com2froogle-_-product_feed-_-D27X-_-100605439). That might keep you from having to to climb up there again any time soon :)

You probably have a compression tool, but if not and you don't want to buy one, just go to a satellite dealer and buy a length of cable from them, with connectors already on it.

I had a couple of dropouts, no sync issues...I didn't notice any audio sync issues either. Only glitch I noticed was the brief delay in flipping the HD switch at the beginning of Bewitched.

It looked to me like it was aimed a different direction than the homemade antenna.

I would be sure to use dielectric grease on the RG6 connectors and balun, to prevent corrosion. That might keep you from having to to climb up there again any time soon :)

You probably have a compression tool, but if not and you don't want to buy one, just go to a satellite dealer and buy a length of cable from them, with connectors already on it.

Yes, the hangertenna is actually pointing quite a bit north of Fordland, but I got the best signal where it's at, weird deal.

Good call on the dielectric grease, I hadn't thought of that. My C & Ku-band hobbies have me well setup for any RG-6 cabling projects and I have a good supply of Thomas & Betts compression connectors. I don't mind climbing that tower, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if I didn't have to make a habit of it. ;)

...Good call on the dielectric grease, I hadn't thought of that. My C & Ku-band hobbies have me well setup for any RG-6 cabling projects and I have a good supply of Thomas & Betts compression connectors. You can get the dielectric grease at auto parts stores or rat shack. It's probably overkill with the T & B compression connectors, but I use it anyway.

During the KSPR 10 o'clock news, I didn't hear them say a single word about their new digital transmitter firing up, or the fact that ABC HD has finally gotten on the air for this market. Kind of a disservice to Springfield viewers and a slap in the face of the folks that worked hard to get the station on the air.

I'm getting 100% signal from KSPR here South of Crane with a CM4228, ( according to my dish dvr 722 anyway).

92% on KY3
96% on KOLR
100% on KSFX
89% on KOZK

I'm so glad they went HD, or I guess they have, I've only seen stuff in 4:3 so far. I just missed it a few minutes last night when I checked about 6:30. I hadn't been on the computer till now since last night.

Now I wonder how long it will take dish to get us some guide info.

During the KSPR 10 o'clock news, I didn't hear them say a single word about their new digital transmitter firing up, or the fact that ABC HD has finally gotten on the air for this market. Kind of a disservice to Springfield viewers and a slap in the face of the folks that worked hard to get the station on the air.
It's possible that they have more tuneup & proofing work to do over the next few days. They may be waiting until they know they're ready to keep the full power TX on the air around the clock. Or, they may just not care.

Now I wonder how long it will take dish to get us some guide info.KSPR-DT's guide info has been in DirecTV's guide for a long time. It's just that hardly anyone could actually receive the station. Maybe a receiver reset will get the guide data for you.

If not, KSPR needs to contact Dish Network's guide provider, Tribune Media Services, to get the channel added.

During the KSPR 10 o'clock news, I didn't hear them say a single word about their new digital transmitter firing up, or the fact that ABC HD has finally gotten on the air for this market. Kind of a disservice to Springfield viewers and a slap in the face of the folks that worked hard to get the station on the air.

I was told that they "...will probably wait a couple of days after that to promote to be sure everything is working...". and I am sure they will, they didn't spend a couple million just to hope someone notices.

Guide info working fine on my Dish 722.

Guide info is now working on my dish receivers, it just took a few minutes after I entered channel 19, I was surprised. I guess they were broadcasting digital( I had forgot) so dish allready had this done.

Thanks Guys,

I was told that they "...will probably wait a couple of days after that to promote to be sure everything is working...". and I am sure they will, they didn't spend a couple million just to hope someone notices.That makes sense. And as hard up as they are to fill the newscasts with anything local, surely they'll mention it, after everything's tested out...

That makes sense. And as hard up as they are to fill the newscasts with anything local, surely they'll mention it, after everything's tested out...

Or maybe not.... It's a little like when KOLR/KSFX finally got a satellite truck about 17 years after KY3 got one. We just started using it in the newscasts, with not a word of promotion.

Promoting a sat truck when you come that late to the party is not productive.

Likewise making a big deal out of being the last in town to bring OTA full power HD could be counter productive. Sometimes effective promotion keeps it's mouth shut.

I have been reading for some time. I recently moved to a low, low area in Ozark where it is impossible for me to erect an antenna. I used to live in an apartment (also in Ozark) where I could pull in every digital channel from Springfield with just a pair of rabbit ears.

So my question is two-fold:

1. Is there any indoor antenna that is worth the money that may allow me to compensate for my low elevation?

2. Does anyone have any reliable info when Suddenlink is going to be offering HD channels? They already offer it in Branson but not here. The landlord will not allow Dishes to be installed or I would go that route in a heartbeat.

Thanks all!

1. Is there any indoor antenna that is worth the money that may allow me to compensate for my low elevation?

No antenna can pick up a signal where it "isn't", and amplifiers only compensate for loss in the transmission line.

With that disclaimer, the "Silver Sensor" sold under several brands is not greatly expensive and works fairly well. Stay away from anything made by Terk.

...Likewise making a big deal out of being the last in town to bring OTA full power HD could be counter productive...They wouldn't have to make a big deal out of it, but they could at least inform their OTA viewers that they can now receive KSPR-DT by simply rescanning for channels. Most OTA viewers don't even know this forum exists, and would love to know they can get ABC in HD now.

.
No antenna can pick up a signal where it "isn't", and amplifiers only compensate for loss in the transmission line.

With that disclaimer, the "Silver Sensor" sold under several brands is not greatly expensive and works fairly well. Stay away from anything made by Terk.Irishfan87,
Exactly. There is no magic indoor antenna or amp that will get blood out of a turnip. If you're in a low lying area, you need a good outdoor antenna as high as possible.

A big +1 on the Terk antennas. Most of them are overpriced copies of antennas of other companies designs usually work better than the Terk knockoffs.

Even if you could put up a dish, there are no Springfield HD channels available on either Dish or DirecTV at this time.

Have you checked tvfool.com (http://www.tvfool.com) to see if any reception is possible at your address?

Trust me...I'm pretty bummed about all of this. I was getting GREAT reception at my old place on everything but ABC...but apparently that went online just recently. Now I have to settle for a crappy cable picture exacerbated by the fact that I have a 50" tv that makes it look that much worse when blown up. I argued successfully for a discount on my bill from Suddenlink since I am actually paying for a HD DVR but not getting any HD channels but college football (not to mention the Olympics) are coming up and I would LOVE to see my favorite sport in HD.

I get online at least once a week to "chat" with the Suddenlink people to find out when they are going to extend HD to Ozark to no avail. Branson tourists get 22 channels of HD. I get none. Grrr! Unfortunately, being a renter, I do not have the options that others have.

Thanks for the input everyone. If any new info comes out, please let me know, especially as it pertains to my crappy Suddenlink cable provider :)

GO IRISH!!
PASS RIGHT

2. The landlord will not allow Dishes to be installed or I would go that route in a heartbeat.



It's not up to the landlord if you put a dish up or not, if you have a balcony, put a pole in a cement bucket and go to town.

The FCC is on your side...

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Hello everyone. Just stumbled upon this forum when searching to see if anyone was getting our digital signal yet.

My name is Kevin Lighty, I am the chief meteorologist at KSPR. Just wanted to say hi and thank you for being patient while our engineers got our TX installed and running.

Hope you enjoy the new digital rogramming.

Curious to know how it looks to everyone.

I am preparing to run my RG-6 coax through the house and would welcome any thoughts/suggestions from the group.

Right now we are running off the coat hanger antenna, but will probably go with the CM4228, I should be able to get it about 45' in the air on our tower. Present signal strengths are:

KYTV-82%
KOLR-77%
KOZK-85%
KSFX-92%
KSPR-72%

I would like to feed 4 tvs (1 downstairs, 3 upstairs), 2 will (eventually) be HDTV's, the other 2 will be analog CRT's w/SD digital converter boxes.

Will a preamp (maybe a CM7777) be required to get sufficient signal to that many tvs?

What will I require as far as splitters?

Would the hookup be like: CM4228-->CM7777-->4-way splitter-->TVs 1-4?

Please educate me, thanks! :)

Trust me...I'm pretty bummed about all of this. I was getting GREAT reception at my old place on everything but ABC...but apparently that went online just recently. Yes, KSPR-DT (abc) went on the air yesterday.


What did the tvfool (http://www.tvfool.com/) site say about OTA reception at your address?

