Just noticed tonight that the tower now has a new flashing light at the tippy-top. That means they are still working on it.

Wasn't there a post a while back that KCNC's antenna was delivered incorrect? Maybe they received the replacement and are finishing the install.

I'm receiving channels 7.1, 9.1, 9.2, and 20.1 at about the same signal strength as 2.1 has been. All are showing stronger than 31.1.

I'm 64 miles north of the towers with a fairly significant ridge in the LOS.

Previously, I would get a very weak signal from the LC stations early in the morning or on very cool days.

No sign of 4.1 KCNC.

John

I noticed on the TitanTV Quick Guide (http://www.titantv.com/quickguide/quickguide.aspx) for Denver, that channel 2 has a .2 transmission. It lists the program as 'To be Announced'. Is there a real .2 program being transmitted? I get the 2.1 quite well, but my CECB detects no .2 at all.

I'm receiving channels 7.1, 9.1, 9.2, and 20.1 at about the same signal strength as 2.1 has been. All are showing stronger than 31.1.

I'm 64 miles north of the towers with a fairly significant ridge in the LOS.

Previously, I would get a very weak signal from the LC stations early in the morning or on very cool days.

No sign of 4.1 KCNC.

John

My antenna pointed at Lookout indicates NO.

My antenna pointed at Lookout indicates NO.

Something has changed. The best I have previously seen is 2 bars on my Samsung DTB-H260F tuner signal strength indicator and the signal was barely decoded. I'm presently seeing 7 to 8 out of 10 bars.

John

I noticed on the TitanTV Quick Guide (http://www.titantv.com/quickguide/quickguide.aspx) for Denver, that channel 2 has a .2 transmission. It lists the program as 'To be Announced'. Is there a real .2 program being transmitted? I get the 2.1 quite well, but my CECB detects no .2 at all.

Channel 2.2 used to be "The Tube" but it went bankrupt. The Tube was music videos.
(Too bad I actually watched it on occasion, much more so than 9.2 weather's. I have only watched 9.2 once to get some info after a storm. Mostly 9.2 is a waste of air space)
KWGN has yet to replace 2.2 with another service.

My antenna pointed at Lookout indicates NO.

Must have been an atmospheric anomaly. The LC stations are not coming in up here as of about 9:30 AM.

John

I am still getting power levels pretty similar to what I have had for the last few years. I don't see any indication of a move to Lookout yet from my end.

FWIW I flipped channel 4 on last night about 12:45 AM and they were re-running the 10PM news in HD. I assume it was a test as much as anything as they had other programming scheduled. It looked pretty good. It will be nice to be able to watch something other than 9news in HD, especially sports. I get tired of the 'if it bleeds it leads' stories, stories of pet of the day and the other 'aren't we at 9news wonderful' stuff. Drew S. on 9 drives me up the wall with his stupid jokes that take up 2/3 of the sports time and make it so he never has time to report anything other than one or two short local sports stories. I could care less if he has a bobblehead of the player of the day. I look forward to becoming a regular viewer of evening news on 4.

Drew is true idiot. I think that he truely has less intelligence than his spring loaded "dolls" !! I have no idea why/how he has stayed at KUSA this long. He must have "something" on management. I have yet to talk to anyone that likes him or his lame ass sports casts !!!


Drew S. on 9 drives me up the wall with his stupid jokes ....

I usually watch 4 at 5 and 9 at 10. I have been watching a lot more of 9 because of my new 52" XBR and no HD news on 4.

Looking forward to Monday to have more HD news options. I hope Fox gets HD news soon, but won't hold my breath.

Drew is true idiot. I think that he truely has less intelligence than his spring loaded "dolls" !! I have no idea why/how he has stayed at KUSA this long. He must have "something" on management. I have yet to talk to anyone that likes him or his lame ass sports casts !!!

I don't mind him - maybe it's because I'm not the biggest sports nut (no offense intended). Kathy, Cheryl, and now Simone keep me distracted, too. ;)

I sent an email to LCG to get the update on transmission. I'll you all know what they say.

I sent an email to LCG to get the update on transmission. I'll you all know what they say.

Even if they don't give us some advance notice, I would guess it won't take long to notice the difference when they light up from Lookout. I would guess maybe 5 minutes or less before someone posts it. And to think it only took us such a short :rolleyes: time to get DTV full power on the air in Colorado.

OT
PS
How 'bout those Avs!
:D

Detroit next????:eek:

OT

I was at Pepsi Center tonight - I'm not sure I've been in a louder arena. And I've been to a couple games at United Center. On the way out, the fans were already starting the familiar "Red Wings Suck!" chant :)

My throat's sure gonna be sore tomorrow...

And to think it only took us such a short time to get DTV full power on the air in Colorado.
I don't think they will be full power just yet until next February. If I remember correctly, they would go over the RF limit with both analog and digital running at the same time. I bet they do some tests to see how high they can go.

I don't think they will be full power just yet until next February. If I remember correctly, they would go over the RF limit with both analog and digital running at the same time. I bet they do some tests to see how high they can go.

A fine point but true. I guess in my mind, after years of receiving 'fringe' reception a few miles from the transmitters, it will seem like 'full power' to a vast majority of the area. Even with 2 and 31, my receivers already show "100%" (whatever technical power level that represents). It will be great to go back to being able to use splitters in a line for an antenna, and for many of us, even just using rabbit ears. To the folks in Ft. Collins and way down south it will sure make a difference. I suspect that only the real fringe areas will notice the difference next year when they truly get to 'full power'. To most of us, that will always seem like it came this spring.

I apologize if this is the wrong thread for this question. I have been reading your posts for months and have learned a great deal. Now, I have a question. I have OTA with an attic antenna, a signal amplifier, and a three way split. Normally, I have excellent reception both on analog and digital stations, but lately I am experiencing a lot of interruption on 7.1 and 9.1. The signal always comes back on but is annoying. I can only think something is irregularly blocking the digital signal. My antenna is pointed to lookout mt., and I am in Lakewood only a few miles from there; but since channels 7 and 9 are both vhf, I suppose it doesn't matter which direction I am pointed. My question now: would a higher (roof top) antenna fix this interruption or will a stronger signal amplifier address the issue?

Normally, I have excellent reception both on analog and digital stations, but lately I am experiencing a lot of interruption on 7.1 and 9.1.It might be the wonderful Spring. Simple things like trees changing makes a difference in reception. With our current low-power situation, it's amazing what little things effect it.
------------
I received a note back from LCG. They won't be on-air next week, they are thinking another week or two yet. No word on the reason. (Flange issues????) ;)

Um...today's the 21st, right? CBS4 at 6am was SD :(

Never mind - at the end of the broadcast, they mentioned the HD news starts at noon today. (Yes, I watch my morning news TiVo-delayed)

I think that the HD news will start with the evening news broadcast.

Dang, I should have waited for dr_mal's second post before giving my opinion!

I apologize if this is the wrong thread for this question. I have been reading your posts for months and have learned a great deal. Now, I have a question. I have OTA with an attic antenna, a signal amplifier, and a three way split. Normally, I have excellent reception both on analog and digital stations, but lately I am experiencing a lot of interruption on 7.1 and 9.1. The signal always comes back on but is annoying. I can only think something is irregularly blocking the digital signal. My antenna is pointed to lookout mt., and I am in Lakewood only a few miles from there; but since channels 7 and 9 are both vhf, I suppose it doesn't matter which direction I am pointed. My question now: would a higher (roof top) antenna fix this interruption or will a stronger signal amplifier address the issue?

Since it appears the major stations will be on the air from Lookout in another week or two (according to what they told Ernie), I wouldn't recommend spending much time or money to improve your signal until you see what you get after they light up from Lookout. You are likely to find your signal will be just fine at that time, and if not you will have a steady benchmark to work from. YMMV.

Since it appears the major stations will be on the air from Lookout in another week or two (according to what they told Ernie), I wouldn't recommend spending much time or money to improve your signal until you see what you get after they light up from Lookout. You are likely to find your signal will be just fine at that time, and if not you will have a steady benchmark to work from. YMMV.

Thanks for the advice...waiting is one thing I do very well.:)

Something is hosed with KWGN-DT this morning. I can't lock a signal with any of two antennas or three ATSC tuners, and I really like Channel 2 morning news (I'm a retired guy with morning time on his hands).

Based on signal strength, KCNC-DT is still broadcasting from RP. I was hoping for a pleasant surprise this morning with a strong Channel 4 signal indicating the switch to LOM, but it was not to be. I get the feeling that KCNC's transition to HD is going to be broadcast initially from RP.

What ever happened to the proposed tour of KCNC's new operations.

I don't think they will be full power just yet until next February. If I remember correctly, they would go over the RF limit with both analog and digital running at the same time. I bet they do some tests to see how high they can go.

Hey, anything over the 10 to 12 kw we get now will make a huge difference, in addition to the much less obstructed signals from RP.

That's disappointing. I guess I won't be able to witness KCNC's first glorious HD newscast...

What ever happened to the proposed tour of KCNC's new operations.
I've not been bothering the people at KCNC, knowing they have their hands full with the tower going live, the switch to HD, the new anchor, etc. I'll ping them in a week or so to see if they've been able to set anything up.

Ch 4 in HD looks gooooood. So does the new infobabe anchorette.

For those of you who use TVGOS (TV Guide OnScreen) -- I've noticed that lately (last few months), I'm getting a lot of "no listing" -- like maybe 75% of the time slots show "no listing". Has anyone else noticed this?

I'm in the boat of folks who can't stand channel 9 with their 9 health line at 999-9999, 9 health fair, 9 cares Colorado shares, buddy check 9, 9, 9......9. We get it ok?

Anyway, channel 4 looks great! But, the new anchor did commit a cardinal sin just now. She mentioned Patrick Roy, and pronounced his name the way an American normally does. And then Vic made sure to emphasize the correct way to pronounce it during his sports cast.

For those of you who use TVGOS (TV Guide OnScreen) -- I've noticed that lately (last few months), I'm getting a lot of "no listing" -- like maybe 75% of the time slots show "no listing". Has anyone else noticed this?

I'm curious as to what channel you are using as your host station? Looking for a station that I can get OTA up here in Fort Fun...

I don't know what device you're using, but I've always found that a reboot of my Sony DHG-HDD500 fixes the TVGOS "no listing" issue. It will start re-populating the listings after a night.

Too many 9s... yup. But, with the exception of Drew, I still think that they have the best NEWS show in town.

I liked the way 4 looked tonight. I like the rear projection backdrop. The weather graphics look real promising as well. I was having problems with the DD 5.1 mix. It seems like they haven't figured out what the center channel is for yet. It was muted here with dialog coming from the front left and right.

I am more concerned about when they will start transmitting from the new tower than their PQ or sound mix right now though!


[QUOTE=parsec;13697256]I'm in the boat of folks who can't stand channel 9 with their 9 health line at 999-9999, 9 health fair, 9 cares Colorado shares, buddy check 9, 9, 9......9. We get it ok?

Anyway, channel 4 looks great! QUOTE]

I'm in the boat of folks who can't stand channel 9 with their 9 health line at 999-9999, 9 health fair, 9 cares Colorado shares, buddy check 9, 9, 9......9. We get it ok?

Anyway, channel 4 looks great! But, the new anchor did commit a cardinal sin just now. She mentioned Patrick Roy, and pronounced his name the way an American normally does. And then Vic made sure to emphasize the correct way to pronounce it during his sports cast.

I noticed the very same thing. I was impressed with the remote cameras being in HD. The only clear exception was the camera in the mountains showing the guy's business which blew up. The weather stuff looked pretty good too. I wonder what they are going to do with the PS3 playstation driving the rear projection picture behind the set.

Congrats CBS4! Caught a little of the 6pm news tonight, including the butchering of Roy's last name. I wonder if she'll do the same segment on the 10pm news. Might be worth watching.

It's nice to have a choice in local HD news finally. Don't forget that channel 4-1 is the only single-stream 1080i picture in town. Both the CW and NBC (what channel are they again?) affiliates steal bits from the HD channel for their useless subchannels (seriously, KWGN, we KNOW the Tube is gone. Put the bits back!). More bits = better looking HD picture. The choice 4 me is clear.

The bandwidth sucking subchannel is gone. They finally got rid of it in the past few weeks.

I'm curious as to what channel you are using as your host station? Looking for a station that I can get OTA up here in Fort Fun...

I don't know what device you're using, but I've always found that a reboot of my Sony DHG-HDD500 fixes the TVGOS "no listing" issue. It will start re-populating the listings after a night.

I have a Toshiba plasma TV that supports TVGOS, and I have their Symbios hard drive which serves as a HD-DVR. I use TVGOS to record programs and such. I don't have cable or satellite and rely exclusively on OTA HD.

