Ok, so a new unit should be here in 2-5 days. The old HD-TiVo is still stuck on the clear and delete everything screen (has been for two days). It was pretty painless to get a new unit (even shipped to my work address), and hopefully, it will be a new unit, and not a refurb. [jag flame suit on]

I just noticed something about my cox dvr, so please let me know if this is a basic feature of dvr's. Yesterday, I was watching an hour long show and 45 minutes into it I decided to start recording. When I went to play it back to show my girlfriend, it had recorded the whole hour long show. Is this normal?...........

Yes. Most of the DVR's automatically tape whatever you are watching so you can rewind. If you had been watching the whole show, the DVR would have recorded it and when you press "record" it gives you everything it has recorded up until that point. I don't think most back-tape 45 minutes though... I believe the Tivo is only 30 - I could be wrong though

I know replay wont go back that far.... Although it doesnt really suprise me that a new DVR would record an hour as its buffer.

Hopefully vooms pvr will have 1 hr buffer.

And elspankdog, normally Id give you hell (and you know i take every oppertunity to D* bash) but theres nothing funny about a dead 1k device.... Ill grieve right there with you (atleast they arent giving you crap about replacing it).... even though losing recorded programs wont be a problem on vooms pvr system since I will most likely be getting 2 PVR tuners (if pricing is what its expected to be) and they act as one monster tuner so they act as one pvr. Hopefully voom will program a way to shift programs between PVR hard drives.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Ok, so a new unit should be here in 2-5 days. The old HD-TiVo is still stuck on the clear and delete everything screen (has been for two days). It was pretty painless to get a new unit (even shipped to my work address), and hopefully, it will be a new unit, and not a refurb. [jag flame suit on]
So that is pretty good they are sending a replacement out even though you told them you voided the warranty by opening the box! ;)

Originally posted by labmansid
So that is pretty good they are sending a replacement out even though you told them you voided the warranty by opening the box! ;)

I bet that small detail was omitted. Lesson #1 for using HD-TIVO: dont upgrade the PVR Hard Drives ;)

BTW did any of you hear about the infamous list-eater? Man I wish I was out there this morning (the window she showed up to was the one that our groups tix were at).

I can wait to see if this cow shows up at the bowl because were all going to be wearing list-eater tshirts, hopefully the fox crew will get wind of it so everybody in the nation will know what she did.

I read the thread on texags. Freakin' hillarious.

As for the HD-TiVo, is there a way to take the recordings off of the old unit and place them on the new? What do you think labmansid?

Originally posted by labmansid
So that is pretty good they are sending a replacement out even though you told them you voided the warranty by opening the box! ;)

They were much more understanding than CC. That saga is still ongoing. :mad:

Sorry, Dog, I think I remember reading somewhere each program is encrypted and won't play on another unit, even if you swapped the HD into another one. Anyway, didn't you start a "clear and delete", which would wipe them out? I guess you could try it when you get the "new" one before sending the old one back.

good ole hd-tivo strikes again ;)

sorry couldnt resist this one.

I hadn't heard about "List-Eater" until this evening, what a hoot! I read the first few pages on tex-ags, and tried skipping to the last few and got some error. Is it really already over 30 pages by now? Has someone actually posted pics/video of her somewhere? Some people can be such arsewholes!
Holy cow! Check out Leno right now! Marcia Cross from Desperate Housewives is on. Can you say "low-cut"?

shes old though. (atleast she looks really old in HD)

ER tonight was damn good too.

Originally posted by jagouar
shes old though. (atleast she looks really old in HD)
Young whippersnapper!! :)

Originally posted by jagouar
ER tonight was damn good too.
Yeah, I saw it too.

Dave, have you heard anything about your tickets yet? I'm getting worried that we won't get all that we requested (6).

Nothing yet. We've got 3 season tickets in the top of the Zone and requested 5. I'm sure we'll at least get 3, but I sure we get 5.

When I talked to the TMF they said they would call Monday if they were unable to fill the entire order, but I saw on texags where people had already received calls or emails. I don't want to have to scramble for 4 extra tickets, but I'm afraid that's going to happen.

It looks like most of the people not getting their full requests are non season ticket TMF members. We don't donate much, but do have season tickets at least. The waiting game does suck though.

Oh, I didn't know they weren't season ticket holders. Maybe there is still hope.

Oh god.... you got the picture not elspankdog. Im waiting for the video now.

My dad just called and we got 4 out of the 5 tickets we requested. This will change the plans somewhat, but I think everything will work out fine.

When I called today they couldn't tell me one way or the other. All they could say was that no news is good news. How do you plan on getting that other ticket?

We probably won't. I've got my parents, myself and another couple. My parents have decided to stay home, so I'll have an extra ticket for one of my friends. The couple may also buy 2 tickets for themselves and my parents will still go and I'll have another ticket. Not sure how we'll do it yet.

If the TMF doesn't have this figured out next year, I'm buying directly from the bowl. Waiting a week after the tickets go on sale sucks!

They had video of ListEater on KBTX at 5:00. She was obviously distressed by the whole ordeal, poor thing! :rolleyes:

Well I have the full video now..... (running 2 of the mirror sites)

http://people.tamu.edu/~cao6734/mirrors.html

Since this isnt Texags it should be ok to post ;)

BTW was the chick on live or still recorded from past videos (ie the one i linked)

Almost done downloading and about to hook it up to my TV. :)

It was tape from the incident yesterday, an excerpt of what your link contained. Thanks for the link, by the way, excellent stuff!

By the way, they were reporting that she is (not surprisingly) denying that she swallows! :D

ROTFLMAO! Thanks for the link jag.

BTW, digestion starts with saliva. She's still and will always be the List Eater!

Originally posted by elspankdog
ROTFLMAO! Thanks for the link jag.

BTW, digestion starts with saliva. She's still and will always be the List Eater!
Yeah, List-Chewer just doesn't have the right ring to it!! ;)

Well, I took the plunge today and can now record HD. :D

I had no problems installing the unit as it just took the place of my DirecTivo. That one is going into our bedroom now. It's going to be fun updating all of the Season Passes and adding some new ones.

DVI is working with an Oct 14 build date. We'll see how that goes. There were 4 at the store and this one was their (Circuit City) most recent shipment.

OTA appears to be picking up my usual good channels. I'll try later for FOX and ABC.

I called D* this morning and got these credits on my second call:
- 6 months HD free
- 6 months Showtime free
- 6 months HBO for $2/month
- $5 off per bill for 6 months
- $100 credit

I tried to get more of a credit, but since I've been with them about 1.5 years I didn't have much luck.

I guess I was good this year and now I'm going to go play with my toy. :D

Hey, congrats on your new toy, Dave!! :) :) :)
You will love it. Let us know if you need some help upgrading, etc. So you got it here in town?

Went to Willowbrook off of 249 in Houston. That circuit city is freakin' huge. Picked up a R10 DirecTivo for my inlaws too. How they don't have a Tivo is beyond me.

Yeah, I will be thinking of adding another drive in the future. Right now my wife is really liking it because we're watching Sting and recording Sunrise Earth. That 30 hours isn't going to last very long.

Yeah, I've been in that one, puts ours to shame. You should go to the Fry's near Spring, though, if you REALLY want to go to a "guy" store. :)
That 30 hrs does seem to fill up quickly. Have you tried comparing DVI to component? Glad you don't have any problem with DVI.

It's probably best that I don't go to that Fry's very much. :)

I haven't tried the component yet. If I can dig up a component cable I'll do a comparison sometime. I'm recording two HD shows and did a daily call, so I'm really putting it through its paces.

