I wanted some feedback from people who live in this area with me. I recently purchased a Liteon LVW-5005 DVD recorder. I was wondering if anyone else has this model. This issue I'm having is receiving channel 4 via antenna. Channels 7 and 13 come in real clear but 4 is barely visible.

Does anyone else have this issue with this or any other kind of DVD recorder?

Thanks
Greg

Did anyone attend the DTV User's Group Meeting last night? Any new local station's update?

Spawnman, what are you using for an antenna -- and are you working with their VHF or UHF [HD] signal?

Originally posted by spawnman
I wanted some feedback from people who live in this area with me. I recently purchased a Liteon LVW-5005 DVD recorder. I was wondering if anyone else has this model. . .

Yeah, I have the same recorder. It works great for my purposes. I record both SD and down-rezed HD on it, but I don't use the built-in tuner, since it only has an analog tuner. I feed it from my STB (a Dish 921 PVR) via S-Video so it has a nice clean DTV signal. My MO is to record to the hard disc in the PVR and then dump stuff to the Lite-On for archiving.

Never had a bad disc from it. Burns great every time. I'm using Ritek G04 4X media.

.....G

Edward - I'm just using a cheap RCA antenna, seems to work fine for receving HDTV since I live it perfect line with the towers. I believe I am trying to capture the VHF signal with it. Since it's channel 4. I know the digital channel 4 is something else but gets re-mapped to channel 4.

Guruka - I understand what you are doing. Here is my setup, antenna going to splitter (tried it without splitter also, makes no difference) one lead from splitter goes to USDTV box (don't yell at me :)), one lead goes to LVW-5005. I did it this way so I could watch one channel and record another. I could do what you do with S-Video, but not sure if I can record and watch different channels? Guess I could try it.

Thanks for the input
Spawnman

Originally posted by spawnman
... <snip!>... I did it this way so I could watch one channel and record another. I could do what you do with S-Video, but not sure if I can record and watch different channels? Guess I could try it.
You're right. You need to do it the way you're doing it since you need to have two tuners (the STB and the Lite-On) to recored one channel whilst watching another. Using a DVD-RW disc in the Lite-On makes it into a sort of PVR except using optical media instead of a hard disc.

.....G

G. Since other stations look fine. Do you think it could be a bad tuner in the Liteon?

As close as you are -- it could be some sort of multi-path interference from too strong a signal. All the way up here -- for digital reception/UHF -- I'm only using a Zenith Silver Sensor set-top antenna. I'm line-of-sight with the Crest; but, it's still like 45 miles.

Originally posted by guruka
Using a DVD-RW disc in the Lite-On makes it into a sort of PVR except using optical media instead of a hard disc.

.....G

True but unfortunatle you can't pause live TV. :(

Originally posted by spawnman
G. Since other stations look fine. Do you think it could be a bad tuner in the Liteon?
No. I suspect not. Edward has hit it right on. It's a signal reception issue.

.....G

My suggestion is that something might be outputting a signal on channel 3, interfering with the reception on channel 4. That's how we used to hook up VCRs in the old days, with a channel 3/4 switch to choose the output channel. It sounds like you have both boxes hooked up directly to the splitter, however, and the splitter is hooked directly to the antenna.

How are the two boxes hooked to the TV? Is it on two separate coax cables, S-Video, or composite video? I'm thinking that maybe it is more of a playback issue instead of a recording issue. Also, you could try turning off the USDTV box while recording on the DVD-RW, which would turn off any coax output from the first box.

Brian

Did you know that some New Mexico users of Direct TV are supposed to be getting channel 644, Altitude Sports as part of their basic Total Plus package. You can check here to see if you are covered. http://www.altitude.tv/news/newsDetails.aspx?NID=58
More here: http://www.altitude.tv/news/newsDetails.aspx?NID=58

However Direct TV CSR's system will not let them add the channel. This is important if you wish to see Denver Nugget's games.

Altitude's customer service is working with Direct TV to try to correct the problem. They called today and offered to assist anyone else who is eligible but not receiving. If interested call Charlotte with Altitude at 303-405-6145. The more folks that call the more pressure she can apply.

I haven't looked since their debut weekend; but, I was getting it, then.

I am still recieving it. I have the total choice plus with tivo, hbo, and hd.

They will not let me and others have it. I have total choice plus, hd and NBA league pass (which blacks out the Nuggets). Apparently this is a problem in NM, Nevada, Utah and parts of Colorado according to Altitude.

Charlotte from Altitude called back with a question after talking to DirecTV. They wanted to know the message at the bottom of the screen on channel 644. Mine says "for ordering information, please call customer service, ext. 721." I have Total Choice Plus, which should include that channel.

I tuned to KWBQ-DT 19-1 just now during the Auburn vs. Alabama game. They are upconverting the video to 1080i for this broadcast, according to the MyHD display. This is the first time I have noticed them doing this. KWBQ-DT was having trouble getting the audio to work, but they fixed that as I was typing this. The two subchannels for USDTV are still on that channel right now, so this looks promising for them starting HD broadcasts. There are still a few days left for them to meet the November deadline. :)

Brian

I have no problem receiving the Altitude sport channel on Directv since I get full packages services.

Well this is the first time KWBQ-DT doing HDTV up-converted and carrying the CBS collages football game!

11-20-04

Are you receiving 19-1 as 16:9?

I switched over for the last minute or so of the A vs A game and it's 4:3. It's HD, OK; but, 4:3.

I am getting as 4:3 in real 16:9 HD up converted from KWBQ-DT but the picture is very good though....

I heard that CBS was broadcasting in full 16:9 HDTV football feed today.

Lady Lobos women basketball will be on TV for the first time on KWBQ-DT at 7 PM tonight, first local HDTV sport here in Albuquerque?

I think it's not very likely to to be shown in real HDTV for the Lady Lobos but you never know what next happen next!:D

11-20-04

It appears that rather than going to HD tonight, KWBQ went off air early with their DT signal. I stopped receiving it around 7 PM.

.....G

It appears that rather than going to HD tonight, KWBQ went off air early with their DT signal. I stopped receiving it around 7 PM.

.....G

I just got through watching Enterprise!

Funny though..... I am still getting KWBQ-DT at 7pm when they had some kind of techinal feed problems from Las Cruces women basketball coverage's, about 1- to 15 minutes later they got the feed going just up converted 480i to 1080i mode at this time.

BTW,

Guruka, you just sended post 2 times all ready and we got the messsages okay!

11-20-04

Guruka, you just sended post 2 times all ready and we got the messsages okay!
Naw, I actually posted once. 'twas a browser or forum glitch. I would delete dupe if I could.

KWBQ is putting out 1080i now with upconverted 490p 4x3 signal. This does bode well for evening HD next week.

.....G

Originally posted by edwardacampbell
Are you receiving 19-1 as 16:9?

I switched over for the last minute or so of the A vs A game and it's 4:3. It's HD, OK; but, 4:3.

I thought that to be HD, the signal had to be have a 16:9 aspect ratio AND either 720p or 1080i.
How can a 4:3 AR be HD even if it's 1080i.

Originally posted by edwardacampbell
I just got through watching Enterprise!
In HD? Did you notice a blank spot (screen black and no sound)? Just curious because I've been watching Enterprise in HD for many months and it's always got at least one glitch.

--Dale--

The Enterprise is still in 480i world thanks to KASY-DT here in Albuquerque....

Still same old news...:rolleyes:

Now back to radio DXing and the HDTV football at the same time!!:D

11-21-04

You never quite know what format you'll end up with between what gets shipped out by a network -- and what happens after reprocessing at the OTA Local. It may have started out as 16:9 and 1080i; but, the local can add black bars as part of downrezzing for their "mass customers" and analog -- and leave it that way when they ship it off to SD/HD viewers. Who Knows?

It's still so inconsistent, I don't worry about it. I just mentioned Enterprise because Guruka said he'd stopped receiving the channel. The PQ wasn't anything out of the [new] ordinary.

I've actually been experimenting, this weekend, with how I process SD signals to my Samsung HLP -- and they've been looking better than previous. That's why I parenthetically included "new". Although the changes in settings I make [via remote] may not affect PQ for OTA. I've only been evaluating it on some of the worst, heavily compressed SD from DirecTV.

I just mentioned Enterprise because Guruka said he'd stopped receiving the channel. The PQ wasn't anything out of the [new] ordinary.

But Enterprise is on KASY and I was talking about KWBQ going off air around 7 PM.

KWBQ is sending out a 1080i signal with 480i content in 4x3 plus black bars. Kasy is just sending 480i.

.....G

Sorry, bro. I never remember call letters. It's confusing enough getting 5, 5-1, 5-2, etc..

I Checked KWBQ today and although im not 100% sure it looked like they were broadcasting the show What i like about you in HD and DD5.1 it was 16x9 and looked really nice can anyone else verify if KWBQ has gotten it "together". Back to HD Football

Jack and Bobby is on KWBQ right now in perfect 1080i HD with DD 5.1 sound.

"I just knew there was a pony around here somewhere!"

.....G

Ditto. Just checked it out.

Yeah but Charmed was back in 4:3.

Oh well, I'll still take 1/2 a loaf!

BGL

Originally posted by BGLeduc
Yeah but Charmed was back in 4:3.

Oh well, I'll still take 1/2 a loaf!

BGL
Not all of the shows the WB Television Network are providing to the affiliates are in HD origination, a lot of affiliates are maintaining the original program aspect ratio as it is delivered to the station. So if the program is delivered in 16x9 and they can transmit it in that format it would be in 16x9, if it is delivered in 4x3 then it is maintained in 4x3.

List of WB Network HD Programming:
Sunday:
What I Like About You
Jack and Bobby
The Mountain
Monday:
Everwood
Tuesday: (except this Tuesday the network is doing a holiday special)
Gilmore Girls
One Tree Hill
Wednesday: (except this Wednesday the network is doing a movie)
Smallville
Jack and Bobby
Thursday: (except this Thursday the network is doing a holiday special)
The network just changed the schedule to Thursday night movie. Some they are sending in HD some not.
Friday:
What I Like About You
Reba

I noticed the network's schedule is changing during December, so I am not certain exactly what will be in HD and what is in 4:3.

Well I decided to ditch the rabbit ears that had been working very well, and installed my outside antenna. Now the feed to the DVD Writer looks clear on all channels and the HD through USDTV looks great too. Should have done this along time ago. Thanks to all for the assistance.

