Yeah!!!, I am the 1000th post for this Albuquerque thread. Guys, keep it alive and well and let's keep bugging those local stations to go high-def and DD 5.1 sound.

New Mexico DTV User's Group Meeting tonight at 7 pm at KNME.

Jim Gale discusses where PBS is at in NM at our monthly dtv user group meetings, which is tonight BTW. Any and all who can attend, it is at the KNME building on University at 7 pm. Want to know about repeaters? This is the place. JR

For you guys going to the meeting tonight.....

Can you ask Jim Gale, on latest news on KNMD-TV or DT on channel 9?

Since I keep checking on the FCC's database website since no new updates on KNMD-TV or DT.


Fjerina, keep up the good work and congrat's on the 1000th replys!!:D


2-19-04

Tim, I asked Gale about that last night, and he said they are working on it and have bought the frequency slot from the guy who owned it. It might take 18 months before it actually airs though. It will be totally owned by UNM, unlike KNME which technically is half owned by APS, so they can do as they wish with it. Sorry you couldn't make the meeting. You'd think all us technical geniuses could rig you up a internet video link to your computer so you, or anyone who couldn't be there, could sit in. Maybe I'll ask Jim about it. Have a good one. JR

New to the forum and HDTV world, just moved to Albuquerque. I currently have basic cable with Comcast. I have tried reading this thread for info, but am getting bogged down. General questions:

As I understand it my choices are antenna / satellite / digital cable. What do people recommend in this area.

What stations / programming will I pick up with each option?

So far I have bought TV (57" Sony RP), have not bought additional hardware.

Very appreciative to any responses, thanks!

In addition to AVS, also check out Hometheaterspot.com (plug). Lots of reading. Welcome to ABQ, the best kept secret of the SW. JR

Originally posted by jerrich
In addition to AVS, also check out Hometheaterspot.com (plug). Lots of reading. Welcome to ABQ, the best kept secret of the SW. JR

Thanks Jerrich. I will definitely check out the link. Any help with my above questions?

Wilked - Digital cable is available here, but I don't use it, so I can't speak to that one. You can get the local stations both via satellite (I use DishNetwork for that) and also OTA (over the air) with an antenna. All the Albuquerque locals broadcast both digital and analog signals. Is your Sony TV HD capable? If it has an HD tuner built-in, just hook up an antenna and enjoy HD on KNME, KRQE and KOAT along with "Fox Widescreen" on KASA. If it doesn't have an HD tuner (i.e., "HD Ready"), you will still get SD analog TV, but will need an STB (set top box) or a HD capable satellite receiver to enjoy Digital TV and HD.

.....G

Originally posted by guruka
Wilked - Digital cable is available here, but I don't use it, so I can't speak to that one. You can get the local stations both via satellite (I use DishNetwork for that) and also OTA (over the air) with an antenna. All the Albuquerque locals broadcast both digital and analog signals. Is your Sony TV HD capable? If it has an HD tuner built-in, just hook up an antenna and enjoy HD on KNME, KRQE and KOAT along with "Fox Widescreen" on KASA. If it doesn't have an HD tuner (i.e., "HD Ready"), you will still get SD analog TV, but will need an STB (set top box) or a HD capable satellite receiver to enjoy Digital TV and HD.

.....G

Thanks Guruka. I am planning on purchasing an antenna, is the Channel Master 4221 a good choice? How would I go about choosing one? I understand the need for a STB. I went to antennaweb, but am having trouble interpreting the results.

Also, what store do you deal with locally for HDTV hardware?

Thanks again

Yes, the Channelmaster 4 bay 4221 UHF antenna should be fine. You may even be able to get away with an indoor UHF antenna if you are close enough, so try that first.

Antennaweb gives you a compass bearing for aiming, but hey, you're in Albuquerque. Just point it toward Sandia Crest :) I don't have a local dealer for HDTV hardware. I bought my antenna mast and mounting hardware at Radio Shack and my antenna over the Web from Tri-State electronics. Use good quad shield RG-6 for your downlead if you do end up using an outdoor antenna.

.....G

A lot of people swear by the Zenith Silver Sensor indoor ant. that is probably good for metro Abq., but I use the RS vu90 outdoor with good results. STBs can be bought at BB, CC, or Ultimate Electronics and I believe the Zenith is the top dog now for OTA, don't know about satellite. Sam's Club had the Sammy 151 for cheap a while back, but don't know if they are still available. Sometime down the road you will want to check out the Tivo, either stand alone or sat. version. The HD tivos for sat. are just now coming out, and Fjerina has one. Maybe he can jump in here and tell you how he likes it. JR
PS. Guruka is right about the rg6 (not RS), get Belden if possible.

Hey Wilked

Welcome to Albuquerque (and the forum). You should have no problem at all getting great reception unless you're very close to the Sandias. Areas east of Tramway are not good and there's a big shadow in the Placitas area. Anyplace else from Bernalillo on the north to Belen on the south has great reception. Electronic Parts on Rhode Island north of Menaul has antennas.

I'd highly recommend DirecTV. They have a decent deal where they will install the dish and high def receiver for about $400. You'll get the local digital channels off air and have a good selection of programming from satellite. I'm currently getting five HD channels from sat and four (Fox 480p for now) off air. NBC HD will go online soon.

A friend of mine has comcast HD. The box is a piece of crap. Most of the analog cable channels have a pretty crummy picture. The local analog stations have severe ghosting. They don't have CBS (KRQE) or FOX (KASA). Comcast is great for high speed internet but I think satellite is the way to go for television.

Local store recommendations (hope this is okay with the moderators):
Avoid Sears, BestBuy and Circuit City unless you know exactly what you want. Their salespeople are totally clueless.

Ultimate Electronics can be okay, talk to Sherman Beach.

The best place for real home theater is Audio Designs (John Ashman is the owner). John knows projectors and has very nice audio stuff - from affordable but great value (NHT, Sherwood, NAD) to systems that cost as much as a really nice car (Meridian).

Hudson's Audio is good on the audio side but they don't mess with video at all. (Denon, Sunfire, Rotel, Krell, B&W)

Candyman in Santa Fe does home theater. They carry the same brands as Hudsons plus Sony.

Good Luck. PM me if you want to talk about any of this.

Yeah, I have one of those new HD DVR's (The DishPVR 921) like Fred and it records both SD and HD - OTA and Sat. I love the thing. The PQ blows away any other sat receiver I've had (well, since the old Chapparal C/Ku band receiver I had 12 years ago ;) ) and the ability to record HD is great. It has a 250 GB hard disk which holds about 180 hours of SD or 25 hours of HD.

.....G

I sure wish D* would get off their collective butts and get their DVR out. But then I'll be forced to buy a bedroom HDTV to use my old Hughes box with!

Petew = great response, and I really appreciate it.

So, I am going to get the Zenith Silver Sensor antenna. It says it comes with 75-ohm, gold-plated "F" (coaxial) connector for antenna input, should I change this out for the RG6? Do I need a pre-amplifier - from searches it seems the Channel Master 7775 is recommended. Lastly, If I understand correctly the SS only picks up UHF, will this limit the stations that I can receive? Thanks again

Dan

Dan

The Silver Sensor kicks butt. The F connector will connect to your tuner with a coax cable which can be RG6. You shouldn't need a preamp. If you don't get enough signal strength with the SS, you'd be better off with an outdoor antenna instead of a preamp. All the digital stations in ABQ are on UHF so you'll be fine with a UHF only antenna. Does your TV have a digital tuner in it? If not you'll need an external tuner (like the DirecTV or Dish box) to get local HDTV stations.

good luck
Later
Pete

Have a Sony KDP-57WS550, built in tuner, so I will be set there. Should I get this professionally calibrated?

Where can I find a listing of the HDTV programs in ABQ? I assume Oscarsw will be HD?

Thanks

Dan

Dan

I'd recommend Video Essentials for a start on calibration.

TitanTV dot com has a pretty accurate schedule. They sometimes show KOB as hi def which is not right (yet).

I haven't had any signal from KASA-DT for the past few days. Has anyone else experienced problems with that station lately?

Yup. KASA DT 27-1 has been off the air for a couple of days. Anyone know what's going on?

(Edited 2/22 to correct typo on ATSC channel number)

.....G

Originally posted by guruka
Yup. KASA DT 21-1 has been off the air for a couple of days. Anyone know what's going on?

.....G

KASA is 27, KOAT is 21.

KOAT (ABC) has been up and down a bit lately. An earlier post indicated they are having transmitter problems.

KASA (FOX) is only up durring prime time.

John

But that's just it. Even though KASA DT is usually up after 3pm or so, they have not been on the air at all for 4 days now on ATSC channel 27.

.....G

Down here my 6000u has lost the koct(koat) digital feed. It finds one digital station, but will not put it in the guide.

wilked, welcome to the forum. The AVS Forum has a wealth of info and the "HDTV Hardware" thread has a lot of info regarding HD tuners, etc. If your unit has a built in HD tuner then you should be all set. For the future, especially if you want to record and play back, at your convenience, HD programming, the Dish PVR 921 is a nice unit (some bugs yet that they are working out) and in the next month or so Direct TV's version will be out. Then you will be able to record OTA and premium channels (e.g. HBO HD, Showtime HD, Discovery Channel HD, etc.).

The Academy Awards will be in HD and DD 5.1 sound from our KOAT starting at 6 pm this Sunday. I am having people over for that. It should look really good (like last year's show).

Have fun with your HD unit. If the unit is new and you had it awhile (at least a few months) then you may consider professional calibration. I had it done and and it made a slight improvement. Most HD units are pretty good out-of-the-box according to the calibrator that did mine. There are two certified ISF calibrator in Albuquerque. It cost around $250. The one that did mine is Dave Anderson. His link is http://www.prysmvideo.com/. There are several in NM and they can be found at http://www.imagingscience.com/isf-trained.cfm. Good Luck.

Originally posted by moonhawk
Are you pointing at the top of the mountain or the base...?

Knowing how critical the horizontal aiming angle is, I imagine the vertical aiming angle is as well...

But no one has been able to answer my question about an available means to tilt an antenna up towards the towers.

Here is a more elegant solution to allow tilting an antenna without leaning the mast. This bracket mounts to the mast and gives the antenna a tilt of up to 20 degrees. I thought you might be interested in seeing this.

http://www.atechfabrication.com/products/antenna_mounting_brackets.htm

Brian

bkzoller

Wow!...Thanks, that's EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Hi Folks,

I'm in Albuquerque and will be getting my first HDTV tomorrow. I have just upgraded my Comcast service to digital and will be using their HDTV STB.

I'm not new to AVS but new to the Digital and HDTV stuff. I just haven't kept up with Video much the last few years but since my old analog RPTV finally had problems I'm upgrading and finding I have a lot of info to catch up on.

I haven't gone down to turn in the "old analog" box and get my new one yet. But once I do I probably be back with some "NooB" questions. ;)

Paul

This is a good place to ask questions; also check out HometheaterSpot.com (plug). You may also want to join the DTV user group that meets third Thursday every month at KNME on University street. Welcome aboard. JR

ALBPM, with Comcast you will not get KRQE (CBS) because the company that owns KRQE wants a fee from Comcast for carrying their HD station. Hope it gets resolved for your sake. But you will get ABC (KOAT), PBS (KNME), and a few others such as InHD and InHD2. There may be a few others you can get for free. For additional cost you can get some premium HD stations like HBO and Showtime. Not sure how Discovery HD and HDNet and HDNet movies are handled by Comcast.

I'm getting 0 signal strength on both KASA FOX 2 (27-1) and on KOAT ABC 7 (21-1 and 21-2) today. Is that what everyone else is seeing? KASA DT has been off the air for 5 days now and KOAT was down, came back up, and is now down again.

.....G

I'm getting 0 signal strength on both KASA FOX 2 (27-1) and on KOAT ABC 7 (21-1 and 21-2) today. Is that what everyone else is seeing? KASA DT has been off the air for 5 days now and KOAT was down, came back up, and is now down again.

Thats what I am seeing as of about 3:45PM Monday.

BGL

Down here koct dt 06-02 and the analog have been off the air most of the day. The digital shows a 87% signal on my 6000u but just a black screen.

Does anyone have access to a schedule of what will be on PBS channel 35-1? That channel is not listed on www.titantv.com , so I have to tune to the channel to find out what is on.

Brian

Originally posted by bkzoller
Does anyone have access to a schedule of what will be on PBS channel 35-1? That channel is not listed on www.titantv.com , so I have to tune to the channel to find out what is on.