Quick question...

I'm noticing that some of the menus don't go all the way over to the left on the HD-Tivo. Right now I'm deleting a recording and the blue bar that highlihts the choice doesn't go all the way over. I have it set to 16x9. Just wondering if it's my TV or the software.

Originally posted by dave99ag
Quick question...

I'm noticing that some of the menus don't go all the way over to the left on the HD-Tivo. Right now I'm deleting a recording and the blue bar that highlihts the choice doesn't go all the way over. I have it set to 16x9. Just wondering if it's my TV or the software.
Do you mean you have a black sidebar on the left where the picture stops while in a menu? If so, it could be an overscan issue. I know my TV has a lot of overscan (I think that's correct) where a good portion of the edge runs over so it can't be viewed. Maybe your set doesn't have as much, and some content stops before the left edge of your set.

It's not overscan, more like underscan of the menu overlay.

Take a look at the attached photo. The blue bar is short on some of the sub-menus, but not all.

I take it back (if you read the post that was here). I'll have to look when I get home.

OK, that's the way mine is too. It's just the way the menus are set up. All is well! ;)

Although I must say your display obviously has less overscan than mine. The blue bar in question does go all the way to the left edge of my screen. Maybe I see an ISF calibration in my future! :D

I figured so. Odd that they cut out that much, but then they probably didn't want to change much for 16x9 displays.

One thing you can try is to record the famous "HD-Net Test Pattern". It comes on every Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM, and has several patterns including one for checking overscan. I bet you have very little, especially on that left side.

I've used Avia on my set and I have very little overscan. The short overlay just confused me a bit. I'll have to record the test patterns sometime to see how it does.

Wow Dave!! Christmas must come early in your household. No help here on the overscan issue since my unit is out of commission. Hopefully, I'll be able to check the menu screen tomorrow if the new unit shows up. I thought some of the issues with the unit might have swayed you to return to Cox. Have you had a chance to compare Houston reception with the 360? I've found my Zenith 520 to be better with Houston (especially ABC) than my HD-TiVo.

Yes, Christmas was a bit early this year. There was no way I was going to wait 2 weeks and my wife knew it.

I don't think it's an overscan issue. The menus are just a bit short, but if your TV overscans you don't notice it much.

I deactivated my 360 when I got the Tivo, but it appears everything is coming in about the same. I haven't done any signals tests yet though. I tried recording Desperate Housewives, but all I got was about 5 seconds worth.

Any word on tickets yet?

I gots me my tickets fools :)

Even with all the ticket eater crap (she was at our window, so if she shows she will be near us).... gotta get me one of those BTHO List-Eater T-shirts now.

Still no word on the tickets (email or phone call). I guess that is good news. Hopefully, I'll receive the full order in the mail this week. When exactly are they mailing them out?

No news is good news.

We were able to work out our ticket issues, so all is well with us. That drive up in the morning is going to suck though.

I'm pretty sure we are going to spend the night before there (if my parents get us some rooms). I wouldn't wish that drive on anyone.

Yeah, I think we're leaving at 4am and are going to take the DART. Luckily, I'm not driving. :)

So what are you going to do with the 360 since you deactivated it?

I believe my inlaws are getting an HDTV and will probably give it to them. If they don't then I'll most likely sell it.

Hey Dave, if you're planning on upgrading the HD-TiVo, BB has a pretty good deal on an Maxtor 250 GB drive right now - $144 minus a $50 rebate. I picked one up today, and I plan on pulling the original drive for backup and replacing it with two 250s.

Thanks for the heads up.

I will probably get a 300 GB drive after the first of the year. Any of y'all use the Twinbreeze mounting brackets? I plan on getting one of those.

Im glad when the voom pvr comes out im not going to have to mess with changing out drives.... if I need more space add a new pvr :)

Originally posted by jagouar
Im glad when the voom pvr comes out im not going to have to mess with changing out drives.... if I need more space add a new pvr :)

Any idea on a release date? Recording HD is really nice. :)

We both got the one from 9thtee (cheaper). If I could do it over, I would get the Twinbreeze because of the heat problems I had.

Those 300s look nice, but they're still a little high for me ($219 at BB). Are you going with one or two? What's the cheapest you've seen 'em?

I'm not sure if I'll just add one or replace the original. I'll probably just add one drive. If the original dies, it shouldn't be too hard to get a new drive and re-image it.

The 250 might be enough though. Sixty hours of HD isn't too bad.

I planned on getting the Twinbreeze primarily because of the fan. These Tivos run a bit hotter than the regular ones.

Originally posted by jagouar
Im glad when the voom pvr comes out im not going to have to mess with changing out drives.... if I need more space add a new pvr :)

Where's the fun in that? :rolleyes:

Originally posted by elspankdog
Where's the fun in that? :rolleyes:

Actually thats better because not only do i get 2 hard drives but 8 tuner pvr ;)

And all for less than that tivo.

Sometimes you remind me of Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. But I know, you're still in school. ;)

Do what you must to justify that money black hole that is the HD-Tivo ;)

Hey Ish, looks like you'll get to see your Red Raiders in HD. ESPN-HD has added the Holiday Bowl (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/espnhd/index).

didnt they only have 1 bowl in HD originally? they added just more than the holiday bowl.

The Peach and the Insight. Still hoping for the Cotton and D* to pick up Fox. What a Christmas list.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Still hoping for the Cotton and D* to pick up Fox. What a Christmas list.

Read my mind. :)

Originally posted by dave99ag
Read my mind. :)

Ill be seeing it in REAL HD (course i know most of you are too, I could care less about fox, all i want for xmas is voom to finally hit a street date on that 70 HD chans and pvr)... :)

Originally posted by jagouar
...... I could care less about fox, all i want for xmas is voom to finally hit a street date on that 70 HD chans and pvr)... :)
Is that THIS Xmas or next.......? :D

Did anyone watch CSI-NY on KBTX last night? I was at the Aggie basketball game, so I recorded it. I guess they forgot to flip the switch. That's one downside of recording. There's no way to know if your local channel will show it in HD.

Originally posted by dave99ag
Did anyone watch CSI-NY on KBTX last night? I was at the Aggie basketball game, so I recorded it. I guess they forgot to flip the switch. That's one downside of recording. There's no way to know if your local channel will show it in HD.
We watched it last night, but didn't start until about a third of the way in, although we did watch from the first via HD-Tivo. So I didn't call because it was already nearly half over by the time I realized it wasn't HD, and I was waiting for someone else to call since it wasn't my turn ;) .

Maybe we should send the chief engineer an e-mail every day a HD program is on to "flip the switch." :)

I'll admit, they're pretty good with Monday night (Raymond, 2.5), but football is another thing.

Ho Ho Ho??? Maybe??
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=483269

:D:D:D

That would very nice. Just in time for the BCS bowls.

I've got these listed:
Network: ABC HD_*
Network: FOX HD_*

How sweet would that be... excellent.

This will work too:

Network: ABC from NYC/LA_*
Network: NBC from NYC/LA_*
Network: FOX HD_*

We needed another good rumor.

Do you think you'll get to keep those waivers? Maybe you'll get lost in the shuffle.

I'm assuming these are just online and not actually up, correct? (i.e. nobody has actually "seen" an actual HD picture that they didn't have before)

Yeah, just online. No real channels yet.

Actually, the FOX has been there some time, but apparently there was some snafu that kept it from going live for everyone when D* had originally planned. FOX-HD is on for "testing" (as in not for paying customer's eyes) purposes now, the question is when will it no longer be only a test. ABC-HD has only been recently a more concrete rumor, if there is such a distinction! :)

Originally posted by dave99ag
Do you think you'll get to keep those waivers? Maybe you'll get lost in the shuffle.

