: TV Schedule: Rocky Mountain PBS: a9

melinda redenius
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 › 11:31pm
love the show would love to participate with my best greatfriend's grandmother, Nita Casey. I went to a Ch. 6 auction with my ex bought a carpet for 6 hundred, Its's lovely and still in in inlaws garage. But love your progamming escpecially on Saturdays, nature and cooking! I wish I could give back more. Very tuly yours MR

anonymous
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 3:31pm
You can find all of the channel numbers here: www.rmpbs.org/channel

MJ
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 3:51pm
rmpbs.org/channel only shows the ~logical~ channel designations, not the ~physical~ channel that determines the transmitter frequency. The problem is that if KRMA uses its old NTSC transmitter (VHF-low channel 6) for its ATSC signal after the transition, I will need a substantially different antenna than if it remains on UHF channel 18.

Carol Jacobs-Carre
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 4:36pm
KRMA will be remaining on Channel 18 after the conversion. We made this decision because the radio station interference with our signal on channel 6 is a huge problem, and this way we can get away from those frequencies.

UHF antennas cost between $20 and $100. Here is a site with a listing of different antennas and their ratings:
http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/uhf-antennas.php

Duane
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 5:01pm
So does that mean my converter will say channel 18, or will it be converted for me and still appear to be channel 6?

Carol Jacobs-Carre
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 5:13pm
At this point your converter box should say Channel 6. This was originally done to avoid confusion when we were supposedly going to have to (according to the FCC) go back to the physical channel 6.

The channel NAME (Channel 6), by the way, is provided by our PSIP, but if your conversion box or receiver is really smart, it may be able to lock onto the physical channel 18 without PSIP (most cannot, but some have been able to do so during our PSIP problems, hence the confusion). Then the box will tell you it is on channel 18.

Meagan
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 6:28pm
What a great show! It is amazing to see our students from ArtLab represented. The show represents great multicultural aspects of America and wonderful talent! Keep up the amazing work!

l powell
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 8:16pm
I have an analog TV connected to a multi-station antenna in the garage. I only watch channel 6 and 9. I do not want to pay for dish or cable. I have converter boxes on all TV's attached to the antenna.
On 1/24, I positioned my old antenna (in the garage) with cars in the garage. I scanned for channels and was able to get great reception on 24 channels.
On 1/23, when I came home from work I was able to get 2 channels.
Am I going to have to adjust the antenna every day?
What are your suggestions on how to make this work for a "news only" viewer?

KH - Lakewood
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 8:37pm
Good first effort, but definitely needs a more polished, professional touch if it's going to be on TV --for SEVEN nights??

Elizabeth
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 9:37pm
303! Represent!

Suzan
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 9:47pm
I agree with Pat in that the box I have does not give me very good reception or sound and the picture breaks up often enough to cause frustration and inability to follow the program. I hope the bugs will be worked out by the deadline (no delay, please) or soon after. Fortunately, I have other televisions in the house that are on a dish.

Shea
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 9:48pm
It's interesting that in GOOD GRIEF, it seems more open, more echoy than, say, the café in Friends. You don't get the feeling that you're actually in a café like you do in, to use another example, the famous scene from When Harry met Sally. I don't know what makes the difference. I thought the sets were very good, appropriate, complete, and they did have some background actors, too, and the lighting seems good. Maybe it was sound? In When Harry met Sally you feel like you're in a cozy little café. Not so much with GOOD GRIEF. Perhaps GOOD GRIEF wanted to give the feeling of a more empty café to show how the women were struggling to get customers.

Millie
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 10:01pm
Looking forward to tonight for the next episode! Will Victor finally show up? Will Dr. Sad&Depressed hit on Ms. I'mInChargeOfEverything? Will the café dwellers find a life?

Claire-Salida
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 11:02pm
WOW. What caught my attention actually is the commercial for Good Grief. I heard a familiar voice singing and when I went to look at the tv, i saw Leanor Ortega and the voice i heard was Keith i believe (not 100% sure) from Five Iron Frenzy and Brave Saint Saturn. After seeing that, i honestly well flipped out having seen and heard some of FIF's band members...

anyway. i hope they won't just be featured in the commercials. :)

this show has honestly made me think for hours. The concepts, the complexity of each customer, everything got me thinking. PLUS i am sort of leaning toward being a producer and i've made films like this but to see yours on tv gave me great encouragement as a young film-maker.

i cannot wait to see the last 3 episodes!! i wish there were more! :)

reply :)

Claire-Salida
Thursday, January 29, 2009 › 11:30pm
AH! so is it Hearts of Palm that are on your commercials!? i LOVE their sound. It's like an indie FIF. i'm diggin' it.

David Poulson
Friday, January 30, 2009 › 11:32am
What many people do not know is that while stations are broadcasting both an analog and a digital signal, several stations are not broadcasting the digital signal at full power yet--they are waiting for the transition date to turn off the analog transmitter, change the antenna, and up the power of the digital signal. Some stations will move from their temporary digital broadcast frequency (usually UHF) to their original analog broadcast frequency (KMGH 7, for example). When this all happens, there should be little trouble receiving all stations. In the mean time, we are stuck in transition limbo, and people think the problems are with the converter box, but the problems are instead because of the "transition" transmitter setups.

Tom Kyle
Friday, January 30, 2009 › 3:15pm
Just do it already...As others herein have said...some folks will never get with the program!

David H
Friday, January 30, 2009 › 6:32pm
I can now receive your 3 channels and they are correctly labelled 6.1,6.2,6.3. However, the signal strength is weak. (15 out of 100). Any chance the signal will get stronger after the cutover?

Ted Schilling
Friday, January 30, 2009 › 7:44pm
Wow. Just went and downloaded the album of 'The Autumn Film', because of their haunting song, "Reprieve", from your program. Amazing band.

The show's pretty good. Yeah, the sound and lighting is problematic, but it's gotten better. If you have another season, I'm sure that'll be corrected.

Good stuff, all around. Sad it's only 7 episodes.

Robin Dadisman
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 4:19am
It is the duty of broadcaster to provide a signal to warn of impending emergency or disaster. Both radio and television agree to this when they apply for a license to broadcast on public airwaves. 6,500,000 households that count on television for news will be shut out. If you must have hi-def, get cable.

Color TV started regular broadcasting in the mid '50's. It wasn't until 1972 before 50% of households had color TV. HDTV didn't start regular terrestrial broadcasting until the mid to late '90's. Where's the fire?

Being allowed to transmit over public airwaves is not a right. It's a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Let broadcasters live up to those responsibilities.

"It's just a few more lines of resolution. You shouldn't have bought such a big TV" (I had to get 1 dig in).

Ron Sherwood
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 8:43am
Here in Fort Collins, we are unable to receive your digital signal at all (I have a large outdoor antenna, and virtually all the other Denver stations come in without problems). Are there plans to increase your DTV signal's power after the transition? We would hate to lose you!

Mark
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 1:58pm
The Autumn Film is amazing! Who knew a voice like that existed in Denver?

Austin
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 1:59pm
Dugg it.

Jeremy
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:04pm
Definitely a modest beginning... but can see it heading in the right direction. It's nice to be able to see them all on the web!

Rachel
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:06pm
I go to that coffee shop!!

dookeedraws
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:10pm
that chick with the violin sounds like bjork, only better.

Lars
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:27pm
That "chick" is Elin Palmer from Sweden. The violin is Swedish too. BJork is Icelandic. Jag alska sverige! (I love Sweden) :)

Michael - Ft. Collins
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:30pm
Nice job guys.

Barb - Co. Springs
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:33pm
Wonderful show! Such talented young people.

gnomewarlock
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:36pm
Grats!

Alex
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 2:42pm
Yah! It was okay. I'm taking a class on film, so I'm always going to find something wrong, but it was all right for a first try. Who is this geared toward? The jazz trio (with phantom voices and guitars, lol) seems a little misplaced, but all the other music was fantastic. Is there a season 2? Hopefully someone actually reads these posts and takes some notes.

Charles
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 5:19pm
PBS programming is great. Due to analog antenna problems, KBDI ch 12 is already fully digital and works great here in Fort Collins.
If you are looking for support from viewers in Northern Colorado, it would help to send us a viewable RMPBS signal.
Make the transition now.

Laura - Englewood
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 5:51pm
Hey guys! You should be proud of yourselves! Better than anything I could come up with!

BJ
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 5:55pm
Thank you, A Fan! I think you rock!

Ally
Saturday, January 31, 2009 › 8:53pm
There's like a zen quality to the black and white shots of danny.. it fells relaxing.

Carol Jacobs-Carre
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 7:10am
The audio problems are caused by faulty PSIP on the program stream.

I will ask our antenna guru about the antenna issue, but unless the cars are a part of the antenna equation, once you set up the antenna the way you like it should stay there!

We are putting a translator in the Fort Collins area to improve our signal there.

Ron Sherwood
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 8:18am
"We are putting a translator in the Fort Collins area to improve our signal there."

Great news, Carol. Thank you!

Bill Nelsch
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 4:44pm
What is the story about create.tv? I can't get the analog programing on the digital channel and get Create.TV instead. Will this change (please?) when the conversion takes place?

Zim Olson
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 7:10pm
I think before they write another law, on cell phones for example, that they need to know the facts concerning the issue. Maybe studies are expensive and time consuming. And it may be much easier to write a law and hope for the best....I just think if the facts concerning this issue and similiar driving issues were known that they may be able to come up with a better alternative. Maybe a different law or some other type of initiative. Every time the legislatures write another such law about some picky or whatever issue, I get a little worried. How many laws are they going to write and will this really make life in the State/Country what it should be. Alternatives to Law writing should be sought. Or is that all the legislatures can do??? Yikes.

Chuck B
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 8:25pm
The switch to DTV is to force people with marginal analog signal to sign up for a paid service.

lortz
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 8:52pm
this thread is crazy long. it is amazing to see the spectrum of comments: educated, people that mean well but don't see the whole picture, emotional, conspiracy, et cetera. wow.

Dale W.
Sunday, February 1, 2009 › 10:06pm
Do not delay the transition. People have had plenty of warning and advice on how to get ready.

Franklin
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 12:34am
Your digital transition page says I need a converter box if I have "rabbit ears and an analog TV." What if I have a regular antenna and an analog TV? Why do rabbit ear antennas require a converter box?

Adam
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 7:36am
Franklin, if you have an analog tv and you receive tv over the air (with any kind of antenna), you will need a converter box.

Kellie McKeehan
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 8:32am
This is a great snapshot of a local artist's work! I was impressed by the way it was filmed and i love the feeling of movement in the artist's paintings!

Cronin
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 10:38am
I agree with a previous writer, this is for a certain audience, not everyone. Should be given a nice home on the web, where it can grow and expand, work out the amateur bugs. The experiment on TV was okay, but I'm now looking forward to return of real PBS calibur programming.

jestbill
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 2:35pm
Well, gee, did you every ask yourself what a "legislature" is or where the word "legislature" came from?
That's what they do: write laws.

As for more studies, the only reason we're discussing this is that there have been several studies all saying the same thing: cell phone use while driving is not good.
Yikes indeed.

Zim Olson
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 3:11pm
jestbill:

What I had in mind for an alternative law or inititiative was something involving an alternative form of communication: Interactive voicemail, spooling conversation 'bytes', or anything less attention invasive. Something designed for driving that is.

Yeah, I know legislatures write laws. Maybe they could do a study on impact of innumberable laws on Society, Business, etc. Or do a study on Transportation + Communication alternatives.

Hanley
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 3:44pm
Yeah, you can thank the Bush FCC for that. http://imlablog.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/trajectories-of-federal-zoning-preemption-efforts/

Norma Wayne
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 4:29pm
I live in Kremmling and have called all around in this part of the state trying to find converter boxes, the stores are out. I think unless we can get them the delay would make sense.

Ken
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 5:52pm
If someone is worried about not getting weather or some other disaster alerts if they don't have a converter box, turn on the radio. Local radio has all the info a person might need. Don't delay the transition.

Robin Dadisman
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 7:26pm
I've seen several arguments against the delay but only a couple have given a reason why. They live in a fringe area and are beating they will get better coverage at full power. The other post only seem to have an elite attitude claiming 6.5 million US households can go back to the 1940's and gather around the radio for news and entertainment (Ken 2-2-09).

Broadcasters are already transmitting in HDTV. Can't we at least wait 4 more months while the FCC straightens out this mess?

Anna
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 7:30pm
When did having access to TV become a right instead of a privilege? Seriously, have you all gone mad? This transition has been planned for a long time so if you're just now waking up to the fact that you need a converter box and can't find one, that's your own fault.

Right now we have much bigger fish to fry than worry about our TV signals. We might want to figure out, for example, how to get out of this very deep recession to ensure American's can keep a roof over their head and food on their table.