Spawnman

Thanks for that info AcmeTVRick.

FWIW, my Tivo listed Charmed (as well as Jack and Bobby) as HD, but not the show that aired between them.

Apparently they got Charmed wrong. No matter, this is one of those extermely cheesy shows my wife just loves...guess she will need to slug it in SD for now.

BGL

I spoke with Sean Anker, engineer at KOB-TV (NBC), and asked him why its been 3 months since their transmission of the Olympics in high-def that they are still not transmitting their regular evening network programming in high-def.

He told me that they need another piece of equipment that they are still waiting for purchase approval before they can get it. He said it is still some weeks away.

From the way he was talking I would not expect to see high-def from them for at least a month or more. Seems like this is not a priority for them at KOB.

I feel like we should be elevating this to the network level to see if we can expedite this. I heard the network is not too pleased with them because they are not transmitting in high-def. I will be looking for a nework contact or address and post it on this forum for you guys. I think we waited long enough.

Can we get D* NBC-HD via waiver in Albuquerque, since KOB is so worthless?

Originally posted by IAM4UK
Can we get D* NBC-HD via waiver in Albuquerque, since KOB is so worthless?

When I spoke with Sean last week, he said that there was no such thing as a digital broadcast waiver. The only waivers you can get are waivers if you can't receive an analog broadcast.

Originally posted by lujan
When I spoke with Sean last week, he said that there was no such thing as a digital broadcast waiver. The only waivers you can get are waivers if you can't receive an analog broadcast.

This is true. Since the DTV allocations were to replicate the analog coverage, they use the analog coverage to determine if you get a waiver. There is no separate service for DTV via DecisionMark.

Okay, I'm probably going to get flack. But you guys need to lay off a bit on the stations doing DTV. Each station has its priorities determined each year for what they are going to do with capital. There is never enough to go around, and sometimes the priorities of the news division or corporate engineering determines what a station is going to do. Maybe KOB is working on a non-linear news room, or getting a new satellite uplink truck, or statewide microwave build out. DTV might not be a priority since they already have a DTV signal on air and spent all of that capital for the transmitter. The link to the Crest needs to be digital, maybe they still have issues their. A letter writing campaign to the networks or the corporate offices won't really do much to change what they have set out for this year, and probably next. Has no one noticed how seldom broadcasters post anything around here? It's because every time they do, they get taken to the cleaners for not doing this or doing this wrong... Try to understand where they come from and who they work for and their priorities. Most engineering departments have been cut in half over the last ten years. They are constantly running at full throttle just keeping the statewide network going, with maybe 2 engineers to deal with that, and another 3 back at the station dealing with news and projects.

The NM broadcast community is listening to this forum; they are reading your posts. But most choose to stay out of the discussion.

Charlie Ergen from Dish- is trying to get wavers for HD in areas where stations are not broadcasting. Don't know if he'll get it. I don't think there's any problem with bitching as long as you're not getting a response. If you get a good, reasoned response like "we're trying to get it in the budget" or "waiting for a piece to show up", then it's time to lay off. I should think there should be one person at each station though specifically charged with the HD transfer and handling all the PR issues surrounding them. Maybe inviting Fred over for a piece of pie or something :)

See the following link...

http://www.ce.org/press_room/press_release_detail.asp?id=10614

Congress is passing a NEW law which will allow satellite providers (Dish/DirectTV) to carry HD network channels which would be available to subscribers if their local stations were not passing the channel in high-def. This would help us in that if, for instance, KOB was not passing their network high-def programming then we would be able to get the network feed in high-def.

The locals will not like this since they rather have us watch their local station and their own local commercials. Right now since their aren't that many high-def viewers out their it won't make too much difference but when the numbers build they would start to hurt.

I feel we have a right to the network's high-def programming and if our local's won't give it to us we should be able to get it elsewhere. I know many locals are having budget problems but if cities 1/10th the size of Albuquerque can give their viewers high-def then our locals are in sad shape.

If anyone wants to write a letter to the NBC network about the KOB situation then the following is their address...

NBC Television
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112

I just mailed to following letter to NBC...

NBC Television Network
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112

Dear Sirs:

I am writing to you about a situation at one of your NBC affiliates. The Albuquerque, New Mexico affiliate KOB-TV is still not transmitting your network’s programming in high-definition over their digital channel to its viewers.

KOB-TV did, about three months ago, transmit the Olympics in high-definition to us and it was wonderful. However, since then, they still do not have the equipment which will allow them to forward the network’s digital programming in our time zone. I understand that the purchase order to get the equipment has not been signed yet. I don’t know what’s holding them up. So it looks like it will be at least a month until we MAY get high-definition out of them.

Locally, we are receiving ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX and WB in high-definition. I would love to start watching your evening programming in high-definition. I am surprised that a major network like NBC with as much high-definition evening programming your are producing still have affiliates in the top 50 markets not forwarding that programming to its viewers.

If there is anything that you could do at your end to help expedite our local Albuquerque NBC affiliate to get their high-def setup working then I would really appreciate it. There are many of my friends and associates that are just as concerned about this.

Yours truly,

Fred Jerina

Originally posted by mdamberger
Each station has its priorities determined each year for what they are going to do with capital.
...
The NM broadcast community is listening to this forum; they are reading your posts. But most choose to stay out of the discussion.

mdamberger, you are obviously right about priorities. I want HD to be the priority. I don't watch the local news, and I won't watch NBC programs on KOB if they are supposed to be in HD. If the broadcasters get the message from this forum that HD is important to Albuquerque residents, then that is a good reason to keep emphasizing it here.

Also, here is the address of KOB's parent company...

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

I dont know a ton about the broadcasting buisness but i do know that if you have a monopoly on a product like KOB does for NBC HD in town here you better do a good job of giving the people what they want or someone else will. If they continue to drag along and the HD revolution passes them up NBC may have something to say to Mr. Hubbard about his station.

I would encourage ALL of you to write a letter to Stanley Hubbard Jr. in St. Paul. They are required to keep on file all letters you write to them in case the FCC wants to read them. The more letters we write the more likely some action will take place. WRITE.

The HD stuff on the WB looks pretty good, I applaud them. I wonder if their sudden HD programming has any thing to do with the lack of HD on "Lord of the Rings". Maybe the WB network lit some fires, or perhaps they had some equipment on order that came in too late. Either way its great they are taking a step forward!

Mr Crackers

Any suggestions before I send this. I'm very frustrated.

"Ms. Stephanie Campbell
Executive Vice President, Programming
DIRECTV, INC.
2250 E. Imperial Highway
El Segundo, CA 90245

Dear Ms. Campbell,

For several weeks I have tried unsuccessfully to convince your customer service representatives that I should be allowed to receive the Altitude Sports and Entertainment channel as part of my basic DIRECTV Total Choice Programming package as described in your press release of October 29, 2004. All of the DIRECTV employees that I have spoken with acknowledge that your press release indicates that I should have this service but none are willing or able to make it happen.

NBA games carried by Altitude are blacked out on my NBA League pass subscription. As a result I’m paying for both Altitude and League pass and seeing neither.

I have confirmed with Altitude that I am eligible for their service.

Please advise me as to how I may receive Altitude as promised in your press release. My DIRECTV account number is "

The DTV press release can be found here: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP

looks good to me. good luck

Originally posted by MrCrackers
The HD stuff on the WB looks pretty good, I applaud them. I wonder if their sudden HD programming has any thing to do with the lack of HD on "Lord of the Rings". Maybe the WB network lit some fires, or perhaps they had some equipment on order that came in too late. Either way its great they are taking a step forward!

Mr Crackers
The reason it was late was, in late July I had a mild heart attack and ended up having heart surgery, which pushed all of my project schedules back.

My original plan was to have New Mexico completed by mid-September, but when the doctor sez stop work or else and I didn't listen trying to get three stations conversions done as a result I ended up on the table, if you can guess I finally listened to the doctor.

Sorry for the delay I understand that many of you were upset, but literally I can only do what is humanly possible.

Thank you for the compliments, Anthony and all of the station staff did a great job getting things ready for the conversion.

Rick

Thanks for the explanation...

I sure hope you're doing better now. Don't mind the carping around here too much...We really do appreciate it when you guys bring HD to market...

Now if you'd only bring back Buffy AND Angel.....

I would just like to weigh in that, while I understand budget priorities and the like, you should not overpromise and underdeliver. Righ after the Olympics, Sean promised HD would be back very shortly - it is not. KOB's website promotes hi-def beginning with the Olympics. I have no doubt that they promote this in their sales packages to potential advertisers. Deliver it or change the website. Speak the truth - 'we are working on hi-def, but it is not a budget priority.' or, just avoid the subject (on the website) altogether.

It is not unreasonable to hold them accountable to the bragging that they are doing on their website. Sean is active on this board, if he offered to help expedite the waiver process so I could watch NBC programming in hi-def over my dish, I woul jump to KOB's defense, I would even drop NBC from the dish, and go back to viewing KOB when they did start carrying it. As for now, a mediocre network is quickly losing me as a consumer due to KOB's foot-dragging.

Is anyone in the ABQ area not getting KASA-DT currently???

Just hooked up my Mom's house with HD yesterday and this is the only channel not being pulled in. Using a DirecTV RCA DTC-210 receiver with an OTA antenna (Wineguard branded provided by DirecTV) up on the chimney that is pointed in direction of Sandia Crest. Mom's house is in the Southeast off of Eubank and Central area.

Called KASA Fox yesterday and they said that they were in fact broadcasting the digital signal 24/7.

Any suggestions for me? Only here for another day to get this resolved before heading back home.

Thanks in advance.

Please forgive,i know its the wrong area to post this,but here goes.Any one in the ABQ area recommend someone to clean the optics and lenses on my HD RPTV.Afraid to try it myself for the first time. Any help would be appreciated.

ISF runs a certification program for rptv calibration, among other services. There certainly may be other service techs, locally, who can do as well at cleaning, etc.. This might help as a start.

http://www.imagingscience.com/isf_search.cfm

Thanks,Edward.

Ultimate Electronics uses a service called Fast Trak, who might be a sub-contractor or maybe a they are a sub-division. Their number is 875-3449, locally, if you want to check prices and services from them. They are currently working on my Pioneer 510 rptv, and I have had good service from them so far.
I don't know if they have any ISF certified techs though. JR

Jerrich,
I called Fast Trak,but they only service stuff if you bought it from Ultimate,but thanks for the response.