Who knows? Somehow I've managed to keep 'em this long. Worst case scenario I lose ABC-W, NBC-E/W and have to fall back on KPRC and KCEN.

Man, KBTX-DT is REALLY screwing up lately!! :mad: Last night it was CSI:NY in SD, and CSI(original) just now came on; it was a still shot from one of CBS's HD promos showing since 7:00 PM! CSI is only in SD now that it is on. :( We may have to start an E-mail campaign.

Yeah its gotten bad the past few weeks... we need to send emails to the head guy at KBTX (the one that offered me a demo of their boradcasting rooms and such when they first started broadcasting in HD).

Isnt his name Mike Wright?

David Cooper
Chief Engineer
cooper@kbtx.com

Somebody forgot to flip the switch again at KBTX. :mad: No HD for the Steelers/Giants.

Edit: Apparently, they are having technical difficulties and are working on the problem now.

Have you been to CC yet? ;)

I'm about to leave. Got my list in hand. Wish me luck.

Well.... either one of 2 things happened, CC ate him up or hes screwing around with his latest toy ;)

Toys. Actually, I probably won't get to play with them until after Christmas. Too many other things going on, and the Pronto will need a major overhaul. Staring at these boxes is killing me though.

And that is one of the biggest advantages to Harmony over pronto.... it literally takes me 5 mins to overhaul my remote and add new devices (add device and add it to activity, done ;) )

Anybody know if the KBTX problems were "fixed" yesterday? I dont remember seeing CBS in HD for anything last night....

Maybe we will find out later today. BTW, either their feed is messed up or Boomer has gotten even whiter!! ;) NFL Today is REALLY washed out.

Hey jag, do you have a long run of DVI? If so, where did you buy the cable from?

Also, did anybody ever hear from KBTX about their digital woes? On the phone this weekend, all they told me is that somebody was there working on the HD server.

Nope, have a long VGA run (my projector is too old to have DVI in)... Ive never seen one over 30 ft so I was curious to see how other people with projectors are running DVI but I dont have one yet so I really dont care.

As far as part 2, I was thinking about emailing somebody there (also see if they could fix the pesky "flip the switch" problem. It doesnt seem like it would be very hard to have the whole system automated (if it detects a HD signal, flip the switch)

You might want to try these guys:

http://www.pacificcable.com/DVI.htm

How long of a run are you looking at?

Probably 25-30 ft so the 5 m (16.5 ft) isn't going to cut it. I've tried www.ramelectronics.net and www.cablewholesale.com, but the price seems to go up quite a bit over 5 meters. I found a cheap 25 ft one at this place (http://www.stsi.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?page=STSI_4/PROD/DVI/20617-25), but I've never heard of them.

Here's a 10m for $110:
http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=DVIDL-10

Will that work?

I saw that one, but I was trying to save a little $$$. Maybe under $50 if possible for a quality cable. Might be hard to do with that long of a run.

Yeah, that might be hard to do for a 30' cable.

I bet you're wife really likes having all of the A/V equipment out of sight. In our next house I may be doing the same thing. That and run conduit everywhere. Running wire through studs and insulation isn't fun.

amen to that.... running wire in old houses sucks.

One of the big things at CES every year is those companies who specialize in running multiple wires as one big one (2 coax, optical, ethernet, etc in one big wire)... Ill probably do something like that. Looking forward to CES this year when the D* vs V* fights break out at the AVS party :), that and finally getting to play with the voom pvr.

If I ever build a house Im going to be sure to wire every room with pretty much every kind of wire there is.... and run conduit everywhere.

FOX-HD is live now! :) :) :)

Now bring on ABC-HD.

Speaking of cables, I noticed this DVI splitter:
http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=DVIY-2

Anyone know why this wouldn't work over one of those $200+ switches?

so in CS we qualify for fox? or is this those of you in Houston?

Anybopdy record anything from it? Curious to see if theyre actually giving it full bandwith/rez....

Originally posted by dave99ag
FOX-HD is live now! :) :) :)

Now bring on ABC-HD.
Awesome!! :p :p

New Season Pass for "House, M.D." taken care of.;)

Originally posted by jagouar
so in CS we qualify for fox? or is this those of you in Houston?

Anybopdy record anything from it? Curious to see if theyre actually giving it full bandwith/rez....

This is for Houston. Unless KYLE is granting waivers, B/CS people won't be getting it.

Not sure on the amount of bandwidth.

Originally posted by jagouar
Anybopdy record anything from it? Curious to see if theyre actually giving it full bandwith/rez....
At any rate it has got to be more than we can get from KYLE-DT!! ;)

No more SD Superbowl parties!! :D

Figured as much... should be interesting to see what happens with the new locals agreement since it looks like they will start screwing with the locals shevera (whatever its called)... hopefully they dont kick all of you back to your rightful place ;)

I really wish they would come up with a better system to get distant networks.... something like you run an OTA antenna and if you dont get a certain channel signal wise it can activate the sattelite version automatically, no questions asked.

It sucks that a crappy station like KYLE can block you or even their weco counterparts claiming they can provide me a signal. Oh well hopefully when voom adds locals they will just activate it for everybody ;)

Only ABC left to go. Didn't get to check out Fox-E much last night (too busy fishing wires), but I did notice they have a pretty big channel bug.

Ok so whats the process for moving to Houston with D*?

Cablevision isnt spinning off voom to its own company (and over at satguys people seem to think its the beginning of the end, merger with E*, and theres no way Im using E* crappy HD equipment).... So Im either going with Cox (shudder, but their DVR is a much better deal) or D* and reactivate my old equipment (no HD-tivo for a long time for me). Im staying with voom regarldess until the end but I want to be ready if the dark day does come.

CES should be very telling on vooms future.

It was a pretty easy process for me to "move" to Houston.

I waited about a week after the install to call D*. I asked them to change my service address, but keep my billing address the same. They didn't question my request one bit. The only hard part is finding a Houston address you can use. It was easy for me because I used the empty lot next to my in-laws house, which they own.

My dish is located in a wooded lot in Magnolia. ;)

Note: You cannot do this on their website. You must call them.

Yeah I knew it was a call thing.... I actually have my grandparents who live in houston so I cna use their address (have dish currently)... also if you live in houston do you qualify for all the UPN/WB stations too? Sucks that in D* long term plans they have no mention of ever going HD on UPN/WB.

Yes, I get all of the SD channels in Houston. Even the Spanish language ones. I'm not sure about what will be offered in HD though.

FOX and ABC are the O&O channels, and you'd at least get those until HD LiL is added.

so Houston doesnt qualify for NBC-HD?

NBC and CBS aren't O&O in Houston. Luckily those two channels come in pretty well OTA. Now if you move to the D/FW market, you could get all of them as they're all O&O.

Ahh... I know some people in dallas too :)

Is it harder to move to dallas vs houston?

and whatever you set your address too in houston/dallas will never see a paper bill or any crap from D* right?

I'm pretty sure we're in the D/FW spotbeam too.

I like watching the Houston news and not having NBC and CBS aren't a big issue for me with the antenna.

yeah cbs is no problem but nbc is spotty sometimes.... so all of them would be nice.

Well, by the time you might switch, D* could have Houston LiLs up.

NBC is spotty, but it's nowhere near as bad as ABC and FOX. Those two are my worse ones. I can record something on NBC and only have a few breakups.

