Albuquerque, NM - HDTV [Text View] - Page 24

mdamberger

05-01-08, 05:25 AM

we don't have to do anything. People who don't heed the warnings and get going with converter boxes deserve to watch the mom and pop's come Feb 2009.

It's hard for me to believe there are a lot of ignorant people when you have crawls frequently each day talking about the transition, when you have mentions on newscasts, when there are 30 minute infomercials running a few times a week, etc.

The only people I can see who don't know what is going on are those who have been away in a foreign country for many months or years and haven't been able to watch local channels to find out a transition is going on.
I don’t think people realize the momentum behind this transition and that it’s gonna happen whether they like it or not. I remember watching C-SPAN coverage of a hearing on DTV and all the services that will take over from the spectrum changes, EMS, manufactures, timelines to meet these dates.. Basically congress was told, that if they wanted this transition to happen, they would need to set a hard line date for every one to meet. Basically so budgets for cities, manufacture build out schedules, services that would become available after the date could become a reality. That an arbitrary number like 75% DTV penetration was never going to materialize for the benefits they could get in a few short years if they did set a deadline.

We are now around 25% high definition set penetration, and somewhat higher on digital tuner installs. But amazingly, only about 1/3 of those with HD sets actually are watching any HD on that set. Various reasons behind this; such as not really knowing how to watch HD via their set, or not getting services that provide HD, like sat, cable box, and even HD DVD.

People will continue to ignore information that keeps being shown to them for their benefit because they don’t think it applies to themselves, or are too lazy to act on it. Human nature.. But come that morning of Feb 17th, they will be asking questions on why they weren’t informed, and what they should do. Too bad they won’t be able to see those crawls, because by that time, it won’t be viewable unless they have a STB or newer TV. Also, by that time, the money for coupons will have run out, and there is no turning analog back on just so they can watch again; since that spectrum will have been spoken for, and the new incumbent user will have better things to do with that spectrum them to continue 70 year old technology. Plus the fact that the broadcasters analog license will have expired, and they can’t continue with analog unless they want a fine.

I keep telling people do it now, get ready when they ask questions. Why wait? There is no benefit to wait to get the STB or new TV if you’re going to have to get one on Feb 17th. Nothings changing between now and then, other then the you will be up the creek if you never get the right equipment. Do they think Wal-Mart is going to have isles of STB’s or TV’s available the day after for everyone who forgot? They and everyone else will be out of stock pretty quickly. Well, at least on the cheap stuff. And those are the people most affected by this, the ones who can’t afford to buy a 40” plasma, but cringe at the thought of buying a $200 TV; or just think its plain insane to pay anymore for TV. Plus they immediately gain all the benefits of DTV right away. No more ghosts, crummy audio, etc.. Now they can have clear pictures, sound, and even program information and description etc.. Gee, you may not need cable if you only got it because the picture was bad before. But we all know why we love DTV here, High Definition. Preaching to the choir.

N5XZS

05-03-08, 01:36 AM

BTW, I noted that K43HW-LP analog channel 43 "Digital ch. 28 not on yet" is back on the air testing color bar, but no sign of digital signal at this time.:)

They are trying to keep their licenses going before they expired on that date....:eek:

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101216582&formid=910&fac_num=32280

The signal is coming from the west side, and is Little weak signal depending on where you live, so good luck on Dxing that signal!!

I am hoping for RTN or American network 1, I hope not is some other home shopping craps or church channel but I don't mind Spanish channel as long they show pretty sexy babes or live sport soccer games.:D

5-2-08

ibglowin

05-03-08, 10:01 AM

I have been recording OTA HD episodes of Lost for the last 3 years on KOAT via EyeTV 500. All episodes have ended up around 3.5Gb after cutting out the commercials.

The last 2 episodes I have ended up with file sizes of 4.5Gb after cutting out the commercials. The episodes are all the same length within say 30 seconds of each other so what could have changed?

I wonder if KOAT has upped the bit rate which means a higher quality :) visual experience for us and larger file sizes for those of us who record.

The down size of the new higher bit rate (if that's what it is) is that I could easily archive my episodes on a single layer DVD (that cost $0.20) and now I cant. Would have to use a DL or split the backup over 2 disc which is not worth it really.

N5XZS

05-03-08, 12:29 PM

K43HW-LP, is still testing with weard color bar flashing on and off like crazy and the signal is still somewhat weak at P-2 analog scale.

So it should be intresting to see if they turn on the digital channel 28 soon.:)

5-3-08

Avio

05-03-08, 01:03 PM

... The down size of the new higher bit rate (if that's what it is) is that I could easily archive my episodes on a single layer DVD (that cost $0.20) and now I cant. Would have to use a DL or split the backup over 2 disc which is not worth it really.Couldn't you use DVD Shrink version 3.2.0.15 to make it fit exactly on one disc?

http://www.dvdshrink.org/

EDIT: Maybe that would add too many extra steps and added time to be worth it to you.

Avio

ibglowin

05-03-08, 07:03 PM

These are EyeTV data files so they would not work with Shrink.

Couldn't you use DVD Shrink version 3.2.0.15 to make it fit exactly on one disc?

http://www.dvdshrink.org/

EDIT: Maybe that would add too many extra steps and added time to be worth it to you.

Avio

bigglare

05-03-08, 08:21 PM

do they record as .ts files? I use Ulead DVD movie Factory and make HDDVDs with the episodes. that and Smallville.

dfergie

05-03-08, 08:58 PM

You could try ts splitter on the file... and put something else on the space left on the second disc... I'm burning an HD DVD right now ;)

bigglare

05-05-08, 04:06 PM

HDTV2Mpeg works great for splitting if its a transport stream file, .ts or .tp or .m2ts depending on your program.

ibglowin

05-05-08, 04:26 PM

These are EyeTV data files. If you open up and view package contents the file is an .mpg file. This is a Apple mac program also.

More than anything I am curious about why the extra 1GB in file size after 3 years of recordings. KOAT is 720p so it was nice and easy to archive their stuff as well as KASA Fox to a cheap single layer DVD.

lujan

05-05-08, 08:30 PM

moonhawk

05-05-08, 09:18 PM

Anybody know of a good DVR that I can use to record HD programming from an OTA with a digital tuner? One that is hopefully not too expensive. I hear Dish is coming out with one this summer but there's no cost set on it yet. Also, I don't know if you'll have to pay a monthly service for it?

Unless I'm missing something, the last few generations of Dish DVR have been able to do that.

Yes, you do have to subscribe and there is a DVR fee.

bigglare

05-05-08, 11:38 PM

Try looking at some of those new DVD recorders with built in HDD.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8054241

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5663214

These probably only record as SDTV since Tivo sued everyone else out of business that made a full on DVR.

lujan

05-06-08, 08:25 AM

Unless I'm missing something, the last few generations of Dish DVR have been able to do that.

Yes, you do have to subscribe and there is a DVR fee.

Yes, I've had a 921, 942 and now a 622 but I want to be able to record HD on the OTA without using the E* service.

lujan

05-06-08, 08:28 AM

moonhawk

05-06-08, 09:47 AM

Yes, I've had a 921, 942 and now a 622 but I want to be able to record HD on the OTA without using the E* service.

Gotcha, lujan....

So, back to your original post, are you saying you heard Dish is coming out with a DVR that is independent of their service?

That would be interesting....

jerrich

05-06-08, 11:39 AM

The tivo 3 and it's little brother tivo hd both will do what you want. There is a sale on the small one with a lifetime sub for about $700 I think. Both machines allow an external wd drive for more storage. My t3 is in constant use (as is my SA8300 for cable).
JR

bigglare

05-06-08, 01:04 PM

Tivo is the only DVR currently for sale that does ota hd other than dish or directv. And those all require a service.

You might be able to find RCA's older line of DVR products that used a 1394 connection to a tuner to record. I found mine for about $50 online at beachaudio.com

lujan

05-06-08, 01:45 PM

Gotcha, lujan....

So, back to your original post, are you saying you heard Dish is coming out with a DVR that is independent of their service?

That would be interesting....

Here's a link to the article I read:

http://ces.cnet.com/8301-1_1-9840910-67.html

It doesn't say whether it will require a monthly service charge though.

jpoet

05-07-08, 11:15 AM

Yes, I've had a 921, 942 and now a 622 but I want to be able to record HD on the OTA without using the E* service.

Build yourself a HTPC and use one of these:

http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/products/hdhomerun

On the HTPC, I personally use MythTV:

http://mythtv.org/
http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

But, myth can require a LOT of effort to get working. The payoff is the best PVR software out there.

Sage (under Microsoft OS), is a close second to Myth:

http://sagetv.com/

John

lujan

05-07-08, 01:54 PM

Build yourself a HTPC and use one of these:

http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/products/hdhomerun

On the HTPC, I personally use MythTV:

http://mythtv.org/
http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

But, myth can require a LOT of effort to get working. The payoff is the best PVR software out there.

Sage (under Microsoft OS), is a close second to Myth:

http://sagetv.com/

John

I already have a PC with a digital tuner and Vista. Can't I already do this with my current setup? I should already be able to record HD shows on Media Center? I haven't tried it yet. I wanted something to use with a digital TV and not the PC.

creakndale

05-07-08, 08:56 PM

I have a 1280x720 projector that I watch OTA HD broadcasts on a 77" screen from my HTPC. HD OTA looks fantastic. I'm mainly interested in Battlestar Galactica coming off the Vip722 DVR at 1280x720. Any of you out there doing this? I'm concerned about the quality of the HD Lite feed transmitted off the Satellite. Is it between SD and HD in quality? Are there distracting artifacts? If the quality is not significantly better than SD I will wait till next year and purchase a Blu-Ray player and rent Battlestar Galactica season 4. Any first hand knowledge is appreciated.

Thanks,
creakndale

bigglare

05-08-08, 02:10 AM

talk about preconceived notions.

Battlestar Galactica looks awesome on satellite. Just as good if not better than some broadcast HD. You should look for yourself next time before taking someone elses word. mine included.

dfergie

05-08-08, 09:34 AM

I have a 720p FPTV and watch BSG on a 73" screen... I have DirectHD, DishHD and HDDVD... BSG looks pretty darn good on all three to me (have all seasons but 3 on DVD, Season 1 on HDDVD and most of Season 3 on External HDD in HD... )the "look" is the way it is filmed...

jdmart

05-12-08, 08:26 AM

Sunday May 11, 10:27 pm ET
Satellite Provider Remains On Schedule to Reach Year-End Goal of 100 National HD Channels

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 11, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH - News), today announced plans to bolster its rapidly expanding HD programming with the launch of an additional 22 national HD channels beginning Monday, May 12. These additions include:

-- ABC Family HD (DISH Network Ch 180 -- Disney HD East (Ch. 172)
-- ESPNews HD (Ch. 142)
-- Biography HD (Ch. 119) -- Hallmark Movie Channel HD (Ch 187)
-- Bravo HD (Ch. 129)
-- Cartoon HD (Ch. 176) -- MGM HD (Ch. 385)
-- Cinemax 5 Star (Ch. 381) -- Sci Fi HD (Ch. 122)
-- Cinemax HD West (Ch. 380) -- Smithsonian HD (Ch. 374)
-- Comcast Sports Network Bay Area HD (Ch 419)* -- Tennis Channel HD (Ch. 400)
-- Toon Disney HD (Ch. 174)
-- Comcast Sports Network New England HD (Ch 435)* -- Travel Channel HD (Ch. 215)
-- USA HD (Ch. 105)
-- CNBC HD (Ch. 208) -- Weather Channel HD (Ch. 214)
-- CNN HD (Ch. 200) -- World Fishing Network HD (Ch. 396)

*Launch Wednesday, May 14

ibglowin

05-12-08, 09:36 AM

Say goodbye to Voom!

No mention of FX HD?