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
Is anyone in the ABQ area not getting KASA-DT currently???

Just hooked up my Mom's house with HD yesterday and this is the only channel not being pulled in. Using a DirecTV RCA DTC-210 receiver with an OTA antenna (Wineguard branded provided by DirecTV) up on the chimney that is pointed in direction of Sandia Crest. Mom's house is in the Southeast off of Eubank and Central area.

Called KASA Fox yesterday and they said that they were in fact broadcasting the digital signal 24/7.

Any suggestions for me? Only here for another day to get this resolved before heading back home.

Thanks in advance.

Any suggestions from you Albuquerqueans???

All I'm capable of doing is quoting from other, better-informed HDTV fans. Sounds like what folks describe as multi-path interference. I'm getting KASA up here, HD and all, with a set-top Silver Sensor!

Some folks try a cheap Radio Shack attenuator in their feed just before the tuner. I imagine that's something you can switch on and off -- if it works where needed. In any case, you can return the critter and get your money back if it doesn't work.

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
Is anyone in the ABQ area not getting KASA-DT currently???

Just hooked up my Mom's house with HD yesterday and this is the only channel not being pulled in. Using a DirecTV RCA DTC-210 receiver with an OTA antenna (Wineguard branded provided by DirecTV) up on the chimney that is pointed in direction of Sandia Crest. Mom's house is in the Southeast off of Eubank and Central area.

Called KASA Fox yesterday and they said that they were in fact broadcasting the digital signal 24/7.

Any suggestions for me? Only here for another day to get this resolved before heading back home.

Thanks in advance.

Had DirecTV over to my Mom's house this afternoon. The installer tried everything and still couldnt pull it in. The installer ended up giving up and ordering a new receiver that will be to them in a couple of days. That was going to be my suggestion when Mom told me they weren't having any luck. Will see in a few days what happens.

There's one really solid installer working down your way for DirecTV, Dish, etc.. I can't remember his name, though. If you call D*, tell them you want the New Mexico Satellite Guy. That was the front part of his email address -- as best I remember it.

I guess I'll have to go back through my checks [online] and find when I paid him for working on my system. I have an experimental dish I'm interested in -- and I wouldn't wish to mess with it, myself -- locking in the HD part of what it does.

Did anyone else notice that when KWBQ switched to HD at 7PM last night (for the Gilmore Girls) there was no audio. After a couple of minutes they switched back to the SD feed which had audio. Midway through the program they tried switching back to HD, but still no audio so they again switched back to SD and stayed there through One Tree Hill. Dunno if it was a WB network issue or a local KWBQ issue.

......G

I was out last night and when I got home (after I recorded NCIS on CBS) I noticed the whole episode was in SD. If I was at home I would have called the station because they forget sometime's to switch to HD. I wonder if they are having other problems at KRQE.

Originally posted by edwardacampbell
There's one really solid installer working down your way for DirecTV, Dish, etc.. I can't remember his name, though. If you call D*, tell them you want the New Mexico Satellite Guy. That was the front part of his email address -- as best I remember it.

I guess I'll have to go back through my checks [online] and find when I paid him for working on my system. I have an experimental dish I'm interested in -- and I wouldn't wish to mess with it, myself -- locking in the HD part of what it does.

Thanks for you suggestions to my posts.

The installer is actually quite good. I was in ABQ for the initial install and didn't think to check all channels before he left, went through the initial digital scan and thought all was well. Until looking in more detail to be sure we could get the Cowboy game in HD for Turkey Day.

Anyway, my Mom is not comfortable changing out the receiver herself and the installer offered to come back on his day off to install it for her. Spoke with him for awhile when he was at the house for the initial install and he had been installing for about 3 months. Got laid off from Lockheed I think he said. Had been working on Helicopter simulators at the AF Base. Quite a change.

Quite a change seems to be consistent. I remember the New Mexico Satellite Guy telling me he had been an insurance salesman for the last 10 years!

acmetvrick - I wish you a speedy & healthy recovery.

I know I have complained alot about the HDTV in certain stations. Just so you know any complaining I am doing is directed at the stations management/policy makers not at the engineers/technical people. When a station makes a decision not to provide the very best HD picture, I know its not the fault of the engineers.

Mr Crackers

Ditto.

Ot...but is there a NM hdtv thread, not just Alb. for those of us down south?

Originally posted by fjerina
I was out last night and when I got home (after I recorded NCIS on CBS) I noticed the whole episode was in SD. If I was at home I would have called the station because they forget sometime's to switch to HD. I wonder if they are having other problems at KRQE. Seems the wife and i are always calling KRQE about switching on th HD feed.Most of the time the person who answers is clueless.

Just to finish up with the Directv/Altitude sports problem I referred to above I had a nice DTV administrative person call me as a result of my letter. It turns out that former Pegasus subscribers in parts of New Mexico, Utah and Colorado were in the same boat. She fixed the problem by assigning me a new account number. Now not only can I get Altitude, I can order movies with my remote and log into the Directv website. All things those that moved over from Pegasus could not do. A caution if you have this issue. The DTV customer suport people are unaware of the solution.

Mr Crackers and Moonhawk,

Thanks for the kind comments and wishes, I am doing much better however I am suppose to keep my stress level down.

I am actually based at the Salt Lake station and support all the ACME stations concerning HD and RF engineering items.

We have been having problems with our HD IRDs (Satellite Receivers) that we use to receive the network's HD programming with. This problem is affecting all of the ACME stations that are broadcasting HD; as well and other WB affiliates using the same make and model of IRD to receive the network's HD programming. The main reason we purchased this make/model was to support the Dolby E multichannel audio stream the network was delivering multichannel sound to the affiliates.

At some stations the IRD problems have gotten so bad that the video stream macroblocks and tiles as well.

This evening the network has stopped sending the affiliates the multichannel surround signal until the problem with the IRDs can be resolved by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

I do not have a time line yet when the OEM will have the problem resolved.

Sorry about no surround, but at least the program video should be in HD and it's still stereo audio.

Believe me, Rick -- we ALL appreciate your input.

Anyone not have sound lastnight on KRQE? Wife said the sound went off yesterday afternoon and wasn't back on in time for CSI :(

Nuts, I don't know. I checked it, once, just comparing OTA to the new Universal HD from D* -- but, I didn't have my sound system turned on at the time and haven't a clue about audio.

"Backdraft" was even more exciting in HD, though!

I had sound on CSI last night.

In case you happen to be in Minnesota next week, you can ask Hubbard directly about HDTV, and KOB. That is, if they allow such a question regarding media consolidation. This pulled from TVBR e-paper.

St. Paul media forum detailed
Democratic Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein are going to have a fairly night when they convene their public forum on media concentration in St. Paul MN 12/9/04. The event, held at Hamline University,, kicks off at 7:00 PM local time and runs until 11:00 PM. The first panel, on local news and information, will be moderated by Macalester College professor and former St. Paul mayor George Latimer. Panelists include Colleen Aho, Executive Director, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Twin Cities Local; Ken Goldstein, Professor, University of Wisconsin; Robert W. Hubbard, Vice President, Hubbard Broadcasting and President, Hubbard Television; Bob Bundgaard, President, KLKS-FM, Breezy Point, MN; and Al Christopherson, President, Minnesota Farm Bureau. Latimer will also handle moderator chores for panel two, on media diversity. Sitting on that panel will be Nicholas Johnson, Professor, University of Iowa College of Law; former Commissioner, FCC; Janis Lane-Ewart, Executive Director, KFAI; Lorena Duarte, Editor, La Prensa de Minnesota; and Sarah Nelson, Assistant News Director, KUOM, Univ. of Minnesota. Each panel will have center stage for 45 minutes. The final hour and 45 minutes is reserved for public comment.

Question for Fred J. : How do you like your Roku with your new larger TV? Do your jpgs look ok on it? JR

JR, thanks for asking. The pictures from my Roku on my JVC Dila set look fantastic, even better than my old set. They are much sharper and detailed. I love it. Great way to do slide shows for company, and something in the background during parties. Take care, Fred.

Anyone else having problems with KRQE? I tried recording something on KRQE last night (Sunday) and nothing recorded. I just tried tuning to their DT station and I can't get anything?

Seems to me like KRQE is up and running fine one min. and the next there signal is gone or next to nothing, i have been having some issues with signal strength jumping all over the place on ch 21 and 16 but i havent finnished troubleshooting yet but very doubtful it is my equipment as 90% of the time i have 100 on every ch. just recently been having these problems so need to check everything before i can blame krqe or koat.:rolleyes:

Fred/Jerrich,

Your comments on the Roku are timely, as I finally bit the bullet and bought a digital camera (Canon A95). Now I need a better way to see them then from the Camera's composite video cable.

Is there any other product out there that competes with the Roku? Seems like there have been some complaints about Roku in general over at the Digital Photo Server section of AVS. I did Google "Digital Photo Server" and they appear to be the only show in town.

But, it looks to be exactly what I want...a device that lets me view my photos in HD on my Pio 533. I will not be networking it at present...just plugging in the CF card and letting it run.

Any issues getting it to work? I do not want something that requires me to be a PC geek to make it work!

BGL

BGL, tke Roku is very easy to use. Just plug it into a component video input on your HDTV and plug in a memory chip (compact flash, SD, etc.) into its slot in the unit and you are there. You can manually click through the slides via the remote control or do a slide show with a user-defined interval. I find it very user friendly. I am not aware of a competing product right now. I would imagine very shortly there will be DVD players with DVI out that will be able to do a slide show from an inserted CD in the player but haven't heard of one yet. When they lowered the price to $299 I jumped on it. Good Luck.

BGL, the Canon A95 is a very nice camera. The Roku can only display an equivalent of a 2 mega-pixel image at any time. So, for larger mega-pixel cameras, the bigger the image then the more detail you would have when you zoom into the picture using the Roku.

Yes the A95 would have been my choice if I had waited, but they came out right after I bought a A80 (4 meg), but I still love it.
Fred, does the Roku have a usb input? That would be super as I could plug a 256Meg Cruzer chip into it. I saw an ad for the new Epson multi TV and it had memory card inputs, but I don't know anything else about it. Jerry

If several of us buy a Roku, we might split the cost of the art packs and put them on our own compact flash cards. Anyone interested?

