I just moved into the area from Northern Virginia where I was active in the Baltimore/Washington and Richmond VA HDTV threads. Back in VA, I installed two CM-4228 antennas w/matching CM-7775 pre-amps in order to receive DTV from DC (55 miles), Baltimore (90 miles), Richmond (51 miles) and Charlottesville (53 miles). Over the past six years I helped many people in my deep-fringe area with DTV reception issues. Although FiOS was installed Thursday afternoon, I was going to install a spare 4228 in the attic since I love OTA (satellite too) and need TVGOS data for my Sony HD DVR. Just for fun, I connected an old Radio Shack $4 UFH bowtie antenna and pointed it toward the towers (35-37 miles to the SW) and, to my surprise, managed to pull in the DFW DTV channels with outstanding signal strength. The only problem channel is WFAA...but that's a VHF frequency. I can go to any TV in the house and the $4 antenna works perfectly. As I mentioned, I have been doing deep-fringe OTA for several years, but I simply amazed how easy it was to get reliable OTA reception here in Rowlett.:)

Anyway, just a quick question:

My Sony HD DVR (FiOS Cablecard and OTA) found time and populated the TVGOS program guide overnight. However, I cannot find the remote control (movers packed it somewhere and I still have another 50 boxes to go through) and I have no idea if the unit is pulling TVGOS data from FiOS or OTA. I guess my question is does FiOS pass TVGOS data in the VBI portion of, what looks like, KERA?

Thanks! I look forward to visiting this thread often once I get settled.

Since the season just started and I'm sure no one watched the games this weekend, I thought I'd pass along that the Rangers were on in HD, both Saturday and Sunday, on FSN-SW (at least they were via Dish Network). This is a step up in Rangers HD programming as last year not a single road game was done in HD on FSN (and about 4-6 home games a month were done in HD).

Looking at the schedule on their website, it looks like the next home series starting on April 25th will all be in HD, on both KDFI and FSNSW.

Thank you for the help guys, I have the CM 7777 supposed to be here tommorow from solid signal. I also noticed the WFAA DT is low power right now also until next feb. Hopefully the preamp and maybe a little more height will do the trick. If not I will go for the winegard. Thanks again for the help.

The VU-190 should do just as well as any other antenna for where you are located. Did you direct the arrow pointer end away from Cedar Hill as the Owners Manual directs

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/1502156_PM_EN.pdf

As has been written before, 8 and 13 are problem stations. Many can get one but not the other. Your pre-amp should take care of your problem.

The VU-190 should do just as well as any other antenna for where you are located. Did you direct the arrow pointer end away from Cedar Hill as the Owners Manual directs

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/1502156_PM_EN.pdf

As has been written before, 8 and 13 are problem stations. Many can get one but not the other. Your pre-amp should take care of your problem.

The VU-190 is fairly mediocre; the larger Winegards have significantly better performance. At channel 9 (the WFAA frequency) the gain of the VU-190 is about 7 dBd. The HD7697p has a gain of somewhere over 11 dBd. Even the smallest of the new Winegards has better gain at channel 9 than the VU-190.
If you use a separate VHF antenna you can do even better than that.

The VU-190 is fairly mediocre; the larger Winegards have significantly better performance. At channel 9 (the WFAA frequency) the gain of the VU-190 is about 7 dBd. The HD7697p has a gain of somewhere over 11 dBd. Even the smallest of the new Winegards has better gain at channel 9 than the VU-190.
If you use a separate VHF antenna you can do even better than that.

Lets see if the WG is needed after adding the amp, I suspect not.

I thought the scenery was amazing. Grabbed the digital for a few quick pics: (OTA ch 11 off my 32" Emprex)

(clk the pic to see it larger)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/xx5xx/th_DSCN0876.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/xx5xx/DSCN0876.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/xx5xx/th_DSCN0874.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/xx5xx/DSCN0874.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/xx5xx/th_DSCN0875.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/xx5xx/DSCN0875.jpg)

Lets see if the WG is needed after adding the amp, I suspect not.


Yes, it may just be enough..

The QAM channels on TWC in Richardson got changed up sometime in the last 24 hrs. :eek:

The good news is the new mappings seem to correspond to the OTA assignments, so for example I no longer have CBS HD on 107.1, but it appeared on 11.1, KERA HD is now on 13.1 etc.

I wonder how long the lineup will last like this?

The QAM channels on TWC in Richardson got changed up sometime in the last 24 hrs. :eek:

The good news is the new mappings seem to correspond to the OTA assignments, so for example I no longer have CBS HD on 107.1, but it appeared on 11.1, KERA HD is now on 13.1 etc.

I wonder how long the lineup will last like this?

I think you are mistaken. You need to do a complete rescan of your cable channels. CBS HD is now on 104.1 and PBS HD is now on 105.1

If your setup is TWC cable on ANT1 and antenna on ANT2, you might have your TV Favorites coming from a both ANT1 and ANT2 causing some confusion as to where the channels are coming from.

TW Cable is now passing the PSIP from the OTA channel. It is still on the 104.x 105.x rf channel except the downtown area. You will see the call letters and the Pgm Name. No detail description.
JStigler

Okay, now I see the PSIP information. It was turned on tonight at my location in Garland.

Does anyone know if TWC is transmitting additional info? Specifically can TVGOS data now be picked up again by any HD boxes?

OTA KTVT-HD CBS 11 does transmit the digital version of TVGOS on their system. The same TVGOS data streams, TVG1 TVG2, is also being resent by TWC on its system.

I don't think people are having too much luck yet getting their equipment to use the digital TVGOS. It keeps on wanting to use the old VBI type data.

Here's a thread on some discussions:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711

OTA KTVT-HD CBS 11 does transmit the digital version of TVGOS on their system. The same TVGOS data streams, TVG1 TVG2, is also being resent by TWC on its system.

I don't think people are having too much luck yet getting their equipment to use the digital TVGOS. It keeps on wanting to use the old VBI type data.

Here's a thread on some discussions:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711
I thought there had been a long standing issue with Moto HD (6200 series) boxes. My Pioneer 533 played nicely with a Moto SD cable box, but once we went to the HD box, we no longer received the EPG information (which used to come off KERA)

I currently see on the local OTA channels various VBI signals and data on lines 11 to 21 of the VBI. Switching to TWC cable, I see that only VBI line 21 is getting passed through. Only closed captioning/XDS data, no TVGOS data on analog cable. The other lines may have been passed before, but not now. User's that used OTA VBI from KERA would somehow need to upgrade firmware to used the new digital TVGOS data from OTA KTVT or QAM KTVT before the 2009 analog cut off.

This may just show my ignorance, but why is TWC requiring an STB to tune the HD version of basic cable channels? Is this because they're required by law to pass the HD locals unencrypted but not "subscription" channels like ESPN, CNN, TNT, Discovery, etc.?

I'm fairly new to the QAM world so still learning. I noticed that with the channel realignment last week, TWC made available digital feeds of several channels that weren't there before but, sadly, no HDs.

Because they want people to pay for the STBs.

I'm just wondering if anyone has heard any word on TW HD expansion. It kinda sucks to know that while Im watching Game 6 of the Stars playoff in SD on FSSW someone 5 miles south of me in Plano ia paying the same amount that I am; but is watching it in HD. Come on TW.... where's the love?

A friend of mine was watching the Masters in HD on ESPN and CBS via Charter Cable here in Weatherford. She has a Vizio VX37L and was hooked up via component cable and 2 channel stereo via the SA set top box. She doesn't know anything HDTV's and bought the Vizio just for the Masters.

She complained about the tv volume being low for the commentators and high for everything else. I contacted a friend of mine in Austin and she had the same problem via her Sony and TWC.

I was wondering if anyone experience this also? I didn't watch the tournament so I can't confirm.

Thanks in advanced,

Alan

A friend of mine was watching the Masters in HD on ESPN and CBS via Charter Cable here in Weatherford. She has a Vizio VX37L and was hooked up via component cable and 2 channel stereo via the SA set top box. She doesn't know anything HDTV's and bought the Vizio just for the Masters.

She complained about the tv volume being low for the commentators and high for everything else. I contacted a friend of mine in Austin and she had the same problem via her Sony and TWC.

I was wondering if anyone experience this also? I didn't watch the tournament so I can't confirm.

Thanks in advanced,

Alan

CBS always seems to turn down the announcer volume and turn up the 'other sounds' volume of their sports broadcasts, especially when listening on a 2 speaker system. On a number of occasions, I've had to fire up my stereo, which either decodes the pro-logic audio or the 5.1 audio (depending on the program) and allows me to hear the announcers much better over the crowd noise (from football) or the birds/crowd/etc added into golf. You can check out the Nelson this weekend and you'll experience it. It has been this way for years.

Hi guys
I'm thinking of buying TW cable for the stars playoff run.

Is TW channel selection any good ?
Hopefully they have Versus and FSN in HD ?

thanks

I only got to see 2 of the first round games in HD..(on the local channel). here in Frisco no Versus or FSN in HD....

Looks like TWC in Mckinney made a change last night. TV automatically retuned FOX, NBC and CBS to new subchannels of the main channel they are already on (i.e. 4-1, 8-1, etc.) I don't remember the exact channels, but i'm running the scan right now so hopefully we got some new ones in the change.

I wish they were still separate channels in the 100's, i enjoyed being able to flip straight through just HD stuff.

CBS always seems to turn down the announcer volume and turn up the 'other sounds' volume of their sports broadcasts, especially when listening on a 2 speaker system. On a number of occasions, I've had to fire up my stereo, which either decodes the pro-logic audio or the 5.1 audio (depending on the program) and allows me to hear the announcers much better over the crowd noise (from football) or the birds/crowd/etc added into golf. You can check out the Nelson this weekend and you'll experience it. It has been this way for years.

Thanks for the information. That was what I was thinking.

Alan

Just wondering how it is that us tw customers cant even watch the 2nd round of playoff hockey of our local team in HD.... any word on VS HD in the markets outside of Plano,Rich,Mesq,Dallas..

Just wondering how it is that us tw customers cant even watch the 2nd round of playoff hockey of our local team in HD.... any word on VS HD in the markets outside of Plano,Rich,Mesq,Dallas..

You won't have to worry much about VS HD for this series since most of the games will be in HD on 27 and FSN.

Here's the remaining schedule from the Stars website.

2 Sunday, April 27 Dallas at San Jose 8:00 pm kdfi My27 (HD)
3 Tuesday, April 29 San Jose at Dallas 6:30 pm kdfi My27 (HD)
4 Wednesday, April 30 San Jose at Dallas 8:00 pm FSN (HD)
5* Friday, May 2 Dallas at San Jose 9:00 pm Versus HD^
6* Sunday, May 4 San Jose at Dallas 8:00 pm FSN (HD)
7* Tuesday, May 6 Dallas at San Jose 9:00 pm TBD

Unfortunately here in Frisco we dont get FSN HD also.... so I am looking at game 4, 5, 6, and possibly 7 (whichever are necessary) not in HD.

Just switched D* DVRs from HR10 to HR20.
HR10 pulled in all the OTA locals.
HR20 gets most, but strangely not 8-1.
Tired rotating antenna (WineGard in Attic). No improvement.

Live in 75093 (West Plano)
What is best way to fix? (Best means without spending big $$$)

I have had this problem for a while, but now it's getting very frustrating because of the Playoffs. I receive a very good dtv signal on all of my channels except for 21.1 and 27.1. The problem is the same, I get excellent video quality but the audio is very choppy. Does anybody have a fix or help for this problem.

:D:D:Dall home ranger games on my 27 will be in hd as of today

stars games 2,3 vs. san jose will be in hd

go my 27 thanks for the hd games:D:D:D

I have had this problem for a while, but now it's getting very frustrating because of the Playoffs. I receive a very good dtv signal on all of my channels except for 21.1 and 27.1. The problem is the same, I get excellent video quality but the audio is very choppy. Does anybody have a fix or help for this problem.

Yes, I have this EXACT problem -- sucks, but I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Yes, I have this EXACT problem -- sucks, but I'm glad I'm not the only one.

What TV do you have?

I'm using a Terk Indoor HDTVa (http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2) and it's picking up ALL stations except WFAA (CH8). According the antennaweb (ZIP 75006) I should be using a Medium Directional antenna to get CH8, however it says the same for CH27 and it comes in great. Here (http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=32%2E972402&longitude=%2D96%2E864028&magnetic_north=%2D13%2E25&range=45&sort=channel&show_expired=True&show_construction=True&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations) is my data from 2150.com, and reading it I was wondering why i would need a outdoor medium directional antenna to get a station that's located in the same vicinity as all the other towers??

I'm using a Terk Indoor HDTVa (http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Amplified-High-Definition-Antenna-Reception/dp/B0007MXZB2) and it's picking up ALL stations except WFAA (CH8). According the antennaweb (ZIP 75006) I should be using a Medium Directional antenna to get CH8, however it says the same for CH27 and it comes in great. Here (http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=32%2E972402&longitude=%2D96%2E864028&magnetic_north=%2D13%2E25&range=45&sort=channel&show_expired=True&show_construction=True&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations) is my data from 2150.com, and reading it I was wondering why i would need a outdoor medium directional antenna to get a station that's located in the same vicinity as all the other towers??

Nevermind.. I see that WFAA is the only station to broadcast on VHF.. DAMMIT!! guess I need to get a different antenna..

Nevermind.. I see that WFAA is the only station to broadcast on VHF.. DAMMIT!! guess I need to get a different antenna..

The HDTVa includes a set of rabbit ears. You need these to pick up VHF channels. Lay them out horizontally and extend them to a length of about 78" end-to-end and your VHF reception will improve tremendously.

Best regards,
Andy

The HDTVa includes a set of rabbit ears. You need these to pick up VHF channels. Lay them out horizontally and extend them to a length of about 78" end-to-end and your VHF reception will improve tremendously.

Best regards,
Andy

Tried that, and still no luck.. I'm pretty far from the towers (27mi.), so my VHF reception isn't that great. I ordered the Wineguard 7697P (http://www.solidsignal.tv/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7697P) today, and plan on mounting it up in the attic.. Hopefully this should fix my problem..