Brian

TitanTV shows it for me. Have you created an account, and customized your channel listing?

John

Yes, I am registered and I customized my listings. Since you are getting the guide info, I added a new profile for an Albuquerque address to my account. Apparently you can have up to three profiles on the same login. The new profile lists three digital channels that are unavailable on the Los Alamos profile -- 24, 26 and 35. I didn't really care about the other two because I never watch channel 24, and channel 26's schedule always matches channel 4. Maybe I should report the missing channels for my address to the web site. Thanks for the info.

Brian

Originally posted by bkzoller
Does anyone have access to a schedule of what will be on PBS channel 35-1? That channel is not listed on www.titantv.com , so I have to tune to the channel to find out what is on.

Brian

Sure thing. Get yer schedule here:

http://www.pbs.org/digitaltv/dtvsched.htm

.....G

In response to my email query about KOAT's DTV transmitter being down, I received the following email today from Dan Brown, KOAT's chief engineer:

Hi,
We took the snow cat up the mountain today. We had several problems at
Sandia Crest.

The DTV rig lost all of its marbles when the power glitched during the snow
storm. The UPS on it's little brain didn't work properly and it shut down.
We could not regain control until we went up and manually restarted it.

It also lost a power supply, but that was redundant, so we were able to
work around it.

We are back on...we have installed a new power supply and reactivated the control computer. New UPS on order!

Hopefully we won't take any more power "hits" in bad weather in the near
future.

That's all I know. The road is plowed now, so hopefully if there are more
problems we won't need the snow cat. It's old and very slow...but it beats
walking!!

Thanks!

Dan Brown
KOAT Engineering & Snow Removal

Kudos to the intrepid snow removal crew. Now, if we don't get another snow storm on Sunday, we may be able to watch the Oscars in HD.

.....G

Perhaps I will e-mail them and see if they can pass hd down here to the Carlsbad area... everytime I call they say they will get back...but...

Please excuse the interruption from someone who’s not actually in Albuquerque. I’m working with Dish Network and the 921 software development team trying to determine why various stations around the country are causing the Dish 921 problems. One of these stations is KNME in Albuquerque.

Does anyone participating in this thread have an HD PC recording card (MyHD, Hipix, AccessDTV, etc) available that would be willing to send me a 1 or 2 minute recording from KNME? I will then send the recording on to Dish Network where they will analyze the transport stream to determine what is different about KNME’s signal from most of the rest of the country. I have an FTP site set up to receive the recorded transport stream file(s).

If you can help me out, please PM me here, or send me an email at markdl@dbstalk.com Thanks in advance for the help!

Originally posted by bkzoller
Does anyone have access to a schedule of what will be on PBS channel 35-1? That channel is not listed on www.titantv.com , so I have to tune to the channel to find out what is on.

Brian

Hey brian. PBS has posted an even nicer schedule for PBS-HD programming here: http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules/tvschedules_hd.html

All times are Eastern, so just adjust by subtracting two hours from the listed times.

.....G

KRQE digital (CBS 13.1) had the sound problem again last night (trying the watch CSI). The sound is jerky and is quite distracting. I found a solution for me though. I play the sound through my VCR on channel 13 analog and the high-def picture from your digital station. There is a slight delay between the picture and the sound but at least the jerky sound does not distract me from getting into the program. This problem has been around for many months and hope KRQE can fix the problem soon.

Fred, I noticed the same thing last night again. Rather than deal with the delayed audio, I just switched back to analog. I still suspect their tape delay recorder needs some TLC. I did call them and complain, but doubt if it ever got to the right people. Maybe we should email them? JR

Yeah, KRQE DT (16.1) audio went completely nuts tonight. Not just audio delays but dropouts, stuttering and looping (echo) as well - completely unlistenable, IMHO. I just ducked out of Joan of Arcadia and caught the 9PM west coast feed on CBS-HD on Dish.

I sent an email to the chief engineer tonight. Let's see if he replies.

.....G

Hello people, I've just found the ABQ thread and figured I'd join in. I'm fairly new to HD, here's my situation.

I have an RCA 61" DLP. I started with Comcast and no STB. Currently I'm getting the OTA feeds just fine. Occasionally, my OTA HD reception will drop out, which can be very annoying...ECPECIALLY WHEN IT"S THE SUPERBOWL!!! It's a cheap indoor RCA antenna, and I live on the Northeast side. I may need an upgrade in this area. My tuner works just fine on standard cable HD feeds with no box.

I'm trying to improve my situation thru Comcast and get more HD content. I got their SA HD3250 STB and ordered the digital HD package. I also have a good friend who works at Comcast (engineer) and is helping me thru the cable box setup for this TV. But, alas, we're having problems.

To make a long story short, Comcast has enabled the DVI port on my STB. I am getting HD pictures, but I have colored bands that run up my screen. I am going to switch out the STB tomorrow morning to see if it's the box. I have a Samsung HD931 DVD player and I watch movies thru the DVI port with a 1080i signal from the player. Everything is cherries there, the picture couldn't get better. When I connect the Comcast via DVI, I get the color bands running up my screen. Comcast thinks it's my TV, I think it's Comcast.

I've been trying to get this box running for 3 weeks now, off and on, it's getting frustrating. I need to try component hookup also, to see if that works. We've been trying to get the DVI to work and have been ignoring the component hookup.

I am seriously considering VOOM. Anybody using it here in ABQ?

Am south of carlsbad, no hd cable only E* hd, but V* is looking better and better, as for the lines.... the digital cable my brother has would make D* or E* sd look like hd...

Can't comment on VOOM, and sounds like you are in the right direction with your STB.

As for the OTA signal, I highly recommend getting the Zenith Silver Star antenna. Got mine this weekend, huge improvement over my previous one. Signal is clear and strong, no dropout. Can be purchased off the big yellow store's web site

Ch 13 audio went out again last night during CSI-Miami. What's going on down there? I guess they don't monitor their own signal. JR

jerrich, the sound was screwed up for most of the prime time viewing period. The interesting thing is that is came and went. It was good for awhile then went bad then was OK again. I called in last night to the control room about it. Not sure how well they are monitoring the sound continuously through the night. You should call them on it when you hear it or drop a line to the chief engineer about the situation. Frank Lilley wants to correct this problem. It has been around for many months. His email address is Frank Lilley [Frank.Lilley@krqe.com]. I get quite upset when they have sound problems because it makes the show very unwatchable and hard to follow.

I have to wonder if they are taping the national feed so they can delay it an hour. Has Frank ever commented on that? Jerry

Originally posted by dfergie
Am south of carlsbad, no hd cable only E* hd, but V* is looking better and better, as for the lines.... the digital cable my brother has would make D* or E* sd look like hd...

I would not expect to see HD in Carlsbad anytime soon. For that to happen they would need to put in an all digital link down to their transmitter near Artesia. However one advantage they do have over CBS and NBC down south is that they don't originate programming locally from Carlsbad, it's all in ABQ. So that means, once they encode the signal in ABQ all they need to do is pass the encoded signal from microwave to microwave in a compressed manner. They could even encode it in ATSC and pass that into translators along the way. The other disappointing thing is that they have a directional pattern only to Carlsbad, so anyone north of Artesia is not going to see the signal. I believe they are doing this just to cover the city of license tell they go full power. Both NBC and CBS are also only covering their city of license in a similar way.

Originally posted by mdamberger
I would not expect to see HD in Carlsbad anytime soon. .
Thanks, mdamberger for the info... I think I am the only one down here that even knows that koct dt exists:)

Jerry

They're using a hard disk file server to timeshift. Tape is so 80's.

later
Pete

Having problems here with KOAT OTA signal.

Hi all, thanks for the help, have learned quite a bit from your postings. Here's my story...

Have a Winegard on a mast here on west side of town near Ladera Golf Course, mounted about 16' above the ground with clear line of sight to the crest. The RG6 run is to my cable box and then to my great room and around to walls to my receiver, app. 120'. The Dish 811 has been great and no real problems, (BTW, great sign up deal, since it's free).

Receiving all the local OTA signals with at least a signal strength of 88 percent, with the exception of KOAT. The receiver will get a signal every now and again on the HD sub, registering anywhere from 40 to 77 percent and then eventually drop off to the message, Lost digital signal, move antenna or wait, etc...

I've tried moving the direction of the antenna with no real improvement to reception. Occasionally I'll get a picture for a second on the HD feed. The SD signal will never get above 49 percent with no hint that it is receiving a signal. I am however able to get the receiver to search for, and find, the channel(s) and even tried manually inputting the channel 21 transponder listing. This has given me a locked strength of 78 or so, but never able to keep it when accessing them, from within the channel guide.

Any suggestions as to my dilemma?

Have to get down to KNME for a meeting some Tues. night. /salute


__________________
Sony VPL HS20, 10' Vutec Brite White, Dish 811 HD reciever, DVI connection

Well, here's an update on my Comcast situation. I swapped the SA 3250HD box and hooked it up thru DVI. I get the same nice, clear picture with the faint yellow and purple bands running up the screen. Hooked the unit up with component cables, I get the same effect except the signal would drop in and out whereas the DVI port was stable, but with the color bands.

I still believe that because I get a clear picture from my DVD player thru the DVI port @ 1080i, it is not my TV. Am I off base here? Comcast says that the DVD player is not a true HD signal, therefore I cannot make that comparison. I know it's not HD coming from the DVD player, but the signal is upconverted to 1080i, so I think it still applies.

It looks as if my days with Comcast are over, they cannot support my HiDef needs. I'm going to Sears to sign up with VOOM today.

Originally posted by petew
Jerry

They're using a hard disk file server to timeshift. Tape is so 80's.

later
Pete

Glad to hear that. Do you think their audio problem is local or national? JR

Originally posted by jnabq
[
Have to get down to KNME for a meeting some Tues. night. /salute


__________________
Sony VPL HS20, 10' Vutec Brite White, Dish 811 HD reciever, DVI connection [/B]

The meetings are third Thursdays at 7 PM, do try to make it. The only suggestions on your ch7 problem that I can think of, is actuall move the ant. to another location, or swap out the rx just to see. As a last resort, maybe another antenna; the Silver Sensor is highly regarded for an indoor. JR

Might be a dumb question, but why doesn't my TV channels agree with TitanTV, or what is posted

i.e. PBS is 5.1, 5.2 and is listed as 35-1, 35-2

Sony HDTV, built in tuner

Wilked - Channel 5 is the Analog channel number. The ATSC (digital) channel is 35. The subchannels are 1,2,3,4 etc.

The PSIP data in the bitstream allows your tuner to map digital channel 35 to KNME channel 5 because it tells the tuner the analog channel number.

That make any sense?

.....G

I think the issue is why TitanTV shows 35-1 and 35-2 while the PSIP shows 5.1 and 5.2. TitanTV also shows 45-1, but I don't know if KASY is broadcasting PSIP for 50.1. Does the broadcaster or TitanTV decide whether virtual channels or physical channels are displayed on the web site?

Brian

Sorry, thought the meetings were on Tues., guess I won't be making one anytime soon, work nights on Thurs, : (

In regards to moving the antenna, it was actually moved from the attic, well, anyway, the old antenna was in the attic, very bad reception, so placed the new one on the mast outside. No other thoughts??

Originally posted by guruka
Wilked - Channel 5 is the Analog channel number. The ATSC (digital) channel is 35. The subchannels are 1,2,3,4 etc.

The PSIP data in the bitstream allows your tuner to map digital channel 35 to KNME channel 5 because it tells the tuner the analog channel number.

That make any sense?

.....G

Can't say I understand exactly, but that's ok. If channels don't match up, how is the channel guide worth anything?

I guess I misunderstood your question. Does your tuner show three channel 5's? One would be analog channel 5, and the other two would be the subchannels of digital channel 35. The subchannels of digital 35 would show up as 5.1 and 5.2. Also, what are the channel names for the different channel 5's in the guide on your tuner? Maybe that's another way you could tell them apart.

Brian

Is KOAT digital off the air???

Yes. I'm seeing 0 signal strength since yesterday on KOAT. Hey, at least they were up for the Oscars. :D

.....G

Guruku - ya, 5, 5.1, 5.2

Have to look at what is shown on the digital guide, but it always lists the station and name of the show, so that makes it easy, though the non-PBS stations don't generally do that.

Ch 7 was out for me too, wanted to catch Frequency in HD but no luck

Breaking news!!

