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Kansas City, MO - HDTV - Page 2

post #31 of 8857
3/18/03 at 9:59pm
Here it is!!

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...rt/5421864.htm

I think it is VERY accurate, besides the quote that someone was able to get WDAF-DT in Topeka!! This person in Topeka must have a killer antenna system.

To all of the people involved that made this article happen, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
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post #32 of 8857
3/19/03 at 12:19am
Thread Starter 
Sweet! I'm glad Aaron was finally able to do a positive article on HD. Probably knocking KCTV was the angle that works for the Star. I've not been keeping up with tracking time compression, as I spent last weekend rebuilding my AV system, but hopefully we'll be able to catch them doing so.

It might be possible to pick up WDAF-DT in Topeka...with a great antenna...mounted very high up...and very favorable tropo conditions.
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post #33 of 8857
3/19/03 at 5:57am
Quote:


And then there's KCTV. The station made a big deal about going to digital, even leading its newscasts with a report showing management flipping the switch on KCTV-DT. Since then, however, the CBS affiliate has made itself the least popular digital broadcaster in the area.

CBS promotes hi-def TV more aggressively than any other network. Every night it sends affiliates hi-def versions of all its prime-time shows, including "CSI" and "Everybody Loves Raymond." And every night KCTV-DT "downconverts" the network's signal to standard definition before sending it over the air.

By contrast, viewers of WIBW-DT in Topeka have been enjoying all the CBS programming in beautiful hi-def. Needless to say, this really cheeses hi-def owners in Kansas City.

"KCTV has chosen to take the cheap and easy way out," said Ed Manning. "I don't understand why a major market like Kansas City is so far behind the HDTV frontier."

A spokesman for KCTV's owner, Meredith Corp., said there were "no current plans" to change that policy, adding, "At this time we don't see the demand necessary to meet this (added) investment."

Very nice write-up against KCTV. Whether or not this will open any eyes at KCTV/Meredith remains to be seen.

Overall, the article was well written and seemed to address all the concerns with the current state of HDTV in Kansas City. It's good to have someone like Aaron on our side.
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post #34 of 8857
3/19/03 at 7:13am
One point that I would have liked to have seen brought out in the article is in regards to the stations' claim that there are not enough HD sets out there yet to justify the expense of them getting the equipment to broadcast HD: Maybe more people would buy HD sets if there was more HD content to watch. I personally know several people who would like to get an HDTV, but haven't done so because they don't think there's enough HD to watch in order to justify it. Catch-22.
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post #35 of 8857
3/19/03 at 2:28pm
Hey Chris, since you are out of town, I wanted to let you know that the web link that I sent out does not do this article any justice.

It is on the FRONT PAGE of the FYI section of the Star. It covers most of the front page. There is a huge 6x10 inch picture of a Sony HDTV at Brandsmart.

Continued on page 7 is a chart showing each channel, their signal strength low or high, HD yes or no, additional comments, and wether they are on Time Warner Cable or not.

Also, and this is my favorite part, there is a picture of a scene from Everybody Loves Raymond. Here is the caption, "CBS sends affiliates hi-def versions of all its prime-time shows, including Everybody Loves Raymond. And every night KCTV-DT downconverts the network's signal to standard definition before sending it over the air."

This is so awesome. This brings such joy to my life in a world that needs all the joy it can get right now.
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post #36 of 8857
3/19/03 at 3:18pm
That is awesome! I hope someone's ears are burning over at KCTV today!
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post #37 of 8857
3/19/03 at 3:24pm
Be sure to let Aaron know how much we like his article on HDTV in The Kansas City Star. His web site is http://www.tvbarn.com Also their is more information on Kansas City HDTV. Click on the article on HDTV on the tvbarn website. Thanks
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post #38 of 8857
3/19/03 at 3:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by hdtimmy
Hey Chris, since you are out of town, I wanted to let you know that the web link that I sent out does not do this article any justice.

Cool! I'm headed to KC right now, so I'll pick up a copy of the Star when I get to KCI.

Quote:


It is on the FRONT PAGE of the FYI section of the Star. It covers most of the front page. There is a huge 6x10 inch picture of a Sony HDTV at Brandsmart.