I would trade almost all of those for FX HD!

lujan

05-12-08, 01:58 PM

Anybody checked to see if these stations are now available?

jdmart

05-12-08, 04:36 PM

Anybody checked to see if these stations are now available?

They lit up a little after 12:30 this afternoon.

fjerina

05-13-08, 07:33 PM

May - 2008 DTV User Group Meeting Notice

The New Mexico DTV User Group will hold its May meeting this Thursday, 5/15/2008 at 7:00 PM at KNME Studios on University Blvd. (1 block N. of Lomas).

The main topic is "Converter Box Revolution" presented by Jim Gale & Bob Henry, KNME Studio Engineer. This presentations takes an in-depth look at NTIA Converter Boxes, and what makes them tick - inside and out. There are numerous technical photos of the PCB layouts and materials from design engineer handbooks for the System on Chip that does most of the work. These boxes are truly engineering marvels. In 2002 at Gary Sgrignoli's "8 VSB Seminar" at KNME, Gary demonstrated a working prototype of the 4th Generation
8VSB chipset from Zenith. It was a full rack of electronics, that was later reduced to a 5-chip 8VSB decoder chipset.

Now, all of that and a lot more is integrated onto a single LSI "System on a Chip" - with 6th Generation Performance! Come learn more at the meeting.

We appreciate all your support as viewers and HD enthusiasts and look forward to seeing you at the KNME studios on Thursday.

Jim Gale
KNME-TV (PBS)
Director of Engineering
University of New Mexico

jdmart

05-14-08, 09:11 AM

sthscan

05-14-08, 04:38 PM

All 15 VOOM channels have been removed from DISH with no announcement from VOOM. I believe DISH will be scrambling to close on negotiations with other HD channels now that it has more HD capacity. I suspect some of the more popular VOOM channels may come back in a new tier.

I think they'll be back later when more sats go up with more bandwidth (plus I don't think DISH as an equity partner would limit the distribution of these channels to just cablevision).

dfergie

05-14-08, 06:54 PM

I listened to the Dish Earnings Call yesterday and helped Scott report on same elsewhere... Charlie Ergen sounded to me like they (Dish) are circling the wagons as they know they are facing strong competition from Direct... this removal could be a bluff (I hope it is)...

Monger

05-14-08, 08:39 PM

FWIW, Comcast will be adding 5 new hd channels the first week of June. They include AMC HD, CNN HD, Science HD, Disney HD, and ABC Family HD.

N5XZS

05-18-08, 02:55 PM

Hey guys, see what you think of this channel that would be nice to add on KNMD-DT on channel 9.3?

Here's the link.....

http://www.mhznetworks.org/

I would love to get Aussie rule football!!:eek:

If you do like this channel then we should contact KNMD-DT to carry this channel!:)

Also I just wish they would crank up the TX power after the analog shut down date of 2-17-09.

So far I have not see any files applications to the FCC for the TX upgrade.

5-18-08

Trip in VA

05-18-08, 04:31 PM

MHz WorldView is quite interesting. It's actually produced by Commonwealth Public Broadcasting, which owns the PBS station I watch when I'm at college, and so they show WorldView on a subchannel. It's definitely interesting to watch.

I don't know that KNMD-DT 9 is allowed to boost power. They may be capped due to KCHF-DT on 10 since its from a different tower site.

- Trip

Avio

05-18-08, 06:18 PM

MHz WorldView is quite interesting. ... I agree MHz WorldView seems to have a lot of diverse international variety. I would probably watch it occasionally for alternate news, documentaries, foreign films, miscellanea...

I assume it would be displayed in 480i 4:3, which is a con for me and many here.

Avio

Trip in VA

05-18-08, 06:51 PM

I agree MHz WorldView seems to have a lot of diverse international variety. I would probably watch it occasionally for alternate news, documentaries, foreign films, miscellanea...

I assume it would be displayed in 480i 4:3, which is a con for me and many here.

Avio

Well, it's designed to be a subchannel. Commonwealth Public Broadcasting is pretty much broke; they only started HD and the WorldView subchannel on their two main PBS stations in November, before that there was just an SD simulcast.

In DC, where MHz is based, they multicast 4 streams on one station and 5 on the other. In addition, a lot of Europe doesn't do HD yet to the best of my knowledge, so a number of countries' programming isn't even available to show in HD.

- Trip

N5XZS

05-20-08, 12:16 PM

News update.......

For those of you living in Roswell getting the analog channel 13 K13RK.

This station will flash cut to digital as soon the FCC approves the paperwork.

It will run at 300 watts erp on channel 13....:eek:

here's the link from the FCC's database......:)

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101245973&formid=346&fac_num=53914

That's the news!!!:D

5-20-08

vtjman

05-26-08, 02:06 PM

N5XZS

05-26-08, 02:38 PM

It would be very interesting, to see who will buy Albuquerque's Comcast cable system.

Has anyone remember Jones Intercable and something before that.....

For the time being I am happy with my Directv in HD and as well for OTA, with TV DXing fun with my FTA motor dish as well too!:)

5-26-08

sthscan

05-27-08, 05:26 AM

This from Engadget HD (http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/25/comcast-looking-to-sell-outlying-markets/).

Looks like Comcast may be selling off its NM market to someone else. Hope this won't affect my high speed internet I still have with them.

I think Comcast is going to sell off just the smaller cable systems (those with less than 5,000 subs) in the states mentioned. I don't believe Albuquerque and Santa Fe, etc. (the larger systems) are up for sale.

To the other poster, I think I can remember "Albuquerque Cable Company" prior to Jones Intercable and then Comcast.

I definitely know I can remember when KTTV Los Angeles was on the cable system here (and the Dodger games way back prior to their KTLA/KCOP off-air rights deals).

I can even remember the local Albuquerque cable company offering like a $23.xx package of channels (extended basic or some such equivalent). that was a long time ago! ;)

N5XZS

05-28-08, 10:59 AM

Latest news from KOAT-DT saying, they are expanding their local news to full 1 hour at 10 PM weekdays.:)

Here's the link.....

http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2008/05/27/daily.14/

It's like our TV market is growing again, but where is the plan for local HDTV newscast?

Since were are top 44 and may go up higher, I don't see why our local stations should be able to do it by starting HD newscast IMHO.

Now back to TV DXing.....:D

5-28-08

sthscan

05-30-08, 04:16 AM

Latest news from KOAT-DT saying, they are expanding their local news to full 1 hour at 10 PM weekdays.:)

good luck with that, KOAT!

who is going to watch the 2nd half of KOAT 10pm news when they can watch Leno or Letterman in (gasp!) _HD_ at 10:35 pm! :D

not that I watch KOAT anymore anyway....

edwardacampbell

05-30-08, 04:51 PM

It's like our TV market is growing again, but where is the plan for local HDTV newscast?

I expect our local yokels to be last on the air as ever. It just struck home - linking an online Post to a local TV station in Sacramento, California. Population 475,000.

But, the flash video clip was from an HD local news telecast.

jack8219

05-30-08, 05:04 PM

madmax69

05-30-08, 07:39 PM

I have been reading this forum for a while. Now that I got my TV Converter Box coupons in, what would be the best box to buy?
I have a guest room TV not hooked up to my Direct Sat. and it get poor OTA analog reception. I figured this box can improve it. I'am at Ventura and Academy.

Monger

05-30-08, 10:21 PM

monger: on 5-14 you said science channel and disney, cnn, amc and family would go hd in june. comcast has cnn, amc and family on the guide but no programming yet. is science-hd coming? i don't watch sci-fi hd which we get now but science hd would be great. thanks for any info you have

Science hd is coming. They are no longer on the guide today, but Science-hd programming was actually showing on the amc hd slot last night. June 2nd is the target date but we'll see what happens.

N5XZS

05-31-08, 01:00 PM

Just go to Radio shack, and get Digital Stream box and it one hot Dxing box!

With just a silver sensor antenna hooked up to Digital Stream I somehow got KCHF-DT channel 10.1 to come in at 45 to 50 percent on the signal meter!:eek:

The is is for my back up digital tuner and for TV DXing.....:)

5-31-8

kg6mvb

05-31-08, 02:55 PM

Now that I got my TV Converter Box coupons in, what would be the best box to buy?

Lots of discussion here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=186

Paul E

06-01-08, 06:16 AM

jdmart

06-01-08, 08:41 AM

I will be relocating to ABQ in the next few weeks. Am I correct that CBS-HD is not available on DirecTV or Comcast? Is there a time frame of when it will be available on those systems?

I am a long time DirecTV user, but am considering making a change when I move. I read on the Comcast website that their DVR's only hold about 15 hours of HD content. My wife and I record a lot of shows, and 15 hours of storage won't cut it. Can 2 Concast DVR's function in the same room, from different remote signals? (TiVo's can be configured to work off of different remote signals so that two can be in the same room and function independently)

I'm also considering switching to Dish, and would like to know if two vip722's can be configured to function independently in the same room from two IR remotes.

I currently use an HR20 and HR10-250 connected to the home theatre, and enjoy being able to record 4 shows at once.

Thanks for any input that you can offer!

First of all welcome to Albuquerque!

You're correct; only Dish has CBS-HD. Not aware of any timeframe for other service providers.

Yes, you can configure two or more Dish receivers in the same room with IR. They can easily be configured in the menu with a choice of 16 different remote addresses.

We sell both Dish & Direct and we could easily have gone with either provider. My wife and I chose Dish because like you, we love to record. We installed the vip722 which according to reviews is "the best DVR on the planet."

We jokingly say "friends don't let friends do cable.";)

Paul E

06-01-08, 09:04 AM

First of all welcome to Albuquerque!

You're correct; only Dish has CBS-HD. Not aware of any timeframe for other service providers.

Yes, you can configure two or more Dish receivers in the same room with IR. They can easily be configured in the menu with a choice of 16 different remote addresses.

We sell both Dish & Direct and we could easily have gone with either provider. My wife and I chose Dish because like you, we love to record. We installed the vip722 which according to reviews is "the best DVR on the planet."

We jokingly say "friends don't let friends do cable.";)

Thanks for the info and quick reply, jdmart. I'm leaning toward Dish network at this point. :) Several Dish subscribers in my area (Austin) have two dishes on their roof. Is it necessary to have two dishes to receive the locals and HD channels from Dish network?

jerrich

06-01-08, 10:00 AM

If you decide to go with Comcast, their SA8300 dvr will accept an external hd for more storage. The Tivo 3 and HD both will do the same for ota & cable, which would get you CBS hd.
JR

lujan

06-01-08, 10:59 AM

Thanks for the info and quick reply, jdmart. I'm leaning toward Dish network at this point. :) Several Dish subscribers in my area (Austin) have two dishes on their roof. Is it necessary to have two dishes to receive the locals and HD channels from Dish network?

It's not necessary but desirable. I had to get two dishes because the signal being received on certain transpondors (on the HD stations including locals) was not coming in reliably until the 2-dish setup. Now, I almost never have signal issues.

jdmart

06-01-08, 11:22 AM

Thanks for the info and quick reply, jdmart. I'm leaning toward Dish network at this point. :) Several Dish subscribers in my area (Austin) have two dishes on their roof. Is it necessary to have two dishes to receive the locals and HD channels from Dish network?

As lujan just mentioned it's NOT necessary but may be beneficial. I personally just have one dish and very rarely ever have a problem.

Alimentall

06-01-08, 12:06 PM

Just so we're clear, Comcast's video quality is horrific on most channels, at least here, so it's a non-starter if you have an HDTV.

Dish has been the best for us to automate a customer's system and my wife and I have 75-80 HD movies at any one time on our 500GB external drive. You just have to be careful as to which external drive as some have problems and some work perfectly. Dish is very forward thinking when it comes to more powerful technologies, some of which still have to get past legal barriers.