I see Crutchfield has a price of $299 and has them in stock. Also a yes on the usb input. Also has video passthrough, so you don't need more component inputs on your tv. JR

I've been unable to receive KOB DT in Espanola. . . until today. Suddenly I get a full lock and a signal strength of about 63 and the station is viewable. I remember Sean Anker saying they were broadcasting at 1/4 power and wouldn't be full power till later next year when they put in a new tower on the crest. But today I can receive them here just fine.

Either there's a strange atmospheric anomaly, or they have increased their output power, or the new software that downloaded into my DishNetwork PVR921 this morning made the receiver able to receive their ATSC signal, or. . . ?

I sent an email to Sean to see if anything's changed on their end.

.....G

Maybe its the new software on the 921...for me Koct had a 107 sig but pixalitions...since the new download...

I also was not able to receive the KOB signal in Four Hills in Albuquerque, but started receiving it last week before the latest 921 download. I don't think it has anything to do with the new software. I also noticed that I'm not receiving KRQE as well as before. I'm getting a lot of pixillation and "Acquiring Signal" status every little while. I don't know if something changed at both of their ends? Sean or Frank, can you provide any more informaiton?

I will have to check on my reception of KOB....as I have posted repeatedly in the past, I seem to be in a total black hole for these guys. Solid signal on every single other ABQ digital station, but nada from KOB.

FTR, I am slightly south west of Tramway and Academy, using an attic mount CM4221 with a HDTivo.

BGL

As far as the Roku, it has a USB on the back of the unit but I don't believe you can use one of those USB memory sticks containing pictures. I think it is for a wireless connection use.

Anyone happen to catch this on KNME last week?

What a show! Fantastic HD picture and fanstatic sound (engineered by Elliott Scheiner, wow is a legend in audio circles, having done several highly regarded DVD-A's, along with some work with Steely Dan, REM, among other notables).

I was out of town, and Tivo'd it on the HDTivo, which leads to the reason for my post.

When I got around to watching it, there were quite a few spots where the video pixilated, and the audio dropped out. Since I did not watch it live, I have no way to know if there were some glitches in the broadcast, or if my Tivo glitched.

So, anyone catch it live or on Tivo that can comment on whether or not they noticed any problems?

Putting that aside, this was a fabulous show with many one-off performances. I will be snagging the DVD for my collection soon.

BGL

Yeah, I watched it and I recorded it and I dumped the 2 hours to DVD too.

There was pixelation and audio breakup during the broadcast - mostly during the last 10 minutes of the show. Great show tho'! I thoroughly enjoyed it. That Bluesman jam was outtasight.

.....G

There was pixelation and audio breakup during the broadcast - mostly during the last 10 minutes of the show. Great show tho'! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks...and thats a relief, really. There are a lot of users on the HDTivo forum with all sorts of problems...good to know this is not one of 'em.

Earlier, there was mention of KOB increasing power. I would concur.

While I am still in a KOB black hole, I now see signal stregnth jumping up and down, at time as high as 100%, but I can not hold lock. Previously, it would hardly register on the meter.

Maybe with the increased signal, I can try a new round of antenna repositioning.....of course, until they go HD, there is not much motivation to do so.

BGL

I have a question for you guys in Albuquerque with Dish 921 HD PVRs.

I know some of you have a Dish PVR 921, and I am considering getting one now that the price has dropped.

How do those of you who own one like it?

I have read the threads on it where it has a lot of bugs, but the recording difficulties seem to be dependent on the local market.

Will the guide display local HD channels, and can you reliably program it to record OTA content here in our market?

I am familiar with Dish and Tivo pvrs, as I have both, so the question is really about your experiences with the 921 in our Albuquerque market.

I hate the thought of hassling with changing back to D*, even though I know the HDTIVO is probably a better unit, though pricier.

One other Question...Can you run the coax out to other rooms...I'm able to do that with the 501 I have, so I can have the news on while I'm working in the office or my shop. Can I do this while recording on one of the other tuners in HD or SD?

Thanks for your help, folks!...:)

Originally posted by moonhawk

How do those of you who own one like it?

I have read the threads on it where it has a lot of bugs, but the recording difficulties seem to be dependent on the local market.

Will the guide display local HD channels, and can you reliably program it to record OTA content here in our market?

I am familiar with Dish and Tivo pvrs, as I have both, so the question is really about your experiences with the 921 in our Albuquerque market.

I hate the thought of hassling with changing back to D*, even though I know the HDTIVO is probably a better unit, though pricier.

One other Question...Can you run the coax out to other rooms...I'm able to do that with the 501 I have, so I can have the news on while I'm working in the office or my shop. Can I do this while recording on one of the other tuners in HD or SD?

1. I've had mine for almost a year now and I love it. With the current software it never misses a recording and performs reliably every day. I paid $1K for it and I feel that I completely got my $$ worth. At $550 it's a no-brainer.

2. I live in Espanola 60 miles from Sandia crest and I get all the ABQ locals clean and clear. KASA/FOX broadcasts 480p widescreen, KOAT/ABC broadcasts 720p HD in the evenings, KNME/PBS HD is 1080i as is KRQE/CBS in the evenings and KWBQ/WB in the evenings. I get 'em all and record 'em all.

3. Yes, you can run coax to other rooms. It has coax, S-Video, component and DVI outputs. Yes you can watch one SAT or OTA channel whilst recording another SAT channel at the same time or watch an OTA while recording a SAT channel.

Go for it! .....G

KASA/FOX broadcasts 480p widescreen,

Aren't they now doing true HD in 1080i, and have been for a bit?

My current box lacks an aspect ratio display, but I thought that Kasa had gone true HD.

BGL

Originally posted by BGLeduc
Aren't they now doing true HD in 1080i, and have been for a bit?

My current box lacks an aspect ratio display, but I thought that Kasa had gone true HD.

BGL

Yup. They are broadcasting in 1280x720p. Football looks fantastic.

I personally prefer 720p over 1080i.


John

Guruka

Thanks...I went ahead and ordered it...to be installed tomorrow.I have 3 days to decide if it's a keeper.

I have a 6000 so I'm familiar with the HD broadcasts in this area...We are actually pretty well served here-if only KOB would get it together.

The questions seemed to arise in some parts of the country how the guide info is received by the 921, and whether that made it difficult to record reliably with the guide data.

I'm glad you can run the coax out to another room...Sometimes I want to record something to watch later, and like to thave the news on in a different room...You can't do that with the HDTIVO, AFAIK. If it works well with the 921, I can return my 501 and 301, and save a little on extra receiver fees. I'll keep the 6000 for when there are two OTA HD shows I want to watch.

Anyway, thanks for the quick response. I'll let you know how I like it.

Moonhawk - Yeah, I've emailed Sean Anker a few times. He used to reply, but not lately. Last time around he said KOB was definitely going HD in 2005. But he said that last year too. ;)

The caveat with EPG data for locals OTA channels on the 921 is that, right now anyway, you must subscribe to the Dish locals package to get the guide data for the OTA stations since that data is simply remapped from the analog uplink data they feed Dish. That may be remedied in future, but right now you will need to pay for Dish locals ($5.99) to get the guide data. Recording OTA from the guide is simple and works great, except for PBS HD, since there's only guide data for ATSC 35-2 which is their standard feed. The HD programming is different so you have to keep an eye on TitanTV or PBS-HD guides online to see what's on PBS-HD.

And, oh yeah, look at that. . . KASA is broadcasting some stuff in 720p. Great!

.....G

Thanks...I already get Dish locals (that's why I switched from DirecTV), so cool, I should be able to program just fine.

And KASA has about the best picture right now of any of the locals, at least for those of us with Native 720P screens.

I just need to vent for a moment...

Not only is KOB not YET HiDef but some device in their audio chain is overloaded and distorting. It seems to be much worse on the network programming than the locally originated programming. KOB is SUCH a disappointment.

John

Well, from my location, something odd is going on with KOB.

As I have posted repeatedly, I have NEVER been able to get a lock on their signal. With the recent reports of increased strength, I tried again, and while I got no lock, I did note that I was getting sporadic peaks that were much higher than previously (100% versus 20%).

Last night at about 10:30, I tried again, and I'll be damned, but I got lock and a solid, 75% signal!

I set up Tivo to record Leno, and this morning I played it back solid, no drops, not pixilation. Oh happy day!

But (there is always a but, right?), this morning, I took a look again, and I am right back to no lock, 20% peaks, signal oscillating from 0% to 20%.....

I can't explain why last night for the first time ever I had solid steady signal, yet this morning, crap.

Anyone know if they are tweaking anything on the crest? Sean. are you our there?????

BGL

HERE (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=dcc_DICamcorders_HighDefinitionVideo&Dept=dcc_DICamcorders) is a link to the new Sony. Anyone with deep pockets ($3700) and would like some hd home movies for their new tv, here you go. It's also pictured on pg. 23 of the Dec. Sound and Vision magazine. JR

Originally posted by BGLeduc
Well, from my location, something odd is going on with KOB.

As I have posted repeatedly, I have NEVER been able to get a lock on their signal. With the recent reports of increased strength, I tried again, and while I got no lock, I did note that I was getting sporadic peaks that were much higher than previously (100% versus 20%).

Last night at about 10:30, I tried again, and I'll be damned, but I got lock and a solid, 75% signal!

I set up Tivo to record Leno, and this morning I played it back solid, no drops, not pixilation. Oh happy day!

But (there is always a but, right?), this morning, I took a look again, and I am right back to no lock, 20% peaks, signal oscillating from 0% to 20%.....

I can't explain why last night for the first time ever I had solid steady signal, yet this morning, crap.

Anyone know if they are tweaking anything on the crest? Sean. are you our there?????

BGL

I have been in the same exact situation as you BGLeduc here in Four Hills. I just recently started receiving the KOB DT signal since about April of this year. I don't know what's going on over there but in talking to Sean at KOB, he says nothing has changed over there. I think something has. Yes, I got a great signal last night and then this morning it would not lock in again. The station is not stable because the signal meter keeps fluctuating so much. I will send a copy of this to Sean to see if he has any comments.

Originally posted by lujan
I have been in the same exact situation as you BGLeduc here in Four Hills. I just recently started receiving the KOB DT signal since about April of this year. I don't know what's going on over there but in talking to Sean at KOB, he says nothing has changed over there. I think something has. Yes, I got a great signal last night and then this morning it would not lock in again. The station is not stable because the signal meter keeps fluctuating so much. I will send a copy of this to Sean to see if he has any comments.

