[QUOTE]Originally posted by sthscan

2) is KRQE-DT viewable from tramway/candelaria (for that person who said they live there)? I"m at comanche/tramway and I cannot get KRQE-DT and Frank Lilley says there are no problems reported by anyone and that someday he will send someone with a spectrum analyzer to my area to check things out I guess in 5 years I'll not have CBS to watch and it probably won't matter as all the good programming probably will be gone by then.

That were me, Jerry. Ya, I get it fine here. I'm just a little bit South and West of Tramway and Candelaria, with good line of sight to the Crest. What antenna and stb are you using?

See everyone at the meeting TONIGHT! JR

Jim Gale may have an update tonight on the status of UPN and WB local digital stations.

I sent this email to KOAT this morning. John Trambley's KOAT email address is jtrambley@hearst.com. Please drop him a line also.

Dear Mr. Trambley:

Thanks for responding to my email. I do appreciate that you are concerned about your viewer's concerns.

I do not understand your statement regarding your station passing through the Dolby Digital 5.1 to us Albuquerque viewers. My other HDTV friends that I have spoken to including myself have never received your 5.1 sound (only 2 channels). I know for a fact that many of the movies that ABC plays are in 5.1 sound (e.g. the James Bond movies on Saturdays). Viewers in other larger cities receiving ABC digital have stated that. If you are equiped then possibly you are not properly setting up the Dolby Digital unit. If you are not equiped then for an investment of $4300 you can get a Dolby Digital 5.1 encoder unit. That is all you would need to pass the 5.1 sound onto us.

I hope that this problem could be remedied before the fall season in which, I understand, many more programs will be presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

Thanks for your time,

Fred Jerina.

------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Trambley originally responded with this email to me.

Dear Mr. Jerina:

According to our chief engineer, KOAT-DT does pass-through ABC's HDTV signal when available and it does include the 5.1 audio when available.

The next program airing with both HDTV and 5.1 audio is "According to Jim" tonight (August 13th) at 6:00-7:00pm. Both "Monk" and "Widows" are not available in HDTV.

Thanks again for writing to KOAT.

Sincerely,

John Trambley
Program Director

I sent this letter out today and encourage all of you to do the same.

------------------------------------------------------------

August 16, 2002

John Greewood
General Manager
UPN (KASY) and WB (KWBQ) Albuquerque TV Stations
8341 Washington Street NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113

Dear Mr. Greenwood:

I am writing in regards to your UPN and WB digital TV transmitters for the Albuquerque area. I understand that your transmitters have been installed and ready to go. I was wondering why you are not operating them.

I've read that there will be more high-definition TV programming that will be offered on WB and UPN this fall. I am anxious to start watching your stations over their digital channels, especially this fall.

Currently I am enjoying watching the PBS (KNME), KRQE (CBS), KOAT (ABC), KOB (NBC) and KASA (FOX) digital channels here in Albuquerque. Your two stations, UPN and WB, will complete the last of major networks broadcasting digitally here in Albuquerque.

I am also a member of the New Mexico DTV User's Group which meet monthly here in Albuquerque. We communicate and post messages on the current status of DTV here in New Mexico via the AVS Forum (www.avsforum.com). See "Latest News Albuquerque TV market" thread in the "Local HDTV Info and Reception" forum. I will be looking forward to posting your response to our members also anxiously awaiting your digital broadcasts.

I encourage you to turn on your UPN and WB digital transmitters so the citizens of Albuquerque can enjoy your programming in enhanced or high definition.

Thanks for your time,

Fred Jerina

I just got the word on the forum that CBS does NOT currently transmit any programming in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. So we will not know if our local KRQE is really equiped to forward it to us. Stay tuned.

Lot of questions David. I'll write up a reply this evening when I have some time

later
Pete

Finally Friday Is Upon Us....
That 34XBR800 is sure nice, I looked at one at Circuit City today.

There are a bunch of new set top boxes on the horizon. We need a topic for our next meeting, maybe that should be on the list. I have no recent experience with cable. DirecTV is good on many channels, but some are so compressed that they look like crap (I have a very large screen, which exaggerates any problems). At least you don't have ghosts and snow with sat like I've seen on cable. Your dish will point east of south, so you shouldnt have a problem. Check out the neighbors dishes to get an idea where you'll be pointing. Look for a DISH customer. Their main satellite is in the same orbital slot as D*'s HD bird. The DirecTV standard def bird is about 18 degrees east of that.

My Mitsubishi box has a really nice integrated program guide, all local analog and HD and sat standard and HD in one guide. I'm feeding it from an outdoor antenna with an amplified splitter. The locals run from pretty good to pure crap. I think the mits analog tuner is junk though, because my Sony NTSC set in the bedroom gets a great picture from the same antenna system.

As far as installation: I'd run seperate cable for the sat antenna. Don't try to put your cable or antenna feeds on the same wire. The dish has four outputs so it can feed up to four seperate receivers. It's easier to troubleshoot if you aren't messing with combiners and junk. I doubt that comcast would like it either.

The DirecTV boxes are usually pretty small, say the size of a hardback textbook. I'd recommend feeding your smaller sets with the comcast programming that you get free with internet service, assuming they provide channels you want, or with whatever service you need. That way you won't have to mess with boxes or pay the extra charges to D*. It's a bit of a pain to hook two tv's to one D* box, mainly because of cabling issues. You need to run at least three, and preferably four (with S-video) cables to get video and stereo audio. You could add DirecTV boxes to any other tv's you use a lot and that could benefit from digital delivery.

The RS antenna is UHF only, if I'm not mistaken. 2, 4 and 5 are on low VHF, 7 and 13 on high VHF. That's probably why you get them with it. All the DTV stations are on the UHF band. If you can get a relatively ghost free signal on 14 and 50 you'll be in good shape. Noise (snow on the analog stations) is OK but many DTV receivers have trouble with multipath which shows up as analog ghosts. KNME may be a problem because their signal is very low power. But many have been able to pick it up with an indoor antenna.

Keep in mind that I don't know much about DISH, but I'd guess it's all about the same. I'm ready for the merger. I want DiscoveryHD, but I don't want to lose HDNet. And I won't pay for both!

Keep the questions coming David!


later again
Pete

Thanks for all your diligent work Fred.

Thanks to all who replied to my questions. I really appreciate the input.

I have been enjoying my Sony KV-34XBR800 very much! It does seem to amplify the imperfections of my analog cable, but the PQ is still excellent even on weak channels. I think I will definitely try satellite (probably DirecTV) but will wait until the new STBs with DVI come out (hopefully soon!). Do any of you have a recommendation on where to purchase my DirecTV system? And how much should I expect to pay?


Petew,

You mentioned that the dish has 4 outputs so it can feed four separate receivers. Does that mean that if I want to hook up all 6 TVs to satellite that I would need 2 dishes?

Another installation question: For DirecTV, do I need a phone jack in every room that has a receiver -- and does it have to be right next to the TV?

Also, will a lot of cable will be running around the outside/inside of my house to connect to the various receivers in different rooms? (I know nothing about all this, so please indulge me.) A couple of my TVs are close to exterior walls, but our bedroom set is located on an interior wall in the middle of the room. If there's one thing I hate, it's a lot of exposed cable. Is this how the signal is routed to the individual sets or is it done differently?

To get HD, I need to make sure I get the TRIPLE LNB dish, correct? Can I have the HD-capable dish installed now, use a supplied DirecTV receiver, and then replace that receiver with a new-model STB (such as the Samsung T165 or Sony SAT-HD200) when it becomes available, and then the HD content would automatically come in? Or should I wait until I have the STB I want and get it all set up at the same time to make sure it is all functioning correctly?

One more thing... You mentioned that the local channels come in free with the Comcast high-speed internet service. So if I call Comcast and tell them to cancel all my cable TV service and just keep the high-speed internet service, I would still get the locals pumped in to all my sets?

Thanks to all in advance for any help/advice!

Best,
David

Hi David

Ultimate Electronics has good installers, at least the guy who installed my parent's system was very good.

The standard elliptical dish has four outputs, but I think you can get a multiswitch with more outputs. That would be a better question for the DBS forum.

Each receiver is supposed to be plugged into a phone line. They call home regularly to report pay per view purchases and so DirecTV can verify that they're all at the same physical address. Each additional box is an extra $5 per month.

Each receiver needs a phone line and a single coax cable (standard TV cable) to the dish.

You need the elliptical dish to pick up all three satellites, located at 101, 110, and 119 degrees west. It has three feedhorns and five LNB's. The multiswitch connects each receiver to the proper LNB for the channel you want. It's all automatic and transparent to the user. The dish will work with any receiver. With a standard receiver you'll get some additional channels with the elliptical dish. The HD channels are all on the 110 and 119 satellites which require the elliptical dish. Once the dish is installed correctly, the boxes are basically plug and play. You'll just need a call to DirecTV to activate them.

Comcast internet includes "Limited Basic". I don't know what channels are on it, I've never bothered to hook it up to anything. I'm sure the web site or customer service can tell you. Keep in mind, the locals on Comcast are *not* the HD channels. You'll need an antenna for local HDTV.

You need to evaluate which tv's really need the full programming package. I'd suggest keeping cable to avoid the complexity of installing six DirecTV receivers. $45 per month will get you a ton of standard channels on DirecTV plus HDNet and HBOHD for two receivers. Your hardware and installation cost should be about a grand.

Originally posted by petew
Your hardware and installation cost should be about a grand.
Does that include the cost of my STB (which I'm assuming will run me around $700-$800)? I'm hoping so....

You also mentioned that each receiver requires a phone line and single coax cable connecting to the dish. Are the installers, in your opinion, pretty good about hiding as much of that cable (indoors and out) as possible?

Thanks again,
David

Since Comcast includes the "limited basic" package with its high-speed internet service, why am I being billed for limited basic in addition to the high speed internet package?

Is it possible to call Comcast and have them drop the limited basic charge from my bill? Has anyone here tried to do this? If so, I'd be interested to hear whether you've been successful.

Best,
David

And the Saga continues...

I got this reply from KOAT saying that they DO transmit the full Dolby Digital 5.1 (all channels). I am really questioning this. Has anyone ever received more than just the two channels from them? Would like to resolve this with them as soon as possible.

Dear Mr. Jerina:

After receiving your latest message, I met again with the KOAT Chief Engineer. He also owns an HDTV, a separate 5.1 audio decoder, and the five speakers. KOAT-DT looks and sounds fine on his system and other people have contacted him saying the 5.1 audio is working fine.

You may need to double-check your set-up. According to our chief engineer, you need a separate audio decoder to get the 5.1 audio properly (and the five speakers). If you are just using the built-in audio receiver on the HDTV then you are only getting stereo audio. Of course, you probably already know all of this, but I feel compelled to tell you about it just in case.

Good luck and thank you for your interest in KOAT-DT.

Sincerely,

John Trambley
Program Director

Fred
I've never received 5.1 from KOAT. I'll watch for it more closely too.

David
Go see Ultimate with your installation questions on cabling. I did my own, but I'd guess they prefer to take the easy path where possible. A grand should cover it - 800 for a box, 200 for the dish, free installation (assuming it's not too complicated).

I got a nasty PISP signal error from KNME-DT channel 35 on my RCA DTC-100 receiver tonight!!:(

Don't worry my receiver is fine as far that I know yet!

It's causing my receiver to shut down for a about 20 to 30 seconds only if you are on digital channel 35 the rest of other digital stations are fine i'e channel 16,21,26 and 27.

I heard some storys before somewhere in backeast or just use avs search engine by typing "PISP problems" if any!

BTW, what happen to K56FB it went off the air after fews day of spanish broadcast? "It's used to be a MTV-2 music TV station"

8-20-02

Thanks, Pete. I've pretty much decided to get DirecTV in two rooms and keep my basic cable package (at least for now) for the rest of the sets. With the programming I want, it should only cost about $17 more per month than if I went with D* in every room. Not too bad, IMO.

Although it is killing me, I will wait to get D* until the new model STBs come out. I still am waffling between the Samsung 160 and the Sony SAT-HD200. I read on another thread here that the new Sony is actually being manufactured by Zenith and is pratically identical to the new model Zenith (520?) that seems to be eagerly anticipated. On that thread, there's a lot of negative talk about DVI, but I feel that I should at least have that capability considering my Sony 34XBR800 has DVI, too.

On another subject, I called Comcast today and asked why I was getting charged $9.95 a month for Limited Basic when it comes free with the high-speed internet package. The guy told me that as of August 14, they have discontinued offering Limited Basic with the internet package and it must be ordered separately. I don't know if anybody here gets their locals through their Comcast internet service. If you do, have your locals been cut off? Just curious...

Best,
David

Well, the saga continues...

I talked to a Robert at KOAT last night after 6 pm while "According to Jim" was playing. I verified to him that they were only sending out 2 channels. He was going to check with his lead engineers on some adjustments he thought he could make. He will be getting back to me. I will be callig him in a few days if I haven't heard back from him. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of all of this.

Well it's seems that KNME-DT's PISP is back to normal and my RCA DTC-100 seems to be happy about it.

It's still the same old 35.3 PISP information.

Looking forward to see KNME-DT power upgrade anytime soon. :)

I just send a E-mail to KWBQ-TV and KASY-TV asking when they will go on the air in digital, so far they haven't respond back yet but I will let you know as soon I get it.

8-21-02

Here's one post:

Spoke with Keith Marder who is the WB Media Relations guy. In addition to Tribune Broadcasting affiliates, there will be other stations who will be carrying the HD signal for WB programming. He sent me the following press release (which adds to the original press release from Tribune Broadcasting) that lists the various cities who will be taking part in the HD broadcasts:

****************************
We don't just make television...we make history

HD Broadcasts of the subsequently mentioned shows will be available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Houston, Seattle-Tacoma, Minneapolis, Miami, Phoenix, Orlando, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Richmond, Wichita, Huntsville, Jackson, Cedar Rapids, Tri-Cities, Evansville, Columbus, Albuquerque, Austin, Dayton, Ft. Myers-Naples, Champaign. This covers nearly half of the country...