I'm in 75204 and my Directv service suddenly died this evening. All was OK this afternoon. Every channel perfect. Tonight nothing! No satellite strength. Zero!

Any suggestions?

You won't have to worry much about VS HD for this series since most of the games will be in HD on 27 and FSN.

Here's the remaining schedule from the Stars website.

2 Sunday, April 27 Dallas at San Jose 8:00 pm kdfi My27 (HD)
3 Tuesday, April 29 San Jose at Dallas 6:30 pm kdfi My27 (HD)
4 Wednesday, April 30 San Jose at Dallas 8:00 pm FSN (HD)
5* Friday, May 2 Dallas at San Jose 9:00 pm Versus HD^
6* Sunday, May 4 San Jose at Dallas 8:00 pm FSN (HD)
7* Tuesday, May 6 Dallas at San Jose 9:00 pm TBD



OK so tomorrow is Game 4 of the playoffs and unless TW pulls one off tomorrow I will not get to see it in HD... has anyone heard any word about the channel additions in any other north texas markets.... :eek:

I'm in 75204 and my Directv service suddenly died this evening. All was OK this afternoon. Every channel perfect. Tonight nothing! No satellite strength. Zero!

Any suggestions?

With the high winds maybe the antenna moved. You didn't say if you are a 3 or 5LNB ant. Is there a multiswitch external of the antenna for more than one set. Unplug the receiver from the wall and let it get a hard reboot just incase.
JStigler

With the high winds maybe the antenna moved. You didn't say if you are a 3 or 5LNB ant. Is there a multiswitch external of the antenna for more than one set. Unplug the receiver from the wall and let it get a hard reboot just incase.
JStigler

Wouldn't you know it. I tried again in the AM, nothing again, but when I tried in the afternoon, hard reboot, then everything perfect....!!!???? I have a 5 LNB. I have no idea.

Did anyone notice that 8-2 is now widescreen? The stuff they are showing is pretty boring, but at least they've moved into the 21st century.

Now if they could drop 8-3 and switch 8-1 to 720p.

Xesdeeni

Just wondering if anybody has any insider information on the TW HD channel additions.... Back on April the 2nd here in Frisco I was able to get Discovery HD (not HD theatre) on my sons TV but it quickly disappeared. My point is that the channel as well as bandwidth was available for the new channels what is the hold up. I plan on calling them tommorrow and possibly one of the D's shortly thereafter.

1 Thu. May 8 at Detroit 6:30 p.m. Versus
2 Sat. May 10 at Detroit 6 p.m. Versus
3 Mon. May 12 DALLAS 7 p.m. Versus
4 Wed. May 14 DALLAS 7 p.m. Versus
x-5 Sat. May 17 at Detroit 12:30 p.m. NBC (Ch. 5)
x-6 Mon. May 19 DALLAS 7 p.m. Versus
x-7 Wed. May 21 at Detroit 6:30 p.m. Versus

Did anyone notice that 8-2 is now widescreen? The stuff they are showing is pretty boring, but at least they've moved into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, it also looks distorted, like they're still framing 4:3 video on 8-2, and are simply expanding it to fill the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Unfortunately, it also looks distorted, like they're still framing 4:3 video on 8-2, and are simply expanding it to fill the 16:9 aspect ratio.Hey, it's a start. Now that they've stretched it out, they can fill it properly. They could put the radar on 8-3 into the corner and kill 8-3 altogether.

Oh, am I the only one who noticed how enamored WFAA is with the outside camera shot? When bad weather hits, they keep showing their camera view.

Hey WFAA:

- First, you are shooting NIGHTTIME. We can't see anything.

- Second, why do the several million people who DON'T live in downtown Dallas care about what you see out your window?

- Third, leave the RADAR on the screen so we can see what's about to hit US!

Xesdeeni

Wouldn't you know it. I tried again in the AM, nothing again, but when I tried in the afternoon, hard reboot, then everything perfect....!!!???? I have a 5 LNB. I have no idea.

You may have a grounding problem (static charge build up) check to see if your grounding wire is properly connected.

Did anyone notice that 8-2 is now widescreen? The stuff they are showing is pretty boring, but at least they've moved into the 21st century.

Now if they could drop 8-3 and switch 8-1 to 720p.

Xesdeeni

There is not enough bandwidth for one station to broadcast more than one (I think one but maybe two) HD signal on one channel set. Thats why you see all the stations that have subchannels broadcast them in SD.

PS...I agree about 24-7 radar.

Is anyone in DFW watching the Stars/Red Wings game in HD on Time Warner?

The Stars website says Versus HD is on channel 786, but that channel does not exist for me. (785 is ESPN2 HD and 790 is MOJO HD)

I'm in 75034 (Frisco). I called Time Warner and they said I should have it and the problem is widespread.

Is anyone in DFW watching the Stars/Red Wings game in HD on Time Warner?

The Stars website says Versus HD is on channel 786, but that channel does not exist for me. (785 is ESPN2 HD and 790 is MOJO HD)

I'm in 75034 (Frisco). I called Time Warner and they said I should have it and the problem is widespread.

I'm not sure why they told you that...Frisco doesn't have Versus HD, yet. Unless my swapping e-mails with the President of TWC in this area had some effect, anyway. I all but begged him to find a way to put Versus HD out in every DFW market for the playoffs, but he said that it probably wouldn't happen. Unless he had a change of heart and/or capability, I think they just told you wrong. I went over to a friend's house to watch it in HD on DISH...

Randy

I did the same, called and was transferred 4 times talking to each about not getting vs. in frisco but someone in Plano 5 minutes south of me is paying the same that I am and gets vs in hd. No worries though Dish network will be installed tomorrow afternoon.

Hey, it's a start. Now that they've stretched it out, they can fill it properly. They could put the radar on 8-3 into the corner and kill 8-3 altogether.
i

Oh I love the daytime feed on 8-3. Why on earth do we need shots of DFW airport with air-control audio? I call it the terrorist friendly channel.

I'm not sure why they told you that...Frisco doesn't have Versus HD, yet. Unless my swapping e-mails with the President of TWC in this area had some effect, anyway. I all but begged him to find a way to put Versus HD out in every DFW market for the playoffs, but he said that it probably wouldn't happen. Unless he had a change of heart and/or capability, I think they just told you wrong. I went over to a friend's house to watch it in HD on DISH...

Randy

I figured I was getting jerked around. I kept asking them if I was supposed to have it and they kept saying yes, it was just a technilcal problem in my area they were working on. At first they tried to convince me it was my HD box, but they I said all three of my HD boxes don't have the channel. That's when they said it was a widespread issue. I guess they didn't lie because they may indeed be working on getting Versus HD for Frisco in the next year or two. :)

I am definitely watching tonight's game in HD, which now means I must leave my house. I guess I could always go down to the AAC plaza where Versus is sponsoring a watch party where the game will be on the giant screens in HD. :)

Thanks for the info.

I figured I was getting jerked around.

Try Dish.

Hi all,

I have a set of $10 rabbit ears up in the attic and some coax running down through the wall to the TV/HTPC area. I'm in east Fort Worth, almost in Arlington (Handley area). I have a Sony 34XBR970 (CRT) and it has no trouble picking up any local HD channel with this setup. It shows a full signal for WFAA in the diagnostics.

Whatever I do, though, I cannot get my computer to find WFAA. I have a little KWorld USB stick TV tuner and a Dell E521 with Vista Home Premium SP1. It finds all the channels except WFAA. I read above about WFAA being the only channel to broadcast on VHF and edited the guide XML file but still no dice.

This is somewhat important to me because my cable company, Charter, is in a feud with Belo/ABC and we don't get the HD feed of ABC here in Fort Worth.

Thanks.

Moving to Dallas in a couple weeks. What is everyone's thoughts on Time Warner Cable? I've had nothing but good luck with Comcast/Time Warner in Houston. They had a great channel lineup and service. What HD DVR box does Time Warner use in this market. I really like the SA 8300HD DVR that they Houston market uses. Also, where are the HD antennas located? Would like to have a good signal for my HT PC. Thanks.

Moving to Dallas in a couple weeks. What is everyone's thoughts on Time Warner Cable? I've had nothing but good luck with Comcast/Time Warner in Houston. They had a great channel lineup and service. What HD DVR box does Time Warner use in this market. I really like the SA 8300HD DVR that they Houston market uses. Also, where are the HD antennas located? Would like to have a good signal for my HT PC. Thanks.
We've generally been pleased with Time Warner Cable. They just began offering phone service here a month or two ago and we've switched to that a couple of weeks ago. Phone service has been fine, but their were some errors on the initial bill after the phone service was added.

The DVR they use is the Motorola 6416. That is the same as the 6412 but has a larger harddrive.

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

Antenna's are mostly in Cedar Hill, southwest of Dallas.

We've generally been pleased with Time Warner Cable. They just began offering phone service here a month or two ago and we've switched to that a couple of weeks ago. Phone service has been fine, but their were some errors on the initial bill after the phone service was added.

The DVR they use is the Motorola 6416. That is the same as the 6412 but has a larger harddrive.

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/customer_docs/user_guides/512659-001-a.pdf
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/downloads/URMD2.pdf
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

Antenna's are mostly in Cedar Hill, southwest of Dallas.

Thanks for the info. Doesn't look like the Moto 6416 has HDMI.

Anyone have a clue when KDFW will go HD??
Last in MTS stereo, Last in HDTV.

Thanks for the info. Doesn't look like the Moto 6416 has HDMI.
Yes, it does - and that is what I use. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Connections#DCT-64xx_Phase_III

You TWC guys are sure missing a lot!

http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108854-5.html



Biography HD
Bravo HD
Cartoon Network HD
CNBC HD
CNN HD
Cinemax HD (west)
Cinemax 5 Star HD
Smithsonian Channel HD
SciFi Channel HD
FSN Southwest HD
MGM HD
NBA TV HD
NFL Network HD
Animania HD
Equator HD
Family Room HD
Film Fest HD
HDNews
Kung Fu HD
Monsters HD
All that and analog SD...You guys must be TWC stock holders.

You TWC guys are sure missing a lot!

http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108854-5.html



Biography HD
Bravo HD
Cartoon Network HD
CNBC HD
CNN HD
Cinemax HD (west)
Cinemax 5 Star HD
Smithsonian Channel HD
SciFi Channel HD
FSN Southwest HD
MGM HD
NBA TV HD
NFL Network HD
Animania HD
Equator HD
Family Room HD
Film Fest HD
HDNews
Kung Fu HD
Monsters HD
All that and analog SD...You guys must be TWC stock holders.

I wouldn't watch any of those, especially since they'll be showing the Rangers on FSH SW HD instead of the Astros. So I'm not missing anything. ;)

Antenna's are mostly in Cedar Hill, southwest of Dallas.

Well then, I guess I don't have a prayer getting a signal from my indoor antenna in Addison.

Well then, I guess I don't have a prayer getting a signal from my indoor antenna in Addison.

I used to get half-way decent DTV reception from an attic antenna in Addison.

I put a regular outdoor antenna in my attic with a preamp and it works great. I'm in far north dallas about 7 miles north and east on the line of site through addison to cedar hill so you should be OK. channel 8 will be the most difficult. My understanding is all channels will be better next Feb when they drop the analog and boost the xmit power on the digital (and move back to VHF). Please no flames on th xmit power stuff, not sure and happy to be educated here. Anyway, the VHF frequencies do better in penetrating moisture, vegetation, ... than do the UHF so if trees are your issue :).

http://people.clarkson.edu/~collinme/wireless/uhfvhf.html

Hope this helps and please, if there are corrections, educate ;)

I wouldn't watch any of those, especially since they'll be showing the Rangers on FSH SW HD instead of the Astros. So I'm not missing anything. ;)

I missed something...do they show the Stros on TWC in Dallas? On which network?:eek:
In case you didn't notice, here is the titile of this thread: Dallas, TX - HDTV

I missed something...do they show the Stros on TWC in Dallas? On which network?:eek:
In case you didn't notice, here is the titile of this thread: Dallas, TX - HDTV

They don't show the Stros. I know what the thread title is. Doesn't mean I can't be an Astros fan. :)

Well then, I guess I don't have a prayer getting a signal from my indoor antenna in Addison.

Not necessarily. I'm getting good results from an indoor antenna on all locals except WFAA-DT in Plano. It depends on which way your windows face, whether you're on the first or second story (or higher) of your building, the quality of the tuner you're using, and the construction of the building you're in.

For anyone using either AverMedia M780 or HDHomeRun to get ClearQAM HD from TWC, did you lose all of your HD & DT channels yesterday? I'm running Vista Media Center and have the Avermedia tuners with the ClearQAM drivers and setup tool. All was working well for about 2 months. Then last night I got to check and I can't get any of the clear QAM channels. NTSC channels are okay. I did a rescan and the ClearQAM tool picks up some channels but no display or audio for any of them. I'm trying to figure out if this is a signal source problem or hardware/software interaction problem. If anybody has any info, please pass along.

Thx

For anyone using either AverMedia M780 or HDHomeRun to get ClearQAM HD from TWC, did you lose all of your HD & DT channels yesterday? I'm running Vista Media Center and have the Avermedia tuners with the ClearQAM drivers and setup tool. All was working well for about 2 months. Then last night I got to check and I can't get any of the clear QAM channels. NTSC channels are okay. I did a rescan and the ClearQAM tool picks up some channels but no display or audio for any of them. I'm trying to figure out if this is a signal source problem or hardware/software interaction problem. If anybody has any info, please pass along.

Thx

TWC changed the channel digital channel mapping a couple days ago.

My HD Homerun reported the following streams. The channel names are what I could determine was on the channel at the time. Looks like all the channels present before are still present now, with the addition of a digital stream of wgn.