You might check on the Dallas being all "O&O" thing prior to making your decision. Seems like when I was looking into it, that what I had heard, but that wasn't the case. I could be remembering wrong though.

For me, since I have the NBC waiver here in town, it is a no-brainer that I would rather have NBC than Fox in HD so I'm staying put. Hopefully ABC will be online shortly (please, please, please, by the BCS bowls).

I stand corrected. ABC in D/FW isn't O&O.

CBS, NBC, FOX, UPN are O&O in D/FW (Market #7)
CBS and ABC are O&O in Houston (Market #11)

Both markets will probably be some of the first when D* has HD LiLs.

Originally posted by mwesson
For me, since I have the NBC waiver here in town, it is a no-brainer that I would rather have NBC than Fox in HD so I'm staying put. Hopefully ABC will be online shortly (please, please, please, by the BCS bowls).

Some of us enjoy both: Fox O&O and NBC waivers. :D Hopefully, D* won't ever catch on, and my waivers will be grandfathered forever.

Don't forget about the Cotton Bowl in HD...I mean enhanced widescreen. BTW, I got all six of my tickets although they aren't the best seats.

Originally posted by dave99ag
[B]CBS and ABC are O&O in Houston (Market #11)

You mean Fox right?

Yeah, duh.

true dave.... i expect it to be atleast a year before any sale/merger would go down.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Don't forget about the Cotton Bowl in HD...I mean enhanced widescreen. BTW, I got all six of my tickets although they aren't the best seats.

Where?

My four are in Section 14, Row 9. :(

They aren't very good, but at least we'll be there. I plan on taking my camera and big lens and get some closeup shots of that endzone.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Some of us enjoy both: Fox O&O and NBC waivers. :D Hopefully, D* won't ever catch on, and my waivers will be grandfathered forever.

Don't forget about the Cotton Bowl in HD...I mean enhanced widescreen. BTW, I got all six of my tickets although they aren't the best seats.


One thing I would warn everyone at the moment is NOT to be calling D* about programming changes as there seems to be some issues with them turning off distant feeds. Obviously the CSR's are looking for this right now. It is also becoming more and more obvious that if you didn't have waivers previously, you are going to be having a harder time getting them now...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=483326

I'm suffering a brain fart on the section right now, but the row was 50 so we are definitely higher than you.

Im in section 9, about 17 rows up.

Jag, do you know someone who lives in a "white area", where no TV market can claim? That way you might get all network feeds, except for WB and UPN for now. For someone with no previous waivers just signing up that may be something to consider. Of course you would wait to "move" after initial setup.

Section 31 row 50. The student gets the best seats. Will go through the bowl next time.

Forgot to mention that the new DVD/SACD player I got from CC skips like crazy. Looks like I'll have to make another trip down there. Munky, looks like I might get your old title - Mr. Return It.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Forgot to mention that the new DVD/SACD player I got from CC skips like crazy. Looks like I'll have to make another trip down there. Munky, looks like I might get your old title - Mr. Return It.
Make it easy on yourself; move next door! ;)

We were watching the news on KBTX at 10:00PM, and at the very end as they were signing off they had a little piece showing some lights around town. After the anchors said good night they cut to the lights video, and a few seconds into it, we could hear Michelle Peltier say something, and it was obvious she thought her audio was not live anymore. We couldn't make it out at first, so I "rewound" ( I just LOVE Tivo!!), and it sounded like she said "That was a hellacious edit". :eek: ROFLMAO!!

I guess somebody didn't flip the switch in time.

Speaking of local programming, did any one catch the Christmas at Baylor special on KAMU tonight. I thought it was a pretty good little production. Hopefully, KAMU will be able to do local productions similar to it in the future. Maybe something like Muster or Midnight Yell (Bonfire would have been awesome).

I believe they already do Muster, or are you talking specifically in HD?

Of course I'm talking about HD. Don't you know: I'm an HD snob. :rolleyes:

Yeah this is local HDTV thread... :)

In the past stuff like muster hasnt been broadcast in HD (atleast the repeats).... its just been the inhouse stuff.

The baylor special (if its the same one) aired last year on PBS and was a pretty good show.

It's on again right now, and yep, it's from last year.

Originally posted by jagouar
its just been the inhouse stuff.

They'll probably have an HD truck before KYLE is up and running. :D

Elspankdog, you think WE are brutal!!......
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=213276
:D :D

:D :D :D

Im kinda pissed today.... Voom is going to show New Years at Times Square (and even better sans Dick Clark), but Im going to be in dallas and no pvr worth recording in HD..... Oh well, I better see that PVR at CES on Jan 6 (which is supposed to be shown according to sayguys in its final form, no more server crap showing the software).... I guess we will find out soon enough. Still sucks because it should be a good show from Voom.

FYI... ABC (KXXV) is up and running on D* locals.

That was the last holdout for locals, wasn't it? Good to see it.
Is anyone else having trouble with KBTX-DT tonight? Trying to watch the news, and it is breaking up quite a bit.

Dont watch KBTcrap news.... CSI:Miami repeat was fine through the whole thing.

Originally posted by mwesson
FYI... ABC (KXXV) is up and running on D* locals.

For a moment there I thought you meant ABC-HD on D*.

Although it looks like it's coming very soon anyway. Hopefully in time for the BCS bowls. If not, it'll probably come on for the NFL playoffs.

I didn't get a chance to see KBTX last night; was watching Pulp Fiction in HD. Somehow my wife had never seen the film.

Also, I'm still having issues with KAMU. I wonder if hooking up a smaller antenna pointed in its direction will do the trick. I've got a week off, so I guess I'll find out. :)

Speaking of antennae. I helped my brother hook up his new HD set this weekend, and installing his antennae made me sick. He lives south of Waco, and all he needed was an old radio shack double bowtie and a set of rabbit ears in the attic to pull in all the networks at >90% (you can actually see the towers from his house). Of course he can't get Fox since KWKT is only doing 1 kW, but nevertheless, it was far less adventurous than here.

Originally posted by elspankdog
.......Of course he can't get Fox since KWKT is only doing 1 kW, but nevertheless, it was far less adventurous than here.
Maybe he still needs a Televes!! :D

Originally posted by labmansid
Maybe he still needs a Televes!! :D

More like a quad stack with 20 amps ;)

Hello everyone,

If I get a Sony HDTV with ATSC tuner built-in, will I be able to get off the air HD signals in Pebble Creek by using an indoor antenna or should I mount it outside. If so, what antenna would you recommend getting.

I understand that KAMU, KBTX and FOX (weak signal) are broadcasting in HD over the air.

I asked the guys at Best Buy if I could get local channels off the air but they did not know.

Thanks in advance,

-ron

KAMU-DT and KBTX-DT will come in fine with any antenna.... in pebble creek you should be able to get the houston stations better than all of us in town but it would require a very tall antenna and very big antenna and preamp (costing upwards of $200).

As far as the other channels were kinda screwed right now and will be for some time to come, local fox, nbc, abc all are not going to upgrade any time soon.

Like I said if you can you could try a televes and preamp but it will need to be atleast 30 ft off the ground to get reliable signals from houston..... not sure on your TV but using the same antenna you use for HDTv (if its not a UHF only) you should be able to get the analog signals from the rest of the stations (using just a regular indoor antenna), but you wont get anything past KBTX/KAMU in HD.

Im sure Ive confused you more than helped but maybe I sorta answered some of your questions..... btw welcome to the forum :)

Welcome to the forum, Ron.