Hello everyone. Just stumbled upon this forum when searching to see if anyone was getting our digital signal yet.

My name is Kevin Lighty, I am the chief meteorologist at KSPR. Just wanted to say hi and thank you for being patient while our engineers got our TX installed and running.

Hope you enjoy the new digital rogramming.

Curious to know how it looks to everyone.Welcome to the forum, Kevin. Go back one page and there are several reception reports.

KSPR-DT's signal is coming in very strong down here in western Carroll County, Ark., West of Eureka Springs near the Benton/Carroll county line. Strongest signal of any of the Springfield stations, at least on my setup.

Will KSPR News be letting their viewers know about the new digital transmitter?

Yes we are probably going to do that tomorrow after we get the "official confirmation" from enginerring that it is up and good to go for good. They still have been doing some tweaking so before we went on air, we wanted to make sure we didn't eat our words when we say it is up and running to everyone!

... I would like to feed 4 tvs (1 downstairs, 3 upstairs), 2 will (eventually) be HDTV's, the other 2 will be analog CRT's w/SD digital converter boxes.

Will a preamp (maybe a CM7777) be required to get sufficient signal to that many tvs?

What will I require as far as splitters?

Would the hookup be like: CM4228-->CM7777-->4-way splitter-->TVs 1-4?I have a total of six TV tuners connected to my CM 4228 + CM 7777 combo, and the signal is plenty strong. And I live farther away than you do. Of course, terrain and elevation affect reception, so nothing's guaranteed.

The CM7777 preamp is in two pieces, the amp, which installs next to the antenna on the mast and the power supply brick, which must be installed out of the weather. An attic is a good place to put it for a multiple TV install. For a single TV, it just goes behind the TV. Power is fed through the coax to the antenna. Any splitters MUST be on the "TV" side of the power supply brick .


Multiple TV connection example:
http://i36.tinypic.com/2eqc6zk.gif

Yes we are probably going to do that tomorrow after we get the "official confirmation" from enginerring that it is up and good to go for good. They still have been doing some tweaking so before we went on air, we wanted to make sure we didn't eat our words when we say it is up and running to everyone!Understood!

Congrats on the new KSPR-DT. So far, so good. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon14.gif

I have five TV tuners connected to my CM 4228 + CM 7777 combo, and the signal is plenty strong. And I live farther away than you do. Of course, terrain may affect reception, so nothing's guaranteed.

The CM7777 preamp is in two pieces, the amp, which installs next to the antenna on the mast and the power supply brick, which must be installed out of the weather. An attic is a good place to put it for a multiple TV install. For a single TV, it just goes behind the TV. Power is fed through the coax to the antenna. Any splitters MUST be on the "TV" side of the brick.


Multiple TV connection example:
http://i36.tinypic.com/2eqc6zk.gif

Fantastic, really appreciate the picture, arxaw! My RG-6 lead off the antenna will enter through my rim joist into my basement, so I will probably locate the power supply down there, then hit my splitter and make my runs to each tv from there.

I'm thinking I probably should get a splitter with an extra port or 2 just in case I need more than 4 tvs, do they make a 1-into-5 (or 6), or do you just stack splitters?

How is the CM4228 & CM7777 pricing at that place you have mentioned in Eureka Springs? My Mom lives near the War Eagle Mill & Cavern area so I pass through Eureka occasionally, I would consider buying from them if the pricing was close. From what I've seen Solid Signal.com is hard to beat on the $ though. We used to have a couple Channel master dealers in the Springfield area but I think both are gone now.

Fantastic, really appreciate the picture, arxaw! My RG-6 lead off the antenna will enter through my rim joist into my basement, so I will probably locate the power supply down there, then hit my splitter and make my runs to each tv from there.

I'm thinking I probably should get a splitter with an extra port or 2 just in case I need more than 4 tvs, do they make a 1-into-5 (or 6), or do you just stack splitters?

How is the CM4228 & CM7777 pricing at that place you have mentioned in Eureka Springs? My Mom lives near the War Eagle Mill & Cavern area so I pass through Eureka occasionally, I would consider buying from them if the pricing was close. From what I've seen Solid Signal.com is hard to beat on the $ though. We used to have a couple Channel master dealers in the Springfield area but I think both are gone now.

You may want to get a termination resistor for each of the open ports on the splitter, might work without them but sometimes can cause signal issues.

I would use a hybrid VHF/UHF splitter with only as many splits as you need.

My bad. I miscounted my number of tuners. My coax is split to 4 outlets. Two of the outlets go to dual tuner HD DVRs, which split the signal again. Total tuners I'm running is 6.

Common Sense cellular/satellite/internet/TV in Eureka sells Channel Master equipment, mostly 4228 antennas and 7777 preamps. The 4228s are very popular here because of their high gain and good reception of chs 9 and up. And since much of this area is in roughly opposite directions from two markets, the 4228 can be easily modified to get both Springfield & Fayetteville markets without using a rotor, by removing the reflector screen from the antenna.

Being in a town of only 2300, Common Sense doesn't keep a lot of stock on hand, but can get stuff in pretty quickly. Call ahead for pricing and to see what they have in stock.
479 253-0066

Your cheapest source for the 4228 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) & 7777 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) combo is usually Warren Electronics. You can call them for exact shipping costs.
800 397-5301

At Common Sense, you'll pay local sales tax. At Warren, you pay shipping, but no tax.

You may want to get a termination resistor for each of the open ports on the splitter, might work without them but sometimes can cause signal issues.


Thank you molife, I would not have thought of this and I don't have any of those. I did find a 6-way splitter so I'll order a few terminators also.

I would use a hybrid VHF/UHF splitter with only as many splits as you need......

....Your cheapest source for the 4228 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) & 7777 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) combo is usually Warren Electronics. You can call them for exact shipping costs.
800 397-5301

I had seen you mention Warren earlier in the thread but had forgotten them, been checking their site and it looks like they have everything I need and competitive pricing, looks good.

Will this splitter work?

ITEM# CS206

Description: Philmore High-Q Silver Series Satellite Splitter, 6-Way
Completely Sealed Housing
All Ports Power Pass
5-2050 MHz Frequency Range
Built-in Two Grounding Block
Precision Machined Threaded “F” Connectors on All Ports with Weather Cap

Also, I am hoping to use a couple of older tvs to start with, they don't even have 75 ohm F-type antenna connections......can I go through my dig converter box then use a 75 to 300 ohm balun "backwards" and hook it to my VHF antenna screw terminals on the tv?

Getting excited, we've never had this kind of OTA reception on ALL the Springfield locals before, and more channels than ever! :)

I had seen you mention Warren earlier in the thread but had forgotten them, been checking their site and it looks like they have everything I need and competitive pricing, looks good.

Will this splitter work?

ITEM# CS206

Description: Philmore High-Q Silver Series Satellite Splitter, 6-Way
Completely Sealed Housing
All Ports Power Pass
5-2050 MHz Frequency Range
Built-in Two Grounding Block
Precision Machined Threaded “F” Connectors on All Ports with Weather Cap "Satellite Splitter"? That sounds weird. Warren has what you need here (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/splitters.htm). Every time you split the signal, you lower the signal strength significantly. I would only split it as many times as needed. You can always change out the splitter later if you want to try connecting more TVs.


Also, I am hoping to use a couple of older tvs to start with, they don't even have 75 ohm F-type antenna connections......can I go through my dig converter box then use a 75 to 300 ohm balun "backwards" and hook it to my VHF antenna screw terminals on the tv?Yes, that will work just fine. Heres a DTV converter box hooked to a 1954 RCA Color TV:
http://i37.tinypic.com/2ue43kl.jpg

"Satellite Splitter"? That sounds weird. Warren has what you need here (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/splitters.htm). Every time you split the signal, you lower the signal strength significantly. I would only split it as many times as needed. You can always change out the splitter later if you want to try connecting more TVs.


Yes, that will work just fine. Heres a DTV converter box hooked to a 1954 RCA Color TV:
http://i37.tinypic.com/2ue43kl.jpg

Since it had more info I "borrowed" those splitter specs from another site, that brand & model number (Philmore CS206) is the same as the one on Warren's site. I think they call it a "Satellite Splitter" because it is capable of handling up to 2K Mhz freqs.

Are you saying a 6-way splitter will degrade my signal more than a 4-way splitter, even if I am only hooked to 4 (or any other amount) of the outputs on a 6-way? I will be preparing my order today, thanks for your help!

I didn't even know they made color tvs in 1954, that is a COOL pic, talk about old/new technology! I have an old b/w that my grandmother gave me that looks similar, I need to see what brand it is and take a pic.