Tom
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 7:41pm
Elite attitudes? We live in America, a place where innovation reigns. We can not and should not stop progress in this or any other area of development. So does this mean when manufacturers are all required to stop making incandescent light bulbs we won't move forward until all 6.5 million households are "ready?" That would stunt innovation, which will ultimately cripple America. Just look at the American car manufacturers for a good case study on the topic.

Robin Dadisman
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 8:43pm
I hate being a repeat poster but I feel I'm speaking for a small minority.

The recession is yet another reason TV should be available to more than the privileged. 6.5 million households (that's 1 million less than the total number of households in CO, WY, NE, KS, NM and UT combined) will be cut off from any televised updates and developments and will be relying on Rush Limbaugh to give us the truth.

To be honest, I had cable and thought I would be fine until I was laid-off. By then the FCC had run out of the cards and being out of work, should I really be buying toys for the TV.

The question that should be asked is "when did TV become something only for the privileged?"

Aaronmac
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 9:01pm
The biggest problem is we can't "Legislate" Common sense.What about people who eat while driving, Turn music up too loud, the list goes on.......and when we end that list a new one continues. We can't have Peace,Love, Common Sense, Kindness, Integrity, nor Consideration forced apon us , it is something we must have in us or not.
I believe the only answer is to have more in depth driving schools, and Classes. It's worth a try......

Aaronmac
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 9:05pm
Ok , ok the idea is to exchange ideas not to verbally abuse others. We will all try to understand the magnitude of your great intelec, while you merely tolorate us......

James
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 9:10pm
Tonight Antiques Roadshow and American Experience showed in a 4:3 format but the sides were cut off-- names, titles and other info was ran off the sides. This on a new HD TV. Is this a new problem? Haven't experienced it before.

James
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 9:11pm
Tonight Antiques Roadshow and American Experience showed in a 4:3 format but the sides were cut off-- names, titles and other info ran off the sides. This on a new HD TV. Is this a new problem? Haven't experienced it before.

Trace - Denver
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 9:54pm
Awesome!

Brian
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 10:25pm
I really liked all the music on the show. I can't believe there are so many young, talented musicians in Denver!

Gman
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 11:23pm
Well, a lot of issue like these I don't deal with in Canada. People here complain about our wait lists, but overall, should we complain up here. No, I don't think we should. Heath care is a very difficult task for governments. To say the least.

---
Graham
My Site Register Tel Domain

gman
Monday, February 2, 2009 › 11:37pm
I really wish this type of technology would be more common. I think this story does good things for educating the public. Also with regard to John's post, another great example of people tying to help the planet. Good on ya.

----
Graham
My site Buy Tel Domain

Another Fan
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 12:05am
BJ Rules!

Donna Mathieu
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 7:56am
I have enjoyed Dawn's artwork and found this clip to be a great representation of Dawn's love of Art!

Debbie V
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 8:21am
I got through on your phone line. Thank you for letting me know that the audio issues are due to the conversion; that you are aware of the problem; and that you are working on it.

Adam - Webmaster
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 8:34am
We are aware of the audio issues everyone is having. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

jestbill
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 8:43am
What I had in mind was the number of calls for "studies" to find the "facts" about Global Warming, the relationship between cancer and cigarettes, whether oil spills in the ocean "really" harm the fish--

I'm really sick to death of being told that there haven't been enough studies to determine whether the sky really is blue.

There really are not many people arguing that the current economic mess is the result of too many laws: it turns out that people can not, do not, and will not regulate themselves.

Zim Olson
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 9:14am
jestbill:

Yes, I really think the number of laws and the relevancy (or irrelevancy ) to each other can adversely effect Society, Business, AND individuals. Not such a strange idea to me, anyway....

You can study this, or just think about it before your next post!

Maybe studies have been over done in some cases. I just think there is a better alternative to simply banning cell phones that should be explored somehow. I mentioned a few in my prior post.

And this could be said about a lot of other laws I have heard of. Mostly after the fact.

Shelly
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 11:11am
Excellent show. I just love the sisters and the Doctor. The skinny girls were great! I hope there is a season two.

Linda in Viewer Services
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 3:55pm
Regarding Antiques Roadshow and American Experience picture format: This may have been a byproduct of the technical difficulties experienced last night. We can check this out by watching Antiques Roadshow when it airs again on Saturday the 7th at 3 pm.

Stan Ames
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 3:59pm
Safer? Yes! Safe? No!

Those who would repeal the Patriot act are trying to weaken us and surrender our country. Liberals and Democrats will undo our great country for their own selfish but temporary gain.

Adam
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 4:04pm
The only thing we liberals have to gain by repealing the Patriot Act is the restoration of the principles of this free country. If that is selfish, so be it. There is no personal gain here unlike the previous administration who DID have personal and selfish interests in perpetuating the "war on terror" in the form of private military contracts and some foolish sense of cowboy pride.

The people of America are sick of the government being against us instead of part of us.

Belle M. Laylander
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 4:07pm
No, I do not feel safer or more secure. I truly believe the Patriot Act and other measures have made us more vulnerable, and created an atmosphere of anxiety and distrust in this country, plus creating fertile ground for terrorists to promote their agendas world wide. Our credibility and moral leadership in the world is essentially gone, and will need to be rebuilt from the bottom up. Thank you.

Jack McCracken
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 4:07pm
I have absolutely no problem with spying -- wiretapping, phonetapping, whatever. I also have absolutely no problem with keeping Gitmo and methods of extracting info. from prisoners (or is the politically correct word "detainees?")

lorelei
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 9:35pm
Awareness is key, 911 made us all more aware of the delicate state of feeling safe and how fragile that really is. Feeling, and being safe, are 2 different things. If securing that to some extent means losing some privacy then so be it. I don't want my rights violated,maybe it's naive, but I think if your'e not doing anything wrong then you have nothing to worry about??! right?

Reese McKay
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 › 9:44pm
The Patriot Act and other current excessive powers being exercised by our Federal government have moved us AWAY from true conservative values. True conservatives have always insisted on LESS centralized government powers, not more. Some common sense approach to national security is needed, but not the current bloated "homeland security" bureaucracy that only gives those among us who are easily frightened (whatever their personal politics) a false sense of security while removing more of our freedoms and creating that much more of a "nanny" state. Real conservatives find this disgusting and sissy-like. Republicans would have been howling bloody murder if a Democratic president had attempted to create the homeland security bureacracy and a so-called "Patriot Act."

Hugh
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 6:06am
One of the best programs on Homeland Security (or lack thereof)! I think one of the main points is the fact that the NSA with it's SIGINT could have probably prevented 9/11, had they just shared the info with other intel agencies such as the CIA and FBI. The then head of NSA stated in so many words that he could not approach someone for questioning if that person had just crossed the border from Canada to the U.S. because that person was now an American. Balderdash! To be an American, you must be an American citizen, either through birth or getting your papers through proper channels. Previous to this program, I had reservations about Pres. Bush and his Patriot Act. I now am convinced that he acted correctly. Our new president needs to insure himself that all of our intel agencies are functioning efficiently and that they share their collected info.

Peter Johnson
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 9:05am
I really couldn't tell if the writing was any good or not, as I was immediately put off by the stiff . . . wooden . . . acting . . . and delivery. Nothing anyone says on this show sounds real -- everyone sounds as if they're reading from a book. Am I to understand professionals are involved with this? I would be embarrassed. Perhaps you could hire someone to teach acting for camera. At the very least, get a coach involved who knows how to coach dialogue so it sounds real. Very disappointing. I was on a local TV show on KBDI-TV-12 for 4 years (Show ran for 11), and we worked hard on our skits and sketches & took some trouble with our acting. Not in evidence on "Good Grief". The Denver Center is just across the street from you guys -- get one of their actors to help you out.

jestbill
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 10:06am
Zim Olsen:
You have cleared up my knee jerk response: you actually were/are looking for alternatives rather than just trying to delay action.
Lao Tsu said that the more laws there are, the more criminals. He was right (in context.) The problem, as always is to strike a liveable balance.
I really doubt that a ban will happen--if it happens it won't last. If it were done by the Federal government, it might have a chance, but Colorado won't be able to make it work.
They might successfully require hands-free phones in cars and increase penalties after an accident if (handset) cell phones were in use.

Inez
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 12:27pm
The series has great potential. Was glad to see the characters were of the younger generation. I thought Dill and Dell were the best, they were the most believable, more so than any of the other characters. They added some lightness and fun to the series where no one else seemed to. The chemistry between the two WORKED. Not too impressed some of the other actors, especially the sisters. There should of been more continuity and flow to the show. Overall opinion I thought it was pretty good. Wish there would have been more episodes as to extend the story lines. Just as you started to get into the stories they would switch to someone else which made it a little confusing at times. Hats go off to Dill and Dell they made the show!!!

J Donovan
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 12:30pm
I have to agree the acting and so-called script left me cold, but the music was good. Maybe these people should drop the "story" part of it and just showcase local musicians.

Tom W
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 2pm
I agree with earlier comments. It started out pretty lame. Got better as it went on. Liked to two guy roommates the best.

marla
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 2:27pm
The pilot needed to be longer. Characters didn't have enough time to get fully developed. Music was great!!

Ray H
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 2:40pm
Need to see more of the show. Music was good. Two college roomies did the best job acting. Dr. was okay, a little over the top at times. Three sisters were so-so

Robert Lockhart
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 3:21pm
We watched Nova last night. One glaring omission was that the FISA act will grant a wiretap warrant up to 72 hours AFTER the tap is in place. Before FISA became irrelevant(or ignored, take your pick) over 20,000 requests for wiretaps. Only 4 requests was denied!!!!

Graham
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 7:50pm
Me and my wife = constant battles. I'm care free according to her. Well, as for the bulbs, not sure about that. These things imo, burn out a lot. I'm basically sick of them because they cost a lot of money. I know it's the environment, but who has to pay my bills?

-----
Graham D.
My site: Vancouver Traffic

Graham
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 › 8:11pm
Amazing! I wish they had this kind of forward thinking government here in Canada. Sadly we don't! Giving and educating those folks who are unable to on their own, is really fantastic. All the best!

-----
Graham D.
My Site: Buy Tel Domain

R.T.
Thursday, February 5, 2009 › 9am
Thought the pieces were too short and choppy. Didn't give enough time for the viewers to observe any kind of development of the characters. The last episode was the best by far. I agree that the two college roomies did a great job. They were difintely the funniest. Made the series worth watching. I also enjoyed the music. Thought the lighting and sound good have been better

Tara O.
Thursday, February 5, 2009 › 9:21am
Would like to see more of the show. Will there be a 2nd season?? Thought the series was off to a great start. The story line has potential to expand and develope...good job!!

Robert
Thursday, February 5, 2009 › 1:21pm
I appreciated the recent Nova program on the NSA. I believe all of the freedoms we enjoy today have been paid for on battlefields over time. Unlike Elizabeth, most of us did not experience 9/11 first hand, but we all experienced it, nevertheless. I have watched a number of programs on this, the most important event that has taken place in my lifetime, from the conspiracy theory suggested in Loose Change to the sanitized timeline of National Geograpic's Inside 9/11. As a law-abiding citizen, the risk of my phone being tapped seems a very small price to pay. I support the Patriot Act and many measures to prevent a recurrence of what happened on our soil in 2001. Even those of us not on the front lines of the war against terror should be willing to pay such a price for our continued freedom.

Peter Clark
Friday, February 6, 2009 › 12:03am
I NEED THAT DINOSAUR BOY!!
Amazing.

Jack Colton
Friday, February 6, 2009 › 9:23pm
I thought the couple waiting to hear about their child did a good job. Especially the 'dad' - impressive.

Griefer
Saturday, February 7, 2009 › 3:38pm
I'm jealous I didn't get to be on it. You would have benefitted greatly from my expertise.

David V.
Sunday, February 8, 2009 › 9:35am
Haven't seen all the series bu I love the one's I have watched. Wish network TV was as entertaining and well done. Dave

Elizabeth
Sunday, February 8, 2009 › 2:41pm
Thank you, everyone, for joining our discussion. We appreciate your comments, both favorable and critical, about anything that we air.

This afternoon, I removed a few comments that did not adhere to the "no personal attacks" guidelines below. Thank you for continuing to make this a stimulating and inviting forum.

Charles
Sunday, February 8, 2009 › 6:49pm
I built one of those coat-hanger HDTV antennas like you see on youtube. Works pretty well! - for a couple of bucks! (No, it still doesn't pull channel 6-1). (and no, it doesn't look too great - but it's quite non-directional and can go just about anywhere - and the price is right!)

Fantasmio
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 12:57am
The title says it all!
:D
:D
:D

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 1:06am
I didn't notice he was black, thought he was just another American. Interesting...