*****************************

from the following thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=163911

Pete, thanks for the post. Finally Albuquerque is included with the other big cities. Now if they would just turn on their damn transmitter then we would be in good shape.

Still haven't heard back from "Robert" at KOAT about the Dolby Digital 5.1 situation. I will give him a call today. Maybe he found out they really don't have DD 5.1 capability.

Well, I talked to Robert Suit at KOAT and he is now thinking they don't have the Dolby Digital 5.1 encoder unit. Big surprise. I sent him, Dan Brown and John Trambley info on the preferred decoder to buy (around $4585) for their setup. Will keep you all posted.

I just got some bad news. I got a phone call returned from Jeff (second in-charge engineer at our local WB (KWBQ) and UPN (KASY) stations). He said that they plan to turn on their digital transmitters sometime in November and it will NOT be in high-definition. He has no idea when they will upgrade their systems to high-definition. Interesting, HUH. I thought they were going to be setup for high-def right from the start.

I just found out that KLUZ-DT digital ch. 42 has just filed "8-27-02" to the FCC for a delay due to a delivery shipping problem.

They are waiting for the transmitters and parts.

They may try to go on the air early by using the STA, if not wait till late October or early November.

The information that I got is from FCC's database.

Not much else is going on around here.

8-30-02

Did anybody have audio problems while watching the US Tennis Open yesterday? I watched from about 14:30 to 16:00 and had a squealling sound the whole time. I just want to make sure it was not my equipment before I email KRQE to let them know of the problem. I did not have this problem on any of the other DTV channels.
David

Bad news guys!!

KRQE-DT is NOT showing any live HDTV tennis due to telethon programings!!

I just E-mailed to Bill Anderson about this and I asked him to just broadcast live HDTV tennis or at least multicasting i'e 16.1 for telethon 16.2 for live tennis, sheesh!!

It's been going on for years and I am sick of this station going telethon crazy!

I am asking you guys please send your E-Mail to Bill anderson of KRQE-DT asking please restore live HDTV tennis!

Thanks!!

9-2-02

FYI (in case you were wondering). I posted this question to KRQE today and their response follows.

Frank, I have noticed that several evenings of the past week that programs provided in high-definition (including last night's "CSI" showing) were notin high-definition. I was wondering what is going on? Thanks, Fred Jerina.

Their response...

Fred, We are having audio problems with our HDTV server. We are working with the manufacture to isolate the problem.

Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV

Just in case you were wondering where KOB-DT is (they are currently down), I got this email from KOB.

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay in sending this note... and no, it's not good news about
HDTV!

We've been off the air for a couple days with our DTV signal. Our encoder
blew up on us, and we don't have any redundant electronics yet. We expect to
have a replacement encoder Friday morning, and we should be back on by
mid-afternoon Friday. With it, we hope to be able to return to stereo audio.


Since this is the first note I've sent out on this list, I'd like to thank
you all for your interest. If you know of anyone else who might like to be
on this list, have him/her drop me an e-mail. If you don't want to be on the
list, just reply to me, and I'll remove you.

Thanks!

Sean Anker
_____________________________
Sean R. Anker
Director of Engineering and Production
KOB-TV, Albuquerque, NM
sanker@kobtv.com
(505)764-2442

I asked Sean if they were going to upgrade to HD, in light of the programming NBC will be providing. Short answer: No.

He suggested calling and writing Feedback 4. Let's do it guys, Sean says they're listening.

Good idea. I went on KOB's web site and submitted a letter to Feedback 4.

done. I kept the note upbeat and positive, thanking KOB for considering an upgrade to HD for the benefit of all of New Mexico.

Joe M.

DONE!!!!
David

I was wondering If KRQE was sending thru the CBS HD game of the week here in Alb. I know they are doing the games just wondering if anyone has recieved them yet?
Thanks

KRQE is not providing us consistent transmissions of the CBS high definition programs. Here is a letter I sent to KRQE to the following: Frank Lilly (engineering - frank.lilly@krqe.com), Fred Woskoff (operations - fred.woskoff@krqe.com and bill.anderson@krqe.com). Please send them an email or letter if you are feeling frustrated also.

I would like to bring up a situation with your presentation of high-definition programming on your digital channel here in Albuquerque.

The program “CSI” is presented by the CBS network in high-definition to all its stations. Last Monday, September 9, there was a “CSI” episode that was not presented in high-definition over your digital channel. Why, I don’t know. Last night, September 12, you presented “CSI” partially in high-definition. At two different times during the show it took several minutes before you switched the program back to high-definition after a commercial break. Then sometime half-way through the program after a commercial break the program was never switched to high-definition after a commercial break and stayed that way for the remainder of the program. Is it a matter of a technician in your control room not paying attention to what is going on and performing the switching when required?

I have written to you about this problem in the past and it seems to still be persisting.

I hope these problems will be corrected before the fall session of the new programs start in about a week. There will be a growing number of people this fall watching your digital channel and also in the high-definition mode.

I have friends come over on a regular basis to watch some of the CBS programs in high-definition and it is a little frustrating and embarrassing when we cannot watch a program consistently in high-definition throughout its program duration.

If you would give me the phone number of the control room then I could contact the technician on duty if he/she forgets to switch back to high-definition after commercial breaks.

CBS is offering even more evening programming in high-definition this fall and I would really like to be able to assume that a program that is being presented to us by CBS is high-definition will be played by KRQE in high-definition in its entirety.

I would appreciate a reply to my letter. Thank you for your time.

Fred Jerina.

KOB-DT channel 26 is back on the air but with a dead carrier and showing about 82 to 88 bouncing around like crazy.

And also KNAT-DT digital channel 24 was also sending a dead carrier at one time and reading at 100 when I tuning in it's did not last very long it's about 10 to 15 second of airtime.

At this time KNAT-DT is still off the air as I type.

Still no news on KNMD-DT, KWBQ-DT,KASY-DT,KLUZ-DT and KAZQ-DT and of course KCHF-DT.

Any idea on KAPX-TV analog channel 14 getting their own new digital channel?

9-13-02

I have a terk TV55 ant. and a hughes e86 stb. I am recieving high signal on all my digital channels 16, 27, 35 ect but I have No signal on 26 (NBC). Are they down and not sending out a signal or is the problem on my end? My signal strenght is between 89 and 100 for all the other channels. And i cant seem to see a problem other than they aren't broadcasting a signal.

Hello eman6880,

At this time KOB-DT is still off the air and trying to get back on the air pretty soon.

They went on the air yesterday and not sending the digital stream it's just the live dead air carrier. "Unmoudulated"

I noted that you can pick up digital channels 16,27, and 35 but I think you missed one other station that is KOAT-DT on digital channel 21!

Hopes that helps!!:)

9-14-02

N5XZS

Thanks for the info on KOB. I am recieving 21 I just forgot to type it in my previous posting.
Looking forward to HD tv this fall and I wish Kob would spend some money and pass it on to us. Sent them an email.
:D

I live in Los Alamos (White Rock actually) and just recently bought an HDTV set and STB. Have any of you got reccomendations on an antenna setup? I have an old external VHF/UHF rooftop set right now, should that work?

Thanks from Los Alamos
Brian

Radio Shack has a nice UHF only model, 15-2160, for only $20. They usually have a good return policy too if things don't work out. I'm using a vu-90 in Abq with good results, but wish I'd bought the uhf only; it has twice as many elements, and is half the price. Good luck. JR

toricred,

Be sure to run a DEDICATED line from that UHF antenna to your HD receiver. More people have had problems with splitters which reduces the strength of the sensitive digital signal. I had to do that and I live less than 10 miles from the Sandia towers. Good luck.

That's great the right antenna for a low price. Will I need any kind of amplifier up here?

toricred and eman6880

Welcome to the forum. If you're not aware of the New Mexico DTV Users Group, check out this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=119887

Our next meeting is this Thursday at 7:00 at KNME's boardroom on University NE.

Hope to see you there
Pete

Originally posted by toricred
That's great the right antenna for a low price. Will I need any kind of amplifier up here?

As far as the amplifier, that is probably something you will have to just try and see. You may get by without one if you get properly aimed. Everyone's situation is different, especially in the mountains. JR
PS. I second the recommendation on coming to the meeting at KNME if there is any way you can swing it. They are entertaining and very informative. They are hosted by the station engineer, Jim Gale.

Any ideas on pointing? I've been using satellite so long, I don't remember how to point an OTA antenna anymore.

Aim it at the Crest. All the transmitters are up there.

Yes, but should I deal with horizontal or vertical positioning first? With a satellite, you deal with the vertical first and then the horizontal. Will one work better with a UHF antenna?

Did anyone experience unclear sound on monday night the 16th. While watching King Of Queens on KRQE hd I had some poping and pretty much constant light hissing. Anyone else getting this problem?

Toricred

Just get it as high as you can and level it, facing the sandia crest.
you don't need to worry about the elevation.

I also heard sound problems on KRQE-DT on Monday night. Sounded a little better while into the "CSI" episode.

Any of the bigger Radio Shack Antennas will work fine in Los Alamos/White Rock. I've got 2 spare VR-190's if you need an extra, just drop me a note as the e-mail below and I'll give you contact info.

Joe Martz, Los Alamos, jcmartz @ att.net

Well, my tuner (Samsun SIR-T150) arrived today and I got it hooked up and I see KOAT and KOB. I also see signal from KRQE, but nothing seems to be broadcasting on it right now (2:30 pm). I still don't see KASA, but at the moment my best signal strength is about 50%. I need to work on the aim and replace the old RG-59 cable. The point about removing the splitter really made a difference (it doubled the signal strength). Thanks for all the help.

Any news on when KWBQ and/or KASY will be going digital?

Last night KRQE played primetime high-def from 7 to 10 pm and it all looked great.

toricred, hope you can get KRQE cause it is playing some of the best high-def right now.

Haven't heard on the other stations.

It's really weird because I can get the same signal strength for both KRQE and KOAT, but don't get a picture for KRQE at all. Are they broadcasting all the time, or only during prime-time?

KRQE is broadcasting pretty much around the clock. Most of the time it is the same as the analog ch. I am not sure if 50% signal strength is enough or not, sometimes my signal on KNME drops to 58% but I seem to get a picture none the less. Good Luck:)

My t150 Samsung also lost KRQE and KASA, ch. 2. It is a mapping issue, since I see good carrier on 16, but cannot get to 16-1. I think I bombed the Sammy by accidentally hitting the channel rescan button, because that seems to be when I lost them. The Sammy customer service guys think it is the PSIP from CBS, but don't know for sure. Station engineers here said nothing has changed on their end, so maybe it's the national feed (?). I asked them to kill the psip locally, momentarily for me, hoping I could re-aquire it but it didn't work. Still no 13 or 2. Drat. JR

toricred, good luck in getting KRQE. It is one of the better stations right now. You could borrow a different HD tuner from KNME (via Jim Gale) to make sure it is not a tuner problem. Also, I would also suggest possibly using RG6 quad-shielded coax from your antenna to your tuner. Try not to have any obstructions from your antenna to the crest (line-of-sight best). Make sure the antenna is pointed in the right direction to the crest. The inside of the V should be pointing towards the crest. (<< crest)

Check out this web site. Very interesting. Shows our WB and UPN stations having FCC extensions.

http://www.titantv.com/TTV/RetailZone/main.asp?pid=zenith

I'm having the same problem problem that jerrich describes. I don't get either 13 or 2. Samsung says that an engineer will look into it and let me know. The amp helped, but only about 10%. I'm still only getting about 60% signal strength.

jerrich have you downloaded the update for the T150 and installed it? What is it supposed to fix anyway?

Since I live in Los Alamos, borrowing a tuner from KNME is pretty much out of the question. I'm going to try to get my antenna a little more height this weekend (currently it's basically at the height of my single story house looking into the trees and house of my backyard neighbor.

I'm now pretty sure that ch 2 is simply off the air. Channel 13 is still a mystery though. In my case it's not a signal strength problem because I get strong carrier on 16. I just saw a new 151 do a channel scan yesterday, and it skipped right over 13 also, just like mine. Frank Lilly at 13 told me that they are using a Tandberg encoder that works just fine with their Panasonic stb, this appears to be just a Samsung anomalie. I will post anything I am able to learn, but right now I'm bumfuzzled why just doing a simple channel scan bombed the Sammy on 13 only. ?? JR

jerrich,

Have you tried the download for the 150? I've thought about it since I can't tell what version of the firmware I have, but I can't quite bring myself to buy the special serial cable required to upgrade it unless I'm sure it works.

Tori, I think you can go into the menu, turn help on, and hit display, and it will tell you the version number of your firmware; mine is 1.8. I guess everyone is now aware that the problem on 13 is FIXED! Yaaa! Frank had to buy a Samsung to duplicate the problem, but it turned out that the Tandberg encoder needed a software reset of the system time, or timing. (I posted this on hometheaterspot also) Is everyone happy in Samsung land now? :D JR

That's great, but what's up with 2? I still see absolutely no signal from them.

I assume that 2 is down for testing, modifications or something similar. They do not broadcast real HD anyway since they are a Fox station; it is just digital SD, 480p. Channel 4 is in the same boat till they get enough money to buy an encoder. They had to rent one to broadcast the winter Olympics, but they looked beautiful. Now if only someone would broadcast HDNET and Discovery HD!! JR

Even 4 I'm getting pretty bad pixelization. Friends last night was almost totally unwatchable. 13 and 7 seem to be near perfect. Is this normal?

Hello I am back!!

After an amost week of moving in to the new house in 4 Hills!:)

Here's the reception report by using Terk TV 50 indoor antenna......

Signal report will be in "P" as in picture strenth analog scale 0 as being no picture to P 5 to a very strong clear picture.