Something is happing to KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT splitting up into several sub channels!!

For some reason I lost my 50.1 or channel 45.2 "on some recievers" and somhow changes to so called channels 99.4, 99.7 and 99.8.

Now on KWBQ-DT channel 29.2 or 19.1 now shows channel 99.5 and 99.10.

All those so called channel 99s have no sound or pictures at it all and lost my KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT mains programings had to resort to analog channels.

I have 2 OTA digital recievers RCA DTC 100 and Zenith 520.

RCA DTC 100 did not loses any of the KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT main programings and still shows 45.2 or 29.2 and show some weard channels showing as 45.11, 45.13 and so on and also so called extra channels are still blank.

So for some reason Zenith 520 did not like pisp setup that way!!:(

Any ideas what kind of new channels will be adding?

Still not happy since they have no plans for UPN HDTV feed passthrough. "Need to see Star trek Enterprise in HDTV!"

What are they thinking????

3-11-04

Minor update,

KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT has returned back to normal mode without any digital sub channels.

Don't be suprised if they come back for more testing.

That's the news!!!:D

3-11-04

Originally posted by N5XZS
Minor update,

KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT has returned back to normal mode without any digital sub channels.

Don't be suprised if they come back for more testing.

That's the news!!!:D

3-11-04

Who knows, maybe this is a test for a service like Free View in the UK. Already in Salt Lake they have launched USDTV, a kind of basic cable service over the air. Formerly called WOW-TV. But I've not heard or read anything if ABQ was next.

Well, KRQE had some problems again last night about 20 minutes into CSI. Seems like it comes and go. Wonder if KRQE is monitoring the sound on their digital channel all the time for problems?

Same problem here Fred, again. I don't think they are monitoring, and I gave up calling them. Have you talked to Lilly lately? I'd rather they put the show on live than try to record it on their bogus server that trashes the audio. If nobody can watch it, why not just shut off the transmitter and save some money? JR

Who knows, maybe this is a test for a service like Free View in the UK. Already in Salt Lake they have launched USDTV, a kind of basic cable service over the air. Formerly called WOW-TV. But I've not heard or read anything if ABQ was next.

They have had emloyement ads in the ABQ Journal for the last few weeks (not sure about today). The ad is unclear if they are coming here though, as it has a SLC location.

I was wondering who/what USDTV was all about.

BGL

Fred, CBS sent us a new HD satellite receiver that was install Monday. Only time will tell if this solve all the audio problems, but the new receiver sounds good and replaces one that is outdated.

Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV, KBIM-TV, KREZ-TV
505-767-9400

>>> "Jerina, Fred (NM75)" <fred.jerina@honeywell.com> 03/16/04 12:43PM >>>
Frank, is there any hope on the horizon for the sound problem on your
digital station? It seems to come and go throughout the night. Several
other people (via AVSForum.com) in the area have noticed the problem. Would
be nice if this could get resolved. What's the latest status. Thanks, Fred
Jerina.

Well there's some more breaking news.....

It's seems KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT will be carring the new pay channels network called USDTV.

So that's means no Star Trek Enterprise in HDTV for sometime in the future!:(

Same goes for the WB HDTV network.

So instead they will broadcast pay channels listed here ESPN,ESPN-2,CNN and so on....

The USDTV's website is located at www.usdtv.com

They plan to start the service less than 30 days from now for this market.

Now how are we going to find Star Trek Enterprise in HDTV for a new place at home?

Maybe buy out KNAT-DT or KCHF-DT by Hearst Argyle or Hubbard broadcasting company?

Sadly the odds are slim at this time...

:rolleyes:

Any news on KRQE-DT plans to multicast the early round NCAA march madness?

It's seems some CBS digital stations around the country are doing NCAA muticasting covereges.

That's the news!!

3-16-04

Help me out with this USDTV

For 20/month, I will get a bunch of cable channels, including ESPMHD and DISCHD that I can pick up over the air via my antenna?

Sounds interesting. Anyone use it?

Originally posted by wilked
Help me out with this USDTV

For 20/month, I will get a bunch of cable channels, including ESPMHD and DISCHD that I can pick up over the air via my antenna?

Sounds interesting. Anyone use it?

Look here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3041244#post3041244


John

That's facinating because I've always thought that, rather than offering full time 1080i, local companies could join together or even "compete" together as a wireless "cable" provider with 20-50 available stations. Then they would make money off of the local ad inserts, just as cable does. The problem here is that, unless there is a method for extracting money from customers such as this USDTV thing, there'd be no way of funding the 5¢-25¢/month/person that cable channels generally charge the cable companies. On the other hand, the ad revenue could cover it because there is little additional cost such as cable companies have in manpower, connection/disconnection, RF interference upkeep, replacing lines, etc. So, theoretically, if MTV were willing to provide the signal for a set fee based on population rather than subscription, say 5¢ per capita rather than 50¢ per subscriber as an example (don't know the real figures), that would be about $30,000/month from Albuquerque market. If the TV station could sell $75K or more in advertising, they'd be making extra money per channel they provided. The problem here is that you'd have to do 480i to get lots of channels. I *think* 480p allows for 4 or 5 channels instead of a single 1080i one, but I'm not even sure about that. I guess it depends on the bit depth.

The thing I do NOT understand is, unless there have been a "set aside" for pay channel services (and there very well must be), these are public airwaves and there's never before been a charge to access them. This is not a good step. And, especially since it would create incentives to lower the fidelity of the image, it would remove the whole raison d'etre for HDTV. I wouldn't mind so much if it were free and they provided this service when no true HTDV content was available, but I think this is like a state-sponsored scam on the public. Since when do we have to pay for the use of something we *supposedly* own?

The thing that bugs me about USDTV is that some people might think that part of what they are getting for the monthly fee is the local broadcast channels. Not everyone will realize that those are already free with the proper equipment.

I'm hoping that eventually advertisers will see the value in HD programming, and will be willing to pay extra for commercials during HD broadcasts. That might be the only thing that convinces broadcasters to choose HD instead of multiple subchannels of SD. What would be worse than USDTV to me would be subchannels devoted to 24-hour infomercials.

Brian

I doubt they would pay more for commercials that reach a smaller audience...:(

My main concern is is finding a place to put UPN and WB HDTV programings and sadly, ACME broadcasting company has chosen to make more proft by just using pay channels mode format.

I think is not going to work and beside most people use cable and Directv,Dish and Voom so they may be not so proftitble.

Also it may open can of worms for ACME broadcast company, "KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT" and any other broadcasters non O&O that use USDTV and at the same time to carry UPN and WB network they could lose their broadcasts rights to carry HDTV programings feeds IMHO!!!

Simply there is no more room for HDTV to put in channel 29.1 "KWBQ-DT Remapped ti 19.1" and 45.1 "KASY-DT Remapped to 50.1"

Boy, are we sure living in crazy time don't we?!:D

Let me know what you thinks of this?;)


Party on dudes!!

3-17-04

The USDTV coverage map for Albuquerque seems curious to me. I cannot access it right now, but earlier I found the link here (http://www.usdtv.com/why_usdtv-reception_maps.php). Their coverage area was basically Bernalillo County. How can that be the case, when they are really using subchannels of KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT? Wouldn't the USDTV coverage map be the exact same size as the coverage map for subchannel 1 of both stations?

Brian

It's must be sloppy work on their work on covereges maps!!:p

They must be updating their website at this very moment!!!;)

In reality no matter what digital sub channels or not they are the same radio digital carrier at least about 100 + or - miles, the covereges broadcast areas from the Sandia Crest mountain.

3-17-04

I don't really care about WBHD anymore, since "Angel" is being cancelled...

On my DishPVR 921 they currently show up as ATSC channels 99-1, 99-2, 99-3 and 99-4 and I'm up here in Espanola.

.....G

I may have mentioned this before, but the PQ I am seeing from KASA is outstanding when they are showing Fox WS stuff.

Last night, I caught a few minutes of the sitcom staring the gal from Seinfeld (Julia Marie Dreyfuss, IIRC???). The PQ I am seeing from my Sammy 160 is as good as any of the film based HD programming (CSI, Alias) that I am seeing on KRQE or KOAT.

I know that KASA is and has been broadcasting a 1080i signal. What I am wondering is Fox may be doing a stealth HD test with these shows.

I remember watching some of the World Series games that were in Fox WS, and I really thought they looked like crap. These new shows, if they are in fact 480P unconverted to 1080i, are damn good.

BGL

The Fox WS programming is about on par with an anamorphic DVD. Earlier in this thread, someone suggested that it was a 480i source that was easily deinterlaced. There is definitely a jump in quality when they switch to widescreen mode. KASA-DT tends to show the 4x3 mode for the first few seconds after a commercial break before they "flip the switch" to make it widescreen again. If you look closely at the amount of detail in say Malcolm in the Middle or The OC versus Alias or CSI, the latter two have the edge in quality. There isn't a huge amount of difference, but it is there.

Brian

"24" is in Widescreen and is definitely a step up from SD.

Fox will broadcast HD in 720p mode, so KASA had better not interlace it at 1080i. 720p is superior on my fixed-resolution monitor, and handles motion better as a matter of course. I cannot wait until Fox rolls out HD this Summer!

Then our local NBC affilliate needs to get with it as well.

Albuquerque UPN and WB may have sold us out !!!

There is a good possibility that our local UPN and WB stations (owned by ACME) have sold-out to the new USDTV that is coming to Albuquerque. They may be the ones that sold/leased a large amount of their digital bandwidth so USDTV can broadcast from the crest. This means that they (UPN and WB) will never be able to broadcast their own programming in high-definition because they gave it up.

I am waiting on confirmation on this from an engineer that can easily test for this and will let you know the facts as they emerge.

If this is the case, we should start a letter writting campaign to the UPN and WB network execs to let them know what their affiliates are doing (basically robbing us of network programming in high-def). We would also write letter to the FCC and various news organizations.

I will keep you informed.

The citizens of Albuquerque deserve better !!!

I agree Fred, and as we discussed last night at the DTV meeting, the FCC needs to enact a ruling that if the network sends HD, then the affilitates must pass it on. We just need to know who to contact. Jerry

Originally posted by bkzoller
The USDTV coverage map for Albuquerque seems curious to me. I cannot access it right now, but earlier I found the link here (http://www.usdtv.com/why_usdtv-reception_maps.php). Their coverage area was basically Bernalillo County. How can that be the case, when they are really using subchannels of KWBQ-DT and KASY-DT? Wouldn't the USDTV coverage map be the exact same size as the coverage map for subchannel 1 of both stations?

Brian

They are probably only interested in the metro market, not the furthest possible viewer. Plus I believe that the idea is supposed to be simple setup with minimum antenna. As in, an attic antenna or a rabbit ears. They might put the antenna outside too, but I have a feeling that home owns associations and the wife factor would be an issue. They are advertising for installers, (for ABQ, then the map makes sense, it's their service area) so the simpler the better, and the more you can hit in a given day. Cable has this down pat, they know certain setups take how many minutes etc.. (They run the installers ragged, adding bonuses with the more they install) Anyway, here is a press release from USDTV, ABQ is listed as one of the first markets. I cut up the press release somewhat. See the link above.


More on USDTV... and there are more press report links at:
http://pub1.ezboard.com/fdigitaltelevisionhdtvforumhdtvdigitaltelevisionnewsforum.sh owMessage?topicID=1542.topic

March 16, 2004 10:30


USDTV Unveils First U.S. ''Over-the-Air'' Subscription TV Service Using New Digital TV Spectrum of Broadcast Partners

USDTV's Digital Terrestrial Service Offers Low-priced TV Service in Digital-Quality Plus HDTV Reception of Local and National Broadcast Channels

NEW YORK, Mar 16, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- U.S. Digital Television, Inc. (USDTV), today unveiled the first ever "over-the-air" digital subscription cable channel service in the United States. The service is priced under $20 per month and broadcasts local, national and popular cable channels "over-the-air" in digital and high-definition formats utilizing unused digital spectrum from broadcast partners. USDTV's proprietary technology will enable subscribers to receive "Best-of-TV" as the company's innovative service is launched in 30 major markets by the end of 2004. USDTV is currently available in Salt Lake City and will be introduced in Albuquerque, N.M., and Las Vegas in the next 30 days.

USDTV's unique television subscription service is the first of its kind in the broadcast industry. The company bundles multiple cable channels to enable broadcast partners to deliver the service to subscribers' homes through standard VHF/UHF antennas. Customers view these digital and high-definition broadcasts via USDTV's proprietary set-top box instead of a direct cable connection or a satellite dish. The USDTV service offers 12 of the most popular cable channels and also receives the digital and high definition TV channels of local and national affiliated broadcast stations.