Monger

06-01-08, 01:17 PM

Now that Comcast is rolling out and has all digital simulcast available here the pq has gotten much better. Not that I'd want to, but analog on my Sony VW60 was just about unwatchable previously. It's worth calling about and asking them to add if you have comcast. It doesn't cost anything extra and I'm not positive they will but they should be able to activate it over the phone.

N5XZS

06-01-08, 02:30 PM

I wonder why this analog low power station K43HW-LP channel 43 keep sending color bar for month now?

To me it's looks very wasteful and throwing your money away to Electricity bill.:p

Any ideas on this weard station's plans to do?

6-1-08

bigglare

06-02-08, 02:09 AM

Stay away from comcast until they agree to carry CBS-HD which probably wont be until Feb 09. I love Dish. All the local networks cept CW in HD. Ability to record three shows at once. External USB drive support.

Paul E

06-02-08, 06:16 AM

Thanks for all of the feedback, guys! :) I now have a much better understanding of the options available in ABQ and can make a "more informed" decision.

jerrich

06-02-08, 10:17 AM

Comcast just switched my channels to all digital to remedy a problem my older SA8300 was having with the analogs. It is a noticeable improvement and the dvr is happy again. They published a test a while back claiming their hd was visibly better than sat. It could be true, I've read many people unhappy with the IQ of direct.
JR

kg6mvb

06-03-08, 02:28 PM

Thanks for all of the feedback, guys! :) I now have a much better understanding of the options available in ABQ and can make a "more informed" decision.

One thing that wasn't mentioned. In most locations within ABQ and surrounding areas, OTA reception is easy. Sandia Crest overlooks just about everywhere in the city. If you use OTA for your local HD it won't matter if you have Direct or Dish, you get all the channels in HD including CBS.

Currently Dish has FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS in HD over sat. Direct has FOX, NBC and ABC in HD over Sat. OTA you can get FOX, NBC, PBS, ABC, CBS, CW and MyTV (although MyTV rarely has HD content, I have seen it). In my opinion the OTA looks cleaner than the sat local HD...probably less compression.

jerrich

06-05-08, 09:53 AM

Sandia Crest overlooks just about everywhere in the city.

And about half of New Mexico, esp. KNME!
JR

N5XZS

06-05-08, 09:59 AM

Also the best TV transmitters site in the country!!!:D Boy I love the London type raining weather this morning!:)

6-5-08

Paul E

06-07-08, 07:52 AM

thanks for the info, kg6mvb. I use OTA here in Austin on both DVR's, so that is a good option. I'll be looking at homes in the NW area.... mostly Rio Rancho. So.... line of sight to Sandia should not be an issue at all.

For you satellite users.... do you experience signal fade very often? It happens nearly every time it rains in Austin, due to the severity of the thunderstorms. I am thinking that with ABQ's light rainfall per year, there probably aren't many signal outages.

jdmart

06-07-08, 01:38 PM

[QUOTE=For you satellite users.... do you experience signal fade very often? It happens nearly every time it rains in Austin, due to the severity of the thunderstorms. I am thinking that with ABQ's light rainfall per year, there probably aren't many signal outages.[/QUOTE]

Very rarely, and usually it's a rare severe thunderstorm. The key is to ensure the dish is peaked for the highest signal strength. We've often been in a heavy down pour and never lost the signal. I'd venture to say this should be a non-issue in Albuquerque. Cable TV has gone out on sunny days a few times here for several hours.

edwardacampbell

06-09-08, 09:34 AM

LIN finally signed up with DirecTV - including Abq.

dfergie

06-09-08, 10:54 AM

Now if they can get the spotbeam a little bigger so all of the state can get these... ;)

cbearnm

06-09-08, 11:01 AM

Here's a link
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=130496

LIN TV and DIRECTV Announce Retrans Agreement for HD Signals
PROVIDENCE, RI/EL SEGUNDO, CA, June 9, 2008 – LIN TV Corp. (NYSE: TVL), a local television and digital media company, and DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, today announced they have entered into an agreement for the retransmission of LIN TV’s broadcast stations in both analog and high-definition. The deal covers television stations owned and/or operated by LIN TV in 15 markets.

The retransmission agreement includes: KRQE-TV, KASA-TV (Albuquerque); KXAN-TV, KNVA-TV and KBVO-TV (Austin); WIVB-TV and WNLO-TV (Buffalo); WDTN-TV (Dayton); WANE-TV (Ft. Wayne); WOOD-TV, WOTV-TV, WXSP-CA (Grand Rapids); WLUK-TV (Green Bay); WTNH-TV and WCTX-TV (Hartford-New Haven); WISH-TV and WNDY-TV (Indianapolis); WALA-TV and WBPG-TV (Mobile); WAVY-TV and WVBT-TV (Norfolk); WPRI-TV and WNAC-TV (Providence); WWLP-TV (Springfield) and WUPW-TV (Toledo).

“We are pleased with the outcome of our negotiations,” said Vincent L. Sadusky, president and chief executive officer of LIN TV Corp. “Our stations are leaders in their markets and we’ve made substantial investments to bring our viewers high definition digital programming. The agreement reflects fair value to both parties and is in the best interest of the consumer.”

“With this agreement, DIRECTV will continue to enhance its industry leading HD offer, enabling us to add more HD channels in existing DIRECTV HD local markets and set the stage for roll out of more HD local channels this fall,” said Dan Hartman, senior vice president, Programming, DIRECTV, Inc. “We’re extremely happy with this agreement that is both beneficial for our business and our customers.”

edwardacampbell

06-10-08, 07:03 PM

The Hartford station owned by LIN is emailing folks that they start up with D* tomorrow.

adb

06-10-08, 10:35 PM

LIN finally signed up with DirecTV - including Abq.

That's good news for us in the Ruidoso area.

dfergie

06-11-08, 01:51 AM

Cross your fingers...I'm in Carlsbad and it is too far away for the spotbeam to reach... I get my HD locals from Dish...

edwardacampbell

06-11-08, 07:50 AM

Yup...KRQE is up on D*, this morning. Of course, there ain't anything in HD to check for quality till one of the soaps, this afternoon.

dfergie

06-11-08, 11:18 AM

KRQE has Wheel and Jeopardy in HD also... enjoy!

madmax69

06-11-08, 09:58 PM

Thanks to kg6mvb and N5XZS feedback from an earlier post, I bought the Digitalstream DTX9950 from Radio Shack to pick up digital stations and receive them on my analog TV in the guest room. I use an old pair of rabbit ears. This unit is great! I am near Academy and Wyoming. Thanks again guys!

mdamberger

06-12-08, 10:13 PM

LIN finally signed up with DirecTV - including Abq.
And now they have with Comcast.

This article from TV Technology

Lin Gets Tough With Charter, Signs DirecTV HD Retrans Deal

June 11, 2008

Lin TV Corp. a media group with nearly 30 stations in 17 markets, has entered into a retransmission agreement with DBS firm DirecTV to carry most of Lin’s broadcast stations in both HD and analog.

The deal came just days after Lin announced negotiations with cable provider Charter Communications for retransmission 11 of those stations in seven markets were unlikely to lead to an agreement, and that the stations would probably be dropped from the cable systems June 30.

Update: June 11, Charter announced it had reached agreement in principle with Lin and would continue to carry the stations, including HDTV channels.
It’s the latest move in Lin’s practice of using DBS deals to create leverage in retrans negotiations with cable. In March, Lin struck a similar deal with Dish.

“We are pleased with the outcome of our negotiations,” said Vincent Sadusky, Lin TV president and CEO. “The agreement reflects fair value to both parties and is in the best interest of the consumer.” DirecTV said the deal will enable it to add more HD channels in existing HD local markets and set the stage for a rollout of more local HD channels in the fall.

The retransmission agreement includes 25 stations in 14 markets. The 11 stations involved in the negotiations with Charter:

WPRI-TV and WNAC-TV (Providence, R.I.)

WWLP-TV (Springfield, Mass.)

WOOD-TV, WOTV-TV, WXSP-TV (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

WLUK-TV (Green Bay, Wis.)

WTNH-TV and WCTX-TV (Hartford-New Haven, Conn.)

WDTN-TV (Dayton, Ohio)

WUPW-TV (Toledo, Ohio)
The other 14 stations are:

KRQE-TV, KASA-TV (Albuquerque, N.M.)

KXAN-TV, KNVA-TV and KBVO-TV (Austin, Texas)

WIVB-TV and WNLO-TV (Buffalo, N.Y.)

WANE-TV (Ft. Wayne, Ind.)

WISH-TV and WNDY-TV (Indianapolis, Ind.)

WALA-TV and WBPG-TV (Mobile, Ala.)

WAVY-TV and WVBT-TV (Norfolk, Va.)

vtjman

06-12-08, 10:21 PM

And now they have with Comcast.

This article from TV Technology

Lin Gets Tough With Charter, Signs DirecTV HD Retrans Deal

June 11, 2008

Lin TV Corp. a media group with nearly 30 stations in 17 markets, has entered into a retransmission agreement with DBS firm DirecTV to carry most of Lin’s broadcast stations in both HD and analog.

The deal came just days after Lin announced negotiations with cable provider Charter Communications for retransmission 11 of those stations in seven markets were unlikely to lead to an agreement, and that the stations would probably be dropped from the cable systems June 30.

Update: June 11, Charter announced it had reached agreement in principle with Lin and would continue to carry the stations, including HDTV channels.
It’s the latest move in Lin’s practice of using DBS deals to create leverage in retrans negotiations with cable. In March, Lin struck a similar deal with Dish.

“We are pleased with the outcome of our negotiations,” said Vincent Sadusky, Lin TV president and CEO. “The agreement reflects fair value to both parties and is in the best interest of the consumer.” DirecTV said the deal will enable it to add more HD channels in existing HD local markets and set the stage for a rollout of more local HD channels in the fall.

The retransmission agreement includes 25 stations in 14 markets. The 11 stations involved in the negotiations with Charter:

WPRI-TV and WNAC-TV (Providence, R.I.)

WWLP-TV (Springfield, Mass.)

WOOD-TV, WOTV-TV, WXSP-TV (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

WLUK-TV (Green Bay, Wis.)

WTNH-TV and WCTX-TV (Hartford-New Haven, Conn.)

WDTN-TV (Dayton, Ohio)

WUPW-TV (Toledo, Ohio)
The other 14 stations are:

KRQE-TV, KASA-TV (Albuquerque, N.M.)

KXAN-TV, KNVA-TV and KBVO-TV (Austin, Texas)

WIVB-TV and WNLO-TV (Buffalo, N.Y.)

WANE-TV (Ft. Wayne, Ind.)

WISH-TV and WNDY-TV (Indianapolis, Ind.)

WALA-TV and WBPG-TV (Mobile, Ala.)

WAVY-TV and WVBT-TV (Norfolk, Va.)

Where does it mention Comcast?

vtjman

06-12-08, 10:24 PM

Ok I found this (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/cable-tv/e3i2bfca79181eb724964848acab96b1f56)

-----------------
LIN TV, Comcast Reach Retrans Agreement
The agreement covers both the analog and digital signals

June 12, 2008

-By Katy Bachman

LIN TV and Comcast Corp. have reached a retransmission agreement for the carriage of LIN TV stations in 15 markets. The agreement, announced Thursday, June 12, covers both the analog and digital signals.

In addition, both companies will work together to build awareness of the Feb. 17, 2009 digital transition in Indianapolis, Ind.; Hartford, Conn.; Springfield, Mass.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Grand Rapids, Mich.

"Now that we have a solid long-term carriage agreement in place, we can work on broadening and deepening our relationship to meet the new complexities of the digital world we cohabit," said Vincent Sadusky, president and CEO of LIN TV.

Earlier Thursday, LIN TV said it had reached an agreement in principle with Charter Communications for the carriage of 11 TV stations in six markets.
------------

Can anyone with Comcast confirm that KRQE-DT is now available?

hideftv

06-12-08, 10:37 PM

KRQE-DT channel 212 Comcast... Confirmed!