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 1:25am
Adding another law to the books will not matter. Law enforcement cannot enforce even 1% of the traffic violations committed in a single day let alone pull up to vehicles and look to see if they are texting or on the phone.
Society and the culture we instill our children with is what needs to be changed. Life is taught by Music Video's and Movies, instead of parents.
Target the problems at the source and stop it before it becomes a problem in the first place. Common Sense 101 should be part of every schools coursework.

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 1:40am
Education of any kind should not be funded by tax payer dollars. If your school is so disliked it should go out of business not be given a crutch.
Business becomes stagnant when there is little reason to improve or change.
As a current collage student (for the second time), I can honestly say that there are dozens of institutions in the state of Colorado that should not be allowed to teach anyone and those that students pick are for a reason. My 4 year BSIT degree will cost $59,000.00, that is more than I paid for my first house and to me is insane. But if that investment in my future can earn me that amount per year in return, it is worth the short term suffering of debt.
Steven Warfel hit the nail on the head. On the job training needs to make a come back.

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 1:54am
There was a time in history when America led the rest of the world in technological and educational advances, now we are but sheep to be herded to slaughter by money hungery corporations and members of government using fear mongering tactics to maintain their control over the huddled masses.
#1. There has never been an oil shortage in the U.S. Each was caused by willful intent of the powers that be.
#2. If each home switched to solor and/or wind power, who would be in charge? Would you want to unshackle your source of income or keep them bound and ignorant so they keep paying for an obsolete source of energy?
#3. If America would spend the funds it has used in war on aiding foreign countries in developing those eco-friendly technologies and education, they would save $$ and make friends

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 2:25am
The healthcare system has been broken since they found out that they can make money from it. Cathy McCabe is correct in that the first step is to clean up the food chain which is currently saturated with toxic chemicals in "safe levels" they tell us...right...
The industry will not correct itself, it makes billions of dollars a year from its inefficient, bloated system of streets that lead no where.
The truth is that the medical corporations and hospitals do "NOT" want to cure you, they cannot make money from someone whom is not sick. Take more pills and see me twice a week for the rest of your life so we can bill your insurance company has been the mentality for years. Sad how far the noble eagle has fallen in the land of no morality, where life is given a dollar value instead of love.

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 2:38am
Since the early 1900's, when America came within 400,000 votes electing a communist, the media has been grossly biased.

"Equal broadcast time for each candidate"? I think not, it never has been. The media is a money making industry, they follow what is in demand by the public in order to increase market shares, its that simple.
So few people care of "Truth", of "Justice", of "Integrity", they just want something to distract them from their own self induced misery, to be entertained.
I took 4 years of journalism in highschool and fully intended to pursue a career in the industry until a veteran reporter explained the "facts" to me. Truth does not sell, it cannot be gossiped about at work, it is not juicy or memorable, fiction sells like hot cakes however, just watch the evening news.

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 3:10am
Better late than never! :)
Every country in the world that has a higher standard of living than its neighbors has immigration issues, not just America. People want better lives for their families, that should never be viewed as evil or wrong, it is simply the method by which they attempt to do so.
America offers many types of visa's for those seeking to work or live in the US and has since its founding.
Part of the problem ( I think ) is how little people in America truly understand "WHY" the illegals do what they do and the mentality of the businesses in America who love to employ them.
Having personally wittnessed "White" construction workers boasting that certain jobs were for the "wet-backs" and you would never see them do it, leaves me with little sympathy for them.

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 4:10am
Health care crisis? People with insurance and/or money may view it as a crisis. Those without insurance and whom try to make payments may view it as an exercise in insanity. Those without insurance and whom make no payments view it as annoying.
The entire global economy is in crisis because of the same problem that healthcare suffers from, corporate greed.
Stop the problem at the source and you will solve it. Tackle to problem on the tiny facet which is of most concern at the moment and nothing will change.

Philip R. Shalen
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 8:48am
Raymond, I can't blame you for being angry about our medical system but its transformation has been tolerated as long as someone else was paying the bills. It is likely common knowledge that as medical costs have increased the incomes of the frontline providers has decreased. Physicians, et al, get blamed for not encouraging preventative medicine. Please tell me who's listening to "don't smoke, don't eat so much, don't drink so much, get more exercise, etc.?" Allopaths are trained to diagnose & treat illness. We all share a responsibility to learn about how to stay healthy.

Peter Johnson
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 8:51am
Re. the personal attacks policy -- even though these are not posted on the site, they still manage to make their way to my inbox.
Sometimes a wake-up call is needed. I have been lucky enough to have worked with a lot of different people in the business and at different times in my life have made lots of money/was able to support myself through showbiz. You are doing nobody any favors to praise what is not praiseworthy. That is what you do with small children. If you are an adult, you process the criticism to see if it has value & proceed from there. There are an abundance of very good acting coaches in the area who teach acting for camera. I would encourage those involved to avail themselves of this resource, for there is a need to do so. I meant no insult, but called it as I saw.

Frank Casey
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 10:29am
It looks like we all want to shot at this problem from a different direction. Lets consider the medical profession and the cost of their education. I wonder how many Doctors or nurses or medical technitions leave school and internship oweing less than $250,000.00 in loans that enabled them to obtain their education. Then if they go in to private practice they have to go further in debt for equipment to enable them to properly treat their patients. Then they have to pay enormous insurance bills to protect them from sensless law suits.
Then we have the insurance companies that have to abide by archaic government regulation that minimizes their ability to provide resonably priced coverage.
Then we have the good old American greed in Insurance Industry management.
Where to start?????

TomW
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 2:03pm
Peter Johnson is right. This show didn't begin to approach the kind of quality you expect on PBS, and no one should pretend it did. I guess it's nice of the station to give it some broadcast time. But if there's a plan for it to come back at some point, I hope the producers will make the investment to increase the technical and acting quality, as well as the script.

Philip R. Shalen
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 3:50pm
Frank, many of us who finished medical school in the 60s never intended to or expected to be rich. Independent - yes. Always employed -yes. Nice house & family - yes. Rich - no. Disappointed - no. Those physicians I know who are "normal" rich have achieved that status with enormous effort. We are, you realize, highly paid hourly workers. The education debts, lawsuits, managed care, malpractice & disability insurance costs are just icing on the cake. I loved my patients and was always fairly compensated. Physicians have time issues - too many patients, not enough hours. Look for a different source to explain run-away costs.

Raymond Bilyeu
Monday, February 9, 2009 › 6:35pm
Philip is correct in that it is not the doctors who are inflating the price. It is all the little things between the doctor and his patient that drive it up rapidly, insurance being top of the list. I have often wondered why hospitals do not offer contractual services allowing people to purchase treatment plans directly from them, eliminating the insurance company and the accompaning torrent of paperwork followed by months of waiting to receive payment for services rendered.

Frank Casey
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 10:14am
I apologize for not being more clear in my comments. I do not believe that doctors are at the core of the Health Care debacle. With the cost of their education without scholarship or significant family financial assistance its a wonder there are as many as there are. It is a combination of the Insurance companies and the Government regulations. My insurance premiums would be eaten up many times over by one serious illness over. The remainder has to come from other's premiums or return on investments. The Government only has one source and that is you and me and the business community. Look at the roadblocks the Government puts in the Health Care System and then see if there is a logical resolve to the problem. Yes we will still have some people on Gvmnt care but at a far less cost.

Frank Casey
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 10:26am
Ms. Allen and her followers need to do a little more investigation into the value of our medical care and compare that with the Socialized Systems elsewhere. If the Government is so effective and efficient managing the Business of caring for the public why is it that Welfare, Health Care , Social Security, Immigration, Banking, Infrastructure, Education and many more of the Government programs are failing and almost broke. I paid taxes on the income that I am losing due to the Government's failure to properly regulate the Banking industry. I am retired and on a fixed income and cannot afford more taxes and would like to see some efficiency built into the Government systems and save us all some taxes.

t.i.p.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 12:23pm
How safe would you feel knowing that someone is watching you from behind the television screen that you are watching? 1984

jm fay
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 1:10pm
Mr Casey; we need people who actually care about the public and doing their jobs without a profit motive; power tripping; etc. In 8 years of Bush; only HHS seemed to fit that bill. That is how the heatlh care crisis in CO and in the US will also be dealt with.

One system; no opting out; everyone including govt employees pays into it and we can cover all the legal residents of CO / USA with emergency care only for illegals.

Alot of people feel that mandates by the govt / supreme court to cover all kids for k through 12; including health care for immunizations; emergency care etc is bankrupting this country and they are correct. Legal residents who need care cant afford to go to the hosptial because they cant afford to be hounding for years if they cant pay; their credit hurt; etc

Frank Casey
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 3:53pm
jm fay
I am not certain what you mean by doing your job without a profit motive. If you have a job earning a salary the only profit motive is to advance in that job. On the other hand if you are the owner of a business you had better have a profit motive or your business will fail. If however you are suggesting that we as individuals should have compassion for those that have health care problems and need financial assistance I don't think there is another Country that comes to the aid of those in dispare faster than the U.S.A.. The past 8 years is only a part of the problems with our Governments failure to provide effective and efficient public support systems.

terry muller
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 4:04pm
There's something very appealing about Dawn's work. I'd love to see more!

jm fay
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 4:05pm
Mr Casey:
Friends who are Doctors have complained to us about the large profits the insurance companies make while at the same time denying care. That is why alot of them are advocating for a single payer system so we dont need the insurance companies. There are making profits to stay in business and then there are making profits so CEOS and shareholders can make huge returns while at the same time people cant afford health care with double digit annual premiums.

As for compassion to those in need of health care; maybe for a very few people; the vast majority do without preventive care and that would include us since medicare for the disabled doesnt cover much!!! no dental; no vision; very little preventive and we cant afford to get sick!!!

Herb Homan
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 5:13pm
By implication,Jim Fay, you apparently feel most government employees don't currently pay part of of their health costs. That's incorrect, and they also pay deductibles and co-pays out of their own pockets.

Robert
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 › 10:57pm
Dear t.i.p.: Are you suggesting that's what's really behind the switch from analog to digital television? Do you believe converter boxes are actually bugs? Or are you perhaps confusing the NSA with a classic piece of fiction? Fact is there hasn't been another successful attack on U.S. soil since attempts were made to improve homeland security.

john moore
Friday, February 13, 2009 › 12:01am
I did a setup tonight for my in-laws in Lafayette and everthing works great except channel 6. Multiple searches showed no signal for KRMA on two different sets. Is KRMA not broadcasting in dtv and if no when will they begin?

Linda in Viewer Services
Friday, February 13, 2009 › 4:06pm
Hello, John. From Lafayette you might want to direct the antenna to our digital converter in Boulder at Baseline and Highway 36. It's channel 24. As to broadcasting digitally, yes we've been doing that for several years.

bill
Friday, February 13, 2009 › 10:58pm
hell yeah!!!lolz
j/k

Rick
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 12:25pm
We live in longmont and we do not seem to be able to receive Digital Broadcast from PBS KRMA. We have indoor antenna and was able to receive digital for 2,4,7,9,12,14,20,25,31,and 59. We dearly love PBS because of its good shows. Not sure what to do.

Mike
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 2:52pm
I live in Longmont too, and also cannot get KRMA. All the other major Denver channels seem fine. Any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Lou
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 3:43pm
Why should we worry about the cost? Each state has different levels of education offered and most are way below average(D) so all states colleges should be equal in admission for all who want to attend regardless of where they come from

Catherine Garland
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 4:52pm
Offering college tuition at in-state tuition levels is one way we can reach out to others less privileged that ourselves. We must continue o reach out in whatever way we can wherever we can without undue harm to US citizens.

Maureen
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 4:56pm
It seems like this would allow instate tuition for CO residents and CO illegal residents with HS dipoloma/GED. This doesn't seem fair to out of state, legal US residents. Nor does it seem fair to international applicants. Should foreign students move to the US at 16 to attend high school (free) and attend college at reduced rates? This does not push foreign countries to build up their own society and educational infrastructure.

Janet
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 4:56pm
Even if this did pass the taxpayers would most likely have to foot the bill since I doubt the families would be able to pay the tuition cost.

Renee Isely Tobin
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 4:56pm
In-state tuition should be available for all U.S. citizens, those in the process of becoming citizens and legal immigrants.

Lawrence Wear
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 4:59pm
Please differentiate"undocumented aliens" from those who are legally in our nation, having followed the proper procedures to visit this great and welcoming country. We are raised up by lifting others.

Jack W.`
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 5:01pm
If they do not think enough of the United States to become a citizen, then why should we help them with their higher education costs.

Maureen
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 5:03pm
I still stumble over the possibility that out of state students (with US citizenship) could be charged higher rates. I have heard anecdotal stories where popular universities like U of CA (Santa Barbara) and U of Mich actively find students as "out of state" because their parents are out of state and are paying the bill, even though the student has met the state residency requirements. This just doesn't seem fair, so this should also be considered in this discussion.