100-4 metro sports
100-11 jewelry television
100-13 ewtn spanish
101-1 fox sd
101-2 nbc sd
101-3 kdfi-sd
101-4 abc sd
101-5 cw sd
101-6 telemundo
101-7 cbs sd
101-8 txa sd
101-9 kera sd
101-10 cspan 3
102-1 daystar
102-2 52 kfwd
102-3 church(?)
102-4 ?
102-5 spanish ?
102-6 spanish ?
102-7 univision
102-8 ktaq
102-9 ion
102-10 spanish ?
104-1 cbs hd
104-2 txa hd
105-1 kera hd
105-2 wfaa hd
105-3 cw hd
107-1 fox hd
107-2 kxas hd
107-3 wfaa-2 sd
107-4 kxas-2 sd
110-2 kdfi-hd
113-1 jewelry tv sd
113-2 wgn
113-3 cspan-2
113-4 txcn
113-5 disney
113-8 qvc
113-9 cspan
113-11 hsn

Thanx ender for the info, I actually got a confirmation from a guy over at the Green Button as well, he said he saw the same outage using the Avermedia card. He remapped last night and got the channels back. I just decided to switch back over to OTA antenna and wait out Microsoft on supporting the clear QAM channels natively in Media Center. I just don't think I'm going to be able to stomache cable companies changing channel assignments every few weeks. Especially considering the disdain that have for cable companies to begin with. I'll just stick with OTA until the dust settles on cable.

Thx again

FYI, you can get the QAM mappings from SiliconDust (the maker of the HD HomerRun).

I will post the link when I reach the magic post count

One more....

Change the below link to match your zip code.

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineupui?Cmd=LocationProgramsWeb&Country=US&Postcode=75082

From NHL.com

Stars-Wings NBC contingency plan for May 17th

May 16, 2008, 2:12 PM EDT

NEW YORK - The contingency plan for Saturday's 1:30 p.m. ET DAL@DET NBC broadcast is as follows:

If the game goes into overtime, the local Dallas and Detroit NBC affiliates will stay with the game until it's conclusion

In markets outside Dallas and Detroit, the game will shift from NBC to VERSUS after completion of the 1st OT

There are some markets that may pre-empt the game but at this time we don't know the alternative channel plans.

FYI, you can get the QAM mappings from SiliconDust (the maker of the HD HomerRun).

Which are usually wrong, precisely due to the problem noted above; cableco's often change QAM locations.

If so, will Versus be blacked out in Dallas and Detroit?

Hi,

I am new to HD and don't know what I am doing. :-) I am in E Dallas (75214) and am trying to set up on-air reception for HDTV. I can get everything near perfectly with nothing but rabbit ears. Everything EXCEPT Fox 4! I've have yet to get the slightest peep out of it. Antenna in the attic, still nothing.

Anyone have any advise to share? My understanding was that all the broadcast towers were pretty close together. If this is the case, how can this situation occur? Is there something different about Fox? Am I doing something stupid? I am really getting frustrated!

Thanks,
Chris

Hi,

I am new to HD and don't know what I am doing. :-) I am in E Dallas (75214) and am trying to set up on-air reception for HDTV. I can get everything near perfectly with nothing but rabbit ears. Everything EXCEPT Fox 4! I've have yet to get the slightest peep out of it. Antenna in the attic, still nothing.

Anyone have any advise to share? My understanding was that all the broadcast towers were pretty close together. If this is the case, how can this situation occur? Is there something different about Fox? Am I doing something stupid? I am really getting frustrated!

Thanks,
Chris

try 35-3 it is not mapped right to 4-1

I'm new to the Dallas/Addison area and for the life of me can't get reception on any OTA HD channels using my ATI HDTV Wonder, Zenith Silver Sensor, and WatchHDTV. I think my channels are setup wrong in WatchHDTV. Can someone please post a list of HD channels including channel, sub channel, and rf channel available in this area? Thank you kindly.

The easiest way is to go to Titantv.com and enter your zip code. It will show you all local channels with the digital channels in parenthesis.

I'm new to the Dallas/Addison area and for the life of me can't get reception on any OTA HD channels using my ATI HDTV Wonder, Zenith Silver Sensor, and WatchHDTV. I think my channels are setup wrong in WatchHDTV. Can someone please post a list of HD channels including channel, sub channel, and rf channel available in this area? Thank you kindly.

Here's my site, hopefully it helps you out.

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=5

- Trip

The easiest way is to go to Titantv.com and enter your zip code. It will show you all local channels with the digital channels in parenthesis.

You can get a more compact listing at www.antennaweb.org. Same data, just a simpler layout.

try 35-3 it is not mapped right to 4-1

It works on 4-1 here. Heck I can even get 8-1 on rabbit ears if I hold it just right...:)

Hi,

I am new to HD and don't know what I am doing. :-) I am in E Dallas (75214) and am trying to set up on-air reception for HDTV. I can get everything near perfectly with nothing but rabbit ears. Everything EXCEPT Fox 4! I've have yet to get the slightest peep out of it. Antenna in the attic, still nothing.

Anyone have any advise to share? My understanding was that all the broadcast towers were pretty close together. If this is the case, how can this situation occur? Is there something different about Fox? Am I doing something stupid? I am really getting frustrated!

Thanks,
Chris

I thought I'd give a quick update - problem solved. A few things were going on.

#1 Signal strength. I made one of those goofy looking coathanger/aluminum foil antennas from youtube, and ch 4 worked fine. (I think if I were doing it again, I would make it bigger than 7" wings though.) I just hung it in the attic, pointed toward the stations. At ground level, the "spot" does seem to make a big difference. Either it isn't as big a deal in the attic or I just got lucky, but my first try worked great up there.

#2 Next, problem became ABC-8; VHF wouldn't come in on my homemade antenna. But this wasn't too hard. I had a wire in the attic that I used to use for FM, and I just put a splitter on my antenna feed (two sources into tuner) and all was well.

#3 Another thing I learned... my tuner in a little picky on the redirects. It would only save them correctly if it found them scanning, then set itself up for the redirect. But not a big deal.

Thanks for the help!

Chris

It works on 4-1 here. Heck I can even get 8-1 on rabbit ears if I hold it just right...:)

Some TVs auto map down.

6/12/2008

Just an FYI... around noon today, I tried getting Ch. 11.1 HD here in the Dallas area, and my TV skipped right by it. I confirmed the off-air condition with someone else, and then called Channel 11. At first, they told me there was no problem. I rescanned my HDTV, and found them on Ch. 19.1! I called KTVT back and informed them, and this time they were aware of the problem and said they were updating some software, and the part of it that tells our TV's where to find them messed up.

They're working on it as of 1:30pm today, but if you can't miss the soaps, either rescan or manually tune 19.1 and you'll find them there.

I live in Dallas (off of Garland Road) - will I have any luck going picking up local HD channels if I go to target and buy a HD ant.?

I am hoping to get rid of my cable bill, but don't want to be with out tv.

You think I'll have any luck? (I basically live on White Rock lake if that helps.)

there's no such thing as a HD antenna. Any reg TV antenna will do HD.

Why do some say "HD" ant?

Also there are MANY ant. at the stores. What is the diff. from all the ones? can you suggest one?

Why do some say "HD" ant?Marketing.

Also there are MANY ant. at the stores. What is the diff. from all the ones? can you suggest one?http://antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

Why do some say "HD" ant?

Also there are MANY ant. at the stores. What is the diff. from all the ones? can you suggest one?

If you're looking for an indoor antenna, check out the Zenith Silver Sensor or the Terk HDTVi. The latter is likely to be the better choice, though, because it works for both UHF and VHF (whereas the Zenith is UHF-only) and we do have one digital TV station on a VHF channel now (with a couple of others switching to VHF next year).

I built the DIY UHF antenna (8 bay)with spare parts in the garage,placed it on my patio and can view 33 digital transmissions less channel 8 of course.

I'm in the southern most part of Collin county in Richardson,boo koo thick tree line to my immediate south.

hey all! just moved to dallas from upstate NY. I was wondering what the best service here was for internet/TV? I'm looking for an HD package - sports options are a plus (huge red sox and patriots fan). I've dealt with time warner in the past, and would prefer to avoid them if possible. I'm also open to satellite. Any thoughts? Thanks!!

Why do some say "HD" ant?



Why does sound equipment say "Digital". Your not going to listen to computer language.

P.S. You do want to get both UHF and VHF reception on your new "HD" antenna.

i say twc dallas is better than twc upstate ny

tivo's get all channels except ppv ,ondemand

:Dyou even get hbo/cinemax suite west on tivo

no sdv in dallas no plans as of yet

twc is upgrading all of north texas to 860mhz systems

you get all local networks in hd

qam tuners
get locals

plus some extras

we use the i-guide on motorola cable boxes

to go all digital in 2009 no sdv period:D

digital simulcasting on all channels/tivo

Wondering if anyone here has TV Guide On Screen (TVGOS) working properly on OTA ONLY (NO Cable) in the Dallas area? I bought a new Sony TV a month ago and it has TVGOS built in. During setup, it asks zip code (I am in 75234 NW Dallas) , and later asks for specific area "Dallas Broadcast". But it is still confused after letting it set up for a couple of days. Station ID and program info for stations in Amarillo, San Antonio, Texoma appear in error on 4, 5, 11, usually, and on 8 once in a while. Examples: on KXAS 5.1 it says KENS which is in San Antonio. On KDFW 4.1 it says KAMR which is in Amarillo! The program info is wrong on those too. I did a full reset a few days ago and let it start from scratch. Still screwed up.The TVG also doesn't "map" in KDFW Ch 4.2 at all for the SD radar KDFW runs there. I enter it in manually and it's crystal clear. Very odd. Any ideas?

I get very good reception for the most part with my rooftop antenna pointed at Cedar Hill. Biggest problem I have is with KERA digital 13.1 (actual UHF 14). 13 analog comes in with near digital quality. 13.1 digital comes in OK about 1/2 of the time, rest of the time constantly drops out and back in.

Wondering if anyone here has TV Guide On Screen (TVGOS) working properly on OTA ONLY (NO Cable)

I do and it works OK most of the time. I've had it reset itself a few times and I've had to manually reset it a few times but generally it's OK. My TV does have both NTSC & ATSC tuners and so at present it's pulling in the TVGOS via analog (NTSC 13).

With the last reset it did map non-local stations in addition to the local ones but all the locals were present. I'm nervous/hopeful that when NTSC stops that it'll track to the ATSC TVGOS without an issue.

Did you do the reset via the internal TVGOS reset code? Have you tried just using a different local zip code? That'll do some kind of reset as well.

M

I'm nervous/hopeful that when NTSC stops that it'll track to the ATSC TVGOS without an issue.

Did you do the reset via the internal TVGOS reset code? Have you tried just using a different local zip code? That'll do some kind of reset as well.

M

I figure (hopefully) they have the changeover covered for next year since Sony just started incorporating TVGOS in their sets.

As far as the reset, I called Sony because I couldn't find how to do that in the O/M, and that's because there isn't a way to just reset the TVGOS without a full reset of the whole TV, so I was told anyway. So that's what I did- wiped out all my picture and audio settings for the different inputs and TVG appeared cleaned out as well with all -- for the zip code. Is there a way to just reset or clear the TVGOS? I also tried 75201 Downtown Dallas zip code - no difference.

A quick followup.. this morning I have KLST info displayed for my local WFAA Ch8. Last night it was displaying correct Ch8 info. This is the first time I've seen KLST info on Ch8. KLST is in San Angelo, about 275 miles from here! This TVGOS is really wacky.

A quick followup.. this morning I have KLST info displayed for my local WFAA Ch8. Last night it was displaying correct Ch8 info. This is the first time I've seen KLST info on Ch8. KLST is in San Angelo, about 275 miles from here! This TVGOS is really wacky.

My guess is if you don't use the TVGOS with OTA reception and do a rescan. Let the OTA local PSIP info populate your guide. You should get 4.1, 4.2, 5.1,5.2, 8.1,8.2,8.3 etc and the banner will have the pgm title and the discription with details. I am not sure whow in this area is sending the TVGOS for digital.

I have seen the TVGOS on Std Def sets and I just turn it off.
JStigler

My guess is if you don't use the TVGOS with OTA reception and do a rescan. Let the OTA local PSIP info populate your guide. You should get 4.1, 4.2, 5.1,5.2, 8.1,8.2,8.3 etc and the banner will have the pgm title and the discription with details. I am not sure whow in this area is sending the TVGOS for digital.

I have seen the TVGOS on Std Def sets and I just turn it off.
JStigler

Yep I would turn it off if it didn't require a complete reset of the whole TV. Sony didn't provide a way to reset just the TVGOS. So, when/if I do a reset, when it asks to set up the TVG I will click "Not At This Time" and "Don't Ask Again", which is the only way I see to turn it off.

Darned thing's more of a curiosity now, whether it will straighten itself out. Today Ch 8 displays OK with proper ID etc, but 4 analog shows the correct Fox logo, 4.1 shows NBC logo, 4.2 shows "My TV" logo, and a few other odd things going on like that.

I figure (hopefully) they have the changeover covered for next year since Sony just started incorporating TVGOS in their sets.

My worry is more around my specific TV's implementation. It's 2 years old.

As far as the reset, I called Sony because I couldn't find how to do that in the O/M, and that's because there isn't a way to just reset the TVGOS without a full reset of the whole TV, so I was told anyway. So that's what I did- wiped out all my picture and audio settings for the different inputs and TVG appeared cleaned out as well with all -- for the zip code. Is there a way to just reset or clear the TVGOS? I also tried 75201 Downtown Dallas zip code - no difference.

TVGOS/GEMSTAR has it's own built in control codes that have to be entered in just the right place (some have reported that the TVGOS preview window has to be 'locked' for the following work).
1. Enter TVGOS
2. Navigate to the service bar at the top of the screen.
3. Navigate to SETUP.
4. Highlight 'Change system settings' but do not select/click to open it.
5. Enter the control code.
The 3 reset codes that I have are:
147412356 Warm reset
653274147 System Reset
653214741 Cold Reset
I don't think any of these reset the TV's video/audio settings but I could be mistaken. There are many other codes but I don't know how risky they are at making very expensive brick out of the TV so I'll not provide them.

M

The 3 reset codes that I have...
M

What's the difference between warm, system and cold reset?

THANKS for the info!

What's the difference between warm, system and cold reset?