Very cool (and not just because I consult with Brandsmart).

Quote:



Also, and this is my favorite part, there is a picture of a scene from Everybody Loves Raymond. Here is the caption, "CBS sends affiliates hi-def versions of all its prime-time shows, including Everybody Loves Raymond. And every night KCTV-DT downconverts the network's signal to standard definition before sending it over the air."

Very sweet indeed! I'm glad all the noise we've made has had an impact.

Quote:



This is so awesome. This brings such joy to my life in a world that needs all the joy it can get right now.

I can hardly wait to see the Oscars in HD. It's a shame that the red carpet part will be cut short. Hopefully we won't have the same situation where stunningly beautiful women like Jennifer Connelly will dress drably...as if people in an essentially frivolous profession can suddenly become deep and meaningful by dressing differently. Hollywood has an obligation to remain Hollywood, as far as I'm concerned.
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post #39 of 8857
3/19/03 at 3:42pm
The Kansas City Star has a opinion section which people air their opinions on recent articles in the Kansas City Star. Please let Kansas City know your opinions on HDTV in Kansas City.
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post #40 of 8857
3/19/03 at 5:39pm
Once a cowtown, always a cowtown. I hope the article in the Star makes its way to the pinheads at KCTV.
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post #41 of 8857
3/19/03 at 9:36pm
Thread Starter 
I'm in KC now, and am please to see that the article has a pointer on the upper right hand corner of the front page of the paper!
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post #42 of 8857
3/20/03 at 7:23am
I thought the article was surprisingly accurate, also. In my experience, whenever you know something about a subject the STAR writes about, you can almost always find MANY inaccuracies, but not this time. I was especially pleased to see KCTV skewered!

Can anyone think of any way to quantify the number of HDTV-capable households in the KC area? That would be a very interesting number to know.

Brad
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post #43 of 8857
3/20/03 at 10:55am
I'd love to hear any feedback from KCTV on their reaction to the ariticle. Anyone want to give Dan Somes (Chief Engineer) at KCTV a call and report back his thoughts?? (Chris, you up for it?)
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post #44 of 8857
3/22/03 at 8:14am
I just called Comcast and the guy told me that they just had a meeting yesterday because they recieved a shipment of 600 HD boxes. He said that they don't yet have the reservation system setup, but that I should be able to call in and reserve a box in 1 week. The only bad thing is that they will only initially offer 2-3 channels in HD. He said abc and showtime were sure things and they were just finalizing the agreement with PBS.
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post #45 of 8857
3/22/03 at 6:04pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by macman
I'd love to hear any feedback from KCTV on their reaction to the ariticle. Anyone want to give Dan Somes (Chief Engineer) at KCTV a call and report back his thoughts?? (Chris, you up for it?)

I probably shouldn't. I've spent the past 3 days struggling to receive WIBW-DT with no luck. A 36' tower, a 50 element Antennacraft UHF corner reflector, Channelmaster preamp (thanks to HDTimmy - PM me). As KCTV is the cause of a lot of pain, I'm not feeling very charitable and would probably say what I feel - which is not a good idea.
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post #46 of 8857
3/23/03 at 9:43am
Thread Starter 
Bizzare results. Last night I determined that I wasn't going to be defeated. At 8:00 AM, I went back onto the roof and raised it another 10 feet and put in another set of guy wires to get it as stable as possible. At 10:00 AM I had success! I managed to get a signal strength of 51 (out of 100) on the RCA DTC-100. I was watching WIBW-DT news. By 11:00, the picture had disappeared and I'm getting a signal strength of 22 and it's bouncing between "--" and "22". It's 11:45 now, and I'm still at bouncing 22. I've tried a different receiver with no luck.