I am getting some listings interspersed -- this is true for all channels. For example, for tomorrow (Tuesday April 21) for KCNC, it shows "No Title" for 9am, 1pm, 4pm, 9:30pm, etc, but shows the listing for everything else. It used to be much better but lately it's been dismal, especially for prime time. At first I thought it had to do with the writer's strike when their schedule got all wacky, but now that that's over, I'm not sure what's going on. I'm just wondering if the stations themselves are not populating all of the information?

The bandwidth sucking subchannel is gone. They finally got rid of it in the past few weeks.

To be fair, a still image takes so little bandwidth you will never, ever see the difference in 2-1 (especially considering that aside from CW shows they have no HD content to speak of; remember when Paramount offered a syndicated HD movie of the week a few years back?)

I also have to say that Drew's the only sports anchor I can stand, but perhaps that's because I couldn't care less about most sports in the first place.

Well, a quick comparison of 1 hour HD shows recorded off of CW shows they take 6 GB of space on my TiVo. 1 hour HD shows recorded off of CBS4 show they take between 7.5 and 8 GB. So still quite a difference. You can't take 25% of the information away and still expect to have a great picture.

I also have to say that Drew's the only sports anchor I can stand, but perhaps that's because I couldn't care less about most sports in the first place.

I can understand that. If one does not care about sports, Drew would be the guy to watch. Of course they could just put on three minutes of a kids cartoon and it would be more intelectually stimulating (and less insulting to my intelligence)!

Watched the new Channel 4 HD news at 6 and 10 PM. Karen Leigh's PQ was excellent. I'm so glad they booted Molly out to the boondocks. I just couldn't stand her William Shatner approach to presenting the news.

I'm not a big fan of Drew's sportscast, but the rest of the 9News team is superior to any of the other channels. However, it is nice to now have an HD news alternative in town. One can only hope that CBS follows NBC in moving their national news to HD. Maybe it would help Katie's abominable ratings.

BTW, the only downside of now watching News4 at 10 PM is, if I dose near the end to the newcast, I'm shocked awake by the obnoxious Letterman show. Guess I'll have to remember to create an auto change on my Dish receiver.

Overall the PQ on News4's HD seems equivalent to 9News' HD. At first I thought it was a little softer than 9News, but it seemed to sharpen up by the 10 PM newscast. Maybe it is just a case of the camera operators learning how to maximize the focus on their new HD cams. Their color depth and rendition is excellent on 4, maybe a touch deeper than 9.

I like News4's new set, looks classy and high tech at the same time. My only criticism of the new News4 HD is the weather graphics. Some of the stuff looks so crude that it reminded me of the early days of internet graphics or the early color graphics on PCs. Someone with a little imagination and programming skill should do a little work in this area for News4.

21 April came and went. What happened With Denver DTV?
In NorthEast Longmont I still receive no signal for 4.1, 7.1, 9.1, 20.1 and 6.1
I still receive clear signals for 2.1, 14.1, 25.1 and 31.1

I received a note back from LCG. They won't be on-air next week, they are thinking another week or two yet. No word on the reason. (Flange issues????) ;)

^^ That's what happened.

The News4 set is nice and the PQ seems as good as channel 9, but until CBS starts doing the evening news in HD, I will stick with channel 9 and NBC.

I flipped over to News4 a few times and I've got to say I love the simple tasteful graphics they were using. Other than the pop-up CBS eye every time a name was shown it is much better than the pulsating gaudy graphics used by 9News -- that rotating 9News/HD time/temp in the corner drives me up the wall.

I recently started watching the Today show with my new HD set until I realized they squeeze the picture and stick the big "9News now" mess on the bottom of the screen.

I hope the CBS Early show goes HD soon.

My only criticism of the new News4 HD is the weather graphics. Some of the stuff looks so crude that it reminded me of the early days of internet graphics or the early color graphics on PCs.

Concur. Ed Greene didn't even try to zoom the regional radar image for a closer view of those light showers over northeastern Colorado yesterday evening, leading me to believe it wasn't possible to do so. That, plus a whole host of more minor details, makes me suspect that KCNC's news broadcast is in its "shake-down" cruise -- not at all surprising for the first day. It may take 'em a few weeks to iron out the wrinkles and squash the bugs. All in all, I'm encouraged -- they seem to have gotten off to a good start.

Does anybody besides me think the Ch 4 HD studio shots are a little dark?

What is KCNC doing with their graphics during the news?

I thought they were just protecting for 4:3, but even in 4:3 they are leaving huge margins on the sides and bottom of the screen.

They look even more hilarious in HD, where there's enough space for a CNBC-style two line stock ticker beneath the station ID and information on either side of the screen is inset almost a full third of the screen in from the side.

It just looks a bit strange.

I don't find the studio shots to be dark at all; on my calibrated set they look just right, as opposed to KUSA who have looked a bit washed out on occasion (KUSA's got a much better handle on it of late, perhaps they had a bad camera.)

I'm watching "NCIS" on Channel 4. I thought this show was in Hi-Def!!

What gives?

Is anyone else experiencing audio issues with KCNC Channel 4. With all this evenings (04-22-08) broadcasts (NEWS 4, NCIS, Big Brother, Shark) the audio is only coming my rear surround speakers. There is no audio coming from the center, front left, and front right speakers. My receiver is showing Dolby Digital. All other stations audio is working just fine.

I mentioned that last night I was only getting front left and right, no center. I did not pay much attention to the rears as I was watching a news program.
But, definitely dialog was coming in mono from front left and right. This was the same at 6 and 10. Before the 10 PM show I was watching CSI Miami and all was good as to the DD 5.1 audio. BTW, I was using OTA to the H20 into my Denon 5800 . The DD5.1 indicators were lit up.

Phil

Is anyone else experiencing audio issues with KCNC Channel 4. With all this evenings (04-22-08) broadcasts (NEWS 4, NCIS, Big Brother, Shark) the audio is only coming my rear surround speakers. There is no audio coming from the center, front left, and front right speakers. My receiver is showing Dolby Digital. All other stations audio is working just fine.

Is anyone else experiencing audio issues with KCNC Channel 4. With all this evenings (04-22-08) broadcasts (NEWS 4, NCIS, Big Brother, Shark) the audio is only coming my rear surround speakers. There is no audio coming from the center, front left, and front right speakers. My receiver is showing Dolby Digital. All other stations audio is working just fine.

I think they went to SD to handle the crawl for election results and never set it back to HD.

Does anybody besides me think the Ch 4 HD studio shots are a little dark?

+1

What is KCNC doing with their graphics during the news?

I thought they were just protecting for 4:3, but even in 4:3 they are leaving huge margins on the sides and bottom of the screen.

They look even more hilarious in HD, where there's enough space for a CNBC-style two line stock ticker beneath the station ID and information on either side of the screen is inset almost a full third of the screen in from the side.

It just looks a bit strange.

I don't find the studio shots to be dark at all; on my calibrated set they look just right, as opposed to KUSA who have looked a bit washed out on occasion (KUSA's got a much better handle on it of late, perhaps they had a bad camera.)

Regarding graphics spacing, KCNC is just preparing for the day (soon) that they will be running info bars on the bottom and maybe the top of the screen. With the sides, I think they just overcompensated for their 4X3 viewers.

Does anybody besides me think the Ch 4 HD studio shots are a little dark?

Concur. I've watched the new HD on my old Samsung DLP, my new Samsung LCD, and an old CRT, and they all look a bit on the dark side. Maybe it is just the learning curve. BTW, some folks like their HD very dark, which is why they tune their movie settings to only be pleasant to watch in a pitch dark room. Not me. If I want to sit in a very dark room to watch a video presentation, I'll go the Olde Town 14. At home, I like livable conditions and I like to be able to see what is crawling in my popcorn.

I mentioned that last night I was only getting front left and right, no center. I did not pay much attention to the rears as I was watching a new program.
But, deifinetly dialog was coming in mono from front left and right. This was the same at 6 and 10. Before the 10 PM show I was watching CSI Miami and all was good as to the DD 5.1 audio. BTW, I was using OTA to the H20 into my Denon 5800 . The DD5.1 indicators were lit up.

Phil

CBS and KCNC in general have been DD5.1-challenged. I complain every fall about the NFL broadcast sound that is all over the place (i.e., radically changing every few minutes). Funny how even our local KWGN has figured out how to handle DD5.1 sound on all of their DTV broadcasts. No, I'm not a rah rah fan of KCNC like some.

KCNC's 6pm news is 4:3 today. Looks like they're still working out the bugs for sure!

EDIT: Never mind, my TV was tuned to analog CATV 4 ... DOH! (Still, their DD mix is muddy w/o the proper use of the center channel)

KCNC's 6pm news is 4:3 today. Looks like they're still working out the bugs for sure!

EDIT: Never mind, my TV was tuned to analog CATV 4 ... DOH! (Still, their DD mix is muddy w/o the proper use of the center channel)

FYI - Directv has a option to not show the duplicate SD channels :)

When will LOM begin broadcasting KCNC, KUSA, KMGH and KTVD? Is it this coming weekend? Thought I read that somewhere. Since KCNC news went HD, I have better reception for some reason from RP.

When will LOM begin broadcasting KCNC, KUSA, KMGH and KTVD? Is it this coming weekend? Thought I read that somewhere. Since KCNC news went HD, I have better reception for some reason from RP.
I read an article yesterday where KCNC's direcotr of operations (David Layne) said 5-10 days. Lemme see if I can find the article...

[edit]
here it is (http://cbs4denver.com/local/digital.television.HDTV.2.707018.html). Looks like maybe it wasn't a direct quote from David Layne after all. But the 5-10 days estimate was there.

FYI - Directv has a option to not show the duplicate SD channels :)

Is that user driven (can I control that via my remote) or is it done thru cust.serv.? Does it reduce our bill?

Regarding graphics spacing, KCNC is just preparing for the day (soon) that they will be running info bars on the bottom and maybe the top of the screen. With the sides, I think they just overcompensated for their 4X3 viewers.

Yep - a two line text area was on the bottom of the screen for this morning's newscasts.

The "side" graphics are still too far in, though, and I really wish they'd tone down the luminance of their time and temp; I'd expect them to burn into my plasma nicely were I to watch for any length of time. :D

Is that user driven (can I control that via my remote) or is it done thru cust.serv.? Does it reduce our bill?
It is in the set up in the menu system:
Menu>Setup>System Setup>Display>Guide HD Channels

and LOL no it does not reduce you bill

Does anyone have an idea as to what power KCNC will use when they start using the transmitter on LOM?

I read an article yesterday where KCNC's direcotr of operations (David Layne) said 5-10 days. Lemme see if I can find the article...

[edit]
here it is (http://cbs4denver.com/local/digital.television.HDTV.2.707018.html). Looks like maybe it wasn't a direct quote from David Layne after all. But the 5-10 days estimate was there.

Well well dr_mal, you have been actively involved in the pusuit of OTA HD in Denver for over SEVEN years. Doesn't it seem surreal to author a post that says 5 to 10 days?

Oddly, I'm having a lot of trouble locking a solid signal on KWGN-DT again this morning (80 to 82 signal level on Dish 811, but constant breakups), but for some reason I have a solid lock on KRMA-DT, which is usually non-existent. Oh for the day that all of this DTV conversion is over with and I can turn on the TV and expect the same signal strength and quality as I had the day before.

Well well dr_mal, you have been actively involved in the pusuit of OTA HD in Denver for over SEVEN years. Doesn't it seem surreal to author a post that says 5 to 10 days?
Well, it didn't seem surreal until you pointed it out to me :p

It's been quite rewarding seeing the new tower growing as I drive into work every day. And pointing it out to my coworkers when we go to lunch. And ever so slightly rubbing it in to my one coworker who's a sCARE sympathizer (hey, I've got to maintain healthy work relationships, right?)

Two more big milestones to go: full power OTA HD and the removal of the old analog towers.

Heh - I wonder if jmartinko will be any less, erm, "crusty" when the new tower lights up :)

.........

Heh - I wonder if jmartinko will be any less, erm, "crusty" when the new tower lights up :)

Hrrumph, not very likely. Once a curmudgeon always a curmudgeon.
;)

Two more big milestones to go: full power OTA HD and the removal of the old analog towers.



I read that, in addition to LCG stations 'analog towers' being dismantled, the Morrison deal calls for removal of two additional towers from lookout.

So, Your sCary friend should really be happy about the outcome. We know the sCARE ploy was to have all towers removed but that mountain is still going to look a lot cleaner sometime next year.

--- CHAS

I read that, in addition to LCG stations 'analog towers' being dismantled, the Morrison deal calls for removal of two additional towers from lookout.

So, Your sCary friend should really be happy about the outcome. We know the sCARE ploy was to have all towers removed but that mountain is still going to look a lot cleaner sometime next year.