Darla J.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 5:18pm
The children of undocumented immigrants don't have a choice where they're living - their parents brought them here. If they get a chance to make something of themselves, we'll have fewer societal problems later.

Jean
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 5:29pm
Colorado resident taxpayers that are US citizens should get instate tuition, not those who work send their money across the border and then go back, get the amt withheld from their check back, as they are not US citizens. Then come here again and again. What are they contributing to our Fed, Colorado, ss etc. Mostly nothing

Robert Wagner
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 5:37pm
I agree that it is good to help those who are not as privledged as we might be, but doesn't it make sense to use funds that might subsudize non-citizens to enable underpriveledged U.S. citizens first? Unfortunately, here in Eagle county the onslaught of illegal immigration has severly diluted the quality of education for resident children here in K-12. If funding were available this would not be a problem. Do we really need to provide additional incentive for illegal immigration by parents with high school age children?

Larry McLaughlin
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 6:03pm
The proven way out of poverty, and into productive citizenship is education. My guess is Rep. Schultheis is espousing the typical Republican view that illegals are only for exploitation by his political contributos.
They FEAR having an educated group of people who look and talk and VOTE differenct than they do.
Shame on them! The shining beacon that was America has been besmirched by their kind for political gain, as well as monitary gain.

Alex
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 8:09pm
Illegal is illegal. Reward this? In the middle of difficult economic times, we will increase the numbers trying to get some of the financial aid pie, and those here as citizens or legally immigrating might find themselves at a disadvantage. Parent's chose to bring children here, and there are consequences for their actions that do impact their children. If I find a job in another state and move because of the economy, my college student would not be granted resident status in that new state with concurrent in state tuition.
Fair? We can try and legislate fair, but that is a slippery slope. There are inequities in life. Some are stronger, smarter, faster, while others struggle for everything. Vonnegut Welcome to the Monkey House' explores the end point of what happens when you equalize al

Jack
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 8:54pm
It's ok with me. I encourage everyone to get some post-high school education. Guidelines of having graduated from CO high school or passed GED need to be followed. Next step: Damocrats will be following their Messiah Bronco Bomba and paying that tuition for those illegals.

Susan
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 › 9:24pm
No way should in state tuition be offered to illegal immigrants, If these youngsters are smart enough to go to college, they should have thought about becoming citizens or receiving legal immigration statusbefore thinking about college!+

Rose
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 1:28am
We really need to shore up the integrity of all our systems. A student who is not a citizen is a foreign/international student, period. Our ed. institutions never have enough money to serve all our own citizens as well as they could, nor do they have enough money for financial aid for all those who cannot afford college, or who need remedial help, etc.--mostly because Americans simply do not see education as among our highest priorities for public funding. We are lagging behind other countries in our ed. systems, losing our edge in science and innovation, and we need every penny to serve our own. Pretending we are so rich that we can give away our resources to anyone who comes here illegally is folly. If you want to help a deserving non-citizen, fine. Donate or raise funds privately.

Winkum
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 3:48am
Instate tuition is given to Colorado residents based on their paying
Colorado state taxes. Most illegal aliens pay little or no taxes. Colorado should use the "No pay, no play" rule like other states have adopted. Why should ILLEGAL aliens have more privileges than citizens? I paid my own way through college with NO help from the government. We have limited state funds. We need to FOCUS on taking care of the TAXPAYERS who are here legally. PRIORITIZE state spending on NECESSARY expenditures for TAXPAYERS. We don't have funds to pay for bonus PRIVILEGES.

Not Citizen, But legal Immigrants
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 9:26am
In State Tuition should be available for all legal immigrants too. Everybody who works pays back to the system the same as that of citizen.
Learning should be available to all people regardless.
Some people in USA seems to have a thin veneer of respect learning, when things get tough, other people who are not citizen are discriminated. What a sham !

Winkum
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 9:52am
My comments pertained to ILLEGAL aliens. Legal taxpaying aliens, if they qualify otherwise for in-state tuition, should be able to get in-state tuition. But you need to remember, too, that I have paid state and federal taxes all my life, not just the few years aliens have been here. Aliens need to remember that Americans don't owe aliens a living. It's a PRIVILEGE to live in America, not a RIGHT. My family has sacrificed much in making this country what it is and I resent those FEW aliens who feel that I somehow OWE them more than I am able to have simply because they were born elsewhere. I have worked with and am related to aliens - now citizens - who recognize the privilege they have been given to live here. They have made many positive contributions to OUR country.

Terri
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 9:58am
Does the word "illegal" mean anything anymore?

Jill Carlson
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 9:59am
NO way is this fair to our tax paying CO citizens. It only encourages more illegal immigrants to enter this country, adding more financial burdens. Sorry, bleeding heart liberals, but we need to take care of our own Americans first!
STOP Denver,etc from becoming sancturary cities!

David Helmuth
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 10:07am
Making it harder for ANYONE to obtain an upper level education can only result in more of the kind of ignorance that would make a person vote yes in this poll. Seriously, some Americans (I'm looking at you Jill Carlson) are so selfish and paranoid that it makes me sick.

Jill
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 10:32am
People who are not angry about this topic and voting yes, are NOT paying attention to the facts that are facing this country. Yes, I'm selfish if it means helping our American citizens get out of this mess our politicians have gotten us into. What makes me sick are people like you, David Helmuth, who want to look "holier than thou" and "politically correct" so as to get some kind of reward or praise.
WE CANNOT AFFORD ILLEGAL ALIENS-DO THE RESEARCH..Check out NumbersUSA

David Helmuth
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 10:33am
Comment from my wife who works for a non-profit which serves the legal needs of the immigrant community:

"I think the biggest problem is people don't know the difference between legal permanent resident and citizen - someone could be here legally living in CO and still not get in state tuition, that is stupid."

BETTE
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 10:40am
Why not have one (1) tuition fee per educatonal institution whether a student is instate or out of state. An out of state student is already penalized with additional costs due to distance extras. Afterall, the education package provided is the same per all students. Why do our legal / tax-paying students/families continue to be so disregarded? We are already carrying a monstrous load providing way too much for illegals. I strongly encourage one (1) fee per educational institution for only our legal and qualified citizens whether instate or out of state. Charity should begin at home and then branch out if possible. Also, do Macey's or other retailers charge more for a particular product when the purchaser is out of state rather than instate? What justifiction exists here?

Pam
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 10:58am
Please remember not to post personal attacks on this discussion. Personal attacks will be removed from the thread.

David
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:08am
Jill, if my desire to help those less fortunate than ourselves makes me "holier than thou" in your eyes, then so be it. Thank you for saying so.

As far as "illegals" go, that's a tricky subject. Most of them, at least the ones here in the San Luis Valley, aren't here to get a higher education anyway. They perform jobs at which you and I would turn our noses; jobs which we may even consider to be below our social or class status; jobs, however, that still are a vital part of our struggling economy. Now, if the children of these hard workers want to make something of themselves and have attained legal permanent residence but not yet citizenship, they should be allowed a higher education like the rest of us who were born into privilege.

David
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:12am
And I apologize for attacking Jill.

Judy
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:51am
By the comments i read here, there is a lot of wrong facts about undocumented people. 1st undocumented people DO pay federal, social security, state, sales, property taxes you name it! But although they pay these taxes a lot of the public services are not open to them. Americans need to get a reality check, the estimated 12million undocumented people are not going anywhere. They are hard working contributors to this country. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, they enrich our communities. And it is young people's RIGHT to pursue their education. It seems that people turn the blind eye for the exploitation of undocumented people's labor, owners dont have a qualm paying someone $4.00h with no benefits! And to top it off people want to deny the education of thousands of students.

Judy
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:53am
Shame on you!

Rusty
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 12:14pm
Without even considering what is fair - I happen to think that children should not be held responsible for the actions of their parents, and the idea of deporting children to a country they may not even remember is repulsive - I think we also need to think about what is in our own interest.

It is in our own best interest to have an educated populace, and to deny some of our states children an education because they weren't born in the US is close to insane.

Our children need to recieve an education based upon their performance and ability to benefit, and not upon political panderings to the anti-immigrant constituancy who seek to hold children hostage to failed immigration policies.

john
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 12:35pm
I received a reply from viewer services that KRMA ch 6 has been broadcasting digitally for several years. I also see that a number of folks aren't getting ch 6. Then I happened to read the top of this web page that clearly states that two of the RMPTV stations have switched over but that the others, KRMA ch 6 included have not switched and will transition on a date to be announced. What's the real scoop?

Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 1:40pm
The Digital Transition marks a time at which digital transmission will continue and analog transmission will cease. KRMA and KTSC are currently broadcasting both analog and digital signals. KRMJ and KRMZ have ceased analog transmissions. We have not yet determined the date when KRMA and KTSC will cease analog transmission.

In order to receive our digital broadcasts over the air, viewers need to have ALL of the following: their antennas pointed at the transmitter, antennas capable of receiving our UHF signal, nothing blocking the signal (such as a mountain or large building) and a converter box or HDTV which has been correctly programmed to receive the signal.

Marta
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 2:36pm
After reading some of these comments, I see that there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstanding, when we are talking about a student getting In-State tuition, we aren't talking about them being eligible for any kind of financial aid. All we are asking is for them to get a break on tuition and in the long run it helps everyone out. These students have to pay cash for their education, and is affordable with In-State fees. If a class has enough students, then the teacher is in there anyway and wouldn't hey rather teach to a full classroom. College admissions would also go up, which would make there coffers alittle fuller. There are too many students who take their education seriously and want to contribute to the only country some of them have known, & yet we still close the door.

Brett Johnson
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 3:23pm
Great stuff. Where can I see more of her work?

Daniel
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 3:42pm
Another misconception that people are having is that even the undocumented student would benefit from this bill, a higher rate of documented immigrants and even citizens would also benefit from it. In California there is a similar law already in place (AB540) which a high percent of people benefiting from the law are actually citizens and permanent residents.

Lets help everyone have a higher chance at receiving a college education.

Susannah
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 3:54pm
You can look at more of Dawn's artwork at http://www.dsagarart.com/about.html .

Winkum
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 4:20pm
Daniel - I fail to see how this would help citizens and legal residents!?!?! If a university has room for only a certain number of students, citizens are facing more competition from "minority" students. They've paid taxes paying for the university but can't get in because an illegal with "minority" status has more admission points because of that minority status. There are only a certain number of positions available at our universities. Those positions should be given as a priority to those who have paid taxes the longest to support those schools. Like I said before, I worked full time days while I went to school full time nights and weekends, paying ALL of my school expenses MYSELF.

Vero
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 4:32pm
WOW, I'm amazed at the racist comments left by the xenophobes!

I was born and raised in Denver but my parents were born and raised in Mexico. They came here "illegally" many years ago but are now naturalized citizens. I went to college and my parents paid for it all with no finanical aid. I'm SO glad this was not an issue for me!

The arguments some have angrily posted against "illegal" immigrants taking advantage of this opportunity fail to realize that these kids often times were brought here at a very young age and to them this is their home, their country, they know no different.

In-state tuition rates should be given to ALL residents, "legal" or not. No financial aid for non-citizens but all kids should have an equal chance at an education regardless of their citizenship.

David
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 5:11pm
Winkum I respect you for paying your way through college and working hard to do so. That's more than I can say about myself. But you must realize making in-state tuition available to "minorities", as you say, isn't the same as giving them a free ride. They still have to work as hard as the rest of us, most likely harder, to pay for a higher education and will hopefully value it instead of taking it for granted like I think a lot of Americans do.

Also, you said, "Those positions [as students] should be given as a priority to those who have paid taxes the longest to support those schools." I guess you are referring to the students parents here since the typical US Citizen college student hasn't themselves been working that much longer than the typical "illegal minority" college student.

Sarah
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 5:40pm
It seems to me that the people who have paid in the money for taxes to the federal and our local governments, are the ones who do not qualify for the aid up to this pointl We guaranteed tuition for students who come over on the boats, or walked across the borders and many other ways. But those wo actually live here paid in the taxes, don't really have the funds to pay for college expenses. The only aid they seem to get is repayable loans. The others get the Pell Grants and all the other grants or free money. How about helping out some of the tax payers.

Jazmin
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 5:42pm
I think the argument that our education systems should only be given to "state taxpayers" is a bogus argument. Undocumented Immigrants pay taxes just like any legal U.S. resident/citizen. They pay more in taxes and hardly ever see any of it in return. Their children should be entitled to receive the benefits that they're parents are contributing to. If the students are able to get in-state tuition, it does not mean they get a full ride, all expenses paid college education. It simply allows them to receive INSTATE tuition. They must still come up with a way to pay for it. So this isn't a free ride.