Bigglare when are you switching back.....j/k :D

mdamberger

06-12-08, 10:44 PM

Where does it mention Comcast?

Oops, your right. I thought it said Comcast. Doh, I was looking for the Comcast deal, and copied the wrong announcement. Anyway, Lin seems to be making deals left and right these days. So, does Comcast now have every ABQ station available in HD? I also read that DirecTV will soon carry local PBS's HD.

bigglare

06-12-08, 11:19 PM

KRQE-DT channel 212 Comcast... Confirmed!

Bigglare when are you switching back.....j/k :D

:D
And its more than 6 months before the deadline! AMAZING! COMCASTIC!
Im putting ketchup all over my words as we type.

hideftv

06-13-08, 12:49 AM

All the primary channels anyway. ABC, NBC & WTHR+, FOX, PBS & V-Me, CW, My50, and CBS.

reklund

06-13-08, 11:36 PM

It's about freakin' time! I about fell out of my chair tonight when I hit the "channel up" button on my remote and KRQEHD showed up on channel 212!! I can take my OTA antenna down now...

Ryan

jack8219

06-14-08, 11:49 AM

anyone know when comcast will get the program guide up. it is gone after tuesday pm andi wonder if my dvr timers will fire with it off. also i want to record some shows after tuesday. the service rep said he would try to get it on but so far no luck.

N5XZS

06-14-08, 01:54 PM

I thought you folks in Farmigton like this digital stations informations from the FCC's database.:)

Full power digital stations.......

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

Low power digital stations......

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

Back to TV DXings!!:D

6-14-08

N5XZS

06-14-08, 02:34 PM

Here's more information for Gallup folks on your local digital channels from the FCC's database.:)

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

Can anyone in Gallup, can provide me information on KIAZ-LD channel 14? The reason is ths station carrying American One network programings, and is still on the air?

Thanks!!

6-14-08

N5XZS

06-14-08, 02:54 PM

Here's more information for Roswell folks on local digital stations from the FCC's data base.

Full power digital stations listing....

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

Low power digital stations listing.....

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

How's the digital reception is like in Roswell?:)

6-14-08

N5XZS

06-14-08, 03:00 PM

Here's the information for folks in Socorro's local station......

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_list.pl

Is the KNME-DT's relay station on the air? Please let me know.:)

Thanks!!

6-14-08

N5XZS

06-14-08, 03:14 PM

OOPS, there is something wrong with the FCC database links on 4 NM towns!!:(:p

Try this link......

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_sear.htm

Sorry about this silly problem folks...:o

It's should work, just be aware the FCC's websites is sometime sluggish at time.

6-14-08

Trip in VA

06-14-08, 04:54 PM

You can't link to the FCC CDBS search results. If you didn't notice, all those links are the same!

- Trip

N5XZS

06-14-08, 05:11 PM

Trip in VA

06-14-08, 05:24 PM

Trip, I think is one of my greatest blooper of all time!!! Hi Hi Hi...:eek::D

Trip, is there a way to get more informations, on digital low power stations here in Albuquerque, since they don't have their website by E-mailing to them ask when they will flash cut to digital?

Two stations plans to flash cut to digital are channel 39 KFAC-LP and channel 47 KTEL-LP.

As of right now they are still transmitting analog at this time.

6-14-08

There's no Form 387 for LP stations like there are for the full-service ones, so I don't know how to find the information.

My guess is, though, that they could be flash-cut around October. The other Ramar stations will be flash-cutting in October, and they may try to get the Albuquerque LPTV stations flipped while the transmitter company guys are floating around.

- Trip

lujan

06-16-08, 02:03 PM

hideftv

06-16-08, 05:10 PM

What digital stations are we supposed to get now from Comcast?

2.1
4.1
5.1
7.1
13.1
19.1?

Not sure about 19.1 but I was getting all except 13.1. Now that 13.1 is supposed to be here, all I get is 2.1. I am connected via a VCR to the TV. If it's the VCR, then I shouldn't be getting 2.1, right? Anyone know what might be going on? I had a Comcast tech come in this morning but he couldn't figure it out. He's having a maintenance tech come to the neighborhood this afternoon and said he would call after that.

210 = KOAT (ABC)
211 = KOB (NBC)
212 = KRQE (CBS)
213 = KASA (FOX)
214 = KWBQ (CW)
215 = KASY (MY50)
220 = KNME (PBS)

203 = V-Me (PBS Spanish)
208 = KOB WX+

[They were there last night. I was watching KOB this morning for the US Open playoff and didn't check the others. I have no reason to believe they aren't there now.]

N5XZS

06-16-08, 05:21 PM

Is anyone living in silver city getting this very low power digital VHF low band station called KCWO-CA and what kind of TV programs they have on?

At 104 watts, I wonder can anyones pull this signal in?:eek::)

KCWO-CA NM SILVER CITY, ETC. USA

Licensee: KDBC LICENSE, LLC
Service Designation: CA Class A television station

Channel: 2 54 - 60 MHz Licensed
File No.: BLTTV-5081 Facility ID number: 33765
CDBS Application ID No.: 304099

32° 50' 41.00" N Latitude Site in Mexican Border Zone 108° 14' 18.00" W Longitude (NAD 27)

Polarization: Horizontal (H) Effective Radiated Power (ERP): 0.104 kW ERP Antenna Height Above Average Terrain: - meters HAAT -- Calculate HAAT Antenna Height Above Mean Sea Level: 2313. meters AMSL Antenna Height Above Ground Level: 0. meters AGL Frequency Offset: 0 (zero) Directional Antenna ID No.: 20783 Pattern Rotation: 210.00
Antenna Make: - Antenna Model: -

6-16-08

Trip in VA

06-16-08, 06:02 PM

Is KCWO-CA even broadcasting digitally? I can't find an application showing it...

- Trip

N5XZS

06-16-08, 06:20 PM

Trip, try this link this may help, just chose the state listings and type the station's call letter then scroll down to chose TV TV query listings, and scroll down to TV query Detaled output + CDBS links, and just click on submit data button.

Here's the link.....:)

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/tvq.html

Hopes that's helps....

6-16-08

Trip in VA

06-16-08, 06:37 PM

Yeah, I did that already. I see an analog channel 2 at .104 kW DA, but nothing about a digital signal.

- Trip

N5XZS

06-16-08, 06:51 PM

Trip, I am sorry I blooped again!!!:o I have a bad habit reading too fast, and I looked at the wrong one........:o

KCWO-CA NM SILVER CITY, ETC. USA "Real analog station" now if scroll down below silver city's analog station"s information....

Licensee: KDBC LICENSE, LLC
Service Designation: CA Class A television station

Channel: 2 54 - 60 MHz Licensed
File No.: BLTTV-5081 Facility ID number: 33765
CDBS Application ID No.: 304099

32° 50' 41.00" N Latitude Site in Mexican Border Zone 108° 14' 18.00" W Longitude (NAD 27)

Polarization: Horizontal (H) Effective Radiated Power (ERP): 0.104 kW ERP Antenna Height Above Average Terrain: - meters HAAT -- Calculate HAAT Antenna Height Above Mean Sea Level: 2313. meters AMSL Antenna Height Above Ground Level: 0. meters AGL Frequency Offset: 0 (zero) Directional Antenna ID No.: 20783 Pattern Rotation: 210.00
Antenna Make: - Antenna Model: -

Relative Field values for directional antenna Relative Field polar plot
Relative field values do not include any pattern rotation that may be indicated above.

0° 1.000 60° 0.080 120° 0.010 180° 0.047 240° 0.010 300° 0.130 10° 0.940 70° 0.020 130° 0.010 190° 0.045 250° 0.010 310° 0.300 20° 0.840 80° 0.010 140° 0.020 200° 0.043 260° 0.010 320° 0.460 30° 0.650 90° 0.010 150° 0.040 210° 0.030 270° 0.020 330° 0.660 40° 0.460 100° 0.010 160° 0.043 220° 0.010 280° 0.040 340° 0.830 50° 0.290 110° 0.010 170° 0.045 230° 0.010 290° 0.050 350° 0.940

CDBS: Station Info Application Info Mailing Address Assignments and Transfers
Application List CDBS Search Page Ownership Info EEO Call Sign Changes
Site: Region Map Area Map Local Map
Area: Service Contour Map (62 dBu) Alternate Map Link
ULS: Related facilities in ULS ASRNs within 0.5 km radius

Previous Record -- Next Record

That should be the one but at different location......

K02KP NM LORDSBURG USA (Digital)
-------

Licensee: REGENTS OF NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
Service Designation: LD Digital Television Translator station

Channel: 2 54 - 60 MHz Application
File No.: BDFCDTT-20060331BOZ Facility ID number: 55483
CDBS Application ID No.: 1120181

32° 19' 39.00" N Latitude Site in Mexican Border Zone 108° 43' 34.00" W Longitude (NAD 27)

Polarization: Effective Radiated Power (ERP): 0.042 kW ERP Antenna Height Above Average Terrain: - meters HAAT -- Calculate HAAT Antenna Height Above Mean Sea Level: 146.5 meters AMSL Antenna Height Above Ground Level: 7.5 meters AGL Frequency Offset: 0 (zero) Directional Antenna ID No.: 72448 Pattern Rotation: 0.00

Relative Field values for directional antenna Relative Field polar plot
Relative field values do not include any pattern rotation that may be indicated above.

0° 1.000 60° 0.100 120° 0.020 180° 0.132 240° 0.020 300° 0.110 10° 0.950 70° 0.030 130° 0.070 190° 0.155 250° 0.020 310° 0.310 20° 0.840 80° 0.020 140° 0.105 200° 0.150 260° 0.020 320° 0.490 30° 0.690 90° 0.020 150° 0.105 210° 0.120 270° 0.020 330° 0.690 40° 0.495 100° 0.020 160° 0.110 220° 0.080 280° 0.030 340° 0.845 50° 0.310 110° 0.020 170° 0.116 230° 0.040 290° 0.045 350° 0.948

Additional Individual Tower Information from the Antenna Structure Registration database.
(Use the Registration Number link for detailed information.)

ASRN Site Elevation (meters) Overall HeightAbove Ground(meters) Overall HeightAbove Mean SeaLevel (meters) NAD 83 Tower Coordinates----------------------------------------------- Convert toNAD 27 Latitude Longitude 1233803 1370.7 9.1 1379.8 N 32° 19' 40.5" W 108° 43' 37.0" To NAD27
FAA: FAA Study No. 2002-ASW-0879-OE Obstruction/Airport Airspace searches

CDBS: Station Info Application Info Mailing Address Assignments and Transfers
Application List CDBS Search Page Ownership Info EEO Call Sign Changes
Site: Region Map Area Map Local Map
Area: Service Contour Map (43 dBu) Alternate Map Link
ULS: Related facilities in ULS ASRNs within 0.5 km radius

At 42 watts ERP!? I don't know how can they survive that!!!:eek:

6-16-08

lujan

06-16-08, 08:49 PM

210 = KOAT (ABC)
211 = KOB (NBC)
212 = KRQE (CBS)
213 = KASA (FOX)
214 = KWBQ (CW)
215 = KASY (MY50)
220 = KNME (PBS)

203 = V-Me (PBS Spanish)
208 = KOB WX+

[They were there last night. I was watching KOB this morning for the US Open playoff and didn't check the others. I have no reason to believe they aren't there now.]

Sorry, I didn't explain myself well enough. I don't have a Comcast box. I'm connected directly from the cable to the TV which has a digital tuner. I will see the channels as they are mapped and not in the 200s as they are using the box. No contact from Comcast and no change.

Monger

06-16-08, 10:19 PM

Sorry, I didn't explain myself well enough. I don't have a Comcast box. I'm connected directly from the cable to the TV which has a digital tuner. I will see the channels as they are mapped and not in the 200s as they are using the box. No contact from Comcast and no change.