"USDTV's service has created a new category in the pay television marketplace," said Steve Lindsley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USDTV. "Our high-quality service provides consumers a compelling low-cost alternative to cable and satellite with all the benefits of the digital and high-definition viewing experience. Broadcasters will also benefit from larger digital TV viewing audiences and a share of our subscription revenues."

Broadcast Partners

The USDTV "over-the-air" subscription television service represents a new business model for television broadcasters across the country. The company partners with national and local television broadcast entities to carry its service of popular cable channels over the station's unused digital spectrum. Broadcasters share in monthly subscription fees and can also benefit from additional recurring revenue streams generated by on-demand content that will be stored on a hard drive to be incorporated into the USDTV receiver by Q4, 2004.

Content Partners

To complement its local broadcast strategy, USDTV adopted a "Best-of-TV" approach to gather a wide variety of content for its service that includes many of the nation's most popular cable channels. Most recently, the company signed the FOX News channel and added STARZ! as a premium movie service. USDTV's channel roster currently includes ESPN, ESPN 2, Disney Channel, Toon Disney, Discovery Channel, TLC, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, HGTV, Food Network, FOX News and STARZ!.

Funding Partners

In addition to its service, broadcast and content strategy, USDTV announced today that it closed on $8.5 million in private equity funding from NexGen Investments and a private investor group led by Stonebridge Capital. The company also announced that investors will fund an additional $12 million based on USDTV's successful completion of strategic company milestones.

Marketing

The service's nationwide rollout will be accompanied by a market-by-market advertising campaign developed from a concept created by Grey San Francisco. The campaign centers on an open casting call where more than 100 participants try out to become the perfect USDTV spokesperson. Each participant attempts to top the others by describing what he or she loves about USDTV's low price, best channels and HDTV quality in simple, funny and zany ways. The campaign starts this week in Salt Lake City.

Strategic Partnership with Hisense


Receivers

The USDTV service receiver can be purchased at all Wal-Mart stores nationwide, as well as at regional electronics chains, for $99 with a $19.95 per month subscription fee where USDTV service is available. Prior to service availability in a given area, a set-top-box, also sold in Wal-Mart stores nationwide under the USDIGITAL(TM) brand, can be used as an HD Tuner to receive high-definition television programming and is USDTV Ready(TM). In the Mountain West, the service is also sold at RC Willey furniture and electronics stores. RC Willey is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. As USDTV service becomes available in each market, customers can activate the service with a simple phone call.

About USDTV: U.S. Digital Television, Inc. is introducing the first "over-the-air" terrestrial digital subscription TV service in the United States using the new digital broadcast channels of local television stations. USDTV provides subscribers with cable channels and local broadcast channels in digital-quality picture and theater-quality sound, including HDTV, at unmatched prices. The company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

SOURCE: U.S. Digital Television, Inc.

Coltrin & Associates for USDTV
Troy McCombs, 212-221-1616
Troy_McCombs@coltrin.com
or
Coltrin & Associates for USDTV
David Olsen, 212-221-1616
David_Olsen@coltrin.com

Customize your Business Wire news & multimedia to match your needs.
Get breaking news from companies and organizations worldwide.
Logon for FREE today at www.BusinessWire.com.


Copyright (C) 2004 Business Wire. All rights reserved.

Wow...

That's interestin...Wonder what kind of connections they use...(DVI?)...and is/will there there be a PVR available, or might it work with the upcoming HD TIVO?

If they provide enough content I could see dropping the Dish.

Not yet, though....

If you think sat. picture is bad, wait till you see theirs. My understanding is that they will use the absolute minimum bw necessary for each channel, maybe 1.x mb/s. This will be much worse than dvd quality. They are gambling that joe sixpack won't care, he'll only see the $20/month. Good bye WB/UPN HD. JR

From what I've been reading online, this is a key point a lot of people are missing
USDTV's Digital Terrestrial Service Offers Low-priced TV Service in Digital-Quality Plus HDTV Reception of Local and National Broadcast Channels
The 'Cable' type channels are Disney, Toon Disney, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie, HGTV, Food, ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery and TLC.
Locals are HD, 'cable' type channels are delivered in Digital SD, not HDTV.

From their FAQ, (at http://www.usdtv.com/pdf/faq.pdf)
Do I get all of USDTV’s channels in High Definition?
No, you will get the broadcast (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX etc.) channels in high definition when they are broadcasting programs in high definition. You will also need to have an HDTV monitor or TV set to view HDTV picture quality.
This is definitely not a HD provider, just digital. The locals are the only part that is HD.

Also, my numbers may be wrong, but if each of the transmitters are able to deliver 20 mbs, (40 mbs total) with 10 channels being sent, they are sent at 4 mbs each MAX, not exactly HD. If they add channels, that will drop.

Now, an HD receiver at $99 is not bad (plus $240 for a 1 year committment), but supporting a company that is 'stealing' HD WB and UPN from us is not good in my opinion.

Hi Guys, I'm new here and I have HD through Comcast. I just picked up a SIR-T151 today at Best Buy for 89.00. What's the OTA line up here in Alb? Also what kind of antenna do you need for this setup?

Dan308

Welcome Dan.

PBS HD 24/7; ABC and CBS do HD when the network provides it. The ABC schedule is not time shifted so our HD is on central time. FOX does widescreen 480p upconverted to 1080i at the affiliate. Picture quality varies from really crummy to better than DVD on FOX. I'm fairly certain we'll get FOX HD when it's available starting this fall. NBC will go HD sometime before the Olympics (late summer).

The Zenith Silver Sensor is the best indoor antenna. I think Circuit City has them but not sure. Any decent outdoor antenna will work great. If you're right up against the Sandias or in Placitas you may have trouble. Anywhere else in the city is easy.

Welcome Dan308,

An excellent guide for the Albuquerque digital channels and their program listings is in titantv.com. Put in your zip code and it will list all the locals for you. I refer to it on a daily basis.

Also, the Zenith Silver Sensor antenna can be had for $24.13 free shipping from Buy.com. See link below or do a seach on "antenna". One of the BEST digital antennas for indoors.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90113670&loc=111&sp=1

Happy high-def viewing.

Thanks guys, that sure is a limited line up. Comcast dropped CBS right before the SuperBowl so I'm wanting to get it back. The other channels you mentioned I get on cable. I live around Paseo and Wyoming and I have a clear view of the crest. Do you think I'll have any problems?

Dan308

I forgot to ask, does Comcast pass through 8VSB?

Soon as NBC comes online, that will be ALL the majors.

Now if they can only get it to work consistently....

Dan

You will not have any issues, get the silver sensor and point it somewhat toward the mountain. I have perfect reception (Indian School and Juan Tabo).

HD programming is somewhat limited now. The best place to find out what is available is TitanTV.com, they will give a lineup of all HD broadcasts daily.

Good luck

OK, I found all the channels except CBS. Titan lists it as 13.1. Am I doing something wrong?

Originally posted by Dan308
OK, I found all the channels except CBS. Titan lists it as 13.1. Am I doing something wrong?

Ya, I am getting it loud and clear

Are you using the Silver Sensor? Have you tried moving it around? Are you getting any signal (do you have a strength indicator??)

Tried watching Raymond tonight on 13, but the audio got so choppy, we gave up in disgust and went back analog. Are they ever going to get this fixed? JR

Originally posted by Dan308
OK, I found all the channels except CBS. Titan lists it as 13.1. Am I doing something wrong?

KRQE is on 16.

I got a roof mount antenna from my brother and pointed it at the crest. All the other channels come in great but even when I select CH16 it says no signal.

I know you guys have observed the sound problem that still persists with KRQE. I just sent this message to Frank Lilley at KRQE and will reply with any response I get.

Frank (Frank.Lilley@krqe.com), I believe you know by now that you still have the sound problem with your digital station. The distortion comes and goes. It can be fine for 1/2 hour then progressively gets distorted to the point where you can't understand the voices in the programs, then after 10 minutes or so it can go away and all is fine. Many of the guys that post messages on our local ABQ thread on AVSForum.com have observed it also recently...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3563609#post3563609

Is there any hope on the horizon?

Thanks, Fred.

Dan, the Samsungs sometimes have a problem with 13. Some have reported success by unhooking the antenna, scanning all the channels which should clear everything, then scanning again after rehooking up the ant. Give it a try and let us know if it worked. Otherwise, 13 is going to have to reboot their encoder.

As things stand now, you aren't missing much but some hair pulling, by not getting 13. Their audio problem makes them unwatchable at my house. This leaves ch7 as the best hd station in town, with correct aspect ratios, 5.1 sound, and primetime hd shows and movies. JR

Originally posted by jerrich
. . .This leaves ch7 as the best hd station in town, with correct aspect ratios, 5.1 sound, and primetime hd shows and movies. JR

Well ok. But KNME has 24/7 HD so I'd have to rate them right up there. Apples and oranges perhaps. . .

.....G

More update news on KNMD-DT channel 9....:)

They just filed to the FCC today...

You can get the data from the FCC's website listed here......

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

For some reason I can't get the link to work...

Have fun reading today!!

3-23-04

Originally posted by fjerina
Frank (Frank.Lilley@krqe.com), I believe you know by now that you still have the sound problem with your digital station. The distortion comes and goes. It can be fine for 1/2 hour then progressively gets distorted to the point where you can't understand the voices in the programs, then after 10 minutes or so it can go away and all is fine.


I observed the distortion last night during Raymond and a week ago on one of the Sunday evening shows. Reading about the problem in this thread, I thought everyone was talking about sound dropouts every few seconds. What I heard on these two occasions was a doubling-up of the sound, as if there were an echo with a delay of about a tenth of a second. It does make the dialog completely unintelligible. I watched something else instead of switching to the analog version of KRQE.

Brian

FWIW, I dropped KASA an e-mail, both complimenting them on the PQ of the unconverted Fox WS stuff, and asking if it would be possible to pass along the NASCAR races in Fox WS as well.

From what I have read, all of the races that Fox does are in Fox WS, so unless there is some technical reason why they can't do so, I would love for them to send these along as well. The currently are only transmitting the 4:3 SD version, placed in a 16:9, 1080i frame. It could look better, thats for sure.

The address I used was signal@kasa.com. It is listed on their web site.

I would wager that this would be directed to their engineering group. While I am not sure if its their call, I would expect they would be the folks to "throw the switch" so to speak.

If you are like minded, perhaps a note to them from others would help convince them to do so.

BGL

Originally posted by guruka
Well ok. But KNME has 24/7 HD so I'd have to rate them right up there. Apples and oranges perhaps. . .

.....G

Yes, KNME is my reference also, even with their stupid sub channel. I was speaking of the major networks. What irks me is that 13 used to be the best, for video at least, and they still are for sd. If they would just pass the signal through without trying to delay it an hour, it might at least be watchable (listenable?). JR

Originally posted by jerrich
What irks me is that 13 used to be the best, for video at least, and they still are for sd. If they would just pass the signal through without trying to delay it an hour, it might at least be watchable (listenable?). JR

Yes. I agree. The delay is what's causing prime time KRQE to be unwatchable. Let's keep up our emailing campaign.

.....G

If you haven't seen it yet, check out ch. 99 for a surprise. JR

I wrote to Anthony Laparodo - KWBQ's chief engineer - and received the following reply today:

"Hi
We here at ACME TV of New Mexico KWBQ/KASY will be changing our SD to HD this year. We only let USDTV have a small piece of our bandwidth so we could go HD. Before we considered this usdtv thing we wanted to take care of our off air viewers with the HD signal.

Anthony"

This is indeed good news.

.....G

OK, Jerrich, I'll bite.

My Sammy 160 thinks 99 is a DirecTV test channel. I get a D*TV logo. Is there a Digital OTA that is also 99?

Guess I need to read my Sammy manual!

BGL

Originally posted by jerrich
If you haven't seen it yet, check out ch. 99 for a surprise. JR

Yeah, the surprise is you can't see any of these USDTV channels without one of their decoders. :p

.....G

All you have to do is punch the channel 99.1 in, and I am sure sammy receiver will pick up the USDTV demo.

The receiver that I use Zenith 520.

BTW, channel 99.1 is on the real digital channel 45 KASY-DT.

3-24-04

All you have to do is punch the channel 99.1 in, and I am sure sammy receiver will pick up the USDTV demo.