Cold is the most extensive. A factory reset if you will. I'd only be speculating on the differences between the other 2. Search these forums for the numbers and you'll get better information than my speculations/conclusions. ;)

M

Thanks FWMike I didn't know if maybe TVGOS had different meanings I did do a search and found "system" and "warm" reset usually mean the same, then there's "cold". I will let you know what happens when I do it. Right now I am going to let it just do it's thing to see what happens. This morning, it's scrambled itself up yet again! Yesterday on Ch4.1, it had KDFW correct, but today it says KAMR (in Amarillo).

Thanks FWMike I didn't know if maybe TVGOS had different meanings I did do a search and found "system" and "warm" reset usually mean the same, then there's "cold". I will let you know what happens when I do it. Right now I am going to let it just do it's thing to see what happens. This morning, it's scrambled itself up yet again! Yesterday on Ch4.1, it had KDFW correct, but today it says KAMR (in Amarillo).

If it still does that after a cold reset then it would not seem to be purely a unique 'bad data stream' driven bug, I'd say you have a buggy version of the TVGOS software and if it's still under warranty, see if Sony will do anything to update/fix it.

M

Oops... almost! I just tried the Cold Reset code, and it definitely did something, TV Guide disappeared, and I could not change channels or volume, or operate several other remote functions like getting into any of the TV menus! So don't try that on a Sony TV! I got everything back by doing a factory reset as per the manual and this time I skipped the TVGOS setup. Maybe I will try TVG again some day. Too bad too, I liked it when it worked right.

I got the $397 Labor day sale @ Fry's for the 32" Emprex. I connected my attic antenna, scanned in the chs & it just worked. I didn't know what the EPG button was for several days. Read about it & it worked on the digital chs. Just for the ch U're on. I don't think I entered a zipcode.

I'm guessing GOS shows all the chs in one's zipcode. Is that correct?

I got the $397 Labor day sale @ Fry's for the 32" Emprex....I'm guessing GOS shows all the chs in one's zipcode. Is that correct?


Yep the TV Guide On Screen thing is much more robust with information, unfortunately it is troublesome too.

Looks like this :

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p72/tblazed/sonytvguide.jpg

I'm guessing GOS shows all the chs in one's zipcode. Is that correct?

... and for up to 7 days out. It also can be used with various external recording devices so that you can setup timed recordings of shows. There is a web site for TVGOS (http://tvgos.com/) which includes an interactive demo, if memory serves. There are also numerous threads in the AVSForums that touch on it as well. It's one of those love/hate things. You love it when it works and you really hate it when it doesn't ('cause it missed recording your favorite show...).:rolleyes:

M

Wow, I've been reading the tvgos info. Hurts one's head!

My tv wasn't on the list & I've never noticed a GOS menu item or button so I guess I won't be able to use it.

Does anyone here local have a sense for how accurate the time of day codes within the various local station's PSIP time data is kept?

M

Question about Verizon FIOS in North Dallas and what you can get for free with your QAM tuner.

Somebody posted a year ago that they only get 3 of the smaller channels. Does anyone know what they offer currently or if it's change? TIA

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10754391#post10754391

I recently used the coupon to get an RCA converter box from Walmart and I've purchased an RCA antenna from Best Buy, VHF and UHF, to try to get all the locals. I'm on my fourth different antenna as of tonight when I return the current one and upgrade again. Does anyone have a recommendation for an antenna I can use in an apartment (or at the very most on my balcony) from West Plano. I'm on the north side of my building, with at least 5 apartments between me and the towers in Cedar Hill. I have windows west in my living room and north and west in my bedroom. I seem to get most channels off and on, with consistent results on 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 13.1, all at about 25-30% signal strength which for me means interruptions that are few and far between. (I get a lot of other channels with signal strength of 20-25% that come in either all the time or part of the time). I also gte KXII from my old town of Sherman, but that is only in the bedroom. I really want to get channel 8, but can't seem to pull it in no matter what I try. The best I've gotten is with an RCA combo VHF UHF rabbit ears/loop with 10dB amplification. An RCA VHF/UHF rabbit ears with a monolith VHF and 55dB of amplification really got me a whole lot less than I get now. I guess too much amplification.

I need help. Any and all suggestions for antennas, placement and set up are welcome. Thanks in advance.

I'm on the north side of my building, with at least 5 apartments between me and the towers in Cedar Hill. I have windows west in my living room and north and west in my bedroom. Do they have any vacant apartments you could move to that the balcony faces South?

Seriously, sounds like you've tried pretty much everything other than putting an antenna on the roof so you can have more of a clear shot. As you found, no amplifer can make up for no signal, and sometimes the amp will overload from other stronger signals while trying to pull out the weak one. Ch8.1 DT broadcasts on a different band Hi-VHF than the other channels you are able to get for now that are on UHF, but that will change next year when 52.1 moves to 9 now occupied by 8.1, 8.1 moves from 9 to 8, and 11.1 DT moves from 19 to 11. Then we wil have 3 stations on VHF with all the others on UHF. Can you get Ch8 analog at all? If you can you should be able to get 8.1 since it's next to it on Ch9. What a pain having to deal with the different reception characteristics of VHF vs UHF.

In my case I get 8.1 DT the strongest ("98" on my Sony TV) with my roof antenna, with 13.1 DT that's actually 260 mHz higher on UHF Ch14 unwatchable sometimes from the constant dropouts. Frustrating especially since I get 13 analog perfect.

I actually get ABC best analog, and it's one of my worst digital signals. And NBC and FOX, which I can barely watch analog, are my best digital signals.

I'll try to tune to the "real" signal for ABC tonight; I'm not sure if my converter box will allow me to, though.

Is there an indoor/outdoor antenna (or just outdoor if it's not too bulky) that I could try on my balcony, that comes with a (even minor) recommendation?

I actually get ABC best analog, and it's one of my worst digital signals. And NBC and FOX, which I can barely watch analog, are my best digital signals.

I'll try to tune to the "real" signal for ABC tonight; I'm not sure if my converter box will allow me to, though.

Is there an indoor/outdoor antenna (or just outdoor if it's not too bulky) that I could try on my balcony, that comes with a (even minor) recommendation?

That's odd. You may need to connect direct to the TV and tune in analog Ch8 if your DTV box is like the ones I've seen that only tune DTV and don't pass through the ant signal when off.

5 and 4 analog being on low VHF I can understand why you have problems especially with a compact antenna the lower frequencies need a bigger antenna size. Ch5 digital is on UHF 41, and Ch4 digital is on UHF 35.

AS far as a compact antenna you could use on your balcony, I bought a Channel Master "Stealthtenna" 3010 with the 3038 amplifier at Fry's a couple of months ago just to try it, figuring I could take it back if it didn't work. I was very surprised! It works as well or better than my big Winegard conventional antenna. I have both up on the roof about 40 ft apart. Don't even bother without the optional amplifier though. Fry's had a package deal with both antenna and amplifier for $50 when I bought mine. This thing gets pretty good reviews too. BTW the "Stealth" doesn't mean it is hard to see.. it is more to do do with the shape of the thing like a B2 Stealth bomber!

I live in far North Dallas between the tollway and the turnpike. Using rabbit ears, I get the following stations consistently (with stunning, vivid picture):

DAYSTAR (2-1)
FOX (4-1)
FOX Weather (4-2)
NBC (5-1)
NBC Weather Plus (5-2)
ABC (8-1)
ABC NEWS NOW (8-2)
CBS (11-1)
KERA (13-1)
TX-21 (21-1)
KDFW (52-1)
ION (68-1)
QUBO (68-2)
ION LIFE (68-3)
THE WORSHIP CHANNEL (68-4)

I get UNIVISION, TELEMUNDO and the CW (which to my understanding is analog) good on some days and not at all on others.

I live in far North Dallas....Using rabbit ears, I get the following stations...



I don't see KDFI 27.1, KDAF 33.1 and KDTX 58.1 in your list, can you not get those at all?

I do get KDFI (and very well).

As for KDAF, I can only get the analog signal. I don't pick up anything digital (at least my TV tells me the signal is analog, and the picture quality certainly looks analog). But I thought I read that the local CW affiliate wasn't going to go digital before 2/09.

I don't remember whether I get KDTX or not. I also get the TBN station (don't remember the call letters) and KTAQ too.

I do get KDFI (and very well).

As for KDAF, I can only get the analog signal. I don't pick up anything digital (at least my TV tells me the signal is analog, and the picture quality certainly looks analog). But I thought I read that the local CW affiliate wasn't going to go digital before 2/09.

I don't remember whether I get KDTX or not. I also get the TBN station (don't remember the call letters) and KTAQ too.

33.1 CW is definitely on and has been. Maybe they aren't going "HD" until 2-09? There was a pretty good music video channel on "The Tube" on 33.2 until about October last year when "The Tube" went away.

33.1 CW is definitely on and has been. Maybe they aren't going "HD" until 2-09? There was a pretty good music video channel on "The Tube" on 33.2 until about October last year when "The Tube" went away.

Ch33.1 does run some HD programs in the evening.
Ch58 has 5 SD streams and no HD
Ch68 has 4 SD streams and no HD
JStigler

Well I'm definitely not getting Ch 33.1 (digital). I must say that I'm really impressed by what I've been able to pick up using these old rabbit ears that were collecting dust in a box in a closet. Maybe if I bought a new, cheap-o set of rabbit ears with minor amplification, I could pick up more stations.

I installed a converter on my TV in my upstairs office at my home in Plano.
It's really just a toy for me. :-) I have a simple set of rabbit ears/loop UHF antenna. I get everything except channel 8. However, tonight after the rain I am getting KXII out of Sherman/Denison. It's only at about 10% but it looks great. It's interesting to see the two extra sub-channels too. I still don't get channel 8.

I installed a converter on my TV in my upstairs office at my home in Plano.
It's really just a toy for me. :-) I have a simple set of rabbit ears/loop UHF antenna. I get everything except channel 8. However, tonight after the rain I am getting KXII out of Sherman/Denison. It's only at about 10% but it looks great. It's interesting to see the two extra sub-channels too. I still don't get channel 8.

I get the KXII feed, too. Used to live on Texoma, so it's like being back at the lake for me. And honestly I think the sub-channels for KXII have the best variety of programming out of all the sub-channels I get. If you figure out a way to get channel 8 in Plano, please share. I'll do likewise.

Curious: What signal strength are you getting on your channels here in Plano? I vary from low teens to just under 50%. I can put out a full report this evening.

i live in Dallas between Carrollton and Plano and have never had an issue getting channel 8 with rinky-dink rabbit ears.

[...]Ch8.1 DT broadcasts on a different band Hi-VHF than the other channels you are able to get for now that are on UHF, but that will change next year when 52.1 moves to 9 now occupied by 8.1, 8.1 moves from 9 to 8, and 11.1 DT moves from 19 to 11. Then we wil have 3 stations on VHF with all the others on UHF. Can you get Ch8 analog at all? If you can you should be able to get 8.1 since it's next to it on Ch9. What a pain having to deal with the different reception characteristics of VHF vs UHF.


Does anyone know how the transmit power of these stations will change after February? I vaguely recall hearing that several of them are currently transmitting their digital signal on lower-power secondary transmitters, but will move the digital signal to much higher power levels after the changeover. If that's correct then it may help quite a few people who currently have marginal reception.

-- Pete

Does anyone know how the transmit power of these stations will change after February?-- Pete

You can find that info here by entering in your zip code

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29


You can select and look at current and post change, and you will see the transmit power in the chart. According to that list I theoretically should get all channels equally within a few dB signal strength, but obviously it cannot take into account something like a 20 story building to my SSW a mile away that's dead inline with some of my view towards Cedar Hill.

In my case with Ch 13.1 problems looks like it will stay as is. I will likely have to raise my antenna if I want it better.

I get the KXII feed, too. Used to live on Texoma, so it's like being back at the lake for me. And honestly I think the sub-channels for KXII have the best variety of programming out of all the sub-channels I get. If you figure out a way to get channel 8 in Plano, please share. I'll do likewise.

Curious: What signal strength are you getting on your channels here in Plano? I vary from low teens to just under 50%. I can put out a full report this evening.

I agree about KXII. I now kind of wish I had a UHF antenna pointed north so I could get it on my big HDTV downstairs in the living room. I would be real curious to see how they do both CBS and Fox programming in HD at the same time. It appears they can, I'm just not sure how good it looks.

These are the top percentages I got on each of these stations on my coverter box upstairs. I did not look at the sub-channels.

2.1 - 64
4.1 - 80
5.1 - 82
11.1 - 64
13.1 - 56
21.1 - 58
23.1 - 55
27.1 - 58
29.1 - 90
33.1 - 64
39.1 - 76
47.1 - 70
49.1 - 52
52.1 - 80
54.1 - 58
58.1 - 78
68.1 - 42

Haven't seen this posted, but in Grapevine this week they've added several new HD channels on Time Warner in the upper 700's/low 800's.

For instance, Discovery Channel HD on 756. Not SDV, as they're working on my S3 Tivo.

So far: discovery, history, natgeo, cnn, food, A&E, TBS, animal planet, golf, and some other sports one

I get the KXII feed, too. Used to live on Texoma, so it's like being back at the lake for me. And honestly I think the sub-channels for KXII have the best variety of programming out of all the sub-channels I get. If you figure out a way to get channel 8 in Plano, please share. I'll do likewise.


How is the image quality for KXII on CBS and Fox HD? Is it badly pixillated, or does it actually look decent?

Visiting the father-in-law and checking out Uverse he had installed in March.

Noticed the installer had the DVR set to output to a 4:3 set even though it's connected, via component, to a 60 inch RPCRT HD set :eek: Oh well, I fixed that.

Father-in-law doesn't pay for the HD package, but I figured he could at least get the digital locals with his U100 package. 1004 comes in, but none of the others. Uverse rep said he shouldn't be getting that channel and in fact had to pay for the HD package to get any of the digital versions of the local stations. I was told that those were "HD channels" and could only be seen by those who paid for the HD package. Is that true? Does Uverse charge extra for the local digital signals?