Digital signals will be based what my RCA DTC-100 receiver sees in number scale 0 to 100. 0 as in no signal to 100 as in very strong signal.

Analog and Digital......

Ch. 2 "P 4-5"

ch. 4 "P 3-4"

ch. 5 "P 5"

ch. 7 "P 5 with hint of ghosting"

ch. 11 "P 0-1"

ch. 13 "P 5 with hint of ghosting"

ch. 14 "P 5"

ch. 16 digital "76"

ch. 17 "P 0-2"

ch. 19 "P 4-5 with some ghosting"

ch. 21 digital "88 to 90"

ch. 23 "P 4 with very bad ghosting but very strong signal"

ch. 25 "P 4 with hint of ghosting"

ch. 26 digital "50 to lows 60 and sometime worse if dipped below 40 picture starts to break up." Are they running very low power?

ch. 27 digital KASA-DT is still off the air at this time....

ch. 29 digital "Not on the air yet..." KWBQ-DT

ch. 32 "P 3-4"

ch. 35 digital "0 to 28" When will KNME-DT boost their TX power anytime soon?

ch. 41 "P 5"

ch. 42 digital "Not on the air yet..." KLUZ-DT

ch. 45 digital "Not on the air yet" KASY-DT

ch. 48 "P3-4"

ch. 50 "P 5 with some ghosting"

ch. 53 "P 0-2"

ch. 56 "P 3"

ch. 59 "P 0-1"

ch. 61 "P 1-3"

9-27-02

Well, I'm not sure what changed, but it looks like 2 is back on the air and 4 seems to be beaming with more power this afternoon. Hope to see 19 and 50 soon...

Well it's seems that KASA-DT's signal is back on the air and it's around 82.

KOB-DT at one time seems to crank it's transmitter power up and my signal improved to 68 but later went down to very low power in the low 20's somewhat like KNME-DT's signal strenth.

No news on KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT yet.:(

Any other DTV user in the Four Hill areas?

9-27-02

This is a copy of a letter I received on Sep. 19, 2002 in response to a letter I wrote Hubbart Broadcasting in reference to buying a HDTV encoder:

Dear Mr. James

Mr. Hubbard passed on your letter to me for a response. As you know we are on the air with a digital signal for KOB-TV. KOB does plan in the near future to purchase the equipment to pass on the HDTV signal from NBC. We are also trying to allocate our resources wisely. There are only a few hundred DTV set sold in our market right now and we need to prioritize our capital spending where it is needed most to provide news and the best analog signal to the majority of our viewers. Hopefully we will be up and running on HDTV by 2003.

Sincerely,
Michael Burgess
Vice President/General Manager

Let's keep our fingers crossed, but don't hold your breath!!

David

That answer has always struck me as bogus. They could buy the encoder on time and make monthly payments, the same as I did to get my Elite 510. I'm sure my friendly credit union would be happy to loan them the required money, if their credit is any good. :) JR

The news has been quiet lately and I have noted KNME-DT has not yet boosted it's transmitter power.

Are they having some kind of tech, difficelity or it's the shipment running late or it's too windy on the Crest?

Still no news on KCHF-DT channel 10,KAZQ-DT channel 17,KNAT-DT channel 24,KWBQ-DT channel 29 ,KLUZ-DT channel 42 and KASY-DT channel 45.

BTW, check out the new analog channel 25....:)

10-3-02

Hi Tim

The transmitter is in boxes on the crest, as of our last meeting. It's been tested at the factory and they're waiting for technicians from Harris to come bolt it together and do final testing and certification. I don't know where they are in the project right now.

Jim is going to line up a tour of the facility on the crest for our NMDTV group when it's operational. I think we'll be able to see some of the other stations too, as well as the KNME analog plant. Should be fun.

later
Pete

Circle the 17th on your calendar and come to the next User Group Meeting at KNME. Our attendance last month was PATHETIC!! I think we had about 5? Jerry

I have the DirecTV installer here from Ultimate Electronics right now :D and he just hooked up my OTA antenna (a Radio Shack indoor double bowtie). I seem to get KOAT digital, KRQE digital and KASA digital just fine (although KASA comes in on Channel 27.2 -- is that correct?). But I am having trouble with KNME and KOB. Is this normal?

KNME looks beautiful for about five seconds and then begins to break up or move in slow motion. Is this the result of the low signal transmission that I've been reading about -- or is my antenna just not strong enough to pull it in?

KOB, basically, doesn't come in at all. Once again, is it my antenna's fault? Or is KOB currently not transmitting a digital signal?

If my antenna is indeed the problem, the installer says there is a clip-on antenna that connects to the satellite dish that might work better. Are any of you familiar with this and do you know how well it does or does not work? (We have a no-antenna ordinance in our neighborhood covenants, so I'm kind of limited in what I can do in this regard.)

Thanks for any input. I just want to know what I should be realistically expecting with regard to OTA HDTV here in Albuquerque.

Best,
David

It depends on where you live; close to the mountain is bad generally. I didn't have much luck with the RS double bowtie, besides it's big and ugly. Stucco walls have chicken wire in them and block uhf pretty well. I ended up with a combo RS vhf/uhf (vu-90) on the roof and I get them all from Candelaria and Tramway area. The uhf only RS would probably be better since it has twice as many elements and is half the price of the 90. Don't worry about KOB; they only broadcast SD, same as Ch.2 Good luck. Jerry

Hi David

Sounds like you need an outdoor antenna to get KNME. They'll go high power soon, so that should solve your reception problems with the indoor job though. By the way, the FCC has a much bigger stick than your homeowner's association. They can't prevent you from installing an outdoor antenna. There's extensive threads on the forum about it.

Try to make it to our next meeting Thrusday at 7:00, at KNME on University.

Pete

Pete and Jerry,

Thanks for your replies.

Pete, you say that KNME is going to go high power "soon." Do you have any specifics on the time frame? I know that, to some corporations, "soon" can mean a year or two from now. <g> Do you think they'll be going high power before the end of this year?

Jerry, you say that KOB and KASA only broadcast in SD. Does that mean that Comcast cable (which I still have...for now) will give me a superior picture on those channels? And do you think KOB will upgrade to HD by the end of this year, as was implied in one of the above messages?

I won't be able to make it to this month's meeting, but do hope to get to one in the near future. The agenda sounds interesting. From my 5 hours or so with HDNet, I can only say that I am blown away by it! If one of you could find out when the other two channels that I've heard are in the offing from HDNet will be up and running, I would appreciate it. Once you see a little HDTV, all you want is more, more, more!<g>

Best,
David

If you are looking for a better indoor ant solution you may want to check out Radio Shack. I got there indoor\outdoor ant that is bassically the same as the terk tv50, the radio shack on central and girard had it on clearance for 49.99 (i belive they all had same price). I live in the wyoming academy area and my lowest signal strength is a 65 on KNME with the ant mounted inside my apt all other channels are in 80-100. If you could find one of these ant's I think it would be worth a try they work well in attics as well so you wouldnt have to deal with your homeowners association. :D

Breaking News!!!

I just found out that HDNET will be showing Lobos VS Utah State live on 10-19-02 at 3 PM MST!!

Now if we can get KRQE-DT to carry it live for some people who can't get Directv.

The first ever live local sport HDTV programings in the New Mexico!

Please spread the news!!


Party on dudes!!

10-15-02

David

KNME's new transmitter has been delivered to their building on the Crest. As of last month's meeting, they had not started assembling it yet. The manufacturer will be doing the setup. I don't know how they're coming along but I'm sure we'll get an update at the meeting on the 17th. KNME plans to go high power this fall. I'd expect it in the next month or two. The antenna system is ready to go.

I find KOB and KASA's picture on their digital channels to be better than the analog OTA counterpart, although not by much. I don't know about cable though. It doesn't sound like KOB will be purchasing an encoder any time soon. And I've never seen anything other than upconverted NTSC on KASA, even though FOX does provide some programming in 480p and KASA has a HD encoder.

What set top box did you end up getting?

later
Pete

Pete,

I got the Sony HD200 and so far am extremely pleased. The box has gotten great reviews on this forum (a huge improvement, supposedly, from the HD100) and I have no reason to disagree. On the other hand, I haven't read a whole lot of positive things about the new Samsung T160. Apparently, the new Sony is *exactly* the same as the new Zenith, so maybe that accounts for the better quality.

I guess if KNME's power boost is imminent, I will stick with the RS double bowtie for the time being. KRQE was beautiful last night, with KOAT just a smidgen behind.

Best,
David

The station engineer at KNME, Jim Gale, is sold on the Silver Sensor indoor antenna, and it is pretty small and cute. It is also sold by Zenith with different connectors I've heard. http://www.projectorexpert.com/Pages/antin.html is a site that has an interesting test on different antennas that you might find interesting. JR

Thanks for that recommendation, Jerry. I wil definitely look into the Silver Sensor.

David

That weird RS amplified one in the test actually beat the S Sensor, and I bet it would be Much easier to find. That SS is pretty cool though. JR

That's what I hope to see within the coming week from those two stations. According to Jim Gale, their FCC extensions should be over by Nov. 1, so we should be seeing them turning on their transmitters. Hopefully they will be transmitting in high-definition. Let's keep a watch over the air for their debut. Sorry for my headline if you thought they were already up. Just wanted to get a little excitement going.

Well they better be on the air or get slammed by the FCC!!:rolleyes:

Far as I know WB network is showing HD programings as for UPN not at least till spring or the fall 2003 TV season.

Still keeping eye on several stations listed here...Channel 9 KNMD-DT "Sometime next year, 2nd new PBS station"
Channel 10 KCHF-DT "Very doubtfull this station is so broke. IND, REL" Channel 17 KAZQ-DT "This station is Non, Comm, so they don't have to on the air till May,2003 IND, REL"
Channel 24 KNAT-DT "Very doubtful TBN is so broke these days:p "
Channel 29 KWBQ-DT "WB"
Channel 42 KLUZ-DT "UNIVISION and maybe Telfutura this station may be the first to multicast in the NM"
Channel 45 KASY-DT "UPN"

"NOTE" KAPX-TV channel 14 "PAX" does not have digtial channel allocated by the FCC...

I think they might run low power first and build it up later for KWBQ and KASY, but that my best guess that it might happen this way IMHO.:D

Well party on guys!!! :D

10-25-02

Well, KRQE is not transmitting high-definition from their digital channel tonight, Oct. 28. I called them and they said they are working on it. If any of you have time tonight give them a call and ask them the same question. They need to know more than just 1 person watches their digital channel. Give them a quick call at 243-2285 then dial 240 for the newsroom (they are the only ones working at night). Thanks.

Minor news update......

KCHF-DT digital channel 10 says they plan to go on the air in mid Nov to early Dec, will run at 500 watts of TX power. I am not sure what ERP level would be or what kind of antenna gain will be at?

The transmitter is located just south of los Alamos.

It will be very hard to pull this signal in Albuquerque metro areas.

Their programings is not much to look at and what a waste of analog and digital channel IMHO!:p

Anyways still no sign of KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT yet.:rolleyes:

10-29-02

Another question regarding KNME reception....

I have been corresponding with another forum member privately regarding this issue and we both seem to be having the same problem. We both own Zenith-based STBs -- I have the Sony SAT-HD200 (a duplicate of the new Zenith 520) and he has the Zenith 1080. We both are experiencing tiling and signal break-up and loss on KNME. The picture comes in fine initially, then after a few seconds begins to break up and hesitate, and then the screen goes black. Then the process begins anew, with clear picture, followed by breakup and then loss of signal. Over and over and over. In my case, the signal strength is higher on KNME than it is on either KASA or KOB, which makes the situation even more frustrating and baffling.

Does anyone else here own either of these two STBs? Or is anyone else experiencing similar issues?

Could the STB possibly have a conflict with this particular signal, so that even an impending signal boost from KNME might not help?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

Best,
David

David

Have you contacted anyone at KNME? They're eager to help pin down problems like you describe. They have been testing every STB they can get their hands on but I don't know if they've checked out the Zenith/Sony unit yet.

Pete

You must remember they are still transmitting low-power and maybe by the end of November (when they will be transmitting full-power) your problem will go away.

Pete,

The guy I'm corresponding with took his Zenith 1080 down to Jim Gale at KNME, and apparently Jim hooked it up to KNME's high-powered antenna and the problem remained. So Jim thought it had something to do with the way the STB was receiving the signal. Of course, Zenith said it was a KNME issue. Any thoughts? It's hard for me to believe that a particular STB can mangle a signal in this way, especially when it receives everything else so well.

I'm hoping when KNME goes to full power this problem will resolve itself, because the picture quality (when I get it) is brilliant on KNME. Any word on a definite date concerning the power-up?

Also, was KRQE not broadcasting digitally last night? I usually get terrific reception on that station, but last night I got zilch.

Take care,
David

Jim and his staff are your best resource to get the problem pinned down. If it is a KNME issue, they'll want to get it resolved. If it's something with the box having a solid technical team behind you will help in dealing with Sony. It sure didn't hurt in my battle with Sony. They finally agreed to buy back my HD100.

KRQE was on last night. I watched JAG, then NYPD Blue on KOAT. They both looked great. The shows were good too.

Hope you get the issues with your box resolved.

PSW

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dbacksfan
It's hard for me to believe that a particular STB can mangle a signal in this way, especially when it receives everything else so well.


It turns out they can. When Ch 13 had a problem with system timing in their encoder, they wiped out every Samsung including mine, in Abq. I worked with Frank Lilly a little on the phone to get it worked out, but first I asked one of their techs to turn off their PSIP for me. He did it but it did not help. Finally Frank bought a Sammy 151 from BB (they were $25 less than Ultimate), and could duplicate the problem with it. I think he said it required a software reboot on the encoder to reset the timing, and voila, all Sammys turn back on to Ch. 13! Hooray. JR

BTW, there is a firmware update coming for the Zenith. Here is a link to a discussion over at the Spot.
HERE (http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/showflat.php?Board=UBB42&Number=310226)
Sorry if this is old news. Jerry

Bad news guys!!

KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT has just filed to FCC at the very somewhat last minute due to a fact electrical switch gear not set for the right fuse.:(

They will get the right fuse on Nov, 1st at the latest and will try to go on the air for both stations by Dec, the 6th or earler the better.

I am hoping to see my fav, Star Trek Enterprise in noise free digital world but sadly will have to wait a month more if sooner the best.:(

No news on KLUZ-DT status and KCHF-DT will go on the air sometime in mid Nov, and as for KNAT-DT is in real trouble with FCC for not going on the air in digital and will get fines. Or if they don't do anything later in the future they will lose their analog licences by the 2006 deadline.:p

KAZQ-DT have a deadline for May 1st 2003 since they are non comm, broadcaster.

KAPX-TV has no digital channel assinged by the FCC at this time....

That the news!!

10-31-02
Happy spooky night!!:) :) :) :D

Seem like KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT have been dragging their feet and now when they need to come up they NOW discover they have a hardware problem. I have very little sympathy for them. I contacted the FCC to ask them to help expedite their coming on-line. Seems like for some of these stations it's like pulling teeth.

I also sent another email to KOB asking for what their time-line is for upgrading their system to add a mpeg decoder for high-definition capability.

Seems like we have to keep bugging these people.

Just so I'm not missing anything, I was hoping someone might review the local digital stations and where they map out on a DirecTV system. As KOAT, KOB and KRQE have so many affiliates around the state, I want to make sure I am accessing them correctly.

Right now, I get KASA on 2.1, KOB on 4.1, KNME on 5.1, KOAT on 7.1 and KRQE on 13.1. Are any other stations broadcasting at this time? Are any of the preceding stations obtainable on any other channel numbers?

Thanks for the help!

Right now I'm not getting KASA or KOAT at all. KRQE is getting great signal strength, but I can't actually get a picture. (seems like the Sammy SIR150 issue again)

Hello Dbacksfan,


Albuquerque's station are listed here......

KASA-DT channel 2 "Analog" ch. 27 "digital" "FOX" "ON AIR"

KOB-DT ch. 4 "A" ch. 26 "D" "NBC" "ON AIR"

KNME-DT ch. 5 "A" ch. 35 "D" "PBS" "Running low power on the air at this time but will upgrade to full power by end of this month."

KOAT-DT ch. 7 "A" ch. 21 "D" "ABC" "ON AIR"

KCHF-DT ch 11 "A" ch. 10 "D" "REL" "Plans to go on the air anydays now"

KRQE-DT ch. 13 "A" ch. 16 "D" "CBS" "ON AIR"

KAPX-TV ch.14 "A" "PAX" "Note FCC has not allocated them a digital channel at this time..."

KWBQ-DT ch. 19 "A" ch. 29 "D" "WB" "Plans to go on the air anydays now"

KNAT-DT ch. 23 "A" ch 24 "D" "TBN" "This station is in serouis troble with the FCC and may lose their license for not going on air to digital in time."

KAZQ-DT ch. 32 "A" ch. 17 "D" "REL" "Since they are non comm, they don't have to go on the air till May 1st 2003."

KLUZ-DT ch. 41 "A" ch. 42 "D" "UNIVSION" "Plans to go on the air anydays now"

KASY-DT ch. 50 "A" ch. 45 "D" "UPN" "Plans to go on the air anydays now."

The rest of other low power stations don't have digital channels allocated by the FCC are listed here.....

Channel 17, 25, 43 "OFF AIR", 48, 53, 56, 59, and 61

Hopes that helps out for you...;)

11-10-02

N5XZS,

Thanks for that listing. I really appreciate it.

Another question:

Why does KOAT broadcast their digital programs on a different time schedule than their analog programs? I tuned in to watch "Beauty and the Beast" with the family in HD last night at 6 p.m. and it was already an hour old. Are the digital programs on KOAT always an hour ahead of the analog? Do any other local stations do this?

Is there somewhere on the web where I can check these local stations' digital schedule on a daily basis?

Thanks!

Hello Dbacksfan,

KOAT-DT don't have HD hard drive in yet so that why you are seeing Eastern time zone of the ABC's HDTV feeds off the satellite at this time and the the replay of local news of 6PM at 9 PM.:)

KRQE-DT is the only HDTV that can replay at MST primtime slots thanks to their hard drive hard at work!

Still nothing news on KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT and others at this time.....

11-11-02

Latest news update.....

KTYO-DT "Telemundo" in Las Cruces has gone on the air and becoming the first spanish station in New Mexico to go digital.

This station runs 54.5 KW of ERP, the tower hight is 430 Meter.

KTYO-DT "Telemundo" is on digital channel 47 analog channel 48 and is very unlikly to get this signal up hear in Albuquerque unless there is a very rare Rio Grande river tropo ducting. "Odds are 1'000 to 1 to get this kind of signal";)

Still no sign of KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT and others.:mad:

Happy DXing!!:)

11-15-02

Somthing in the air!!

My RCA DTC-100 thinks it's digital channel 45.1 is on the air but there is no signal meter reading!! "BER"

It's looks like our KASY-DT may be testing at this time.

Does anyone else noted this signal?

No signs of signal on channel 29 so far yet......

12-1-02

Wonder why KASA-DT don't id their as in "KASA-DT" like the other stations do?

One other thing that's bother me is they don't send in any Close Captionings on their digital channel 27.

They also don't send in FOX's widescreen 480p feed instead they stay with so called 14:9 480i screen format.

It's look like they are not following the FCC rulings on mandating ID your station and you must carry Close Captioning on at all time on digital channel.:(

I send my E-mail to General Manager of KASA-DT and never got a respond and it's seems they just don't care about us.

If they don't get their act together in next month or so, I will file a complainment to the FCC!!

I don't know about you guys but I think this station is not following the FCC rule at it all, IMHO!

What you think guys?

12-6-02

I think there's a bad attitude at KASA about DT too. They have all the equipment they need as far as I know. I did read that FOX has not yet set all their affiliates up with the gear they need to receive the network 480p feed. Someone at our last meeting had the theory that they're still pissed about that forty thousand dollar IOT that blew up in their digital transmitter.

I got a response from KWBQ and KASY as why they are not up and running. What do you guys think of what they had to say?

Dear Mr. Jerina,
We are in receipt of your letter that was sent to our corporate headquarters. By way of introduction, my name is John Greenwood and I am the Vice President and General Manager of KWBQ and KASY-TV.

In response to your comments about our digital transmitters, it is true that they have been installed for some time, however, we are still waiting on the antenna combiner equipment from our supplier, which has experienced a backlog in recent months. We are expecting completion and the final proof to take place in January.

Our recent extension filing takes into consideration the delays we have experienced with our manufacturers. Having been here since the beginning of the launch of KWBQ and the purchase of KASY some time later, I can assure you that engineering issues take time and judging from your letter, you seem to have a very good understanding of the process.

In addition, we are building an analog and digital facility in Roswell so that southeastern New Mexico will have the ability to view our free over-the-air signal as well.

Please feel free to contact me if you have additional questions. My email address is jgreenwood@kwbq.com or write me at 8341 Washington Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113.

Best regards,
John Greenwood
VP & General Manager
KWBQ & KASY-TV
ACME Television of New Mexico, LLC

Someone at our last meeting had the theory that they're still pissed about that forty thousand dollar IOT that blew up in their digital transmitter.

That's very possible imo, but the fact that it was under warrantee should have put a smile back on their face, I would think. JR

[QUOTE]Originally posted by fjerina
[B]I got a response from KWBQ and KASY as why they are not up and running. What do you guys think of what they had to say?

Maybe I'm being overly cynical, but it sounds like foot dragging to me. Why can't they buy another brand combiner? I bet Jim Gale could solve their problems in 35 seconds if they called him. JR

How sad that KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT are still foot dragging when the lamo low power analog station has just moved from channel 45 to channel 43 K43DL "Home Shopping station" and has gone on the air just few days agos.

Channel 45 will be use by KASY-DT in the future "When, When that will be??"

This station also owns channel 25 "Spanish station" that used to be on channel 35 before KNME-DT came on the air.

Still no signs of KCHF-DT ch. 10,KAZQ-DT ch.17,KWBQ-DT ch. 29 and KLUZ-DT ch. 42 at this time.....

Stay warm everybodys and have a Happy Hollidays!!

12-15-02

Latest news.....

KOCT-DT has gone on the air in Carlsbad on digital channel 19 and running at 3 KW ERP "STA" this station is owned by KOAT-DT.

KOVT-DT also has gone on the air in Silver City and it's the very first digital VHF station in New Mexico and it's on digital channel 12 and running at 1 KW ERP "STA" will upgrade to 62 KW ERP later in the future.

This station also owned by KOAT-DT.

That's the news!!!

12-19-02

Here is the latest from our DTV User's Group meeting last night, Dec. 20, 2002.

Due to a hardware problem with the combiner on the crest (which combines several TV station's signals before sending them up to the antenna), WB, UPN and PBS will not be up and running until the first week of February, 2003. What a bummer.

WB, UPN and KOB have no intentions of transmitting their digital signal in high-definition.

The manager at KOB sent a letter to one of our members recently stating that there are not enough people out there with HD capable sets to warrant spending the money. Looks like more spreading of the word and letter writing will be needed here.

Once UPN and WB are up then we should all write letters to their owner, ACME, address listed in a previous posting in this thead or the DTV User's group thread.

ABC and CBS, of course, are up and running and we appreciate their transmission of their content in high-definition.

FOX is up transmitting digitally but they are just sending their standard definition signal over their digital channel. Very unimpressing.

Looking forward to the Tournament of Rose Parade in high-def over the Discovery HD channel on my Dish system. May be over HD-NET also.

Have a great Holiday Season Everyone !!!

Breaking news!!

I just noted KOAT-DT has just split 2 channels 21.1 for 16:9 format 21.2 for 4:3 aspect ratio format, now if they could add 21.3 for weather radar channel.:)

Right now they are having some kind trouble on 21.2 video sometime freeze up from time to time.

I just hope multicasting it won't hurt HDTV at primtime......

Sad to see KNME-DT,KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT won't be on till Feb, 2003 at the most:(

12-20-02

Looks like KOAT-DT has their Dolby Digital encoder up and running. Alias and The Practice were both in DD5.1 last night. Good job!!

Does anyone have any info on Alb/Santa Fe Digital Cable HD?

I have a couple of customers with second houses in Santa Fe who want me to intall systems, and i need to be able to tell them their options...

From what i'm seeing so far, it's all OTA

No digital cable here yet. OTA is easy, all the transmitters are at the same location. PBS is low power for now (new transmitter on line soon) but all the others should be easy to receive from most SF and ABQ locations.

The last time I called Comcast to ask, the supervisor had never heard of hdtv!! JR

Just saw (and heard) "The Practice" on ABC KOAT being in Dolby Digital 5.1. FINALLY. Looking forward to some of the movies ABC presents in DD 5.1. Thanks, KOAT.

That's good news. I'm working on converting my stereo to digital surround and expect great things if I live long enough to get it all hooked up. I got a Pioneer 811 receiver open box at BB for $239 and it will be my pre/pro and surround amps. It must have a hundred connections on the back. My old Yahaha R9 will drive my Apogee fronts. JR

On returning home from vacation I noticed today that my IRD a hughes E86 was no longer recieving digital ch. 13. I am recieving a strong signal on ch 16; 85-100 strength but my box will not recognize the channel when I scan for it. All the others are there but KRQE-DT will not show up. I have tried reseting all of my box's settings as well as a general hard reboot, And nothing. If anyone has any ideas on what could be going on here I would greatly appreciate it, esspecially since I heard CBS is broadcasting the 2 NFL playoff games in HD this weekend.

Hello eman6880,

I am getting the digital channel 16.2 just fine and the signal strenth is about 74 to 76 out of 100 on my RCA DTC-100 reciver with just a indoor antenna Terk-50.

It's looks the same signal patterns for the past several months to me, except for the weathers on the crest effecting the digital signals from time to time.

Might be your reciever has the hicups and you might try to hard reboot your reciever or send it to shop for repair.

I am located in the S.E. Albuquerque. "4 Hills areas"

Looking forward to HDTV football playoffs. :)

1-10-03

I dont know what the problem was but after several hard resets and erasing all the setting on the IRD The channel poped up. I really dont know what the problem was other than as n5xzs suggested my box having the hicups.

looking forward to football today!!!!!!!!!:D

Here is a letter I just sent to Stanley Hubbard (owner of KOB) and hope you will all send appropriate letters also.

18 January 2003

Stanley Hubbard
Hubbard Broadcasting
3415 University Avenue
St. Paul, Minn. 55114

Dear Mr. Hubbard,

I was disappointed with the letter from Michael Burgess, General Manager of Albuquerque’s KOB TV, in his reasoning why they have no intentions in the foreseeable future to bring high-definition to New Mexico.

There ARE a growing number of people of the Albuquerque area that are capable of receiving high-definition TV transmissions (our local ABC, CBS and PBS are currently providing gorgeous programming in high definition right now).

In addition, our local Comcast cable is planning on carrying high-definition stations in the March/April time frame here in Albuquerque. I am sure they are in negotiations right now with our local ABC, CBS and PBS stations. It would be nice if your station was included too.

As you know NBC greatly increased their high definition programming this season and will likely be increasing it even more so next season.

I hope that you will reconsider investing in a MPEG high-definition decoder so your New Mexico viewers will be able to enjoy the NBC digital programming in high definition. I feel a $45,000 expenditure is not that unreasonable for a station like yours.

Please don’t be left behind in providing the best possible service to your viewers.

I would appreciate a response to my letter.

Yours truly,



Fred Jerina

9604 Lona Lane NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111

(505) 828-6969 (work)
(505) 822-1093 (home)

Here's a letter to the editor at the Alibi that I sent today also...hope they print it...