Like jagouar said, you'll only be able to get KBTX and KAMU with an indoor UHF/VHF antenna. I live off of Graham Rd. and have the largest antenna Lowe's has with preamp mounted in my attic. I can get Houston's CBS and NBC pretty well. ABC and Fox are spotty at best.

Another of our members, mwesson, lives in Pebble Creek too. I don't think he's had tons of success either. I'm sure he'll chime in soon.

What are you using as your provider? Cox, DirecTV, Dish? Most of us have DirecTV. Some have Cox and jagouar is the rebel with Voom.

Welcome ron. If you are buying a Sony, I'm sure it has a built in QAM tuner as well. If for some reason Cox is your provider, that means you should be able to to get KBTX-DT and KAMU-DT via cable as well without having to subscribe to their digital package. I believe Cox passes these two channels unencrypted while KCEN-DT requires the HD box since it encrypted.

As for an antenna I use to use a Radio Shack double bowtie (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=930-0998) for KBTX and KAMU before I erected my tower. It's a UHF (ch 14-69) antenna, but it was still able to pull in KAMU (VHF ch 12) pretty well. People also speak of the Zenith Silver Sensor (http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=49&id=131) very highly on this forum. It's another small UHF antenna. If neither works well for KAMU, combining one of them with an old set of rabbit ears should do the trick.

Another welcome to the forum, Ron!!
Originally posted by elspankdog
Welcome ron. If you are buying a Sony, I'm sure it has a built in QAM tuner as well. If for some reason Cox is your provider, that means you should be able to to get KBTX-DT and KAMU-DT via cable as well without having to subscribe to their digital package. I believe Cox passes these two channels unencrypted while KCEN-DT requires the HD box since it encrypted.
If what you say about KCEN is true, from what I have read Cox is in violation of FCC regs requiring ALL local networks, including digitals, to be passed through unencrypted. See this post (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=2201139#post2201139). Now, where is that number to the FCC??

Originally posted by ronkrauter
........I asked the guys at Best Buy if I could get local channels off the air but they did not know.

-ron
I am very surprised by that answer!! :rolleyes:

But is KCEN really local, or is KMAY our local NBC?

Breaking news!!!:D :D
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=488187

Originally posted by elspankdog
But is KCEN really local, or is KMAY our local NBC?
It's still our DMA, isn't it??

Originally posted by labmansid
Breaking news!!!:D :D
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=488187

Down with the tower!!! (If I can live without the WB)

ABC-HD - D*
CBS-HD - OTA
FOX-HD - D*
NBC-HD - D*
PBS-HD - OTA

Woo-freakin'-hoo!!

Originally posted by elspankdog
Down with the tower!!! (If I can live without the WB)

ABC-HD - D*
CBS-HD - OTA
FOX-HD - D*
NBC-HD - D*
PBS-HD - OTA

Woo-freakin'-hoo!!

Same here except no NBC-HD since I have no waiver for that. No big deal because that comes in pretty well for me. This will hold me over quite well until HD LiL. :D :D :D

Today is a good day as my DVI switch is arriving too.

Originally posted by dave99ag
Today is a good day as my DVI switch is arriving too.

Must be nice to need one of those. My long DVI cable should be here today as well. We'll see if it works. Hopefully, I'll have some pictures of my secondary setup soon. Probably before Ish gets that DVR review done.

Originally posted by elspankdog
....... Probably before Ish gets that DVR review done.
Can you say "OCD"?? :D

I was just going to put the HD Tivo on component. My TV only two component inputs, but only one passes 720p/1080i. I have that connected to my Xbox. Using the switch will allow me to use the Tivo and DVD player on the one DVI input.

My wife OK'd this purchase since she hated having to ask me to switch cables anytime she wanted to watch a movie. :)

How long of a run did you get? If all else fails, you can save up and get a fiber DVI cable. ;)

Originally posted by ronkrauter
Hello everyone,

If I get a Sony HDTV with ATSC tuner built-in, will I be able to get off the air HD signals in Pebble Creek by using an indoor antenna or should I mount it outside. If so, what antenna would you recommend getting.

I understand that KAMU, KBTX and FOX (weak signal) are broadcasting in HD over the air.

I asked the guys at Best Buy if I could get local channels off the air but they did not know.

Hello Ron. I am in Pebble Creek as well. As mentioned in the other posts, it would be very helpful if you tell us how you are planning to bring in all your other channels (or are you just going to use CBS and PBS?). If you get Cox you'll get both these channels in HD from them. Is your TV next to a window or in the middle of the house? When you say "inside" does that mean in the attic or literally inside? Lots of antenna questions.

In order to receive our two up and running digital channels, you could probably get away with an indoor antenna (but outdoor always works best). I use a Silver Sensor antenna which you can purchase at Sears and it gives me a 97 strength signal for KBTX (CBS), but I have to turn it around in the opposite direction to get KAMU (PBS). I had an outdoor antenna but took it down when D* added local channels. You will not get FOX no matter what (no one does). I don't get the feeling that these big, giant antennas these other guys speak of will go over well in Pebble Creek - but you should go for it :D

Give us a little more information and we'll do our best to help you get set up. In general, the idea around here is just to use what you have to in order to get what you want. I'd probably start with a Radio Shack bowtie antenna - see what you get and go from there.

But is KCEN really local, or is KMAY our local NBC?

KMAY is officially our local station.

Breaking news!!!

I am ecstatic about this. If we get this by the BCS bowls I will literally wet my pants.

Originally posted by mwesson
.....I am ecstatic about this. If we get this by the BCS bowls I will literally wet my pants.
Be sure and wear your Depends that day just in case!!:D
There are hints and rumors that if nothing else the BCS Bowls may be treated as "Special Events" if the E/W feeds aren't officially up by then.

Originally posted by mwesson
I am ecstatic about this. If we get this by the BCS bowls I will literally wet my pants.

So I'm guessing you still have an ABC waiver.

Everybody pees the pants.

Originally posted by dave99ag
How long of a run did you get? If all else fails, you can save up and get a fiber DVI cable. ;)

I ended up getting a 25 ft cable (http://www.bestbuycable.com/search_result3.asp?txtKeyword=CFDD&txtName=Digital%20DVI%20Video%20Cables), and it is not their premium cable.

Originally posted by elspankdog
So I'm guessing you still have an ABC waiver.

Everybody pees the pants.

Yes, I still have the waiver and I'm hoping that nothing goes wrong with all this SHVERA and DNS and locals confusion.

This will give me CBS and PBS (local OTA) and NBC, ABC (D* DNS) in HD. Only thing I'll be missing is Fox. However, sports and House are the only things I watch on Fox. I'm sure I'll be screaming bloody murder come Superbowl time though...

I assume ABC's not appearing for anybody here yet.... any word on how much bandwith they are feeding it?

This sure does put more pressure on E* to get off their asses.

Good thing I kepy my old Mits HD receiver and elliptical dish if voom goes down because there is no way in hell im buying a hd-tivo.

ABC-HD is still in engineering mode. It'll probably be a few days before it goes live on D*.

Saturday would be great, but I'd be happy for it to come on for the championship game.

Well I wont be around so it would be of no loss to me, JAN1 in dallas and leaving on the 3rd for vegas and CES.

Man I wish I could convince work to send me to CES. That should be a lot of fun. I'm jealous. :)

you dont need work to send you..... just go on your own... I am, driving there and staying in the parents condo and then gonna go to the AVS party whatever night it is. ;)

Me and Munky are both going to be there so it should be a pretty cool show, esp looking forward to seeing vooms (some very big rumors have been circulated) booth and now D*, Im just pissed Im going to miss ESPN2-HD launch on voom.