Thanks,

Does anyone know where I could pick up a DirecTV AT-9 or AU9-S dish in the DFW area?

it's pretty unlikely you would find one I think, I've never seen one in a store.

Location: Decatur, Texas
Box: Dish DTVPal Converter Box
Elevation: 1185 FT
Antenna: Terk TV38 Large directional antenna

2.1[43] KDTN-DT 89-90%
3.1[28] KFDX-DT 79-82%
4.1[35] KDFW-DT 88-91%
4.2[35] KDFW-DT2 88-91%
5.1[41] KXAS-DT 90-93%
5.2[41] KXAS-SD 90-93%
6.1[?] KAUZ-DT 81-86%
7.1[?] KSWO-DT 76-79%
7.2[?] KSWX-SD 76-79%
8.1[9] WFAA-DT 81-89%
8.2[9] WFAA-SD 81-89%
8.3[9] WFAA-3 81-89%
9.1[OKC comes in at night] KWTV-DT [night]70-75%
11.1[19] KTVT-DT 88-92%
13.1[14] KERA-HD 72-76%
21.1[18] KTXA-DT 90-98%
23.1[24] KUVN-DT 73-76%
27.1[36] KDFI-DT 90-97%
29.1[30] KMPX-DT 98-100%
33.1[32] KDAF-DT 95-99%
33.2[32] LATV 95-99%
39.1[40] KXTX-DT 89-96%
47.1[46] KTAQ-DT 88-99%
49.1[48] KSTR-DT 90-94%
52.1[51] KFWD-DT 81-88%
54.1[54] KLDT-DT 89-94%
58.1-58.5 KDTX-DT 95-100%
68.1-68.4 96-100%
I'm surprised that i get OKC from here! At night!

One big advantage you have in Decatur in Wise County is the elevation averages about 1100 ft above sea level. Where I am in NW Dallas my elevation in my back yard is about 550 ft! But it drops to 400-500 ft between here and Cedar Hill. My distance is about 26 miles, but I don't get KERA 13.1 DT as strong as you, about 20-30 sig strength on my Sony TV. The rest average 70-98, Ch 8.1 DT being the strongest here pegged at 98 apparently as high as it goes.

that is correct about the elevation and i have been to nw dallas also and my friend had DTV and had the same problems as your Sig strength as well.

Anyone having problems with on-air ABC8 HD Dallas lately? I am close (75214) and have done well with my attic antenna, but a week or so ago, it just dropped off the map. Can't get even a peep of signal. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Chris

well i remember during a quick passing shower everything just went out. And i live up in 76234 and if you already have it at the transmitter then there might be an elevation problem i guess?

Anyone having problems with on-air ABC8 HD Dallas lately? I am close (75214)
No problem here in NW Dallas 75229. Channel 8.1 DT is my strongest. Maybe something going on with the VHF part of your antenna?

It looks like Verizon is going to give us more Olympic coverage. Channels 879 (CNBC-HD), 884 (USA-HD), 918 (CNBC), 896 (Live Soccer) and 897 (Live Basketball) are now lit up.

I've got a Tivo Series 3 and they're not showing up on the EPG yet, but they're definitely on the screen.

Anyone having problems with on-air ABC8 HD Dallas lately? I am close (75214) and have done well with my attic antenna, but a week or so ago, it just dropped off the map. Can't get even a peep of signal. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Chris

Thanks, guys. I guess I gotta climb up in the attic and figure it out. :-(

For anyone interested, Charter cable in FW just added some new HD channels in the last couple of days. As usual, they apparently didn't inform their customers of it - they just showed up in the guide. I noticed them last night. Funny thing is that I was considering switching to Directv due to the lack of HD on Charter and talked to them on the phone Saturday. Asked the guy if any new HD channels were coming online anytime soon. He said no. :D

The added channels are A&E, TLC, Smithsonian, Animal Planet, History, AMC, Weather Channel and TBS.

Edit: They also moved some analog channels to digital. I suppose this was to free up bandwidth for the additional HD?

Thanks, guys. I guess I gotta climb up in the attic and figure it out. :-(
If the antenna is running directly to the back of your tv you might want to try unplugging the cable, run a scan for channels (obviously the tv won't detect any), plug the antenna cable back in, and run another scan. Sometimes the tv has to "unlearn" and remap the channels. Worth a try before going in the attic.

Hi All,

I've been browsing the forum and have found quite a bit of useful info. Just wondering if anyone in the Denton/Lewisville area can successfully pick up most of the digital Dallas stations. I've been trying to get the hardware below to pick up signals, but without too much success so far:

TwinhanDTV 3250 ATSC/NTSC PCI tuner card (not the best, but should work)
Philips PHDTV1 Silver Sensor (pointed at the 161 degrees recommended by antennaweb.com)
Philips 24dB UHF/VHF signal booster

I've also tried a massive, old non-directional antenna placed in my attic with a signal booster, but without any more success. I'm roughly 50 miles from the towers and can't pick up much consistently, even with all of this equipment. I have been able to get a scan to pick up most of the channels listed in the thread at one point or another, but tuning to each of them usually just yields jumbled, jittery pictures. Aside from getting a different tuner, does anyone have any suggestions for picking up signals far out? Thanks

Hi All,

I've been browsing the forum and have found quite a bit of useful info. Just wondering if anyone in the Denton/Lewisville area can successfully pick up most of the digital Dallas stations.... Aside from getting a different tuner, does anyone have any suggestions for picking up signals far out? Thanks Not up that far North myself but if you have room in your attic you could try a full size antenna like the RadioShack 14-2152. It is a flimsy cheaply made antenna that has plastic parts that deteriorate in the sun, but in an attic it works quite well. My next-door neighbor was throwing one away that had been up on his roof at least 10 years, and I salvaged it. I cut off boom just ahead of the last two longest elements which were partially broken, making the whole antenna about 15" shorter. Shortening it will only effect it on the low VHF channels 2-6 which I don't care about. Put up in the attic out in my garage to use with an old CRT set and a Zenith DTV box, and I get excellent reception and full scale on almost every DT channel. Used a balun at the antenna and RG6 coax down to the box.

Works great! No amplifier needed.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p72/tblazed/ant-garageatticsm.jpg

Hi All,

I've been browsing the forum and have found quite a bit of useful info. Just wondering if anyone in the Denton/Lewisville area can successfully pick up most of the digital Dallas stations. I've been trying to get the hardware below to pick up signals, but without too much success so far:

TwinhanDTV 3250 ATSC/NTSC PCI tuner card (not the best, but should work)
Philips PHDTV1 Silver Sensor (pointed at the 161 degrees recommended by antennaweb.com)
Philips 24dB UHF/VHF signal booster

I've also tried a massive, old non-directional antenna placed in my attic with a signal booster, but without any more success. I'm roughly 50 miles from the towers and can't pick up much consistently, even with all of this equipment. I have been able to get a scan to pick up most of the channels listed in the thread at one point or another, but tuning to each of them usually just yields jumbled, jittery pictures. Aside from getting a different tuner, does anyone have any suggestions for picking up signals far out? Thanks


You are much too far away to get decent signals with a silver sensor. If I use zip 76201, tvfool tells me the signal strengths are similar to those I get here jsut east of Allen (42 miles from the antenna "farm" at Cedar Hill). Assuming you are interested only in the ATSC signals, you need a decent directional antenna that will receive UHF and VHF-hi.
Probably only two real choices, The CM4228 (which I use) is a UHF antenna which mounted outside has just enough VHF gain for me to receive good signals from WFAA-DT; in the attic it's really not enough. You can add a YA1713 antenna just for VHF-hi. Or you can use one of the new antennas from Winegard designed for the digital transition - see http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=982619 - probably an HD7696 or 7697P.. You will also need a CM7777 preamp.

If you want NTSC you will need a large VHF/UHF antenna like the winegard 7082 or 7084p, because NBC and FOX have their analog stations on VHF-lo.

Thanks for all the detailed suggestions texasbrit. I built a $2 UHF antenna following the design at uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com, which I have been completely blown away by. Combined with my Philips 24dB amp I get almost all of the local UHF stations at 90% strength or better, with KERA and Fox as exceptions (due to their weaker transmitters I'm guessing?).

Are there any cheaper methods out there for combining 2 antenna signals into a single coax feed, and, are there any other more powerful UHF/VHF signal combiner amps out there you would recommend? I'm considering getting another amp and daisychaining it in line with the Philips. I haven't been able to find any coax coupler connectors for signal combination, only signal splitting. Are you currently running UHF and VHF antennas into the CM7777?

Thanks again for the help.

Thanks for all the detailed suggestions texasbrit. I built a $2 UHF antenna following the design at uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com, which I have been completely blown away by. Combined with my Philips 24dB amp I get almost all of the local UHF stations at 90% strength or better, with KERA and Fox as exceptions (due to their weaker transmitters I'm guessing?).

Are there any cheaper methods out there for combining 2 antenna signals into a single coax feed, and, are there any other more powerful UHF/VHF signal combiner amps out there you would recommend? I'm considering getting another amp and daisychaining it in line with the Philips. I haven't been able to find any coax coupler connectors for signal combination, only signal splitting. Are you currently running UHF and VHF antennas into the CM7777?

Thanks again for the help.

If you are combining a UHF and a VHF antenna you can just buy a VHF/UHF splitter/combiner, several dollars from Radio Shack etc The splitter is also a combiner, you just use it in reverse.
If you want to combine two UHF antennas, much more of a problem. Because the signals from the antennas are arriving at different times, they can cancel each other out, or create the equivalent of multipath which your digital tuner may not be able to sort out. If one antenna is there to receive only one channel that happens to be in the opposite direction, you can use a "jointenna" to filter out everything except that channel from one of the antennas. But in general, if you just couple two antennas in the same frequency band it can be a mess.
Yes, I am now running separate VHF and UHF antennas into the CM7777.

It is almost certainly a waste of time trying to add a second amplifier, in fact you will probably create signal overload on your strong stations. 24db is already a lot of amplification. Remember that amplification is really used to overcome the losses in the cables - if there is no signal at the antenna, an amplifier just amplifies the noise. You really just need a better antenna.
What's your zip code, by the way?

I am located in zip 76201; on top of one of the bigger hills/slopes in the area, but also behind a massive tree which stands in the tower farm direction. Trying my ghetto UHF antenna minus the 24dB amp yields much less watchable signals. Do you typically get consistently watchable reception in Parker? I think I'm going to run the separate antenna for VHF.

Are there any cheaper methods out there for combining 2 antenna signals into a single coax feed, and, are there any other more powerful UHF/VHF signal combiner amps out there you would recommend? I'm considering getting another amp and daisychaining it in line with the Philips.

For the first part of the question, check these two pages (especially the second):

Merging feedlines (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/merging.html)
Stacking multiple antennas (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/ganging.html)


For the second part of your question, you could probably improve things a bit by replacing the Philips with a CM 7777, which has good gain but adds less noise than most amps. I wouldn't daisy-chain the amplifiers, though. Even if you don't make matters worse by overloading the second amp and/or your TV tuner, it almost certainly won't help. The second amp will amplify not only the signal but also the noise from the first amp, so your S/N ratio won't improve.

:)arlington now uses frequencies above 750mhz:)
543mhz
GolTV sports tier/nuestra tele
777mhz
cnbc hd+
olympic basketball
olympic soccer
783mhz
digital phone
807mhz
vs/golf hd
history hd
usa hd
813mhz
tbs hd
cnn hd
fsn sw hd
819mhz
food hd
hgtv hd
a&e hd
825mhz
discovery hd
animal planet hd
national geographic hd
831mhz
digital phone
861mhz sprectrum analyzer

Is it just me or has anyone noticed that NBC5 had dropped HD from their bug, promos, and news set?

New to HD OTA signal, just set up my new Vizio 32" plasma with antenna in the attic. Found many channels, I found channel 50. Its not very clear, but looks like its MTV. Anybody know anything about it?

:)New to HD OTA signal, just set up my new Vizio 32" plasma with antenna in the attic. Found many channels, I found channel 50. Its not very clear, but looks like its MTV. Anybody know anything about it.


it is kata-CA a class a station out of dallas

also on a different topic

:)arlington twc now is scheduled for the big hd launch
on :
August 29

digital simulcasting completion on
august 27th

these will be added on the 29th of august

740 cnn hd
744 tbs hd
745 history hd
752 food hd
753 hgtv hd
754 a&e hd
756 discovery hd
757 animal planet hd
771 national geographic hd
786 versus/golf hd
787 fsn hd

these have been added since twc takeover
goltv(readded)
metro sports
gems tv
all hbo wests except hbo latino
all max wests
boomerang
cnn international
cnbc world
fox business
hdnet
hdnet movies
uhd
kdfi hd
penthosue tv
playboy esp.
playboy premium
pbs sprout
si tv
sorpresa
la familia
espnu
espn deportes
soapnet
lifetime real women
fuel
sportsman channel
special events channel
game 11-14
showtime beyond
american life network
cartoon network espanol
cspan 3
imaginasian tv
espn 2 hd
fox reality
logo
ovation tv

correct me if i missed any please

we are now a 870mhz system up from 750mhz

plus all channels below 100 digital on cable box will be digitsl on the 27th of august

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KATA-CA

I was wondering why an OTA channel had the MTV3 logo on it. Not that I watched it regularly or anything.

I was wondering why an OTA channel had the MTV3 logo on it. Not that I watched it regularly or anything.