Out of curiousity, did he put in a digital box to see if the channels were coming through that way?

Tregonsee

06-17-08, 01:24 AM

Is KCWO-CA even broadcasting digitally? I can't find an application showing it...

- Trip

No current digital broadcast on this translator. It rebroadcasts KDBC (NBC) from El Paso TX. Extremely poor signal, just enough picture to see what's on and with a little luck you can get enough sound to kind of figure out what they are saying. Our main NBC station is KOB from Albuquerque.

Our only digital station is the KOAT translator (KOVT). KOB is supposed to have a digital translator (KOBG) on the air in Feb '09.

lujan

06-17-08, 08:36 AM

Out of curiousity, did he put in a digital box to see if the channels were coming through that way?

No, but that's a good idea. He didn't seem very knowledgeable. I will ask the next guy since it still hasn't been fixed. Thanks

GarAlb

06-17-08, 09:21 AM

No, but that's a good idea. He didn't seem very knowledgeable. I will ask the next guy since it still hasn't been fixed. Thanks

I'm having the same issue. I can get KRQE on a SA4250 (212) box but not directly on 13.1. I'm also having the same issue where KOAT (210) is fine but now I can't get 7.1 :confused:.

lujan

06-17-08, 09:58 AM

I'm having the same issue. I can get KRQE on a SA4250 (212) box but not directly on 13.1. I'm also having the same issue where KOAT (210) is fine but now I can't get 7.1 :confused:.

Sounds like it's a problem with Comcast on their end and not my setup...

hideftv

06-17-08, 04:24 PM

No current digital broadcast on this translator. It rebroadcasts KDBC (NBC) from El Paso TX. Extremely poor signal, just enough picture to see what's on and with a little luck you can get enough sound to kind of figure out what they are saying. Our main NBC station is KOB from Albuquerque.

Our only digital station is the KOAT translator (KOVT). KOB is supposed to have a digital translator (KOBG) on the air in Feb '09.

It doesn't matter much, but KDBC in El Paso is CBS not NBC. Don't wanna offend KTSM (NBC).

Tregonsee

06-18-08, 07:36 PM

It doesn't matter much, but KDBC in El Paso is CBS not NBC. Don't wanna offend KTSM (NBC).

Sorry about that. I haven't seen any of the El Paso stations in about twenty years, since I dumped the cable co.

N5XZS

06-20-08, 11:21 AM

Well I guessed KNAT has changed their mind on upgrading the transmit power to 360 KW ERP instead reduced power of 190 KW ERP!!:eek:

Here's the link......

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101250993&formid=301&fac_num=993

Now back to TV DXing!!:D

6-20-08

GarAlb

06-20-08, 02:29 PM

Sounds like it's a problem with Comcast on their end and not my setup...

I rescanned my TV and DVD-Recorder last night and both KRQE (13.1) and KOAT (7.1) arrived :D.

lujan

06-20-08, 04:45 PM

I rescanned my TV and DVD-Recorder last night and both KRQE (13.1) and KOAT (7.1) arrived :D.

I had to have a second tech come over after talking to a supervisor and it turns out I had a bad signal. I am now able to get:

2.1
4.1
5.1
7.1
13.1

Does anyone know about 19.1? Does Comcast now provide the digital station for the CW? I also seem to get 12.1 which is My50.

hideftv

06-21-08, 04:36 PM

Cw on Comcast? Yes.

lujan

06-22-08, 11:13 AM

Cw on Comcast? Yes.

Can you be more specific for those of us NOT using a Comcast digital box? What station is it located for those of us using the TVs built-in digital tuner?
Thanks.

Avio

06-22-08, 11:57 AM

Can you be more specific for those of us NOT using a Comcast digital box? What station is it located for those of us using the TVs built-in digital tuner? Thanks.If I'm understanding your question correctly, CW (KWBQ-DT, Sandia Crest LOS to Albuquerque) is available OTA using antenna and DTV tuner on "real" channel 29 and "virtual" channel 19.1.

Avio

N5XZS

06-23-08, 12:30 PM

Latest news on digital transmit power upgrade....:)

KRQE-DT will go to 21. 5 KW ERP http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101248969&formid=301&fac_num=48575

KASA-DT will go to 380 KW ERP http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101250935&formid=301&fac_num=32311

KTVS-LP will flash cut to digital on channel 36 and will run at 15 KW ERP http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101249673&formid=346&fac_num=13791

There might be more breaking news as come along.......:D

6-23-08

lujan

06-23-08, 01:26 PM

If I'm understanding your question correctly, CW (KWBQ-DT, Sandia Crest LOS to Albuquerque) is available OTA using antenna and DTV tuner on "real" channel 29 and "virtual" channel 19.1.

Avio

Thanks, I'll have to look again as I couldn't find it on 19.1? All the others are where I expected them except for 19.1.

2.1
4.1
5.1 (is actually 5.3 on this set)
7.1
13.1
12.1 (Is My50)
19.1 (?)

N5XZS

06-24-08, 12:15 PM

More news update on digital power upgrades......

KTFQ-DT soon to be on channel 22 has filed for 1 MW ERP.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101250372&formid=301&fac_num=57220

That's the news!!:)

6-24-08

jerrich

06-24-08, 12:43 PM

Lujan, can you tune to 124-104? That's where my Sammy tv sees it on Comcast.
JR

lujan

06-24-08, 02:33 PM

Lujan, can you tune to 124-104? That's where my Sammy tv sees it on Comcast.
JR

Yes, I got all those channels up there but I hid most of them. I can look again.

jerrich

06-25-08, 01:28 PM

Congrats on your 1000th post!! :)
JR

lujan

06-25-08, 04:00 PM

Congrats on your 1000th post!! :)
JR

Thanks, I wouldn't have noticed had you not mentioned it...

bigglare

06-28-08, 01:22 PM

Is there a significance to 1000th? new title to acheive? maybe I should post more.

lujan

06-28-08, 01:41 PM

Thanks, I'll have to look again as I couldn't find it on 19.1? All the others are where I expected them except for 19.1.

2.1
4.1
5.1 (is actually 5.3 on this set)
7.1
13.1
12.1 (Is My50)
19.1 (?)

I found it, the digital CW station can be found at 6.1. I don't remember seeing it before but when I checked again yesterday, it was at 6.1.

bigglare

06-29-08, 12:55 PM

Isn't CW on channel 6 though on comcast? so they would map it to channel 6.1 on their network?

N5XZS

06-29-08, 04:13 PM

I just noted that KFAC-LP on channel 39 is off the air, there might be a chances to flash cut to digital today, so far no digital signal yet.:)

Or it's just a transmitter problem......

So keep the eye out for it!!!

6-29-08

fjerina

06-30-08, 10:11 AM

I was really pleased to see that KRQE (channel 13) has upgraded their digital equipment so that if they have a scroll (due to bad weather, etc.) during a HD show that the show remains in HD widescreen mode (and is not switched to SD full-frame mode like the other stations). Thanks KRQE !!!

lujan

06-30-08, 10:47 AM

fjerina

06-30-08, 11:42 AM

I sent this to KRQE this morning (and their response) ...

I appreciate that you upgraded your digital equipment so that when you do the “scrolls” you do not have to switch to the standard def. mode while you are presenting a HD program. You guys are the leaders in the HD front here in Albuquerque and I think you guys will also be the first ones to go HD for our local news in the not too distant future. Thanks again, Fred Jerina.

KRQE response...

Thanks for the kind words Fred. We're having our first serious discussions about local origination. We definitely work for the company that is most technically supportive of TV stations, LIN TV is rather famous for its technical leadership. We's like nothing more than to be first.

Thanks again,

William S. Anderson
President and General Manager
KRQE-TV and KASA-TV
bill.anderson@krqe.com
13 Broadcast Plaza SW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

fjerina

06-30-08, 03:29 PM

I asked KOB when they might upgrade and this is their response...

Hi Fred,

It's a matter of capital dollars, and we do have some allocated for the next few months. I can't give a specific date, but we are evaluating items for purchase right now.

Thanks for the note,

Sean

--
Sean Anker
anker@kob.com

bigglare

06-30-08, 04:49 PM

Soon. Just like KWBQ getting their 5.1 audio back

N5XZS

06-30-08, 05:36 PM

fjerina

06-30-08, 10:11 PM

I asked KOAT when they might upgrade and this is their response...

Fred thanks for the email. Our new digital equipment for HD as been
ordered and we hope to have it on line in the near future.

Thanks for the email.

Gary Williams
Director of Engineering
KOAT-TV

bigglare

06-30-08, 10:13 PM

I wonder if KOAT's "Near Future" is any closer than KWBQ's "soon"?

fjerina

07-01-08, 09:49 AM

Let's just say this. I wouldn't hold your breath.

N5XZS

07-02-08, 12:08 PM

Speaking of local news...... It's looks like KOB-DT will get a new, news director. Check out it out on the link......

http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2008/07/02/daily.5/

7-2-08

sthscan

07-02-08, 08:54 PM

Speaking of local news...... It's looks like KOB-DT will get a new, news director. Check out it out on the link......

http://www.tvnewsday.com/articles/2008/07/02/daily.5/

7-2-08

Or this link straight from the horse's mouth (with no login account required like TVNewsday):

http://kob.com/article/stories/S496426.shtml?cat=504

now, will Jamie bring back Larry Rice? :rolleyes:

sthscan

07-02-08, 09:00 PM

Can't wait to see our local stations, to start broadcasting HD local news!!

But I have a feeling they will start with the studio HD cameras set ups, and the HD graphics and the outdoor HD cameras comes later, and same goes for COFDEM 2.7 GHz or 6 GHz HD news feed links.

I think KRQE/KASA will definitely be the first to HD air in this market - they have the sharpest studio video and graphics of any newscast in town (so they probably already are using HD cameras and HD graphics package to capture the video and add the lower thirds before downres'ing it later in the chain).

The digital live shots should not be a problem (it's my understanding the sprint nextel 2ghz bas gear should have already been ordered by most local stations in our DMA) so they just need to install it when it comes and teach their field photogs how to use it. Give me a call if they want since I"ve curiously watched a few of those 2ghz bas "using the gear" teleconferences. ;)

If their edit suites are already HD and if they are using HD-capable portable cameras for field use, it shouldn't be difficult to prepare taped packages in HD. If not, I"m perfectly fine with the curtains for taped stories until they upgrade the field cameras and edit suites to HD.

lujan

07-03-08, 08:37 AM

Or this link straight from the horse's mouth (with no login account required like TVNewsday):

http://kob.com/article/stories/S496426.shtml?cat=504

now, will Jamie bring back Larry Rice? :rolleyes:

What happened to Larry Rice, I thought he was only on vacation?

ibglowin

07-03-08, 11:42 AM

lujan

07-03-08, 08:30 PM

They basically fired him. Called him from the house and said don't even come in. They boxed up his personal belongings and wouldn't even let him come in to say goodbye to his coworkers. Pretty strange.....

Too bad, he was a good weather guy. Liked his knowledge and delivery style. I can't stand his replacement, the blonde bobble head Shar Spalding.

I don't like channel 4 for this reason. I thought Bill Eisenhood (not sure of spelling) was good but just because he did a little drinking, they fired him too. I saw him shortly on channel 13 but not in a while. Does anyone know why they fired Larry?

sthscan

07-03-08, 11:57 PM

I don't like channel 4 for this reason. I thought Bill Eisenhood (not sure of spelling) was good but just because he did a little drinking, they fired him too. I saw him shortly on channel 13 but not in a while. Does anyone know why they fired Larry?

I think they canned Bill due to his DWI (or DUI, I don't recall if a crash was involved or not). Allen Scott also had some problem with the law and was let go from whatever station he was working for at the time.