--- CHAS

...and finally; what then happens to this thread? I'm gonna miss you guys! <sniff>

...and finally; what then happens to this thread? I'm gonna miss you guys! <sniff>

We can still talk about things like KDEV-DT's psip woes, or lack of KRMA-DT up north. I think these items will still take some time to iron out, which in Denver they have proved can take several years.

BTW when is the LM B-B-Q?

Woo hoo top of the page to me!

Your tower fight/project attracted many to this discussion who reside far from the transmitting range of Denver TV stations.

--- CHAS

...and finally; what then happens to this thread? I'm gonna miss you guys! <sniff>Awwww, we can always talk about the young new, news hotties!!! ;)

Awwww, we can always talk about the young new, news hotties!!! ;)

Which begs the question, what's up with the new gal on CW2 replacing Vida? She disappeared about as quietly as Asha Blake did.

OT Sports Post

Saturday will be a big day for Colorado HD sports fans:

1:00 PM Avs vs. Red Wings NBC
3:30 PM Nuggets vs. Lakers TNT/Altitude
6:30 PM Rapids vs. Fire HDNet
8:10 PM Rockies vs. Dodgers FSNRM

I can't prove it, but I believe this is the first time we have had 4 local pro teams broadcast in HD on the same day!

OT Sports Post

Saturday will be a big day for Colorado HD sports fans:

1:00 PM Avs vs. Red Wings NBC
3:30 PM Nuggets vs. Lakers TNT/Altitude
6:30 PM Rapids vs. Fire HDNet
8:10 PM Rockies vs. Dodgers FSNRM

I can't prove it, but I believe this is the first time we have had 4 local pro teams broadcast in HD on the same day!

I'm assuming you're using the term "Pro" loosely for at least 2 of those teams! ;)

Any ideas why the audio during HD Broadcasts on KCNC Channel 4 is not coming thru as Dolby Digital 5.1.? My receiver shows Dolby Digital as the audio feed but the dialog for all HD Programming on the station is only coming thru my front right and front left speakers. The CENTER SPEAKER for dialog is never recognized during Channel 4's primetime HD broadcasts. Very annoying. All other stations HD programming and audio is working fine.

Just saw the 4-1 Newscast. I enjoyed the picture quality much more than 9news, it was much more sharper. 9news always looks washed out and pixel ridden to me. I really liked doppler 4000. I like the larger image of North America and the zoom in to the US as I like the large image of Colorado and surrounding states and the zoom in to CO.

They did a little segment on HDTV, during which they said they would be transmitting from LM in a few days.

Just saw the 4-1 Newscast. I enjoyed the picture quality much more than 9news, it was much more sharper. 9news always looks washed out and pixel ridden to me. I really liked doppler 4000. I like the larger image of North America and the zoom in to the US as I like the large image of Colorado and surrounding states and the zoom in to CO.

They did a little segment on HDTV, during which they said they would be transmitting from LM in a few days.

21 April came and went. There has been a lot of talk changes in DTV reception. What happened With Denver DTV?

Have they boosted power?
Are they using different antenna locations?
Are they just testing out some HDTV features or equipemt?
Or ... ?

In NorthEast Longmont I still receive no signal for 4.1, 7.1, 9.1, 20.1 and 6.1
I still receive clear signals for 2.1, 14.1, 25.1 and 31.1

I received a note back from LCG. They won't be on-air next week, they are thinking another week or two yet. No word on the reason. (Flange issues????) ;)

^^ That's what happened.

(Haven't we done this before?)

Any ideas why the audio during HD Broadcasts on KCNC Channel 4 is not coming thru as Dolby Digital 5.1.? My receiver shows Dolby Digital as the audio feed but the dialog for all HD Programming on the station is only coming thru my front right and front left speakers. The CENTER SPEAKER for dialog is never recognized during Channel 4's primetime HD broadcasts. Very annoying. All other stations HD programming and audio is working fine.

CSI was coming through in 5.1 for me last night and has for years.

What am I missing?

^^ That's what happened.

(Haven't we done this before?)

Sorry, but yes WE have. The members, closer to Denver, have been excited about SOMETHING. That is what I am trying to understand.

The problem that I have heard is only with the HD news broadcast from channel 4. The rest of the programming that is supposed to be in DD 5.1 seems fine.


CSI was coming through in 5.1 for me last night and has for years.

What am I missing?

Sorry, but yes WE have. The members, closer to Denver, have been excited about SOMETHING. That is what I am trying to understand.

It's because News4 went finally went HD. But all of the LCG stations are still broadcasting from RP, so we'll both have to wait a little bit more to see it for ourselves...

Which stations have completed their transition and are broadcasting digital at their final antenna location and power?

Which begs the question, what's up with the new gal on CW2 replacing Vida? She disappeared about as quietly as Asha Blake did.

The "new gal", Kellie MacMullan, has been a field reporter and anchor fill-in for CW2"s morning news for some time. I was shocked the other day when I saw Vida doing a field report for the morning news and a promo for News2 at Nine with Ernie Bjorkman and Kellie MacMullan. Kellie is a Colorado native and Arvada girl. Not bad to look at either. I also kind of like that husky voice.

It is pretty obvious that being a news anchor in Denver is as cutthroat a business as anything else around. CW2 is apparently willing to try almost anything to save News2 at Nine from total domination by Fox31 and now 9News at Nine on My20.

Which stations have completed their transition and are broadcasting digital at their final antenna location and power?

Huh?

Which stations have completed their transition and are broadcasting digital at their final antenna location and power?

In a nutshell:

-- KRMA-DT 6, KTFD-DT 14 and KWHD-DT 53 are now at full licensed power from facilities that will continue to be used after the transition. (KRMA just received local zoning approval for updated facilities and a new antenna location on Mount Morrison, from which it broadcasts now.)

-- As other posters have reported here, stations not migrating to new post-transition channels are under an FCC mandate for being at full power at least nine nine months prior to the transition date, or about May 18. That group includes 2, 4, 20, 25, 31 and 50.

-- The "transition migrants" -- KMGH-DT 7, KUSA-DT 9 and KBDI-DT 12 -- don't have to be at full power until Feb. 18, 2009, regardless of any previous requests made in digital modified-CP or STA applications.

OT Sports Post

Saturday will be a big day for Colorado HD sports fans:

1:00 PM Avs vs. Red Wings NBC
3:30 PM Nuggets vs. Lakers TNT/Altitude
6:30 PM Rapids vs. Fire HDNet
8:10 PM Rockies vs. Dodgers FSNRM

I can't prove it, but I believe this is the first time we have had 4 local pro teams broadcast in HD on the same day!

You forgot to add the Broncos who have the 12 draft pick in the first round appearing on ESPN too.:cool:


Awwww, we can always talk about the young new, news hotties!!! ;)
And there is always Drew's latest bobble head doll (which likely has a higher sports IQ than Drew)!:D

In a nutshell:

-- KRMA-DT 6, KTFD-DT 14 and KWHD-DT 53 are now at full licensed power from facilities that will continue to be used after the transition. (KRMA just received local zoning approval for updated facilities and a new antenna location on Mount Morrison, from which it broadcasts now.)

-- As other posters have reported here, stations not migrating to new post-transition channels are under an FCC mandate for being at full power at least nine nine months prior to the transition date, or about May 18. That group includes 2, 4, 20, 25, 31 and 50.

-- The "transition migrants" -- KMGH-DT 7, KUSA-DT 9 and KBDI-DT 12 -- don't have to be at full power until Feb. 18, 2009, regardless of any previous requests made in digital modified-CP or STA applications.

I believe that 2 (KWGN) has applied for a deferment on the full power until August 2009, though I don't know the status of their request. They are current broadcast from their property on LM but on their shorter tower, and are somewhat less than half power.

I do not believe that any major station in broadcasting from their final location at full power, for some definition of the word "final" and "full power". And if 6 (KRMA) is claimng they are, then they mustn't be a major stations, by my definition of the word "major".

I believe that 2 (KWGN) has applied for a deferment on the full power until August 2009, though I don't know the status of their request. They are current broadcast from their property on LM but on their shorter tower, and are somewhat less than half power.

Right you are. I'd forgotten about that filing.

I do not believe that any major station in broadcasting from their final location at full power, for some definition of the word "final" and "full power". And if 6 (KRMA) is claimng they are, then they mustn't be a major stations, by my definition of the word "major".

Like all other full-power stations, KRMA has the callsign suffix -TV (for analog) and -DT (for digital). If the FCC didn't classify them as being full power, then they wouldn't be required to convert to digital broadcasting at this time.

I've gone over the Forms 387, "DTV Transition Status Report," for all the stations. In February, KRMA filed a 387 seeking permission to remain at an effective radiated power of 115 kW after the transition, which they're putting out now. As with KWGN, the FCC hasn't posted a decision yet. (I somehow doubt the FCC is going to be hard on not-for-profit KRMA.)

In their most recent Form 387 filings, both KTFD 14 and KWHD 53 answered "yes" to the question, "Is the Licensee/Permittee now operating its fully authorized final, DTV (post-transition) facility?" KTFD's ERP is 200 kW, and KWHD is at 300 kW.

Like all other full-power stations, KRMA has the callsign suffix -TV (for analog) and -DT (for digital). If the FCC didn't classify them as being full power, then they wouldn't be required to convert to digital broadcasting at this time.

I've gone over the Forms 387, "DTV Transition Status Report," for all the stations. In February, KRMA filed a 387 seeking permission to remain at an effective radiated power of 115 kW after the transition, which they're putting out now. As with KWGN, the FCC hasn't posted a decision yet. (I somehow doubt the FCC is going to be hard on not-for-profit KRMA.)

I think HDJello is being facetious regarding KRMA-DT. He's pulling your chain!

I believe that KRMA's filing is really related to an extension before they have their final installation for DTV. Therefore, their current location and ERP are what they will have on the mandatory analog shutoff day, but it is not there planned DTV location and is not the post-transition full power for which they were permitted.

I think HDJello is being facetious regarding KRMA-DT. He's pulling your chain!

I believe that KRMA's filing is really related to an extension before they have their final installation for DTV. Therefore, their current location and ERP are what they will have on the mandatory analog shutoff day, but it is not there planned DTV location and is not the post-transition full power for which they were permitted.
In their FCC 387 filing posted on 2/21/2008 KRMA included the following Exhibit.
Exhibit 4
Description: NOTICE OF INTENT TO OPERATE AS CONSTRUCTED

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLIC BROADASTING NETWORK, INC. (RMPBN) HAS COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION OF, AND IS NOW OPERATING, KRMA-DT'S FINAL, POST-TRANSITION DTV FACILITY, PURSUANT TO ITS PENDING LICENSE APPLICATION (BLEDT-20070806AED) AND GRANTED PERMIT (BMPEDT-20061205AAG). RMPBN INTENDS TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE KRMA-DT'S EXISTING FACILITY AND NOT THE FACILITY SET FORTH IN THE DTV TABLE OF ALLOTMENTS 'APPENDIX B'.

KRMA-DT'S EXISTING, CONSTRUCTED FACILITY DIFFERS FROM APPENDIX B AS FOLLOWS:

ERP: 115 KW
HAAT: 331 M
ANTENNA ID: 76810
LATITUDE: 39-40-17
LONGITUDE: 105-13-06

ON OCTOBER, 26, 2007, RMPBN FILED A PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION, IN MB DOCKET NO. 87-268, PROPOSING CHANGES TO THE DTV TABLE OF ALLOTMENTS TO MATCH ITS CONSTRUCTED FACILITY, AS NOTED ABOVE.

Another item: If I am reading the FCC website info correctly, KPXC was granted an STA on 4/22/2008 to establish their transition facility on the tower used by KDEN-DT. That tower is a little east of Frederick. It looks to be about 10 miles east southeast of Longmont. The accompanying documentation indicated that they wanted to make that their final facility.

If I recall correctly, KPXC (59-1), KTFD (14-1), and KRMA (6-1) were all part of the group that was asking for the permit for the new tower on Mt Morrison that was authorized by JEFFCO in their 4/1/2008 ruling. I have no idea whether the JEFFCO decision on 4/1/2008 has any automatic effects on the plans that have been filed by KRMA and KPXC with the FCC. I have not noticed anything released by either station as to what their current plans are, in light of the JEFFCO decision. Has anyone else noticed anything?

kenavs, your post is accurate from what I can see. Even though KRMA could do something due to the JeffCo decision, I recollect earlier posts by others who received info directly from KRMA that they intend to stay on the ice bridge for the forseeable future (3 years?). But of course that info was before the April JeffCo action, so things may change.

There have been a couple of other changes of late with other stations due to an FCC freeze on extending digital signal service contours.