We are not alone:)

These are the current broadcast stations airing MTV Tr3́s.
Arizona

* Bullhead City/Kingman/Lake Havasu - KMOH-TV 6 (translator of Phoenix affiliate KEJR)[23]
* Phoenix - KEJR-LP 43[24]

California

* Fresno - KHMM-CA 14/KZMM-CA 22
* Los Angeles - KBEH-TV 63 [25]
* Sacramento - KMMK-LP 14/KMUM-CA 15
* Salinas/Monterey/Santa Cruz - KMMD-CA 3
* San Diego - K61GH-LP 61 (also can be seen around nearby Tijuana, Mexico)
* San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose - KMMC-LP 40
* San Luis Obispo, California - KMMA-CA 18
* Santa Barbara, California - KVMM-CA 41
* Santa Maria, California - KQMM-CA 14
* Stockton/Modesto, California - KMMW-LP 47

Colorado

* Denver, Colorado - KLPT-LP 30

Florida

* West Palm Beach, Florida - WBWP-LP 57

Georgia

* Atlanta, Georgia - WANX-LP 26

Illinois

* Chicago -WLFM-LP 6

Indiana

* Indianapolis - WBXI-CA 47

Nevada

* Laughlin - KMOH-TV 6

Texas

* Amarillo - KAMM-LP 30
* Austin - KGBS-CA 32
* Brownsville - shown on FOX affiliate XHRIO-TV 2 during the overnight and early morning hours[26] (also can be seen around Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico)
* Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas - KATA-CA 50
* Corpus Christi - KCBO-LP 49
* Del Rio/Eagle Pass, Texas - KVAW-LP 16 (also can be seen in major cities in Mexico near the border between Texas and Coahuila province in Mexico)
* McAllen/Harlingen - KSFE-LP 67/KTIZ-LP 52, XHRIO-TV (Secondary affiliation during early morning hours)
* San Antonio, Texas - KMHZ-LP 11/KGMM-CA 44

:p687mhz=
hdt
starz
cinemax
693mhz=
tnt
cbs
ktxa
699mhz=
wfaa
kdaf
kera
711mhz=
kdfw
kxas
717mhz=
espn
showtime
hbo
723mhz=
mojo
hdnet
uhd
741mhz=
espn2
kdfi
hdnet movies
777mhz=
cnbc hd+
oly1
oly2
[B]807mhz=
usa hd
vs. hd
history hd
813mhz=
tbs
cnn
fsn sw
819mhz=
hgtv
food
a&e
825mhz=
discovery
animal planet
national geographic

will change on the 24th of august

Channel 103 669 Mhz
ENC cinemax hd
ENC starz hd
ENC hd theater
Channel 107 693 Mhz
UNK 107-1 1080i kdfw hd
UNK 107-2 1080i KXAS hd
UNK 107-4 480i kxas weather plus
UNK 107-3 1080i wfaa 8.2

Channel 108 699 Mhz
ENC 1080i hbo hd
ENC 1080i showtime hd
ENC 720p espn hd

Channel 109 705 Mhz
ENC 1080i Mojo
UNK 109-2 1080i UHD
ENC 1080i Hdnet

Channel 110 711 Mhz
ENC 720p Espn2 hd
UNK 110-2 720p kdfi hd
ENC 1080i Hdnet Movies
Channel 121 777 Mhz
UNK 121-1 1080i CNBC HD+
UNK 121-2 1080i BASKETBALL HD
UNK 121-3 1080i SOCCER HD
Channel 126 807 Mhz
ENC 126-1 720p History HD 745
ENC 126-2 1080i Golf/VS Hd 786
UNK 126-3 1080i USA HD
Channel 127 813 Mhz
ENC 127-1 720p HGTV HD 753
ENC 127-2 720p Food HD 752
ENC 127-3 720p FSS HD 787

Channel 128 819 Mhz
ENC 128-1 1080i TBS HD 744
ENC 128-2 1080i CNN HD 740
ENC 128-3 720p AETV HD 754
Channel 129 825 Mhz
ENC 129-1 1080i Discovery HD 756
ENC 129-2 1080i Animal Planet HD 757
ENC 129-3 720p NGC HD 771

The CM4228 (which I use) is a UHF antenna which mounted outside has just enough VHF gain for me to receive good signals from WFAA-DT; in the attic it's really not enough. You can add a YA1713 antenna just for VHF-hi...

I also use a 4228. I'm only about 30 miles from the Cedar Hill antenna farm, so I probably could've gotten by with a 4221 or one of its homebrew clones, but I wanted one antenna for both UHF and VHF Hi and an easy attic installation, so I went with the 4228. At my shorter distance it works great in the attic.

Recently decided to try for more distant stations, so I bought a YA1713 to play with. It was under $60 even including shipping and a 5' mast, so I figured no big loss if I couldn't do anything with it. I pointed it north and it brings in KXII (analog) from over 80 miles away - through the attic! The picture is snowy but watchable. It also brings in KTEN from over 100 miles away, although that picture is too snowy to watch. It couldn't quite pull in KLTV 7 from the Longview/Tyler area, though. I could get sync but nothing viewable or audible, possibly because of a huge oak tree in the way.

I'm curious to see if I can get a lock on KXII digital once it moves to channel 12 next February.

According to TitanTV, Dallas is getting Universal Sports soon on KXAS 5-3.

- Trip

According to TitanTV, Dallas is getting Universal Sports soon on KXAS 5-3.Who do we complain to? Adding yet another subchannel will degrade the already marginal quality of NBC's HD offering on 5-1. Also, if I'm not mistaken, Telemundo 39 is also owned by KXAS, and it broadcasts only one SD stream. Adding more SD streams to that channel would not adversely affect its quality. And, also if I'm not mistaken, they could mark the additional channel 5-3 from over there, since it's just a virtual number anyway.

Xesdeeni

Who do we complain to? Adding yet another subchannel will degrade the already marginal quality of NBC's HD offering on 5-1. Also, if I'm not mistaken, Telemundo 39 is also owned by KXAS, and it broadcasts only one SD stream. Adding more SD streams to that channel would not adversely affect its quality. And, also if I'm not mistaken, they could mark the additional channel 5-3 from over there, since it's just a virtual number anyway.

Xesdeeni

Complain to the station management. That's all you can do. And you will be lucky if you even get a courtesy letter back.

Now, WFAA Ch 8.1 HD has two SD channels 8.2 and 8.3, and 8.1 looks excellent, so are you sure there will be a degradation on KXAS 5.1 if they add 5.3? 5.1 looks excellent to me too. Receive all with an antenna.

Who do we complain to? Adding yet another subchannel will degrade the already marginal quality of NBC's HD offering on 5-1. Also, if I'm not mistaken, Telemundo 39 is also owned by KXAS, and it broadcasts only one SD stream. Adding more SD streams to that channel would not adversely affect its quality. And, also if I'm not mistaken, they could mark the additional channel 5-3 from over there, since it's just a virtual number anyway.

Xesdeeni

The number of sub channels has no bearing on the quality of the pictures on any of them (up to a point). Ch. 58 has 5 subchannels for example. Digital signals take up far less room than an analog one, and there is room on the spectrum for many.

I think subchannels and bandwidth becomes an issue for cable/satellite providers, but they could always get rid of analog channels. I would think off-air HD would be fine.

The number of sub channels has no bearing on the quality of the pictures on any of them (up to a point). Ch. 58 has 5 subchannels for example. Digital signals take up far less room than an analog one, and there is room on the spectrum for many.Yes, channel 58 has 5 SD channels. But HD takes more bits.

There are 19.2 Mbps available for each over-the-air channel. Really, more than 4 subchannels is pushing it for SD, if you want to claim DVD quality (something I'm sure 58 doesn't care about). DVDs generally use 5 Mbps or more, and these are generally hand-adjusted for quality (the job is called a "Compressionist")--as opposed to OTA, which is done live.

But for HD, most of the 19.2 is necessary for decent quality, especially for 1080i. 720p can usually be done with similar quality in fewer bits. But in any case, introducing additionally subchannels robs bits from the main HD channel, degrading its quality. WFAA claims that they shift bits around dynamically, but the result is still sub-par quality compared to (for example) full-rate KTVT. (If they'd just use the native 720p provided by ABC, 8-2 and 8-3 wouldn't degrade their quality nearly as much as it does.)

It's also true that this can be mitigated somewhat by improved encoders. But they don't seem to be getting updated. KTVT's encoder for example, while decent, has had an irritating habit of blurring the image when it changes radically (which also normally results in an extra I-frame), which takes several seconds to clear up. This has been there for at least 4 years. Fox's encoding is done at their home studios (as opposed to the other channels, which encode locally), and their encoder seems to be much better. They use just about half of the 19.2 Mbps to encode their 720p signal, while maintaining a decent quality, except for live TV (like football games), which have 60 vs. 24 frames of data each second. This was very apparent on the last Super Bowl.

The important point is that KXAS has another place they can put 5-2 and 5-3 which would not degrade the basic program on that channel, and which will help their 5-1 HD programming.

Xesdeeni

The number of sub channels has no bearing on the quality of the pictures on any of them (up to a point). Ch. 58 has 5 subchannels for example. Ch. 58 is 480i SD on all 5 channels. Likewise 68 that has 4, they are all SD.

The important point is that KXAS has another place they can put 5-2 and 5-3 which would not degrade the basic program on that channel, and which will help their 5-1 HD programming.

Xesdeeni

Theoretically they could make them subchannels of KXTX. But I've never seen a case where one virtual channel (5 in this case) was split over multiple real channels (40 and 41 in this case). I suspect there'd be a lot of receivers and STB's that wouldn't properly handle such a thing.

Alternatively, they could renumber 5-2 and 5-3 to 39-2 and 39-3; but since 39-1 is a Spanish-language channel, I suspect a lot of us anglophones would overlook them, not realizing they were in English.

Can anyone tell me if the CableCards that Time Warner provides are M-Cards? I'll be calling them tomorrow to setup service with my new TivoHD, and the last two times I tried, the reps were unable to tell me (once was on Sunday, and the other wasn't a serious inquiry, so I didn't pursue).

Thanks!

Theoretically they could make them subchannels of KXTX. But I've never seen a case where one virtual channel (5 in this case) was split over multiple real channels (40 and 41 in this case). I suspect there'd be a lot of receivers and STB's that wouldn't properly handle such a thing.

I remember hearing of a setup like this before, and I wish I could remember where. My thinking is that it would work okay.

If anything, I imagine problems would arise from mapping a single frequency over multiple virtual channels. Where I'm living right now, one station does this, and I have a tuner which chokes on it (in fairness, it's an Insignia NS-7HTV, pretty cheap). The station (http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=wahu) is on physical channel 40, and maps to 16-1 (ABC), 19-1 (CBS), 19-2 (AccuWeather), 27-1 (Fox), and 27-2 (My Network TV).

That said, I think it'd be doable. I wish NBC would do that in every market where they own two stations, really.

- Trip

WFAA claims that they shift bits around dynamically, but the result is still sub-par quality compared to (for example) full-rate KTVT. (If they'd just use the native 720p provided by ABC, 8-2 and 8-3 wouldn't degrade their quality nearly as much as it does.)
Xesdeeni

What data rate ranges are you seeing on 8.2 and 8.3?

Theoretically they could make them subchannels of KXTX. But I've never seen a case where one virtual channel (5 in this case) was split over multiple real channels (40 and 41 in this case). I suspect there'd be a lot of receivers and STB's that wouldn't properly handle such a thing.Here in Dallas, USDTV spread their programming across a number of channels, mixing and matching their virtual channels (99-1 through 99-10 plus 99-50, if I recall correctly). My rather old HDTV didn't have a problem with this (although of course it would only show the unencrypted "barker" channel 99-1).

Xesdeeni

What data rate ranges are you seeing on 8.2 and 8.3?I'm sorry, I haven't looked lately. The last time I looked, 8-3 was just an outside camera view of Dallas, and used up between 1 and 2 Mbps. 8-2 at that time was about 3 Mbps, but it was only the radar. I strongly suspect both use more now. But even then it was more than 25% of their bandwidth.

Xesdeeni

8-3 is now a constant feed of the weather satellite or radar (not sure which), similar to Fox's 4-2. 8-2 is ABC NEWS NOW.

Can anyone tell me if the CableCards that Time Warner provides are M-Cards? I'll be calling them tomorrow to setup service with my new TivoHD, and the last two times I tried, the reps were unable to tell me (once was on Sunday, and the other wasn't a serious inquiry, so I didn't pursue).

TWC provided an M-card for my TiVoHD last February. I specifically asked for the M-card when setting up the service call. I also have 3 S-cards (1 in TV and 2 in S3 TiVo) as well, but got these a while back so not sure if they are still using these.

Thanks. I just put in the order today. TWC won't let me install it myself, so I have to wait until next week. Darn.

Can anyone tell me if the CableCards that Time Warner provides are M-Cards? I'll be calling them tomorrow to setup service with my new TivoHD, and the last two times I tried, the reps were unable to tell me (once was on Sunday, and the other wasn't a serious inquiry, so I didn't pursue).

Thanks!

we have motorola m-cards

yes you get everything but

ppv and vod.

:pcbs college sports network* :
channel 195 sports tier *
(effecitve 9/15)

:puniversal sports network+:
channel 366 basic digital +
(effective 9/8)

8-3 is now a constant feed of the weather satellite or radar (not sure which), similar to Fox's 4-2. 8-2 is ABC NEWS NOW.Sorry, I meant the last time I looked at the bitrate. I've seen the updated content, which is why I think the bitrate has probably increased.

Xesdeeni

If anything, I imagine problems would arise from mapping a single frequency over multiple virtual channels. Where I'm living right now, one station does this, and I have a tuner which chokes on it (in fairness, it's an Insignia NS-7HTV, pretty cheap). The station (http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=wahu) is on physical channel 40, and maps to 16-1 (ABC), 19-1 (CBS), 19-2 (AccuWeather), 27-1 (Fox), and 27-2 (My Network TV).

That said, I think it'd be doable. I wish NBC would do that in every market where they own two stations, really.

- Trip

If KXAS/KXTX did what was suggested, that's exactly the situation you'd have - on real channel 40 there'd be 39-1, 5-2, and 5-3 - two virtual channels (39 and 5) on a single frequency.

They could avoid that by renumbering 39-1 to, e.g., 5-4. But then Hispanic viewers would have a hard time finding Telemundo's digital signal.

Here in Dallas, USDTV spread their programming across a number of channels, mixing and matching their virtual channels (99-1 through 99-10 plus 99-50, if I recall correctly). My rather old HDTV didn't have a problem with this (although of course it would only show the unencrypted "barker" channel 99-1).

Xesdeeni

A properly designed tuner or STB should handle it fine. But Trip just gave us an example of a tuner that didn't. The situation is rare enough, particularly OTA, that I suspect many OTA-only tuners (e.g. CECBs) aren't tested for it. And a lot of folks are using those CECBs. If you were KXAS/KXTX, would you take a chance on screwing up that many viewers?

