Las Vegas, NV - HDTV - Page 11

Anybody having video problems with OTA 8-01?
I am getting video freezing and breakup about every ten seconds.
Signal strength is 88% on Dish 6000 8VSB.

Is there any more word on not having to have digital cable to get the HD stations via Cox.

Been gone awhile, so, I'll try to expand on a few things...

CBS, KLAS, the tourny, and a possible war... The information has been leaked that local KLAS is giving COX the 5 full feeds for the Tourny. That's four digital and one HD channel - NOT including the local CBS analog and Digital stations. If CBS if forced to show war coverage, then the LOCAL digital and analog stations may have to show the news, but the tourny feeds will most likely be unaffected by local decision. Without surmising the war effort and political mumbo-jumbo, there could be repercussions on the actual tourny if war breaks out, that could lead to delays and possible missed games. Hey, we missed a week of football after 9/11, if something bad were to happen, sentiment will follow the war, not basketball.

Video Problems - KLAS (or CBS national feed) has been freezing up once in a while lately. Don't have any info, but it is affecting the OTA and their feed to COX so your equipment should not be blamed.

HD locals without Digital service on COX - I heard there was an internal service code for this feature as soon as it rolls out. I have not heard the latest, but it may be on the backburner until the tourny is over. It is/was being tested for a release, but I would keep quiet for now. If they decide to disable the digital boxes before the tourny, then you are S.O.L. getting the free tournament package and HD channel. There is no "al la cart" or ordering of the tourny, it's just free to ALL DIGITAL SUBSCRIBERS (hint hint). The "basic", "extended basic", "locals package" or whatever it will be called will NOT get DIGITAL services or have a Digital subscription to enable this service, just local HD. The more they try to push it before a war breaks out and a tourny kicks off, the better the chance of getting your box deauthorized and having to wait on hold with customer support while you miss the game.

Better updates to follow as I catch up on work, emails, rumors and HD info.
vegggas

We're happy to announce that Las Vegas' NBC affiliate, Sunbelt Communication's KVBC is now available on Channel 3 (NTSC) AND Channel 2 (ATSC).

Viewers have already contacted us, complimenting the clean signal we're broadcasting from atop Black Mountain overlooking Henderson.

Our signal will be in standard definition for the near future, as budgeting for and selection of HD-capable studio/transmitter link equipment continues.

Looks like KLAS-DT has fixed the 3 day problem of video freezing.

Just checked out KVBC-DT channel 2-01.
It has a nasty herringbone pattern of grain.
KLAS-DT SD is far superior to KVBC-DT SD when comparing the national news.

Tourney - As surmised, the NCAA has looked into the possiblity of postponing the first few rounds of the games if needed and the possibility of moving network feeds around to cover news on OTA and the games on cable only channels. Separate Digital feeds are still not considered to be in danger of being lost, except in the case of postponed games.
Here is the official ESPN link. ESPN - Consideration of postponment of NCAA games


NBC is Digital! YAY! Lets hope the transition to HD is coming along smoothly and will be available sooner than later.
NOTE: Is there anybody here with an ANALOG Pioneer cable box with the RF output on Ch2 being affected by the new signal? There were some concerns about this being a problem earlier, and I just wondered if it is indeed an issue or not. What about big screen RPTV users tuning to analog Ch2 on their sets tuner (typically low shielding), any problems there? My sets look ok while viewing the analog feed, so I am not having any of the problems with interference like ch 7 or 11 had.

vegggas

Thanks for the update Shiva. Anyword on the Cox feed?

I am currently using DirecTV to obtain the majority of the HD content I watch, but I would like to be able to pick up the local Las Vegas network feeds as well. I have tried using the Terk 55 indoor/outdoor antenna with some success. I am able to pick up most of the local stations with different positioning of the antenna with varying signal strength from 28 to 70+. The only station I have not been able to get any signal from is KLAS (CBS) channel 8-1. This is the local station I want the most with their abundance of HD content.