KTVD recently filed a change which reduces their power from 1000 kW ERP to 96 kW ERP. An excerpt from this filing states:
The service contours in this application are compliant with the Commission's freeze on contour extensions and are wholly contained within the service contours of the KTVD DT construction permit, as reflected in the allotment parameters for KTVD set forth in Appendix B to the 7th Report and Order. Multimedia intends to request maximization of the KTVD service area when the freeze is lifted and at that time will propose use of a top mounted UHF antenna on the same tower, which it will share with television station KCNC, Denver. In the event the maximization application is granted prior to February 17, 2009, KTVD may commence post-transition operation with the top-mount antenna and maximized service contours. Multimedia intends to license the antenna specified in this application as an auxiliary at a later date.

I believe the maximization mentioned here is to go to 1000 kW ERP. Their proposed 96 kW ERP antenna will be side-mounted on the LCG tower.

KUSA is similarly reducing its intial power on channel 9 from 37 kW ERP to 6 kW ERP.

Changing subjects, did anyone notice that KUSA sent out ER in letter-boxed format last night instead of 16:9 HD? I was wondering if this was intentional or, more likely, an error.

In their FCC 387 filing posted on 2/21/2008 KRMA included the following Exhibit.


Another item: If I am reading the FCC website info correctly, KPXC was granted an STA on 4/22/2008 to establish their transition facility on the tower used by KDEN-DT. That tower is a little east of Frederick. It looks to be about 10 miles east southeast of Longmont. The accompanying documentation indicated that they wanted to make that their final facility.

If I recall correctly, KPXC (59-1), KTFD (14-1), and KRMA (6-1) were all part of the group that was asking for the permit for the new tower on Mt Morrison that was authorized by JEFFCO in their 4/1/2008 ruling. I have no idea whether the JEFFCO decision on 4/1/2008 has any automatic effects on the plans that have been filed by KRMA and KPXC with the FCC. I have not noticed anything released by either station as to what their current plans are, in light of the JEFFCO decision. Has anyone else noticed anything?

FWIW, I don't consider the 115 kw ERP from KRMA-DT to be "full power" operation regardless of what they want to call it. Considering what they had intended their "full power" operation to be compared with what they have due to political issues and their own poor decision making, I don't accept their "this is it folks" pronouncement, even if that is what they needed to do to keep the Feds off of their back. In addition, their pronouncement that they will reach 95% of their analog broadcast audience with this setup is total BS, as those who have contributed to this thread have documented many times. So call them "full power" if you want to, but that is like calling a field goal a touchdown just because they couldn't score the touchdown.

After watching KCNC-DT's morning news this morning and switching back and forth to KUSA-DT's morning news, I came to the following conclusions.

I think that KCNC's HD is a bit sharper than KUSA's HD. Guess that 9-2 subchannel may be having an affect afterall.

It also looks like they have lightened up the studio backdrop a bit or maybe it is just the morning news versus the evening news. In any event, the morning news backdrop did look lighter and was more pleasant to watch.

While KCNC's in studio HD looks sharper than KUSA's HD, the same doesn't seem to hold true of their outside shots. I think KCNC is still learning how to use the new cameras and they are having some focus problems. KUSA's outdoor shots are crystal clear by comparison. The other afternoon, KCNC did an on-the-street shot of traffic on a potholed street and the live shot was totally blurred (out-of-focus). They then switched to some taped footage they had shot earlier and it was perfect.

Finally, I still think the new graphics on KCNC-DT leave a lot to be desire. The "weather map wall", even when they focus on Colorado, lists city names that are almost unreadable on a 32" widescreen LCD. The state boundary is also difficult to make out in their sea of green. Oh well, KUSA has been at this for a few years so they should be better at it by now, and they are.

I finally got my digital converter coupons yesterday. I think I applied in February. After reading reviews on his forum and others, I bought 2 of the DigitalStream DTX9900 from Radio Shack. The store at Southwest Plaza had seven of them in stock.

Set up was very easy and it detected most of the local digital signals with rabbit ears. It did not detect KBDI until I moved the antenna and did a second scan. I had to delete the 17 channel 40 sub channels. I do get a lot of breakup on KCNC. Hopefully that will go away next week with the new tower coming online.

I am pretty happy with it so far. It is very small and fits well on top of my 13" bedroom TV. The program guide goes out 10 hours on most channels (KWGN has no guide data). It also has a signal meter. The universal remote controls my 13" 1997 Zenith fine and it was easy to set up. It does not have is analog pass through or a S-video connector.

It does a good job for any of you that may have analog TV's you don't plan to replace anytime soon.

Phil T,

Which connection did you use, RF or composite?

I used RF because this set only has one composite connection and I use it for a DVD player.

I think that KCNC's HD is a bit sharper than KUSA's HD. Guess that 9-2 subchannel may be having an affect afterall.

While KCNC's in studio HD looks sharper than KUSA's HD, the same doesn't seem to hold true of their outside shots. I think KCNC is still learning how to use the new cameras and they are having some focus problems. KUSA's outdoor shots are crystal clear by comparison. The other afternoon, KCNC did an on-the-street shot of traffic on a potholed street and the live shot was totally blurred (out-of-focus). They then switched to some taped footage they had shot earlier and it was perfect.

Finally, I still think the new graphics on KCNC-DT leave a lot to be desire. The "weather map wall", even when they focus on Colorado, lists city names that are almost unreadable on a 32" widescreen LCD. The state boundary is also difficult to make out in their sea of green. Oh well, KUSA has been at this for a few years so they should be better at it by now, and they are.

Clearly they don't have enough HD camers avalible to go around on the street yet. Some are clearly up-converts.

Speaking of cameras, I wonder when they'll get an HD camera on their Heli? It's obviously not HD yet.

You need a larger TV. On my 50" it looks wonderfull. Way better than Ch.9's. It's a lot sharper & has tons more detail on my set.

FWIW, I don't consider the 115 kw ERP from KRMA-DT to be "full power" operation regardless of what they want to call it. Considering what they had intended their "full power" operation to be compared with what they have due to political issues and their own poor decision making, I don't accept their "this is it folks" pronouncement, even if that is what they needed to do to keep the Feds off of their back. In addition, their pronouncement that they will reach 95% of their analog broadcast audience with this setup is total BS, as those who have contributed to this thread have documented many times. So call them "full power" if you want to, but that is like calling a field goal a touchdown just because they couldn't score the touchdown.

Everyone, Just keep their mailbox full regarding your unhappiness with their performance and keep your checkbook closed until the message is received and acted upon.

John

KRMA-DT Opera in HD 1080i
Next month's KRMA magazine lists the HD Met Opera to be shown on Sundays in May at 11:00am on KRMA-DT. My wife is looking forward to this. Just out of curiousity I checked today and there's an unannounced opera running. The picture looks fabulous on OTA, lots of crisp detail. The Comcast version seems much less impressive. I don't know if the degradation is from HDMI (OTA) vs Component (cable) connection, or Comcast doing something, or my TV settings, or my untrained eyes.

You need a larger TV. On my 50" it looks wonderfull. Way better than Ch.9's. It's a lot sharper & has tons more detail on my set.

I have a larger HDTV, but the 32" Samsung LNT3253H bedroom TV is our newest, so I'm using that as my test vehicle. Besides, the 32" widescreen is pretty much the swap for the almost standard 27" 4X3 that millions have and are using and the 32" widescreen is a pretty common bedroom HDTV or main TV for some first timers with a tight budget.

The point is, if one has trouble reading the graphics on a 32" HDTV, they are too small. I don't experience that small text problem with any other channel. For example, Channel 2-1, which is working with a lot less video real estate than the HD channels, doesn't have any problem providing readable graphics on smaller TVs.

KRMA-DT Opera in HD 1080i
Next month's KRMA magazine lists the HD Met Opera to be shown on Sundays in May at 11:00am on KRMA-DT. My wife is looking forward to this. Just out of curiousity I checked today and there's an unannounced opera running. The picture looks fabulous on OTA, lots of crisp detail. The Comcast version seems much less impressive. I don't know if the degradation is from HDMI (OTA) vs Component (cable) connection, or Comcast doing something, or my TV settings, or my untrained eyes.

Good for you that you can view KRMA-DT today. I can't get a whiff of it with any of 3 ATSC tuners on 2 HDTVs.

Just curious... how much does a "Ton" of detail weigh? Can I tell the difference between one ton and a half a ton? Can I measure that with any kind of test gear??

:)

BTW, I have not noticed a huge difference between the two news casts. On some frames it seems that 4 is a bit sharper, sometimes the edge goes to 9 (even with the studio shots. This could be a result of lighting or focus differences. Obviously there is no contest whe it comes to the chopper shots.

With the material that they send, basically still shots, I am not convinced that we would see a huge difference due to the bandwidth constraints caused by 9-2.

The graphics on 9 do seem easier to read to me on every set that I have looked at (42" to 100").

Phil


You need a larger TV. On my 50" it looks wonderfull. Way better than Ch.9's. It's a lot sharper & has tons more detail on my set.

Just curious... how much does a "Ton" of detail weigh? Can I tell the difference between one ton and a half a ton? Can I measure that with any kind of test gear??

You use the VM700A with the external scale option. Wait, that only works for standard definition. :)

KUSA-DT definitely uses larger and thicker typefaces than KCNC-DT does, particularly in their crawls.

I've yet to see unreadable text, but 9 definitely goes for bigger, chunkier looking text than 4 does.

I should be able to figure this out by reading postings, but, which local Denver stations have moved their transmissions to the new mountain tower? Is this an appropriate time to purchase and install an antenna for HD or should I wait for something else to happen?

Thanks for a reply.

I should be able to figure this out by reading postings, but, which local Denver stations have moved their transmissions to the new mountain tower? Is this an appropriate time to purchase and install an antenna for HD or should I wait for something else to happen?

Thanks for a reply.

The new tower on Lookout Mountain hasn't been activated yet so 4, 7, 9 & 20 are still transmitting their very low power digital signals from the top of the Republic Plaza building in downtown Denver. They are expected to start up at the new tower any day, but have not released any definite date. Channel 2 and 31 are already transmitting digital TV from LOM and Channel 6 & 14 are digital from Mount Morrison.

If you are currently receiving analog VHF & UHF OTA from LOM, your present antenna will work fine for digital. No special antenna is needed for digital.

Go to TVfool.com (http://www.tvfool.com/) and enter your address to get a listing of stations you should be able to receive at your location.

John

Thank you for your reply.

I receive distant non-HD city signals from DirecTV and thus am not allowed to receive local HD signals absent a waiver from the local stations which they, understandably would not be inclined to provide. Other HD channels such as ESPN I receive as part of my DirecTV HD package. So what I need to do is use my HD DirecTV receiver for everything except the 3 traditional broadcast networks, ABC,CBS and NBC as well as Fox (31) and PBS and channel 2. DirecTV will provide a non-HD signal from a distant city for those networks but will not provide a HD signal for those. Of course, I could drop the distant feeds and then DirecTV would be happy to send me the local stations in HD. But, I do not want to do that.

Thus, my need is to use DirecTV for everything except the local Denver stations and use a home antenna for those in HD. So, based on your helpful response, I should wait until they move to the new site and then buy and align an antenna to the northwest, since I live near Mineral and Santa Fe.

Hi all. I'm enjoying the discussions, but I don't know if you've discussed these issues.

First, Channel 4's new set in HD looks very, very dark. It's especially true for the sports desk.

Next, during NBC nightly news and during Channel 9's commercials for its news broadcasts, there is a noticeable, annoying popping/clicking sound. I hear it with with OTA and DirecTV.

Also, is it just me?

If anybody else agrees about 4's news or experiences the popping, especially the, how would you suggest I go about addressing this to 9News? Is there someone specific to contact?

Thanks for your help. Thanks for the forum!

I've already posted my comments about KCNC-DT's dark HD set. I don't get any popping or clicking on NBC HD news or 9News commercials.

KCNC HD set is just a little dark. I have never heard any popping or clicking on KUSA in any context. OTA in both cases.

Phil

Hi all. I'm enjoying the discussions, but I don't know if you've discussed these issues.

First, Channel 4's new set in HD looks very, very dark. It's especially true for the sports desk.

Next, during NBC nightly news and during Channel 9's commercials for its news broadcasts, there is a noticeable, annoying popping/clicking sound. I hear it with with OTA and DirecTV.

Thank you for your reply.

I receive distant non-HD city signals from DirecTV and thus am not allowed to receive local HD signals absent a waiver from the local stations which they, understandably would not be inclined to provide. Other HD channels such as ESPN I receive as part of my DirecTV HD package. So what I need to do is use my HD DirecTV receiver for everything except the 3 traditional broadcast networks, ABC,CBS and NBC as well as Fox (31) and PBS and channel 2. DirecTV will provide a non-HD signal from a distant city for those networks but will not provide a HD signal for those. Of course, I could drop the distant feeds and then DirecTV would be happy to send me the local stations in HD. But, I do not want to do that.