...I didn't even know they made color tvs in 1954Yep. The TV in that pic is an RCA CT-100, the first color set available. It was either a 12" or 14" screen, not sure. Cost: $1,000. In 1954 dollars. It's not mine, but I wish it was. Worth more than 1,000 bucks now.

The oldest color set I've owned was a 1959 RCA CTC-9 I got at an estate sale. It still worked and it looked identical to this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUtztAys3c
http://i34.tinypic.com/2jenxn9.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUtztAys3c)

Are you saying a 6-way splitter will degrade my signal more than a 4-way splitter, even if I am only hooked to 4 (or any other amount) of the outputs on a 6-way?Yes. You should uses a splitter with only the amount of splits you need.

Today KOLR-DT activated the Harris Netplus 300's which replace the old Netplus 200 IRD's.

We believe this will eliminate the occasional audio glitch that continued to plague us. Previously we traced it down to the CBS satellite rack.

I would appreciate any reports on any observed changes.

Congrats on the new equipment install. Will listen for the absense of absent audio...

Yep. The TV in that pic is an RCA CT-100, the first color set available. It was either a 12" or 14" screen, not sure. Cost: $1,000. In 1954 dollars. It's not mine, but I wish it was. Worth more than 1,000 bucks now.

The oldest color set I've owned was a 1959 RCA CTC-9 I got at an estate sale. It still worked and it looked identical to this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUtztAys3c
http://i34.tinypic.com/2jenxn9.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUtztAys3c)

Yes. You should uses a splitter with only the amount of splits you need.

Cool old sets, probably not many of that vintage still working these days, or people that know how to repair them. The old set I have is a Zenith, guessing it is a 50's model, also have an old Firestone floor model radio/phonogragh, no idea when it was born.

I'll go with 4-way splitter, was only considering 6-way for VERY occasional use on 2 of the outputs. I'll just run the coax for those 2 and swap a lead if I need to, thanks for the tip on that.

Anybody notice a signal drop on KSPR today? All my other Springfield locals are running at normal levels but I am seeing bounces from 20-35% on KSPR(after having a steady 72% since it fired up Monday) and some breakup, surely it couldn't be my high-$ coat hanger antenna? ;)

I'm still running at 100% on KSPR, and thanks KSPR for getting us full power HD before the nascar chase starts. I had to watch your sd broadcast last year, it was terrible.

I'm split 8 ways from my cm4228, 5 sat receivers, 2 tv's and 1 AVR, and still getting a very good signal with just cheap wal-mart splitters. I'm running 3 or 4 splitters, I have forgot without getting up and looking.

Regardless, it's still best to split the signal no more than the number of times needed.

I'm still running at 100% on KSPR, and thanks KSPR for getting us full power HD before the nascar chase starts. I had to watch or your sd broadcast last year, it was terrible.

Sounds like the signal issues I am (still) seeing on KSPR, are on my end.

I'll be having a long talk with the guy who built my coat hanger antenna, I'd fire him but he's the only one I can find that's dumb enough to climb the tower. ;)

My Warren order should be processed today, hoping to be a proud member of the CM 4228/7777 club soon.

If you ordered early today you may receive them Saturday. I ordered a couple monthes ago from Warren on a Thursday and FedEx brought it late on Saturday, I was shocked.

If you ordered early today you may receive them Saturday. I ordered a couple monthes ago from Warren on a Thursday and FedEx brought it late on Saturday, I was shocked.

He (Kevin) told me probably 2 business days in transit and that they would ship today, that would be great if they showed on Saturday!

Their shipping/handling price was outstanding, less than $20 for a CM 4228 & 7777, splitter and assorted connectors.

The coat hanger rig's days are numbered!!! :D

That's why I've always used Warren. Very fast FedEx ground shipping (sometimes 2 days), and usually the lowest total cost for what I need.

You should get good reception with the 4228/7777 combo on a tower.

KSPR has done a story on the upgrade, if you watch the video at the end the reporter does say they will eventually have their newscasts in HD. I am assuming after the move to Sunshine St.

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/27198869.html

21hawk, thanks for the link.

Well, now Bewitched is on in glorious HD.

It looks pretty good to me. Whatever the problems were, they finally got it working just fine.

Any reports from outlying areas?

West Plains

Signal Strength
KSPR 97-100
KSFX 88-93
KOZK 85-86
KOLR 89-90
KYTV 91-92

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=212175&page=9 Trivial Pursuit will be on KWBM but no time yet. Deal or No Deal will be on KY3 and Bonnie Hunt on KY3 if KY3 is NBC Owned. Don't know about the rest.

I live up around Camdenton, and I have a CM 4228 with Wineguard pre-amp (the big one, forgot the model). My antenna is pointed toward Columbia, so the back side is toward Springfield more or less. I was surprised to see KSPR pop up on my channel scan tonight. It was only getting 40%, sometimes 60% just long enough to see a pic for a second, then down to 0% and bouncing around. So I suppose even getting something off the back of the antenna is saying something! I'll have to swing the antenna toward Springfield and see what I get. That is the good and bad about living where I do. The good is I am in between markets so I can get both, the bad is I am on the fringe of both!

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=212175&page=9 Trivial Pursuit will be on KWBM but no time yet. Deal or No Deal will be on KY3 and Bonnie Hunt on KY3 if KY3 is NBC Owned. Don't know about the rest.
KY3 is owned by Shurtz and Bonnie Hunt will air at 3 PM on KOLR starting Sept 8 (replacing Judge Joe).

Also, even though Entertainment Tonight is heavily promoting HD, KOLR and KSFX will not have the technical ability to air syndicated programming in HD for a year or more. The only HD source will be CBS or Fox respectively.

If you ordered early today you may receive them Saturday. I ordered a couple monthes ago from Warren on a Thursday and FedEx brought it late on Saturday, I was shocked.


Ordered mid-day on Thursday, arrived today (Saturday) about 11:00 AM, everything appears to be here and in good condition. Kudos to Warren & Fed-Ex Freight!

Might strap on the climbing gear (parachute?) and tool belt this afternooon, I can't stand seeing that beeyooteefull antenna sitting on the ground much longer. :D

Another greenhorn question.......

Am I correct in thinking I need to put the CM7777's pre-amp box out on the tower, probably as close to the antenna as is practical? If there is no advantage to doing that I would put it in my basement but everything I've seen and read seems to favor putting it close to the antenna. :confused:

Also am assuming I need to use the "UHF or COMBINED INPUT" and the FM Trap Control should be set to "IN" (both of these are the factory defaults).

I am going to put the 7777's power supply in my basement near an AC outlet, then hit my splitter and feed the tvs from there.

Another greenhorn question.......

Am I correct in thinking I need to put the CM7777's pre-amp box out on the tower, probably as close to the antenna as is practical?
Yes, that's the way to do it. Putting the pre-amp at the antenna allows amplification before the transmission line losses.

The signal that is "lost" in the transmission line can't really be re-gained. Amplifing the signal at the far end of the transmission line will also amplify the noise. Once the signal to noise ratio is degraded it can't be fixed.

Yes, that's the way to do it. Putting the pre-amp at the antenna allows amplification before the transmission line losses.

The signal that is "lost" in the transmission line can't really be re-gained. Amplifing the signal at the far end of the transmission line will also amplify the noise. Once the signal to noise ratio is degraded it can't be fixed.

Thanks for the explanation, rhoops, that makes sense.

I have the same little 13" CRT SD tv/converter box combo hooked up temporary, that I had hooked to the coat hanger antenna, here's my new numbers (no amp or splitter inline yet) with the 4228:

KYTV-92%
KOLR-97%
KOZK-100%
KSFX-97%
KSPR-100%

....and I haven't even tweaked the aim yet! :D

Thanks all for your help, I think I'll bask in my success and enjoy a cool beverage, tomorrow I may tackle the amp/splitter cabling caper. :)

Hello everyone. Just stumbled upon this forum when searching to see if anyone was getting our digital signal yet.

My name is Kevin Lighty, I am the chief meteorologist at KSPR. Just wanted to say hi and thank you for being patient while our engineers got our TX installed and running.

Hope you enjoy the new digital programming.

Curious to know how it looks to everyone.

KSPR digital is looking good in Stoutland with a solid signal strength of about 85-90% on my Zenith DTT900 converter box and about the same with my Sanyo HDTV. :D

With those kind of numbers you may not need the pre amp phlatwound. I wouldn't use it if I didn't need it.

That was fast service you got from warren, same as I got couple months ago.