I don't know what they fired Larry (maybe we'll find out if a lawsuit is ever filed), but I have my suspicions. Based on what I read in the paper, I don't think it's a coincidence that Larry was telling his coworkers that the news director (Rhonda whatsherlastname) was going to be leaving the station in June or July and the next day Larry gets the phone call that he's been fired. I also assume it could be age or salary related (Larry had like 14 years experience forecasting NM weather, so you know his pay raise wasn't going to be inexpensive). It's not out of the realm of my thinking that Shar and Ty could be paid for less than what Larry would make. Unfortunately, you are giving up about 10 years of NM weathercasting experience by canning Larry in favor of Shar/Ty.

I miss larry quite a bit, but KOB has been my #1 local news since I was probably a zygote. My parents watch their news religiously since they moved here in 1966 and I have too from kid to currently adult. The only other news I watch is sometimes KASA 9pm and I watch the KRQE 10pm replay since KOAT dumped their late night replay for crap-o-mercials.

getting back to HD news, I think Dick and Diane are petitioning not to have KRQE go to high def for the local news. I think in HD resolution, Dick may look like a T-Rex and Diane like a brontosaurus. ;)

ibglowin

07-04-08, 12:41 AM

We are currently visiting family out in Seattle, WA. All the majors are broadcasting their news in HD and tomorrow night the fireworks show will be broadcast in HD as well. The news are unfrickinbelievable. Crystal clear and sharp as a tack on my brother in laws 58" Plasma Panny.

I guess we can all dream about local news in HD in ABQ someday......

lujan

07-04-08, 03:43 PM

...getting back to HD news, I think Dick and Diane are petitioning not to have KRQE go to high def for the local news. I think in HD resolution, Dick may look like a T-Rex and Diane like a brontosaurus... ;)

:D:D:D

jdmart

07-10-08, 05:34 PM

DISH NETWORK® MEETS 100 HD CHANNEL MARK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE; ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF 17 MORE NATIONAL HD CHANNELS

Introduces Industry-First TurboHD, the Only 100% HD Service, Available August 1

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – July 10, 2008 – DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH) today announced plans to launch 17 national HD channels, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule.
The new HD channels that will be added are:

· ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313)
· CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152)
· Lifetime HD (Ch. 108)
· Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109)
· Planet Green HD (Ch. 194)
· Encore HD (Ch. 340)
· HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301)
· HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307)
· HBO Family HD (Ch. 305)
· HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309)
· HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302
· HBO West HD (Ch. 303)
· HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308)
· Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354)
· Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352)
· Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356)
· Starz West HD (Ch. 351)

“In January, we promised our customers that DISH Network would boost our national HD channel lineup to 100 by year’s end. Today, we are proud to say that in less than one year, not only did we deliver on our commitment, but we exceeded it,” said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “We continue our pledge to DISH Network subscribers to add more national channels and local HD markets, as well as offer the best sports and movies in HD.”

In addition, DISH Network is thrilled to introduce TurboHD, the first-ever 100 percent, all-HD programming package in the pay-TV industry, with advanced equipment that works on all TVs. TurboHD offers the most-watched HD channels in four separate tiers and can be viewed on analog, digital and high definition TVs, making it the perfect solution for consumers who have or are considering upgrading to HD programming. All TurboHD packages can include HD locals where available.

“TurboHD is revolutionary to the industry; we’re changing the way people watch TV by offering them all of the top channels – in HD only – with the best high-definition systems on the market,” said Jessica Insalaco, Chief Marketing Officer for DISH Network. “When consumers add HD programming, their viewing habits change – they don’t like to go back to standard definition – so their viewing switches over to all-HD channels. TurboHD will provide the next-generation high-definition television experience by offering only the best in HD programming and award-winning HD technology at incredible prices.”

TurboHD Bronze: $24.99/month or $29.99/month with local channels*

TurboHD Bronze DishDVR Advantage: $34.99/month; includes core HD package, local channels and a free DVR receiver

TurboHD Silver: $32.99/month or $37.99/month with local channels*

TurboHD Silver DishDVR Advantage: $39.99/month; includes core HD package, local channels and a free DVR receiver; Regional Sports Networks where available

TurboHD Gold: $39.99/month or $44.99/month with locals channels*

TurboHD Gold DishDVR Advantage: $49.99/month; includes core HD package, local channels and a free DVR receiver; Regional Sports Networks where available

TurboHD Platinum: $10/month – add TurboHD Platinum to any qualifying package and receive HD channels that do not have corresponding SD channels.

New DISH Network Digital Home Advantage (DHA) subscribers or DHA-24 customers (24-month commitments) who sign-up for America’s Top 100 or higher, DishLATINO or higher, TurboHD Bronze or higher, or a qualifying International programming package will receive $50 off of their first statement and Cinemax for one year for just a penny. New or current DISH Network subscribers who commit to DHA-24 will also receive HBO and Starz free for the first three months of their subscription.

More information will be available at DISH Network -- Home in the coming weeks. The new national HD channels and TurboHD packages are available beginning August 1, 2008.

DISH Network offers new customers the opportunity to upgrade for free to a dishHD DVR receiver like the ViP722™ - which recently received the top-ranking Editors’ Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. The ViP722 is a dual-tuner HD DVR that operates two televisions in separate rooms and offers up to 500 hours of storage capacity allowing customers to pause, rewind and fast forward their favorite TV programming.

For more information on DISH Network, visit DISH Network -- Home or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

*In HD where available
__________________

bigglare

07-10-08, 10:27 PM

Hey SoundStage on KNME is in 5.1!

lujan

07-11-08, 12:29 PM

DISH NETWORK® MEETS 100 HD CHANNEL MARK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE; ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF 17 MORE NATIONAL HD CHANNELS

...

I wonder how many of these stations are going to be the infamous stretch-o-vision or just won't have much HD material? I don't watch the sci-fi channel and many others for this reason. I wouldn't get too excited about this news. :rolleyes:

sthscan

07-12-08, 03:51 AM

I wonder how many of these stations are going to be the infamous stretch-o-vision or just won't have much HD material?

I think most of the new channels will be true HD since they are movie channels. CBS College sports network will probably be in HD for studio and a few live games (they didn't do too many live HD games last season when their HD channel went live so I don't expect much to change unless they are upping their committment to booking Hd trucks for the upcoming college sports season).

I think the ones more likely to feature more stretch-o-stink-o-vision HD will be lifetime hd, lifetime movie hd, planet green hd.

moonhawk

07-12-08, 10:31 AM

I think the ones more likely to feature more stretch-o-stink-o-vision HD will be lifetime hd, lifetime movie hd, planet green hd.

Which of course is no big loss...:D

lobosrul

07-12-08, 02:36 PM

Which of course is no big loss...:D

Except that we have to pay for those crap channels!

moonhawk

07-12-08, 03:20 PM

Except that we have to pay for those crap channels!

Good point...

lujan

07-13-08, 02:32 AM

N5XZS

07-13-08, 11:46 AM

lujan

07-13-08, 12:32 PM

Thanks N5XZS, I'll check it out! The SM small multi-directional Channel Master says "In yellow color code areas where signal strength is highest and away from reflecting structures or low areas." I'm afraid of her neighbors to the east that have a 6 - 8 feet higher elevation than her. Should I be concerned about this?

moonhawk

07-13-08, 01:35 PM

Probably not if you can see the towers from where you locate the antenna.

bigglare

07-13-08, 02:45 PM

You'll buy your mother an Antenna for her birthday. What a swell kid!

BGLeduc

07-13-08, 04:22 PM

Can anyone out there provide me with an antenna recommendation? My Mom who will be turning 75 at the end of the month has now purchased converter boxes for the analog/digital conversion. The problem is she gets low signals and sometimes no signal on certain (channel 13.1) stations using her indoor antennas. I mentioned that I might get her an outdoor antenna for her birthday. I went to www.antennaweb.org (http://www.antennaweb.org) and it says that a small multidirectional antenna should do the trick. She lives near Juan Tabo and Commanche but she has neighbors that live about 6 - 8 feet above her to the east where the Sandia mountains are. Would a small multidirectional antenna still work if I put it on the roof? If so, what is a good brand to purchase?

I don't know that this qualifies as small, but it could be bigger I suppose.....

I have a Radio Shack VU-90XR antenna for sale. A link to the RS listing can be found here:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085&cp=2032057.2032187.2032189.2032205&parentPage=family

This was used for a short while in my attic, before being replaced with a Channel Master 4221. The reason I swapped it was that I was trying to get KOB way back before they upgraded their transmitter. Even the CM did not work at that time, but since it was bought mail order, I opted to keep it and just set the RS antenna aside.

It has never been outdoors, and right now is sitting in my garage, waiting for someone fed up with Comcast(!) to come and buy it;-)

$25 takes it.

Brian

lujan

07-13-08, 07:38 PM

Probably not if you can see the towers from where you locate the antenna.

I'm afraid we will not be able to see the towers even when placed on the roof. The house behind her is a lot higher in elevation. I will have to check.

lujan

07-14-08, 08:47 AM

...

I have a Radio Shack VU-90XR antenna for sale. A link to the RS listing can be found here:

...
Brian

Thanks, but I'm looking for something smaller that won't get blown away by the high winds we get here in Albuquerque.

lujan

07-14-08, 09:05 AM

You would be better off using www.tvfool.com website, which is much better than so called antenna web. org since they are very sloppy on maps accuracy.

Now as for the antenna get channel master or wingard "SP" antenna brand and make sure you get VHF and UHF TV bands, since there will be 4 digital stations and some new ones on VHF low and VHF high after the analog shut down date as of 2-17-09.

KOAT-DT will be on CH. 7

KNMD-DT is already on CH. 9

KCHF-DT is all ready on CH. 10

KRQE-DT will be on CH. 13

Hope that's helps....:)

7-13-08

I'm thinking of this (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-HTnOiEycCaB/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=6593010) one. It seems small and sturdy enough that it won't get blown away in high winds. I guess if some people put their antenna in the attic, then it should be ok going through the neighbors walls, right?

jerrich

07-14-08, 10:11 AM

I guess if some people put their antenna in the attic, then it should be ok going through the neighbors walls, right?

Not necessarily. if your neighbors' walls are stucco, there is chicken wire underneath which makes a pretty good screen room to block rf. Attics are mostly wood, except for ducting which can also be a problem. Bottom line for antennas seems to be experimentation. I also use the vu90 on the roof on a tripod, but it is secured with heavy cinder blocks on each foot.
JR

sthscan

07-14-08, 07:57 PM

Except that we have to pay for those crap channels!

and that is different than now because....?

face it, channels will always be packaged and you'll always pay for channels you'll never watch.

I don't expect congress to pass a-la-carte channel options, just like I don't expect them to do anything with alternate energy. it's better than they don't pass the a-la-carte package option as it's going to be bad for the consumer.

moonhawk

07-15-08, 02:01 AM

Yeah, a la carte will probably end up costing you more than you pay now, and for less channels.

jnabq

07-18-08, 07:31 PM

sthscan

07-19-08, 02:10 AM

Lujan, You might be able to get by with just an indoor type, the "silver sensor" has been real good. I'd get it first

I'd make the case the silver sensor may not be good enough. I live in the comanche/juan tabo area, I don't get VHF 9 with my silver sensor (the signal looks okay on a spectrum analzyer but doesn't seem to lock with my HDTV set) and at times 7-1 and 13-1 are artifacty (don't know if it's them or my signal is just good enough most of the time but not all the time). I'm also concerned how things will get once some of the stations move to VHF after terminating their VHF analog operations.

for the stations I like, it's a good, low profile indoor antenna but it may not be great come next year and I may have to find something else to use.

lujan

07-19-08, 12:07 PM

My Mom already has a bunch of indoor antennas and I know she needs an outdoor antenna to get a reliable signal. She has a neighbor to the east of her that is about 10-15 feet higher in elevation that might be causing interference. Anyone know of a good outdoor antenna dealer in town?

jnabq

07-19-08, 03:36 PM

Well, the indoor "silver sensor" still may be worth a try at least. You only loose a lil time if it doesn't work and you have to return it. Other "indoor antenna" solutions doen't compare, IMHO.