Letter to the Editor
letters@alibi.com

KOB TV Keeping New Mexicans in the Dark Ages

I would like to award our local NBC station here in Albuquerque, KOB-TV, this year’s “Behind in the Times” trophy. They explicitly refuse to upgrade their digital TV transmitter so it would be able to provide NBC’s programming in high definition to its Albuquerque viewers.

Michael Burgess, General Manager of KOB, states that “only a handful of New Mexicans have televisions capable of viewing such broadcasts”. Although analog TVs far outweigh digital TVs in the city, I feel if the high definition programming is available to the public then more people would be motivated to invest in a digital TV. I guess Mr. Burgess is standing behind the “which came first, the chicken or the egg” syndrome.

Thank goodness this reasoning did not keep our local ABC (KOAT), CBS (KRQE) and PBS (KNME) stations from providing their programming in high definition to us. Currently these stations are transmitting digitally from Sandia Crest their network’s programming in glorious high definition. In addition, most of these stations are sending their sound in Dolby Digital 5.1 format. I commend ABC, CBS and KNME in their foresight and vision for our fair city.

Unfortunately Mike Burgess of KOB also states that there is a “lack of commitment by cable providers to carry local HD signals”. I guess he does not realize that our local Comcast is planning on carrying high definition stations, including our local HD stations, in the March/April time frame.

KOB-TV would need to purchase and install a high definition MPEG encoder to provide this service to us. They are about $45,000 in cost. I feel this is not a major expense for a major TV station affiliate. However, Mike Burgess states it is “difficult to justify the great expense of HDTV at this time”. Wasn’t it KOB that just recently had a “Million Dollar Giveaway” contest?

In actually, much of the blame needs to be shared with their station owner, Stanley Hubbard of Hubbard Broadcasting, in St. Paul, Minnesota. I guess Mr. Hubbard feels we still use the Pony Express for mail delivery here in New Mexico. He probably thinks we New Mexicans only really want to watch old westerns in black and white for our entertainment. Yes, Mr. Hubbard, New Mexico is a state of the union and not a foreign country.

Go Fred! Remind me NOT to get on your bad side!

Regards, Peter

Anyone having reception problems with KASA- DT(27) during the NFC Championship game. Been rock solid for weeks, now nothing. Been watching analog.
Thanks
John

Hello Jmcferrin,

KASA-DT's transmitter must had a burnout or somthing like that....

They went off the air somewhere in the first quarter of the game.

My last signal strenth reading was in the lows 80's.

Had go to WYNW-TV on Directv for the game, the analog station on channel 2 looks crappy.

Can't wait for the REAL NFL HDTV on channel 16!! "Thanks KRQE-DT!!":)

Party on Dudes!!:D :D :D

1-19-03

Tim:
Thanks, I suspected that it was them, not me since I've had great reception lately. With the latest Eagle turnover and the fat lady now singing I've switched over to CBS. All I can say is WOW,WOW,WOW. Fox needs to get their act together. Can't wait for the SuperBowl next weekend. It'll be my first in HD.
John

The Super Bowl should look pretty awesome. I saw a little of the football game on Sunday to check out the video quality and it was great.

Remember, when you guys have time, write a letter to Hubbard Broadcasting and complain about KOB's lack of HD.

KNAT seems to be on the air now...Digital 24 / PSIP 23.

Regards, Peter

Just joined the forum. I am in the South Valley and love my HDTV reception. However...

KNME (PBS) half of their programming I get no sound. This is the only channel I have this problem and PBS has refused to help me for a month.

KOB (NBC) Its digital, but when will they be more than SD?

KOAT (ABC) They saw the light without my input. They finally stopped stretching their SD progamming on their 16:9 transmissions.

KRQE (CBS) Great programming, but they stretch all SD cutting off top and bottom. It looks worse than their analog feed. They say they have complaints when they dont stretch.

KASA (Fox) Agreed to stop stretching SD after my input. However, thy are off the air many times and dont know it.

KLUZ (Univision) Engineer confirmed they will start DT transmission in May of this year.

KASY and KWBQ (UPN and WB) Still have not started DT transmission. I dont have a commitment date yet.

Hello Peter,

Just how strong is the KNAT-DT?

I am just playing with my antenna for my DXing skills!:)

I just don't care for KNAT's programings just art of pulling in digital signals.

Thanks!!

1-24-03

Hey Zozobra

There was discussion at our last NMDTV users group meeting about audio troubles with the RCA DTC100 (integrated in your set). I wasn't paying attention to the details but maybe someone will chime in with more information. KNME is aware of the problem and working on it. I'm suprised you haven't gotten information directly from them. They're usually eager to help. Ask the receptionist for Jim Gale's voicemail if you haven't already.

KOB refuses to spend 45k on a HD encoder. They claim no one's watching. We need to keep up the pressure on them and Hubbard (the owner).

KASA has problems and an attitude too. Maybe they'll start passing through faux widescreen 480p someday.

Don't expect to see anything from UPN and WB until after the sweeps. They're not willing to risk knocking out their analog stations by lighting up digital. Maybe March.

Join us at our next meeting - Thursday, Feb 20th at KNME studios on University, 7:00 PM

Thanks, Jim Gale finally got back to me this evening. We do suspect the RCA decoder has an incompatability with the PBS data streams. We are both doing some research into this (now that I know where the problem might be).

KASA's signal was still down this evening (I beleve it is their transmitter and not my receptions since I have very strong signals from all other stations).

Is it only me or does the 4:3 enlarged bother others too?

I plan on attending the next meeting.

After playing my Terk TV 50 indoor antenna for about 30 minutes or so I finaly got KNAT-DT's flea power at the signal strenth of 28 to 34 with some picture breaking up from time to time.

I went to see how low the KNAT-DT's transmitter output by antennta gain by ERP.

www.100000watts.com

It's was at 600 watts of ERP using STA granted by the FCC.

How strange that KNAT-DT "TBN" beats KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT is pretty silly at least IMHO!:p

KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT should stop worrying about Feburary rating sweeps and they should help KNME-DT a PBS station upgrade to a new inproved transmitter signal and that the right things to do!

It's time for them to stop being gready.

BTW,
KASA-DT was still sending a signal streath of 83 as a dead carrer. "Not sending picture in any form"

Its seems they have some kind of problems lately.

1-24-03

Hi!. Where do you go to find out about Comcast carrying DTV/HDTV? I have Comcast Digital cable and was planning on putting up a roof top antenna and getting a box for HDTV but would rather avoid all this work if I can. Are they going to charge still more $$ for this or will they allow me to swap my current box for one that receives the HD broadcasts? Appreciate an email with where to go to find out.

Thanks.

Dan Houck
dhhouck@comcast.net

A friend of mine that has Comcast said they are now listing the local ABQ digital channels on their on-screen menu. However, I hear they are now planning a March/April roll-out of HD. Likely you would have to pay an extra charge for renting/leasing their HD tuner/decoder box. No details yet.

The super bowl was fun, although the various glitches still suggest that ABC still needs a better production effort for HDTV. My DISH receiver caused the clock to be cut off with less than 50% visible. The switching between SD and HD were anoying to me, and near the end of the game there were several minute-long breakups. My guests were certainly impressed, and one will be getting a tuner for his new digital TV soon. The movie trailers in full HD and 5.1 sound were awesome. I called Koat to let them know I was pleased. Horton

Fjerina
Love the letter you wrote to the Alibi. Hope it keeps published.
David

As of 12:45pm today, both KRQE-DT and KOB-DT were off the air. KASA's channel 27 is coming in full-strength, but there's nothing I can receive (Hughes E86). Only KOAT-DT (both 7.1 and 7.2) are currently up. Any news on what's up? Work on the Crest perhaps?

Joe M.

Indeed, no signal strength for KRQE or KOB. What is up with KASA, I havent been able to receive anything from them since last Thursday.

Also, I found a digital channel 80-1 with a 76 signal strength, but no picture. Anyone know what this is?

So far what I am getting are about the same.....

KRQE-DT channel 16, Signal Strenth 84

KOAT-DT channel 21, Signal Strenth 88

KNAT-DT channel 24, Signal Strenth 28 to 34

KOB-DT channel 26, Signal Strenth 58 to 62

KASA-DT channel 27, Signal Strenth 0, No sign of signal.:rolleyes:

KNME-DT channel 35, Signal Strenth 0, Too weak signal for to get my indoor antenna.

All this great weather that we been having for past fews weeks they why KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT are sitting on the ass and doing nothing?!:confused:

1-30-03

KRQE's response from Frank Lilley to my request not to stretch their SD feed for DT was:

> As far as the stretch we use for our 4:3 feed, yours is
> the first negative feedback we have received. When
> we first sign-on with our DTV station the viewer feedback
> was all for the stretch.

It looks awful (worse than their analog signal qulity). It also cuts off the top and bottom.

I would request that other email Frank requesting not to stretch.

Frank.Lilley@krqe.com

I prefer the slightly stretched picture as both my Hughes box and Monitor (50" Panasonic) don't have the ability to stretch 1080i broadcasts (but can stretch 480p if needed). I personally like KOAT's solution: non-stretched, 1080i on 7-1; 480p broadcast on 7-2. I can then pick and choose which to observe, including the option of stretching the 480p broadcast.

If that's not an option, I'm satisified with the compromise KRQE has taken in their slightly zoomed/stretched picture.

Joe M.

I cannot stretch 1080i either, but I don't want to. Losing information is just that, lost information. Also, their stretch algorithm results in flickering and aliasing on 1080i. It simply looks like a bad picture which is frustrating since it is digital.

They printed my letter to the Alibi in this week's issue. The letter appears on page 32. Hey Guys, write some letters!!! The addresses to KOB and Hubbard Broadcasting are on the previous pages.

Well Done and THANKS! A super effort; I've already written 2 letters to Hubbard. Call me an optimist, but I would guess KOB will have the needed equipment sometime soon.

(and here's an online link to the letter, good only for the next week):
http://www.alibi.com/alibi/current/oped_section.html#letters

jcmartz, thanks for writing to Hubbard.

Hello,

I am new to this thread having just added a Sammy 151 to my system. Great to see that others have been paving the road for HD newbies such as myself.

I currently am experiencing a couple issues, some of which I think are shared by others.

As background, in am in the NE Heights, a bit west of Tramway and Academy. I am using the Rat Shack, $30 Outdoor/Attic antenna (model number escapes me at the moment). It is in the attic, and aimed at the crest as well as I can get it.

First problem, I get decent signal (about 60%, same as KOAT), from KASA-DT 27, but no picture. Don't know whats up with that, but its consistent with other reports.

Next, I can not get ANY signal at all from KOB 26. NADA. Never as much a fleeting bump above 0. At one point I had an antenna sitting on a ladder in the driveway with direct line of site to the crest, and still nothing. Seems like my Sammy does not like KOB. Any Sammy owners that might have similar experiences?

Lastly, I was getting KRQE solidly (although I did loose picture last week as Joe Martz reported), got it back, but seem to have lost it again.

Today, I got around to running a permanent cable to the antenna. Fired up the box, and in addition to KOAT and KRQE, now had a solid 40% or so out of KNME (Hurray!), and also got KNAT (not that I plan to watch much).

I told the box to re-run Memorize Channels to see what it might find, and noticed that it skipped over KRQE (Digital 16). WTF? It was on 2 minutes before (this was about 3:00pm Saturday).

I thought maybe they went out again as they had earlier in the week. I rang up a friend about a mile south of my location with a Sony HD200, and he said he was till getting KRQE....with Rabbit Ears, mind you. Its in the same mode as KASA; I get a solid signal (about 60%), but no picture (the box says there is no signal).

So, I am thinking that something went away in my Sammy. I did power down, and even yanked the power cord, but no joy. Should anyone have any thoughts on the performance of the Sammy 151 here in ABQ, I would appreciate hearing them.

Best Regards,

BGL

PS: Hello Joe. This is Brian Leduc from ABQ, fellow autocrosser.

Welcome BGLeduc!

I live Near Academy and Wyoming and this is what I was receiving on my Hughes E86 with my radioshack antenna model 15-1487 (same thing as terk tv50) at 10pm Sunday night.

KRQE 16 (77-85)
KOAT 21 (84-90)
KOB 26 (100)
KASA 27 (100) (although they are a dead carrier right now, no programing being sent thru.)
KNME 35 (58-65) (KNME is installing a higher power transmitter in the very near future)

I had the same problem with KRQE that you are having and after numerous hard resets I was able to pick it up again. Perhaps some hard resets are in order for your box as well.

If you read through the past posts you will find alot of interesting and useful info.

One last thing, we are all writing letters to KOB/Hubbard broadcasting in regards to them dragging their feet on bringing HDTV to KOB, and I strongly encourage you to do the same.
:D
Good Luck and welcome!

Thanks for the quick reply.

Still no joy as of 9:00am Monday. I did call Samsung tech support, and while they seemed a bit more knowledgeable then other companies, they had no ideas.

I asked if the 151 had a reset procedure, and they said no. I am currently powered down, and will leave it that way for a bit. They said to ask the station if anything was changed around the time I lost them.

I had in fact e-mailed KRQE (Frank Lilley) to see if they had any other reports of issues with the 151. No reply yet.

Since I now know of two users with non-Samsung boxes (Sony and Hughes) that are good, it really suggests that my box has gone T.U. with regard to KRQE.

I did search here and in the ABQ Users group thread, and the best I could find was a post from last year where someone commented that they were having grief with KRQE and a Samsung box, and that the station actually had to reboot something. Hummm.

Oh well, its all new stuff, so I guess bugs are expected. Good news is that the box has about 2 weeks left on the 30 day return from Ultimate. If we can't sort this out, its going back, and I will try something else.

All I can say is that I am in awe of those that started playing with this stuff almost two years ago.