Here is the response I got from Sean:

We haven't been doing anything. You are probably seeing some effect of
the weather. Nothing has been going on up at the Crest to affect anything
either.

I hate to say this, but it looks like July 1 2005 is the date for you all to
look for significant improvement. That is all I can promise at this point.

Sorry,
Sean

Guruka...

Well, got my 921...Seems good so far but can't figure out if I can send SD out on the coax while recording or watching HD on one of the other tuners.

Thought I had it working, then realized I wasn't set on HD...

Now that I am, I can't switch the blue light off, and nothing comes out of the coax output when HD is selected,,

Sigh...Guess I'll have to read the book tomorrow....:)

Yes you can send SD out the coax and s-video outputs while recording an HD program. What's being recorded is just a bitstream. It's independant of what's coming out the outputs. The HD/SD button on the remote just toggles the output between HD and SD. You can output both at the same time, but only 480p on HD and 480i on SD. As soon as you output 1080i or 720p, you will not have any output on the s-video and coax outputs.

Time to come on over to http://www.dbstalk.com//forumdisplay.php?f=73 and dig in.

See ya there.

.....G

Thanks again, Guruka..

I seem to be figuring it out...My concern was having to decide whether to keep the beast...I only have till tomorrow to decide, which isn't much time to figure out all the issues.

I think I will keep it for sure, but may want to hang onto my old 501 for another room, just because I like to listen to the sat music in stereo.

I'll check out your link....

(EDIT)...Wow! looks like I'll find all the info I need over there...Thanks again, and I'll stay on topic around here now.

KOB Hi Def in July, 2005? What happened to coming soon, as posted after the Olympics??? GARBAGE!

Originally posted by JeffreyMAbq
KOB Hi Def in July, 2005? What happened to coming soon, as posted after the Olympics??? GARBAGE!

No, Hi Def should be coming soon, it's the new tower at higher capacity on the crest that's not coming until July 2005. Those of us that can't get their DT station will have to wait until then. If you already get the DT station, then you should be getting HD as soon as the equipment has been ordered and installed.

Am I going crazy or was the picture on last night's KRQE (CBS) screwed up. It seemed like it was jerky. Not smooth. Whenever their was fast movement you could see frame delays. Did anyone else see it?

Looked OK here. We watched CSI:Miami and I did not note any problems. FWIW, we were watching it via HDTivo, so we were about 30 minutes behind real time.

Then again, I was reading while my wife watched the show, but normally if anything happend while she is watching, she makes it a point to tell me about it, and replay it via Tivo.

I will ask her if she saw anything but failed to mention it.

BGL

More NBC HD programming:

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/gofuton.cgi?action=pr&id=20041213nbc02

John

Got this response from KRQE this morning about the picture problem last night.

Fred, Thanks for the information. Our encoder had to be sent back to
the manufacture for some modifications and we currently are operating on
a loaner encoder. We believe the loaner is the cause of the problems
you notices last night.

Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE/KBIM/KREZ
505-767-9400
frank.lilley@krqe.com

Originally posted by jpoet
More NBC HD programming:

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/gofuton.cgi?action=pr&id=20041213nbc02

John

Well that's great news especially for us people that can't even get the DT station to lock in much less HD.

Originally posted by fjerina
Got this response from KRQE this morning about the picture problem last night.

Fred, Thanks for the information. Our encoder had to be sent back to
the manufacture for some modifications and we currently are operating on
a loaner encoder. We believe the loaner is the cause of the problems
you notices last night.

Franklin Lilley
Director of Engineering
KRQE/KBIM/KREZ
505-767-9400
frank.lilley@krqe.com

Fred, while you're at it, might as well prod him about getting a Dolby encoder.
:) JR

Is there a HDTV meeting tonight?

Negatory on the meeting; we voted against it. January will be the next. JR

Figures, the week that I can actually make it. Thanks for the update none the less.
Oh well, hope to see you folks in Jan.
Everyone have a great Christmas (or similar secular or religious observation for the winter season)

Anyone else not have any sound on channel 4? Had to switch over to analog to watch the Apprentice so I would have sound. Still no sound this morning on the digital side.

Spawnman

I noticed that last night also when channel switching. I don't watch KOB much until they do high-def. Much more high-def on the other networks to satisfy me right now.

jerrich, my main mission right now is to get KOB to go high-def (and not to get KRQE to go Dolby Digital). Please send your comments about the KOB situation to the following addresses. Send it in a Christmas card and catch them off-line.

NBC Television Network
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112

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

Anyone else lose KOB 4-01 yesterday? I have a blank screen, no picture but a strong signal >100% on both my 921's. I have tried power button reboot's but nothing is helping much. I may get the picture back for a moment, but no sound and once I channel up/down, its gone back to blank screen. I am however seeing a picture on MyHD PC tuner card however, very weird (and agrivating).

Originally posted by ibglowin
Anyone else lose KOB 4-01 yesterday? I have a blank screen, no picture but a strong signal >100% on both my 921's. I have tried power button reboot's but nothing is helping much. I may get the picture back for a moment, but no sound and once I channel up/down, its gone back to blank screen. I am however seeing a picture on MyHD PC tuner card however, very weird (and agrivating).

Exactly... Picture but no sound

Called KOB this AM and left message with some one in the engineering dept. Just went home at lunch and tried it again and I had a solid picture and audio once again. channel up/down and it had nor problems locking and displaying. perhaps they needed to reset something.

Who cares if KOB has sound or not? They are not providing the HD feed, so they are not worth watching.

Anyone catch this? I didn't know it was on, and only saw the last 20 minutes or so (damn!). But it looked really, really good.

You could even see how the green makeup on the witch's face was not evenly applied.

They had it in the correct 4:3 AR, placed in a 16:9 window with black bars to the sides.

Kudos to the WB! I guess I need to pay better attention to their broadcast schedule.

BGL

I, too, was blown away by their presentation.
The transfer looked astounding, considering the age of the film (65 years).
Little details seemed to pop out and the sound was very good as well.
Having seen this soooo many times, I thought I would just flip it on and check the image, well, it was so good I ended up watching the last 45 minutes or so.
A+ for WB on this one.

I hope this is the appropriate thread for this topic.
I recently purchased my first HDTV. It has a built-in tuner and I was going to try it out on the OTA channels. I live in Albuquerque in the Ridgecrest area approximately 2 miles north of the airport. I don't have what I would call highly reflective surroundings ( no tall buildings or trees). I have a split level house and I think I would be able to mount the antenna on the second story roof but I would need to run approximately 75 feet of cable to reach it. I will eventually likely have two televisions. It looks like all the available stations are are at 26 or 27 degrees, less than 40 miles away, and in the UHF spectrum (antenna Web.org). Given the above, can someone please suggest a good antenna? I was going to buy the DB4 from ANTENNAS DIRECT but I wonder if it would be better to have a directional antenna vs. a multi-directional one. Also, do you think I would need a preamp due to the long cable run. Any and all help is much appreciated. Thank you.
Gary

Less than 40 Miles? I would say so, since they are all on the Crest, right?

There are folks that are getting great reception with an indoor Silver Sensor. I would at least give that a shot before going with the roof top mount.

While its hard to know until you try, you should be good with a directional UHF model, like the Channel Master 4221.

BGL

Thanks BGL for the information. I'm new at this and not familiar with the Silver Sensor. Would I be able do get this at Best Buy or Radio Shack? Thanks again.
Gary

Not sure about RS, but I think John over at Audio Designs on Wyoming carries it. Its made be Zenith.

There are also some similar antennas that may also work (come to think of it, RS may actually have one, as does Terk).

The thing with OTA digital is that some folks get everything perfectly, while some have trouble with certain stations. If you scroll back a way, you will see comments from me and another fellow about being unable to get KOB. Another guy can't get KRQE. And we are all in ABQ.

It can be annoying and certainly frustrating, but be assured that once you get lock on a HD program (NFL Football, Soundstage, CSI) you will not want to watch SD programming ever again!

BGL

Originally posted by ganels
Thanks BGL for the information. I'm new at this and not familiar with the Silver Sensor. Would I be able do get this at Best Buy or Radio Shack?

I have seen the Silver Sensor for sale at Best Buy. It's around $39.95 I think. May be able to find an open box deal too. I'm using an outdoor RS disc type antenna that I've had for awhile and it works great. Started out using a cheap-o RCA indoor antenna from Walmart when I first got here and that worked well too. I'm in Rio Rancho and a perfect site of the Crest.

Spawnman

Thanks everyone. I'm looking forward to experiencing HDTV.
Gary

You can get the Silver Sensor antenna cheaper (around $20) if you mail order it.

http://google1-cnet.com.com/4014-6509_9-30471331.html?subj=Silver_Sensor_Antenna&part=google1-cnet&tag=158070

I just checked over at TitanTV.com and noticed none of the Fox football games for this weekend (including today) are being sent in HD. I'm tuned to Fox now for the Minnesota vs. Green Bay game and the pre-game show was not in HD. Does anyone know why?

I'm guessing it's either because our local is not passing it OR, maybe the pregame is not taped in HD. JR

Pregames in the past have been in HD but that doesn't bother me. the game has been on for about 40 minutes and no switch to HD. Could still be KASA-DT but when I checked TitanTV's "HD Update" page (it lists all HD in one day for all networks including cable/satellite stations ) they still indicate that nothing on Fox will be in HD this weekend. Seems strange since I watched HD on Fox last weekend and everything was great.

No big deal I guess. The ESPN games will be HD and so will KRQE.

On another note, it looks like Comcast Albuquerque just added KASA-DT to their HD lineup. Thus, Comcast ALB now sends out ESPN-HD, INHD1 & 2, PBS-HD, KOAT-HD, KASA-HD, HBOHD, ShowHD, StarzHD, DiscHD, and CinemaxHD. Decent lineup but I still use my OTA tuner for WB and CBS.

thanks for the reply JR.

-chad

I just stepped back from the invasion of relatives for a moment -- and checked in on the Packers/Vikings game and it's sure 'nuff SD. And the OTA grid from DirecTV doesn't list it as HD, either.

Just curious as to whether anyone else has been having trouble receiving HD transmissions from the locals lately. I've only been trying in the evenings, but I can't get anything on 2, 4, 5, 7 or 13. Don't know whether there's a problem up on the crest or whether my personal antenna is on the fritz. I have one of those cheapo Radio Shack double bowties, but it's worked like a charm for well over a year.