What's going on? I'm well grounded, the antenna is level. The tower is level and solid. Is this just a matter of getting more height, or is it possible that I'm just getting some serious interference? Will I get a solid picture when the sun goes down?
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post #47 of 8857
3/24/03 at 12:23am
Hey,

Just purchased a samsung t165 out here in lawrence and I'm trying to pull in wibw from topeka....What ant. do you guys think I will need to pull it in? I'm assuming that they aren't broadcasting very strong because I've got a silver sensor and its not pulling in anything from 44 pointed in the correct direction. I have the silver sensor up in my loft. I'm really pissed off at KCTV and want to give them a piece of my mind. What do you guys think of writing up a flyer and putting it in the golf shops, bars, etc? MARCH MADNESS AND MASTERS IN HDTV but KCTV IS DOWNCONVERTING!. Something to get KCTV to pay attention to us.
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post #48 of 8857
3/24/03 at 4:49am
Thread Starter 
Wel, for a start, with a signal this weak and this far, you are going to have to bite the bullet and put it outside. Any roof is going to cost you at least 25% of any potential signal. And the Silver Sensor is not very directional. A multibay bow-tie or corner reflector is going to give you the directionality to reject the much stronger channel 41 signal coming from KC.

For KCTV5, the golf shops idea is great! Mike Darby of Coach's had the wonderful idea of making up a "poor box", to collect funds to help poor, poor KCTV buy the HD encoder they can't afford. It would embarrass the hell out of them. If we could get one into a golf shop, I could just imagine some CEO or CFO of one of KCTV's advertisers seeing it, and mentioning it to Kirk Black. Shame can be a powerful tool.

Could I suggest that we consider getting a group of KC HD fans together soon? Possibly at Coach's?
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post #49 of 8857
3/24/03 at 7:05am
Quote:


Could I suggest that we consider getting a group of KC HD fans together soon? Possibly at Coach's?

Count me in.
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post #50 of 8857
3/24/03 at 7:23am
nick121314:

I'm in Lawrence at approximately 27th & Inverness and have been picking up WIBW-DT very well (even stayed up during the hail storm last week) with a Terk TV-55 in the attic (about 18ft above ground level).

That's not to endorse the Terk (it doesn't pick up anything else consistently), it's just to say that WIBW-DT is definitely broadcasting strong enough to be well-received in Lawrence.

I'm getting ready to replace it with a Channel Master 4221 4-Bay UHF Bowtie antenna, though, so that I can also pick up KSNT-DT. When researching this, several people also suggested to me a UHF Yagi, but the UHF Yagis are too large to fit in my attic.
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post #51 of 8857
3/24/03 at 7:26am
The poor box is a great idea!
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post #52 of 8857
3/24/03 at 11:12am
Chris,

How does analog FOX43 look with your antenna system at Coach's? Any strange interference?

Are the 41 and 38 traps making any bit of a difference? They certainly did for me.

I was having the same frustrating problems that you are having. Sometimes it would come in just fine. Other days, AT THE EXACT SAME TIME, I wouldn't even get a blip.

Here's my overall results before I gave up:
Mornings - rarely came in
Afternoons - never came in
Evenings (PrimeTime) - came in maybe once a week, 50% strength
Nights (David Letterman) - came in almost every night, 50-60%

-Tim
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post #53 of 8857
3/24/03 at 11:21am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


Originally posted by hdtimmy
Chris,

How does analog FOX43 look with your antenna system at Coach's? Any strange interference?

I need to look at it. It's a pain to test signals at Coach's, as the office is so small and crowded, and everyone constantly needing to use the monitor to tune in another game.

Quote:



Are the 41 and 38 traps making any bit of a difference? They certainly did for me.

Yeah, the difference between night and day. I've located a channel 44 bandpass filter as well, but it is $160 and the experimental budget is exhusted.

Quote:


I was having the same frustrating problems that you are having. Sometimes it would come in just fine. Other days, AT THE EXACT SAME TIME, I wouldn't even get a blip.

I was getting a good, solid signal that morning. I need to visit there a few evenings to make sure it comes in well after dark.

Had you tried a corner reflector Yagi and rotator?
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post #54 of 8857
3/26/03 at 12:01pm
Chris (or others) - did you make any additional progress on getting WIBW out of Topeka to work here in KC??

I finally got my stb back (actually, they sent me a refurb) from Mitsu the other day - so now my focus will turn to seeing if I can get CBS HD - WIBW - to work. I'm at 119th & Switzer (Overland Park - out south as we say here) the top of a hill in my sub, with no trees in the way (that I know of) and a very clear line of sight to the west.