Degrading the HDTV signal a bit is safer; only the most serious videophiles are likely even to notice. (Admittedly, those serious videophiles are probably some of the most valuable to advertisers, though.)

The tuner I described actually wasn't an STB, it's a portable DTV receiver. I got it on eBay for 1/3 the retail price.

There are a number of stations out there with split mapping aside from the one I brought up (KBAK-DT, KESQ-DT off the top of my head) and I can't imagine that the common STBs would have problems with it, though I admittedly haven't been able to test many of them.

- Trip

If you were KXAS/KXTX, would you take a chance on screwing up that many viewers?

Degrading the HDTV signal a bit is safer; only the most serious videophiles are likely even to notice. (Admittedly, those serious videophiles are probably some of the most valuable to advertisers, though.)Me? I would, but then again I'm a bit more logical in these matters. There is quite a bit of bandwidth being wasted over there on 39-x. Why steal it from 5-1?

I think you overstate the chances of an issue. And if a few viewers can't see 5-2 or 5-3, is that really a significant (or even measurable) amount of loss? I mean, does Neilsen even measure viewership on digital subchannels yet?

Xesdeeni

Anyone notice that ABC (ch.8) finally started their national news coverage in HD?

According to TitanTV, Dallas is getting Universal Sports soon on KXAS 5-3.

- Trip
I think we will get it on tomorrow (Friday). You will probably have to re-scan for it to show up.

Complain to the station management. That's all you can do. And you will be lucky if you even get a courtesy letter back.

Now, WFAA Ch 8.1 HD has two SD channels 8.2 and 8.3, and 8.1 looks excellent, so are you sure there will be a degradation on KXAS 5.1 if they add 5.3? 5.1 looks excellent to me too. Receive all with an antenna.
Kxas is here! I can answer most all questions but number of channels is network decision and we will follow. We will be doing strategic mutliplexing with priority given to 5.1. It will probably not be 3 channels for long and we will go back to 2.

Kxas is here! I can answer most all questions but number of channels is network decision and we will follow. We will be doing strategic mutliplexing with priority given to 5.1. It will probably not be 3 channels for long and we will go back to 2.
While doing 3 programs, will you go really light on the SD subs to maintain the best quality possible on the HD channel, e.g. dropping the SD to 528x480 at like 1.5Mbit/s each and keeping the HD at ~15 Mbit/s? I know fellow O&O KNBC is running 3 programs with their HD channel at an unwatchable 12.5Mbit/s, while WNBC and KNTV are running close to what I listed and their HD remains good.

will twc carry universal sports on ch 366

I checked for 5-3 this morning and couldn't get anything, though 5-1 and 5-2 were coming in just fine.

5.3 is there now. I tried it at 4PM and there was no audio on either 5.2 or 5.3 with my Zenith or Insignia (same as Zenith) DTV converter boxes. Video looks good. My Sony and Samsung TVs have audio on 5.2 and 5.3.

EDIT: As neither my Zenith or Insignia DTV converter boxes HAD audio on 5.2 or 5.3, I emailed an engineer at Ch5, they changed their audio encoding setting and now I have audio with my Zenith-Insignia boxes too.

I checked for 5-3 this morning and couldn't get anything, though 5-1 and 5-2 were coming in just fine.
We put it online at 11:00am. We will be tweaking the bitstream next week but please comment and let us know what you think.

5.3 is there now. I tried it at 4PM and there was no audio on either 5.2 or 5.3 with my Zenith or Insignia (same as Zenith) DTV converter boxes. Video looks good. My Sony and Samsung TVs have audio on 5.2 and 5.3.

EDIT: As neither my Zenith or Insignia DTV converter boxes HAD audio on 5.2 or 5.3, I emailed an engineer at Ch5, they changed their audio encoding setting and now I have audio with my Zenith-Insignia boxes too.
We had turned off Dolby encoding for 5.2 and 5.3. Tv's had no problem but we started getting calls from folks with DTV boxes, they appearently only want Dolby and can not deal with the straight bitstream.

While doing 3 programs, will you go really light on the SD subs to maintain the best quality possible on the HD channel, e.g. dropping the SD to 528x480 at like 1.5Mbit/s each and keeping the HD at ~15 Mbit/s? I know fellow O&O KNBC is running 3 programs with their HD channel at an unwatchable 12.5Mbit/s, while WNBC and KNTV are running close to what I listed and their HD remains good.
Right now, 5-1 is 12+, 5-2 is 2-2.5 and 5-3 is 3-4mbs. We are watching it this weekend and will probably tweak some more on it. We upgraded all our encoders which has improved it quite a bit and given priority to the 5-1 stream, but this is all new so will have to see how it all works and tweak it. Please comment on it!

THANKS much for the info, Wizsop!

My Windows Vista Media Center lost 5.1 today, around the time 5.3 was turned on.

Evidently, MCE is sensitive to having correct PSIP (at least from what I've read). The tuner card brings in 5.1 no problem using the manufacturer's software (DVICO Fusion RT Gold) as does the internal tuner of the TV.

A tuner rescan on Media Center didn't fix the problem...

Note, this is all OTA.

I was just about to post the same problem. I also have Vista Media Center, and the digital signal for KXAS is not showing a picture at all. The signal strength is great, just no picture. I did a rescan, too. Didn't help.

Right now, 5-1 is 12+, 5-2 is 2-2.5 and 5-3 is 3-4mbs. We are watching it this weekend and will probably tweak some more on it. We upgraded all our encoders which has improved it quite a bit and given priority to the 5-1 stream, but this is all new so will have to see how it all works and tweak it. Please comment on it!

Note that the DirecTV DVRs don't have 5-3 in their database yet so can't receive it. I hope you will get the new channel information to Tribune as soon as possible so they can include it in the guide they produce for DirecTV.

Hi Guys... I'm glad I started looking at AVS forum. I've been having the wierdest things happening for the last 24 hrs. I have a Vista Ultimate Media Center and it doesn't pick up KXAS now. But this updated info on this site makes it so I don't have to beat my head against the wall because I'm not crazy after all from what I see here. For the last 2 days my media center would recognize the picture of 8-1, but the sound was that of 8-2. Wierd.

Anyway, does anyone know the complete Dallas, Mckinney TX physical channel and frequency info? Vista allows you to manually add the data if it won't auto scan.

Right now, 5-1 is 12+, 5-2 is 2-2.5 and 5-3 is 3-4mbs. We are watching it this weekend and will probably tweak some more on it. We upgraded all our encoders which has improved it quite a bit and given priority to the 5-1 stream, but this is all new so will have to see how it all works and tweak it. Please comment on it!
Unfortunately I won't be able to make any specific comments about your broadcast until I move to Dallas in a month or so. That having been said, I know what 12Mbit/s HD looks like, and my guess is Sunday Night Football is going to be pretty much unwatchable. A number of stations have started dropping the resolution on SD subchannels to 528x480 since it lets them get away with ~1.5Mbit/s on Weather+ and 2.5 on real content. This gives a level of quality equivalent to digital cable or satellite while still leaving 14.5-15Mbit/s for HD video, generally enough to maintain a quality picture. There's nothing in the FCC regs to prohibit this resolution, and I've never run into a decoder that doesn't handle it correctly, so I hope you'll consider it while making your adjustments.

Even better--352x480. KVBC in Las Vegas is doing that resolution and is doing the same subchannel layout that KXAS is now doing. Here's what their signal looks like:

http://www.rabbitears.info/screencaps/nv-las/69677-0_0.htm

- Trip

:eek:I have also lost channel 5.1 running Vista Media Center (couple of days now). It plays fine on the television's built in tuner, but the Media center PC won't display the channel. It shows a full signal on the signal meter. I can't record anything without the Media Center PC (we use the XBOX 360 to playback through the TV).

Hi Guys... I'm glad I started looking at AVS forum. I've been having the wierdest things happening for the last 24 hrs. I have a Vista Ultimate Media Center and it doesn't pick up KXAS now. But this updated info on this site makes it so I don't have to beat my head against the wall because I'm not crazy after all from what I see here. For the last 2 days my media center would recognize the picture of 8-1, but the sound was that of 8-2. Wierd.

Anyway, does anyone know the complete Dallas, Mckinney TX physical channel and frequency info? Vista allows you to manually add the data if it won't auto scan.

I used titantv.com. It has the call sign, the channel, subchannel, and frequencies. They seem accurate as well. Or you can use antennaweb.org. I know the MCE users typically have had issues with 4, 8, and 33. We were getting bad frequencies downloaded as well as no subchannel info.

Wondering if anyone has ever heard audio on Ch 54 KLDT? Not that I care about the old infomercials they constantly run, but do wonder why I've never heard audio on that channel. Another odd thing.. my Sony TV shows 54.3. Trying to track down a phone number or web site for KLDT is futile. I did find where the previous owners were fined by the FCC $15,500 "for failing to adequately staff its main studio, for not making its public inspection file freely available, and for other filing violations". Looks like the current owners, Johnson Broadcasting from what I can tell, is continuing the tradition!

Wondering if anyone has ever heard audio on Ch 54 KLDT? Not that I care about the old infomercials they constantly run, but do wonder why I've never heard audio on that channel. Another odd thing.. my Sony TV shows 54.3

I just checked out 54 KLDT. There are 3 audio streams defined but only 2 are carrying data. The only way I can get audio is to switch to audio 2. That seems to work.
Looking at the data with TSReader it does have channel number 54.1 listed in the station information.
Well you just missed Billy Mays selling the Big City Slider Station. I bet you can catch it again later in the day if you don't already have one. :)

Lsang04: You use TSReader? Would you mind sending me an e-mail if you have some free time? (webmaster at rabbitears dot info)

Thanks...

- Trip

i'm a super newbie but have been reading the past hr or so, so please be kind :P

goal: OTA HD Channels but have no idea what antenna to use
zip: 75075 (plano east)
basically 30-40 m from most and in the blue area.

Based on an above post, I'm thinking of buying:
1. CM7777 preamp
2. HD 7696 or 7697P or CM4228 (better than CM4221 cuz of the size?)
am i on the right track or still lost? haha

thanks for reading!

I just checked out 54 KLDT. The only way I can get audio is to switch to audio 2... Yes that works THANKS!

I've lost channel 5 as well. Aver USB TV tuner.
But, strangely, if I set RF channel to 41, and subchannel to -1, what I get is the NBC weatherplus.

I can't get 5.1 and 5.3 no matter what I do...

That's weird.. now I'm getting 5.1 on (41, -1). NBC engineers are working on it perhaps. :D

i'm a super newbie but have been reading the past hr or so, so please be kind :P

goal: OTA HD Channels but have no idea what antenna to use
zip: 75075 (plano east)
basically 30-40 m from most and in the blue area.

Based on an above post, I'm thinking of buying:
1. CM7777 preamp
2. HD 7696 or 7697P or CM4228 (better than CM4221 cuz of the size?)
am i on the right track or still lost? haha

thanks for reading!

I would say either the 7696 or 7697P if you have room for the boom length. the CM4221/4228 are UHF only and there will be 8, 52 and 11 on upper VHF after the transition, so you will want an antenna with gain on upper VHF too. What are the surroundings, are you up on a hill or down in a hole, and what's in the line of sight between you and Cedar Hill?

I would say either the 7696 or 7697P if you have room for the boom length. the CM4221/4228 are UHF only and there will be 8, 52 and 11 on upper VHF after the transition, so you will want an antenna with gain on upper VHF too. What are the surroundings, are you up on a hill or down in a hole, and what's in the line of sight between you and Cedar Hill?


its pretty clear. its all flat from cedar hill to house. gonna lean towards 7696 or 7697 unless other suggestions :)

thanks!

We put it online at 11:00am. We will be tweaking the bitstream next week but please comment and let us know what you think.

I checked out 5.3 yesterday. It was on & off, & just a logo later.

I also had 5.4 in 1080i, looked the same as 5.1 to me. BobE

I just checked out 54 KLDT. There are 3 audio streams defined but only 2 are carrying data. The only way I can get audio is to switch to audio 2. That seems to work.
Looking at the data with TSReader it does have channel number 54.1 listed in the station information.
Well you just missed Billy Mays selling the Big City Slider Station. I bet you can catch it again later in the day if you don't already have one. :)

With many thanks to Lsang04, I now have full data for the Dallas/Fort Worth digital stations posted on my website!

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=5

If anyone sees any mistakes, let me know.

- Trip

its pretty clear. its all flat from cedar hill to house. gonna lean towards 7696 or 7697 unless other suggestions :)

thanks!

I live in 75075, and use ONLY a CM4228, with a chimney mount on single story home. When I was looking, the 4228 was extremely popular for this area; it's usually in stock at Fry's. The 4228 will pull in the VHF hi band, which is essential for WFAA8 (on ch. 9), and later for KERA, as well as all the UHF. I don't care about or watch any remaining analog feeds. No amp, and I have a 3-way splitter in the line. I wasn't sure if you were going to be above roof or in attic. My attic is not useful as I have a thermal barrier (metal lined roof). Happy for three years so far.

With many thanks to Lsang04, I now have full data for the Dallas/Fort Worth digital stations posted on my website!

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=5

If anyone sees any mistakes, let me know.

- Trip

You're welcome, I was happy to help. For those wanting to see the TSReader ouput for the stations, click on the "Technical Data and Screencaps" and then click "TSReader Output".

I live in 75075, and use ONLY a CM4228, with a chimney mount on single story home. When I was looking, the 4228 was extremely popular for this area; it's usually in stock at Fry's. The 4228 will pull in the VHF hi band, which is essential for WFAA8 (on ch. 9), and later for KERA...

KERA DT isn't moving, it's staying on UHF 14. Ch 11 will move back to 11 from 19, and 52 will be on 9 when 8 moves back to 8. So there will be 3 on VHF to deal with reception-wise.

You're welcome, I was happy to help. For those wanting to see the TSReader ouput for the stations, click on the "Technical Data and Screencaps" and then click "TSReader Output".