Jazmin
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 5:47pm
As for someone's comment about whether the word "illegal" means anything to anybody, the definition itself is much more broad than simply the meaning we give to the community we set that label to. The definition of illegal is:
il⋅le⋅gal --->-adjective
1. forbidden by law or statute.
2. contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations
This is what the word means for me, and if we want to apply this label to a group that truly embodies what this means, then let's look at the BUSH administration and their illegal war, illegal policies, and illegal political/business tactics used the last 8 years. Their ILLEGAL activities have sent us to the next depression. Bush is the biggest illegal I know.

lorelei
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 7:23pm
What a hot topic ! and obviously many arguments for both sides of the fence (no pun intended).I don't think any of us feel that the right to entitlement attitude is okay. Nothing is really free to anyoneanyway. Those born-citizens, those trying to become legal citizens, have mostly worked hard and have paid into the pot. Likely their education would benefit the U.S in the end. That's what we want, production and educated, hard-working folks , that give back.

James Reynolds
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 10:06pm
I worked 44 years in higher education and believe that free public education is one of the corner- stones of our society. But start with the words "illegal alien". They are not citizens and they are criminals. They should be afforded the protections of due process, but they should have no right to the support and privileges which citizens ,like me, are paying for. Free public education for the children of illegal aliens is a travesty! We can't even afford to pay for education and health care for all US citizens, why should that privilege be extended to alien criminals?
Are the peolpe who are proposing this aware of the state of our economy?
I want none of my tax dollars spent for this purpose!!!!!

Terri
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:01pm
I couldn't agree with James more. Illegal aliens are criminals, they are not here legally and should not receive privileges as if they were legal residents.

I even agree with Jazmin's definition of illegal. Those here illegally have done something "contrary to" the "official rules, regulations" of this country.

Jazmin
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:08pm
I am not arguing that undocumented immigrants can't be labeled as "illegal". I don't feel they should be labeled as such because their "breaking the law" is much more insignificant compared to the illegal activity conducted by our former administration.

Rose
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:21pm
Of the 30+ folks who have left comments here, including myself, not one of us noticed how the headline question and the wording of the proposed bill in the text of the short article are designed, intentionally or not, to polarize us. One says "only US citizens...?" and the other says "any student, regardless of immigration status..." No mention of legal immigrants, or permanent residents who are not [yet?] citizens. "Citizens only?" leaves out a group that perhaps should be included. And "all immigrants" includes illegals, who should not be included. It is a bad bill, & it's a bad article. Both try to over-simplify a complex situation. We need both the media & our lawmakers to help us see the big picture, & to craft fair laws accordingly.We may like things easy&simple, but reality isn't.

Rose
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 › 11:48pm
Cheaper in-state tuition was created originally to encourage more students to stay within their own state to get their college education, mostly to avoid overloading the public ed. system of any state that might be a really popular place to go, for whatever reasons. If students choose to go out of their state, they pay more, to offset the extra burden they create for the system in the other state. That's fair. Also, if they stay in their own state, it may up the chances that they will stay there to work after college...Each state was intended to be responsible for its own students and workforce, just like a mini-country. Same logic applies among the countries of the world.There can be some movement among countries, but they all have rules. Respect for law is essential for a free country.

Jose U Lucero
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 1am
A good mind is a terrible thing to waste. For some time now, I've noticed more good minds in illigals and among thir chidren than in others.

Skip Guarini
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 6:24am
You cannot be a Colorado citizen unless you are first, a US citizen. I do not care who your parents are or where they came from. If you are a US citizen and have resided in Colorado for the required amount of time, then you become eligible for in-state tuition. If you are not a Colorado citizen or a US citizen, then you follow the rules established by this state for an "out-of-state" student application or a "education" visa and pay the applicable tuition. Seems simple to me and fair....

Anne Marie Polich
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 7:15am
Hello: My daughter and I enjoyed many of the Starz Community Cinema screenings when Allison worked at PBS. We are happy to know that they will be starting up again! Thanks for the email and we will look forward to your movies. Anne Marie Polich

Skip Guarini
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 7:37am
Allow me to clarify an error in my previous comment..when I spoke about a legal "citizen" of Colorado, I should have said legal "resident" of Colorado. It is my understanding that Colorado has specific requirements for "legal" residency status...if you qualify for that status, you should qualify for in-state tuition, regardless of the status of your parents...

Mike
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 10:10am
Rick, I found a good thread about a meeting that RMPBS held in Ft Collins last November that explains Longmont's issue with KRMA DTV. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=199726&page=36. Search for "Longmont".

Jill
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 10:13am
Again, David, what kind of praise are you looking for? With the 30,000,000 illegals in this country(and growing) what about our poor and unfortunate US citizens and their future? What about loyalty to America?

Adam
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 11:20am
more testing

Bob
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 11:21am
test two

Adam
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 11:23am
test three

Adam
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 11:24am
test four

Bob
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 11:26am
should be the last test. thanks.

garrett
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 12:20pm
love it

Rose
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 1:05pm
OK, good! I see that this website's administrator has now changed the headline to more accurately reflect the issue. Now it just names the subject, without aiming to push buttons and elicit emotion-charged responses. Still, notice that the wording of the poll question remains the same. Too late to change it, but the wording renders the results invalid. What would the results have been if the question had reflected the actual wording of the bill, "all students, regardless of immigration status"? instead of turning it around. This is an example of how the media and others manipulate the public, and distort the input. It probably also reflects on our ed. system, that so many are unable to think logically & clearly. And the reasons for that have to include the overload of illegal immigrants.

Robert
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 1:05pm
Not trying to be a wise guy or provoke a dialog. I value PBS, enjoyed the Nova insight into the NSA and do feel the 9/11 experience has resulted in changes that do make me feel safer. End of story!

Jim
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 7:26pm
Could this be one of the reasons that California is so far in debt? Of
course we still have the argument of legal vs illegal.

Dave W
Thursday, February 19, 2009 › 10:17pm
When I lived in Michigan, legal immigrants who were working and paying taxes, had to pay out of state tuition. That is wrong. If they are illegal and non-taxpayers they should not get in state tuition.

Anja A.
Friday, February 20, 2009 › 8:35am
The point of the bill is to allow a wider access to higher education. Accessibility does not equal free. All these students need is the opportunity to compete for college acceptance based on ability and achievement , not on arbitrary labels. Based on several of the previous comments, it seems that many contributors lump together all immigrants regardless of age of legal status, and portray them as "out to take out stuff". Nothing could be further from reality. An opportunity to succeed and give back to the country that has nurtured them is all that they desire. Let's open that door, and reap the benefits

educator
Friday, February 20, 2009 › 1:57pm
These students are students who through no fault of their own are here. And what do they want? They want to continue on with their education to become educated members of society. Is it a crime to be passionate about your education and to want to give back to the community that has given you so much?

Brewster
Friday, February 20, 2009 › 8:08pm
We'll miss you, Greg.
Brewster & Margaretta

Marjorie Kowalski
Friday, February 20, 2009 › 8:14pm
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Greg Dobbs for such a fine job. Colo. State of Mind has always been a must on Friday nights for me.
Cynthia H. an Excellent replacement; she has done so well when subbing for Greg.

Louise
Saturday, February 21, 2009 › 12:58pm
All young people should be given a chance to contribute as fully as they can to the community. Higher education will allow them to develop their gifts and talents, make them more able to contribute to the communities in which they live, and enrich their lives.

Dan Rymer
Monday, February 23, 2009 › 10:45am
There is a FUNDAMENTAL problem with this debate and that is the disparity of the in state/out of state fee schedule! First of all, ILLEGAL have no rights or priveleges and should not expect any. ILLEGAL is simply that and infers CRIMINAL activity. If one wants to live and work in this country one needs to do it LEGALLY! Now, that said, our society needs to reassess its priorities as to what is important and necessary to promote and develope our society and economy. There are TWO things that NEED to be free or of low cost to ALL CITEZENS of the U.S. and that is health care and education. A well educated and health work force is the basis of a health and prosperous economy. The simple answer is to charge the same fees for in state as for out of state students and level the playing field.

Anja A.
Monday, February 23, 2009 › 1:54pm
It is misleading to try to present this issue as legal versus illegal. Lest you forget, we are talking about teens and young adults who had no say whatsoever in the choice of coming to the US. They were brought here by relatives. They know no other home. They have been raised as Americans, with American values and customs. Many do not even realize they lack status till beginning their college search. I completely agree that a well educated workforce is the backbone of a prosperous economy. Yet you seek to lay obstacles to the creation of the very same.

Ken van der Laan
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 › 4:54pm
I rarely look at my Promo. I do look at the electronic alerts and sometimes search for programs.
So, switch me entirely to electronic.
Thanks,

gilbert a
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 12:22pm
I recently had to spend a number of day working with ICE and the VA. a student at a local Denver collage had taken my ID and had been using it to go to school on my ticket. "Legal versus illegal"?. get real a crime is a crime. What is so hard with getting up and applying for citizenship anyway? If a person can fill out the forms to apply for collage ( Using some one else's ID ) then what is stopping then from becoming a U.S. Citizen in the first place. Remember ID. theft is a felony in Colorado. Fyi He is now spending time in the DCJ.

Rose
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 3:36pm
Sadly, I know good people here in Denver who are citizens, either through birth or naturalization, but who live in a culture (family & community) that has little respect for the law or for law enforcement. The generations before them who spent their lives hiding from the law to avoid deportation has taught them that laws are something to break and get away with it. Even when they see, and suffer from, the crimes and bad behavior of some present- day illegals in their communities, they complain, but are disgusted that the law does little to protect their communities or get rid of the offenders. So the disrespect for law and the govt. spreads like a cancer in our communities. Yes, every bit of education helps, but it needs to be done within a legal framework that makes sense.

Rose
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 4:06pm
C'mon, Coloradans--we can do better than this! Instead of stupid bickering & name-calling over who has a bigger heart, or who cares more for their country's legal system that protects us all, why aren't we, both citizens and our legislators, working instead to create legal ways to offer an affordable education to ALL those who deserve it?! Prepare those h.s. children of illegals for citizenship if they have shown they want to go on to college or other schooling; help them with the process; if the process blocks them in some way, change the process. Assign people to work with them on a case-by-case basis. But don't give sanction to illegals and undermine the very systems that so many have worked hard to put in place, & without which there would be little oppportunity for any of us.

Julie
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 7:16pm
I agree that the e-promo is very handy. I like having the information available in different formats, so if you just want the prime-time schedule you can get only that and if you want everything plus program descriptions, that's there too. But my favorite thing is that now you can search for programs by title or keyword by just typing it in the search field at the top of the page. That's something you could never do with a printed guide! Thanks for giving us this new option.

Patricia Dekal
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 7:20pm
This is fantastic,,,,,,I can't wait and
hope I get in.......

Patricia Dekal

Mary Myers
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 9:11pm
My dad, Lawrence R. Blair, passed away November 30, 2008, at the age of 89. He remained a staunch patriot and proud American until the end of his life.
Thank you, Dad, for all that you did to preserve our freedoms in America. I am proud to be your daughter, and I miss and love you very much.

Laura and Buzz Sampson
Thursday, February 26, 2009 › 11:46pm
What a fabulous "Newsmakers Luncheon" again this year. Thank you, Rocky Mountain PBS, for allowing us to meet Ms. Woodruff, a PBS news person whom we've watched every week night on our television screen for many years. It was an elegant event and we had a delightful afternoon.
Laura and Buzz Sampson

Bill
Friday, February 27, 2009 › 7:41am
Sure they deserve in state tuition. First of all they are coming from a situtation where they are incredibly disadvantaged. The fact that they are even capable of making it to college is very good. Open your heart. If we can spend billions in Iraq on Bombs, we can certain cut a little slack for someone whos parents have to fight to survive financially.

gilbert a
Friday, February 27, 2009 › 11:41am
Look lets make this real easy. A FLAT RATE for Everyone legal, not legal, in state or out. Let the citizens that have been a part of the community and want to OPEN OUR HEARTS start a scholarship program. Buy them books out of there pocket. Give housing to any one that applies "rent a room to student. " remember we are not talking about "five and six year old kids" that came to the US by the actions of the parents, but the actions of 18 and above look to get a free ride. Everyone in Colorado pays there own way form that first job (taxes) to that last. How do citizens benefit by providing aid and comfort to non citizens?

Greg H.
Friday, February 27, 2009 › 12:18pm
Even with in-state tuition, there are many US citizens that can not afford to go to collage.

Why subsidize people who are in this country unlawfully any more than they already are - if they want to go to collage, and are old enough to go to collage, they are old enough to be held legally responsible for being in this country unlawfully, so they can go back home without their parents and go to collage there.