With those kind of numbers you may not need the pre amp phlatwound. I wouldn't use it if I didn't need it.

That was fast service you got from warren, same as I got couple months ago.

Is it possible that the preamp could "overdrive" the signal to where it was too hot on the tv input? Splitting it to 4 tvs should attenuate it some, but just in case I will leave enough cable in my setup to pull the amp and power supply out of the line if I need to.

I can't say enough good things about Warren, great product/pricing and delivery in less than 48 hours to our place out in the boonies, awesome!

Here's pic of today's project, the antenna is looking right into that walnut tree to the east, it will be going away this winter as it is also blocking the line-of-sight on my C-band dish past about 72W.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v646/barkeywayne/CM-4228AntennaInstall4.jpg

oh my god you must get the best signal ever.

Thanks for the explanation, rhoops, that makes sense.

I have the same little 13" CRT SD tv/converter box combo hooked up temporary, that I had hooked to the coat hanger antenna, here's my new numbers (no amp or splitter inline yet) with the 4228:

KYTV-92%
KOLR-97%
KOZK-100%
KSFX-97%
KSPR-100%

....and I haven't even tweaked the aim yet! :D

Thanks all for your help, I think I'll bask in my success and enjoy a cool beverage, tomorrow I may tackle the amp/splitter cabling caper. :)
I wish more viewers would do what you have done instead of paying cable and satellite providers every month.

You will have virtually perfect reception of 9 channels. No matter how transparent and "perfect" the other providers get, it can't be any better than you receive.

Of course we live in a country where people have perfectly fine water on tap and choose to pay upwards of a dollar a bottle for the stuff. I know there are plenty of people wanting "HD locals" via satellite or cable. Anyway it's right above your head and it's free!

The TV stations go to considerable expense to build and operate the TV transmitters, and put a digital signal out there. For a very small investment in money and effort you can get free HDTV without any monthly payments.

My thinking is the amp might amplify any noise you might be picking up. Someone else can give their opinion thats sharper than me on this. When I used the preamp it gained me about 10%.

My thinking is the amp might amplify any noise you might be picking up. Someone else can give their opinion thats sharper than me on this. When I used the preamp it gained me about 10%.
With DTV noise really isn't an issue unless it corrupts the signal beyond the error correction capabiity.
With that said, I quote Mary Poppins: "Enough is as good as a feast". If, after splitting you still have adequate signals at the receivers, you are doing just fine.

I posted this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14515098#post14515098) to the LR forum minutes ago.

I wish more viewers would do what you have done instead of paying cable and satellite providers every month.

You will have virtually perfect reception of 9 channels. No matter how transparent and "perfect" the other providers get, it can't be any better than you receive.

Of course we live in a country where people have perfectly fine water on tap and choose to pay upwards of a dollar a bottle for the stuff. I know there are plenty of people wanting "HD locals" via satellite or cable. Anyway it's right above your head and it's free!

The TV stations go to considerable expense to build and operate the TV transmitters, and put a digital signal out there. For a very small investment in money and effort you can get free HDTV without any monthly payments.

I couldn't agree more, this is going to provide the best reception we have EVER had here, and (except for a little equipment expense) it's TOTALLY FREE!

Since our reception of OTA analog channels has always been spotty, for the last couple of years we have been watching our network programming from our C-band dish, a Carribean digital mux on Galaxy 16, took a while to get used to seeing commercials in Spanish from the Virgin Islands. :D

There is so much stuff out there that is still transmitted in-the-clear on C & Ku bands, combine that with the OTA HD locals............bye-bye Dish & DirectTv!!! :cool:

My thinking is the amp might amplify any noise you might be picking up. Someone else can give their opinion thats sharper than me on this. When I used the preamp it gained me about 10%.He plans to split the signal between 4 & 6 TVs. Preamp is recommended, installed as close to the antenna as possible. Power supply can go anywhere between the amp and the splitter, but the power brick must be installed out of the weather.

He plans to split the signal between 4 & 6 TVs. Preamp is recommended, installed as close to the antenna as possible. Power supply can go anywhere between the amp and the splitter, but the power brick must be installed out of the weather.

I mounted the preamp about 2' below my antenna, on the tower...power brick is in my basement next to the splitter. Just one more room to hit with RG-6 from the splitter and the inside is done, still need to get some conduit to go from tower to house, then make the permanent antenna---> preamp---> splitter drop down the tower, getting close now! :)

My signals on the temporary setup have not budged from where they were, this rig should have solid signal in any weather. Time to take the wife HDTV shopping. ;)

Yes phlatwound if you don't have an HDTV yet, it is time to go shopping.You won't regret it. I was just looking for my brother, and bestbuy is 3 years no interest this week. Thats the way I have to do things. The last time I checked sears still is showing a sony 55" RP online at a great price. When these are gone they won't be anymore as sony don't make them anymore.Sears is the last place that even has these that I know of, they sold out of the 60".

I bought my 70" JVC from buydig.com last summer at a great price, free shipping and no sales tax. I sure haven't been sorry. They have some good prices on flat panels now.

The prices marked on tv's at BB, Sears etc. isn't always their bottom line, they will deal with you.

I wonder what the holdup is on ky3 going dolby digital? Kudos to them for being so quick to give the community ota hd, but it seems a bit unusual that they are last to broadcast in DD.

... The last time I checked sears still is showing a sony 55" RP online at a great price. When these are gone they won't be anymore as sony don't make them anymore.Sony doesn't make RP LCD projection TVs any more for a good reason. Chip failure due to heat from the projection lamp. I have one :(

Google: sony lcd projection blue blob

Or search AVS display forums for more info.

Yep. Sears will deal on price. A good reliable online source for TVs is Vanns, out of Montana. Free shipping and no sales tax.

Arxaw is yours the LCD or the LCOS, or as Sony calls it SXRD? I have an SXRD XBR1 and I have allready had my light engine fail, or chip failure what ever it's called. I had BB waranty that fixed it. They sure have a nice picture and good processing on sd also. I would hope they fixed this problem on the newer models. I really think the reason Sony stopped building them is because the future is in flat panels.

Is KSPR signal a lot stronger then anyone elses? I have a db8 mounted on my roof, and can get KSPR at 80% but KYTV at only 30%. Would like to be able to quit paying Direct TV for HD cannals from NY. But I can only get kspr consistantly. Thanks.

Is KSPR signal a lot stronger then anyone elses? I have a db8 mounted on my roof, and can get KSPR at 80% but KYTV at only 30%. Would like to be able to quit paying Direct TV for HD cannals from NY. But I can only get kspr consistantly. Thanks.
KYTV and KOZK are in the same location at KSPR-DT.

KOLR and KSFX are about 10 miles further north and lower in height.
If you can 10 or 20 feet to your antenna height things might improve greatly.

KYTV and KOZK are in the same location at KSPR-DT.

KOLR and KSPR are about 10 miles further north and lower in height.
If you can 10 or 20 feet to your antenna height things might improve greatly.

KOLR an KSFX are 10 miles further north....

I know what you meant, all these call signs get confusing after a while.

Arxaw is yours the LCD or the LCOS, or as Sony calls it SXRD? I have an SXRD XBR1 and I have allready had my light engine fail, or chip failure what ever it's called. I had BB waranty that fixed it. They sure have a nice picture and good processing on sd also. I would hope they fixed this problem on the newer models. I really think the reason Sony stopped building them is because the future is in flat panels.The LCD with (failing blue chip). Sony extended their own warranty on all of them until December of this year. I plan to get mine fixed soon.

I do like the HD & SD picture quality, and and prefer its upscaling of SD over most of the 1080p direct view LCD panels I've seen.

Is KSPR signal a lot stronger then anyone elses? I have a db8 mounted on my roof, and can get KSPR at 80% but KYTV at only 30%.KYTV-DT and KSPR-DT are on the same tower, and KYTV-DT (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=36003)'s antenna is about 173' above KSPR-DT (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=35630)'s, so it's not a terrain/distance issue. And their transmitters are very close to the same Effective Radiated Power.

It sounds like you may have a tuner, antenna, preamp and/or coax problem. Are you using RG6 coax? Are you using a preamp?

Thanks, MRUSS & arxaw, for the tv shopping tips, I had no idea that those places might negotiate on the prices. What are your thoughts on 720 vs. 1080?

Finished the permanent cabling last night, we are now running 3 tvs with analog signal from the CM4228, and 1 tv with digital through a converter box. Going to get 1-2 more converter boxes and 1-2 HDTVs, eventually. Still showing the exact same signal strengths as we had when the was 4228 run temporary straight to the conv. box.