Thus, my need is to use DirecTV for everything except the local Denver stations and use a home antenna for those in HD. So, based on your helpful response, I should wait until they move to the new site and then buy and align an antenna to the northwest, since I live near Mineral and Santa Fe.This is a bit OT for this thread, but I feel I need to correct a misconception in your statement. If you are receiving the SD distant networks from DIRECTV, you are likely considered to be grandfathered for them. If DIRECTV provides your locals in your zip code, then you would not be eligible to newly subscribe to distant networks now, either SD or HD. It does not mean you cannot get HD locals through DIRECTV. The waiver you refer to is only needed from the local stations for you to receive the distant network SD or HD feeds. If you call DIRECTV and tell them you want to add locals to your package, it should not affect your status as far as the SD distant networks unless you tell them to cancel those. However, once you cancel the distant networks you will never get them back. Eventually everyone who is now grandfathered for distant networks is going to lose them anyway if locals are available, it is just not clear when that will happen.

Next, during NBC nightly news and during Channel 9's commercials for its news broadcasts, there is a noticeable, annoying popping/clicking sound. I hear it with with OTA and DirecTV.

Also, is it just me?


No I also notice this and at exactly the same times. I like watching NBC nightly news because it is in HD but always get that popping noise in the center channel. I am on Comcast BTW.

Thus, my need is to use DirecTV for everything except the local Denver stations and use a home antenna for those in HD. So, based on your helpful response, I should wait until they move to the new site and then buy and align an antenna to the northwest, since I live near Mineral and Santa Fe.

An Santa Fe and Mineral you should be able to get most stations already.

Personally I enjoy KCNC's set; it looks very rich and great in HD, as opposed to KUSA's which looks a bit overlit from some angles.

... during NBC nightly news and during Channel 9's commercials for its news broadcasts, there is a noticeable, annoying popping/clicking sound. I hear it ... with OTA and DirecTV.

I've noticed the same thing with the HD "NBC Nightly News," and it also occurred intermittently last night during PHS-HD's "Carrier." It sounds exactly like an LP record that has a speck of fuzz stuck across several grooves. (Naw, that doesn't date me at all, does it?? :D )

We're OTA only, with just one set in the house, an Envision L26W761.

I'm beginning to wonder whether it's a receiver issue since some other posters haven't encountered it. What do you have for a receiver, Crimson?

Have you noticed that whenever a reporter stands next to the in-studio video screen (basically a TV with a blue felt cover on the bottom), the felt is ripped down the seam?

I've also noticed that for most of the station ID blocks on the microphones are pretty shopworn for all stations. They need to spend a few bucks and make some new ones. Very noticeable in HD.

Personally I enjoy KCNC's set; it looks very rich and great in HD, as opposed to KUSA's which looks a bit overlit from some angles.

Yes! That's it! It sounds like a pit in an old LP. And naw, you aren't that old. I have original 78s of The Platters, friend. And I have a 45 of Elvis's Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog. Hound Dog was the flip side. Yikes!

I have two receivers: the D* HD-DVR HD 20-700 (with both satellite and OTA connections to a Terk amplified indoor antenna- works like a champ from Morrison, even without amplification) and my TV's tuner. They all do it, even with the trusty OTA antenna through the TV's ATSC tuner/QAM processor.

Pop, Pop, Pop... local news commercials and NBC Nightly News. Every night. And during the same commercials (especially bad in the one with Kobrick and Basi for the 9 PM newscast on channel 20).


I've noticed the same thing with the HD "NBC Nightly News," and it also occurred intermittently last night during PHS-HD's "Carrier." It sounds exactly like an LP record that has a speck of fuzz stuck across several grooves. (Naw, that doesn't date me at all, does it?? :D )

We're OTA only, with just one set in the house, an Envision L26W761.

I'm beginning to wonder whether it's a receiver issue since some other posters haven't encountered it. What do you have for a receiver, Crimson?

I've noticed the same thing with the HD "NBC Nightly News," and it also occurred intermittently last night during PHS-HD's "Carrier." It sounds exactly like an LP record that has a speck of fuzz stuck across several grooves. (Naw, that doesn't date me at all, does it?? :D )

We're OTA only, with just one set in the house, an Envision L26W761.

I'm beginning to wonder whether it's a receiver issue since some other posters haven't encountered it. What do you have for a receiver, Crimson?

I've heard it while watching NNN on KUSA via Comcast. I don't recall it on the local news, which I watch more often, but I recall that I was right in front of the TV when I heard it during NNN, and may have even had my receiver on (vs. just the TV speakers).

Yes! That's it! It sounds like a pit in an old LP.

Isn't the march of technology a wonderful thing? We used to think this was no big deal. Now it's terribly disconcerting. Shows how clean DTV sound is... or should be.

Just finished watching NNN and the follow-on 9News. I listened carefully this time and I still don't hear any pops or clicks. I was using a Dish 811 receiver to get the OTA signal and running the Dish receiver's sound output through a Sony DD7.1 A/V receiver and projected out in DD5.1 on 5 speakers and subwoofer.

I watched 9 news at 5:00 and 6:00 and NBC Nightly News, last night and tried to listen closely. I also watched "Carrier" for about 1.5 hours (but really was not concentrating closely on the sound for that entire period). I did not hear any audio problems at all. I really tried to hear the clicking or poping that some describe. It just wasn't there in my system. Again I was listening OTA from a D* H20 through my Denon 5800. I am very curious to know what might be producing this problem on some systems.

Phil

Phil

Just finished watching NNN and the follow-on 9News. I listened carefully this time and I still don't hear any pops or clicks. I was using a Dish 811 receiver to get the OTA signal.

I watched 9 news at 5:00 and 6:00 and NBC Nightly News, last night and tried to listen closely. I did not hear any audio problems at all. I really tried to hear the clicking or poping that some describe. It just wasn't there in my system. Again I was listening OTA from a D* H20 through my Denon 5800. I am very curious to know what might be producing this problem on some systems.

Phil

Phil

I have the pops on the NN thru DirecTV.

More sound problems, this time with KCNC. I watched CSI last night. It was interesting to hear the differences in the DD5.1 playback from the different parts of the broadcast. CSI was playing in good surround with all of the 5.1 seakers in play. Most of the "National" commercials also played properly. Though it was like from time to time their equipment was switching modes, because the center channel would come and go intermittently. Just about all of the local commercials and EVERY promotion for the ten o' clock news was screwed up. At first I thought it was just the center channel going away, but it was more like all of the surround channels shut down and I was getting mono from the front left and right channels only. Audio levels changed as well, with the parts in mono being significantly louder... Of course, the entire 10:00 PM news show that I watched was in the mono L+R mode. This really takes away from the presentation for me. I switched back to 9 News at 10.

At least one other member mentioned this, but I am surprised that more people have not said anything. I hope that the good folks at KCNC are aware of this and are working to get it fixed!

Phil

More sound problems, this time with KCNC. I watched CSI last night. It was interesting to hear the differences in the DD5.1 playback from the different parts of the broadcast. CSI was playing in good surround with all of the 5.1 seakers in play. Most of the "National" commercials also played properly. Though it was like from time to time their equipment was switching modes, because the center channel would come and go intermittently. Just about all of the local commercials and EVERY promotion for the ten o' clock news was screwed up. At first I thought it was just the center channel going away, but it was more like all of the surround channels shut down and I was getting mono from the front left and right channels only. Audio levels changed as well, with the parts in mono being significantly louder... Of course, the entire 10:00 PM news show that I watched was in the mono L+R mode. This really takes away from the presentation for me. I switched back to 9 News at 10.

At least one other member mentioned this, but I am surprised that more people have not said anything. I hope that the good folks at KCNC are aware of this and are working to get it fixed!

Phil

As I've noted before (this month and previous years), KCNC-DT is DD-challenged. But, I'm not sure it is just them; I think it is CBS.

I also have noted in past years, and written on AVS that CBS has had problems with their DD 5.1. I remember watching NFL games where it was next to impossible to hear the announcers over the crowd noise. In this case I don't think it is CBS. The problems with the 4 HD news casts are almost certainly NOT a problem with CBS. The fact that the national commercials seemed fine, and the locals did not, indicates that KCNC is having problems locally as well!! In any case, regardless of what you or I have said in the past, it would be real nice if they would address the problem *today*. They want to play with the other folks in the HD news business, well audio is a big part of the "picture" !!

Phil


As I've noted before (this month and previous years), KCNC-DT is DD-challenged. But, I'm not sure it is just them; I think it is CBS.

It might be the wonderful Spring. Simple things like trees changing makes a difference in reception. With our current low-power situation, it's amazing what little things effect it.
------------
I received a note back from LCG. They won't be on-air next week, they are thinking another week or two yet. No word on the reason. (Flange issues????) ;)

Hey Ernie, this weekend maybe?

No go - occupancy permit issue... hopefully next weekend.

Very intersting! I watched CBS last night(CSI New york). All of the DD 5.1 material was presented with proper audio output (even all of the commercials). I noticed that the promo spots for the 10 PM news actually were using my center channel. When the news came on the dialog was nicely centered and coming from the center channel... amazing. However the indicator on my Denon was showing only DD 2.1. So they fixed the problem, kind of!

I am disapointed to hear that transmissions from the new tower are being, once again, delayed !!

Phil

No go - occupancy permit issue... hopefully next weekend.

I knew it. They do have a Jeffco building permit! (I didn't buy any of that we don't need no stinking permit because its federal law talk). Sounds like they just have a few minor final inspection issues to clean up.

Don

Now she can go in and say 'THERE IS NO WAY someone should occupy the building...the rays from the antenna will cook them like a microwave! Unless there is 11 feet of lead shielding...which doesn't impact the enviorment'

Now she can go in and say 'THERE IS NO WAY someone should occupy the building...the rays from the antenna will cook them like a microwave! Unless there is 11 feet of lead shielding...which doesn't impact the enviorment'

The building inspector is bound by County, State and National building codes, not a wild claim by some flakey personal injury lawyer.

However, I'm sure that the JEFCO Building department is well aware that every t & i must be crossed and dotted properly to prevent being involved in sCARE's shenanigans.

John

I knew it. They do have a Jeffco building permit! (I didn't buy any of that we don't need no stinking permit because its federal law talk). Sounds like they just have a few minor final inspection issues to clean up.

Don

Is anyone aware of anything even somewhat official that documents what is holding up the activation of the tower?
Has there been an article or post that documents that it is JEFFCO inspections that is holding it up?

Is anyone aware of anything even somewhat official that documents what is holding up the activation of the tower?
Has there been an article or post that documents that it is JEFFCO inspections that is holding it up?

It looks like they just requested a final on 4/30.
Here (http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/amandaItoI/index.cfm?fuseaction=InspectionRequestByFolder&folderID=359047&permitNum=07108448%20%2000000BP) is the inspection record for 21119 Cedar Lake Road which is almost certainly the new tower site.

John

It looks like they just requested a final on 4/30.
Here (http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/amandaItoI/index.cfm?fuseaction=InspectionRequestByFolder&folderID=359047&permitNum=07108448%20%2000000BP) is the inspection record for 21119 Cedar Lake Road which is almost certainly the new tower site.

John

Well according to that they should be getting their final inspection today. Assuming that there isn't a punch-list a mile long to deal with after the inspection, maybe broadcasts from the new tower could start next week.

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy has been granted... the scheduled move is now set for overnight Saturday-Sunday May 10th and 11th. Of course, there could always be additional equipment or weather problems... but this should be it. If all is going well, you will see TV spots on most of the stations announcing the move and informing the public that they will need to repoint their antennas towards Lookout Mountain. It's been over 10 years - but we are very close!!!

Is KCNC-DT up on Lookout Mtn now? The wife and I are watching CSI (Vegas) tonight and their signal is the strongest I have ever seen it, up north here near Greeley. I kind of doubt its any weather enhancement, with it being overcast and cool.

Just curious....

Jim Thomas
Milliken, Colorado

When I went on my tour, they said the County has been very easy to work with on permitting. The building is extremely complicated with an unbelievable amount of technical inner workings. From dual diesel generators to fuel tanks, elevators, tunnels, complex fire control systems and probably hundreds of miles of wires, conduits and cable runs. I'm sure it's taken quite a bit of time for inspectors to go through everything. I was over-whelmed when I saw it!

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy has been granted... the scheduled move is now set for overnight Saturday-Sunday May 10th and 11th. Of course, there could always be additional equipment or weather problems... but this should be it. If all is going well, you will see TV spots on most of the stations announcing the move and informing the public that they will need to repoint their antennas towards Lookout Mountain. It's been over 10 years - but we are very close!!!