If I can not afford to send my own kids to collage - there is absolutely no way I can afford to send young adults who are here unlawfully to collage.

Make no mistake about it, these are not kids who have no choice in being here because their parents brought them, these are young adults, who knowingly break the law, by choosing to remain here unlawfully.

Pancho
Friday, February 27, 2009 › 3:50pm
Shame on you, Americans!!! You are saying that there are no jobs in America and that we are losing jobs because of the recession, But go look at the farms and fields in Florida, there are many jobs open for farming and harvesting oranges and other fruit, or in California farming and harvesting strawberries, limes, and lemons. In Arizona, you can harvest lettuce and other vegitables. It is ironic that these illegal "aliens" are working in our fields, while there are still many more jobs open, but you just don't want to get your lazy butts up to work, so we have to get immigrants to do it for us. I think that the illegal "alien's" children deserve an equal tuition. Thank You.

Greg H.
Friday, February 27, 2009 › 7:11pm
If they are here in the country illegally, then they are not lawful residents, and should pay at least as much as other nonresident students coming into Colorado from other states.

If they want resident student privileges, let them go back to the border, enter the US through legal means, and become a legal resident - not through some political slight of hand.

If you want to improve the world, you have to start at home, not someone else's home, and you certainly do not break laws and then expect special treatment in return.

You don't reward bad behavior - you reward and reinforce good behavior, and giving illegal immigrants resident student privileges, is just continuing the rewarding of bad behavior.

Angelica
Friday, February 27, 2009 › 7:29pm
All the kids have the right to go to school and go to college and have a career. legal or not. there is a lot of smart kids that deserve the oportunity to have the American dream come true. We need to give them that oprtunity and have them in college instead of in the streets doing drugs. please offer these young people equal tuition so, they can be professionals and give back something good to these country . Everybody deserve to be treated equal no matter their legal status. Think about how you would feel if you are in a different country and you are the illegal. Put your self in their shoes. thank you

Greg H.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 › 9:39am
Your right in that they should be able to go to collage, in which case they can pay out of state tuition like other out of state students.

Kids? If they are going to collage, then they are no longer minors, and as such they are making an adult decision to break the law.

Put my self in their shoes? I have and I repeatedly come to the conclusion, that if I wanted to go to collage that bad, I would do so legally.

Many thousands of other foreign students come to school in the USA, legally, why should those that do so illegally, get any special privileges ?

Going to collage is not a right, it is a privilege, and if they want to go, then they need to follow the law to do so or face penalties. If you want to send people to collage, why not send disadvantaged US citizens?

margie
Saturday, February 28, 2009 › 10:27am
Good morning, I would like info on how to get my jewelry looked @ when the show comes to Denver. I have some custume jewelry by Marleen. It is earings and a brooch, from 1940??? Prirate guns. Please let me know how and when. Thank You, have a great day.

Laura
Saturday, February 28, 2009 › 11:36am
I love the electronic PROMO. First and foremost, it's saving trees. Secondly, I love having the ability to "search" for programs and find out when they're being aired. Another big positive factor is that I can enlarge the file to be as big as I need it to be to read clearly!! I encourage others to sign up for the "green" PROMO being offered by Rocky Mountain PBS and I applaud their efforts.

Janine
Sunday, March 1, 2009 › 2:59pm
Really enjoyed the music part of it!
Good entertainment!

gilbert a
Monday, March 2, 2009 › 1:26pm
"This policy, for all its compassion, amounts to Colorado thumbing its nose at federal immigration law," said Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield. "States can't extend in-state tuition to illegal immigrants unless they make that same offer to everyone from every state in the country. In other words, it does away with the concept of in-state tuition." i wonder if i went to Mexico could i get in-state tuition?

Susannah
Monday, March 2, 2009 › 1:54pm
You can directly contact Antiques Roadshow staff with your jewelry and pirate gun submission questions at antiques_roadshow@wgbh.org .

gilberta
Monday, March 2, 2009 › 3:03pm
Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she Fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;

residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;

an ability to read, write, and speak English;

a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;

good moral character; !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,

favorable disposition toward the United States.

"""All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character """

margo K
Monday, March 2, 2009 › 9:28pm
Is there a special process if one wishes to bring furniture? Could someone send me info about that, or do we get more info if we are incredibly lucky and get picked? My New England rocker is hand carved, very old. Beautiful.

Linda
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 › 9:20am
Go to www.pbs.org/antiques for complete information about the rules and procedures for Antiques Roadshow events. Best wishes.

Jack
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 › 8:31pm
I watched Judy Woodruff's comments. There was a distraction for me throughout her talk when she frequently threw her head to the right and to the back. Perhaps this was related to a tick over which she had no control. It is unfortunate that a speaker such as Ms. Woodruff has that impediment to distract from her words.
It was interesting to hear her naivete`in her comments that NBC presents the news in a balanced and truthful way without editing!

Carol Farina
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 › 7:54am
If "information is the lifeblood of democracy", Judy, we are in serious trouble in the US. I travel to London and read about the the state of Israel using Gaza as a test ground for illegal weaponry like white phosphorus and DIME explosives. Even Bob Simon of 60 Minutes tried to tell the story of Israel's continued building of illegal settlements. There is a virtual blackout in the US media about sating the truth about Israel's actions in the middle east. It is ethnic cleansing pure and simple and PBS won't touch that story.

Mike
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 › 10:42am
I agree with Carol. PBS is exceptionally unbiased in the stories they DO cover but there are still some stories that I wish they wouldn't shy away from.

Fred L
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 › 12:46pm
On Monday(32) I heard the President of Stanford Univ onthe Charlie Rose show state that there is a great scarcity of engineers in the US. He said 55% of engineers hired by corporate America are non-natives primarily because there are not enough Americans available. If an immigrant has the good grades & motivation to go to college, I believe he should be allowed to only pay in-state tuition.
Also, in today's Post an articl indicates annual tuition is $5,000 for in state students & $25,000 is the rate for out-state students. I think I now understand why we have an engineer & doctor shortage shortage.

Conne
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 › 2:22pm
You must have misunderstood what she said. No news organization presents the news without editing and fact checking.

Mike Woll
Thursday, March 5, 2009 › 10:30am
Will Hicks, see my post above. My Grandfather was in the 266th Combat Engineers. They were not on the SS Leopoldville, I believe they were on the Cheshire, from the information that I have been able to gather.
I will look through my stuff and see if my Grandfather was a friend of your Father. He has several papers and photos with names on them.
Also, if you have the large picture of the 266th before shipping out, my Grandfather is the man holding the 266th's Flag in the upper left side of the photo.

Avonne Tice
Saturday, March 7, 2009 › 9:57pm
I am spreading the news of this
celebration!

Please sign me up for Channel 6
PBS e-newsletters. Thank you

Joan M. Alyea
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 › 2:49pm
We met Betty Ford at the 99's (Women Piloits' International) convention in Vail, CO where she was one of the speakers at a luncheon. She is a very impressive person!

K C Rasmussen
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 › 3:41pm
Her Alpine Botanical Gardens in Vail is worth the 4 hour trip from the San Luis Valley to Vail. What an impressive collection of plants.

Karen
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 › 5:46pm
Once upon a time, not so long ago the big "C" and addiction were not part of our public discourse. These matters were private, hidden and often the subject of shame or disgust. I credit Betty Ford with helping to lift the curtain on that nonsense. Only an uncommonly frank and courageous person could have taken these issues public, making her private pain and personal healing a part of an ongoing national discussion. Good for you, Betty Ford!

lorelei
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 › 11:12pm
Both of these issues are all too familiar to me . I'm certified in alcohol & drug addiction and also had breast cancer. She is a survivor. Addicts have several things in common, one of them is poor coping skills, so people drink/use. Thanks to her and many others, we know or should know that it's treatable and curable just like cancer. Without treatment however it is almost certain death. Strange how there are so many similarities in the 2 subjects???What is the picture that comes to mind when picturing an alcoholic? Dirty ,homeless, uneducated, etc? or the 1st lady. Just proves that there are many faces to those that survive life and help others along their journey.Bless you Betty.

anonymous
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 › 11:39pm
I'm sorry, but this show was absolutely atrocious. Let's all just face facts.

This is nothing against the students who worked hard on this. They did the very best they could with the material they were given-- the horrendous writing and directing. But everything about this show simply does not work, on any fundamental level.

Please, RMPBS, please greenlight more student productions and television shows, but be more discerning of what you choose to produce.

I promise you THIS is NOT everything we're capable of.

Carolyn H.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 › 8:06am
Her courage has helped people everywhere.
Thank you Betty.

John H
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 › 4:46pm
In-state tuition to our colleges and Universities should also be allowed for non citizens with green cards that meet the residency requirements. If they graduate, they should get preference toward permanent US residency and citizenship.

Debbie
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 › 9:39pm
Betty Ford saved my life. I live in Vail and worked for Mrs. Ford. I am sure my admiration for her is what lead me to become sober and her wonderful clinic is what provided the help I needed. It is impossible to imagine, with out seeing first hand, the number of lives her clinic has saved and the many families they have helped. There would be no clinic without Betty Ford. The Fords set the tone for Vail. Mrs. Ford's class and dignity dictated our town's style..as opposed to Aspen, for instance. She supported our gardens and Vail became known for beautiful flowers. Mrs. Ford is more than former first lady or wife or mother...she is a strong,extremely intelligent and brave woman. She saved my life.

charlie lorance jr
Saturday, March 14, 2009 › 3:02pm
fantastic

Shirley Riddell
Sunday, March 15, 2009 › 12:48pm
my family and i are looking forward to
the roadshow in Denver,cant wait!

Josh
Monday, March 16, 2009 › 6:50pm
I was born in 1980, and I have a strong interst in our nation's First Ladies. After reading several books about her, Mrs. Ford seems to me to have been the most down to earth and honest First Lady of the 20th Century. I respect her for speaking her mind and sticking to her values- no matter how many people disliked what she had to say. The 60 Minutes interview she gave during her time in the White House is one of the best ever given by a president's wife.

Martin Everitt
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 › 12:05pm
I have some large pieces of furniture that I would like to have considered by the Roadshow Experts. How do I enter it?
Thank You
MCE

Marsha
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 › 12:41pm
To all who want to enter the drawing for tickets, you need to go to this page http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/ontheroad.html

Trevor T.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 › 11:42pm
As long as the applicant is qualified for the position, he should not be discriminated. The sine qua non (bottom line) is...can he be an asset or liability? If a company is hiring based on applicant's religion not on his skills, that company is in danger! Microsoft has been in the headlines than they could possibly want. In the news had been Microsoft's first layoffs in the companies' history, and then a snafu with the severance cash advance packages they gave to laid off employees. Now Sen. Charles Grassley has said that Microsoft should lay off workers employed on H1-B visas first, which the company has flatly refused. The company said that they practice nothing but fairness in its hiring practices, and the same in layoffs. Accusations of racism have been flying after the request, and Microsoft maintains that it will continue to hire employees on a strictly merit base, and will not resort to discrimination in any way, shape or form.

Bev Barra
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 › 11:54pm
This is a wonderful way to share the heartfelt emotional experiences and their visual memories, that have changed their lives, through the turmoil of cancer.

This especially has touched my heart as I know both Janelle and Lynn from the care they have given to me through my own breast cancer treatment. I want them to know what a difference they made in my life and how their help and friendship have meant so much to me.

Thank for sharing this and I know it will help many others who are going through their own battle with cancer. I appreciate how you have shared a piece of your personal life with me.

Jesse
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 9:28am
The only equitable way to pay for our roadways is to assess fees based on a combination of the vehicle weight and annual mileage. In this manner each driver would pay according the wear & tear they cause to the roadways. As for truckers, Colorado should lower fuel taxes to the point where truckers no longer fill up prior to entering the state. In this manner the state could actually see an increase in truck fuel revenue. It's the old saying "a small share of something is better than a large share of nothing".

I would specifically request that Colorado NOT tax its drivers strictly on mileage driven. This would cause people who are responsible about their long commutes and drive small cars, to pay the same as those folks who drive large vehicles on long commutes. That's not fair.

John in LaPorte
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 9:33am
The new translator may be functional, but it is NOT providing good coverage!

I live 7.5 miles line-of-sight North Northeast of the site and have a very good UHF antenna that picks up all of the denver network digital stations. I can see the towers from my front door.

Your signal however, moves up and down from nothing to about 50%. It may be watchable for 5 or 10 minutes and then freeze. Maybe it will come right back and maybe it will go black for several minutes and display NO signal whatsoever.

I have heard from other viewers to the North East of your transmitter that they are having similar issues.

I fear that if you are expecting this translator to cover the area north of Fort Collins, we will be in the dark as far as PBS is concerned after June 12.

Thank You,
John

Linda
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 11:13am
Good morning, John. We have engineers who will be going to northern Colorado to check out the site, determine the source of the problems and take care of them. You should be getting a good signal soon.