Next project is to set and align another 10' C/Ku mesh dish and rework all my satellite cabling in the house..........one of these days I might even have time to WATCH a little tv instead of just working on it. :D

Thanks, MRUSS & arxaw, for the tv shopping tips, I had no idea that those places might negotiate on the prices. What are your thoughts on 720 vs. 1080?I would definitely get a 1080p HDTV with 120hz refresh rate, and the fastest response time (in milliseconds) you can afford. You may pay a little bit more, but the picture quality will be better. And it's something that should last you many many years.

Check the LCD Flat Panel Displays (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166) section of AVSForum, for discussion or questions about specific models before you buy.

I would definitely get a 1080p HDTV with 120hz refresh rate, and the fastest response time (in milliseconds) you can afford. You may pay a little bit more, but the picture quality will be better. And it's something that should last you many many years.

Check the LCD Flat Panel Displays (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=166) section of AVSForum, for discussion or questions about specific models before you buy.

I'll check out that forum section, thanks, we will probably be looking in the $1,000 range (if the "boss" will approve that much). I want to get something that is not already on the downside of the tech curve, for sure.

You brought up a good point earlier that I just picked up on......buying online and not having to pay Sales Tax, plus free shipping to my door, that's probably close to $100 savings right there.

The LCD flat panels is still a work in progress and haven't reached their full potential yet. I think they are much improved and I agree with arxaw to get a 1080p especially if its 46" or larger. There are better deals on the ones with only 60hz refresh rate, and I have read you might not be able to tell the difference. If it came to size vs 120hz and 60hz, I would choose size. Buying a name brand might have a better chip for proscessing sd, and that is important. You might get more size for your money with a RP DLP from Samsung or Mitsubishi and maybe a better picture. I'm just not a DLP fan, but they are probably fine.

Just spoke with someone at D* who told me that we were on the list for HD LiL next month. I questioned them, since we are not listed on the latest press release, and made sure they weren't confusing Spfd MA, and that wasn't it either. Here's a link.

http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/moreInfoText.jsp?assetId=1620002

Believe it when I see it, only 23 months since we were told we would have them.

I knew they were migrating the locals off the 72.5 bird within the next year. I guess they decided to go ahead and do HD, since they were moving them to an MPEG4 sat.

The LCD flat panels is still a work in progress and haven't reached their full potential yet. I think they are much improved and I agree with arxaw to get a 1080p especially if its 46" or larger. There are better deals on the ones with only 60hz refresh rate, and I have read you might not be able to tell the difference. If it came to size vs 120hz and 60hz, I would choose size. Buying a name brand might have a better chip for proscessing sd, and that is important. You might get more size for your money with a RP DLP from Samsung or Mitsubishi and maybe a better picture. I'm just not a DLP fan, but they are probably fine.
I have a 42" 1080i almost 2 years old and 47" 1080p which was purchase in November, same brand. Can't prove it but I feel the 47" has a better picture.

The fact that no one seems to want to pop for the equipment to get Syndicated HD tells me that both Schurz and Nexstar have NO regard for the viewer. Some of us do NOT want those screen burn causing black bars on our screens, and want to use our TVs as they were built.

C'mon if you're gonna spend the money to offer a digital signal with HD, why not go all out and give me a compelling reason to watch your stations.

I can barely stomach KOLR as it is and their lack of regard for my viewing experience (aka Nexstar's cheapness) really spells volumes to me how important the viewer (the one who REALLY makes the station money aka me) is. (I could be cared less about)

Its sad when KOMU of all people is far more advanced than this town is!

I'd be very surprised if you have to wait too much longer on Schurz. WDBJ, the Schurz station in Roanoke, already has such equipment, and shows Wheel + Jeopardy in HD. I can't imagine Springfield is too far behind.

- Trip

The LCD with (failing blue chip). Sony extended their own warranty on all of them until December of this year. I plan to get mine fixed soon.

I do like the HD & SD picture quality, and and prefer its upscaling of SD over most of the 1080p direct view LCD panels I've seen.

KYTV-DT and KSPR-DT are on the same tower, and KYTV-DT (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=36003)'s antenna is about 173' above KSPR-DT (http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?list=0&facid=35630)'s, so it's not a terrain/distance issue. And their transmitters are very close to the same Effective Radiated Power.

It sounds like you may have a tuner, antenna, preamp and/or coax problem. Are you using RG6 coax? Are you using a preamp?

I am using RG6 and preamp mounted next to the antenna. Using signal meter on my HR20, If I go direct to my tv signal strength is a little better. Thanks

I'm in the Pierce City area, and I am having trouble picking up some of the stations (KY3, KOLR, and KSFX) at random times. Right now I'm only using an indoor antenna set because the television is in a bedroom, not the main room. Am I right in assuming that these stations are just working on their signals or have them at low power? If I work at it, I can receive all of them at some point in time. The only stations I can't receive are those in Joplin and Pittsburg. Any info would help. Thanks!

I am using RG6 and preamp mounted next to the antenna. Using signal meter on my HR20, If I go direct to my tv signal strength is a little better. ThanksWhich preamp are you using?

I'm in the Pierce City area, and I am having trouble picking up some of the stations (KY3, KOLR, and KSFX) at random times. Right now I'm only using an indoor antenna set because the television is in a bedroom, not the main room. Am I right in assuming that these stations are just working on their signals or have them at low power? If I work at it, I can receive all of them at some point in time. The only stations I can't receive are those in Joplin and Pittsburg. Any info would help. Thanks!All of the Springfield stations are at their full Feb., '09 power levels. The Joplin stations are a mess right now, with some at low power or temporarily off the air.

To see what stations you might be able to receive in Feb., '09, enter your complete address and ZIP Code at:
http://www.antennaweb.org
In [+]Options at the bottom of the address page, add the height your antenna is above the ground.

For reliable reception at your distance to Springfield, you need to install an outdoor antenna and preamp.

Thank you! I'll take a look. And we do have an outdoor antenna, but the digital box isn't hooked up to it at the moment. We are waiting to do some moving around before we stick it in.

Just spoke with someone at D* who told me that we were on the list for HD LiL next month. I questioned them, since we are not listed on the latest press release, and made sure they weren't confusing Spfd MA, and that wasn't it either. Here's a link.

http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/moreInfoText.jsp?assetId=1620002

Believe it when I see it, only 23 months since we were told we would have them.

Haven't seen us pop up on any of the major satellite forums and they usually know in advance, I'm going to chalk this one up as yet another BS statement from either a D* or E* employee trying to make a sale or keep a customer :(

I'm in the Pierce City area, and I am having trouble picking up some of the stations (KY3, KOLR, and KSFX) at random times. Right now I'm only using an indoor antenna set because the television is in a bedroom, not the main room. Am I right in assuming that these stations are just working on their signals or have them at low power? If I work at it, I can receive all of them at some point in time. The only stations I can't receive are those in Joplin and Pittsburg. Any info would help. Thanks!

I think Pierce City is technically outside of the predictive range of Antennaweb, but with a decent outdoor antenna as high as you can get it you should be in good shape.

Haven't seen us pop up on any of the major satellite forums and they usually know in advance, I'm going to chalk this one up as yet another BS statement from either a D* or E* employee trying to make a sale or keep a customer :(It's on the D* web site.

I think Pierce City is technically outside of the predictive range of Antennaweb, but with a decent outdoor antenna as high as you can get it you should be in good shape.You are right. Unless there are hills in the way, Pierce City should get Springfield digitals with a good outdoor antenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) & preamp (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/7777.htm). It's closer to Fordland towers than I am, down here West of Eureka Springs, Ark., and I get all the Springfield DTV stations rock solid.

KSPR-DT's been receivable over 200 miles away, down in SE Arkansas, for about 4 days in a row.
http://tvdxseark.blogspot.com/2008/08/fourth-day-straight-this-week-for-kspr.html

Got my first chance to observe signal levels during a thunderstorm this morning, was very pleased to see no loss on any of the Springfield locals....in fact I saw KYTV hit 97-98% a time or 2 (it's been a rock solid and steady 92% ever since I hooked the converter box up).

All other channels were in the 97-100% range, with no fluctuation. It's amazing how good my signal is considering my antenna is looking directly into a fully leafed-out walnut tree that is 20' taller and only about 30' from the tower! That tree has a date with a chainsaw sometime this fall, for sure.

Haven't had any high winds yet, that will be the next signal test.

