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RE: All-Digital TV
I purchased HD digital TVs for the home and RV and find that all the channels here in Tampa, and in most major cities I visit, are already up and running in HIGH DEFINITION plus broadcasting their normal analog.
I understand that there HD is now being broadcast on UHF, but when they shut down analog broadcasting in Febuary and go to just digital that will free up the VHF frequency spectrum and HD digital will switch over to VHF, which will give them better area coverage.
I would expect that there will be very few channels that remain digital only without HD. They will all go to High Definition to remain viable in the market.
Not quite true... Some stations will be broadcasting digital on the VHF channels (2-13) but many will remain in the UHF band. All of them will have the option of broadcasting in HD or one of several lower deffinition digital modes. Or, as most will do, a combination of both, with their main or network programming feed in HD and one or more secondary services in lower definition digital mode.
As a typical example our local Ch 10 station is continuing to broadcast analog on 10 with their digital service on channel 54. On 54 they duplicate their main NBC service in HD (1080i) with two secondary services, both in lower level resolution (480P). One is the CW network, the other a combination of Fox and other syndicated programs. In the early morning of Feb 18, they will turn off the channel 10 analog transmitter and move their digital service from 54 down to channel 10, abandoning 54. Some stations will simply shut their analog off and keep their digital channel where it is now. Others will turn analof odd and actually move the digital transmitter to a third channel they do not use presently. Each station has a plan but they vary from one to another.
Mike
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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09/13/08 12:25am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Sony's new DSLR has almost 25 MP's
I purchased an A700 last Spring in anticipation of a summer on the road. I have been pleased with the results and the cameras features are outstanding. I cannot imagine how much better the A900 might be. But the $3K price is out of my hobby price range. At $1250 for the A700 body it was a bit of a stretch to justify but alrady having a stable of Minolta AF lenses made the decision a mite easier. Going with Canon or Nikon would have meant starting over on the lens stable.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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09/09/08 06:12pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: 2 questions and some HDTV info..
Clarification for JimInMA:
Yes, currently most but not all digital is on UHF. That is because stations were assigned a second temporary channel for digital broadcasting during the simulcasting period. Most of these temporary assignments are on UHF. However, once Feb 17, 2009 arrives, each station will cease analog broadcasting, and at that time each station will have the option of making their digital signal on UHF thier permanent channel assignment or they can move the digital signal onto the old analog channel and abandon the UHF channel. These decisions have already been made and final channel assignments can be found on the FCC website. For example our two local stations here have analog signals on ch 7 and 10 with their temporary digital chjannels on 34 and 55. On Feb 17 at midnight, they will move their digital operations down to 7 and 10 and abandon 34 and 55.
A few stations will actually abandon both the analog channel and the temporary digital channel and move their digital service on Feb 17 to a third previously (to them) unused channel.
Check with your local channels for their individual situations and decisions.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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08/13/08 10:53pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Philips MANT940 Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna
And....
Following the Feb 17, 2009 change over, all transmissions will be in digital including those on VHF as well as UHF. Right now all stations (except the low power community stations) are transmitting both in analog and digital but ON SEPARATE CHANNELS despite what your TV or converter box says you are wathcing. In almost all cases, those stations with analog transmission on VHF are broadcasting their digital signal on a separate channel in the UHF band. Following Feb 17, 2009 when analog is turned off, many of these stations will abandon the UHF channel they now use for digital and move the digital operation to their traditional VHF channel. Some will abandon the VHF channel and keep their digital signal on UHF. Still others will abandon both present channels and move their digital transmitter to a third channel they presently do not use. It all depends on the individual stations situation.
So do not depend on all digital to be on UHF now or in the future!!
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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07/10/08 09:07pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Can't find wheel/tire tools
In our 2000 Coachmen class C the lug wrench and other tools are mounted inside the coach in clips under the seat of the couch/futon. The clips are mounted on top of the outside storage compartment under that seat. No jack was included so I purchased a bottle jack and store it in one of the small outside compartments.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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06/29/08 09:19pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Empty 1 lb Propane Canisters
There are recycling programs and the machine to handle the 1 lb cylenders, but not in all areas. Many National Parks now have the facilities to recycle them. I know Yellowstone NP has such a program and machine. I was amazed at the number of units they reportedly recycle each year.