Anyone else having the same trouble/issues?

Thanks,
David

I got MNF OK tonight on 7...Some trouble locking at first.

Originally posted by dbacksfan
Just curious as to whether anyone else has been having trouble receiving HD transmissions from the locals lately. I've only been trying in the evenings, but I can't get anything on 2, 4, 5, 7 or 13. Don't know whether there's a problem up on the crest or whether my personal antenna is on the fritz. I have one of those cheapo Radio Shack double bowties, but it's worked like a charm for well over a year.

Anyone else having the same trouble/issues?

Thanks,
David

Nope. All the ABQ DT locals looked fine to me today.

.....G

I have DirecTV. I used to be able to access the digital transmissions on 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, and 13.1, but now those channels no longer come up on my system. I now get the message, "Channel not available" when I punch in any of those numbers.

Have the digital channels moved? Any comments from those who also have DirecTV would be much appreciated. :)

Would my antenna just suddenly stop working all of a sudden? Is there a way to check to see if my antenna is malfunctioning?

Thanks again for any help/advice.

David

Oops. Sorry to bother you all.

I just reset my DirecTV receiver, and the digital locals came back like magic. Don't know why they would disappear in the first place, but I'm happy that the problem is resolved.

Thanks to those who replied.

David

Have any of you with D* gotten the HD network feeds from them? I am a E* customer and recently got one of the 549$ 921s but I also have D* and all the distant nets but abc. Would not mind getting the Universal and Nets in Hd also....

I have waivers for all nets and am receiving CBS, NBC and FOX all in HD from NY/LA. If you take a look at the HD Programming forum, the most recent chatter seems to be that waivers willno longer be honored after the signing of the latest Satellite Revision Act (last month)
Supposedly, if you have existing waivers, they are to be grandfathered, but D* is not activating distant nets even if new waivers come in.
Basically, if you didn't have waivers before the law was signed, you are SOL. If they were in place, you are grandfathered.
Again, this is just my impression of the Distant Nets thread. (and my own experience, so far.)

Is anyone in the Albuquerque area picking up KASY UPN 50.1 (45.1)? I haven't since sometime Monday night. I wonder if they took 45.1 down because the are upgrading to HDTV. If that is the case we might see Star Trek: Enterprise (and other UPN shows) in HDTV soon. I don't remember KWBQ being off the air when they switched to 1080i. I think I remember when KWBQ switched, I was watching the station on a Friday and it was 480i and then sometime on Saturday it was 1080i and I don't remember any downtime. I guess it's also possible that KASY may have other equipment problems and it doesn't have anything to do with HDTV.

I did not try to watch KASY last night, but I did notice that KOB was down. The signal strength kept bouncing between 0 and 100 rapidly.

John

I noticed it's missing, too. I watch for Enterprise, as well.

Haven't heard anything, though.

I haven't noticed the local UPN station, but I haven't been able to pick up KRQE in the past couple of days. I tried contacting the station, but no one from engineering picks up the phone?

KOB engineering rep says their timeshifting equipment is assembled and in burn-in phase. Could see NBC-HD next week.

That would be nice, as I've avoided all NBC programming due to KOB's refusal to provide the HD feed.

Happy New Year everyone!!

Latest news on channel elections from the FCC's website showing that KNME-DT has decided to drop analog channel 5 and stay on digital channel 35 and also KNMD-DT decided to stay on channel 9.

No news on other stations yet to choose what channel to stay on after 2006 or 2009. "They have not made up their minds on the analog cut off hard date at this time.:rolleyes: "

That's the news!!:D

1-6-05

It would be nice if KOB would FINALLY go high-def. They haven't presented high-def since the Olympics 4 months ago. I haven't watched any NBC programs on KOB since they are not high-def. Maybe next week things will change. We will see.

Fred, don't know if you read Sound and Vision magazine, but there is a favorable review of your new tv in the Jan. issue, pg. 53, if interested. JR

jerrich, I am very happy with my JVC Dila and they just announced the new models for 2005 including a 61" and 70" model that will do 1080p. My model, the 52", will also have some improvements made to it.

Looking forward to KOB (NBC) going high-def next week. Sure hope it happens. We sure waited long enough for it.

Originally posted by IAM4UK
KOB engineering rep says their timeshifting equipment is assembled and in burn-in phase. Could see NBC-HD next week.

So Hell freezes over this week! Not going to hold my breath. Been waiting over two years now to see Leno in HD. Too bad NBC doesn't have much left to watch thats any good. Betwen the CSI's, LOST, ALIAS, Desperate Housewives, and of course PBS my HD plate is pretty full.

Did anyone have trouble with the HD broadcast of 24 on KASA-DT on Sunday night? I was getting great video but the audio kept dropping out every few minutes

24 was fine for me last night (although I only saw the first hour on Sunday). Tonight's episode was fine both video and audio. Good show. First time I watched the series.

Wish KOB would have been high-def tonight.

Anyone out there with a MyHD tuner card having problems with KASA Fox these days? No problems with any other channel but for some reason when I tune to them I get a pop up error message that says something to the effect of "too many characters being inserted into this space. Try cutting down the amount of characters" I can see the audio/video but thats it. I can't record or doing anything else. i have to close the error message quickly and change channels in order to get it to cease.

Very weird, sounds like too much PSIP info going into a buffer area or something.

No, I haven't had that problem with MyHD. I am running the latest beta with the TimeShift feature. The message you are describing sounds like a bug that was fixed in an earlier beta version. Look here for the beta:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=477633&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

Brian

The latest driver (.63.4.1) and MyHD application (1.64) from MIT fixes the problem with audio stutter on Fox. I had just downloaded drivers from DigitalConnection two days ago and assumed they were the latest. In fact, they were not. Today the latest files are there. I'm bummin' I didn't get the updated driver in time for the 1st episodes of 24...

Anyone know what's up with KASA-DT? Was dark all last night and still off this AM.

KASA-DT must be having problems with the transmitter. I was receiving no signal from them last night, also.

Tonight at 7 pm I checked out KOB for the Hell of it and I saw Joey in HIGH-DEF for 30 seconds then it went back to standard def. Gee, I wonder what is going on at KOB.

Also, it seems as if KASA and KRQE digital is down. Bummer.

Better check it again Fjernia!!!

KOB-DT is finally in HDTV!!!:D :cool: :D

Can't wait to see Jay Leno in HDTV!!:)

The picture is very good in 1080i so far.....

Have fun my friends!;)

Now we must start to beg the KASY-DT UPN to carry Star Trek Enterprise in HDTV.

1-13-05

Yes, congratulations to KOB. I just watched Joey in HD. It looked very good.

That figures, I wait 2 years for KOB to go HD and I'm away on travel when they flip the switch! Congrats to Sean, et al for bringing KOB-DT (HD) online finally. :-)

Watched Jay Leno last night in high-def and it really looked good (since it is taped on high-def video). I am so glad KOB is finally high-def. Took awhile. Now if we can just get UPN high-def then ABQ will be in High-Def Utopia!!!

Originally posted by fjerina
Also, it seems as if KASA and KRQE digital is down. Bummer.

Whew, I thought my "great" antenna aiming job had turned out to be worthless. But - I knew where to look for more info. You guys save me stress again

I caught a few minutes of Leno last night, and you're right, he looked super or at least the show did. Couldn't watch all of it because I was doing something important (Xbox). JR

Originally posted by fjerina
Also, it seems as if KASA and KRQE digital is down. Bummer.

KASA was still down but I didn't have any problems receiving KRQE last night. I also caught The Tonight Show and part of ER on KOB and both looked really good. :)

Brian

FYI, The Tonight Show for tonight 1/14 will not be in HD.

Hello again,

Slightly off topics.....

Does anyone knows there a good satellite installers in Albuquerque metro areas for FTA KU FSS band?

Since I ordered a Fortech blind search receiver with a H to H motor and 3 foot dish "90 CM".

I need to know what install fee cost and must be very knowledgeable about satellite arc in the southern sky.:rolleyes:

Thanks!

1-15-05

Bummer KRQE was down for the Jets-Steelers game...they told me they were working on it.

Hope they get it together for the Pats-Colts tomorrow.

SD for the freaking PLAYOFFS really sucks.

I hate to tell you; but, they got it back on. At least, we watched the last quarter + OT.

Tim -- I'll suggest a dude who doesn't yet have that experience you want; but, he's conscientious, talented and hard-working. He WILL end up at the level you want -- and if you can't find it, then.....

John, who is the NMSatelliteMan@aol.com is someone I've been discussing a project with a 90 cm toroidal dish [up to 16 lnb's] if I ever get crazy enough to experiment with FTA. He sorted out my P3 after Pegasus screwed up the original installation.

Moonhawk, I watched almost the whole game in HD (I think. Sure looked like HD). There was a short period at the start where they dropped back to SD but I called them and suddenly the screen filled out.

KOB-DT looks good; are there any decent shows on NBC? (I wouldn't know, since I've refused to watch it in SD.)

Also, KASA-DT looked very good for the Rams@Falcons--Fox can do a good job with their HD football when they don't have to split the signal as in the regular season.

I got no picture or sound the entire game...at least the last time I looked, in the fourth quarter.

But the signal meter said I had a good signal, and the program info banner appeared at the top of the screen when I would switch over from watching in SD to check.

Very strange, if you guys saw the game in HD....You sure it wasn't the Rams-Falcons?

All I got was a black screen on 13-001.

Yes, I watched almost the entire Jets vs. Steelers game in HD on KRQE. There was about five minutes when it said briefly "no input signal" and then switched to SD. After that, it went back to HD. Which receiver were you using?

Brian

Even though we were rooting for the Steelers, we watched the Jets place-kicker sitting on the bench after missing 2 field goals -- and felt sorry for him.

I got nothing for the entire game even though I'm in a prime signal area (line of sight to the towers) and just installed the LG LST 4200A which is supposed to not have the problem that my previous Samsung had with KRQE. Signal strength shows as zero, it is like the station is not even there.

What gives?? I have no idea how to even begin to address this problem. BTW, the NTSC tuner in the 4200 is so good, I used that to watch the game rather than my cable box. Virtually no ghost and great saturated colors.

???? :(

Dan

Interesting...I have a Dish921, using the OTA tuner for HD locals.