Got my first chance to observe signal levels during a thunderstorm this morning, was very pleased to see no loss on any of the Springfield locals....in fact I saw KYTV hit 97-98% a time or 2 (it's been a rock solid and steady 92% ever since I hooked the converter box up).

All other channels were in the 97-100% range, with no fluctuation.You shouldn't get rain fade and UHF holds up well during lightning and other electrical interference.

When KOLR-DT moves to VHF 10 in Feb., you may start having problems with dropouts on it during storms. VHF and DTV don't work well together during lightning. The lightning doesn't even have to be near your house. At least that's been the case in NW Ark. with (pbs) KAFT-DT on VHF ch 9. Very annoying when the audio drops out. This may not be a problem for viewers within closer range to KOLR-DT's tower. Time will tell...

It's on the D* web site.

Sure is...I stand corrected. September it is.

http://directv.com/DTVAPP/global/moreInfoText.jsp?assetId=1620002

Ozarks Public Television has secured grant funding for a dedicated DS3 circuit to the Joplin transmitter site. The analog and digital transmitters in Joplin have been fed by over the air reception of the Fordland transmitters, but this arrangement has long been less than 100% reliable.

After testing, KOZJ-DT was moved to the DS3 feed today with KOZJ-TV to follow in the coming weeks. OPT viewers in the Joplin area should experience much more reliable service after this change.

Ozarks Public Television has secured grant funding for a dedicated DS3 circuit to the Joplin transmitter site. The analog and digital transmitters in Joplin have been fed by over the air reception of the Fordland transmitters, but this arrangement has long been less than 100% reliable.

After testing, KOZJ-DT was moved to the DS3 feed today with KOZJ-TV to follow in the coming weeks. OPT viewers in the Joplin area should experience much more reliable service after this change.Thanks for the info.

On a similar note, AETN (Arkansas Educational TV Network) has obtained a grant to construct a new antenna for KEMV-DT 13 at Mountain View, Ark. They will also be quadrupling the power. Hopefully, the power increase will overcome some of the impulse noise interference problems for fringe viewers of this VHF channel.

Went down to my Mom's house (15 miles east of Rogers, AR, near War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake) this weekend and hooked up her RCA converter box to see what came up, got some confusing (to me) results.

She has a tower with typical old-style large UHF-VHF antenna about 45' in the air (aimed towards the Fordland towers), and for the last 12 years has received KYTV with almost perfect picture, and KOLR fairly well, as well as KBPI Channel 34 (excellent picture).

When I scanned for digital channels using that antenna I didn't get ANY of the Springfield locals, the only channels that were scanned in were 51.1 & 51.2 (I think these are KNWA & ????).

I had hoped that if she was receiving Springfield locals in analog that she would be able to get the digital signals also, but no luck. I also tried a scan with my homemade antenna and my Apex box with the same results.

I have attempted to attach her Tvfool info, it appears that she has LOS on some towers only about 7 miles away from her, but I'm not sure where they are at. If anyone would like to take a crack at this one, it would be much appreciated

Is it a VHF/UHF antenna? Does she have a preamp?

KNWA-DT 51-1(nbc-hd) & 51-2(fox-sd) are at Garfield, Ark., right off of Beaver lake. Analog 34 KPBI, Eureka Springs (myNetwork) is also very close to KNWA-DT. KPBI will go digital (34-1) between now & February. Those are her LOS towers, and can be picked up almost anywhere on the lake with little more than a coathanger. I can get them on one TV with NO antenna connected to the coax. I'm about 9 miles from those towers.

Getting VHF from Springfield is easier than getting UHF, because VHF is a bit less dependent on LOS than UHF. Also, if you can, return the RCA converter. They are crap and often do not work well in fringe areas. For fringe reception, you need a Zenith. K-Mart, Circuit City & some Radio Shacks have them. Best Buy sells them under their store brand "Insignia" - same box. $60 at all stores above except K-Mart, which sells 'em for $50.

War Eagle is a stretch for Springfield UHF. She should try to pick up Fayetteville, Ark. TVFool's stations at the top of their list are the easiest to receive. You need to swing your mom's antenna around to the south, roughly 200° to get Fayetteville.
http://i38.tinypic.com/106h7ux.png

If you have any more questions about the Ft. Smith/Fayettville stations, their thread is here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=463765&page=104

Is it a VHF/UHF antenna? Does she have a preamp?

KNWA-DT 51-1(nbc-hd) & 51-2(fox-sd) are at Garfield, Ark., right off of Beaver lake. Analog 34 KPBI, Eureka Springs (myNetwork) is also very close to KNWA-DT. KPBI will go digital (34-1) between now & February. Those are her LOS towers, and can be picked up almost anywhere on the lake with little more than a coathanger. I can get them on one TV with NO antenna connected to the coax. I'm about 9 miles from those towers.

Getting VHF from Springfield is easier than getting UHF, because VHF is a bit less dependent on LOS than UHF. Also, if you can, return the RCA converter. They are crap and often do not work well in fringe areas. For fringe reception, you need a Zenith. K-Mart, Circuit City & some Radio Shacks have them. Best Buy sells them under their store brand "Insignia" - same box. $60 at all stores above except K-Mart, which sells 'em for $50.

War Eagle is a stretch for Springfield UHF. She should try to pick up Fayetteville, Ark. TVFool's stations at the top of their list are the easiest to receive. You need to swing your mom's antenna around to the south, roughly 200° to get Fayetteville.
http://i38.tinypic.com/106h7ux.png

If you have any more questions about the Ft. Smith/Fayettville stations, their thread is here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=463765&page=104

Thanks for the info, arxaw.

Yes, it is a UHF/VHF antenna...no, I don't think she has a preamp, unless it is in the attic.

I've driven through Garfield hundreds of times and didn't realize those towers were near there, 99% of the time has been in the daytime where I couldn't see the tower lights though, wondered where they were.

She would really like to get the Springfield locals if possible and really needs a new antenna/splitter/cabling anyway, so I may get her a CM4228 and try for Springfield, if that doesn't work we can always turn it to Fayetteville and go with that. I'll check out the Ft. Smith/Fayetteville thread also.

I have had pretty decent luck with the DTVPal from Dish network. I don't know if anyone else has tried this box, but it is decent. I set one up at my in-laws who are about 80-90 miles from Springfield and it picked up everything in the 90+ signal strength range.

Where can I buy a silver sensor antenna around Springfield, and which is best the Zenith or Phillips? My son is living in an apartment in Republic and needs to pickup locals . May have to go to the web and find them, where would be the best deals. Thanks

I have had pretty decent luck with the DTVPal from Dish network. I don't know if anyone else has tried this box, but it is decent. I set one up at my in-laws who are about 80-90 miles from Springfield and it picked up everything in the 90+ signal strength range.


scottmo, approximately where do your in-laws live? I read some reviews on the DTVpal, sounded decent.

Where can I buy a silver sensor antenna around Springfield, and which is best the Zenith or Phillips? My son is living in an apartment in Republic and needs to pickup locals . May have to go to the web and find them, where would be the best deals. Thanks

I think I have seen them at Circuit City, don't think they have them at Best Buy though.

Not sure about where to find the best price, might be hard to beat a local price if you had to pay shipping.

Where can I buy a silver sensor antenna around Springfield, and which is best the Zenith or Phillips? My son is living in an apartment in Republic and needs to pickup locals . May have to go to the web and find them, where would be the best deals. ThanksJust google silver sensor. Beware of TERK knockoffs. I've seen them on Amazon fairly cheap. Also check Circuit City locally.

AFAIK, the Zenith, Philips and Antiference brands are identical. I think Antiference invented the original SS it for the European market, but not sure.

scottmo, approximately where do your in-laws live? I read some reviews on the DTVpal, sounded decent.

They live in the Northern part of the Springfield market, near El Dorado Springs. They have one of the big Radio Shack antennas, the "210 mile" VHF/UHF version or whatever the biggest monster they sell is. They also have the Radio Shack pre-amp, which I understand has a pretty high noise factor and reviews indicate not a great pre-amp.

The DTVPal is cool, and has a great "full" program guide, not just the "what's on now" and "what's on next" type of deal. It is a small box and easy to hook up. Searching for new channels is easy. So far it is going over well with them! We picked up ABC 33 with 98%.

Some of the Springfield HD Locals showed up on DirecTV this morning. No HD content to look at yet, but what's on now looks pretty good.

KOLR 10 - HD
KSFX 27 - HD
KSPR 33 - HD
KYTV 3 - Still only SD

I wasn't expecting PBS to come on yet, but does anybody know what the holdup is with KY3? I guess I won't look a gift horse in the mouth, though. If the HD quality is good enough, recording from the satellite will save a lot of space on my DVR.