I had the guys at Satellite Warehouse install my outdoor antenna. Very happy with their work. I live on the west side and had problems with my signal from KOB. Seemed to be a problem with multipath after they installed a large outdoor antenna.

They worked with me and replaced it with a lower gain, "stealth antenna" that worked pretty good. My signal on KOB takes a sec to get a lock, but is good after that. All other signals are great. web address for 'em at, satwarehousenm.com

Good luck with what you decide. I know it seemed to me like I would have more luck using a "divining rod" to find water, than to pin down any answers to what is gonna work or where any problem with the signals are from, ie, the equipt. at your home, or the signal/equipt. from the tv stations.

lujan

07-19-08, 04:51 PM

...

Good luck with what you decide. I know it seemed to me like I would have more luck using a "divining rod" to find water, than to pin down any answers to what is gonna work or where any problem with the signals are from, ie, the equipt. at your home, or the signal/equipt. from the tv stations.

Yes, I can't believe how hard it's been to find a local dealer with outdoor antennas. I can only find them on the web. Thanks, I'll check out Satellite Warehouse.

N5XZS

07-19-08, 06:23 PM

I replaced with a better reciever called Zenith 901 and I hooked it up with my Silver Sensor indoor antenna.

The result is WOW it's realy pulling in very weak signal stations like KNMD-DT and KCHF-DT!!:eek:

The old reciever was Digital Stream.

The old signal strenth, on KNMD-DT was used to be around in the 40's percent with some picture break up.

The new signal strenth is now in the upper 70's percent with perfect picture!:)

As for KCHF-DT, the signal strenth varys greatly from lows as 20 to highs as mid 40's sometime no picture, or I sometime get picture with some break ups.

KCHF-DT now seems to come in better, at low 50 percents far less break ups on the picture.

It will be a hot DX machine for me!!!:D

7-19-08

edwardacampbell

07-21-08, 03:02 PM

Lujan, You might be able to get by with just an indoor type, the "silver sensor" has been real good. I'd get it first, (from someplace that takes returns), and give it a shot. There are some knockoff's that aren't as good so make sure its the correct one. I've got a friend in the taylor ranch area that has it sitting on the floor behind his tv and gets great reception. Just a thought...

I use the Silver Sensor from 47 miles away. I'm straight line-of-sight; but, it works just fine. Though as soon as PBS-HD rides the big bird in the sky, my wife will be happy to see me banish it from the living room.

And speaking of the big bird in the sky, DirecTV customers can start checking their sat settings. Nothing live on those transponders, yet - you'll get zeros; but, 99c came up in your menu, this morning, from D11. Showing 14 transponders available at first.

N5XZS

07-21-08, 06:06 PM

I will have to check it out on my H-20 reciever.......:)

It's going to be a good day for Directv owners!:D

Thanks for the report!!

7-21-08

edwardacampbell

07-22-08, 12:48 AM

It's 99c on an HR2XXX. I believe it's 99a on the H2XXX's.

edwardacampbell

07-22-08, 04:31 PM

The transponders at 99c went hot in the last hour or so. Check your readings in case you need a tune or tweak before any new channels roll out.

Though, I imagine some of the thunderstorms rolling around the neighborhood will affect readings a bit. I'm seeing a few transponder readings jump up and down a point or two.

jnabq

07-23-08, 08:00 PM

Found this thread on OTA antennas, thought some might be interested.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779

BGLeduc

07-24-08, 04:38 PM

I may be very late to the party, but I note that KNME is again broadcasting in full 5.1 Dolby Digital. My wife likes to watch the Masterpiece series, and I was surprised by not only the sound, but what may also be better picture quality then I have seen on KNME of late.

I also had a quick look at the Click&Clack animated series, and it looked spectacular.

I seem to recall the KNME had started multicasting to the detriment of the main channel. Perhaps more of their signal allocation is now going to the main channel?

Whatever the case, I hope that they keep doing whatever it is that they are doing!

Brian

bigglare

07-24-08, 05:08 PM

They've beeb back to 5.1 a couple weeks now. Ive recorded Bon Jovi and stevie nicks on soundstage so far. getting part 2 of stevie tonight. Makes nice HDDVDs.

N5XZS

07-26-08, 09:13 PM

Hey guys, please check out my HD radio report from my new Sony XDR-S3HD table radio!:)

Here's the link....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14375028#post14375028

Let me know what you think of my report.

Thanks!!

7-26-08

jerrich

07-27-08, 09:37 AM

Nice detailed review of your results. Most are aware that hd radio isn't. It's more like compressed mp3. True hi rez lossless audio is stunning.
JR

sthscan

07-28-08, 05:59 AM

I will have to check it out on my H-20 reciever.......:)

It's going to be a good day for Directv owners!:D

and to give fair time....:D

DISH's Echostar 11 is currently undergoing in-orbit testing and is expected to be drifted to its 110 deg W slot and start taking on traffic about August 9th.

With the new national HD channels on August 1 and the so-far-so-good new SUCCESSFUL sat launch (to make up for AMC-14's disappointing outcome), it's a good time to be a DISH subscriber, too. :cool:

spawnman

07-28-08, 11:10 AM

So I was wondering if there was anyone out there that would be interested in helping me aim my DishNetwork satellite dish. It was installed by a company that of course is no longer in business and when I try to do it myself, it seems to make it worse. I thought I had it down, when I got the 110 in at about 62% but I keep loosing the 129. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. When the 129 is working it's around 21%.

Not sure if someone on here would like to give me a hand or perhaps there is an installer that someone could recommend that would work.

Thanks
Spawnman

N5XZS

07-28-08, 12:06 PM

Try www.nmsatelliteman@aol.com and his name John he did a great install for FTA motorize lower KU band dish and he also works with E* dish as well too.

Hopes thats help, please mention to John, that Tim N5XZS referred to you.:)

7-28-08

LuxoDave

07-28-08, 12:09 PM

I was able to point my dish myself by using a signal strength meter. You can get them from Frys.com for pretty cheap.

Hope that helps.

jdmart

07-28-08, 04:07 PM

DIRECTV Remains Clear HD Leader with 130 HD Channels on Tap for Mid-August
DIRECTV Adding More Than 30 New HD Channels and is First to Offer All HD Programming in MPEG-4 AVC and Dolby Digital; Will Offer HD Movies in 1080p Later This Year

Last update: 10:26 a.m. EDT July 28, 2008
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jul 28, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DIRECTV, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, continues to dominate the HD landscape by delivering significantly more quality national HD channels than any other television provider in the nation via the most advanced technology. Beginning August 14, DIRECTV will launch more than 30 additional HD channels, bringing the total HD channel lineup to 130.
DIRECTV will also transmit all of its HD programming in the MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding standard, by the end of this month - the first to do so in the industry. All HD programming will also be available in the Dolby Digital audio format, and later this year, DIRECTV will begin offering movies in 1080p, the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts and the same format used by Blu-Ray HD DVDs.
Among the new HD channels that DIRECTV will launch next month are Showtime Extreme HD, Showtime Showcase HD, Planet Green HD, ABC Family HD, additional DIRECTV HD pay per view channels and an additional 23 Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in HD 24 hours a day.
"Despite all the sound and fury of confusing HD claims from our competitors, our customers understand that DIRECTV is the destination for the most compelling and complete lineup of HD content," said Derek Chang, executive vice president, Content Strategy and Development, DIRECTV, Inc. "Our message is clear - DIRECTV is the content leader, and our delivery of the best quality HD via the most advanced technology is one way we continue to dominate this category and offer our more than 17 million customers nationwide an unparalleled entertainment experience."
In addition to its full lineup of linear HD channels, DIRECTV continues to lead the industry with the most sports HD programming available, by broadcasting exclusive, interactive sports packages like NFL SUNDAY TICKET(TM), NCAA(R) MEGA MARCH MADNESS(TM) and NASCAR HOTPASS(TM) all in crystal-clear HD. DIRECTV will also continue to add HD content to its newly launched DIRECTV on Demand platform.
The full DIRECTV HD programming lineup, including the new channels, and details on receiving equipment needed for the new DIRECTV HD services, are available by calling 1-800-DIRECTV or visiting directv.com.
With the DIRECTV 11 satellite now part of the fleet and the launch of the DIRECTV 12 satellite next year, DIRECTV will have the capacity to deliver 200 national HD channels and 1,500 local HD and digital channels in addition to new advanced programming services for customers nationwide.
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DTV 26.00, -0.77, -2.9%) , the nation's leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 17 million customers in the United States and is leading the HD revolution with 95 national HD channels - more quality HD channels than any other television provider. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy access to over 265 channels of 100% digital picture and sound, exclusive programming, industry-leading customer satisfaction (which has surpassed all national cable companies for eight years running) and superior technologies that include advanced DVR and HD-DVR services and the most state-of-the-art interactive sports packages available anywhere. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit directv.com.
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N5XZS

07-28-08, 05:44 PM

According to Broadcasting and Cable's website, saying MGM is launching nationwide new digital sub channel showing all the classic movies free over the air.

Here's the link.....:)

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6581959.html?desc=topstory

I guess is up to our local stations, to add the feed.

They would be better off on 720p or 480i digital stations, where is more room to fit in.

7-28-08

spawnman

07-28-08, 05:51 PM

Thanks, maybe I will try using the satellite meter and see how it goes. Was the one at Fry's the Test-um: Signal strength meter CS300?

Thanks

bigglare

07-29-08, 12:16 AM

LuxoDave

07-29-08, 12:22 AM

Thanks, maybe I will try using the satellite meter and see how it goes. Was the one at Fry's the Test-um: Signal strength meter CS300?

Thanks

The one I have is the Triplett SatAlign. I think they are all pretty much the same though.

sthscan

07-29-08, 07:52 AM

According to Broadcasting and Cable's website, saying MGM is launching nationwide new digital sub channel showing all the classic movies free over the air.

I guess is up to our local stations, to add the feed.

I wonder why MGM would want to do this (since they have a MGM HD channel, unless that's gone belly up already). Do you think watching MGM movies on a multicast channel will make you want to clammor to your satellite or cable operator to add MGM HD so you can watch those in HD quality?

Yes, it's up to the stations to add the channel if they want and I'm surprised money doesn't talk to a lot of stations around here (no RTN or America One yet, and channels pay broadcasters to be placed on a multicast channel).
You'd think the revenue multicast channels would bring in would help pay some of the electricity bills of running the digital transmitter.

I find it intersting MGM mentions a childrens block. I thought only commercial broadcasters were mandated to make so many hours of E/I programming available each week. Since MGM would use other broadcasters' spectrum and not launch stations of their own around the country, I don't see how they can feel obligated to have a childrens/educational block of programming unless it was a "want to do it" situation rather than "forced to do it to keep a license to broadcast".

sthscan

07-29-08, 07:59 AM

Reading through the list of HD radio stations, I couldn't help but think about all those stations owned by Citadel or Clear Channel, yet those two corporations were working with the NAB to block the Sirius/XM merger on grounds of monopolies. Let someone else own a broadcast station first fellas.

I'm just surprised at the lack of local HD radio channels (and who cares) channels in this town. It makes the price per channel to be over $10-15 each if you take the price of radios I've seen divided by the number of HD radio channels (the "xxx-x" ones).

I'd like to see every station offer at least one HD subchannel and offer something cool (to me, it would be like the new FM sports station offering two HD subchannels with different pro sports or local sports games on each one or airing best-of local sports talk when there isn't a live sports game going on). With lots of HD subchannels to chose from and something decently interesting, it would make the price per channel to acquire the HD radio hardware reasonable.

jdmart

07-29-08, 09:21 AM

Sirius XM (http://siriusbuzz.com/sirius-and-xm-complete-merger.php)

bigglare

07-29-08, 12:47 PM

SWEET. I hope Things move fast enough to get some MLB action on my Sirius radio.

spawnman

07-29-08, 05:05 PM

gonna go by and pick up a Winegard Sat meter tonight and give it a try

sthscan

07-30-08, 03:02 AM

SWEET. I hope Things move fast enough to get some MLB action on my Sirius radio.