Im going to know quite a bit about the future of voom at CES..... esp if some of the rumors are true :)

Originally posted by jagouar
...then gonna go to the AVS party whatever night it is. ;)

It's at Spearmint Rhino, right?

Originally posted by elspankdog
It's at Spearmint Rhino, right?


The sahara slightly higher class than that ;)

Originally posted by labmansid
I am very surprised by that answer!! :rolleyes:

Sorry let me rephrase..I asked two guys at Best Buy if I could get OTA HDTV reception by using an Antenna..

The first guy said that he was not sure....he showed me the antenna section and said that I could always return it if it did not work.

The second guy said that they have never tried receiving signals off the air.

Originally posted by ronkrauter
Sorry let me rephrase..I asked two guys at Best Buy if I could get OTA HDTV reception by using an Antenna..

The first guy said that he was not sure....he showed me the antenna section and said that I could always return it if it did not work.

The second guy said that they have never tried receiving signals off the air.

Don't be sorry Ron. Notice Sid's trademark scarcastic smiley face. Whatever you do, try to stay clear of the Terk stuff. Most of it is underperforming junk.

As mentioned in the other posts, it would be very helpful if you tell us how you are planning to bring in all your other channels

I currently have Dish Network (no HD). IMHO, Dish network does not offer any HD worth subscribing to. They added a diplexer so that when my receiver is off, the antenna signal goes to the TV (you guys must know this much better than I do)

The windows in the living room are on the east side of the house and the living room is to the back of the house.

I don't think I will be able to put an antenna in the attic because of the diplexer setup...unless I have to draw additional coax cables.

I already have a radio shack antenna which is not hooked up yet.

I really appreciate all the help you guys have been giving me.

-ron
PS: The first thing I need to do is buy a HDTV :) .I am going nuts over deciding whether to purchase a 4:3 or 16:9 HDTV with built in tuner. ie. trying to decide between this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KD34XS955&Dept=tv&CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs) and this (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=KD36XS955KIT&Dept=tv&CategoryName=tv_34%22to36%22TVs) ...aargh (Yes I know about the XBR series but no thanks .. I am already stretching my budget)

I watch 4-6 dvd movies a month. Most of the other content is obviously 4:3...but at the same time evertying is headed towards 16:9 which leads to the difficulty in making a decision.. I have given myself two days to decide!!

Originally posted by mwesson
Hello Ron. I am in Pebble Creek as well. As mentioned in the other posts, it would be very helpful if you tell us how you are planning to bring in all your other channels (or are you just going to use CBS and PBS?). If you get Cox you'll get both these channels in HD from them. Is your TV next to a window or in the middle of the house? When you say "inside" does that mean in the attic or literally inside? Lots of antenna questions.

In order to receive our two up and running digital channels, you could probably get away with an indoor antenna (but outdoor always works best). I use a Silver Sensor antenna which you can purchase at Sears and it gives me a 97 strength signal for KBTX (CBS), but I have to turn it around in the opposite direction to get KAMU (PBS). I had an outdoor antenna but took it down when D* added local channels. You will not get FOX no matter what (no one does). I don't get the feeling that these big, giant antennas these other guys speak of will go over well in Pebble Creek - but you should go for it :D

Give us a little more information and we'll do our best to help you get set up. In general, the idea around here is just to use what you have to in order to get what you want. I'd probably start with a Radio Shack bowtie antenna - see what you get and go from there.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Don't be sorry Ron. Notice Sid's trademark scarcastic smiley face. Whatever you do, try to stay clear of the Terk stuff. Most of it is underperforming junk.


Aha! That explains why I saw an open box Terk antenna at Best Buy with the price reduced a little.

Hey Ron, I'm kind of confused about the diplexer stuff you mentioned. Are you saying there is one diplexer in the attic with an E* (Dish Network) feed and an antenna hooked up to it, and then one coax cable runs to the E* stb? And then from the stb to the TV?

I thought diplexer setups worked like this: In the attic, there is a diplexer with an antenna and E* feed connected to it. Then one coax cable runs from the diplexer to where the TV is located. There, another diplexer splits the signal into two feeds. One goes to the E* stb while the other goes to where the antenna feed needs to go. I didn't know the stb had to be on. I could be wrong about this, but this is how I hooked my brother's gear up this weekend. He also has E*, but he has an HD stb.

My vote is for 16:9. I once considered 4:3, but then I stepped away from the crack pipe. You either get used to stretching or black/gray bars. It seems that everyone on this forum is also in love with XBRs. However, regular Sony CRTs are highly regarded as well.

Ok ron in the ten commandments in buying HD sets:

1. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
2. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
3. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
4. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
5. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
6. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
7. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
8. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
9. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV
10. NEVER BUY 4x3 HDTV

That clear enough? Seriously baby jesus cries every time somebody buys a 4x3 HDTV.... ;) (do you really want to make the baby jesus cry?)

Just curious but are you 100% committed to having a HD tuner in your setup? I know if you get COX or DirecTV-HDTV or Voom or Dish-HDTV if you get a HDTV box from any of them they will all tune OTA HD singals thus negating the need for a builtin tuner......

Im sure Im going to get bashed here by all of our D* fiends but if your looking for more HD I definately recommend voOm.... for 60 a month (Im an old customer so my programming is 50) but you get the equivalent to top 120 on dish and 26 HDTV channels (most of them are voOm only channels but they have good content most of the time). And occationally have a special even like new years eve voOm's HDnews (a 24x7 HD news channel) is going to be showing the ball drop from NYC in HD.... Im going to be in dallas so it sucks for me but still it should be a pretty good show. Once nice quirk of voOm is they give you a pretty decent OTA antenna (winegard) with the dish install.... its not quite as good as my big monster antenna but its about 80% as good tuning Houston stations. (but dont expect to get the channelsvery much)

So are you planning on staying with Dish (aka E*) and using an antenna for HD, hence the need for a built-in tuner? Do you know where the diplexer is (ie., in the attic or under an eave)? Sounds like the Dish box has one built-in if it passes the antenna feed when turned off. Is there one coax that goes into the box with the antenna feed coming out of the box into the TV? Unless you are going to try for Houston stations there should be no need for an antenna outside or even in the attic, although as mwesson mentioned PBS may be a little finicky.
Sorry if I wasn't clear about my BB statement, those guys aren't usually regarded as a fountain of knowledge. [/understatement mode off] ;)
I think (maybe ;) ) the consensus here is that 16:9 sets are the future of TV, even though you will have to have trade-offs when watching regular 4:3 SD crap, uh, I mean programming. But using stretch mode at least makes all those skinny Hollywood types look more like real people!! :)

Ron, you mentioned watching 4-6 movies per month. If you rent a lot you might look into Netflix if you don't use that already. For $18.00 a month you can watch practically all you want, or can handle. When done with one you drop it in the postpaid mailer and in a couple days you get the next one. You can have as many as three discs at a time in your possession. Just a thought.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Hey Ron, I'm kind of confused about the diplexer stuff you mentioned. Are you saying there is one diplexer in the attic with an E* (Dish Network) feed and an antenna hooked up to it, and then one coax cable runs to the E* stb? And then from the stb to the TV?

I thought diplexer setups worked like this: In the attic, there is a diplexer with an antenna and E* feed connected to it. Then one coax cable runs from the diplexer to where the TV is located. There, another diplexer splits the signal into two feeds. One goes to the E* stb while the other goes to where the antenna feed needs to go.