Ha!

None of the stations like to even admit they have an over-the-air signal (when's the last time you heard KUSA mention 9-2 as opposed to "Comcast channel whatever" when discussing Weather Minus?)

They certainly won't mention "repointing of antennas" - I suspect that would just confuse most of their viewers.

Then again I can see them giving it ten seconds at the end of the Saturday newscast in the "happy talk" slot.

OtoH, with the various issues that have come up regarding KMGH-DT in the past, doesn't this mean we'll still need to keep our antennas pointed at RP as just KCNC and KUSA are making the move at this point? Or am I mistaken?

Posted by mrradiohead:
Is KCNC-DT up on Lookout Mtn now? The wife and I are watching CSI (Vegas) tonight and their signal is the strongest I have ever seen it, up north here near Greeley. I kind of doubt its any weather enhancement, with it being overcast and cool.

I believe it was weather related tonight. On my Dish receivers, I was picking up signal strength for KFCT in the low 90's when I usually get a low 70's reading and I was receiving KGWN out of Cheyenne in the mid-70's when I usually get nada.

First, no difference in signal level here in Louisville for KCNC-DT tonight.

Second, anyone else annoyed with their six minute long scrunch of the picture during CSI to flog their interview with a Bronco coming up on the 10 PM news?

That was surely the most pointless use of a character generator I've ever seen. Nice that they also gave us the station ID, time and temperature while doing it.

Yea, that's worth a nice long nasty e-mail.

Well, it's almost official, h3ll really can freeze over. It's almost there.

Those towers, they grow up so fast. I think (cough, cough) I feel a tear coming on. Back later.
:eek:

I thought you said when pigs fly, should we look yet? LOL

I'll pick up Deb for the bar-b-que, if no one objects.

I thought you said when pigs fly, should we look yet? LOL

I'll pick up Deb for the bar-b-que, if no one objects.

Pigs Flying? I think I saw that once at a Pink Floyd show.

Deb can be the guest speaker at the BBQ. She can give us a talk about her favorite BBQ recipes using RF radiation from the towers as the 'heat' source. I would love to hear her ideas about what kind of sauce goes best with RF and crow?

RF and crow?
LOL:D:D:D

You can just pick the crows up from beneath the tower. The radiation would have cooked them, so they would be ready to eat.

I just got on email from KCNC; if you too were offended by last night's CSI stunt you'd best fill out the appropriate form on their web site (http://cbs4denver.com/contact).

They inadvertently sent me email with other internal messages attached and I found out two things:

1) They apparently think it's all OK internally
2) Their "air check" system is VHS VCRs connected to their analog signal and what's likely a CECB ATSC box:

The air checks of last night are on VHS tape. SD appears as you would see it at home and HD is a letterboxed image. Both air checks are of an inherently low image quality, but they both show very little of the program being whittled away at the bottom as per our design.

Also:

I was surprised to see how little the Quest actually covered the picture - especially given the response we got from a few viewers.

The air checks show that the Quest is working properly. The video is squeezing and a very small portion of the bottom of the screen is covered, as we designed it (both in SD and HD).

So scrunching the picture for blatant self-promotion on the highest rated program they show all week is apparently A-OK by them.

Major accident? Fine. Weather alert? I understand.

Jay Cutler has diabetes and KCNC, has an interview with him at 10? You've got to be kidding.

http://homepage.mac.com/kucharsk/CSI.jpg

So scrunching the picture for blatant self-promotion on the highest rated program they show all week is apparently A-OK by them.

Sorry I missed it, but from your screen shot, that doesn't look nearly as bad as The. Prizewinner. For. Most. Obnoxious. Info. Bar. Which would be KUSA-Channel 9, of course. When it happens, the NBC content is unwatchable.

Still, I agree completely that these squashes have to go -- particularly for such shallow reasons. It should be possible to superimpose a light gray or pastel "screen" over the bottom strip of the image without compressing the rest of it.

The point is, I don't want to see "ANYTHING" other than the program I'm watching. Seems they all miss the point down there at KCNC.

I see it again I'll never watch the new HD news program.

I just got on email from KCNC; if you too were offended by last night's CSI stunt you'd best fill out the appropriate form on their web site (http://cbs4denver.com/contact).

They inadvertently sent me email with other internal messages attached and I found out two things:

1) They apparently think it's all OK internally
2) Their "air check" system is VHS VCRs connected to their analog signal and what's likely a CECB ATSC box:



Also:





So scrunching the picture for blatant self-promotion on the highest rated program they show all week is apparently A-OK by them.

Major accident? Fine. Weather alert? I understand.

Jake Cutler has diabetes and KCNC, has an interview with him at 10? You've got to be kidding.

http://homepage.mac.com/kucharsk/CSI.jpg

I sent them a message objecting to their actions.

BTW, it is Jay Cutler, not Jake Cutler.

I sent them a message objecting to their actions.

BTW, it is Jay Cutler, not Jake Cutler.

Shows you how much I follow the Broncos. :D

Ah, for the good ole days when they could pass, but not mess with, the network HD feed.

Just another example of why you should be careful what you wish for. Now they have the equipment, so you know they will use it. It is the unalterable law of unintended consequences.

Local is bad enough, but it leads to this, from NBC's L&O:

It also seems to be the trend that network programming will be a thing that we talk about not being a relevant source of programming anymore. The strike was a fine example of finding something else to do instead of watching them.

I am curious whether anyone else noticed problems with KDVR (31 and 31-1) very early today. I think it was about 1AM when I noticed that KDVR-DT (31-1) was breaking up badly. I went to KDVR analog and it was very snowy. Normally, both are fine. They are both fine now.

I was also having problems with KBDI-DT (that happens a lot since Mount Tom shadows the Squaw Mountain transmitter for Louisville) and KRMA-DT(It is also a weak signal). 6-1 was breaking up more than usual, then it came in clear with no sound, but now it is fine.

I was beginning to think I might have had a problem with my pre-amp, but now I suspect it was just coincidence.

Ah, for the good ole days when they could pass, but not mess with, the network HD feed.
Yeah, but then they would switch to the SD feed so they could put a crawl up.

Is it too much to ask for TV stations to just show the frickin' TV show?

I noticed no sound on 6.1 / create around 9 this morning. The sound readout on my TV said mono1.

I haven't seen 6-1 in Louisville since they moved to Mt. Morrison.

Today's Denver Post has an article about antenna requirements after the DTV transition.
Marv Rockford of LCG is quoted as saying the new tower will be operational in June :(.
The article also addresses the difference between the need for UHF vs. Vhf antennas.

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_9139029

I'm sure he's just hedging his bets. Plus, I asked him to hold off a little so I could win the pool. :D

Channel 9's early (6a-7a) news is highlighting the digital transition every morning this week, with a live look at the facility - specifically inside the tunnel -- Thursday morning.

I noticed no sound on 6.1 / create around 9 this morning. The sound readout on my TV said mono1.
No sound on KRMA-DT 6.1 for me either (at least in the morning during their children's programming). No sound over weekend, and no sound this morning either. Tried two different TVs.

Ah, for the good ole days when they could pass, but not mess with, the network HD feed.

Just another example of why you should be careful what you wish for. Now they have the equipment, so you know they will use it. It is the unalterable law of unintended consequences.

Local is bad enough, but it leads to this, from NBC's L&O:

That is disgusting, I'm glad I dozed off during that L&O episode before they ran that blip.

It also seems to be the trend that network programming will be a thing that we talk about not being a relevant source of programming anymore. The strike was a fine example of finding something else to do instead of watching them.

Like any of the cable networks are any better (probably worse) in this respect. Unless of course you are talking about finding something else to do like read a book, clean the garage, or work on the wife's To Do list.

I noticed no sound on 6.1 / create around 9 this morning. The sound readout on my TV said mono1.

I haven't seen 6-1 in Arvada since they moved to Mt. Morrison.

I haven't seen 6-1 in Louisville since they moved to Mt. Morrison.

I haven't seen 6-1 in Arvada since they moved to Mt. Morrison.

I haven't seen 6-1 in Lafayette since they moved to Mt. Morrison.

KRMA today actually reminds me a lot of KMGH back when they had the clothes hanger on their roof. :eek:

I just checked and 6-1 has sound for me. Also, so does 6-2.

No sound or picture for that matter, in Longmont. :mad:

I strongly believe there is tower and/or signal work being done this morning on ch's 4, 9, & 20. I have watched the signal strength on those channels changing periodically on the signal meter on my Insignia dtv box, as if someone is either working on something or someone is conducting various tests. There are times when the signal gets pretty strong and suddenly, the channel just drops out. When this has happened, it isn't like the *weak signal*, where there is pixeling and audio drop-outs. The signal is just gone, then after 10 or 15 minutes, suddenly it just pops back in, completely pixel free and showing a relatively strong signal.

I know everyone is saying any day now, no later than this weekend. Perhaps this is just another sign that things are very close.

I know everyone is saying any day now, no later than this weekend. Perhaps this is just another sign that things are very close.Or... it's the Spring. The leaves coming out effect reception.

Has anyone seen http://www.hdtvcolorado.com for tower information?

Has anyone seen http://www.hdtvcolorado.com for tower information?Wow, what a great site. ;)

Wow, what a great site. ;)

And up to date with current pictures too! ;)

Has anyone seen http://www.hdtvcolorado.com for tower information?

LCG hasn't posted a new tower update since early February. At this point, they probably won't do so until after KCNC and KTVD have already gone live from LOM.

Or... it's the Spring. The leaves coming out effect reception.

Does that mean when the leaves are completely out, we won't see digital signals anymore? :)

Just kidding around.....

My trees all have digital leaves. That should help reception, right!

Has anyone seen http://www.hdtvcolorado.com for tower information?Malooff, we were just playin' with 'ya. Many of us have been involved with LCG (HDTVColorado) for many, many, long years. Yeah, we know about the site. You should read back to the beginning of not just this thread but the three other continuous threads before it.

Welcome to our world.

Or... it's the Spring. The leaves coming out effect reception.

Actually, from my graphs, it looks like they were doing some work (probably on RP, and not lookout). It appears to have started around 12:30am or so, and lasted until just before 8am. I've been keeping a running graph for several years now, so I'm very familiar with how my graph changes during the different seasons, but last night, the graph was drastically different. As mrradiohead was saying, the signal strengths were jumping all over the place.

I also noticed last week they may have been doing some very minor work on RP, as I noticed some strange changes in signals, including short dropouts of channels 7 and 4, and a sudden increase in signal of channel 20 for about 15 minutes.

But, I would say that this is to be expected. They may have been swapping out some equipment so that they could have their best equipment at lookout (at least that's my guess, reality may be much different!)

B.J.

I don't believe they are 'swapping' equipment. Everything at Lookout will be new gear. They will run their transmitters at lower power, not using a separate low-power transmitter in the interm. At least that's what I was to understand when I went there.

I don't believe they are 'swapping' equipment. Everything at Lookout will be new gear. They will run their transmitters at lower power, not using a separate low-power transmitter in the interm. At least that's what I was to understand when I went there.

I believe this will be true for channels 4 and 20, since they will be transmitting on their final frequencies. But for channels 7 and 9 the new equipment is meant for transmitting on channels 7 and 9, which won't happen until next February. I was under the impression that in the interim they would be moving their temporary transmitters from Republic Plaza to Lookout Mountain.

I was also under the impression that channels 4 and 20 would be ramping up to full power within a month of starting their transmissions from Lookout Mountain.

If you have an HD DVR - you may want to set it for channel 7 HD between 1:15am and 1:45am tonight. There may be an ad that is of interest to this topic. :cool:

I'll set mine and post an update in the morning if I see the ad.

If you have an HD DVR - you may want to set it for channel 7 HD between 1:15am and 1:45am tonight. There may be an ad that is of interest to this topic.

Yeah, like KMGH is going to give up the revenue from running an ad for a "Teach yourself foreclosures!" seminar? :D

A big thumbs up to KCNC-DT for providing us with 4:3 video during prime time and messed up surround sound all Tuesday night.

Not like I wanted to watch Shark in HD or anything.

"Available in 5.1 / HD."

Just not in Denver, apparently. :(

Sigh…

If you have an HD DVR - you may want to set it for channel 7 HD between 1:15am and 1:45am tonight. There may be an ad that is of interest to this topic. :cool:

I'll set mine and post an update in the morning if I see the ad.

Thanks edit4ever. Just forward your DVR to around 1:35am to see the ad. I think it was right after the commercial for Rockies autos, but before the "Half and Half" show is over. I won't give away the contents of it yet! :)

If you have an HD DVR - you may want to set it for channel 7 HD between 1:15am and 1:45am tonight. There may be an ad that is of interest to this topic. :cool:

I'll set mine and post an update in the morning if I see the ad.