Refill?? I wouldn't take the chance, I have only one life to give and I'm not inclined to give it to save a couple of bucks.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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06/29/08 08:30am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Heading to Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone
If you are history buffs and enjoy seeing historic places I would suggest the following route to Yellowstone. We have done this several times and still enjoy it as our preferred route to Yellowstone. Take I-80 to Ogalala, Nebraska and then follow US 26 NW from there into Wyoming. First plan a stop in Gothenberg, Neb and visit one of the original Pony Express stations that is still standing. It isn't in it's original location but that is worth a couple hour stop. Next North Platte offers a visit to Buffalo Bills Ranch and they have a Rodeo frequently at that location. Once on US 26 you will be following the old Oregon Trail and the major landmarks such as Chimney Rock, Courthouse Rock and Jail Rock. Scotts Bluff National Monument offers a terrific view from the top and an interesting museum. At Guernsey, Wyoming, there are actual ruts from the trail still visible. Not only visible but waist deep if you stand in them. Simply amazing. Also, signature cliff where travelers on the trail carved their names and dates in the sandstone. Some date back to the 1840's. Then a half day stop at old Fort Laramie just a few miles from Guernsey with its restored buildings and interpretive actors. From there we usually go on to Thermopolis, Wyoming to play in the hot springs and then on to Cody where there are many attractions and the Buffalo Bill Museum. We have found this route to be the most enjoyable and easy drive, once you leave I-80. As mentioned, I-80 has a lot of truck traffic but it is more scenic than I-90 or I-94. We have been all three and still would put up with the truck traffic as we enjoy the US26 route so much.
Mike and Arlyce
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2hams2alaska
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06/23/08 06:30pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Tire covers, yes or no?
Having just invested $1500 in six new Michelin XPS Rib's for our class C, you bet I'm going to keep them covered. Tire manufactureres and dealers may tell you the sun has no effect but I tend to believe otherwise. Our days with a travel trailer taught me a lesson on keeping track of premature tire aging regardless of use. I check the tires before every trip for any signs of trouble. Sun and ozone can degrade just about anything.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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06/02/08 05:18am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Do you need to show Canadian ID ins. card at border?
Luke Porter is correct, it isn't just the card that most US insurance companies issue that you need, it is also the "Canada Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card" or more correctly, form. The standard issue card may have no value in Canada in case you have a problem. Our State Farm agent printed our form out last year in his office just before we were to leave. This year we will do the same, get it just before we leave in early June. One note however, it is only good for a limited period depending upon the policy you have. Check the expiration date on the form and make sure you are covered for the entire trip.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/25/08 09:54am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Higher gas price, less travel?
We have made our decision that, in spite of the increased cost of fuel, we will make our first (and most likely last) driving trip to Alaska. It is a trip we have been planning for many years, just waiting for both of us to retire. She did several years ago. Last year was to be the year but the DW injured her back in June and so there was no travel. I did retire at the end of June 07 but due to her travel limitation, I have continued to do contract consulting, but that will end in two weeks.
So even though our budget for the trip will need to be revised to cover the fuel, we will be off in anout 16 days. We are not rich, don't have piles of money and the DW will cringe everytime we fill the tank on the Class C. We bought a used unit several years ago with this trip in mind and by golly we are going to enjoy every minute of it. We won't eat out except for very special situations and will drive conservatively to stretch the fuel but enjoy it we will. Afterall, we cannot take it along we we make the final big trip.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/19/08 07:36pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: An Achorage Amateur Radio group meeting......
We are not sure just when we will be getting to Anchorage but will keep this great invitation in mind. We are leaving Illinois June 5th and stopping for a few days in Minnesota at the yougest daughters home. Planning to leave MN around the 9th. We should be somewhere between Dawson and Anchorage by Field Day weekend. If in the Anchorage area would love to meet you all for FD! If we are not that far along we will operate FD from where ever we are, likely around Dawson.
If we don't make FD weekend is there any kind of a weekly (or daily)coffee group that meets? We will have 2M/70cm so which repeater is the local gathering frequency?
73,
Mike NA9Q and Arlyce NB9Q
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2hams2alaska
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05/19/08 11:23am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Taking Pets into Canada
Well, I'm in trouble if they confiscate my pet food, because my dog will only eat Science Diet dog food. I've tried other less expensive kinds and he won't them.
whistlebritches: We have the same issue with our 15-1/2 year old Shih Tzu, Pookie Sue. She is on Science Diet canned adult chicken. It is about the only thing she likes as well as being necessay to keep her alergies under control. She is alergic to many things including anything growing green, grass included. Only fish or chicken based dog foods will work.
In preparation to going through Canada on out way to Alaska in two weeks, I called Science Diet last week and was assured that all of their products are available in Canada and Alaska. And if you go to their international webpage you can find a listing of vets, pet stores and other outlets in Canada that carry their foods. Here is the link to the page where you can search by city name or postal code.
http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/whereToBuy/whereToBuySearch.hjsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395185733&bmUID=1211166090320&bmLocale=en_CA
Good luck..
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/18/08 09:06pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Computer Backup Power
We have three APC UPS units backing up our automation system at the FM station I work at. Never had a problem with them except for having to replace the battery packs every few years. Just did that last week to one of these units. It was first placed in service in early 2003 so the original batteries lasted more than 5 years of daily use (24/7).