Cool. I will give it a try. Since I set up the box, I have never manually punched in my digital channels, but I do recall that I can enter them in as you described.

BGL

Did a quick channel scan for OTA and picked up 50-1 and 19-1. Have they always been there and they boosted the signal or did they just start sending the digital signal?
That's good, but I'll have to wait for prime time as they are only 480i, I'll see if they upconvert prime time.
Also, what's with the sound level? Most shows, my volume is at 25-30, 19-1 is at 63 and 50-1 is at 67. Just a little inconvenient, but at least it's digital. Hopefully, they will get it ironed out quickly.
Noticed that the volume on 99-1 is just fine. Peculiar !!!

Originally posted by guruka
I wrote to Anthony Laparodo - KWBQ's chief engineer - and received the following reply today:

"Hi
We here at ACME TV of New Mexico KWBQ/KASY will be changing our SD to HD this year. We only let USDTV have a small piece of our bandwidth so we could go HD. Before we considered this usdtv thing we wanted to take care of our off air viewers with the HD signal.

Anthony"

This is indeed good news.

.....G

Out of the UPN and WB stations listed here (http://www.ce.org/publications/books_references/dtv_guide/listings/Broadcasters_Fall_03.htm), it seems the majority are broadcasting 1080i. If the two ABQ stations can broadcast in that format using their remaining bandwidth, then the bandwidth allocation for USDTV must be very small. The USDTV demo channel seems to have several different channels crammed into small windows inside the 480i subchannel.

Originally posted by cbearnm
Did a quick channel scan for OTA and picked up 50-1 and 19-1. Have they always been there and they boosted the signal or did they just start sending the digital signal? That's good, but I'll have to wait for prime time as they are only 480i, I'll see if they upconvert prime time. Also, what's with the sound level? Most shows, my volume is at 25-30, 19-1 is at 63 and 50-1 is at 67. Just a little inconvenient, but at least it's digital. Hopefully, they will get it ironed out quickly. Noticed that the volume on 99-1 is just fine. Peculiar !!!

Those channels been there for months on physical channels 45 and 29. Maybe they just started broadcasting PSIP recently, while they are testing USDTV. I tuned to KASY-DT, and I saw PSIP for ESPN, EPSN2, HGTV and USDTV (virtual channels but not program information).

I also noticed the low sound volume on both channels last night, and it is still there tonight. They never had that problem before.

Brian

Does anyone know if DSS or DISH Network HDTV receivers can tune local HDTV w/o the need for a DBS subscription to make off-air HDTV tuning work?

I am thinking of getting a newer off-air HDTV tuner box (than my Unity Motion HD-1000A) and I think that DSS or DISH Network HDTV capable receivers may be more inexpensive than dedicated off-air set top box HDTV tuners (samsung, etc).

KRQE-DT still screwy (and Frank Lilly hasn't gotten back to me in 1 year about it) plus i'm having problems getting any of the USDTV channels to scan in (scanned yesterday, nothing out of the ordinary was written to the UM box) so I think a newer box might help a lot with imperfect signals (KRQE-DT) or in tuning good signals looking for particular channels to check their status and identity (USDTV).

Thanks.

Robert

Originally posted by N5XZS
More update news on KNMD-DT channel 9....:)

They just filed to the FCC today...



application is here:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=984219&Service=DT&Form_id=340&Facility_id=84215


it appears they want to modify the terms of the license to make KNMD a digital station and they want to relocate the transmitter (appears to be coords of or around sandia crest but I haven't plotted them yet to be sure).

Robert

Originally posted by sthscan
Does anyone know if DSS or DISH Network HDTV receivers can tune local HDTV w/o the need for a DBS subscription to make off-air HDTV tuning work?

I am thinking of getting a newer off-air HDTV tuner box (than my Unity Motion HD-1000A) and I think that DSS or DISH Network HDTV capable receivers may be more inexpensive than dedicated off-air set top box HDTV tuners (samsung, etc).

When you purchase any new DirecTV receiver, you agree to activate DirecTV service within 30 or 60 days. If you don't do that, I think they will charge an extra fee. At the same time, you agree to at least a one-year commitment with DirecTV. I don't know the requirements that Dish Network has. If you have Comcast cable service in ABQ, you might look into renting one of their HD receivers.

You could also check on Ebay for used HD receivers, which would not tie you contractual requirements. In that case, you would have to verify that the receiver would work correctly for OTA reception either without an access card or with one that has not been activated for satellite service.


KRQE-DT still screwy (and Frank Lilly hasn't gotten back to me in 1 year about it) plus i'm having problems getting any of the USDTV channels to scan in (scanned yesterday, nothing out of the ordinary was written to the UM box) so I think a newer box might help a lot with imperfect signals (KRQE-DT) or in tuning good signals looking for particular channels to check their status and identity (USDTV).


I imagine that once USDTV starts charging for their service in this area, they will do something to scramble the subchannels they are using. In order to watch those channels, they will require using their receiver and their service. Also, if you were to attempt to use a USDTV box without paying for their service, then the box will not receive any OTA digital stations. It's interesting to look at what they are transmitting right now, but it is not exactly a watchable channel. Instead of scanning for channels, try tuning to channel 45, and then switching to subchannel 2.

Brian

sthscan, You need to have an active connection with the Dish satellites to be able to receive the local HD channels OTA. Sorry.

Also, seems like KRQE has been just sending their analog signal over their digital channel. Not sure if they got frustrated with the complaints over their sound problem with their digital channel that they decided to just stop transmitting their digital signal altogether. I hope they are working on the problem and we will have a fix soon. I am sure their forwarding their standard def signal in the long term will not please their viewers out there. Wish the CBS network could send some of their top engineers to help out and solve the digital sound problem.

I would love to see WB go HD this year. Bit I will believe it when I see it. Also, if they go high def we will have to wait and see how good of quality the signal will be. I wouldn't hesitate to protest to the FCC if they provided us something inferior. Time will tell.

I wonder where UPN is in their HD future???

Originally posted by fjerina
sthscan, You need to have an active connection with the Dish satellites to be able to receive the local HD channels OTA. Sorry.


What if he had an active connection to the satellites but did not purchase a subscription? Would that be enough to receive the local HD channels with a Dish receiver? I think people have used a similar configuration with DirecTV HD receivers. Before going that route, I would check the HDTV Hardware forum to be sure.

Brian

If KASY-DT and KWBQ-DT does carry HDTV programings where does USDTV pay channels go?

My theory is move to other digital channels like channel 42 KLUZ-DT and at the same time channel 45 carrys Star Trek Enterprise in HDTV and few other shows in HDTV provided by UPN.

When HDTV shows are over USDTV moves back to digital channel 45!:D

Think it might work that way, or they will just too compress it heck out of it which it would be a bad thing for HDTV picture to go down the drain?

Any other ideas???

3-25-04

Does anyone know if DSS or DISH Network HDTV receivers can tune local HDTV w/o the need for a DBS subscription to make off-air HDTV tuning work?

sthscan,
I have a Hughes HTL-HD receiver for use with DirecTV. It did not receive OTA until I activated it with DTV. This was even with my satellite connection active. I would think that Dish would have the same system in place. So, sorry to say, you will probably need to activate first. But please let us know if you find differently.

What you want to do is the reason that you probably need to activate. Dish (and D*) subsidize the cost of the receiver with your subscription committment. They're not in the business of selling receivers, they are selling software and want to make it easier (cheaper) for you to buy their programming. OTA is (to them) just a cost of doing business (it has to be there because their competition has it), they will get back losses over time.

Originally posted by bkzoller
... it seems the majority are broadcasting 1080i. If the two ABQ stations can broadcast in that format using their remaining bandwidth, then the bandwidth allocation for USDTV must be very small. The USDTV demo channel seems to have several different channels crammed into small windows inside the 480i subchannel. Brian

Yep. Ya gets whatcha pays for. ;) I think they are selling USDTV boxes at WalMart with a cheap monthly sub. It seems from Anthony's message that it's the USDTV stuff that will be overcompressed since he said that HD was their priority.

I wrote back to Anthony asking when this year they were planning on feeding us the HD network feeds and he replied:

"I hope around July? It is on a Corp. time table."

.....G

Response from Frank Lilley at KRQE about their digital channel sound problem:

Fred, Thanks for the update. Yes we are aware of the problem and continue to work on a solution. The problem has been extremely difficult to isolate and the best way to trouble shoot has been while we are on the air. The only other option I have at this time is to up convert our SD feed until a solution is found.

About the volume problems on 19-1 and 50-1, I send an eMail to Anthony Liparoto asking if they are aware of the issues and a couple of minutes received
Hi
Yes we are and working on it! thanks
At least he replies quickly, good sign.

Fred, I just got the same reply basically from Frank, so he is trying to find it. I replied asking if it was coming in bad or being messed up here locally. I bet Jim Gale could give him a friendly hand with their troubleshooting, if they asked real nice. JR

jerrich, I sent Jim Gale an email asking if he could give some suggestions to KRQE about fixing their problem. Would be nice if he could lend his wonderful expertise in solving this ongoing problem.

I hope it works out, but I'm not holding my breath. If KRQE is too embarrassed to ask for help from the CBS engineers, it doesn't look good to expect them to get help from a competing station, but who knows? Let us know what Jim says.
JR

Originally posted by cbearnm
I have a Hughes HTL-HD receiver for use with DirecTV. It did not receive OTA until I activated it with DTV. This was even with my satellite
(...)


I guess I won't buy a DBS HDTV box since it sounds like the HDTV tuner part for off-air locals won't work until the box is subscribed to a DBS service. I'll just continue to use the Unity Motion satellite/terrestrial box for all locals but KRQE since their signal is still not proper as seen on a spectrum analyzer and that may be what makes my UM box not lock on it.

The way I was planning to do things with the DBS test, there wouldn't be a subsidy (as I was planning on buying the hardware outright, not getting it for free and having to have a committment to programming).

Thanks to all for the replies.

I finally got my SIR-T151 to scan and lock Ch13 last night. Now today I get no signal. Is it off the air or is it just me? All other channels come in fine. Should I re-aim my antenna?
Dan

Originally posted by BGLeduc
FWIW, I dropped KASA an e-mail, both complimenting them on the PQ of the unconverted Fox WS stuff, and asking if it would be possible to pass along the NASCAR races in Fox WS as well.


Well, I'll by damned, but the race this afternoon was in Fox WS! Don't know if because I or anyone else sent them a note, and of course, I only got to watch all of 10 minutes worth, but it sure beats having a 4:3 image in a 16:9 frame.

PQ was just OK....not as good as there evening programming, but I am not about to complain. Interesting that the in-car camera shots were all 4:3 in a 16:9 frame, but the actual race was 16:9.

Bravo FOX......now I can't wait for the real thing: Racing in HD.

BGL

Just got an email from Frank Lilley at KRQE, and he thinks they have isolated their audio problem to the Harris receivers that CBS sent them a few months ago, and time will tell. Keep your fingers crossed for them. Seems like CSI Miami was clean last night. Yaaa JR

I was also pleased to see no sound distortion from KRQE last night. I do hope they found the problem. Let's all say a prayer.

GREAT NEWS !!! GREAT NEWS !!! GREAT NEWS !!!

Our local UPN and WB stations are broadcasting their evening network programs in HIGH-DEFINITION as of last night!!!

April Fools! In fact, that statement above may NEVER happen in the Albuquerque area if the current situation doesn't change.

I just got word from a technical TV transmission expert in the area that UPN has leased to USDTV a major portion of their bandwidth which means they will NEVER be able to send their network programming in high definition in the future. This has been verified by a monitor on their digital frequencies. Also, WB is being setup in the same way such that they will never be able to send their network programming in high definition to us either. UPN and WB is owned by ACME and has made a deal with USDTV to make this happen.

This is an insult to the people of New Mexico in that although the UPN and WB networks are boosting their prime-time high definition programming we will never be able to enjoy it due the greedy ACME corporation. I am getting contact information on where we should be sending our letters of protest against this situation.

I understand the FCC is aware of this and they are not happy with this situation either.

I wonder if there is enough BW left over to do WS 480p, like Fox is doing. It's a poor second, but better than nothing. JR

Good one Fred on the April Fool's, you got me good.

Maybe the bandwidth allocated to USDTV will be reduced when KASY and KWBQ broadcast in HD, and it will increase when they broadcast in SD. Right now, my receiver shows six subchannels for KASY-DT, but only two of them have audio and video on them. Presumably, the four blank subchannels don't take up any extra bandwidth.