Thanks edit4ever. Just forward your DVR to around 1:35am to see the ad. I think it was right after the commercial for Rockies autos, but before the "Half and Half" show is over. I won't give away the contents of it yet! :)

I guess I'll give it away because I have a question. I did check out the 15 second promo. It said that KMGH will be moving the digital transmitter over the weekend. I checked the FCC website, and the status of the KMGH 4/3/2008 STA request for the Lookout Mountain temporary transmitter is still "ACCEPTED FOR FILING". Do they need approval before the move?

Since it was pretty clear that the other 3 LCG stations were going to move prior to Feb 2009 (actually some time in the very near future), this is good news. It looks like, very soon, we will not need any antennas pointed at Republic Plaza.

A big thumbs up to KCNC-DT for providing us with 4:3 video during prime time and messed up surround sound all Tuesday night.

Not like I wanted to watch Shark in HD or anything.

"Available in 5.1 / HD."

Just not in Denver, apparently. :(

Sigh…

I noticed that NCIS and Shark were both effected. I presume they went to SD for election result scrolling. They did the same thing last week. I guess they feel it is too much trouble to switch back and forth between SD and HD. Interestingly, I did not spot any election results during either of those programs.

I noticed that NCIS and Shark were both effected. I presume they went to SD for election result scrolling. They did the same thing last week. I guess they feel it is too much trouble to switch back and forth between SD and HD. Interestingly, I did not spot any election results during either of those programs.

Yep, that's just it - not a single scroll or anything.

Also, their "squishing" of CSI last Thursday to flog their Jay Cutler interview proves they do have the ability to overlay news information on HD programs.

I guess I'll give it away because I have a question. I did check out the 15 second promo. It said that KMGH will be moving the digital transmitter over the weekend. I checked the FCC website, and the status of the KMGH 4/3/2008 STA request for the Lookout Mountain temporary transmitter is still "ACCEPTED FOR FILING". Do they need approval before the move?


When I looked last night on the fcc website I saw they got the approval yesterday.

Just saw an ad on KTVD (9 News) informing OTA viewers to repoint their antennas at Lookout following Saturday Night Live! Could that be the magic date & time after all these years of anticipation?!

I saw 9 news this morning and there was quick interview with Marv, he said the lookout antenna shoud be operational in 2 to 3 weeks. they also said they are ahead of the game seeing how they have until Feb 17th.

If you have seen the ads then you know the transmitters will be moving this weekend. Hopefully everything is operational on Sunday - Obviously these will remain on low power for some time - but the added height should improve reception for a lot of people.

BTW - if you did DVR channel 7 - did anyone notice that the spot was in HD?? Perhaps a sign of things to come!! ;)

OMG, I'm actually getting excited! A DTV signal from the new tower just days away. I'd better check out everything on my LOM antenna system by Sunday.

What was the final rule for the poll, I saw som discussion a few weeks back, was it the on air date, full power date, when the stations tell us to re-direct out antennas or when RP goes down(If they don't use it for a back up)?

I have a question pertaining to re-aiming my antenna. I currently have it orientated at 298° magnetic which is the bearing to RP according to AntennaWeb. AntennaWeb shows a bearing of 277° magnetic for KWGN-DT. Is that the bearing I should use for the relocation of the stations currently on RP? Thanks.

:)

This may be old news, but here's what I received from KCNC regarding the lack of HD last night:

On nights when CBS is covering primaries and doing "squeezebacks" with election information, they're not providing the Mountain time zone with an HD feed.

We've passed on the complaints we've received and added ours, but they just don't have enough room to send it to everyone. We're almost done with this primary season, and it won't be a problem by the next time it comes around.

When I looked last night on the fcc website I saw they got the approval yesterday.

Are you referring to document BMPCDT 20080331AEN? I am no expert or lawyer, but, to me, that seems to be the Consruction Permit for the final configuration that uses VHF channel 7 for the digital station.

The document I was referring to was BDSTA 20080402ABP with a status date of 04/03/2008 shows a status of "ACCEPTED FOR FILING". To me, that seems to be an STA request to allow them to operate a transition digital station on UHF 17 (Digital 7-1) from Lookout Mountain. I have no idea whether that needs to be approved before they activate the Lookout Mountain transmitter on UHF 17 or if they might actually already be authorized by some other document. Does anyone know for sure?

I saw 9 news this morning and there was quick interview with Marv, he said the lookout antenna shoud be operational in 2 to 3 weeks. they also said they are ahead of the game seeing how they have until Feb 17th.

Wow, we are way ahead of the game here in Denver. I wonder if we will be the first city in the country to have OTA HD??? How exciting!
:rolleyes:

One of the anchors on 9 News at noon today did mention they would be broadcasting from Lookout on Sunday.

If you haven't seen the channel 7 spot yet... try watching around 4:28p today or 11:47p tonight.

Sorry to reply so late. I'm just catching up with the last week's messages.

My vote for worst is channel 31. They have to change the image from HD to SD and sound from Dolby to run the info bar.

A real pain. Just as bad as CBS changing the sound from Dolby to regular stereo during football when they "go to New York" for score updates.

Sorry I missed it, but from your screen shot, that doesn't look nearly as bad as The. Prizewinner. For. Most. Obnoxious. Info. Bar. Which would be KUSA-Channel 9, of course. When it happens, the NBC content is unwatchable.

Still, I agree completely that these squashes have to go -- particularly for such shallow reasons. It should be possible to superimpose a light gray or pastel "screen" over the bottom strip of the image without compressing the rest of it.

If you haven't seen the channel 7 spot yet... try watching around 4:28p today or 11:47p tonight.

Nothing at 4:28 on 7?

This may be old news, but here's what I received from KCNC regarding the lack of HD last night:The stations response doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. I was under the impression that, years ago, the networks starting transmitted their feeds to the locals by satellite. That is what those large antennas are for that all the stations have. There should be no bandwidth problems.

When I check TitanTV's scheduling information, they show the local channel 4 as not being providing the programs in HD, but shows CBS channel 5 from Cheyenne having the same shows in HD. Cheyenne is in the Mountain Time Zone, just like Denver.

I have a hunch that the problem is with KCNC and that they are blaming CBS. Does anyone want to contact CBS to see if they really are sending only SD to the Mountain Time Zone stations?

The stations response doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. I was under the impression that, years ago, the networks starting transmitted their feeds to the locals by satellite. That is what those large antennas are for that all the stations have. There should be no bandwidth problems.

When I check TitanTV's scheduling information, they show the local channel 4 as not being providing the programs in HD, but shows CBS channel 5 from Cheyenne having the same shows in HD. Cheyenne is in the Mountain Time Zone, just like Denver.

I have a hunch that the problem is with KCNC and that they are blaming CBS. Does anyone want to contact CBS to see if they really are sending only SD to the Mountain Time Zone stations?

I believe it is distributed by satellite, but CBS is somewhat bandwidth limited at the moment. That is one reason whey they only manage some NFL games in HD where FOX does all of theirs. I've heard in the past that they are adding more but I don't know the timetable. I guess the comments that "by next time" means that within four years, anyway. Hopefully by the fall...

Sorry - it was 4:48p --- not paying close enough attention. I'll see if I can record it and post it.

They had a spot on channel 9 with Kobrick. He was standing on a roof with a UHF corner reflector illustrating how everyone who has been enjoying free digital TV with an outdoor antenns needs to change their antenna pointing from downtown to Lookout Mountain. The had a big graphic saying the change would be done May 11 at Midnight.:D

Would it be too much of an assumption to think that they all will crank it up from Lookout Saturday night??

Phil

I wonder if my neighbors would think I'm wierd if they saw me on the roof at midnight yanking on my antenna? :eek:

I wonder if my neighbors would think I'm wierd if they saw me on the roof at midnight yanking on my antenna? :eek:

...it just better be your antenna that your yanking on, else they might call the cops! :eek:

Anyone going to be throwing a "Watch the DTV Changeover Party" on Saturday night?

I saw on the news tonight that Channel 9 will visit/ do a story on the tower on Thursday Morning Show.

Saw the KMGH ad with Mike Nelson at 11:51 PM and it was neat, but anyone else notice the lipsync in the last segment of video ("HDTV is still free and clear on Denver's 7") is pretty far off?

Must be doing prep work on Lookout; 4, 7 and 9 analog from LM are all off the air right now where the digital channels are all still running from RP.

They came back up around 4:30 AM.

For anyone not watching KUSA's morning news broadcast, here's the current plan:

* Sometime Sunday morning after Saturday Night Live, all four LCG stations will go dark from Republic Plaza.

* They expect to flip the switch to begin broadcasting all four LCG stations from Lookout sometime around Noon Sunday.

Of course both items above are subject to change; as their folks manning KUSA's phones this morning said, "it's like launching a Space Shuttle, about 10,000 things have to go just right and if any one of them goes wrong we'll be back on the air from Republic Plaza until we can correct the problems at Lookout and try the transition again."

Also, even though they'll be at low power they expect vastly better signal coverage throughout the area except for those few viewers who had a clear shot at RP who are blocked from seeing Lookout, like some in the foothills and those right up against the Flatirons.

Greg Moss on LM this AM reports that Sunday 5-11 @ NOON is the switchover

So, at noon Sunday, I'll be up on the roof, moving the antenna and yelling down to my son "Is the signal strength better now? Well try another channel. Can you hear me now?"\

So, at noon Sunday, I'll be up on the roof, moving the antenna and yelling down to my son "Is the signal strength better now? Well try another channel. Can you hear me now?"\

I had to laugh. My wife and kids HATE this exercise. We made the process a little easier by using cell phones. The hands-free device that I use when up on the roof seems like a good idea!

So who has Noon Sunday and wins the pool?

:)

So they already changed it from what they were saying last night... Which was Sat night/Sunday Morning MIDNIGHT.

HMMMM... looks like another flange story may be in the making
:)


Greg Moss on LM this AM reports that Sunday 5-11 @ NOON is the switchover

So, at noon Sunday, I'll be up on the roof, moving the antenna and yelling down to my son "Is the signal strength better now? Well try another channel. Can you hear me now?"\
I'm glad this isn't happening during a bronco game. Wait, on second thought..........

Flipping the Switch...
I'm at 470 & University.
I have a Yagi on the roof and a VHF/UHF in the Attic.

The Yagi is pointed more between Lookout and Republic. More towards Republic. It picks up everything (it even received ABC in the early days).

The Attic antenna is pointed towards Lookout.

Just wondering what I should do when they flip the switch...
I suppose I could do nothing. Is the low power signal from Lookout going to be stronger? My Yagi might pick it up as is.

Other options:
Try switching to the VHF/UHF in the attic.
Repoint the Yagi.

I suppose after the analog turn-off I'll HAVE to use the VHF/UHF.

It looks like this antenna could come in handy for the Denver area. We will have a mix of UHF and high band VHF (chs. 7 & 9) stations in our market.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HBU22

Don't forget about KDEV on channel 11 and KBDI on channel 13. Some folks also may receive the Springs stations that I believe are on channels 8 & 10.

Regarding the RM/Lookout transition, does anyone know if digital feeds are going to be provided to cable/satellite providers before noon on Sunday?

It looks like this antenna could come in handy for the Denver area. We will have a mix of UHF and high band VHF (chs. 7 & 9) stations in our market.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HBU22

I already have 3 really great UHF antennas that way outperform the UHF end of my generic, 60", UHF/VHF antenna. What I'd really be interested in is a high gain, high VHF antenna to couple to one of my 3 high gain UHF antennas. The UHF end of that AntennaCraft doesn't look any more robust that the UHF on my current combo antenna. But, they don't give enough technical data on it to really complete that evaluation.

Also, even though they'll be at low power they expect vastly better signal coverage throughout the area except for those few viewers who had a clear shot at RP who are blocked from seeing Lookout, like some in the foothills and those right up against the Flatirons.

..or someone like me who lives 7 miles LOS from the tower, but in a direct line with (and about 600 feet lower than) the "peak" of Green Mountain (just south of Jewell and west of Union in Lakewood.) I may very well lose everything that was on RP, which for me was very easy to get. Right now I can't get full power analog channel 31 with a CM 4228 and a rotor. And it was very nice being able to use the antenna when Comcast couldn't deliver an HD picture for the Avalanche a couple of weekends ago. Analog 9 on Comcast was unwatchably ugly. Oh well.