Those guys REALLY like to be bleeding edge!

BGL

I have no experience with that unit, BGL, but be sure your coax running from your antenna to your unit is a direct line and running through no splitters. I had a problem with my Dish 6000 OTA unit with splitters. Seems like the digital signals are more sensitive and can really degrade in strength going through typical splitters. Worth a try. Good Luck.

As of about noon I am back on line with KRQE.....although I am not 100% sure what fixed the problem.

I did get an e-mail from Frank Lilley advising that they have seen some problems with Samsung boxes. He indicated that they had gotten a software update in November, but there still appear to be some outstanding issues.

In any event, he asked me to try to run set up again. He didn't say why, or if he had done anything at the station, but it was sort of implied.

Before I had seen his e-mail, I had powered the box down, and left it off starting at about 9:00. When I brought it back up at lunch time, KRQE was back.

So, it may have been that the box requires a sustained power-off cycle to equate to a proper reset, or perhaps they were able to do something at the station, or both.

I did e-mail back for clarification as to whether or not they had to do anything at their end.

Anyway, I am good to go with KRQE, at least for now.

BGL

Frank Lilley e-mailed to say that he did in fact reset a processor (Tamdberg), which corrected my problem. He also advised that they were working the issue with the manufacturer.

I guess that leaves open the question of whether or not anyone else in ABQ with a Samsung 151 box also had problems.

BGL

BGL

Glad to here your back up with KRQE. Their monday night hd line-up is in my opinion one of the best arround.

:D

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BGLeduc
[B]Frank Lilley e-mailed to say that he did in fact reset a processor (Tamdberg), which corrected my problem.

This has happened before. I'm the one who posted about working with Frank when ALL the Sammys in town were not receiving 13. There was a system time, or timing error in the Tanberg that required a software reboot, or so I was told. I guess the new software/firmware update is not installed yet, so it would be wise to call them if there is a problem. My 150 did not see the last problem however. JR

I just got a sad piece of news from our local CBS station here in ABQ. Here it is. Looks like we won't be able to hear the Grammy Awards on Feb. 23 in DD 5.1 after all. Boo Hoo.

Fred, Sorry it took so long for me to reply to you query on CBS Dolby 5.1. KRQE-TV will not be able to pass 5.1 at this time. We are concentrating our resources on the completion of the DTV build out in Roswell NM and Durango CO. We hope to be able to complete the Dolby 5.1 upgrade this summer.

Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV
505-767-9400

Little news update,

Titan TV's website saying KASY-DT will try to go on the air in March 1 and it's sister station KWBQ-DT still saying under review.

As you know Titan TV is so so information accuracy.:rolleyes:

No news on KNMD-DT,KCHF-DT,KAZQ-DT and KLUZ-DT at this time....

2-5-03

Brian,

Glad to see you here. As you've discovered, the Sammy boxes seem to have more problems than the newer Sonys and Hughes (don't even ask about the first generation Sony, the HD-100). If it's any use to you, we've tried several tuners and have settled on the Hughes E86. This box has worked without problems and I personally like the integration of DirecTV, analog, and digital channels all in one box and on one menu. Even if you don't intend to subscribe to the 3 DirecTV HD channels (or any DirecTV for that matter), it's still a pretty good deal as an off-air DT tuner.

Interestingly, I get better signal strength up here in Los Alamos than folks report in the Northeast heights. I'm either all 100 or high 80's/low 90's depending on weather, using a Radio Shack 210 outdoor antennta.

Joe M.

Breaking News!!!

KNME-DT has just cranked up their transmitting power and I am getting at high as 70 on the signal meter!!:)

They are still testing at varous transmit power level from the lows upper 30' to 70's.

Still no sign of KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT so far yet.

Will update later......

2-14-03

I was wondering what was happening with KNME. I haven't beeb able to receive then for a week or so. I will have to try another channel scan on my Dish 6000.

KNME-DT is still running full power at this time and I have the feeling that KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT might be next to go on the air soon.

Any luck on your part Fjerina?

Anyhow what happen to KASA-DT I don't want to watch crappy analog channel 2 for the NASCAR racings.:rolleyes:

Directv's bitrate is somewhat okay on WNYW and KTTV for the car racings but I do miss the KASA-DT digital channel 27 for their very nice high bit rate!!


2-15-03

I was receiving KNME last night. Seems to be up and down though over the past few days. Maybe they are tweeking their transmitter.

It's look like they are still testing "KNME-DT" and I am getting no picture but a strong dead digital carrier at around 70 on the signal meter this morning.

Still keeping eye on KWBQ-DT ch. 29 and KASY-DT ch. 45.

BTW, is KASA-DT ch. 27 still sending a dead digital carrier or not?

Since my RCA DTC-100 will not detect dead carrier by scanning, however if is already logged in it "When the station is sending pictures my receiver will lock in" will show the dead digital carrier signal strenth.

2-16-03

At my location (NE Heights) KASA is still sending a dead carrier.

I have only had my STB since the week before the Superbowl, and its been that way since I first fired it up.

At present, I am getting dead carrier from KNME as well, but they were on-air last night with a Nature program.

BGL

KNME-DT is on the air and strong up here in Los Alamos. I'm getting a full 100/100 on my Hughes E86. First time I've been able to see PBS DT. Very nice. It just keeps getting better and better here in NM.

As others have noted, FOX (KASA DT ch. 27) has an active carrier but nothing else.

Joe M.

Is there something going on with KOB? I can't get anything at all from them anymore. I was getting them fairly weakly about a week ago, but now nothing.

FWIW, my Sammy 151 has never gotten as much as a blip out of KOB. I know a friend with a HD200 that gets them fine 1 mile south of me.

I appear to be in a KOB black hole. I did drop them an e-mail (they actually have an address for their engineering dept.) a few weeks back asking if there were issues with the Sammy, but they have yet to reply.

BGL

No big loss. Their 4:3 SD picture isn't worth watching, IMO. 5.1 sound? Forget it. JR

Yesterday at about 6:00pm, I was getting a picture from KASA. That's the first time I have gotten one in the three weeks I have had the STB.

Then at about 9:00PM, it was gone, along with the carrier. Have not checked yet today.

I also noticed that, while I was still not getting a picture from KOB, I was getting singal once in a while (the Sammy has a signal LED on the front). It was flickering periodocally. I peaked in at the signal meter, and found that every now and them it jumped up to about 50%, then back to zero. Perhaps a slight reposition of my antenna is in order.

I do agree that lack of KOB is no great loss. FWIW, for me, their analog signal has always been the local channel with the poorest reception.

At my previous residence, they were poor via cable, poor via OTA antenna, and now, at my new home, they are again poor via cable, unwatchable via OTA antenna, and nowhere to be found with their digital signal.

BGL

Hello everyone

I am now getting KNME again after about 6 months without a signal. I received their initial broadcasts but lost the signal for a long time. I am getting about 80% on my Dish receiver. The image, however, keeps breaking up about every 5 seconds. Anyone else see this? I live near the airport and have a rooftop antena pointed at the crest. Horton

I have had no problem with KNME on my Sammy 151 since I installed my attic antenna. As a point of reference, I am just west of Academy/Tramway.

Even before they went to higher power, they were solid at my location, though a bit lower in signal than KRQE and KOAT.

BGL

I did not receive KNME last weekend. Seemed to show signal strength but no picture. Did anyone else have problems with KNME this last weekend???

I was recieving a strong signal thru the weekend but wasn't getting any picture or sound. However as of 12:30 pm today it was comming thru perfectly.

As a side note the Grammys looked really great last night on CBS. can't wait untill KRQE gets their dolby digital decoder up and running so we can enjoy 5.1 with our HD!!:D

I just talked to Jim Gale and he said they are having problems with the satellite that receives the national PBS signal (not their digital transmitter). They are working on it.

I just got an email from Frank Lilly at KRQE (CBS) and he said the network only upgraded the top TV markets for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound (although I read Green Bay, Wisconsin has it and I don't think they are in the top 20 TV markets). He requested the network to put them on the top of the list for the ABQ upgrade. Hope it happens sooner than later.

I have been having problems getting KNME over the past couple of days. I actually saw some test patterns from them a couple of days ago. Anyone getting KNME out there?

Fred,

KNME is now coming in brilliantly at my house. I, too, was having trouble for several days and saw the test pattern. But last night, KNME was actually broadcasting PBS network digital programming, rather than their HDTV demonstration loop. A very nice change! I saw the "Great Performances" broadcast of the musical KISS ME KATE and it looked spectacular, with good DD sound, too. My only problem was that I didn't know that the PBS digital feed is done in Eastern time, so I tuned in at 8 p.m. and the show was almost over! So I watched most of it on Comcast's highly inferior cable feed, also not knowing that PBS Digital repeated the broadcast later in the evening. Oh well!

Anyway, it's nice to see the digital programming coming through and now I'll know to adjust for the time change.

David

Where is KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT? Is the silly sweep season over yet and will they better get their digital transmitters on line sooner the better?!!:rolleyes:

It's look like everybodys has gone to take a nap and it's too slow for my taste.:D :D :D

Back to my DXing.......

3-5-03

Very sad to say at least.......

I just got a E-mail from KOB-DT saying they won't buy a HDTV satellite receiver not at least till early 2004 at the most and the TX power won't be upgraded till 2005.:mad:

Where is hell KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT they should be on the air right now since the sweep season is over!!:rolleyes:

So what else is new anyone?

3-13-03

Actually, I consider your e-mail good news. It's the first I've heard that KOB has even stated a plan to upgrade to HD. Sure, early 2004 sounds like forever, but it will happen. Actually, the HD upgrade is inevitable, it's only a question of when.

Where are you located that transmitter power is an issue? I'm in Los Alamos, and KOB-DT comes in just fine.

Joe M.

KOAT for the past few days was not transmitting in DD 5.1. I called the KOAT engineering dept. this morning and they were going to reset the DD unit. Should be up now.

Hello Jcmartz,

I live in 4 Hills "Far S.E. Albuquerque just right next to KAFB" and the KOB-DT's signal varys greatly due to a weather, my signal meter ranges upper 29's all the up to 70s.

Since 10 KW erp is kinda flakey whern compared with super rock steady KOAT-DT and KASA-DT "Still in the testing mode" and KNME-DT is somewhat okay.

KRQE-DT is the 3rd place for running somewhat low powerd 75 KW ERP.

KOB-DT is in the 2nd place for running at 10 KW ERP.

KNAT-DT is in the first place for being the lowest power TV station in the NM for running 600 watts ERP.

I have 2 indoor antenna Terk TV 50 and 2 bowties radio shack antenna feeding to RCA DTC 100 reciever.

That's the news!:)

3-16-03

Sorry if this has been addressed....

I notice that, when KRQE is broadcasting upconverted SD material, the picture on my set (Sammy 151 feeding a Pioneer 533 WS display) is shifted to the left about an inch or so.

This is never an issue when real 16x9 HD is being broadcast, or at least I do not see anything odd.

FWIW, I have a friend with a Sony HD box and Sony WS display who reports the same shifted display. I know there was some discussion about the pactice of blowing up/cropping 4x3 material, but I don't know that there was mention of the image shift.

I am not noticing this on any other channel, but then again any other channel I can pull in keeps their 4x3 stuff as 4x3.

BGL

Minor breaking news.......

KAPX-TV channel 14 "PAX soon to be Telefutura spanish network" will be sold to Univison.

Subject to FCC Approval on selling the TV station to someone else.

KAPX has no digital channel allocated at this time.

I am not sure what the FCC rules says if I remembered this but I may be wrong on this FCC's rules..... If the station get sold it must converted to digital mode meaning no more NTSC on channel 14 from now on.

Now the weird thing is Entravision which is now owns KLUZ-TV channel 41 "Univision" and KTFA-LP channel 48 "Telefutura"

Will the Entravision be forced to give up Telefutura network or give PAX or somewhat else to be on channel 48?

There might be some shake up in the TV market like what Denver went through like for example... ABC moved from KUSA ch. 9 to KMGH ch. 7 as well many others stations in Denver TV market is Albuquerque TV could be Next?

Let me know what of you think of this?

3-17-03

The Academy Awards is on KOAT this Sunday starting at 6:30 pm. See the following...

Dear Mr. Jerina:

You are right. The 75th Annual Academy Awards will air live on both KOAT-TV
and KOAT-DT starting at 6:30pm (Mountain). This will be available in HDTV
with stereo audio. They will not be sending in 5.1 audio.

Thanks again for your interest in KOAT-DT.

Sincerely,

John Trambley
Program Director

Rats. Oh well, Prologic 2 is better than nothing.
JR

Latest news, from Bill Anderson of KRQE-DT has just sended a E-Mail saying,

We will carry NCAA men's basketball game on Digital channel 16 and simicast on KASY-TV channel 50 "NTSC" and channel 13 will carry the CBS war news covereges at all the same time.

I assumed he will carry live HDTV NCAA game if there rooms in the satellite TV feeds in C-Band and KU FSS Band Freqs,.

If not then it's must be too many backhaul news feed coming in from Iraq and no room for HDTV NCAA feeds to begin with.:(

Let's hope that not the outcome of this case of this event.

3-19-03

God bless America!!!

Just a reminder about this Sunday's Academy Awards. It will be presented in HD and also DD 5.1 sound.

Minor News update,

I just found out KASA-DT has just filed to FCC for just reducing the transmitting ERP power from 390 KW to 255 KW.

Which may hurt some distaint TV viewers in some areas.

Any news on DTV usergroups lately?

KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT are still dragging their feet for not going on the air in digital.

KLUZ-DT should be on the air anyday now.:)

As for KNMD-DT ch. 9, KCHF-DT ch. 10 and KAZQ-DT ch. 17 is unknown at this time for going on the air in digital.

That's the news.....:cool:

3-23-03

What, no chatter about the Oscars? Was I the only viewer other than the 3 guys at Circuit City (inside joke for those that watched!).