I'm waiting for the merger to close, the package/services tier confusion to end, and the dual-service portable receiver to come out to figure out if I'm going to get a dual-service receiver and subscribe to the MLB/NFL a-la-carte package.

Paul E

07-30-08, 07:47 AM

I just moved to ABQ, and I'm wondering if someone can tell me which satellite and transponders are used by DirecTV for the local channels. I had a "professional" install the dish last weekend, but I want to see if it could use a little tweaking to ensure a strong signal during the occasional thunderstorm.

Thanks!

jdmart

07-31-08, 09:03 AM

DISH NETWORK® UNVEILS BIGGEST HIGH DEFINITION UPGRADE IN TV HISTORY

Includes Industry’s First High Definition Programming Offered in 1080p and Up To 150 National HD Channels

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – July 31, 2008 – DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) today set the bar for the next-generation HD standard by becoming the first in the pay-TV industry to offer high definition programming in 1080p, the highest and best HD resolution available.

This new functionality is part of DISH Network’s latest and unprecedented expansion in HD services, which includes the rollout of TurboHD, the industry’s first 100 percent, all-HD suite of programming packages. As previously announced, DISH Network will also launch 17 new national HD channels tomorrow, surpassing its goal of reaching 100 national HD channels five months ahead of schedule. DISH Network now offers up to 114 national HD channels and plans to expand that line-up to 150 channels by the end of 2008, made possible by the recent launch of Echo XI, the most powerful satellite in the company’s fleet.

“Over the years, DISH Network has maintained a very competitive HD offering in the marketplace, providing customers with a premium HD product including the best technology, signal and experience – at the best value – that no other pay-TV provider can come close to matching. Our latest system upgrade coupled with the introduction of TurboHD further strengthens our position as the leader in digital television and high definition television,” said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, CEO and President of DISH Network. “We know that once consumers start watching their favorite TV shows in HD, their viewing habits change and their preference switches to all-HD programming. Only DISH Network gives them that option, all for an industry-low price of $24.99 per month.”

DISH Network’s new HD services are supported by a proprietary “turbo-charged” system upgrade that, starting August 1, is being rolled out to all MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers. The upgrade activates a unique feature of the set-top boxes, improving the current standard of HD delivery used by pay-TV providers such as the ability to output 1080p programming. By early August, all DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers will have the only set-top boxes in the nation enabled to display 1080p content, allowing them to maximize the full potential of their 1080p-compatible HDTV sets.

To celebrate this new era in the HD viewing experience, DISH Network is offering subscribers a special deal in August to enjoy the unparalleled picture and sound of 1080p HD programming. Starting August 1, the recent blockbuster “I Am Legend” starring Will Smith will be available in 1080p resolution – same as Blu-Ray® Disc quality – only on DISH Network’s VOD service, DISH On Demand, at a discounted price. Subscribers may order the movie on DISH Network Channel 501. This marks the first time in history a pay-TV provider offers movies in 1080p, the highest resolution format available for HD video enthusiasts today.

Consumers can sign up for the best HD programming and service in the industry with DISH Network’s new TurboHD programming packages, the only all-HD packages on the market, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and includes DISH Network’s award-winning and industry-leading HD technology, advanced equipment enabled to display 1080p programming, and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV – analog, digital or HD.

Current DISH Network customers with MPEG-4 HD DVR receivers are being automatically upgraded and will have their systems “turbo-charged” by early August with all the features and benefits of TurboHD. DISH Network customers looking to add the industry’s best HD experience can get a “turbo-charged” HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

The latest national HD channels added to DISH Network’s programming line-up are: ActionMax HD (DISH Network Ch. 313), CBS College Sports HD (Ch. 152), Lifetime HD (Ch. 108), Lifetime Movie Network HD (Ch. 109), Planet Green HD (Ch. 194), Encore HD (Ch. 340), HBO 2 HD (Ch. 301), HBO Comedy HD (Ch. 307), HBO Family HD (Ch. 305), HBO Latino HD (Ch. 309), HBO Signature HD (Ch. 302), HBO West HD (Ch. 303), HBO Zone HD (Ch. 308), Starz Comedy HD (Ch. 354), Starz Edge HD (Ch. 352), Starz Kids & Family HD (Ch. 356), Starz West HD (Ch. 351).
For more information about DISH Network’s 1080p programming, new HD channels and TurboHD system and packages, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

# # #
DISH Network Corporation
DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), the nation’s third largest pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides more than 13.815 million satellite TV customers with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP722™ HD DVR, which received the Editors’ Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

Media Contact:
Francie Bauer, 720.514.5351, press@echostar.com

moonhawk

08-01-08, 09:23 PM

I have seen the above before, and had some difficulty trying to determine where that left me, and others like me, who are already DishHD subscribers...:confused:

I just had a long conversation with a Dish rep, who was reasonably knowledgeable and quite helpful.

What I learned is that current Dish HD subscribers will continue to receive the same HD packaging they now have, and at the same price.

BUT IT WILL ALL BE AUTOMATICALLY UPGRADED TO 1080P, AND HE SEEMED QUITE SURE THAT THE AUDIO WILL BE UPGRADED AS WELL.:D

This is great news. And he said it will happen soon, and the receiver will probably receive firmware that will allow users to set output to 1080p. Which also means you won't have to worry about whether the original source is 720p or 1080i.

All of the above subject, of course, to human error. So please don't shoot the messenger if it doesn't pan out.:eek:

sthscan

08-01-08, 11:36 PM

I have seen the above before, and had some difficulty trying to determine where that left me, and others like me, who are already DishHD subscribers...:confused:
(...)
This is great news. And he said it will happen soon, and the receiver will probably receive firmware that will allow users to set output to 1080p. Which also means you won't have to worry about whether the original source is 720p or 1080i.

I think what it means for me is the 50 channel HD-only package I was considering getting has become the middle-tier TurboHD package and had a price jump from $29.99 to $32.99.

I'll have to go visit DISH's website and see if the $24.99 package has the HD channels I want or if the ones I watch are all in the middle TurboHD tier now. I"ll then also have to figure out how much it will cost me to upgrade my 625 to a HD-PVR level receiver.

as for 1080p, I hope the scaler in the receiver is good. I doubt DISH is transmitting the HD channels in 1080p after scaling at the uplink before satellite transmission.

ibglowin

08-12-08, 11:06 PM

Lets start this up with did anyone else watch KOAT news last night? They showed off their new HD studio which is under construction and they said they would be up and running several weeks from now!

Sounded pretty fast but if true this will be the first confirmed local broadcast news in HD beating KRQE whom we thought would be first to the punch. :)

moonhawk

08-12-08, 11:30 PM

If anyone's interested, it looks like the NFL network is showing all preseason games in HD, though not all live, and some reruns. I watched the Bronco game Sunday night and the picture wa quite good. I remember someone said in one of the "lost posts" they watched it on 50 or whatever and the pic sucked.

N5XZS

08-13-08, 11:18 AM

moonhawk

08-13-08, 11:33 AM

It's was in KWBQ-DT, carring Denver Bronco game's feed while at the same time KASY-DT was showing Cowboy game in HD!:)

Great news, on KOAT-DT going to be first ever HD local new in a few weeks or sooner the better!!:D

8-13-08

At any rate, if don't have to watch live, games on NFL sem to be in HD.

(I only saw the one Broncos game.)

lobosrul

08-13-08, 12:41 PM

The Cowboys game on KASY-DT looked really good, I was pleasantly surprised. Its pretty funny that a regional pre-season game looks so much better than Sunday Night Football! Now if only the game (after the first 10 mins) had been any good.

Maybe KOAT's announcement will get KRQE to kick it in gear. Maybe KOB too.

hideftv

08-13-08, 05:19 PM

jdmart

08-14-08, 08:33 AM

* 286: Planet Green HD
* 311: ABC Family HD
* 541: Showtime Showcase HD
* 542: Showtime Extreme HD
* 646: FSN South
* 647: FSN Midwest
* 649: Sport South
* 653: Sun Sports
* 659: FSN Pittsburgh
* 668: FSN North
* 683: FSN Rocky Mountain
* 686: FSN Arizona
* 687: FSN Northwest

plus 18 new pay-per-view channels.

fjerina

08-14-08, 01:57 PM

I would rather see KOAT and KOB fix their damn scrolls so the HD picture wouldn't go to SD mode instead of having their news in HD.

dgpruitt

08-14-08, 04:04 PM

ditto

Very annoying. Also, the lottery split-screen nonsense is just stupid.

lobosrul

08-15-08, 06:31 PM

ditto

Very annoying. Also, the lottery split-screen nonsense is just stupid.

The worst is the scroll that tells HDTV users about the analog switchoff... the phrase "preaching to the choir" comes to mind.

sthscan

08-17-08, 02:37 AM

The worst is the scroll that tells HDTV users about the analog switchoff... the phrase "preaching to the choir" comes to mind.

Most of their viewing area probably hasn't converted over yet (and the scroll is a requirement that has to be done so many times per day to meet the FCC laws about publicizing the digital changeover).

To one of the other posters whose post I just read:

it was last weekend that the Broncos on Channel 19 looked horrible. KWBQ was the issue - there was a choice of a HD feed of the game, a SD digital feed of the game and a SD analog feed of the game. KWBQ apparently couldn't do HD (the HD receiver was used for the Cowboys/Chargers on KASY last weekend), the SD digital feed probably was on a sat they didn't have a dish for, and the SD analog feed was the one that was taken - and their analog reception was so-so. They should have taken the SD digital feed IMHO (much cleaner than the analog as I checked with my own satellite dish last weekend).

NFL Network has a top notch Network Operations Center so I have no doubt that if any local television/cable preseason game broadcaster has the game in HD (such as the KCNC/Broncos TV Network), they take the HD feed for best quality on NFL Network HD and correspondingly it looks good after downscaling on NFL Network SD.

I didn't see cowboys/broncos tonight as I was caught up in the olympic moment all night, so I don't know if Silverstar Network SD or HD was taken by the local station.

KOAT: I"ll have to see it to believe it. My PC is HD "ready" (I can snag HD streams off c/ku satellites or terrestrially to the disk for later playback or editing) but I haven't done much actual HD work other than recording to hard drive yet since I"m waiting for Blu-ray players and writers to drop in price to burn that HD material to disks.

moonhawk

08-17-08, 02:34 PM

To one of the other posters whose post I just read:

it was last weekend that the Broncos on Channel 19 looked horrible. KWBQ was the issue - there was a choice of a HD feed of the game, a SD digital feed of the game and a SD analog feed of the game. KWBQ apparently couldn't do HD (the HD receiver was used for the Cowboys/Chargers on KASY last weekend), the SD digital feed probably was on a sat they didn't have a dish for, and the SD analog feed was the one that was taken - and their analog reception was so-so. They should have taken the SD digital feed IMHO (much cleaner than the analog as I checked with my own satellite dish last weekend).

NFL Network has a top notch Network Operations Center so I have no doubt that if any local television/cable preseason game broadcaster has the game in HD (such as the KCNC/Broncos TV Network), they take the HD feed for best quality on NFL Network HD and correspondingly it looks good after downscaling on NFL Network SD.

I didn't see cowboys/broncos tonight as I was caught up in the olympic moment all night, so I don't know if Silverstar Network SD or HD was taken by the local station.

Thanks for that--
It probably was the Broncos network HD feed on NFL HD last week.

They're replaying the Cowboys-Broncos game today at 2PM, I believe. Probabaly be in HD as well.

Go Broncos--Go USA! :)