I'm thoroughly amused that KTXA-DT managed to typo their own call sign. In their PSIP, it's listed as KXTA-DT for some reason. Lysdexia, anyone? :D

- Trip

It's been wrong for so long that there are several articles on the internet with the incorrect call sign (KXTA 21).

KERA DT isn't moving, it's staying on UHF 14. Ch 11 will move back to 11 from 19, and 52 will be on 9 when 8 moves back to 8. So there will be 3 on VHF to deal with reception-wise.

Thanks for the correction!

I'm trying to find a good antenna setup for my apartment. I've tried directionals but haven't had any luck. I think because I'm on the north end of my building (Lakewood area) any signal I get is going to be weakened from traveling through the rest of the apartment building. I tried a Philips MANT940 and it worked much better but still couldn't get all the channels. The antenna is very small so I'm thinking I need to try a larger, bow-tie antenna, like the Channel Masters everyone seems to rave about.

Since it's such a trial-and-error process, I'd really like a local retailer to make returns easier. Where should I look for a good selection of antennas and amplifiers?

Wizsop, glad you are here. Here is a screen capture from Eye TV. Megs varying from 11 to 14. 5-2 pulls 1 to 1.5. 5-3 is consistently pulling 2.9 to 4.0. I agree with coyoteaz on bitrates.

I tried to watch KXAS (5.1) today on Vista Media Center and all I get is a "No Signal" screen. I did a google search and found this thread. Is it working right now for anyone else using Vista Media Center?

I have tried to manually add the channel (41) and I have tried fiddling with the astcchannels.xml file. My TV can receive the channel just fine.

Edit 2am: I managed to download the software that comes with my TV card (Happauge WinTV) and it shows KXAS 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 fine. Therefore something is going on either with Media Center and how it is receiving the broadcast stream.

wertwert, I've had the same problem since Friday. No change since then and I've rescanned my channels often to pick up any changes.

For some reason KXAS doesn't seem to care that they just shut out some viewers just as the fall season has begun...

The problem from what I can tell is: KXAS, when adding 5.3, messed up the PSIP for 5.1 - and Media Center is very sensitive to having correct information. I've contacted KXAS via their webpage and have no response as yet.

I'm thoroughly amused that KTXA-DT managed to typo their own call sign. In their PSIP, it's listed as KXTA-DT for some reason. Lysdexia, anyone? :D

- Trip

I wonder if that's what confuses my TV Guide On Screen that's built into my Sony TV? Anyway I just sent Ch11/21 an email asking them to fix their typo.

wertwert, I've had the same problem since Friday. No change since then and I've rescanned my channels often to pick up any changes.



It appears that KXAS has now corrected their PSIP problems. I'm getting the proper information now. Try a rescan.

I'm trying to find a good antenna setup for my apartment. I've tried directionals but haven't had any luck. I think because I'm on the north end of my building (Lakewood area) any signal I get is going to be weakened from traveling through the rest of the apartment building. I tried a Philips MANT940 and it worked much better but still couldn't get all the channels. The antenna is very small so I'm thinking I need to try a larger, bow-tie antenna, like the Channel Masters everyone seems to rave about.

Since it's such a trial-and-error process, I'd really like a local retailer to make returns easier. Where should I look for a good selection of antennas and amplifiers?

The Philips MANT940 is only UHF (14 to 69) reception. I bought a Philips MANT510 at Wal-mart which allows both VHF and UHF. You have to extend the VHF dipoles to get WFAA whichs transmits on channel 9. I'm sure there are better things on the market, but it gets the job done by pulling in all 18 DFW stations. I also live in an apartment and I'm a little over 30 miles from the transmitters. I also live on the opposite side of the building from the direction of the towers. I would say most of the signals I get are reflections bouncing off other objects. The last thing I'll say is that placement is very important. In order to get all the stations, I have to move the antenna within a 4 foot radius. So try moving your antenna around a little bit when you get your antenna. I can only think of Radio Shack, Wal-mart or Target for a local store to shop at.

I also posted in the antenna topic, but this may be better. I live just a bit NE of SBR in McKinney.

I'm a new to OTA HD and had some questions about a new home with a radiant barrier in attic and HOA rules. I would love to get free OTA HD. I think I can use the existing TV cable installed through the house and be able to distribute from the outside hookup that was installed for the cable providers to provide service.

My zip is 75070 and there are several DT stations ~30-50mi. away.

It looks like I need a pink code antenna, which are the largest of the directionals IIRC. The house is a 2-story and has a radiant barrier, so I can't do an attic install. The HOA is restrictive, so even the FCC rules only allow a 1 meter antenna. My questions are:

1). What's the best approach to ask the HOA to allow mast-mount of a larger sized antenna on the roof? (Has anyone ever fought a case like this)
2). Or is there a pink code antenna that is within the 1 meter size?

It appears that KXAS has now corrected their PSIP problems. I'm getting the proper information now. Try a rescan.

Thanks, I'll try when I get home. I too have had issues with 5.1 5.2 and 5.3 since Thursday I think.

Also, on a different subject, my Channel 8.1 (9) doesn't get a very good signal. I seem to recall someone mentioning an issue with 8. Anyone know off hand what it might be? It comes in fine on my TV's built in tuner, but not so good in Vista Media Center (one bar of signal strength and choppy video / audio).

Thanks

Wizsop, glad you are here. Here is a screen capture from Eye TV. Megs varying from 11 to 14. 5-2 pulls 1 to 1.5. 5-3 is consistently pulling 2.9 to 4.0. I agree with coyoteaz on bitrates.
Check all again, we have made quite a few tweaks today.

The HOA is restrictive, so even the FCC rules only allow a 1 meter antenna.
)
2). Or is there a pink code antenna that is within the 1 meter size?

That size limit only applies to satellite dishes. Per FCC "direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter". There are few if any terrestrial TV antennas that would be less than 1 meter. Not too practical. Channel Master CM 3010 "Stealthtenna" with amplifier might work though and it's small. The FCC rule which "prohibits most restrictions that... preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal" would allow an antenna big enough and placed where it can to do the job.



http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Like others reported, NBC5 in Dallas didn't work for my Media Center PC starting Friday 9/5 when they introduced Channel 5-3. Over the weekend, I tried the .xml edits suggested by others on the Web with no luck, so it had to be a datastream problem. It was fixed by lunchtime today and confirmed by me when I checked my PC at noon. Kudos to NBC5 for getting on this quickly when they were informed about it -- I both called the station and left an email message this morning. Here's the reply I got back from them this afternoon:

> Ought to be working now. Had to change TSID info in PAT/PMT table,
>
> Thanks
>
> **** ******
> Director of Technology
> KXAS NBC 5 & KXTX Telemundo 39
> Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

SCD

Yes, KXAS is now working. I got pretty much the same email.

Hey Wizop & "SD"ouglas, Why no HD for Ellen????

Looks like subs are more of a priority than HD.

Also, on a different subject, my Channel 8.1 (9) doesn't get a very good signal. I seem to recall someone mentioning an issue with 8. Anyone know off hand what it might be? It comes in fine on my TV's built in tuner, but not so good in Vista Media Center (one bar of signal strength and choppy video / audio).

Thanks

Make sure you keep your antenna away from your computer. My LCD monitor generates a lot of RF noise. I get the RF interference in the 160 Mhz area and in the 400 Mhz area. WFAA is in the 190 Mhz area, so maybe your computer/monitor is causing you some trouble.

Make sure you keep your antenna away from your computer. My LCD monitor generates a lot of RF noise. I get the RF interference in the 160 Mhz area and in the 400 Mhz area. WFAA is in the 190 Mhz area, so maybe your computer/monitor is causing you some trouble.

I'm using a CM 3671 with a CM 7777 amp on a 50' tower and I have issues. I dare not record anything OTA on 8. D* HD LiL only for recording.

I'm using a CM 3671 with a CM 7777 amp on a 50' tower and I have issues. I dare not record anything OTA on 8. D* HD LiL only for recording. I just did a quick calculation not knowing your elevation and came up with a range of about 64 miles with your 50 ft tower. Are to farther out than that? I think you can go to 199 ft without FAA registration or aircraft warning lights on your tower! :D In theory raising it to that height would get you about 10 more miles of range.

I just did a quick calculation not knowing your elevation and came up with a range of about 64 miles with your 50 ft tower. Are to farther out than that? I think you can go to 199 ft without FAA registration or aircraft warning lights on your tower! :D In theory raising it to that height would get you about 10 more miles of range.

I am only 75.0 NM from the stick. Elevation here is 640' MSL. Cedar Hill is 800' MSL

I am only 75.0 NM from the stick. Elevation here is 640' MSL. Cedar Hill is 800' MSL

Recalculating with those numbers, you should be good out to about 100 miles in theory. You probably need to raise the antenna though, to get over some obstruction in the path if it's not working for you.


I went through a bunch of trial and error attempts to get a stable signal on Ch 13.1 and I am only 27 miles from the tower. Too much ground clutter in-between. Neither of the two rooftop antennas on my house would receive Ch 13.1 DT with a good enough signal to not drop out constantly. Then I happened to put a salvaged antenna in the attic of my detached garage for a TV I have out there, which is about 50' behind my house, and PERFECTO! Got em all! I have such severe multipath problems here that just a few feet can make a big difference. (Now I get to dig a trench to bury the coax from the garage to the house.)

I usually get reliable reception...say 90%. My problem is with band propagation. Morning and early evening when the band is loopy.

channel 366
basic

110-5 arlington
5-3 else where

I usually get reliable reception...say 90%. My problem is with band propagation. Morning and early evening when the band is loopy.


Not much you can do about atmospheric conditions like a morning inversion layer over the metroplex that dissipates when the air heats up, other than raise the antenna to get more direct signal path. I recalculated again that 100 mi didn't seem right, and you are right on the very fringe at 70 miles with your 50 ft ant height.

Hi all,
I'm posting this in case it is of interest to any other Frisco area TWC subscribers:

I got an e-mail today from a Sr. Director at TWC advising that the following channels will be activated in Frisco on Friday - this is just what I was told...I'm just passing it along!

740 – CNN HD
744 – TBS HD
745 - The History Channel HD
752 - Food Network HD
753 – HGTV HD
754 – A&E HD
756 – Discovery HD
757 – Animal Planet HD
771 - National Geographic HD
786 – Versus/Golf HD
787 - Fox Sports Southwest HD

Randy

Make sure you keep your antenna away from your computer. My LCD monitor generates a lot of RF noise. I get the RF interference in the 160 Mhz area and in the 400 Mhz area. WFAA is in the 190 Mhz area, so maybe your computer/monitor is causing you some trouble.

I'm in Frisco, 45 miles from the Antenna farm in Cedar Hill. The antenna is a 50 element (153") VHF / UHF that's in the attic pointed in the correct "general" direction. I don't think there's anything up there that would be generating any electrical noise, it's pretty far away from anything electrical or electronic.

The funny thing is that the Television's tuner gets the channel in fine, full signal. The channel is very choppy on the Vista Media Center PC if it comes in at all. Are all the other Media Center users getting similar results?

We use the PC to record TV and then we play back through the theater on the XBOX as a MC Extender, so it's pretty important part of my setup.

Luckily, we can just watch whatever we miss on ABC's website.

Hey Wizop & "SD"ouglas, Why no HD for Ellen????

Looks like subs are more of a priority than HD.
It is not in HD, comes down to us in SD. You need to address you concern to Ellen!

I'm in Frisco, 45 miles from the Antenna farm in Cedar Hill. The antenna is a 50 element (153") VHF / UHF that's in the attic pointed in the correct "general" direction. I don't think there's anything up there that would be generating any electrical noise, it's pretty far away from anything electrical or electronic.

The funny thing is that the Television's tuner gets the channel in fine, full signal. The channel is very choppy on the Vista Media Center PC if it comes in at all. Are all the other Media Center users getting similar results?



Maybe I misunderstood your setup. What type/model of TV tuner card do you have connected to your computer ? If you have a NTSC/ATSC card, then a quick test is to switch to analog mode and view channel 8 WFAA. If you see interference patterns when viewing the picture, then you could also be getting the same interference when tuning to digital 9.
If you see no interference, check the way you have the signal splitted from the antenna in the attic. Is the cable going to your television a lot shorter than the cable going to your computer TV tuner ? Maybe switch the cables around and test it that way.

I am only 75.0 NM from the stick. Elevation here is 640' MSL. Cedar Hill is 800' MSL
All our towers are at 1500' AGL so you need 2300' for Cedar Hill.

It is not in HD, comes down to us in SD. You need to address you concern to Ellen!
Ellen (and Oprah, Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight, and The Insider) began distribution in HD on 9/8.

Ellen (and Oprah, Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight, and The Insider) began distribution in HD on 9/8.

wfaa has ET, oprah, and The insider in hd

ktvt probrably has dr. phil in hd

Scanned the thread and didn't see any posts concerning Tivo and the recent changes on KXAS so I am hoping this isn't covered somewhere else.

I've been using a TivoHD to pick OTA signals since March, 2008, but recently (Sunday) I tried to watch the broadcast for Sunday Night Football and discovered that channel 5.1 was picking up a "blank" signal. Black screen, no audio. Tivo's signal strength indicator shows about 90% signal strength for 5.1, so it appears that I am picking up what's being broadcast, but nothing is there.

I did another automatic scan through the Tivo this morning and while it did pick up 5.3 as a new channel, I'm still seeing "blank" stations for both 5.1 and 5.2.

I read some of the posts surrounding the changeover issues over the weekend and the effects on Vista, but I'm not aware of any file level changes I can make on the Tivo to pick up the "new" channel 5.1 from KXAS. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Many thanks!!
Paul
(Post #1, please be gentle)

I did another automatic scan through the Tivo this morning and while it did pick up 5.3 as a new channel, I'm still seeing "blank" stations for both 5.1 and 5.2.

(Post #1, please be gentle)

Perhaps when you did a rescan it only added 5.3 and didn't refresh 5.1 and 5.2. I would first completely delete KXAS from your system to remove anything left over. (you may also need to reboot). Then add KXAS back to your system. Does that work for you ?