Denver, CO - OTA

[oxothuk]

Originally Posted by TotallyPreWired

I am happy that most people can now receive KMGH

And we're glad you didn't lose it, although it sounds like a near miss.

[Dave6833]

I can just see it now, Broncos in the Super Bowl, and KMGH running the following promo:

"KMGH - Now proudly serving 500 households in the Metro-Denver area with our upgraded high-definition television transmitter!"

There's gonna be a lot of disappointed people out there who will be buying an HDTV specifically for the game, only to get it home and find out that they can't get a signal.

[Iwanthd]

A little more good news. It looks like CBS is buying HD cameras to convert their O&O local news stations (KCNC is one!) to HD.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=633623

I now receive KMGH at 75+ strength on my HR10-250 in Castle Pines North.

[TheBert]

Originally Posted by Dave6833

I can just see it now, Broncos in the Super Bowl, and KMGH running the following promo:

"KMGH - Now proudly serving 500 households in the Metro-Denver area with our upgraded high-definition television transmitter!"

There's gonna be a lot of disappointed people out there who will be buying an HDTV specifically for the game, only to get it home and find out that they can't get a signal.

Dave, Can't you pull in 7.1 now since the move to RP?

[Pecs]

Originally Posted by bjcatlin

Pecs, thanks for the offer. I've currently got a CM4228, so I dont' think that I'm going to get much better than that. I'm behind a little bit of a hill near 287 and Pike. While I am not positive that additional height will help me at all, I'm starting to run out of options. I've tried 3 different antennas, different pre-amps (and no pre-amp), lots and lots of different locations on my roof. One think that I am sure of, is that I can't get any signal from any of the RP stations if I am below 10 feet above my roof. I'm currently at 15 feet above, and while I did purchase a 40 foot telescoping mast, I'm not planning on using the entire 40 feet of it. I'm probably going to use 20-25 feet. I tried to get a 30 foot mast, but I couldn't find one locally. My hope is that the additional 5 to 10 feet will get the antenna into the main signal path, rather than just on the very edge of it.

B.J.

I guess you might just be in an unusually bad spot. I am aiming my antenna right at those grain elevators on the east side of town (I'd guess they are 200ft high), and I figured I was the unlucky one. I think it is strange that KUSA comes in all the time and the others don't, since they are coming from the same place and some at the same power. Makes me think that it is an antenna problem (like maybe the 4228 has better gain at whatever frequency KUSA is on). You said you tried other antennas; were any of them yagis? Might be worth trying a different design... And like I said, the brand makes a huge difference. I didn't get squat with the radio shack yagi. Also, what kind of receiver are you using? I "rented" a motorola from circuit city, and had little luck with it when I first got the TV. Then I got a Sylvania from Ebay, and got everything no problem. Made a big difference.

Have you determined if the pre-amp helps in Longmont? I was afraid that that local broadcast would cause too much trouble and never tried one.

Just my .02

[AwesomeFloyd]

In between reps this a.m. I gave some thought to the "why now?" question. I share the opinion of another poster, it's all about the money. First, I'm THRILLED that I can now get this channel and I'm not too concerned about why KMGH suddenly went into "git'er dun" mode. But if I had to place my bet it'd be on the upcoming "digital white area" definition that was promised when SHREVA (?) got redone about a year ago. From what I gathered (then) KMGH would've been either footing the bill for a whole bunch of signal tests and (when these tests failed) granting waivers to pretty much the entire metro area (save their own parking lot). IMO that's a whole bunch more $ than relocating to RP, but then again I'm just speculating.

[MileHighJC]

Anyone out in the Firestone area that is able to pick up KMGH (or for that matter the rest of the HD signals)?

I have a good friend who recently purchased his first HD capable TV, and is considering an antenna before the super bowl. Im a little concerned about his location.. .he is on the east side of Firestone (just north of Saddleback Golf Course). I think he is in a little bit of a low spot... but then Im not sure about the line of sight to RP from there.

EDIT : based upon antennaweb, sounds like has a better shot at ABC in Cheyenne than Denver...

jc

[Orc Hunter]

I just got a 83 out of 100 meter reading for ABC HD here in Highlands Ranch with my basic amplified indoor Terk Antenna. Schweet.

[rwinston]

I'm in SW Lakewood, a couple of miles east of Morrison. I've got a small rotatable yagi in my attic. I get the RP stations fairly well, but the Lookout Mountain ones are always iffy since I'm blocked by Green Mountain (though I got KWGN-DT okay last night and watched Smallville with very few breakups). I'm now getting KMGH-DT with a signal strength of 87 (out of max 125 or so) on my Dish PVR-921, with the antenna pointed at a compromise position that gives me the best signals for KUSA-DT and KCNC-DT. I get KMGH a little better than KCNC and a little worse than KUSA there. I haven't tried any other antenna positions yet, but since I'm getting a lock with no breakups, I figure this is pretty good. When I got my first HD receiver, I was able to get KMGH for the first few months and then never again. So this is definitely progress, and I look forward to Lost and the SB in HD.

Ironically, my satellite dish was covered with snow last night and this morning, so all I could get was the OTA stations.