I was pretty pleased with the broadcast. Other than a few drop-outs right at the beginning, I was 5x5 on both audio and video.

I did note that on medium long shots, the picture was occasionally a bit soft, but close-ups were spectacular. Audio was really nothing to use as a showcase for your 5.1 system, but it was crisp and clean on my rig.

Folks really need to start paying attention to their make-up!

BGL

Hello
Yes, my family really enjoyed the show. With all these new shows in 720P I am going to have to think about a native rate display! The emotional content of the expressions was terrific.

Horton

I thought the Oscar telecast was terrific -- PQ was breathtaking. And I especially enjoyed Steve Martin's joke about the "3 guys at Circuit City."

David

Little news update......

KAZQ-DT has filed to the FCC to downgrade the digital transmitter power from 200 KW to 65.6 KW ERP and the same goes for the analog from 398 KW to 256 KW if I remember right.

KAZQ-DT will be on digital channel 17 and the on air deadline date is May 1st.

They don't care to give much information by asking via E-mail so don't wast your time on this station.

This is will be SDTV with some multicasting and their programings line up in primtime hours sucks, save for the old classic TV shows thats is being shown in late afternoon hours.

Still waiting for the KASY-DT, KWBQ-DT and KLUZ-DT to come on the air and any bets on when they will go on the air so I choose 3-31-03 and rest of you guy can take your best shots at on air date predictions!!:D

Tha's the news!!;)

3-27-03

Little bump up test having some problems with internet..............

3-27-03

As of 1:05 pm on sunday march 30 digital ch 16 dropped from a usually high 80-90 signal strength to a weakly 18!!!!! I dont know if the problem is on my end or their's. All of the other channels are comming in at 90-100 strength. And I havent played with my equipment! Anyone else having a problem?

Hello Eman6880,

I am getting KRQE-DT just fine at 76 on the signal meter, just had to ajust my antenna past few days due to a leaves on the trees is growing back this time of year.:)

Still waiting for KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT to come on the air sooner the better..... :rolleyes:

3-30-03

FWIW, I have noticed that my Sammy 151 takes a moment or two to lock on to KRQE.

Signal level looks about the same, but when surfing to KRQE, I get a "no signal" message for perhaps 15 seconds (alothough the signal stregnth LED stays lit), and then I get picture.

It has done that for about a week. I have had the box since the Superbowl, and this is the first I have seen that behavior.

BGL

Ya seems very strange to me that nothing on my end has changed and my signal strength has droped some 75 points! I checked all my equipment, and signal strength on other channels remained very high(90-100), and with all the towers being in same general location I am wondering what happened. :confused:
Still looking into it maybee something around my home is causing interference (although unlikely) just watched with perfect signal day earlier.

I can't believe it !!!

Both our local UPN station (KASY-DT) and our WB station (KWBQ-DT) are up and running and transmitting not only digitally but also in HIGH-DEFINITION !!!

The pictures on both looks absolutely beautiful and the sound is in DD 5.1 surround!!! This is unbelieveable.

What a surprise !!! And what an April Fools. Sorry guys, had to do it.

Hello Fjerina,

Nice try on April jokes!!:D :D :D

ACME broadcasting company that's owns KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT is a joke IMHO and I am just tired of waiting forever for them to go on the air in digital.

I just found out KLUZ-DT has some kind of delays on their digital transmitter and may be not on till mid or late May at the most.

KAZQ-DT digital channel 17 should be on the air anyday now as soon their tower is up and running.

The snow on the Crest should be amost gone by now since we got a very warm weather this week.

K17DD "3 ABN" is off the air past few weeks now and will move to channel 39.

4-1-03

It's been too quiet lately and anythings new anyone?:rolleyes:

Still waiting for any more new digital stations to go on the air......

Back to sleep mode....:D

4-13-03

What is the point of having HD if your not going to use it!!!!!
I guess the people over at KRQE here in town cant remember to let the Monkey out of its cage to flip the switch on the transmiter!:o
I am really starting to wonder what is so hard maybe these guys could take a min and pull the doughnuts out of there pie holes and do there job.
Took them a half hour on saturday for the masters and now monday night and pow nothing. I am getting tired of having to call them and ask for a tech and explain to him what he should already know. I encourage all of us to in this forum to call and complain.
(505) 243-2285

I called KRQE tonight also and they said they were having "technical difficulties". The dummies at KQRE probably forgot to setup the file server to record the national feed so to play it back to us at our time zone time. Or they just don't know how to use the equipment. I am writing an email to Frank Lilley at KRQE tomorrow and complain about them being down last Thurday and also tonight. We have to start calling and complaining to that station so they can get it right.

I sent this email to Frank Lilley at KRQE this morning. His email address is Frank Lilley [Frank.Lilley@krqe.com].

Frank, I am sure you are aware of your station's problems with sending out the CBS evening programs in high-definition lately. You were not transmitting high-definition last Thursday, 4/10, and also last night, 4/14. Another AFS Forum member also noticed you were not transmitting in high definition at some points over the weekend. I hope you can resolve these problems as soon as possible so we can continue to enjoy your CBS evening programming in high-definition once again. Thanks, Fred Jerina.

As far as KRQE, we also need to thank them for having HD at all. I just called and thanked them for the Masters coverage in HD and the receptionist was very appreciative of the comments. Horton

I appreciate them and have worked with Frank on the Samsung problem. I think they have the best HD (when it's on), but still wish they would work on their audio and get 5.1, like KOAT. JR

Hi again. I have a feeling the best way to get the local stations in gear is to get their advertisers talking to them about HD. When you buy a car or visit an advertiser let them know their product will look great in HD! Ask them to let the stations know they are interested. Cheers, Horton

Hi again. I have a feeling the best way to get the local stations in gear is to get their advertisers talking to them about HD. When you buy a car or visit an advertiser let them know their product will look great in HD! Ask them to let the stations know they are interested. Cheers, Horton

A good idea, but there are so few of us....

A few weeks back, I had a conversation at the airport with a fellow with KNME (sorry, but I don't remember his name). I was telling him about how great their HD feed looks, and that I just got my OTA box, blah, blah , blah.

When I told him how appreciative I was that KNME was doing HD, and how annoying it was that certain other stations were not, he commented to me that the last data he had seen suggested that there were only about 500 users in the WHOLE STATE that were actually able to receive OTA Digital TV.

I guess if you do the math, and divide the number of users by the cost for a station to upgrade to digital, it doesn't exactly make a compelling business case to do it.

Of course, they have no choice and eventually the viewers will come, but thats one big expense to get the attention of 500 pairs of eyeballs.

And I would agree 100% with Horton; we all need to send a big Thank You to KRQE for what they have done so far.

I have a Sammy box, which has had some occasional problems with KRQE. Every time I have send an e-mail to Frank Lilley, I get a response within 24 hours (usually quicker), indicating what they are doing to fix the problem. I am sure he has other things to do, but from my viewpoint, the customer service has been outstanding.

Contrast that with KOB. For whatever reason, they are the only station I can not get at my home (West of Tramway and Academy). I get squat for signal strength, which seems odd given that they are on the crest like everyone else (I think), and the levels from all the other stations are about the same (60% to 70%).

I sent them a note over a month ago, asking if there are any issues with my box, or anything else they can suggest. No reply. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Oh well, they have zero programming that interests me anyway.

BGL

I got this reply from Frank Lilley at KRQE about the problems they have been having lately. I replied with a thank you in his efforts.

Fred, I do not have answer for you at this time on why we loose the HDTV at times. What the operator is seeing is "black" no signal on our HDTV feed from CBS. A call to CBS confirms that they were feeding. The feed did return the next day. This is very frustrating, when you cannot isolate the problem and it fixes it's self. We will continue to monitor our equipment.


Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV
505-767-9400

Sure sounds like a satellite receiver/antenna problem. I guess Jim Gale got his receiver kinks worked out. Fred, did you get your mx500 remote yet? Jerry

Jerry, got my MX500 and I love it. It is now the only remote I use instead of the 5 or 6 I had laying around. The IR is quite powerful. I don't have to aim it so dilligently at the components like the other remote I had.

I'm still seeing glitches from KNME. Not too bad but it breaks up every few minutes. REALLY messes up my enjoyment of the loop.

I get that sometimes too. Wonder what causes it?
JR

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

KASY-DT ch. 45 "UPN" and KWBQ-DT ch. 29 "WB" is now on the air!!

both are in 480i 4:3 HDTV plan is unknown at this time......

KASY-DT's signal strenth is around 58 to 60 and KWBQ-DT's signal strenth is 82 to 84.

No signs of KNMD-DT, KCHF-DT, KAZQ-DT and KLUZ-DT on the air yet, these are the last 4 digital stations that will be to go on the air soon in Albuquerque TV market.

So please send in your reception reports!! :)

Have fun tuning in!!

4-25-03

WB ch 29 is coming in 100/100 up in Los Alamos; UPN Ch 29 registers 86/100. Both are clear with no dropouts.

Hughes E86 box, Radio Shack 210 antenna.

Joe M.

Originally posted by N5XZS
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!

KASY-DT ch. 45 "UPN" and KWBQ-DT ch. 29 "WB" is now on the air!!

both are in 480i 4:3 HDTV plan is unknown at this time......

(...)



Both are very strong here for me at Tramway/Comanche. So strong in fact that it took my in-house cable system channel 29 off the air so I had to change that modulator to another channel. That's how I knew about ch29 being lit up. ;)

No excuse for KWBQ not to have HDTV - I get WB HDTV pretty much nightly on my c-band dish so I don't see why our local WB doesn't have the right equipment to offer true HDTV over the air on ch 29.

Robert

Originally posted by fjerina
I called KRQE tonight also and they said they were having "technical difficulties". The dummies at KQRE probably forgot to setup the file server
(...)


The technical difficulty is probably an equipment one. CBS is changing the configuration of how they deliver HDTV programming to their affiliates. KRQE might be having growing pains transitioning from one satellite delivery configuration to another one.

I am getting 45 and 29 at about 60% (my Sammy 151 does not have a numerical read-out, only a bar graph) west of Tramway and Academy. Only watched for a few minutes, but solid picture.

FTR, that's the same signal I get from EVERY station I can get (Digital 2, 5, 7, 13, and the Christian Channel whose number escapes me).

Somewhat off topic, are there any Sammy owners getting KOB? Either I am in a black hole for their signal, or the Sammy just does not like their encoding. I get 0 on the meter, although if I stay tuned to 4, once in a blue moon the signal bounces up to about 60%, then back to 0. I suspect I am in a bad spot for multipath. Tried moving the attic antenna a bit, but still nada.

Brian

Is anyone out there getting the WB digital channel 29? Seems like it comes and goes on my Dish 6000.

I tried to watch "The Agency" on CBS HD last night, Sat. 5/11, and the picture was dropping out every 10 seconds or so. Did anyone else see that??? Was wondering if the problem was from our local KRQE station.

Hello Fjerina,

The KRQE-DT's signal is fine to me last night.

Maybe the wind is shaking your antenna or it's the trees moving around and bouncing the UHF signals all over the place.

I noted the analog KOAT-TV was off the air for about an hour and came back on the air running at low power due to an some kind of TX problems.

Interesting to say KOAT-DT channel 21 WAS not bothered by the wind except for satellite C-band downlinks dropouts due to the dish shaking in the winds!!:)

Any news on KLUZ-DT and others?

5-11-03

I had quite a few picture breakups on KOAT-DT Sunday evening, perhaps related to low power. I didn't check signal strength though.

I wish KNME-DT would get their satellite receiver fixed. I find it unwatchable with the constant breakups.

Pete

I get the same problems with ch5, almost wish they'd just hook up their Sencore again and trash the lousy sat. receiver, it's unwatchable. Speaking of which, most of the digital signals I don't bother to watch because they are stupid 4:3 and make everything look fat in Full mode. Since the only people who can see their signal are the ones with digital tvs, why don't they fix their aspect ratios like 13 does with most of their stuff? If they are paying the expense of being on the air, even if they won't transmit HD, they could at least get their picture size right. Enough rant. Jerry

If they are paying the expense of being on the air, even if they won't transmit HD, they could at least get their picture size right

And just to add my own private gripe to yours, what is the purpose of KASA broadcasting in 1080i? They do everytiing in 4x3 windowboxed into a 16x9 frame. It prevents my box (Sammy 151) for using any of its on-board aspect ration controls.

At least UPN and the WB are in 480, and NOT wasting bandwidth. I can blow those up as needed.

And if KASA wants to do 1080i, I wish they would have had the sense to pass along the 480p Fox WS NASCAR races.

BGL

Has anyone gotten word out of KASA regarding their plans to pass FOX 480p? I hear it looks good considering it's not HD. As it is, their picture looks like CRAP 24/7. If they'd give us 480p widescreen at least it'd look decent sometimes.

It prevents my box (Sammy 151) for using any of its on-board aspect ration controls.

Try lying to your Sammy and tell it you have a 4:3 tv; then you should get to use your zoom mode at least. JR

Try lying to your Sammy and tell it you have a 4:3 tv; then you should get to use your zoom mode at least. JR

But then real 16:9 content would be letterboxed into a 4:3 frame, with black bars top/bottom, which my TV would windowbox into a 16:9 frame with grey bars on the side. Of course, my TV could then stretch the image to fill he screen, but I would be giving up quite a bit of image quality.

Its not a big deal thus far, since I don't spend much time watching non-HD, 4:3 content. I just wish they would do what KOAT (on there SD channel), WB, and UPN are doing, and stick with 480i. The stretch/zoom in the box worked wonderfully with Enterprise, which is letterboxed 1.78 content in a 4:3 frame.

I still don't grasp why KASA has opted to send out all their stuff windowboxed into a 16:9 1080i frame. Perhaps they are planning for the some future developments when Fox finally gets on the HD bandwagon?