Does anyone have any ideas? I am in the northwest part of town. I haven't tried mounting my Terk 55 antenna outside. Would that improve the reception of these stations? What level of signal strength is considered adequate to receive a station without intermittent signal loss? Is there a method to finding the optimal location of a fixed antenna to ensure reception of the most stations?

Thanks for everyone's contributions to this link. I have found this to be the best source of local HDTV information.

taxman, i'm in nw too and also using terk tv5 indoor. it picked up all the digital channels real good. cbs 8-1 signal strengh lately always 100%

OK, so all the games are back on again. The 11:00 news on KLAS once again confirmed that ALL games from ALL regions will be available through COX on their 5 temporary digital stations. The HD feed will also be on a dedicated HD only channel and it may also show on the OTA KLAS-DT channel if war coverage is not mandated.

vegggas

So I hooked up my DTV input to the coax line that went into my digital cable box, no unscrambled HD channels that I saw. Though, I did find some unscrambled channels (92.01 through 92.10), so I know its completely possible for them to send stuff w/o encryption.

How Is Your Reception Of KVBV-DT 2.1/3.1?

I'm southwest with a wide open view of Black Mtn. My signal with a R.S.
bow gives me a bleeding of KVBC on the top of screen and 29.1/33.1 KFBT-DT on the bottom. I can't get the signal to stay constant.

ive tried this as well. didnt get anything. wish there was a way to utilize the signal with my built in tuner.

Looks like we are getting 3 digital feeds (COX) on 333 - 335 and HD tomorow. HD may be on CBS 730 only or as reported before, a separate HD channel, but we will not know until it is shown. The NCAA2 channel is showing the same game as CBS, so for now, enjoy three separate feeds.

Is anyone picking up the other feeds OTA or is it only on cable?

vegggas

Actually, KVBC has the highest signal strength (88) I get of all the digital channels.

NCAA in HD were terrific on OTA 8-1. I see by their commercial that Masters Golf Tourney also in HD. I note that the RJ does not even mention digital or HD in the Sunday TV magazine. Many people (including some of my friends) didn't realize any HD available until I told them!!! Perhaps thats part of our problem of lack of HD programming and feet dragging by the stations.

I just noticed that Cox digital has a new channel....

NBC D on channel 123. The picture quality is much better than analog channel 3. Although the audio is only working on the left channel. This is not a HD feed with the HD box, this is a standard digital channel on the SA2000 Explorer.

Is Cox possibly planning a digital simulcast of the locals? That would be sweet.

Anyone have any more info?

I hooked up the OTA digital tuner (SIR T-150) to see what was now "out there" and compare cable feeds to OTA feeds. First, I compared feeds from the tuner using RGB. RGB had just a bit better "depth" and "sharpness" on all stations. I then compared the component output, which matched the output of the SA3100, IMHO, exactly. Component is not bad, just seemed softer than RGB. This makes sense as Component has less bandwidth due to signal derivation from RGB and RGB contains complete information from all three channels.

NBC Ch 2, eventually Ch 733 - Currently only available OTA as SD. Looks about the same as analog channel on cable, but free from ingress issues (ghosting). Good clean picture when I was testing with no noticable issues. This will be on cable channel 733 when it eventually goes HD and sends that signal to COX.
EDIT added info: NBC D is on cable Ch 123. Looks like a simulcast digital feed until they go HD. This could open the door to other stations offering digital simulcast.

FOX Ch 9 (came up as 5)- Currently only available OTA as SD. Looks about the same as analog channel on cable, but free from ingress issues (ghosting). Very soft picture and no current plans for HD content or broadcast. Cox would not carry this unless they went to a higher signal quality, as it offers no improvment over analog other than signal isolation, and is not in HD.

CBS Ch 7, Ch 730- OTA looks the same as cable, but there is no NCAA package for CBS OTA simulcast. The NCAA feed is sent to COX for distribution on 333 -335 and is the only available local option other than a $50 fee from Sat. The HD games are shown on CBS-HD on both OTA and Cable 730. The rumored extra channel for HD only content on 701 seems to not be needed right now, since it appears all HD games will be on CBS and would be duplicated. If an HD game is not carried locally on CBS, there is still a possibility of an insertion at 701 to show those games. Most primetime non-reality or news shows are good quality HD. Sports events are shown in true HD when available.