And all this will be moot for me in a few months when Dish adds the Denver HD locals and I get their new mpeg4 receiver. Though I guess it will be nice to have the OTA stations on snow days!

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally Posted by thepolz

Please understand that ALL decisions around the world evolve around the mighty dollar (or whatever currency he or she uses). NOT your voice or anyone elses voice. It's all about the money.

I couldn't agree more. That's the problem, money.

Originally Posted by AwesomeFloyd

In between reps this a.m. I gave some thought to the "why now?" question. I share the opinion of another poster, it's all about the money. First, I'm THRILLED that I can now get this channel and I'm not too concerned about why KMGH suddenly went into "git'er dun" mode. But if I had to place my bet it'd be on the upcoming "digital white area" definition that was promised when SHREVA (?) got redone about a year ago. From what I gathered (then) KMGH would've been either footing the bill for a whole bunch of signal tests and (when these tests failed) granting waivers to pretty much the entire metro area (save their own parking lot). IMO that's a whole bunch more $ than relocating to RP, but then again I'm just speculating.

Interesting topic. The FCC gave out waivers like 'hot cakes' to all of the stations that missed the 07/01/05 deadline to be on-air, and at full power. It looks like Colorado got the Lions Share of these waivers. From what I understand, these were 6 month waivers. So, they all expired on 12/31/05. I also have heard/read/whatever that a 2nd waiver would be harder to obtain. So, maybe KMGH made the 'big move' to make it look like they were actually trying to supply a signal. Maybe.

But, never-the-less, all of the Denver stations still need that 2nd waiver. Maybe this waiver info is all wrong. Who knows? But it sure would help to explain the actions of some of the stations(KMGH, KRDO, KOAA).
....jc

[whtevr77]

Originally Posted by rwinston

And all this will be moot for me in a few months when Dish adds the Denver HD locals and I get their new mpeg4 receiver. Though I guess it will be nice to have the OTA stations on snow days!

I am thinking about the new E* deal too but from what I've found only the "big 4" will be available (CBS, ABC, FOX and NBC). I would want to keep my OTA operating to get KWGN, KTVD and PBS. Besides, OTA should be better than cable or satellite.

[mknoebel]

Congrats to all of you who can get the mystery station.
Of course many of us up north still can't get anything except KDVR and KGWN in HD. I'm hoping *D comes through very soon because I'm tired of this tower nonsense and golden's smug attitude.

[sunshinedawg]

Originally Posted by MileHighJC

Anyone out in the Firestone area that is able to pick up KMGH (or for that matter the rest of the HD signals)?

I have a good friend who recently purchased his first HD capable TV, and is considering an antenna before the super bowl. Im a little concerned about his location.. .he is on the east side of Firestone (just north of Saddleback Golf Course). I think he is in a little bit of a low spot... but then Im not sure about the line of sight to RP from there.

EDIT : based upon antennaweb, sounds like has a better shot at ABC in Cheyenne than Denver...

jc

There is no ABC out of Cheyenne anymore. They changed affiliations and went off the air months ago.

[gkanders]

Now I'm bummed. I was hoping to see something about my issue in these posts, but don't so I guess I've got an issue with my 1st gen SIR T-150.

I get KMGH-DT very well in NW Lafayette. It is my strongest RP signal. And very stable, no jumping around.

But I get audio drops like every 1/2 second for 1/2 second. 1/2 sec audio, 1/2 sec silent. Very annoying. But 7.2 has perfect audio. My surround receiver got "static" attacked a couple of weeks ago and died a painful (for me) death, so I'm just running audio out of the T150 to the TV. But it seems like the T150 is having a major issue with their DD audio or something (I'm guessing because 7.2 audio is fine so it must be in a different stream of a different type).

At least the picture looked nice

[UHForever]

Just found out from KUSA that they WILL be broadcasting all of NBC's Olympic coverage from Italy in 5.1 DD audio. That should be cool.

Now to the matter at hand, KMGH went from my second most powerful station (I only live roughly 1/2 mile from their station) to joining KUSA at maxing out my signal meter on my E* 921...so to my surprise my signal actually improved a bit with their move to RP.

Dr_Mal, while I agree about getting caught up with "Lost" before diving in, I would still recommend 'sampling' it in HD next Wednesday, if for no other reason then to check out how amazing Hawaii/the Beach/the Jungle looks in 720p. As far as other ABC shows, I have a lot of co-workers who rave about "Boston Legal" on Tuesdays.

[rmaestas]

Live in Lakewood, Garrison and Alameda. Can now pull in KMGH, but KCNC 4-1 has been down all morning. Anyone else noticing this on KCNC.

Not much of a issue now but it sure would be dissapointing if KCNC's signal is lost around 1:00pm on Sunday afternoon during the AFC Championship Game. Anyone heard why KCNC might be down and if this could be a potential problem on Sunday afternoon. Someone should talk to KCNC's engineering department to verify what might be going on here.

[gakon]

Originally Posted by UHForever

Just found out from KUSA that they WILL be broadcasting all of NBC's Olympic coverage from Italy in 5.1 DD audio. That should be cool.