Brian

Originally posted by fjerina

This is an insult to the people of New Mexico in that although the UPN and WB networks are boosting their prime-time high definition programming we will never be able to enjoy it due the greedy ACME corporation. I am getting contact information on where we should be sending our letters of protest against this situation.

I understand the FCC is aware of this and they are not happy with this situation either.

Please read earlier in the thread, Fred. I've already written and received a response about this. The corporate plan is for the UPN and WB locals to go HD around July 2004. There is still enough bandwidth for HD.

.....G

guruka, I am aware of the response you received and I have some serious doubts about what they said is really the truth. My tech contact already has verified by analyzing the UPN signal that they in fact do not have enough space left for a high-def signal. Could you send me the contact and email address of your UPN contact?

I just spoke again with my technical contact and he said that the way UPN is currently structured (with USDTV currently using their bandwidth) cannot send their own UPN programming in high-definition.

I was thinking of doing a protest in front of one of the Walmarts (on the public sidewalk) with signs saying something like this "Don't buy USDTV from Walmart! ABQ is being robbed of HDTV!". If anyone is interested in joining on some Saturday or Sunday please let me know. I would like to expose this to the citizens of Albuquerque. We could get some good press out out it.

Originally posted by fjerina
I just spoke again with my technical contact and he said that the way UPN is currently structured (with USDTV currently using their bandwidth) cannot send their own UPN programming in high-definition.

I was thinking of doing a protest in front of one of the Walmarts (on the public sidewalk) with signs saying something like this "Don't buy USDTV from Walmart! ABQ is being robbed of HDTV!". If anyone is interested in joining on some Saturday or Sunday please let me know. I would like to expose this to the citizens of Albuquerque. We could get some good press out out it.
Good idea, Fred! I spoke to and emailed Anthony Liparoto aliparoto@kwbq.com who is their chief engineer. He cc'd his email reply to me to JudieSin Baldwin jbaldwin@kwbq.com who is the KWBQ Programming Manager.

.....G

Guruka, I can barely read your blue print against the blue or gray background. Is that what you see also? JR

Well Guys, it's letter writing time. Here are some contacts you should write to about the USDTV / UPN / WB situation. I also listed below a letter I wrote to the Alibi which they are planning on printing in the next issue. Let's send out some emails and letters!!!

Wanda Townsend
NCTA Lobbyist
National Cable & Telecommunications Association
1724 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 775-3550
wtownsend@ncta.com

Ms. Towsend gave the keynote address at the New Mexico Cable Communications Association (NMCAA) Meeting, in Albuquerque on October 15, 2002.

Ray Davenport
Executive Director
NMCAA
P.O. Box 2264
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 988-7529
davenport@aol.com

Mr. Davenport is the principal contact for the cable industry in New Mexico. He also interfaces with NTCA and his counterparts in comparable organizations in other states.

Letter to the Alibi newspaper...

Our Local UPN and WB Stations hold sold us out !!!

Our local UPN and WB television stations have cut a deal with the new USDTV service. USDTV will be providing digital programming, including our local and other network programs, to the Albuquerque area. It will originate from TV transmission towers from the Sandia crest and will require a user to buy a special box to receive these transmissions to decode them for their TV and a monthly fee. However, one nasty thing has occurred to make this happen.

ACME corporation who owns both our local UPN and WB stations have leased a major portion of their digital frequency bandwidth to USDTV so their can transmit their own programming to the Albuquerque area. Because UPN and WB are then left with a small portion of their digital bandwidth they will never be able to transmit their own network high definition programs in high definition to us here in Albuquerque. In a time when the most of the national networks are ramping up their high definition content our local UPN and WB stations are robbing us of the means to enjoy it at all. The UPN and WB stations are currently only forwarding their standard definition channel over their digital channel (requiring only a small bandwidth) and they have no intention of changing that.

I understand that the FCC has caught wind of this and are not very happy. The FCC feels they are leasing these digital frequencies in good faith to the TV stations. The FCC requests that if the TV station is an affiliate of a network then they will forward any prime-time evening programming in high definition to its viewers if the network provides them with the programming in high definition.

People may feel that this is not a world crisis type situation but this is setting a bad precedence that should be stopped now before it spreads over the country. We deserve better in Albuquerque. Don’t sell us out ACME corporation for a few extra bucks of profit!!!

Originally posted by jerrich
Guruka, I can barely read your blue print against the blue or gray background. Is that what you see also? JR

Fixed. Thanks for the heads up. I guess it doesn't show up with some themes.

.....G

Looks good on my end now; thanks. I thought it might be my browser, Mozilla.
JR

I got this reply from Ray Davenport from Santa Fe (contact shown in previous post) about the USDTV situation.

Fred: I, too, am very alarmed about this matter; and, I have learned that it is far worse than you think. I have this under investigation and have been consulting with both technical and legal experts about an appropriate course of action. I am keeping your contact information so that I can send you more information as it develops. Thank you for your e-note. ~ Ray Davenport, NMCCA

Originally posted by fjerina
Because UPN and WB are then left with a small portion of their digital bandwidth they will never be able to transmit their own network high definition programs in high definition to us here in Albuquerque. In a time
(...)


I can't tell how much bandwidth Acme's local WB and UPN stations would have for HDTV under current signal usage so I can't say for sure if there is enough bandwidth to carry a HDTV signal. Maybe there is truly not enough bandwidth for a HDTV signal for each station considering that I do know that WB and UPN are delivering some shows NOW in HDTV to affiliates.

so I can't say for sure if there is enough bandwidth to carry a HDTV signal.

I can see a degradation of KNME's signal when they started with just one sub channel. Is there any reference quality HD in Abq? JR

Does anyone think CBS will get it together for the masters? I keep losing their signal. I know it's windy today but it comes and goes. I thought they were in HD? They were when they were on Comcast.

Who can I call?

Dan308

Dan, I've never had a reception problem with 13, so I'm wondering if it's your antenna location. I don't remember if you have tried an indoor, like the Silver Sensor? Jerry

I had problem yesterday, Sunday, locking into KRQE digital. I think they are having problems. At least yesterday.

Jerrich, I have a nice outdoor antenna. Maybe the wind blew it out of alignment? Is Ch 13 going to be in HD for the masters?

I just checked and I get 2-1, 4-1, 5-1, 5-2, 7-1, 7-2, 13-1, 19-1, 50-1, 99-1 thru 99-12. But only picture on 99-1. The signal is 9 bars on Ch13. Is this what you guys have?

Dan

I just checked and I'm getting 13 perfectly right now, but only 7 bars on a Sammy 150. I would guess that any uhf antenna pointed in the general direction of the Crest would do, unless you are sitting in some multipath null zone or something. You may have to call them to see about the masters. JR

Update to USDTV and Local WB/UPN Situation...

I just spoke with John Greenwood (General Manager at WB/UPN) and I wanted to relay the information he gave me.

Mr. Greenwood said that they ARE planning on providing both WB and UPN in high-definition (12-13 mbits/sec bandwidth for each channel). The WB will be up in September this year and UPN sometime next year. They will be in 1080i.

He said their coloboration with USDTV is just short term. He said the priority will be to provide high-definition to the citizens of the Albuquerque area first before the interests of USDTV.

If this is the case then, assuming they startup WB high-def in Sept. 2004, there will be only about 6.4 mbits/sec of bandwidth left for "other stuff". It takes about 3 mbits/sec for a standard definition channel to be transmitted which means they have room for about 2 standard def channels at most with what's left over (Note: a digitial channel is about 19.4 mbits/sec of bandwidth). Either they will have to kick USDTV off their bandwidth allocation or else USDTV will have to take such as small portion that will be have to compress the daylights out of their channels.

I guess time will tell what will really happen come September. I know I (and many of you out there) will be monitoring this situation as the September time frame comes upon us. I really hope Mr. Greenwood and our local WB/UPN stations come through for us. We in Albuquerque deserve this. If the their network sends programming out in high-def then we should receive it like other cities in the U.S. are currently.

As of now, as I understand from Mr. Greenwood, the equipment for the high-def capability has not even been ordered yet by the ACME corporation (who owns our local WB/UPN stations). I would imagine that should happen soon if they want to hit the September turn-on date.

Will keep you posted on future news and developments.

Thank you for that, Fred. Sounds like good, clear information. I appreciate your posting it.

.....G

I just found out that KLUZ-DT just starting to add sub channels all blanks and no sound on digital channel 42.

The funny thing is it's showing up on my old digital receiver RCA DTC-100 and not showing up on my newer receiver Zenith 520!!

I think USDTV got a deal with KLUZ-DT to carry the extra pay channels.:(

So you guy might want to check it out on your receivers.

4-8-04

Is anybody else getting so much pixalation on KRQE that you can't even watch it (Monday night, 4/12/04)?

I am getting a very intermittent signal on 16 KRQE-DT as well. It keeps switching from no signal to a pixellated image. I had similar trouble receiving the channel over the weekend, but I thought maybe my antenna aim was off.

I am also getting no signal on 45 KASY-DT and 24 KNAT-DT. All other digital channels are fine for me, so that suggests that maybe my antenna is aimed correctly.

Brian

Hey fellas im thinking about getting a comcast hd box just wondering if anyone had dealt with them lately and if so whats the current process like?
I am currently a comcast basic subscriber with high speed internet and really would like to get my hands on a hd dvr but not sure when comcast will make them available. Just wanted to see what you guys had to say before i called comcast.... I hate calling these places:rolleyes:
thanks

They will probably try to tell you that there are no cable hd dvrs yet, which is a crock. Motorola and SA both make them, as well as LG I believe. Getting one is a different story though. I'm in the same boat with you so let us know how it goes. I do have a OTA rx though, and it works very well. Try to come to dtv user group meeting Thurs. night at KNME on University at 7pm. JR

Reminder of DTV User's Group Meeting tonight, 15 April 2004, at KNME Studios at 7 pm.

Last night, I noticed that KASA-DT was broadcasting all of its programming in 720p. "The O.C." was in 720p widescreen, and "The Simpson's" was upconverted from 480i 4:3 to 720p with black sidebars. They should be ready for 720p HDTV once FOX starts providing it.

Does anyone know how KRQE's digital signal look like lately? Any problems with it? I haven't been tuning in lately in the evenings and was wondering.

Originally posted by fjerina
Does anyone know how KRQE's digital signal look like lately? Any problems with it? I haven't been tuning in lately in the evenings and was wondering.

It was still pixellated for me last night during Letterman.

bkzoller

How can you tell what the resolution is?

Thanks

The tuner I am using is the MyHD MDP-120 PCI card and DVI daughter card. The on-screen display on that card currently shows the format for KASA-DT as "1280x720p (16:9)." Previously, that channel showed the format as "1920x1080i (16:9)," which is what I always see for KRQE-DT and KNME-DT.

Brian

That's a neat feature...Thanks again.

More news update........

KASA-DT just added few sub channels with some leaking sounds with blank screens on my old receiver "RCA DTC-100" and my new receiver "Zenith 520" does not detect any new sub channels.

Your receivers may or may not detect this sound leaks on sub channels.

It's look like USDTV pay channels has spread to other stations like KLUZ-DT and KASA-DT and this is not a good news IMHO!!:rolleyes:


4-15-04

Originally posted by N5XZS
More news update........

It's look like USDTV pay channels has spread to other stations like KLUZ-DT and KASA-DT and this is not a good news IMHO!!:rolleyes:

4-15-04

As far as I'm concerned, if USDTV were to move to the religious and Spanish language channels for the service, that would be just fine by me. I'm not in ABQ so I don't know if any are doing DTV. I do know that 14 TeleFutura is not, and has no plans to do DTV. (at the moment, no equipment on order) This from someone I know at 14. TeleFutura is owned by Univision right? So they probably have the same plans.

Near as I know, the religious and Spanish networks have no plans to do HDTV. So this kind of thing would be a perfect fit. Extra revenue can't hurt, if you’re not going to use the spectrum to the fullest.

Hello mdamberger,

Yes you are right about on this, but pay channel idea is still not a good one since we already have DBS and cable.

I rather want to see more HDTV and some freeview subchannels.

Now on KTFQ-TV analog channel 14, this station is so new that they don't have digital channel assigned by the FCC.

The only way this station will have to go digital is by shutting down the NTSC anlaog signal on channel 14.

They could do it right now or wait till the deadline at 2006, if they don't send digital signal by the year 2006 and later they will lose their licences to broadcast.