It looks like this antenna could come in handy for the Denver area. We will have a mix of UHF and high band VHF (chs. 7 & 9) stations in our market.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HBU22

I need an antenna just to get FM, let alone TV. I'll probably try something fringier like the CM 3020 given my location and hope to kill both birds with one stone. My wife will be glad to get the 4228 and seperate FM antenna replaced with something a little less obtrusive.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display8.asp?PROD=ANC3020

So around noon Sunday, my monster, AntennasDirect XG91 in the attic, pointed on azimuth 120 degrees (just slightly to the west of RP, 117 degrees) becomes useless except for blurry signals from analog Channels 39 and 53 and the digital signal from Channel 46 (53-1), correct? If so, I might just dismantle that monster since I can't point it at LOM (too long for cross-attic pointing, 211 degrees) and getting those 3 channels hardly seems worth it. Then I can get rid of a couple of A-B switches at two TV locations. Wow, DTV life is getting simpler.

I guess my old, generic, 60" UHF/VHF combo antenna that came with the house becomes my main and maybe sole antenna on Sunday. With the UHF pre-amp on it I can feed the DTV signal needs of the whole house. If I can find a high gain, high VHF antenna, I'll pair it with my Winegard PR-9018 Yagi or Winegard PR-8800 bay antenna. Probably the Yagi because the 8800 picks up high VHF somewhat and that would create a multi-path problem when the signals are combined.

Oh boy, obviously I'm excited. I get to play around with my antennas and electronics again. Things have been quiet in that area for a couple of years.

Of course all of this planning and excitement goes to crap if I find I'm one of the foothills viewers shielded from a low power signal from LOM. Fingers are crossed!

That antenna should be perfect.. they say:
optimized to receive HDTV and Digital FM Radio signals.
It has to be better than just some regular old antenna.
:D


http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display8.asp?PROD=ANC3020[/url]

If I can find a high gain, high VHF antenna, I'll pair it with my Winegard PR-9018 Yagi or Winegard PR-8800 bay antenna.

I've been looking at something like this (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Y10-7-13.pdf) Antenna Craft High VHF antenna to replace my 30 year old Winegard VHF that is showing it's age from wind, hail and snow. Winegard makes a similar unit for more money. Being 63 miles from LM and having a ridge 13 miles from my house in the LOS, I need all the gain I can get.

I've been looking at something like this (http://www.solidsignal.com/manuals/Y10-7-13.pdf) Antenna Craft High VHF antenna to replace my 30 year old Winegard VHF that is showing it's age from wind, hail and snow. Winegard makes a similar unit for more money. Being 63 miles from LM and having a ridge 13 miles from my house in the LOS, I need all the gain I can get.

Wow, a 10 foot boom length is a bit of overkill for me and it won't fit cross-wise in the attic. I'd like a high VHF antenna with around a 5 or 6 foot boom length

Wow, a 10 foot boom length is a bit of overkill for me and it won't fit cross-wise in the attic. I'd like a high VHF antenna with around a 5 or 6 foot boom length

The Winegard is 20 inches shorter. Those are the only high band VHF antennas I've found. Maybe some shorter ones will come out as the transition takes place and people in your situation express a need.

From your location, I would think it shouldn't take much of an antenna to pull in VHF from LM.

That antenna should be perfect.. they say:
optimized to receive HDTV and Digital FM Radio signals.
It has to be better than just some regular old antenna.
:D

Upon reflection, maybe I don't want a 12+ foot antenna on my roof. For sure my wife won't. I might just try this one:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=HD7080P
which has the "professional installer in mind, the 75 ohm downlead coupler simply snaps into place for fast, easy assembly; eliminates the need for matching transformers when using coax cable." That 300 ohm connection to the 75 ohm balun sitting out in the weather (even with the rubber boot)always seems like signal degredation waiting to happen.

Wow, a 10 foot boom length is a bit of overkill for me and it won't fit cross-wise in the attic. I'd like a high VHF antenna with around a 5 or 6 foot boom length

You could try this one (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=Y5-7-13), its little brother in the AntennaCraft line. Boom length is 5 feet. It has decent (if not terrific) gain, and you can't beat the $28 shipped price.

Here is a link to the 9News story from Lookout Mtn. this morning. Marv Rockford says all 4 stations will be broadcasting from the tower on Sunday if all goes well.

http://www.9news.com/video/player.aspx?aid=52594&bw=

You could try this one (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=Y5-7-13), its little brother in the AntennaCraft line. Boom length is 5 feet. It has decent (if not terrific) gain, and you can't beat the $28 shipped price.

Not bad. I'll investigate that one further.

I just moved (again, sigh...) and am getting ready to put up my UHF only antenna after I get back home on Sunday night.

My first question; will some/any of the stations be switching over to VHF as soon as they make the move to Lookout or will they be staying on UHF for a while? How soon will they be going to VHF?

Reason being is that I won't want to put up this antenna if it means not getting a couple of the stations or else loosing them in the near future.

Question 2; for those of you living in central Denver (I'm in Washington Park) with an unobstructed view of Lookout, any recommendations on a smallish UHF+VHF antenna that performs really well? I don't care about FM.

Thanks!

The CM4228 works fine for VHF High in most cases. I do not intend to change mine.

I just found one of my favorite sites with charted antenna tests. It looks as though mine should do just fine in the VHF band.

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

When will they be making the switch to VHF though, anyone know?

I just moved (again, sigh...) and am getting ready to put up my UHF only antenna after I get back home on Sunday night.

My first question; will some/any of the stations be switching over to VHF as soon as they make the move to Lookout or will they be staying on UHF for a while? How soon will they be going to VHF?

Reason being is that I won't want to put up this antenna if it means not getting a couple of the stations or else loosing them in the near future.

Question 2; for those of you living in central Denver (I'm in Washington Park) with an unobstructed view of Lookout, any recommendations on a smallish UHF+VHF antenna that performs really well? I don't care about FM.

Thanks!

AFAIK, those going to digital VHF (KMGH and KUSA) won't switch from UHF to VHF until the February 2009 change-over date. Whatever you are using for a UHF antenna should serve you well until then. If your current UHF antenna is not a Yagi and is a bay design, there is a good chance you can use it for the high VHF channels after they switch. Have you ever tried viewing analog Channels 7 and 9 with your current UHF antenna?

Don't know anything regarding how well this performs, but it would seem to fit the bill for situation. I really couldn't find an equivalent from Winegard, CM, or AntennasDirect.

http://www.antennacraft.net/HBU22.html

AFAIK, those going to digital VHF (KMGH and KUSA) won't switch from UHF to VHF until the February 2009 change-over date. Whatever you are using for a UHF antenna should serve you well until then. If your current UHF antenna is not a Yagi and is a bay design, there is a good chance you can use it for the high VHF channels after they switch. Have you ever tried viewing analog Channels 7 and 9 with your current UHF antenna?

Don't know anything regarding how well this performs, but it would seem to fit the bill for situation. I really couldn't find an equivalent from Winegard, CM, or AntennasDirect.

http://www.antennacraft.net/HBU22.html

Winegard has a line HD769* which is also designed for channels 7-69. They are carried by Solid Signal. The specs look better(in my non-expert opinion), but the price is also higher.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7694P
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7695P
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7696P
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7697P
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7698P

The problem was also evident on D*'s satellite feed from KCNC. Wednesday night was fine.

The stations response doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. I was under the impression that, years ago, the networks starting transmitted their feeds to the locals by satellite. That is what those large antennas are for that all the stations have. There should be no bandwidth problems.

When I check TitanTV's scheduling information, they show the local channel 4 as not being providing the programs in HD, but shows CBS channel 5 from Cheyenne having the same shows in HD. Cheyenne is in the Mountain Time Zone, just like Denver.

I have a hunch that the problem is with KCNC and that they are blaming CBS. Does anyone want to contact CBS to see if they really are sending only SD to the Mountain Time Zone stations?

[QUOTE=kenavs;13825545]Winegard has a line HD769* which is also designed for channels 7-69. They are carried by Solid Signal. The specs look better(in my non-expert opinion), but the price is also higher.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7694P


Definitely a higher gain antenna in a similar sized package for about three times as much. Winegard makes good antennas, I have 3, but they seem to skimming the HDTV craze cream with those price points.

So who has Noon Sunday and wins the pool?

:)Well... that's a loaded question. As we can't decide on the 'rules' now, it should be a tie. Politically correct enough?

Jeremy Tebo had 5/1/08
milehighmike had 5/21/08

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

Also of note, did anyone see this story about Wilmington, NC? They are a test market to be the first market to turn-off analog early on Sept 8th.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/may/07/north-carolina-city-chosen-for-digital-tv-test/

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

Also of note, did anyone see this story about Wilmington, NC? They are a test market to be the first market to turn-off analog early on Sept 8th.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/may/07/north-carolina-city-chosen-for-digital-tv-test/[/QUOTE]

Saw that and immediately thought that any problems of note during that dress rehearsal would probably prompt a flood of Congressional action in an election year to delay the transition date until we can be sure that no one is adversely affected. Of course I'm just a pessimist when it comes to politics and the DTV transition.

Well... that's a loaded question. As we can't decide on the 'rules' now, it should be a tie. Politically correct enough?

Jeremy Tebo had 5/1/08
milehighmike had 5/21/08

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

Also of note, did anyone see this story about Wilmington, NC? They are a test market to be the first market to turn-off analog early on Sept 8th.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/may/07/north-carolina-city-chosen-for-digital-tv-test/

You are assuming there will be no flange issues. I think we all know by now, these things never go smoothly. Hopefully I'm wrong in this case. ;)

Well... that's a loaded question. As we can't decide on the 'rules' now, it should be a tie. Politically correct enough?

Jeremy Tebo had 5/1/08
milehighmike had 5/21/08



Awesome. Is the price is right rule in effect? If not, Sunday A.M. RF activation is Jeremy and Sunday P.M. RF activation is MHM. Of course the RF activation has to be sustained for 14.5 minutes.

Don

So around noon Sunday, my monster, AntennasDirect XG91 in the attic, pointed on azimuth 120 degrees (just slightly to the west of RP, 117 degrees) becomes useless except for blurry signals from analog Channels 39 and 53 and the digital signal from Channel 46 (53-1), correct

Depending on the antenna, you may not need to do anything.

For example, I get very strong signals from both KWGN-DT and KDVR-DT atop LM from my UHF Yagi pointed at RP.

You may get more than enough signal from the "back" side of your XG91 that you won't have to move your antenna or put up another.

As far as the story "changing" as far as the time, I think they've planned on shutting down RP around midnight and firing up LM all along.

I think the Noon start time isn't a hard time, but just a time by which they hope everything is up and running.

Somehow I think the flash cut to digital next year is going to take a few hours to do as well. :D

Did anyone watch the 9News story? They let slip that they had already done some 'testing' of the tower. So, technically, they may have already fired-up a transmitter and did some broadcasting. They didn't say when though.

On this morning's show they mentioned they had done it very early this morning. But they only talked about people losing reception from RP, not actually being able to pick up a signal from Lookout.

Did anyone watch the 9News story? They let slip that they had already done some 'testing' of the tower. So, technically, they may have already fired-up a transmitter and did some broadcasting. They didn't say when though.

That may have been last night. That could be why the analog channels went out...so that they could get good RF readings from the new tower without interference from the analog. Maybe...

Or, it could have been earlier when we saw the signal strengths going all over the place. Who knows?

Gosh, I'm just full of guesses tonight!

I can't wait until I get to unplug the RP antenna on my roof! But I'm not looking forward to taking that monster down! I had some roofing contractors over last week to get estimates on scraping off my old shingles and installing new ones, and you should have seen their faces when they saw my 35 foot tall mast for the RP stations. They weren't looking forward to dealing with that monster! They were much happier when I told them that I would have it down before work started. (They don't like my solar hot water panels either...but those aren't going anywhere).

Did the two stations returning to VHF next year move their temporary digital transmitters from RP to Lookout? They cannot go digital on VHF while still transmitting analog there.

--- CHAS

Depending on the antenna, you may not need to do anything.

For example, I get very strong signals from both KWGN-DT and KDVR-DT atop LM from my UHF Yagi pointed at RP.

You may get more than enough signal from the "back" side of your XG91 that you won't have to move your antenna or put up another. :D

Yes, I currently receive all the locals off my XG91 pointed slightly west of RP, but come Spring and summer the signal from KWGN-DT becomes iffy and the signal from Fox takes a while to lock in. In addition, I'm currently getting bounced signals over a ridge-line from RP, which is why I need a 26 dB pre-amp on a giant XG91 to get a strong lock on broadcasts from RP. My current setup is a workable arrangement, but hardly optimum. So when almost all the signals are coming in on almost the same azimuth, I really need to have an antenna pointing at LOM to get the advantages.

hdtvcolorado.com has an official announcement on their website for the May 11th date.

http://www.hdtvcolorado.com/index.htm

Edit: Is there some kind of a prize for being the last post on 3 of the last 4 pages?