Some events (supposedly live simulcasts of hockey) will be available on Universal HD, if you have D*. I haven't read if they'll be 5.1 or not.

[DrrD]

For those having problems picking up ABC,

as per my earlier post, a tech told me a few days ago that they are testing the signal this weekend, so perhaps there will still be some improvment.

[Symbios]

Originally Posted by TotallyPreWired

What you haven't seen is my email to various senators, the state AG, newspapers, and calls to many stations. Yup, behind the scenes. I consider KMGH just a small victory in a bigger battle. We didn't all spend $$$ to watch fuzz.

Okay, you're right. I haven't seen all of the stuff you've done behind the scenes. I can see why you'd be a little frustrated. Still, no one here deserves to be talked to like that.

Anyway, I'm letting it go...

I'm going back to being pissed off that it's ABC's turn to air the Super Bowl this year! Grrr...

[Couch Patato]

Originally Posted by UHForever

Just found out from KUSA that they WILL be broadcasting all of NBC's Olympic coverage from Italy in 5.1 DD audio. That should be cool.

I hope they start broadcasting all the other HD stuff in 5.1 then.

If there capable of 5.1 for the olimpics then they should be for the other prime time stuff.

[dr_mal]

Originally Posted by UHForever

Dr_Mal, while I agree about getting caught up with "Lost" before diving in, I would still recommend 'sampling' it in HD next Wednesday, if for no other reason then to check out how amazing Hawaii/the Beach/the Jungle looks in 720p. As far as other ABC shows, I have a lot of co-workers who rave about "Boston Legal" on Tuesdays.

Thanks - I'm getting a high-level "Lost" overview from a coworker, so I won't be too...um...lost?...when I start watching.

That's the second time I've heard "Boston Legal" recommended, so I'll give that a shot, too.

[sunshinedawg]

Originally Posted by rmaestas

Live in Lakewood, Garrison and Alameda. Can now pull in KMGH, but KCNC 4-1 has been down all morning. Anyone else noticing this on KCNC.

Not much of a issue now but it sure would be dissapointing if KCNC's signal is lost around 1:00pm on Sunday afternoon during the AFC Championship Game. Anyone heard why KCNC might be down and if this could be a potential problem on Sunday afternoon. Someone should talk to KCNC's engineering department to verify what might be going on here.

Yep KCNC has been off since this morning for me as well.

[oxothuk]

Originally Posted by sunshinedawg

Yep KCNC has been off since this morning for me as well.

I don't care if they go off for seven months .... starting MONDAY.

[DennisMileHi]

Originally Posted by dr_mal

That's the second time I've heard "Boston Legal" recommended, so I'll give that a shot, too.

I'll concur with Boston Legal being very good and quite funny too. We were watching Invasion, which follows Lost, but I gave up on it because nothing much happened and it got boring. And, Commander in Chief is done pretty well if you like that sort of thing. Donald Sutherland alone makes it interesting.

Lots of people watch Deperate Housewives and Greg's Anatomy, but I have not watched either one. The movie, Enemy of the State is on Sat night, but I couldn't stand to watch all the commercials ... would have to be Tivoed.

[zimdba]

Is it safe to assume that if I cannot get 4 or 9 in HD, then I have no chance of getting 7? I just did a scan, and no luck - so I'm afraid I won't be watching the Super Bowl in HD.

When's D* going to begin locals in HD again? Time to do some research . .

[mknoebel]

Originally Posted by zimdba

When's D* going to begin locals in HD again? Time to do some research . .

The exact date hasn't been announced.

A rough estimate of "this spring" is out there now. So, anywhere from 1-3 months I would guess...

[oxothuk]

Originally Posted by zimdba

Is it safe to assume that if I cannot get 4 or 9 in HD, then I have no chance of getting 7? I just did a scan, and no luck - so I'm afraid I won't be watching the Super Bowl in HD..

Not being able to get 9 is a bad sign, that's the strongest RP station for most people. And you can't get 6 either, right?

Do you get any signal at all (meter >0) on any of the RP stations (frequencies 16-19 and 35)? What kind of antenna do you have, and where is it mounted?

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally Posted by zimdba

Is it safe to assume that if I cannot get 4 or 9 in HD, then I have no chance of getting 7? I just did a scan, and no luck - so I'm afraid I won't be watching the Super Bowl in HD.

In this weird atmosphere, never assume. The antennas, while on top of the same building, may be at different heights, slightly different output, and they definitely have different radiation patterns. Testing is the only way to know.

When's D* going to begin locals in HD again? Time to do some research . .

mk's info is accurate. Maybe tomorrow, maybe in a few months.
....jc

[zimdba]

I have some sort of ChannelMaster in the attic. I didn't install it, so I don't know what the model # is.

I get 10-20% on 6, but absolutely nothing on the RP stations.

I'd pay to have the antenna roof mounted (I'm not getting up there), but I don't think it would be any help.

[TotallyPreWired]

Originally Posted by zimdba

I have some sort of ChannelMaster in the attic. I didn't install it, so I don't know what the model # is.

That info could be helpful.

I get 10-20% on 6, but absolutely nothing on the RP stations.

If I'm not mistaken, 6 - KRMA, is on RP.
....jc