Susannah
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 11:50am
Hello Diane,
"Antiques Roadshow" is not scheduled to visit Las Vegas, NV this year. We aired the 2007 episodes of "Antiques Roadshow: Las Vegas, NV" in May 2008. If you would like to check out the "Antiques Roadshow" on the road schedule go to this link http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/ontheroad.html .

Jim McCauley
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 12:51pm
I live north of Fort Collins near Terry Lake, and my reception is intermittent. I have already reported my troubles directly to RMPBS engineering, but I post here to provide a publicly-viewable report.

Jim McCauley

Jim McCauley
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 1:06pm
NOTE TO ALL:

If you are getting GOOD RECEPTION from the translator, please post that as well. Information about where the signal is clear is as important to the engineering staff as is news of problematic reception.

Jim McCauley
Fort Collins CO

John S.
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 1:33pm
Good translator reception near I-25/CO 402 with indoor antenna. First time I've had a good OTA signal from RMPBS in years! Using Echostar DTVPal converter.

John M
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 4:01pm
I get great reception from the translator, but I am in optimal area for reception (I am 107 degrees from the antenna, and the antenna is aimed at 105 degrees). I am about 4 miles from the antenna, near the intersection of Harmony and Taft Hill roads.

Rob T
Thursday, March 19, 2009 › 10:30pm
I am a bit southeast of College and Horsetooth, and have Channel Master 4228 pointed at Lookout, connected to a DirecTivo Hr10-250. It cannot even find RF 47 on a scan, perhaps due to multipath. A weaker antenna in my attic, also pointed at Lookout, connected to my Dish 942 gets 95% signal, but still see dropouts. My main problem is how I can combine your signal with the signals from Lookout. I'm willing to add an antenna, but combining could be interesting.

Mark B
Friday, March 20, 2009 › 9:30am
I get a strong signal near Drake & Lemay (90-ish on the scale) even though my outside antenna is pointed toward Denver. I'm using a DTVPal DVR. I can also get the signal with a carefully positioned simple UHF loop antenna in the second floor west bedroom, using an OnAir GT USB HDTV receiver.

However, I still see freezes and breakups. These are sometimes several seconds long before the DTVPal DVR receiver recovers. I suspect this isn't a signal strength problem but something else in the data stream.

John M
Friday, March 20, 2009 › 12:33pm
I was wondering how this translator is getting its signal? Is it a satellite feed, or is it just using a large commercial quality UHF antenna to receive the KRMA signal from Mt. Morrison and relay it?

If it is the latter, I wonder if it is having problems with receiving the signal from Mt. Morrison.

Ronald Saucier
Friday, March 20, 2009 › 2:51pm
When you come to Houston will you be doing any evaluations of pottery ?

Linda
Friday, March 20, 2009 › 3:04pm
Our Engineering Department has provided the following information: The translator is receiving its signal via over the air antenna. As for problems, the answer is no. We have not had or received any problems with the reception of our signal at the translator.

Linda
Friday, March 20, 2009 › 3:37pm
The Antiques Roadshow will not be travelling to Houston this year. Go to their website at www.pbs.org/antiques; enter Pottery & Porcelain in Category and Houston in City to see evaluations there in 2006.

Jim Cambon
Saturday, March 21, 2009 › 8:15am
I live on Terry Point, north of FC. About a month ago I installed a new exterior 12 foot antenna from Radio Shack. With our converter box, it improved digital reception significantly.
I then replaced the ancient 300 ohm flat wire from the antenna and suddenly got all the stations in dazzling color and clarity. This is by far the best reception and most stations we have gotten in more than ten years! All this was before the Horsetooth Mtn translator came online.
My suggestion to over the air viewers is check or replace wiring and connectors first, then go for the antenna.

Tom
Saturday, March 21, 2009 › 12:44pm
When will channel 32 from Montrose go digital?

Jim McCauley
Saturday, March 21, 2009 › 3:52pm
On Friday, March 20, 2009 3:04 p.m., Linda reported: "We have not had or received any problems with the reception of our signal at the translator."

Those in the area north of Fort Collins often receive an adequate signal from the translator, but it can drop out quickly and come back just as quickly. On my Zenith converter box, sometimes the audio will drop out briefly and come back right away. At other times, the signal will fade over 2-10 seconds, with audio dropout, picture breakup and sometimes even loss of signal for as long as a minute or more.

Have the engineering staff made measurements of the signal from the translator over time, using a method that can capture brief events?

Jim McCauley
Fort Collins CO

Roland Tzudiker
Saturday, March 21, 2009 › 5:25pm
Why can't I receive sound on my analog TV with my converter box and new strong indoor antenna? The picture comes in well.

Mark B
Saturday, March 21, 2009 › 6:01pm
After watching a bit more, I see (and hear) exactly the same kind of freezes & breakups with both my OnAir GT with an indoor antenna, and with my outdoor antenna and DTVPal DVR. Both 6-1 and 6-3.

During these freezes/breakups, I see no drop in signal strength at all. The OnAir GT stays fairly steady between 29-31 dB SNR, which I would think would be fine.

Rob T
Sunday, March 22, 2009 › 3:23pm
A report using Jim McCauley's format:
1. Your approximate location (e.g. nearest major street crossing) - Just SE of College and Horsetooth
2. Your receiving equipment (DTV/converter model) - Directv/Tivo HR10-250
3. Your antenna type and orientation - CM-4228 peaked for KRMA 18 with CM-7775 preamp, nothing pointed at Horsetooth
4. Frequency and duration of signal interruptions, if any - 18 is stable with 1-3x week unwatchable w/dropouts, 47 can't be locked reliably
5. Which channel you are receiving KRMA on (18 or 47) 18 is generally stable, 47 is not usable
6. The relative strength of the KRMA signal compared to other DTV channels you are receiving. RF 16/17/18 are 82%/68%/63%; RF 47 can be as low as 0-15% and as high as 70%. RF 11 from Horsetooth is very stable at 70%

Rob T
Sunday, March 22, 2009 › 4:03pm
When can we expect to see high-definition programming on KRMA, and what's currently preventing that from happening?

Susannah
Monday, March 23, 2009 › 9:46am
Hello Roland,
Running a channel Scan/Autoscan should restore the sound.

Step 1: Select Menu or Setup
Step 2: Select Scan/Channel/Autoprogram/Settings depending on converter box model
Step 3: Select Channel Scan/Autoscan/OK Button/Autotuning depending on converter box model

If the rescan doesn't work immediately, reset to the default manufacturer converter box settings, and then run another channel scan. There are directions below, but consult your converter box manual because each one is different.

Step 1: Return system to factory settings, it may require a pin (try 0000). Reference your converter box manual for directions for restoring factory settings.
Step 2: Reset system
Step 3: Then Scan/Autoscan the channels

Susannah
Monday, March 23, 2009 › 9:48am
Hello Rob T,
Rocky Mountain PBS will upgrade to 1080i during the middle or end of July.

Susannah
Monday, March 23, 2009 › 3:38pm
Hello Tom,
Montrose, CO after the transition will still be serviced with our analog signal. Translators are not required to be converted to digital by the DTV transition date. Our digital broadcast will be converted to analog and will then be broadcast from the translator in your area. Once the station does convert the translators to digital our members will be informed on our website.

Shelley
Monday, March 23, 2009 › 6:20pm
Is there any other way to get tickets?
I cannot afford 400 hundred dollars for tickets !!! This is crazy.
People are out of work! that's why we are looking over our antiques. please respond. I was so thrilled at the idea of the show comming to Denver, not anymore.

Mari Bowen
Monday, March 23, 2009 › 8:23pm
I saw where the show was in Ft Collins earlier this month. When will it be aired?

Webmaster
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 › 7:46am
Shelley, you can enter a free lottery for tickets at pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tickets.html

Linda
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 › 1:23pm
Mari, The Antiques Roadshow website indicates they've never been in Fort Collins. Were you perhaps thinking of some other antiques exhibition or show?

Jeff Messerschmidt
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 › 8:12pm
This I believe: an individual should not accept over $100,000 per year from an organization they support. RMPBS executives could publicize their decision to cap total annual remunerations at this amount as a good example.

Anna
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 › 9:58am
We're in NW Greeley, and thrilled with this new development.
We're using a Zenith converter box with a basic rabbit ears in the attic. I'm not sure about the orientation.
We're receiving on channel 47, and the signal is between 60 and 70 percent.

Margaret Sturgill
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 › 7:01pm
This is great. We are in the Horsetooth/Zigler area. Our attic antenna (not sure what type) is pointed towards Denver ( almost directly due south). We have great reception. The analog channel 6 with the same antenna in the same positions was unwatchable ( no image, only sound), W are using LG tv with a digital tuner built in.

Weston
Thursday, March 26, 2009 › 1:52pm
I deeply value Washington Week in review, the Lehrer News Hour, Charlie Rose and Tavis Smiley when I can stay up that late. My annual gift is somewhat modest but in answer to your request I have doubled it to help fund what I consider to be an essential source of information. Thanks for all you do.

Doug Price, RMPBS
Thursday, March 26, 2009 › 3:24pm
Weston, thank you for the vote of confidence in our programming. We require the support of members like you to deliver on the expectations you have in difficult times for all of us.

Jeff, let me assure you of the prudence of our financial management and the commitment of our team here at RMPBS. With less than 3 months in the broadcasting industry I am humbled at the talent and dedication of our staff and the extraordinary commitment they have to our mission. They accept a discount from a commercial wage to be a part of the public broadcasting movement. We have all made concessions in compensation and benefits to assure continuity of service and an expansion of our commitment to and activities in the community we serve during these challenging times. Thank you both for participating.

Susan Osborn
Friday, March 27, 2009 › 1:51pm
Please sign me up for updates

Joe Stolzenberger
Saturday, March 28, 2009 › 3:57pm
I need help with english grammar .I am a native american ,any ideas for me. I attend pcc but need some help. Thank you if you can

Bob Voelkel
Saturday, March 28, 2009 › 4:03pm
Antiques is my FAVORITE SHOW on TV!!

Lynn Leedy
Saturday, March 28, 2009 › 4:51pm
I starting watching ARS UK before it came to US Would love to participate in the Denver Event.

ALTON SAUNDERS
Saturday, March 28, 2009 › 5:04pm
I HAVE TWO ITEMS,I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, IF AT ANY TIME ITEMS LIKE THESE WERE SOLD ON THE SHOW,IF THERE WERE I WOULD TO KNOW WHAT THEY WENT FOR--A MENS WOODEN CANE WITH A REVOLVER INSIDE THE CANE, AND A MENS WOODEN CANE WITH A SWORD INSIDE ATTACHED TO THE HANDEL. THANK YOU. I AM NOT ASKING FOR AN APPRISAL

Gerome Bell
Saturday, March 28, 2009 › 6:46pm
Thanks for airing the gravel truck segment, I used to play with a toy similar as a child. I forgot all about it until your show. I really enjoyed revisiting all the antique buddy L trucks at the Buddylmuseum.com website!
Gerome B., 79 years old

Jim Miller
Saturday, March 28, 2009 › 9:45pm
I can not receive channel 18 the tv reads " no signal" What can I do?
Palisade colorado

Tonya
Sunday, March 29, 2009 › 3:39pm
lovely!

Kevin
Sunday, March 29, 2009 › 5:50pm
That's all good but why can't I receive audio from channel 6 KRMA through my digital converter box? I'm in the southwest Denver area. and all other channels receive audio just fine. I do get your video with perfect clarity.

nsaadawi
Sunday, March 29, 2009 › 9:40pm
hello,big fan..can u alert me when you come back to san antonio?i'd love to attend.thank you nin-

Adria
Monday, March 30, 2009 › 6:15pm
I too can not get any PBS channels for the last few days.
I live in Clifton Colorado.
I was getting it on 18.1-18.3 but now I just get a no signal for channels 17.1-17.3

Jim Miller
Monday, March 30, 2009 › 6:48pm
Adria,
I fix the problem by channel rescaning on controler.