Thanks for the update, coptersc.

I wasn't expecting PBS to come on yet, but does anybody know what the holdup is with KY3? I guess I won't look a gift horse in the mouth, though. If the HD quality is good enough, recording from the satellite will save a lot of space on my DVR.
It's all about retransmission consent agreements. Nexstar/Mission just signed with D* and AT&T U-Verse.
KOZK and Mediacom took a long time to come to an agreement. KOZK has to pay for programming and rely on memberships for income. They naturally want some of that money back from satellite and cable providers.

Technically, there is no problem with either D* or E*. They both have remotely tunable DTV receivers feeding fiber at the KYTV studio.

Once when KOLR analog had an audio problem, the Dish Network called me and requested permission to air the DTV signal until the problem was resolved. After I sent them an e-mail giving permission they remotely switched to the DTV off air signal for their feed.

Is it? I'm surprised that KSPR would be up there and not KYTV, since they're both owned by Schurz.

- Trip

...Technically, there is no problem with either D* or E*. They both have remotely tunable DTV receivers feeding fiber at the KYTV studio.Will KYTV & KSPR both have direct fiber feeds (instead of OTA) to the D* uplink facility?

If so, will this solve the bandwidth issues that currently plague NBC-HD on KYTV (and eventually ABC-HD/CW-HD on KSPR) received OTA?

Is it? I'm surprised that KSPR would be up there and not KYTV, since they're both owned by Schurz.
KSPR is technically owned by Perkin Media. It is only operated by KY3/Schurz.

Will KYTV & KSPR both have direct fiber feeds (instead of OTA) to the D* uplink facility?
The local receive facility (LRF) for both DirecTV and Dish in Springfield is at KY3's studios. No fiber or OTA required.

DirecTV does not specifically list an HD LRF for Springfield, but one would think it would be at the same place (KY3).

The local receive facility (LRF) for both DirecTV and Dish in Springfield is at KY3's studios. No fiber or OTA required.

Not even a short piece of fiber? How do they get from studio to uplink?

:)

They live in the Northern part of the Springfield market, near El Dorado Springs. They have one of the big Radio Shack antennas, the "210 mile" VHF/UHF version or whatever the biggest monster they sell is. They also have the Radio Shack pre-amp, which I understand has a pretty high noise factor and reviews indicate not a great pre-amp.

The DTVPal is cool, and has a great "full" program guide, not just the "what's on now" and "what's on next" type of deal. It is a small box and easy to hook up. Searching for new channels is easy. So far it is going over well with them! We picked up ABC 33 with 98%.

Eldo Springs, home of Carl's Gun Shop, one of the coolest gun museums I have ever seen. :cool:

I'm going to get 1-2 more converter boxes, I'll check out the DTVPal, thanks.

Not even a short piece of fiber? How do they get from studio to uplink?
I guess I am confused by your original post. The DirecTV uplink is in Colorado, too far for OTA reception, so I assumed you were asking about how the stations would get to the local receive facility (which is located at KY3).

Backhaul from the LRF to DirecTV is almost certainly via fiber or other dedicated circuit, and I think it is unlikely that they would support separate fibers for separate stations, although there may be a primary and backup path. Most likely all stations' signals are multiplexed onto the same fiber.

One thing with KOZK...for now at least, the HD version is more or less seperate from the SD version. Very little is simulcast. And its also the national PBS feed

I guess I am confused by your original post. The DirecTV uplink is in Colorado, too far for OTA reception, so I assumed you were asking about how the stations would get to the local receive facility (which is located at KY3).Sorry, I was referring to the local uplink facility in Sprinfield (aka Local Receive Facility), where DirecTV uplinks the local channels to CO for re-uplinking to D11.

Hey guys I found this today?
FYI

Hell freezes over, new DirecTV HD TiVo on the way
by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Sep 3rd 2008 at 8:56AM



We had to pinch ourselves and check to see if it was April 1st, because after three years of hearing TiVo fans complain that DirecTV killed off the HD DirecTV TiVo on its move to MPEG4, the satellite company has finally listened. TiVo and DirecTV announced today that sometime during the second half of 2009, a new HD DirecTV TiVo will be available and will include "the latest TiVo and DirecTV features and services" -- there is however no word if this will include favorites such as TiVoToGo or Multi-Room viewing. Like the previous TiVo models made specifically to work with DirecTV, it will be sold and marketed through DirecTV -- at a yet to be announced price -- and as we've seen in other recent TiVo deals, DirecTV will continue to market and support its own DVR as a "primary offering" which is just fine with us, just so long as we have a choice in the matter, we're cool.

[Thanks, Brad]

KSPR not showing OU in HD? Typical...

The OU game is being shown on KHOG-DT Fayetteville, in SD.

At the moment, KSPR-DT's showing the Wake Forest game in SD.
KATV-DT in Little Rock is showing Wake Forest in HD, so I know it's being broadcast in HD. Whoever's running KSPR must be asleep at the switch. Or maybe they don't know what that switch is for, yet.

KY3's equipment is a few years old, so I can kinda understand why it needs somebody to man the switch. But KSPR's equipment is brand spankin' new. How can it not be fully automatic?

KY3's equipment is a few years old, so I can kinda understand why it needs somebody to man the switch. But KSPR's equipment is brand spankin' new. How can it not be fully automatic?Depends on what equipment they have and how/where the switching is taking place. It could be done in another city, like KNWA-DT (NBC) in Fayetteville. It's switching is done down in Little Rock.

On the Wake Forest game, it's definitely due to a switching fault, because it's in HD on KATV-DT in LR.

Is it certain that the OU game was being shot/produced in HD? KMBC in KC was also showing the game in SD. My guess is that the game was not HD produced. Just a guess.

Skid

I am fairly certain that I saw HD highlights on ESPN.

Did a search and found an explanation. It was shot in HD, but ESPN/ABC only has the ability to send two HD streams at the same time.

Not 33's fault, just ABC/ESPN sucking as a whole :(

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1063841&highlight=ou

I'm enjoying watching the backhaul of the Tour of Missouri bicycle race. For those of you with digital Ku satellite capability it's on:

Galaxy 17 - 91 deg west.
12113.5 Mhz Vertical
Symbol rate 6.1113
Data Rate 8.448
FEC 3/4

Here's the story of the technology. The gyro stabilized cameras are on motorcycles equipped with digital 2 Ghz microwave transmitters. These are received by an orbiting airplane, then re-transmitted to a satellite uplink truck parked at the Jordan Valley Ice Park.

That truck backhauls to the network. As I write this they are between Stockton lake and Fairplay on Hwy 32.

I'm totally amazed to see a live picture as they race along.

For those of you with DBS subscriptions it's on Universal Sports.

Thanks, rhoops. I've wondered how they do those motorcycle cams.

A few days ago I heard Nexstar had signed a retransmission consent agreement with ATT U-Verse. Now I see a small amount or rack space in the KOLR / KSFX satellite/fiber room, (just below Mediacom's fiber interface) marked: "ATT Fiberoptic". I take this as a sign the ATT U-Verse will be taking KOLR / KSFX via fiber and that ATT U-Verse will be coming to Springfield soon.

As Mediacom cable internet subscriber with the "extreme" internet service of 20 / 2, I am not impressed with U-Verse internet speeds or the bandwidth of the TV capacity. It's nothing like Verizon's FIOS.

Anyway I think U-Verse is coming to Springfield soon. Choice is good, but I think I'll stay with Mediacom.

A few days ago I heard Nexstar had signed a retransmission consent agreement with ATT U-Verse. Now I see a small amount or rack space in the KOLR / KSFX satellite/fiber room, (just below Mediacom's fiber interface) marked: "ATT Fiberoptic". I take this as a sign the ATT U-Verse will be taking KOLR / KSFX via fiber and that ATT U-Verse will be coming to Springfield soon.

As Mediacom cable internet subscriber with the "extreme" internet service of 20 / 2, I am not impressed with U-Verse internet speeds or the bandwidth of the TV capacity. It's nothing like Verizon's FIOS.

Anyway I think U-Verse is coming to Springfield soon. Choice is good, but I think I'll stay with Mediacom.

You couldn't pay me money to ever take Mediacom again. Not in downtown Springfield. With all the college kids down here, I couuldn't get any kind of use of phone or internet so I fired 'em for DSL and Directv. I'm much happier.