4-16-04

Originally posted by N5XZS
Hello mdamberger,

Yes you are right about on this, but pay channel idea is still not a good one since we already have DBS and cable.

I rather want to see more HDTV and some freeview subchannels.
4-16-04

I agree with this, I think freeview is best. In both the UK and Berlin they have a freeview service that's doing quite well. In fact Berlin has or is about to turn off their entire analog service. It's been such a success for them. Part of the reason is that the boxes are rather cheap, they don't have to do HD and I believe (in Berlin) part of the cost are subsidies. Also, a lot more people just don't have cable or sat, so having 20 or 30 extra channels for a one time cost of say $90 is quite enticing.

If the FCC and Congress were aggressive enough and wanted to pour a little money into it, the same success could happen here in the U.S. Maybe have a program that subsidies the working poor, below some income level. These are most of the remaining 25% who don't have cable or sat that use off-air for TV. Just saw a report last night on The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer on PBS about filling Taxes for the working poor. They account for something like 10% of the population. I guess the remaining 15% are those who just don't want to pay. BTW, only a possible 6 billion in un-paid taxes from the working poor is possible, yet they get audited 1 in 47 while the rest of us it's 1 in 400. That's an efficient way of getting that missing 400billion in un-paid taxes. Just shows you that congress is on the ball and making sure those working poor pay up and help balance the budget... Sorry for the commentary.

What the heck is up with CH 13 ? I've not been able to tune it in for a week now. All I get is "no signal" All other channels come in great. Any help?
Dan

Do you mean digital 13-1 KRQE? I am getting a good picture right now 36% to 40% on the signal meter. The problems in the past few weeks with the intermittent signal and the pixellation are fixed. I would suggest checking your antenna aim and positioning.

Brian

Yes 13-1, I got it about three weeks ago and now, nothing. All the other channels are about 9 bars of strength. I unhooked the antenna and blanked all channels then reconnected and rescanned. The only channel that is missing is 13-1. I'm at Paseo and Wyoming and have a clear view of the crest from the roof.

Dan

I finally got KRQE-DT last night but have not been able to tune in to KOB-DT in the last several days. Is anyone else having problems with this one?

I finally got KRQE-DT last night but have not been able to tune in to KOB-DT in the last several days. Is anyone else having problems with this one?

Ditto that, except I can get a signal from KOB, it's just very pixelated. KRQE snapped in very nicely last night. Last night was also the first time in a while that I received KOAT (both feeds). Usually KOB is one of my stronger channels (up here in Espanola)
Maybe yesterday's wind blew the antenna around a little, I'll have to get up on the roof tonight and check it out.

I have had the wind rotate my antenna on occasion as well. There also must be lots of multipath in certain parts of Los Alamos. If I rotate the antenna about 10 degrees I can still get most of the channels at both extremes. The channels I tend to lose first are KNME, KOB and KASA. If I rotate the antenna 20 degrees, I can still get KOAT and KASY, and oddly KNME works again. My antenna aim seems to be optimized right now, because I was getting a good signal on all seven of the major digital stations as of last night. I noted a point on the ground in the direction of the antenna aim so that I can correct it back to that point if the wind moves it again. What would be a good mounting bracket so that the antenna mast is not able to rotate inside the bracket during a strong wind?

Brian

What are the seven major digital channels that you can get in Albuquerque or surrounding areas?

I am counting FOX, NBC, PBS, ABC, CBS, WB and UPN as the seven.

Originally posted by bkzoller
Last night, I noticed that KASA-DT was broadcasting all of its programming in 720p. "The O.C." was in 720p widescreen, and "The Simpson's" was upconverted from 480i 4:3 to 720p with black sidebars. They should be ready for 720p HDTV once FOX starts providing it.

I was wondering if they had switched as well. We were watching Idol and the O.C. last night and I saw the "green" pixel screen on my 6000 for a few seconds when we switched over to Fox. For some reason 720p always turns the screen green for a second or two when you switch to a 720p transmission. It used to only do this on KOAT. Bring on some "true" HD Fox!

OK guys, I hate to sound like a parrot but I still can't get 13-1. Yesterday I got on the roof and rotated the antenna and rescanned at roughly 45 degree angles. 13-1 is the only channel that will not come in. HELP!!!!!!

Dan308

Originally posted by Dan308
OK guys, I hate to sound like a parrot but I still can't get 13-1. Yesterday I got on the roof and rotated the antenna and rescanned at roughly 45 degree angles. 13-1 is the only channel that will not come in. HELP!!!!!!

Dan308

I am at Tramway and Indian School. FOX, NBC, PBS, ABC and CBS all come in just fine for me.

My only guess is your tuner.

I use a pcHDTV card under Linux. Back in January when KNME switch from one subchannel to two, I was no longer able to receive their programming. Turns out the person who wrote the software I was using, miss-keyed a value used to identify the programming packets for SOME subchannels ids. After I discovered that that value was wrong and changed it, KNME tunned in just fine. The original value used in that software had worked for all the channels just great up until that point -- it took KNME switching to a rare addressing scheme to invoke the problem.

Hasn't KRQE recently changed some of their equipment trying to get rid of the sound problem? Maybe their new equipment uses a different subchannel id scheme, and you have a bug in your receiver? I know it is far fetched, but it is the only thing I can think of.

John

Well, I did at one time get 13-1. If it is my receiver, what can I do about it? is there an upgrade? I can't believe my SIR-T151 is no good?

Dan

I have an SIR T151 and I just checked (4/25 4:40) and KRQE is coming in fine.

Osoman

Dan, this is a known issue with 13 and the 151 (had one for over a year).

Every now and then, something goes off at the station, and they need to reboot something or another. Drop Frank Liley a note, and he should be able to take care of it straight away. I had him reboot several times when I owned the 151.

For what its worth, what you don't want to do when you notice they're gone is re-scan the channels. Then you will be hosed for sure.

When I had the 151, I could tell things were headed south when it would take a minute or two to lock on to 13. If I saw that, and then re-scanned, I would be dead until the reboot.

If you should notice that you are having trouble locking in, thats the time to e-mail Frank. After he reboots, all will be well without any additional action on your part.

BGL

Thanks for that info! Would you happen to have his email?

Dan308

It is:
Frank.Lilley@krqe.com

Thanks guys, I just fixed it! sregener told me to tune it manually on 16-1 and 13-1 came on.


Dan308

Thanks guys, I just fixed it! sregener told me to tune it manually on 16-1 and 13-1 came on.

Good deal, but don't lose Frank's e-mail address....if your 151 acts like mine did, you may need it at some point!

BGL

Awfully quiet in here. Everyone happy? JR

Originally posted by jerrich
Awfully quiet in here. Everyone happy? JR

Well, I lost reception of KRQE-DT on Saturday and it was still down on Sunday.

Brian

Originally posted by bkzoller
Well, I lost reception of KRQE-DT on Saturday and it was still down on Sunday.

Brian

Yep me to. Looks like KNME is down as well.

I am also having trouble pulling in KRQE.Everything else comes in fine.

FWIW, both KRQE and both subchannels of KNME come in just fine up here in Espanola. I have a good solid lock on both channels. Even the sound on KRQE has been fixed.

.....G

Hey G!

I haven't looked since last night.

Hopefully their back online.

Good to hear from you :-)


Originally posted by guruka
FWIW, both KRQE and both subchannels of KNME come in just fine up here in Espanola. I have a good solid lock on both channels. Even the sound on KRQE has been fixed.

.....G

Haven't had HDTV in two months, sold my Zenith in anticipation of the new HD TiVo. It finally got here last week, WooHoo, whatta nice toy! The tuner is as good as the one in my old Zenith SAT520 but some of the channels coming and going threw me off a little. Been getting good strong reception of everything the last few days though.

On my system KRQE is just 4x3 and in standard def. Is that what everyone else is seeing out there? I called KRQE and they thought they were sending out their digital signal in high-def. What do you see out there?

KRQE 13 has not worked since saturday. I just checked and KNME is "no signal" tonight.

Dan308

KRQE-DT is back, but I didn't check until just now. The news is upconverted as always, but it sounds like the prime time shows were not in HD. Maybe they are having trouble with their HD timeshifting or encoding equipment. KNME-DT is working for me right now on both subchannels.

Av8ndv8, congratulations on the HD Tivo. Did you get it from Value Electronics preorder? I am waiting for mine from the Ultimate Electronics in ABQ.

Brian

I called the KRQE newsroom last night and the guy said that the "hd was not coming in". I don't know exactly what that means though, network not sending it? Receivers here not working? Ch. 13 seems to have fallen on hard times lately. JR

I just got this email from Frank Lilley at KRQE:

Hi Fred,

We are broadcasting in SD. Our up convertor had to be sent off to the manufacture for repairs. We only have the ability to broadcast in SD until the up convertor is returned, hopefully by the first of next week.


Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV, KBIM-TV, KREZ-TV
505-767-9400

>>> "Jerina, Fred (NM75)" <fred.jerina@honeywell.com> 05/04/04 07:16AM >>>
Frank, your station was transmitting last night your standard def picture in
4x3 over your digital channel. I called last night and the people working
there thought they were sending out the programming in high-def. Wan't you
to know that I think it is something you should investigate. Thanks, Fred
Jerina.

You know at some point these guys are going to HAVE TO HAVE BACKUPS!

Guess they have until 2006 though!

Until they do though you can't afford to drop your locals (E*)

Originally posted by fjerina
I just got this email from Frank Lilley at KRQE:

Hi Fred,

We are broadcasting in SD. Our up convertor had to be sent off to the manufacture for repairs. We only have the ability to broadcast in SD until the up convertor is returned, hopefully by the first of next week.


Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV, KBIM-TV, KREZ-TV
505-767-9400

As for the 2006 date, they are already on the air with their digital signal, so they are good to go, at least legally. HD is optional, maybe never with some stations. The 80% of households with digital receivers part of the law gives them a loop hole big enough to drive a Mac truck through, and it may be 3006 before the whole country goes digital. JR

Is anyone here using the Comcast 3250HD with Firewire recording capability? I've been able to record InHD, ESPNHD and the locals but HBO and Showtime are not working.

Regards, Peter

Hey guys...

Is DirecTV offering a locals package in Albuquerque yet?

I'm thinking of switching from E* so I can get the HDTivo, but would still like a Sat locals package for insurance...

Thanks

Not yet, perhaps this Summer since the new bird has been launched successfully.



Originally posted by moonhawk
Hey guys...

Is DirecTV offering a locals package in Albuquerque yet?

I'm thinking of switching from E* so I can get the HDTivo, but would still like a Sat locals package for insurance...

Thanks

Originally posted by Abq-Pete
Is anyone here using the Comcast 3250HD with Firewire recording capability? I've been able to record InHD, ESPNHD and the locals but HBO and Showtime are not working.

Regards, Peter

No personal experience doing that, but maybe Joey from Comcast will answer. Good to see your post; we miss you at the KNME meetings. How you bean?
JR

Moonhawk,
As soon as 7s come on-line (launched this week), we will have locals. DirecTV is quoted as saying it (new locals, including ABQ) should be available first week of June.

Yeah, I was #139 on the VE list. They even included an early adapter's certificate. :)

I sure wish the local channels would settle down and work again, I've just about recorded everything Discovery HD has....

Originally posted by bkzoller
Av8ndv8, congratulations on the HD Tivo. Did you get it from Value Electronics preorder? I am waiting for mine from the Ultimate Electronics in ABQ.

Brian

ibglowin;cbearnm...

Thanks, guys

If all works out, I should be switched out and up and running by NFL/Fall Season time.

I think I can do everything I need just with the one HD DirecTivo.

Cool

New to the group, running HD for about one month now. I have a Samsung 360, and my tuner keeps dropping 2-1 off the channel list for some reason. Then, I have to manually type in the channel. Or, I have to go back in, and re-add it to my channel list to get it back in the guide. Is there a reason for this (like them dropping off the air or something).

Thanks, Jeff

Originally posted by jerrich
No personal experience doing that, but maybe Joey from Comcast will answer. Good to see your post; we miss you at the KNME meetings. How you bean?
JR


Jerrich,

I've mailed Joey a couple of times but have not received any responses. Comcast is not well set up to handle Firewire requests. It was an interesting experience trying to get the right box in the first place. I've been analyzing the HD transport streams from Comcast processed by the 3250HD and there are definitely some problems.

I miss the meetings as well. I wish Albuquerque a bright HD future.