You are right. This is the diplexer (x2) that they gave me - http://www.sjgreatdeals.com/jvi35sdx100.html - which can be hooked up like so: http://www.skydeals.us/laydipl.jpg. Both outputs from diplexer #2 go to the back of the receiver. When the receiver is turned off, the antenna signal gets passed through.

Man, that is a great deal on a diplexer!!

Originally posted by ronkrauter
Both outputs from diplexer #2 go to the back of the receiver. When the receiver is turned off, the antenna signal gets passed through.

Is it possible to not have the antenna output from diplexer #2 go through the receiver? Instead, it could go directly to the Sony antenna input, and the E* receiver would not have to be on all the time. Just a thought, and this would reduce signal loss.

So, who else is all excited about this?? ;)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=488825

Hopefully, it will be better than the Ohio St/Okie St game last night. Talk about woodshed.

And he can't watch the game until he is done with that review!

Should be a good one tonight. It's always fun to watch Leach's PS2 offense when they're not playing us.

Originally posted by dave99ag
Should be a good one tonight. It's always fun to watch Leach's PS2 offense when they're not playing us.

lol...but I think Tecmo Bowl offense is even better.

Originally posted by elspankdog
Is it possible to not have the antenna output from diplexer #2 go through the receiver? Instead, it could go directly to the Sony antenna input, and the E* receiver would not have to be on all the time. Just a thought, and this would reduce signal loss.

Good point. It is possible and I will do that. Thanks!

jagouar, thank you for teaching me the 10 HD commandments and the importance of keeping baby Jesus happy. :)

I went to circuit city and ordered the KD34XS955 (16:9; HDTV; $1799 + tax). It is out of stock and will be here in less than two weeks.

Oh noooo!!! He's listening to us. Before long he'll have V*, D*, E*, and Cox simultaneously, an HTPC, SVS sub, and a remote that can fix you a sandwich. :D

Originally posted by elspankdog
...... and a remote that can fix you a sandwich. :D
I've had that for 25 years, now!! :D :D
Oops, did I say that???

Let's hope that tonight was the start of a very good trend for Texas based football teams! :)

Crow served!! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4895036#post4895036) Aahaa!! [/Nelson voice]

I've been getting dropouts on KAMU for quite some time now. Probably due to my antenna pointing the opposite direction.

Yesterday I combined my normal antenna with a SS pointing in KAMU's direction. KAMU came in fine, but none of my other channels did. I just used a basic cable splitter, which was probably why it didn't work.

What should I use to combine these antennas? KAMU is the only one I'd need. I'm not shooting for Waco also.

Three choices: CM Jointenna for channel Ch 12, different preamp with separate VHF and UHF input (CM 7777), or VHF/UHF combiner. I know the first choice will work, and the second and third should if they only pass VHF for one antenna and UHF for the other. The third is the easiest since it can be found at RS. Hopefully Sid will chime in. He knows how to do it for sure.

OK, I'll chime in.;) I think your best bet is to use a pre-amp with separate UHF/VHF inputs. The reason being I have a JoinTenna from CM for channel 28. I got it to see if I could filter out KYLE's overbearing signal which I felt might be adversely affecting some of the Houston stations and KXXV (on channel 26). Unfortunately I did some testing and it also decreased signal strength on most other frequencies. So unless all our channels come in strong all the time, which they don't, I don't feel it is useful in our situation. I think a UHF/VHF combiner might work OK, but the pre-amp would be better IMHO. The combiner you could try and if it isn't up to snuff return it easily.

I read about the Jointenna, but I doubt I can get it locally. If I can't find a combiner, then I'll probably order the Jointenna.

ABC-HD is live on D* channel 86!!!! :D :D :D :D

I just noticed it too.

Time to record some BCS bowls as I'll be in Dallas tomorrow. :D

Here's a weird one. I'm an Aggie that just happens to live in Knoxville, TN. BTW, is Dudleys Draw still there?
Javry

Originally posted by dave99ag
I just noticed it too.

Time to record some BCS bowls as I'll be in Dallas tomorrow. :D
Do you have room on that Tivo? ;)

Originally posted by javry
Here's a weird one. I'm an Aggie that just happens to live in Knoxville, TN. BTW, is Dudleys Draw still there?
Javry
I think so, I'm an old fart and don't go to NorthGate too much!:p

Originally posted by mwesson
........I am ecstatic about this. If we get this by the BCS bowls I will literally wet my pants.
Get the mop out! Clean-up on ailse P !!:D

Originally posted by labmansid
Do you have room on that Tivo? ;)

Not yet, but I'm only recording the tu game. I figure we'll be back in time for the Utah game.

Oh and Dudley's Draw is still here.

Damn it's early! BTHOut!

So all of you "living in Houston" currently have the HD feed? I ask because I have have a friend who just moved to Houston and can't seem to find a CSR who will turn on the ABC HD feed.

I've got it here in College Station with my old waiver. Very nice.

Good to hear you are getting it. Some people are, as usual, reporting problems getting a CSR to turn it on. From another thread- The HD Eligibility Department is at (800) 263-0028. That number may be more help for him.

FYI, AS INFORMATION FOR ALL OF YOU REGARDING D*!!!

Here is the way things are going in regard to getting the DNS/O&O HD signals from here on out to the best of my understanding and from what my buddy was told consistently from 3 people in the HD eligibility department at D*...

If you had D* local channels prior to December 16 -

If the locality you were in allowed you to receive a Distant signal - you will continue to receive it.

If you had locals (say in Houston) then you can receive the national feeds of any O&O stations.

HOWEVER, if you added local channels (or changed markets, i.e. "moved") after December 16...

You will not be able to receive Distant siganals period. Even if you are in an O&O city. If you have local channels available, they will not accept or submit forms for you to acquire a waiver. If you add locals in a city that has O&O stations, it does not matter - you will not receive the HD signals.


WHAT THIS BASICALLY MEANS IS...

Whatever happens from here on out, do not move, do everything you can not to lose any national HD feeds you currently have. They will not be added.

As a College Station resident - if I "move" to the Houston area, D* will not give me the O&O HD feeds (i.e. ABC and FOX) because I got the Houston locals after 12/16.

Any friends you tell to get D* that curently do not have D*... they will not be able to acquire network HD feeds under any circumstances in either CS or Houston.

Be glad you are grandfathered in... hold on to what you have.

Hopefully HD LIL for Houston will come sometime this summer.

Originally posted by labmansid
I think so, I'm an old fart and don't go to NorthGate too much!:p

labmansid,
I just went and took a look at your "my favorite place". Puuuurrrty Sweet.
I sent you a PM.

To all Aggies on the forum,
The game yesterday was bitter-sweet for me. Being an Aggie alumni, I sure was rooting for the school team. But then this place, Knoxville, is really football crazy....almost as bad as B/CS.....so I'm also a huge Vols fan. It's one of those times when you can't win but you also can't lose. Great game though. You guys go Gig'em.
Javry

Originally posted by labmansid
Get the mop out! Clean-up on ailse P !!:D

Damn straight.

Those games looked great yesterday. Rose Bowl looked terrific - The game was a no-win situation for me. I've grown up anti-t.u. my entire life - both parents graduated Univ. of Arkansas, I did Baylor undergrad, A&M Master's (and obviously teach here now). However, I went to Michigan State for my doctorate so I grew in a short period of time to hate UM. I kept trying to convince everyone up there it should be m.u., but that never caught on. Needless to say I was just hoping neither team would look good yesterday. Unfortunately, VY looked pretty stellar.

I posted my review over at texags but I really dont think we played that badly (and for sure not as bad as the score) but the turnovers were the game. We played uncharacteristically bad in that respect yesterday.