PBS Ch 11, Ch 731 - OTA looks the the same as cable. TRUE HD - Although it is a contious loop of the national feed.

ABC 12, 732 - OTA looks the same as cable, however, you also get the secondary SD version OTA in digital in case you don't have HD. Broadcast in 720p. Most primetime non-reality or news shows are decent quality HD. Sports events are shown in true HD when available.

Univision Ch 16 - Currently only available OTA as SD. Looks the same as analog channel on cable. No known plans to carry on COX since there is no improvement in signal quality and is not HD.

WB Ch 22- Currently only available OTA as SD. Looks the same as analog channel on cable. No known plans to carry on COX since there is no improvement in signal quality and is not HD.

KFBT Ch 29- Currently only available OTA as SD. Looks the same as analog channel on cable. No known plans to carry on COX since there is no improvement in signal quality and is not HD.

Telemundo Ch 40 - Currently only available OTA as SD. Unable to pick up with my antenna. No known plans to carry on COX since there is no improvement in signal quality and is not HD.

Discovery HD Theater Ch 700 - Cable Only. Looks great! Extra $5.00 charge per month. Now has movies, and is increasing their lineup selection.

HBOEHD and HBOWHD Ch 710, 711 Cable Only - Good quality upconverts and some original programming, but they do not usually use the original format. Instead they fill the entire 16x9 screen reguardless of format. Included free with standard HBO subscription.

SHOEHD and SHOWHD Ch 720, 721 Cable Only - They typically use the Original Aspect Ratio, so 2.35 movies are shown in their correct aspect. They have broadcast boxing events that look great in HD and are planning on many more live events. Included free with standard SHO subscription.
NOTE that SHO East is not available in the lineup anywhere else other than the HD format so users get an "extra" channelwith HD.

No comments heard on future programming such as ESPNHD, CINEMAX, or others (doen not mean they are not available). HDNET was rumored, but unless you were a partner with Mark Cuban, the pricing was VERY high. My opinion is that the pricing would have to come down before we see it in "non partnered" cable systems.

vegggas

I second the PQ statement. My question, is it possible (for me or Cox) to remap that channel overtop ch 3, so that when i hit "003" it goes to the digitial version of the channel.

It would be nice to have all the digital channels (HD or not) in digital format (and unscrambled) so that I could hook the coax into my DTV antenna and get digital locals. And ditch this funny antenna. Who knows, this could be the first step.

Edit: Its in the clear on 82.11 for all of those who have a digital tuner capable of demoduating QAM 256.

Is it in the guide on 123. I couldn't get it.

Cox better get ESPN-HD right out of the box. Otherwise I will jump off a cliff. They don't want that blood on their hands!

What is the latest on whether Cox will be offering a subscription to only the HD channels without basic or digital cable service? I am happy with my satellite service w/TIVO and am only interested in the locals through Cox. Does anyone know if Cox currenty offers, or will offer, a subscription to just the HD channels? Thanks.

Vegggas says that Cox is working on HD Locals without Digital Cable service. My guess (not having any inside information) is that they will require expanded basic to get the HD channels. I hope I'm wrong with that. As far as EPSN goes. It would surprise me if Cox gets ESPN-HD. I read this http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&highlight=Cox

No new info, but some info and speculation anyway...

HD channel package - I do not forsee an HD only channel package. What I heard and read was the current HD converters would be downgraded to ONLY pick up the digital HD locals offered in the 700's . Everything elses would be analog signal up to 79 or something.
This means that all other digital services would be turned off, like the program guide and all other digital channels. I speculate that if you wanted DiscHD added, you would have to get the digital package first.
The basic cable package you may already have is capped off to not allow frequencies above ch 17 I think. To keep this same service and add the HD channels, would require the removal of the filter, which effectively moves you up to standard analog service.
So my guess today is that you would need standard service and the rental of the HD box as a minmum package. This would satify the mandate of the FCC for local transmission. As far as testing clear to air channels on digital quam tuners, it seems that only Mitsubishi is doing a good job of pulling the signal, and it's possible COX would not want to advertise "no other equipment needed" when a customer's tv is not syncing correctly.