Regards, Peter

They have Comcast in the Netherlands?, or are you back in the States again? JR

I ran a cable from my house in Albuquerque to my house in The Netherlands....;-)

I'm on vacation here for a few weeks, trying to enjoy HD while I can.

Regards, Peter

I wrote to KOB's chief engineer as follows:

I watch KOB over the air using your ATSC digital signal. Now that the network is getting serious about HD, I'm looking forward to seeing KOB in HD again. When will you begin broadcasting your HD signal again? Will it be on an additional subchannel, or on 26-1? Are you purchasing your own HD equipment, or just renting equipment for the 2004 Olympics? Will you be feeding 5.1 DD audio?

and received the following reply:

We plan to have HD on the air full-time by mid-summer — definitely in time for the Olympics.

We will broadcast 5.1 originated material when NBC provides it to us, otherwise we will broadcast 2/0 — basically stereo. We will be upconverting our normal material, and running in HD whatever NBC provides to us (with one exception, Leno on Friday nights when we run GameDay). The HD will be 26-1... No immediate plans to continue with an SD signal.

Thanks for the interest!

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

.....G

Man I have been waiting for this one for a loooonng time....

Thanks for posting this G. I was afraid to ask them if they were just borrowing the equipment again (then sending it back) Sounds like it will stay this time. Leno in HD will be awesome.

Now we just need to get KRQE back online (HD).....

Then WB (HD) and UPN (HD)....... (we can dream right!)

I am looking forward to KOB going Hi-Def. It's been a long time awaiting. I heard the nework is a little frustrated with them taking so long to go Hi-Def. I guess better late then never.

As far as KRQE, I sent an email to Frank Lilley at KRQE yesterday and have got no response thus far. They were suppossed to get their HD tuner repaired and returned this week. Damn, and I wanted to catch the new CSI episode in Hi-Def last night. I didn't even watch it at all and probably not be watching much CBS in the evenings until they are back on-line with Hi-Def. I will catch the shows I miss this summer in re-runs.

We all need to continously monitor our WB station. The manager said they will be up in Hi-Def this September. I will be on the phone with them on Oct. 1 if they are not.

Moonhawk wrote
Is DirecTV offering a locals package in Albuquerque yet?

Just an update for you, DirectTV is now saying that the ABQ locals will go live 6/4. This is on their locals information channel (999). They are rolling out locals every week in June (about 30-40 markets) and we lucked out and are in the first group.

Here is a link to a video of the rocket launch that is said to provide our locals:

http://www.directv.com/Email2004/D7SLaunch/D7S_lp.html

BGL

cbearnm...

Thanks for the update.

KOAT Hi-Def channel is coming in framed to 4:3. Trying to watch the flyers in hi-def. No answer at engineering.

Anyone else having this problem?

Anything you see in 4:3 is sd, even if your stb is upconverting it to 1080i. JR

Originally posted by JeffreyMAbq
KOAT Hi-Def channel is coming in framed to 4:3. Trying to watch the flyers in hi-def. No answer at engineering.

Anyone else having this problem?

It's not a problem, it's normal. They are broadcasting in 720p.

480i 4x3 material is upconverted, but still 4x3. Primetime is in 16x9 720p.

.....G

I know they are 720p, but, I have not had this problem in the past, my STB would upconvert it to 1080i, and leave it letterboxed. At least it did last week.

I got this email from Frank Lilley on Thursday May 13 about their situation with the HD equipment being repaired...

Fred, I do not have a date, We are looking at next week.

Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE-TV, KBIM-TV, KREZ-TV
505-767-9400

>>> "Jerina, Fred (NM75)" <fred.jerina@honeywell.com> 05/13/04 11:01AM >>>
Frank, was wondering the status of your HD receiver and when you may be up
again? Thanks, Fred.

Fred, ask him what's wrong with their backup receiver. JR

Thanks for the update guys. I was wondering why channel 13 wasn't in hi def. Looks like they have an equipment problem. Still wondering about channel 7. Seems like it isn't broadcasting in hi def either.

RB

Still wondering about channel 7. Seems like it isn't broadcasting in hi def either.
Channel 7 was broadcasting in HD 720p last night as usual.

.....G

I am getting anxious for KRQE to fix their HD equipment. We are missing many new episodes of CSI, etc.

It would be nice if they had HD equipment backup but as long as they can transmit digitally (forwarding their standard def. channel) then I would imagine they don't want to spend the money for that luxury (since they figure there are only a few people out there able to watch their programs on their digital channel in high-def).

Originally posted by fjerina
I am getting anxious for KRQE to fix their HD equipment. We are missing many new episodes of CSI, etc.

It would be nice if they had HD equipment backup but as long as they can transmit digitally (forwarding their standard def. channel) then I would imagine they don't want to spend the money for that luxury (since they figure there are only a few people out there able to watch their programs on their digital channel in high-def).
You are missing some good programs, last nights CSI was very good, Helter Skelter was good the Pq good. I get them thru cbshd as in this part of the state I doubt we will ever get hd ota...and with the latest shivia hearings I will probably lose the cbshd.(Enjoying it while I have it):)

<snip!>. . .I imagine they don't want to spend the money for that luxury (since they figure there are only a few people out there able to watch their programs on their digital channel in high-def).
Actually Fred, both Frank from KRQE and Sean from KOB told me more or less the same thing. . . "There are more HD viewers out there than you think. They just aren't as technically savvy as you are ." I think that fits all of us here. I think about 3% of the US population are HD watchers, so if we say the population of ABQ is ~ 700,000 then we have over 2,000 HD viewers! They just aren't here on this forum :)

.....G

My 76 yr old mom and 80 yr old dad sure as hell aren't technically savvy, but they love their HDTV. There'd be a lot more people ready to make the HD jump if it wasn't so complicated. The layman first has to discover HD either by wadering into a CE store or seeing it in someone's home. Then they have to find someone to explain it to them. Don't look to the CE salespeople for that!

Hey guys, have you noted that KASA-DT and KOAT-DT have been off the air for past few days now!:confused:

Are they upgrading their TX are they having some problems?

How was the NM DTV user meeting goes and any latest news as well too!?:D

It's the TV skip season and get ready to TV DX on the VHF low band!!

The TV skip season will last till early September and have fun TV DXing!!!;)

5-25-04

Originally posted by jerrich
Fred, ask him what's wrong with their backup receiver. JR


Ha Ha! Backup, what's that?

Sad weekend in ABQ as far as DTV goes. KRQE is still in SD, and now KOAT and KASA FOX are both DOA as well.

At least Dish gave us TNT-HD this past week!

Any one have any info on when they may be back online?

I just got a 2 E-mails from KASA-DT and KOAT-DT chief enginerings guys.

KASA-DT is having TX tube problems and expect to be back on the air in the next few days at the most.

KOAT-DT is having power supply problems that's keeps popping out from time to time and they are analizing at this time and hope to be back on the air soon in time for the HDTV covereges of NBA finals.

So just hang out and wait see what happen next and stay calm for now.:D

Have you guys try TV DXing yet? Even though the skip conditions is still very poor at this time.

Have fun!!:D

5-25-04

N5XZS:

What is TV DXing?

Thanks

Hello Moonhawk,

TV and FM radio DXing means you are tying to pull in far way TV and FM radio station's signal being bounced off the ionosphere E layer skip "Just like the shortwave radio bands but lower in freqs,"

This time of year are May to September and late December to Mid, January and the TV channels that's get skips are channel 2 to 6 and sometime can go high as 108 MHz and in sometime they can go high as 215 MHz but very rare though.

When you tune in channel 2 KASA analog station and see some kind of interferences "likes lots of lines or seeing faint pictures bleeding in" go to channel 3 to see if something is coming in.

It may come in poorly or sometime it's comes in very very strong or sometime you might get 2 or more TV stations battling it out for channel 3.

The out of town TV stations can vary at least 800 miles to 2'000 + miles depending on the skip conductions and it may last few minute's to a 6 + hours.

Some of the TV stations that I DXed are KCRA-TV out of Sac, CA, WCIA-TV IND, some mexican stations "Their call sign is in X or XH" and some canadian TV "Their call sign is in C" and one time I though I got brazil TV "Could not ID the station when I was a kid in the late 1970's" the languge was little strange and the color did not come in "Must be PAL-M format, the video scan rate are the same as our i'e 525 lines 30 FPS" But then again it could be something else.
:D

I hope I den't rambled on to much but at least you learn about TV DXing fun.;)

5-25-04

Originally posted by N5XZS
Hello Moonhawk,

Some of the TV stations that I DXed are KCRA-TV out of Sac, CA, WCIA-TV IND, some mexican stations "Their call sign is in X or XH" and some canadian TV "Their call sign is in C" and one time I though I got brazil TV "Could not ID the station when I was a kid in the late 1970's" the languge was little strange and the color did not come in "Must be PAL-M format, the video scan rate are the same as our i'e 525 lines 30 FPS" But then again it could be something else.
:D

I hope I den't rambled on to much but at least you learn about TV DXing fun.;)

5-25-04

WCIA-TV is from my home town! Surprised to find that the signal bounced as far as New Mexico. They are located in Champaign Illinois on Channel 3. Tower is only about 900ft tall, near Seymour on Ill highway 10. Drove past it several times.

I've heard of people picking up overseas broadcast from the old BBC Channel 1 on about 45Mhz. When they were still broadcasting the old 405 line B&W system. That went away in about 1984-85. I believe they still use Channel 1 in Australia, spoke to a guy who lives in New Zealand and likes to do 6 Meter e-skip; he uses the television carrier to see if the band is open to the west. Neat trick.

I myself have picked up DTV DX when I was in Illinois from St. Louis, Chicago, and Cincinnati the same morning. BTW, early mornings the best time to try for skip.

Well I see KOAT was up last night! No KASA still. It was difficult to get through the season finally of 24 in 4:3 SD! Oh well, guess I'll have to buy the DVD now for sure.

Need anything special for long distance TV DXing? How far can you pick up a signal? What other stations might we pick up here in the middle of "nowhere" !

Originally posted by ibglowin
Need anything special for long distance TV DXing? How far can you pick up a signal? What other stations might we pick up here in the middle of "nowhere" !

I was simply using a 4 bay bow tie antenna on a rotator; it was in my attic crawl space about 25 ft up. Not the best setup but a temporary one. I'm sure if it were on the roof I would have had better reception overall. But it just proves that you can do DX with modest equipment when conditions are right. Another indicator of good DX'ing is if you have fog. Sometimes the signals bounce along the cold and warm zones of the fog layer for hundreds of miles. Here are two good links; the first guy was the first to report on DTV DX. He has tons of analog pictures dating back 40 years. You might even find your local station in the list. He has it by channel number. The second has done quite a bit of DTV DX'ing and has a serious setup; the next has great info on DX'ing.

http://pages.cthome.net/fmdx/hdtv.html

http://community-2.webtv.net/GregBarker/DXPHOTOS/

http://home.earthlink.net/~w9wi/index.htm

-- NW Mass used to be a rallying spot for TV DXers. You'd see a half-dozen trucks parked at the summit at ideal hours. They'd have oversize antennas calibrated for UK and European signals with receivers to match inside.

The dudes up there used to get some outrageous stuff.

In the same vein, I read of many folks in the UK setting up their little dishes with motorized pan and tilt -- and DX'ing satellites from the Middle East and Far East. Anyone doing anything like that out here?

Thursday morning I was getting Amarillo stations clear as a bell for a little while.

Can't get reliable signal to record on HD TiVo......

I give up - not having a direct line of sight to the ABQ transmitters and multipath from the mountains makes recording anything on my new HD TiVo almost impossible. I've tried one antenna, two antennas, attenuator and a preamp but just can't depend on getting a good OTA recording without being there in the flesh to turn/tweak antennas which kinda negates the purpose of recording.

What can I do with a new HDTiVo, Silver Sensor, RCA indoor antenna and 10db preamp? I've got about $990 invested in it.
Bruce

av8ndv8:

Where do you live?

Have you tried a good outdoor rooftop antenna? I live in the east mountains, and going from an indoor electronic antenna to a rooftop was like night and day.

Wish I had some bucks to buy your Tivo....

I'm in ABQ around Menaul and Eubank but the crest is NE of me thru three story stucco apartment buildings. The management has been forgiving about our satellite dishes but putting up a 40 ft. mast and antenna is verboten.

I'm gonna put it on ebay if nobody local wants it.
Thanks,
Bruce