Again, I got no picture or sound, but I DID get the channel banner at top of screen (when I switched back to check if there was a signal.)

I'll try rescanning if there's still a problem today. I really want to watch Colts-Pats in HD!

Hopefully, rescanning should solve it, moonhawk. I use a D* HR10-250 and it's OTA tuner for HD locals and everything worked, yesterday.

I scanned and it worked...guess I should have tried that yesterday.

But, I called KRQE at the beginning of the game, and they told me they had problems and were working on them, so I figured they couldn't get them fixed,

Live and learn....:)

Originally posted by Osoman
Moonhawk, I watched almost the whole game in HD (I think. Sure looked like HD). There was a short period at the start where they dropped back to SD but I called them and suddenly the screen filled out. I recorded this on my 921 from CBSHD west, I had read about these problems at SatelliteGuys and I guess they were national...

Anyone know how to do a complete reset on the LG LST4200A? It still won't tune KRQE! I was going to try and have it redo the channel scan, so I unplugged it to try and wipe its memory. But it doesn't do that. Trying to insert the channel manually doesn't work either, it shows absolutely zero signal strength.

This is really frustrating, I got rid of my Samsung expressly because KRQE's equipement apparently had some incompatibility problems with it. $300 later, I still can't get the station to come in. I stand in my back yard and look at their tower maybe 12 miles awy, all the rest of the DTV/HD stations are coming in FLAWLESSLY including KRQE's regular station, but not this one.

This thread is full of stuff about problems with KRQE. What is it? Do they have obsolete equipment? A very weak signal? If I can't tune it from 10-12 miles away, line of sight, can't imagine what it will take to get it at all. This is a complete mystery to me. They're all up there on the Crest but this one is the only one that doesn't work.

HELP! :(

DanHouck, I don't have the LG LST4200A but I do have the LST-3410a (recorder unit) and I'm picking up KRQE fine. Just after I read your message I went to look and it at a week signal (but not zero signal). I've noticed that the LST units have to have the signal strength in the normal range or there is no picture or audio. I also have MIT's MDR-200 and that unit can pick up a weaker signal. Anyway I was playing around with my antenna (I have an indoor Radio Shack 15-1880) and then all of a sudden the signal jumped to the normal range. Right now I can pick up everything except KNAT-DT, I don't know if they run at a lower power then the other stations. Perhaps if I had an outdoor antenna I could pick up KNAT-DT but it really isn't important right now so I'll stay with indoor. Also today I notice that KAZQ (17-1) is down.

David, thanks for your comments. The only thing I can figure is that they must be very low power. I have an outdoor antenna pointed straight at them, about 12 miles line of sight, no obstructions. All the other channels come in perfectly and I mean perfectly--no drop outs, no interference. The football on KASA was absolutely stunning. This tuner puts out a much better image than my Samsung did.

I'm going to get ahold of Frank Lilley next week and see if he has any ideas.

Dan

Is KRQE digital down? Did anyone get KRQE digital yesterday, Sunday? I cannot get them.

Yes, I watched 60 Minutes and Cold Case yesterday on KRQE DT. I did notice the "Acquiring Signal" come on about three times during Cold Case, but it came back after about two or three seconds each time.

They must have a very weak signal. I can't get them either and I look straight at the tower. What are they putting out, 10 watts? :D

Sent an email to Frank Lilley, haven't heard back yet.

Dan

I am getting KRQE-DT just fine here in the Four hills at 75% and the rest of the stations are fine except KNMD-DT ch. 9 "Too weak",KCHF-DT ch. 10 "Too weak" KAZQ-DT ch. 17 "Off the air" and KNAT-DT ch. 24 "on and off very weak signal"

1-17-05

How much content is KOB putting out in HD? I finally am able to get them steady up here in Los Alamos and everything looks to be SD.

Never mind, it is coming in HD now.

Man what a mess I came home to. Cant leave for 4 days. Both KASA and KRQE were showing plenty of signal but blank screens. Missed a bunch of recordings due to this. Had to delete them both and re-scan to get them to work properly. Is anyone esle seeing some weird channels marked Rf-26, Rf-21 ect. I have (2) 921's and these popped up anfter the rescan. No picture but strong signal. I sure hope the USDTV Cancer is not spreading AGAIN.

I thinks it's more likely the FCC is telling the TV station to update their PSIP before the deadline of Feb, the 1st.

Keep trying to rescan or give a hard reboot to clear it up if not call your local station or the receiver manufacture.

Other than that just ride out the storm for the time being.:rolleyes:

1-18-05

I had to rescan the other day to pick up 13 again, but 4 dropped out. Channel 26 does not remap to 4 at all, even though the carrier is strong. Anyone else lose 4/26? JR

I had to re-scan KRQE as well because it seems to drop off from time to time and the only way to fix it is to re-scan. KRQE, however is more reliable than KOB. KOB drops in and out for me all the time. I have a 921 and just last night I put a splitter on the OTA antenna line so that I could use the built-in TV digital tuner as well. I will wait and see if KOB comes in more reliably with the TV's tuner than the 921's tuner.

I know KASA was updating their PSIP stream as of last week. I spoke with the chief engineer. I think his name is Dudley Bullok. He mentioned that they were now placing 2 weeks worth of program guide info in the PSIP stream. This could be my problem with recent problems MyHD tuner card. Too much info for the PSIP buffer (on my end).

Now if only E* would use this instead of forcing us to sub to locals in order to get guide info on the 921.

Anyone know what channel the Superbowl will be on Feb. 6? JR

The Superbowl is on FOX this year. Should be pretty good!

I had to delete and re-add KRQE digital on my Dish PVR921. I wonder why is got dropped off in the first place. Sure hope this doesn't happen very often.

New Mexico DTV User Group - January 2005

The New Mexico DTV User Group will hold its January meeting this Thursday (1/20) at 7:00 PM at the KNME-TV studios, located at 1130 University Blvd. KNME is located on University about 1 block north of intersection of Lomas and University Blvd.

The month's topic is "Small Format HD VCRs". The new Panasonic AJ HD-1200A will be demonstrated. We will also have a screening of the HDNet production "Across America" about the making of Albuquerque's "Digifest Southwest".

There will also have a national and local market update.

We appreciate all your support as viewers and HD enthusiasts. Hope to see you at the meeting Thursday night!

Jim Gale
KNME-TV
Director of Engineering

More update news on channel elections........

KAZQ-DT has chosen channel 17 so that's mean channel 32 analog is gone in 2006 or 9 NTSC shutdown date whichever come first.

KCHF-DT has chosen channel 10.

KASA-DT has chosen channel 27.

KOB,KOAT,KRQE,KWBQ,KASY and KLUZ should make up their mind what channels to stay.

The deadline is Jan, 27 for the station to send in their votes to the FCC.

1-21-05

Again, The Tonight Show will not be in HD this evening. This will not be a permanent 'Friday Feature'.

Thanks, Sean. We all appreciate the input.

I bet that segment after the news on KOB on Friday, Games Night, screws up the presentation of The Tonight Show on Fridays in high-def. I can get by without The Tonight Show on Fridays until KOB gets that resolved.

If KOB is just passing HD thru and does not have the capability to record and replay it, that could explain why Friday nights are SD. I am not familiar with their capabilities.

No they can record and time shift HD now. Supposedly that's why it took them so long to bring HD to us, they had to come up with the funds to purchase the equipment first. There must be some other reason going on with Friday nights Leno.

Seems like Third Watch was SD, but CSI NBC (Medical Investigator, or whatever) was HD...

Go figure.

Well the antenna god smiled on me today and I got to watch the Pats cream the Steelers in HD. Very nice broadcast. Those advertisers are missing a bet here, their stuff absolutely pales in comparison with the HD broadcast. I discovered my el cheapo rat-shack antenna doesn't make enough gain to push the signal over 60 feet of RG6B down to my rack in the cellar. So I ordered one of those cool mid-high gain antennas from the antenna guys who advertise here. It didn't arrive in time but for some reason KRQE just popped on immediately when I tuned it. Go figure.

Very nice broadcast of the Philly/Atlanta game as well. My new LG LST4200A seems as stable as a rock once you get it locked in, but it also seems to need more signal strength than the Samsung did.

Dan

The Pats Rock!! I couldn't say that offline. My father-in-law and wife both were rooting for the Steelers. I just quietly gloated.

fjerina was right on the money. GameDay skews the Friday night time schedule. Rather than wait any longer, we put the HD on the air. We are expecting yet another item to create a passable solution to the GameDay issue and have the Tonight Show in HD all week long.

Sean

Thanks for keeping us informed...

Can you say why Third Watch was not HD, but MI was?

Thanks

Called Frank Lilly at ch. 13 this morning and asked him to reboot their PSIP encoder, so they should be receivable again by the Samsung crowd now. JR

Originally posted by moonhawk
Can you say why Third Watch was not HD, but MI was?

Third Watch was not provided to us in HD. That's all I know...

Sean A and any KOB folks:

I have given your station some grief on this forum over the lack of HD for so long. Now that you're sending out the HD signal, let me say two things:

1. Thank you!
2. It looks and sounds very good.

Anyone else not seeing KNME DT last night or this AM???? Both 5-01 and 5-02.

Have strong signal but no picture on both my 921's and MyHD tuner card. I tried rebooting my 921 and even deleting the channel and rescan and add. Its see's the signal and locks but aftwer you save it (or try to) it still is not listed in the channel list.

Not last night, but eary this morning (about 5am) I noticed 5-1 and 5-2 were MIA, then about 6:30 or so, they were back.

EDIT: What I meant to say was I did not check last night....

FWIW, I did a channel scan this morning before I noticed that 5-1 and 5-2 were missing, and picked up the PBS channels on 9-x and also in the 80's (83 maybe???...I don't recall). My HDTivo lists them all as on channel 9 when I checked signal level. No guide data for either.

But, as I said, the "normal" channels (they are on 35, IIRC) are back up.

BGL

Yes, strong signal but no sound or picture on KNME last night. I'm seeing just what you are seeing.

.....G

OK,

Not just me it seems.

Just emailed Jime Gale so will post something as soon as I get a response back.

SeanA, Does Kob have any plans of providing hd to the South Eddy County region? Thanks...

Minor news update.....

KAZQ-DT is back up on the air and maybe testing the new second sub channel on 17.2 "remapped to 32.2" but there is no picture and sound at this time. I am guessing they may plan to rebroadcast of analog KTVS-LP of channel 36.