That 20/2 is dependent on how many people are in your neighborhood. Around here I'd laugh if I got much over 5/500k.

That 20/2 is dependent on how many people are in your neighborhood. Around here I'd laugh if I got much over 5/500k.
I typically get 17 M down and 1.8 upstream.
Occasionally on a busy night the downstream speed drops below 10 Mbps, but it's always faster then the ATT DSL maximum of 6 MBPS. Upstream speed is remarkably consistent. No other residential internet offering comes anywhere close.

So..... are you going to go for ATT U-Verse when it is offered?

I'm enjoying watching the backhaul of the Tour of Missouri bicycle race. For those of you with digital Ku satellite capability it's on:

Galaxy 17 - 91 deg west.
12113.5 Mhz Vertical
Symbol rate 6.1113
Data Rate 8.448
FEC 3/4

Thanks for this info, rhoops. I didn't check in here yesterday but I'll swing my little .9 meter dish over to G17 today and see if that feed still up at that location.

I typically get 17 M down and 1.8 upstream.
Occasionally on a busy night the downstream speed drops below 10 Mbps, but it's always faster then the ATT DSL maximum of 6 MBPS. Upstream speed is remarkably consistent. No other residential internet offering comes anywhere close.

So..... are you going to go for ATT U-Verse when it is offered?


If I can get faster internet, maybe. But I'm not about to give up being able to watch things other than low budget tv stations to do it.

Does anyone know why KY3 has not passed their HD signal to Directv?

Have been told that D* wants to dictate the agreements for all Schurz stations, and that KY3 is powerless to make their own agreement. I thought that normally the station owners hold out, (see LIN TV) but I guess Directv is turning the tables as the markets get smaller and they have 3 of 4. Most of Schurz's other markets are scheduled for launch soon by D*, and with D* having reached an agreement with Nexstar recently, they might be in the driver's seat.

I was told KYTV-DT isn't on D* for the same reason KSPR-DT isn't on Eureka Springs' cox cable system. Neither station has signed a carriage agreement yet with the providers that aren't yet carrying them.

KY3 has no say in the matter, Schurz hasn't signed the agreement, supposedly because D* is using KY3 carriage as a bargaining chip for carriage agreements for all the Schurz stations. Of course this info may not be completely unbiased, but it is what was told to me.

... this info may not be completely unbiased...Of course it's not.

Hello all, I am not new around AVS, however, I am new to this particular forum. I spent a lot of time in my hometown of Wichita, KS forum and now that I have moved out here to Pittsburg State, I figured I would switch over to a more local forum, of which this one appears to be the closest. Basically, my first question is if anybody on this forum lives in Pittsburg and is currently using OTA signals to get HD. I brought my fancy HD tv up here, but I sure miss HD, and being a college student, paying Cox for HD isn't on the top of my list, but not out of the question. I have a little indoor antenna that worked perfectly for HD back in Wichita, not so much luck here. :-) Basically trying to weigh the options of $5 a month or buying an antenna that can get me HD. Any help would be appreciated!

Not all Joplin/Pittsburg stations are even HD yet. And some are still only low power, or only on a sub channel of another station. The HD and OTA reception situation there should improve by February when analog TV is shut down.

And isn't KOAM-DT completely off the air, at this time? Or has that made it back on the air yet?

- Trip

And isn't KOAM-DT [13] completely off the air, at this time? Or has that made it back on the air yet?It may still be, Trip. Not sure, though. I can't get it, due to co-channel inferference from KAFT analog 13 in Arkansas.

Hello all, I am not new around AVS, however, I am new to this particular forum. I spent a lot of time in my hometown of Wichita, KS forum and now that I have moved out here to Pittsburg State, I figured I would switch over to a more local forum, of which this one appears to be the closest. Basically, my first question is if anybody on this forum lives in Pittsburg and is currently using OTA signals to get HD. I brought my fancy HD tv up here, but I sure miss HD, and being a college student, paying Cox for HD isn't on the top of my list, but not out of the question. I have a little indoor antenna that worked perfectly for HD back in Wichita, not so much luck here. :-) Basically trying to weigh the options of $5 a month or buying an antenna that can get me HD. Any help would be appreciated!

Squid7085,

Although it seems like it was a long time ago, I remember trying to scrape up enough cash for Tuition and books and beer... mostly beer, but that is another story. Here is something you might want to try. You can build an OTA HDTV antenna for almost no money (the only thing I had to pay for when I built mine was a balun from radio shack, and it was less than $2). All you need is a hand full of coat hangers, a little scrap wood, and some aluminum foil. I don't know how well It will work for you out in Pittsburg, but it works great for me just south of Springfield.
I was fairly skeptical when I first heard about this, but figured it wouldn't cost me anything to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised - amazed, actually - at how well it worked. I built both of these and had slightly higher signal strength on the one with aluminum foil reflector(maybe 3% or 4% higher) than on the one without. I reckon that the one with the reflector would be better choice since you are farther away from the tower than I am, but that is just a guess on my part. Here are the links:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWQhlmJTMzw



http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/



Good luck!

Scott



p.s. I found out quite by accident that these also make excellent radio antennas.

The home made UHF antenna is definitely worth a try and won't cost much more than a balun/transformer. It may or may not work for KOAM-DT, which is in the VHF band.

CopterSC, do you get KOLR analog 10 with the antenna(s) you built? If so, it might pick up KOAM-DT 13, too, although 13 is at reduced power, due to interference protection of KAFT 13 in Arkansas.

KOAM-DT VHF 13 will move to VHF 7 in a few months.

Hey guys,

What's my best option for recording tv once February rolls around? Currently I have a VCR and Magnavox DVD Recorder. Both have analog tuners. My tv has a digital tuner so that is fine. To do any recording do I need new devices or will getting a converter box help out at all with my current hardware? I have a feeling that it won't help but I could be wrong. Any help and suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks

What's my best option for recording tv once February rolls around? Currently I have a VCR and Magnavox DVD Recorder. Both have analog tuners...If you want to continue using your VCR or DVD recorders, buy a digital converter box and connect it to your VCR/DVD recorder.

Use the converter box's Audio/Video cable connections for the best picture quality (not the RF "Ch 3/4" connector).

Set the VCR or DVD recorder's channel/input to Line In or AUX, depending on how yours is labeled. Put the digital converter box converter box on the channel you want to record and hit the record button.

And don't wait until February. Get a converter box now. The picture quality of recordings using a DTV converter box is far superior to analog TV. And there may be a shortage of boxes near the Feb. deadline.

The Zenith boxes sold at Circuit City, some K-marts and Radio Shacks has the best tuner available for weak signals or multipath (ghosting) problems. Best Buy also sells a clone of the Zenith under their house brand "Insignia."

Hey guys,

What's my best option for recording tv once February rolls around? Currently I have a VCR and Magnavox DVD Recorder. Both have analog tuners. My tv has a digital tuner so that is fine. To do any recording do I need new devices or will getting a converter box help out at all with my current hardware? I have a feeling that it won't help but I could be wrong. Any help and suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks
You could get a digital tuner for your computer and record to your hard drive. That's what I think I'll do.

KOAM and KSFX DT are still down while they put up there new Antenna, they're getting closer the new tower should be up and running sometime next week and I believe they are going to be running full power once they turn it on atleast I think I remember reading that. KOAM (CBS)does broadcast in HD but KSFX (FOX) is still in SD atleast it was when they turned the DT feed off. I'm kind of hoping they will start to broadcast in HD once the new tower is turned on but thats me just guessing. Nexstar stations KSNF (NBC) broadcasts in HD but KODE (ABC) does not and with having Nexstar owning these stations and with there track record I feel fortunate I get atleast one of them in HD. You can also get KOZK (PBS) in HD as well and they do air subchannels. Thats about it welcome to way behind HD joplin broadcasting

KOAM and KSFX DT are still down...KFJX is in Joplin.
KSFX is in Springfield.

.

...You can also get KOZK (PBS) in HD as well...KOZJ is Joplin's PBS affiliate.
KOZK is in Springfield.

Richie_chi,

I long ago gave up onwhat you call "way behind HD Joplin broadcasting." I turned my rooftop Yagi rotor antenna toward Springfield and receive ABC's KSPR most evenings and early mornings at my mid-south Joplin location. HD reception of the other Springfield stations is periodic. No doubt arxaw's recommended 4228 antenna would bring them in much better. Joplin area HD and digital channels are strong enough to come in on the back of my simple yagi. By the way, I haven't seen any comment here yet of KSPR's news story last night of groundbreaking yesterday for their new studios on Sunshine.