BGL

As of 7 pm tonight, 5/14, I cannot get KOAT DT. When I do a auto scan of my digital channels on my Dish 6000 it is not coming up. Anyone out there getting it?

Also, I am getting some new digital channels, like 10-01 and 21-01. Nothing coming up though on these.

Also, what is going on with PBS. It is coming up on channel 80-03 for me, as PBS1D.

Hello Fjerina,

You may be the first to get VHF digital station KCHF-DT ch. 10!!

As for me I have no way to get KCHF-DT ch. 10 here in Four Hills areas unless I have a outdoor antenna.

KOAT-DT for some reason has been showing ch. 21.1 "EST HDTV primetime" BUT not 21.2 "480i".

So it's might be PSIP issue problem IMHO...

Now the breaking news!!!!

KLUZ-DT has gone on the air in digital on channel 42.1 and my signal strenth is 48 to 54!!

Its looks like it's will be only one channel due to a fact KFTA-LP will not be on digital 42.2 due to channel 14 "PAX soon to be a Futuera" got sold to Univision..... "But then again maybe they will carry it on 42.2":D

5-15-03

FWIW, Titan TV (as of yesterday) did not have a correct listing for KOAT's HD Stanley Cup finals coverage.

I e-mailed the station, and got a very quick reply that, yes, KOAT would be doing the Satnley Cup finals in HD, but with 2.0 sound....starting with Game 3 Tomorrow (I think).

I have been very eager to see what hockey looks like in HD.

BGL

I'm trying to watch the NBA finals but the picture keeps breaking up. My STB is pinging in between 73 and 93. All other digital channels are pinging in at 100. Does anyone know if KOAT decided to turn down their power during the NBA finals just to piss me OFF.

Actually I noticed the same problem last saturday when watching the hockey game. My signal was jumping between 100 and 89 I have never had a problem with KOAT before lets hope this is just a temporrary thing.

BTW
Does anyone know if your signal is really high like 100-89 but bouncing around; does that cause picture and sound glitches? My guess is yes although I am still in my rookie year with OTA Digital TV.:rolleyes:

As soon as the game was over my STB was pinging KOAT-DT at 100 with no break ups. You got to love it. Who can I send an email to about this problem at KOAT?

We,, looks like we are going to have to wait for DD 5.1 sound from our local CBS station. I got this reply from Frank Lilley at KRQE. I wonder if we should have a fund-raiser so we can come up with the $4500 so they can purchase a DD encoder unit.

Fred, I do not have a time line for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. Our capital budgets were approved before CBS started their rollout of Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. Our priority is to convert our analog studio to digital. As it stands now, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound will be part of our 2004 capital plan.


>>> <fred.jerina@honeywell.com> 06/18/03 05:08PM >>>
Frank, we have our DTV User's Group meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, and I
was wondering if you could give me an update on your plans to upgrade your
digital station here in Albuquerque with a Dolby Digital encoder (so we
could get the network programming in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound). I am
enjoying your CBS programming most every evening from your digital station.
Thanks, Fred Jerina.


Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV
505-767-9400

I couple of tidbits that came from the 6/19 DTV User's Group Meeting.

Someone said Comcast is beta testing their high-def digital cable here in Albuquerque. Also, our local PBS station has signed a contract with Comcast for them to carry our local digital high-def PBS station with full-bandwidth over their digital cable. Now when Comcast plans to roll-out their high-def digital cable is the question of the day.

I just heard the KCHF-DT has just went on the air in digital on channel 10!

I try to pull the signal in but no luck....

Has anyone has better luck tuning in and if so is the station sending in multicasting or just only 480i feed?

This station itself, their programings has much left to be desired if any. :(

I rather see this station be sold to someone that can do better job and improve the programings by putting movies and lots of sports and more local news at odd hours.

One other thing, they should move their transmitter to Sandia Crest and improve the reception for the Albuquerque metro areas.

BTW, what happen to KOAT-DT? They just dropped channel 21.2 "SDTV Feed" I just wish they would add the local weather channel.

What else is new here anyone?:D

7-8-03

I can confirm the loss of KOAT's SD feed. Don't know why.

FWIW, I have e-mailed them a couple times with questions and they are GREAT at responding. Perhaps a note to them asking about the SD channel?

I actually tipped them off to a problem with the NBA and NHL finals, where the picture would momentarily go blurry.

After I e-mailed, they first said they were unaware of the problem. A few hours latter, they e-mailed to say that ABC had just sent them a note advising they change something in software in one of there decoders! They were genuinely appreciative of the tip.

Just got a note this morning after asking why Dinosaur did not start at 5PM. They said they had there HD transmitter off line for a bit due to heat. Once the got some fans back on line, the turned it back on. Unfortunately, that meant the first hour or so of the movie was not broadcast.

BGL

Hello BgLeduc,

Strange, I also sent them a E-mail to KOAT-DT of Chief Engineering and they never respond back to me.

Have you try to pull in KCHF-DT channel 10? Just curious....


Thanks for your respond!!


7-8-03

Have not tried KCHF yet. Perhaps this evening.

When I send e-mail to KOAT, I route it through their web site (there is a "Contact Station" link at the top of the page).

When you do that, it opens a form and allows you to choose a category.

They have never gone more than 24 hours for a response; usually a lot less time than that. Frank Liley at 13 has also been outstanding with inquiries. He has had to reboot something at the station on occasion bacause my Sammy lost lock.

As for KOB, well if you can't say anything nice......

FWIW, KOB is the only digital station here that I can not lock onto. Don't know why, perhaps an issue with my Sammy 151, but from my location (Tramway and Academy, just west of Tramway), using an attic mounted RS VHF/UHF antenna, I get everything but them, and most stations are about equal in signal strength too (at least as far as the meter on the Sammy is concerned).

I can pull their normal channel with that antenna (a poor picture with severe ghosting, but I can at least see the picture) but the digital station is AWOL at my location.

Another comment....I am impressed with the PQ on UPN and the WB. Its SD 4:3, but clear as a bell. Star Trek Voyager looks VERY good compared to the normal broadcast (I use cable for locals, who's PQ is not that great.

BGL

I would watch upn and wb if they would do the anamorphic squeez to get the aspect ratio right (my tv locks in full with a 1080i input). Don't care for everyone so fat. JR

I would watch upn and wb if they would do the anamorphic squeez to get the aspect ratio right (my tv locks in full with a 1080i input). Don't care for everyone so fat. JR

Bummer on that, as the PQ is pretty good. I could cearly determine that none of the gals on Elimidate last night were equipped with factory installed hardware....all were fitted with optional, aftermarket equippment:D

On the serious side, my Sammy does play pretty well with SD stations. When the programming is straight 4:3, the Sammy adds gray bars to the sides. I prefer that to the almost white bars that my Pioneer uses when I view 4:3 stuff in 4:3 mode. In fact, I never view 4:3 on the Pioneer in 4:3.

And when something is SD 4:3 but letterboxed, the Sammy's Zoom mode blows it up with minimal loss of picture content. FWIW, Enterprise is letterboxed in 1.78:1, and when I zoom, it fills the screen just about perfectly.

I personally wish Fox would NOT send out a 1080i until they have real HD content. 4:3 content with black bars is a highway to screen burn.

As you have said, when my set gets a 1080i, its game over for the TV's stretch modes, and the Sammy will only give me full, or pillarbox.

Send out SD as SD (480i), I say.

BGL

Has anyone noted KOB-DT's PISP has changed from 26.3 to 26.1?

I have a feeling they got some new toys to plug in!!

It's better be satellite HDTV receiver or at least adding second channel. "Weather news update channel":cool:

What happen to KLUZ-DT channel 42 it's looks like they were off the air for past few weeks?

It's looks like K17DD channel 17 "3ABN" is doing the foot draging not moving to channel 39 and holding KAZQ-DT from going on the air in digital or it's just tech, problems on their part?

KOAT-DT for some reason removed 480i SDTV feed on channel 21.2 leaving only 21.1 for EST HDTV feed. "Primetime or any live live feeds only"

I still haven't heard anyones try to pull in KCHF-DT on channel 10, I try but no luck.

That's the news!!

7-16-03

I did try KCHF-DT on channel 10, but had no joy. I will try the KOB again. Would like to get them, now that they are airing NASCAR, and there normal channel looks horrible via cable.

BGL

Little update news on KOB-DT,KLUZ-TV and KTFA-LP is off the air working on the towers or upgrading the digital transmitter at this time.

They may be off the air for few hours today as I type away....;)


BGLeduc,
Thanks for trying to DX KCHF-DT, don't worry about KOB-DT since they are aff the air anyway and hoply they will be back on air later this afternoon.

You might try to rescan since they changed PISP on KOB-DT just in case you can't lock them in.


7-16-03

Is anyone able to view 42-1? I can almost see it but it's too pixellated to actually watch. JR

Yep, I got the samething here on channel 42.1 picture breaking ups due to a Microwave link to transmitter "STL" on the Crest.

They must aim the microwave dish right corectliy on the Crest pointed to the ground station.

As for others news, not much going on right now....

7-19-03

What's up with KOAT-DT?

They have been off the air for few days now.....:confused:

KLUZ-DT channel 42.1 seems up and running but missing one other channel 42.2 "KTFQ-TV ch. 14 or KTFA-LP ch.48"

Has anyone noted KOB-DT has updated their PISP info?

Used to be ch. 26.3 they changed to 26.1 just hoping they would add HDTV or add the local weather channel.

Any latest news on KNME-DT?

No news on KCHF-DT or KAZQ-DT.......

7-29-03

KRQE power down? Transmitter strength for KRQE-DT is way down up here in Los Alamos. I'm getting about 24/100, and the picture has frequent breakups and drop outs. Anyone else notice this? Trying to detemine if this is weather or a KRQE issue.

Thanks, Joe M.

Hey Joe, Brian L. here.

They are looking good at my location, same signal level that I always get (about 60% on my Sammy, which does not seem to ever show anything higher).

I did not watch for very long, but it looks good at this time.

FWIW, I have had great luck contacting Frank Liley at the station. Always very quick to reply.

Which reminds me that I need to ping him. Every now and then, something happens to their signal which causes my Sammy to pause for a 1/2 minute or so before it locks in. They have had to reboot something at the station in the past to sort that out.

BGL

Brian,

Thanks for the info. Still low on power here in Los Alamos with KRQE (digital 16), and now KOB (digital 26) is completely out as well. Fox (27) and ABC (21) are just fine...

Joe M.

Well it's seems KOB-DT's transmitter has been blown out and it may take some time to get back on the air.

E-mail from KOB-DT saying the HDTV NBC feed decoder might be somtime in 2004 at the latest....:(

Other minor news......

FCC has just made a ruling that LPTV stations will have second channel for digital use.

The LPTV channel assigements has yet to be set up.

I would not be suprised if our local Albuquerque LPTV station will use to digital channel for multicasting or Internet broadband ISP services or even rarer HDTV feeds.

It would be nice to bring A1 network in or bring back MTV2 that used to be on channel 56.

It's very possible to split up 4 or 5 digtial subchannels without degrading the picture quality by depending how good the encoder doing the job.:cool:

Let me know what you think it might will happen here in Albuquerque TV market for the LPTV stations?

8-7-03

Great News announced at our DTV User's Group Meeting last night!!!

A Comcast employee at our meeting last night announced that they will be launching in two weeks high-definition capability over Comcast Cable in the Albuquerque area. He said that for only $5 a month HD tuner rental and with a minimum of $9.95 for a basic cable package you will be able to receive in HIGH DEFINITION and DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 sound our local ABC HD, CBS HD and PBS HD. They will also be carrying FOX digital but they are not transmitting anything in HD right now. Also, our local CBS is not transmitting in DD 5.1 yet. Probably for a higher cost cable package you will be able to receive ESPN HD, SHOWTIME HD, HBO HD and also IN HD 1 and IN HD 2 (new HD stations). They also plan on carrying an ON DEMAND HD pay-per-view station in the future. Also sometime in the Oct/Nov time frame they will be offering a HD PVR for a rental fee. They will be initially providing the Scientific Atlantic 3100 HD tuner box. They ordered around 900 for the launch. I believe this will be a great deal for people out there with HD capable sets but did not want to spend over $300-400 on an over-the-air tuner to be able to receive HD.

This great news will hopefully persuade the people at our local NBC station to setup their station for HD capabilty. I sent out the letter below to the one making this decision for our local KOB station here and I ENCOURAGE all of you to send a similar letter to they, Stanley Hubbard in particular. See below.

Stanley Hubbard
Hubbard Broadcasting
3415 University Avenue
St. Paul, Minn. 55114

Dear Mr. Hubbard,

I have corresponded to you several times about your Albuquerque digital station KOB not transmitting the NBC network programming in high definition. For only a $50,000 investment on your part you could equip the KOB station with an mpeg decoder that would provide high definition capability to the Albuquerque market. You feel there is hardly anyone capable of receiving your digital transmissions to warrant the expenditure. As an interesting note, our local Ultimate Electronic’s dealer said they are now selling more HD capable TVs than standard analog ones.

Well, I have some great news for you!!! Our local Comcast cable will, in two weeks, start transmitting our local high definition digital stations to its subscribers. So there will be about 130,000 people able to receive high definition digital programming. Our Comcast is planning on carrying our local ABC HD station, CBS HD station, PBS HD station and the FOX digital station. However, they have no plans on passing your KOB digital station because (as a Comcast employee said to me) it doesn’t look good.

And for only for a $5 a month rental fee for the HD tuner anyone in the Albuquerque area can get the high definition digital local stations with just an added monthly basic cable fee. So for a small fee (without having to invest in an over-the-air HD tuner) an Albuquerque resident with a HD capable set will be able to enjoy our various network’s programming in high definition.

I would think it would be great to have your digital station also included in the Comcast cable local line-up. I am sure NBC will be offering many more programs in high definition this fall. I would hate to see your station lag behind the other Albuquerque local stations.

Yours truly,

Fred Jerina