KTVS-LP carry some good colleges basketball games but somtime they don't carry it and instead they replace it with some lame programings.

That's the news!!

1-25-05

Got a response back fro Jim gale at KNME:

On Jan 25, 2005, at 4:56 PM, Jim Gale wrote:

Michael,

Thanks for your feedback._ We lost a UPS system our Digital Studio to Transmitter Link._ It was repaired when our engineering staff arrived this morning.

Sorry about the inconvenience.

Jim Gale
KNME-TV

A friend of mine, Joe Salemi an editor over at HometheaterSpot.com, said that NBC is putting up a weather channel on the -2 subchannel. Does anyone know if our local is going to carry it, and will it rob some bandwitdth from their HD? JR

This is for Sean at KOB:

I appreciate your work in getting HD to us. I have a question about Closed Captioning (CC).

I need CC cuz my ears aren't what they used to be. Last night at the start of ER I noticed that the CC was about two sentences ahead of the dialogue. Sure made it hard to follow. I gave up and switched back to your Channel 4 OTA.

What is the problem with the CC?

Thanks

Sean,

I made a mistake in my posting to you about CC. I meant to say "The West Wing" had the problem. ER tonight is working fine.

Originally posted by Osoman
I meant to say "The West Wing" had the problem. ER tonight is working fine.

A piece of equipment went stupid on us.

Sorry about the inconvenience!

Sean...

While your here, is "Third Watch" never in HD, or just last week...?

It's a great show.

Thanks

Originally posted by jerrich
A friend of mine, Joe Salemi an editor over at HometheaterSpot.com, said that NBC is putting up a weather channel on the -2 subchannel. Does anyone know if our local is going to carry it, and will it rob some bandwitdth from their HD? JR

Take a look in the Denver thread, KUSA is doing this now. Complaints of soft picture in transitions popping into sharp pictures after a few secs.

Originally posted by jerrich
A friend of mine, Joe Salemi an editor over at HometheaterSpot.com, said that NBC is putting up a weather channel on the -2 subchannel. Does anyone know if our local is going to carry it, and will it rob some bandwitdth from their HD? JR


i've been meaning to email KOB-TV to ask them about that same thing (it launched in December, and if it wasn't for a ~$10K satellite receiver needed, I'd be watching it now off satellite and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it here at some point).

Since KOB-DT is running a video stream datarate of about 17.25 Mbps, I doubt you'd notice any degradation in KOB-DT quality if KOB were to allocate about 3-4 Mbps of datarate to NBC WeatherPlus service on another subchannel. According to my TSREADER setup, KOB's total datarate in the digital signal is 19392660 bps.

And talking about another DT related services that are usually supposed to be broadcast. ABC News Now is going off the air so we won't see it in KOAT-DT's signal (KOAT is prostituting some of their signal to USDTV so it was a long shot we'd have seen it anyways if ABC NN was to remain a going concern). You're not missing much - it's basically a low-budget channel broadcast from a desk in the corner of some newsroom (I need to go make my aircheck from satellite tv before it goes away in the next few days).

What has KRQE-DT done in the last day or so? For years, I haven't been able to lock their signal and Frank Lilly apparently hasn't cared as I had not heard any followup about him why I could be having problems here in the far NE heights by the mountains. The signal on a spectrum analyzer looked like a lot of mountain peaks and valleys (rather than being somewhat more flat-topped as all the other HD signals look on a spectrum analyzer).

All of a sudden on Thursday (1/27), I get a signal lock and no continuity errors in the data! I had checked the weekend of the 22nd and had the same problems, so something has changed since last weekend. Did KRQE-DT change encoders, upgrade encoder firmware, or did the rain maybe do soemthing funky to help me receive the signal?

sthscan -- this is New Mexico. Probably the rain.

I remember about a year ago I got really good reception in Los Alamos during a heavy snow storm. I guess it cut down on the multipath reception problems for me. Plus I think the storm was localized so there wasn't much signal loss due to the snowflakes.

Brian

sthscan,

All I can say is that your problem with KRQE mirrors mine with KOB. I can never get lock, then a few weeks ago (before they went HD) like magic, solid signal. I even Tivo'd Leno for the 1st time.

Next morning, nothing again. And it been that way ever since. FTR, I get solid lock on every single other digital station in ABQ.

That night, the weather was clear, so I have no explanation; neither does Sean...he advised nothing had changed. FTR, I am just west of Tramway and Academy.

Another poster in 4 Hills has the same problem that I have with KOB. and he got lock the same night, then nada.

As much as we would like to think otherwise, digital broadcasting is still very much a work in progress.

BGL

I have not been able to receive KRQE since about Thursday or Friday night. Anyone know what might be affecting the signal, maybe the weather?

I watched Cold Case last night OTA. Didn't check the signal level but the picture looked great. An occasional audio dropout (less than a second).
I'm near the corner of Indian School and Morris.

Folks, I'm going to answer a few things here, and then pop offline for a while. If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail.

Originally posted by moonhawk
... is "Third Watch" never in HD, or just last week...?

I checked the NBC site, and let them know that it needs to be updated ;) I don't think Third Watch is produced in HD. Nothing I've been able to find says that there are any episodes available in HD.

Originally posted by sthscan
Since KOB-DT is running a video stream datarate of about 17.25 Mbps, I doubt you'd notice any degradation in KOB-DT quality if KOB were to allocate about 3-4 Mbps of datarate to NBC WeatherPlus service on another subchannel. According to my TSREADER setup, KOB's total datarate in the digital signal is 19392660 bps.

I'm not going to comment on our plans with WeatherPlus, but I'll fill you in a little on how it's usually done from the station end.

The 19.3 megabit number is the maximum data rate any broadcaster can use -- our hypothetical bit-bucket. We actually have just under 1 megabit of 'unused' bandwidth right now. Some unused bandwidth (null packets) has been shown to be necessary for reliable reception.

Most viewers want to have the primary program stream at the highest quality possible, and scream when it's not. :D WeatherPlus is by its nature an undemanding video stream -- static graphics, very little moving video. So stations that broadcast WeatherPlus generally compress it much more than they would a normal video stream. 1.5 to 2 megabits are very common data rates on a WeatherPlus service. Thus, it will seem fuzzy at times before a refresh image is sent.

So, if WeatherPlus is 2mb/s and you retain 500kb/s for null packets, throw in 300kb/s for the ancillary stuff that goes with any signal (PSIP info, audio, etc.) and you can see that it will indeed begin to impact the quality of a 1080i HD signal -- though not noticably to most viewers.

Enough math...

Originally posted by BGLeduc
As much as we would like to think otherwise, digital broadcasting is still very much a work in progress.


You have no idea how true that is. All Broadcast Engineers are in acronym overload; tweak one thing, break three others; we're dealing with modulation schemes that are still unperfected; the signals are receiveable some places, spotty in other locales; and the FCC hasn't even written all the rules that we will need to comply with. And then there are all the issues of handling HD in an SD video plant.

Thanks, all, for your kind words in the last couple weeks.

Sean

Rock on, Sean!

Most of us are amazed that this DTV stuff works as well as it does. All things considered.

Keep up the good work Sean. Much appreciated.

Ditto! (Not to be confused with the Rush Limbaugh dittoheads)

Hello Albuquerque

Im from the Omaha NE thread. Looks like we have the same problem. Emmis owns one of your stations (KRQE) in the area and they will not let them put there HD Channel on Cable as they want Money for a Free over the air channel.

Please help and Email Emmis and let them know what you think.

===============Pasted from the thread==============

Looks like over in the Omaha-Lincoln Ne Thread the Cox Cable Emmis issue is still alive.

Emmis pulled there CBS HD from Cox cable one year again demanding money for the free over the air channel.


Here is the thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...&pagenumber=130


Here is some info on who to Email- pated from the thread

Here are the EMAIL Addresses for the Top VPs at Emmis Corp (the ones who own KM3 and the ones who made them pull the HD).

Cut and Past Comma delimited:

rmena@emmis.com,desayian@emmis.com,kate@emmis.com,staffingde partment@emmis.com,ir@emmis.com,wzberger@emmis.com,rcummings @emmis.com

(below is a line by line list)

Please Email them weekly and ask for the free HD channel to be put back on.



KM3 and Emmis one year ago said they pulled there HD Feed because cox was charging for it and making money on it.

Things have changed in the last year.

Now all cable systems in a Emmis area offer the Local HD channels FREE unscrambled via free QAM channels.

This means the Emmis reasoning is no longer valid. They have no reason to demand money for a FREE OVER THE AIR HD Signal.

After all the Government, our tax money gave them the channel. We should be able to watch it free over the air and free on cable.

It is time for Emmis to add KM3 HD back to Cox.



rmena@emmis.com
desayian@emmis.com
kate@emmis.com
staffingdepartment@emmis.com
ir@emmis.com
wzberger@emmis.com
rcummings@emmis.com

Cable is so 80's......

Sorry, not wanting to start a flame war here but this is why many if not most of us ditched Cable long long ago in a galaxy far far away. Crappy signal, crappy service and double digit annual increases in rates. Ditch them switch to DBS and put up an OTA antenna. You'll be happier in the long run.

Cable service in Los Alamos lags behind Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The LA cable company started offering digital cable and Internet service much later than the other cities. I think only Albuquerque has the HDTV channels at this point. For me, satellite and OTA are the only choice for HDTV reception, and I haven't had a reason to consider going back to cable since 1998 when I switched.

Brian

Three cable companies back, they dug in fibre optic for cable out here in La Cieneguilla -- and never hooked it up to town!

Finally, when Comcast acquired things, we reminded them the cable was out here and maybe they should consider hooking us up to town for broadband. Which they did. Pretty much everyone already had a little dish and Comcast has never had anything to offer to compete -- except broadband.

Last time I asked, they hope to offer HD and/or VOIP in another year or so. By then, I'll probably have the next-gen of HDTiVo with Home Media Option and 4-6 tuners for sat and OTA. They haven't a clue.

Sorry ScottChez,

I have to agree with Emmis on this. CBS spends millions on creating HD content. Why should they give it away free? Especially considering that the cable companies will recompress and degrade it anyway.

JD

Seems to me that if you offer a quality product and support an ever-growing demand, you'll end up being the vendor that advertisers will choose. Like, let me know when CBS stops wasting money on absolute pap -- and I'll worry about their creative budget.