The best thing about my trip was getting my picture taken with Jackie Sherrill (sp) at midnight yell... even though the location sucked balls (and i still feel a little sick from my trip but all is well)... i would post the pic but you guys are ruthless ;)

BTW for some voOmie news, the cinema channels were renamed while I was gone (they are very kickass now, new graphics and the info page that airs right before each movie starts now says if the movie is OAR, so thats a good thing). Good to see D* added all the networks, hopefully it puts pressure on voOm to add them (plus WB/UPN) in march along with our RSN ;). I leave for vegas tuesday so I wont have much time around here to recover from dallas.... hopefully Ill see good things from voOm at CES.

This photo pretty much summed up the game for me:

http://mantis.tamu.edu/txags/cotton_bowl02.jpg

I so wanted to take some great shots, but all I got were fumbles and shots of Riggs running for first downs. I'm going through them now to post on my website.

For what it's worth, the Vols got there butts kicked pretty bad by Auburn in the SEC Championship game. Of course, it was kind've expected. Auburn had one heck of a year.
Javry

BTW,
Are those shots from your TV? Or were you at the game?
Javry

I really wish OU was playing Auburn as I think those are the top two teams in the country.

Originally posted by javry
Are those shots from your TV? Or were you at the game?

From the game. I was on the 9th row in the endzone. I was using a 70-200 w/ 1.4x on my Canon 10D.

The Fox WS presentation did look pretty good though. I only briefly checked it out when I got home. Not much to look at from our perspective.

Originally posted by mwesson
I really wish OU was playing Auburn as I think those are the top two teams in the country.
yeah ....I agree

Originally posted by dave99ag
From the game. I was on the 9th row in the endzone. I was using a 70-200 w/ 1.4x on my Canon 10D.

The Fox WS presentation did look pretty good though. I only briefly checked it out when I got home. Not much to look at from our perspective.

What section? I was on row 17 of section 28.... my tix were worse than I thought they were but still had a decent view. I noticed there were old people below me (they were stitting down).

Section 14, Row 9, Seats 1-4

We were just to the right of the goalpost. Great for when the action was on our side, but we had no clue what was happening on the other end. I could see the plays through my lens across the field, but couldn't tell how many yards they were. Being low did allow me to get some decent shots though.

Yeah when they were on the other side I had to watch via the "jumbotron"

The photos (http://www.davidriggs.com) are up now.

I guess I might have had the best seats. I was in those metal bleachers to the left of the Jumbotron on the first row. I could see the whole field, and I was a little behind the speakers, so it wasn't blaring in my ears. I couldn't see the whole Jumbotron from my angle though. BTW, I'm getting both ABCs. What an HD lineup:

ABC-E/W D*
CBS KBTX
FOX-E D*
NBC-E/W D*
PBS KAMU

You "moved" to Houston and they kept your ABC and NBC waivers, right? Better not call D* anytime soon. :)

I won't be. From your pics Dave, I guess you were on the opposite end from me. How was the Dart? Traffic wasn't that bad for us.

Originally posted by dave99ag
The photos (http://www.davidriggs.com) are up now. Pretty cool photos. Did you take that honking tripod in with you, or did you just use the guy's head in front of you? ;)

The DART was nice. We parked at the Ledbetter station all the way to Cityplace. It was rather crowded there, but didn't take too long to get on the bus. I figure it was better than fighting the traffic aroud the Cotton Bowl.

Originally posted by labmansid
Pretty cool photos. Did you take that honking tripod in with you, or did you just use the guy's head in front of you? ;)

LOL

Just the guns on my arms. ;)

From what I have been reading and hearing I won't be changing anything on my D* account for a while. I was at least able to keep my NBC E/W grandfathered somehow when I "moved", so I can still get all 4 HD nets, plus KAMU.
I recorded the game on the HD-Tivo, but I may not keep it for long. :(

I already deleted it after watching the band performances and some of the game.

No need to call D* until HD LiL come on and then you may want to keep them for more time-shifting.

I'd imagine that when Houston gets HD LiL the rest of the B/CS D* people will probably move to Houston.

Originally posted by dave99ag
I'd imagine that when Houston gets HD LiL the rest of the B/CS D* people will probably move to Houston.
My only concern is when that happens it will probably require some new equipment and professional install. I guess my mom might have HD for a day or two then. ;)
BTW the Cowboys/Giants game looks damn good on ESPNHD. Last chance this year to watch Da Boys in HD.:(

Yes the ESPN game looks good.... So does the CBS Sunday Night Movie (behind enemy lines), but I'm spending alot of time tonight watching the new rebranded voom movie channels, lots of new content tonight :)

Originally posted by dave99ag
I already deleted it after watching the band performances

You might have been too low, but how did the bands come across there? I actually thought the Tennessee band looked quite good for a high school band (one of the better ones I've seen) at least from what we saw on TV. I do wish they would have pulled out more for the A&M band. It is not nearly as impressive when you are only watching one member walking down the field.

I couldn't tell much of what the bands were doing. I knew the FTAB was doing the four-cross, but that's about it.

The UT band was pretty good, but I did kind of get sick of hearing Rocky Top, the Gladiator theme, and the LOTR theme.

Originally posted by dave99ag
The UT band was pretty good, but I did kind of get sick of hearing Rocky Top, the Gladiator theme, and the LOTR theme.

Don't forget Iron Man. I kept waiting for Shout at the Devil.

Theres some news on COX.... Evidently they are rebuilding their network and have listed KMAY as a NBC carrier on non encrypted side of their network.

http://cox.com/texas/includes/systems/sys-brya-reb.asp

It also now lists them in the regular lineup as well (probably KCEN but if the HD version is on unencrypted we can use HTPC to tune and WMC05 to timeshift.)

That's great. Maybe they read our thread and realized the error of their ways!!:D Locals should be unencrypted.

Guess I need to see if my cable is somehow still on. My new bedroom set has a QAM tuner. Also, if anybody is interested in an antenna, I'm ready to get rid of the Channel Master 3020 in my attic. It's the biggest UHF/VHF combo Lowe's sells. I also have the Channel Master preamp from Lowe's. I'm about to move the Televes into the attic, so the CM 3020 has to go.

Let me know how the Televes does in the attic. What are you shooting for?

The 3020 is friggin' huge in my attic. A smaller antenna would be nice at times.

I'll probably just use the Televes for KBTX and analog KYLE for regional NFL (hopefully we'll have lil HD on D* by next year though). It will still be on a rotor so I can point it toward Houston or Waco, but that's not a big concern for me anymore except for maybe the WB.

Oh yeah, I forgot you also had NBC on waivers. No need for a big antenna to pickup everything. :)

Originally posted by elspankdog
I'll probably just use the Televes for KBTX and analog KYLE for regional NFL (hopefully we'll have lil HD on D* by next year though). It will still be on a rotor so I can point it toward Houston or Waco, but that's not a big concern for me anymore except for maybe the WB.
Glad I sold it when I did!! :D

I also get KCEN pretty well with a Winegard YA1713 which will also be going in the attic. That's what I actually use and will be using for KAMU.

Hey Dave, have you ever thought of doing a CM 3020 stack? How big is that attic? ;)

If any of you want a maybe working televes for relatively cheap let me know... I never bothered to see if it still works when I took it down and its sitting in my garage. Its slightly banged up on one end (dropped it once when i first got it) but it worked fine, Ill have to see if it still tunes channels after I get back from vegas.

Wow, a tri-Televes stack. My wife will love that!