I have had experience at another location where we used MGE units to back up broadcast station equipment. The MGE units were equally reliable but they offered larger units with multiple external battery packs which was why we went with them... had to back up 2 kW of load for 30 minutes.
APC is easy to find.. Staples, Office Max etc... can't go wrong in my opinion.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/15/08 10:43pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Digital cameras causing you to dump 35mm equipment?
@ngc1514
also
And I don't think you're alone in cussing out Canon for the lens mount change. I have several friends who will never buy another Canon for just that reason. Thousands of dollars of fine optics rendered obsolete overnight unless they wanted to keep shooting with their old bodies. They were not happy campers!
At least Canon did it long time ago, Nikon is doing that dirty job now. All the new D40, D40X, D300, D3 are only partially compatible with the old lenses (no autofocus, no AE measurement ...).
I finally made the switch after resisting the digital revolution for several years. However in my case the transition was not as painful. I have been a Minolta user since the mid 80's (2ea 7000 bodies plus the DW's 3xi). Thankfully the AF mount that Minolta pioneered has carried forward to the Sony A700 which I now have. All the AF lenses I have purchased over the years are useable with the A700 and with the new motor drive system the AF action is much faster. I will still shoot some 35mm Fuji transparencies with the 7000's but digital world is so much more convenient.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/15/08 10:29pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: What did you do to your Class C MH today???
Had 6 new Michelin XPS Rib radials installed today. Pretty big check to write but it will allow me and the wife to sleep better at night on our long Alaska trip. 25 days and counting.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/09/08 11:37am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Another Recall on the Cruise Control ??
Yep, just had our second safety recall on our 2000 Coachmen C installed today. I have not heard of a third or fourth. This recall came very early in the Spring but the MH was in winter storage so we had it done as soon as we got it out and ready to travel.
We will wait with baited breath for the next one.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/08/08 06:57pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Digital TV Convertor
Boardercollie..
If you are refering to the Weingard Roadstar series or Sensar series antennas, yes, I believe both are VHF and UHF rated (as well as FM).
I have the Roadstar on my 2000 Coachmen and it works well for both VHF and UHF. I expect that it will also work for DTV but have not tried that mode as yet. We will be adding a digital converter box to the MH before we leave on our summer trip and will try and post any significant observations at that time.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/07/08 11:29am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Digital TV Convertor
OOOPS!! Forgot the link.
Here is the link to the list of DTV channel assignments:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-138A2.pdf
The DTV channel listed is the final channel not necessarily the present DTV channel in use for each station.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/06/08 09:18pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Digital TV Convertor
mooreadventures is right on point with a small qualification.
The digital signal is quite compatible with most any existing antenna. With just a small qualification. The caveat here is that during the transition period, each of your local stations is transmitting two completely independent signals. One is the traditional analog signal and the other is the digital. These two signals are on totally different channels. For example, here my local channel 10, is WGEM and has always has been on channel 10. So when I tune my HD set to CH 10 I am watching the analog signal as always. But when I change channels on my HD set up to the 10-1 WGEM HD equivalent, although my set indicates CH 10-1 it is really tuning to channel 54. That is the channel WGEM was assigned for the interim HD service. Therefore, my outdoor antenna must be capable of both VHF and UHF reception. If I were to use an antenna designed for only VHF use, I might have trouble receiving the digital WGEM since it is on a UHF channel. Or vice versa if the reverse were the case. The HD TV knows to associate the two channels together due to the additional informational data sent on the HD channel which tells the set that CH 54 is associated with 10 (in this case).
Now, that is all well and good until Feb 2009. Things will change at that time for many stations. Each station was allowed to select whether or not they wanted to permanently keep their interim HD channel assignment or move the HD service back to the former, traditional, analog channel. In my example, WGEM has elected to move the digital service down to CH 10 when the analog service is forced off next Feb. So at that time I wouldn't need a UHF antenna to get the digital WGEM service as it will be truly on CH 10.
But again there are variables. Some stations will move back to their long standing analog channel assignments. Others will keep their interim channel as their permanent digital channel.
Some stations, for various reasons will move to a third previously (to them) unused channel as their permanent assignment. These stations are addressing technical issues in doing so.
Here is a link to the list of FINAL channel assignments. It shows the present analog channel and final digital channel for each of the 1800 TV stations in the US. It does not indicate the present or interim channel each station is using. If anyone really needs that info I can get it for them. Do a PM.
So in the end, the question of antenna compatibility is an issue only if you have a VHF only or a UHF only antenna and what channel you are attempting to receive.
Hope this helps although I got a bit wordy.
Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/06/08 09:04pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: On The Road To Alaska
Fullmoonoversalem:
If possible, can you post the gas prices you are seeing in Watson Lake and ahead in Whitehorse?
This will help some of the rest of us plan for the number of gold bricks we will need to take along later in the month.
Have a save journey on into AK..
Thanks, Mike
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2hams2alaska
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05/06/08 04:35pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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