I'm pulling in everything else very well here - including WDAF-DT - but that's off of a RS attic antenna. I was thinking about using the "double" RS UHF only setup that I've seen referenced here a few times - very directional - and pulls in signals (according to the thread) from 60+ miles in CA. I'll have to check the printout again, but I think I'm 72 miles from the Topeka transmitter site.

Suggestions??, I know Bradtothebone has tried this without success - he's further west than I, but my location is significantly higher - so I'm hopeful.

Thanks for any/all help.

Kendal
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post #55 of 8857
3/28/03 at 10:42am
Has anyone heard or seen any reaction from KCTV regarding Aaron Barnhart's article in the Star?

It would be interesting to know if they even noticed or just don't care.
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post #56 of 8857
3/29/03 at 8:38am
I live in overland park and am just learning about HD access. I have a mit hd ready tv with directv and time warner cable. I know I will have to get an hd box, probably the hughes or samsung. My question is what else do i need to do to get HD in kansas city?

Can I get the local stations in hd from time warner? Or do I have to get an antenna and go OTA? If I need to get an antenna with where I am at do I need an inside or outside antenna? Which would you recommend?

Anyway, thanks for your help.
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post #57 of 8857
3/29/03 at 7:54pm
i think twc has some hd - probably KMBC, KCPT, and KCTV (they're not really HD - see previous detail in this thread), but that's about it - my previous experience with them wasn't good, their analogs pretty well stink, but maybe they're better now. Anyway with TWC, you'll need their hd stb and that may also get you hbo, showtime, ??? - but i'm not sure - you'll have to check with them.

Again, the OTA situation here isn't very good = a std rooftop/attic antenna will do just as well OTA as anything - all the stations are close and relatively easy to pull in. if you're in OP, you may be able to get WDAF - their power is really low, but I can get them just fine here.

hope that helps.

Kendal
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post #58 of 8857
3/30/03 at 12:18am
Quote:


Originally posted by fcsmith
One point that I would have liked to have seen brought out in the article is in regards to the stations' claim that there are not enough HD sets out there yet to justify the expense of them getting the equipment to broadcast : Maybe more people would buy HD sets if there was more HD content to watch. I personally know several people who would like to get an HDTV, but haven't done so because they don't think there's enough HD to watch in order to justify it. Catch-22.

I live in Olathe and am currently using Comcast Digital for TV viewing. However, in our dedicated theater I have a HDTV compatible Sony front projection system.

I will NOT upgrade my other direct view or RPTV's until HD is fluent throughout the KC area. No sense in it. Why purchase equipment now, when my choice of viewing is so limiting. Why would I buy a Jaguar, if I had no road to drive upon?

If Kansas City would shed it's "Cow Town" mentality...and start playing catch up with technology, including HDTV and mass transit, it would certainly be a more appealing environment for the hundreds that move here each year to capitalize on our corporate foundations and economic growth.
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post #59 of 8857
4/3/03 at 2:14pm
The KC Chiefs 2003 schedule is out and unless KCTV gets their act together before the season starts we're out of luck in viewing much HD Chiefs football.
There are only two games being broadcast on ABC Monday Night Football in HD, one pre-season and one regular season game. The rest of the games will be on CBS (KCTV), Fox, and ESPN with the majority on CBS. I doubt if Fox4 will have their new antenna ready for their two games by then and who knows who'll be able to get the one ESPN game.
And we all know about KCTV's so-called financial situation that prevents them from providing us with HD. They will be carrying 16 Chiefs games!

Maybe CBS will have come down on them by then.
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post #60 of 8857
4/3/03 at 3:01pm
Since CBS will only broadcast one HD game per week (I think), chances are pretty good that, at most, 2 or 3 Chiefs' games will be on CBS HD, anyway, so we won't be missing much. We DO, however, get TWO HD games in one week:

October 20, Chiefs at Oakland (ABC), and
October 26, Bills at Chiefs (ESPN).

This assumes, of course, that ESPN-HD is available by then (pretty good bet).

As for the ones on FAUX, I've never seen their 480p widescreen, but my channel 4 analog looks pretty good.

I'm already getting pumped for football season!

Brad
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