ESPNHD - No news other than what lvthunder submitted. I had read that article earlier and felt dismayed, thinking it will not happen for a while. This should happen on the corporate level and not local, so if a deal is worked out, it will be everywhere COX has HD. This weekend may bring news or announcments with promotions from retailers. We have to wait and see.

NBC D on 123 - Yes it is there, and with only the left channel audio. It's a start, but we could see a complete local digital (non HD) local lineup in the near future for a minimal fee, just like the basic package, but they would have to move around some lower channels to get around the current basic lineup and still pass the signal.
To map the digital signal on to channel three would require the removal of the analog broadcast of channel 3. On cable, this would require every household to have a digital converter, so it will be a while.

vegggas

i have a mitsubishi tv with a built in qam tuner and was wondering how i get the HD channels through the cable line. ive tried it before and it jammed my tv. am i suppose to just plug the coax into the ant. input? also, what channel would i be looking for since the HD channels are on 700 something and the tuner does not go up that high?
any help would be appreciated.

Well, if Direct TV and Cox do not offer ESPN-HD, hopefully that will put some pressure on ESPN/ABC to back off their demands somewhat. Given that Discovery HD is $5, I would pay that for ESPN-HD. That works out to $60 a year. Not that much for HD. However, I can definately see Cox abusing this by offering a per channel fee each time something turns into HD. So, what about $10 for the HD Tier?

You sure there is no way they can update the firmware of the box to map digitial channels over analog. Not actually replace the signal, but write some code to redirect "003" to 123, etc.

Hopefully they dont scramble digital locals. I would think they get enough money out of me with analog + digital, they dont need any more.

You cant get Cox's HD channels, because they're scrambled. There are some Cox Digital Cable SD channels that arent scrabled (PPV Preview, etc) that you can use to verify if your qam tuner is operating.

1. Plug the coax into the DTV antenna.
2. Go to the menu system, pick the anetnna item.
3. Pick DTV, then select Cable (NOT cable HRC) to program your tv. It will take a good 10-15 minutes to go through all 135 channels.
4. Once its done, go through and check all the channels. Most of them are scrambled. Type in "082 11" for 82.11 and see if you get NBC digital. I forgot which one the PPV preview and PPV Sports preview are.

Luckily, Discovery and Cox are partners so that they (discovery) sell each subscriber only $5, instead of the $8 other carriers have to pay. The content provider, like Discovery or ESPN mandates the price for each subscriber, not the carrier. Also, the carriers have to pay a royalty fee to even offer it in their lineup. This means ESPN would make money off COX for providing the channel on top of every subscriber who orders it. Cox would make very little, probably under $0.50 for every customer, but would make revenue on other services. See lvthunder's earlier thread about COX CEO complaints. I have a whole other thread ranting about this very topic in the programming forum.

Doormat - Good explanation about the qam tuner. I will add that the reason everyone sees different numbers is because I think your tuners are showing 135 "full Channels" of 6Mhz each. Each 6Mhz channel can easily carry 16 or so sd digital stations so you could possibly tune over 2000 channels. NBC Digital at 82.11 at 256qam would be at approximately 573Mhz. Also, the frequency of the channels in digital cable do not follow the channel numbers. So a channel number IS mapped to a frequency for that particular qam tuner, but the qam tuners start above the analog frequencies and analog has reserves for the lower channels. As far as mapping the 123 channel over analog #3, I guess it could be done, but it would have to unreserve all of the analog channels and be a global config to all of the boxes.
vegggas

As for mapping the digital channels over the analog ones. I would think that Cox would like to do that. That could be another reason for a person to upgrade to digital cable. You don't need to have an HDTV to watch a local digital channel like NBC is right now anyways. I would like to think that Cox would offer the best (picture quality and sound) version that they can.