Paul in Cheyenne
Monday, March 30, 2009 › 8:38pm
A report using Jim McCauley's format:
1. Your approximate location (e.g. nearest major street crossing) - Just NE of Yellowstone and Gardenia in North Cheyenne.
2. Your receiving equipment (DTV/converter model) - 2 Envision TV's both with an ATSC-HDTV built in tuner and cable splitter.
3. Your antenna type and orientation: AntennasDirect 91XG (mounted on rooftop) with a ChannelMaster 7777 Pre-Amp all pointed toward LOM in Golden. Tried to re-position antenna to Horsetooth Reservoir with no noticeable signal gain for KRMA (or KQCK).
4. Frequency and duration of signal interruptions, if any: Signal usually not viewable until around 7-8 PM when it starts to improve and can lock in all (4) 6-X channels with no signal interruption around that time.
5. Which channel you are receiving KRMA on (18 or 47) 18 is generally stable (see above), 47 is not usable at all (zero signal).
6. The relative strength of the KRMA signal compared to other DTV channels you are receiving. KRMA will come in at about a 30-35% signal by 8PM, it fluctuates from 10-35% and cannot lock-in a solid signal until around 8PM (atmospheric anomalies)?
2-X is 88-93%
4-1 is 70-78%
5-X is 74-80%
6-X is 10-35%
7-X is 62-68%
8-X is 74-80%
9-X is 80-86%
11-X is 12-20% (not watchable)
12-X is 86-91%
14-1 is 90-93%
20-1 is 83-90%
22-1 is 38-45%
25-1 is 30-35%
27-X is 91-97%
31-1 is 86-89%
50-X is 81-85%
59-X is 88-92%

Nancy Maness
Monday, March 30, 2009 › 9:27pm
I have been watching Antique Roadshow for many years and am so gratified that they are coming to Denver!

Dan R.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 › 2:12pm
When KTSC digital goes to VHF will it continue to be broadcast from Cheyenne Mountain?

Susannah
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 › 3:12pm
Hello Dan,
Yes, KTSC will continue broadcasting from Cheyenne Mountain after the change to VHF.

Dan R.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 › 3:47pm
Cool, that make antenna placement a lot easyer. Thank you

Lylamae T. Chedsye
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 › 11:09pm
Beautiful! Such talented young dancers and the music is delightful to listen to.

Stan
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 › 10:42pm
Recently I've been experiencing a lot of audio breakups when I watch KTSC digital channels on a large screen Sony TV with built in digital tuner. The closed captioning also doesn't seem right; the line of text doesn't clear before the next one appears. Signal strength is very good as we have LOS to Cheyenne Mountain.

Surprisingly, I don't see these problems when I use a converter box connected to an older analog TV set.

Any thoughts?

Dan R.
Thursday, April 2, 2009 › 8:31am
Stan,
My limited experience with digital reception seems to indicate that the primary cause of reception problems, other than weak signals is multipath. The same thing that causes ghosts in analog. Digital tuners use error correction to help fix this. I think there may be two possiblities for your problem... that the error correction on your Sony may not be as advanced as for the converter box, that is if they are connected to the same antenna, or it may be just a case of antenna placement for the Sony, that is if they are connected to different antennas. In either case, try adjusting the antenna with the hope of decreasing multipath reception. Highly dirrectional (small beam width)antennas can help with that.

Cathy Kissner
Thursday, April 2, 2009 › 12:49pm
We live just outside Grand Junction, a couple of weeks ago we could not pick our PBS station at 18.3. Is there a problem somewhere? We miss PBS

EnvEngr
Thursday, April 2, 2009 › 5:53pm
We are still using an analog TV on Comcast cable. However, there are times when the Channel 8 signal becomes pixillated, sometimes blanking out entirely. The Comcast technician said that he checked with the "headworks" people, i.e. where all signals come in, and they were getting the same symptoms. Is KTSC alreadu providing a digital signal to Comcast, and if so, when will the problem clear up?

bob
Friday, April 3, 2009 › 6:34am
Nutt, Antiques Roadshow is in Chattanooga. I'm gonna watch to make sure we don't take similar items in July. And because I love this show!

G Scott Luke
Saturday, April 4, 2009 › 4:44pm
Up until 2 weeks ago, I was able to receive the 3 RMPBS channels here in Westminster, but no longer receive them using my digital converter box. I've tried the auto rescan several times, but none of the Channel 6 stations are found. What has happended?

John
Saturday, April 4, 2009 › 7:41pm
We had an old TV and still have an outside antenna. We bought a new HDTV in early March and are not able to view KRMA ch 6. Not enough antenna strength. What to do? Sure miss Ch 6
Thanks John

Susan Jones
Saturday, April 4, 2009 › 8:58pm
Initially signal was remarkably good with converter box. Then deterioration to point of now nothing. Our location is Drake between Shields and Taft Hill in Fort Collins.

wendy davis
Sunday, April 5, 2009 › 3:19pm
We used to get KRMJ through a translator on menefee mountain in montezuma county. We have not been able to get it now for many months, of course, but i rescanned recently, and it is nowhere. It will not be on 18, as another channel in our tv district is on 18. Please advise. We want our KRMJ back!

Bev and Dave Booker
Sunday, April 5, 2009 › 3:23pm
WE love it ! Do not see it as often on our Charter TV Marengo, Il stations.

Mark B
Sunday, April 5, 2009 › 9:14pm
The translator seemed to work well for awhile, without the breakups I was seeing initially. I could even get it with a simple UHF loop. Now it seems to be dropping to zero signal, then comes back for a minute or less, then its gone again, even with my outdoor antenna.

Peggy Marolt
Monday, April 6, 2009 › 1pm
I live in Mancos and my pbs channel has disappeared. I have a new TV and a box for my older TV. There is a translator for Mancos. I have rescanned several times.
PBS was coming until this weekend. (4/4/09) It comes in on channel 20 in my area. The reception in the past few weeks has also been iffy. The picture comes in too dark and the sound is poor. Hope you can get these issues fixed. Now what will happen? I miss RMPBS.

John M
Monday, April 6, 2009 › 5:51pm
Yes, somewhere around 6pm on April 2nd the translator stopped working properly, with symptoms as Mark B has described.

Jim Adams
Monday, April 6, 2009 › 5:57pm
Like G Scott Luke and Peggy above, my family in Fort Collins this weekend lost RMPBS. Well, we get a signal for a few seconds only to lose it for 60 seconds or more before returning again briefly. Before, everything was great on all channel 6's.

My kids miss Sesame Street and are about to revolt on me! Help me RMPBS!!

Allen Turner
Monday, April 6, 2009 › 6:47pm
Thank you for signing on the translator! I can get no signal on Ch. 18 yet, or your Boulder translator. I am located near Ft. Collins High. But, at least for the last week, the signal is going off the air like clockwork. I timed the cycle tonight, around 6:30, and observed 0:30 on air then 1:00 off air. It's repetitive, behaving some device is overheating and cutting off. I checked this on 2 converter boxes, connected to different TVs, and it's the same. Note, I do receive all the other local Denver stations. I noticed this during the last week, certainly before last weekend's snow storm. Thanks for your attention, and please email me when the translator is back on air, thank you.

Dakota
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 2:43am
In the early 1980s, environmental justice emerged as a concept in the United States, fueled by a mounting disdain within black, hispanic and indigenous communities that were subject to hazardous and polluting industries located predominantly in their neighbourhoods. And, Social Justice features as an apolitical philosophical concept (insofar as any philosophical analysis of politics can be free from bias) in much of John Rawls' writing. In the other hand, have you ever heard of Fairfield Greenwich Group? Did you know that Fairfield Greenwich Group is an investment fund, and they do some pretty big business, but unfortunately one of the people they decided to invest in was Bernard Madoff.

Susannah
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 8:57am
Hello Peggy,

The translator servicing Mancos, CO was repaired on 4/6/09. Please let us know if you have anymore problems with the signal.

G
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 4:57pm
Lionel train set

Greg Harbican
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 5:46pm
Why did we loose 8.1 and 8.3 in Colo Spngs this afternoon, and why don't we have a phone number to find out what is going on?

All I can say is that since RMPBS started making the change, we have had more problems with loosing RMPBS video and/or sound than any other HD station in the area.

Phillip M. Rust
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 8:22pm
We also lost RMPBS in Fort Collins it comes in very breifly, but is mostly blank. I hope this is a temporary probem :) It's the only channel I watch.

Donna Weyer
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 8:37pm
I"m in the same situation as Philip in the above comment. Signal had been coming in great in Fort Collins!!! love the Create channel and life was good. Then it went away. poof! Will it be back soon?

Michael T Gehret
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 › 10:47pm
What a frustrating Channel to watch here in Colorado Springs, via Comcast when the sound drops off constantly and consistently . !!!!!!!!!!!!
I many times get so disgusted with PBS and the sound problem, I have to change the channel
How annoying !!!! Does the top staff care?
Or, are they more worried about yet another auction, telethon for more funds? What a terrible management at Rocky Mountain PBS !

Susannah
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 › 9:09am
The Fort Collins translator lost power during the last storm. Rocky Mountain PBS engineers estimate they will be on site this Friday to make repairs. We apologize for the delay, but the road to the translator is currently impassable.

Susannah
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 › 11:51am
Hello Greg Harbican,

KTSC digital was off air for 35 minutes to switch to a new transmitter on 4/7/09. There are multiple phone numbers listed on the web site to contact Rocky Mountain PBS by clicking on the 'Contact Us' link at the bottom of the web page.

Viewer Services 303-892-666 or 1-800-274-6666

if you want to contact us in the evening call 303-620-5669

Brendan Dahl
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 › 7:24pm
Like the previous poster's I was receiving a perfect signal until a few days ago and now it will go from a full strength signal to zero strength signal every few minutes.

I'm near College & Laurel with a large 6ft outdoor antenna and a samsung tv as my receiver.

Leslie
Thursday, April 9, 2009 › 9:15am
I am thrilled that you will be in Denver. I have had an addiction to antiques and art since I was 3 yrs old. I hope I can get tickets. I am unemployed at the moment and cannot afford $400.00.Thank you for your consideration.

Director Of Engineering
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 7:09am
We are going to check on the translator this morning. (April 10) We should have more information later today. We suspect that the last storm caused the translator to go into "protect" mode due to erratic power interruptions. Due to the weather it has been unsafe to get to this mountain top site. Thanks all for your understanding and support.
John Anderson,
C.T.O. RMPBS

Jim Adams
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 8:41am
Susannah,

That would be WONDERFUL to see PBS return in Fort Collins! My wife and I have missed it terribly (pretty much the only channel we watch) and although my kids haven't gone all Lord of the Flies yet on me from lack of PBS Kids, I don't want to push them much further...

Thanks for your communication!
Jim

sara de leon
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 10:44am
I need 2 tickets for roadshow in San Jose, Ca. on August 15, 2009.
Thank You,
Sara

Susannah
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 10:51am
Hello Sara,

Below I've provided a link to the "Antiques Roadshow" web site page to get tickets for the roadshow in San Jose, CA.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/cities/sanjose_event.html

Lyn Gullette
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 6:45pm
I receive RMPBS, Channel 6 on Direct TV from Qwest and the audio sporatically breaks up. The rest of the channels work well. Qwest thinks it's a problem with transmission on your part. Is there anything I can do? I live in Louisville, CO. Thank you.

Carl Bechtold
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 6:57pm
News program: sound & video are not in sync. It is a good radio substitute, if I don't try to watch the video. Recorded programs can be good, but voice processing is not acceptable for me.

Bonnie
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 7:47pm
Here in Montrose I have not been able to get Create on 18-3 for about two weeks, maybe more. Can you tell me why this is happening?

David Waddington
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 8:01pm
Good reception on ch6 DTV few times,then drops out. Have line of sight to Lookout mountain where my high-gain antenna is pointed. Must I wait 'til 19 May to get regular programs on DTV? Ch6 is only channel I watch except for news!
Thanks, Dave

Terry
Friday, April 10, 2009 › 8:06pm
I live in central Denver. Recently I installed my converter and scanned for stations. I could not find 6-1, 6-2, or 6-3. But by chance I discovered I'm receiving RMPBS on 18-1 instead. Why is this? Is this temporary?

Barbara
Saturday, April 11, 2009 › 12:33pm
I live in Montrose & cannot get rocky mtn pbs on 18.1,18.2 or 18.3 as suggested by the GJ PBS office.
How can I get PBS back. I miss it!

Bella
Sunday, April 12, 2009 › 2:41pm
We have converter boxes and new antennas (4-one for each), Been watching DTV since Aug or Sept '08 just fine, and there is about 18 channels that we have to choose from if we like. EXCEPT living in the 6th Ave I-70 Kipling triangle we can not get even a hint of channel 6.1 or 6.2 or 6 anything! Are we the only ones? Does no one else over the air live in town here? Or do they not care about KRMA as much as KRMA does not seem to care about us? We do have one friend on Lookout who also cannot get any kind of channel 6.

Ken
Sunday, April 12, 2009 › 6:28pm
We used to get HD transmission on 8-1. Last year HD was discontinued. I was informed that HD would return in Feb. That has not happened. Some of the PBS programing is listed as HD. However for some reason KTSC has not be broadcasting in HD. In my opion our PBS has standards have been going down over the past few years.

Dick
Sunday, April 12, 2009 › 10:32pm
Re KTSC's sound drop-outs:

As noted above, it has become nearly impossible to watch CH 8.x in Colorado Springs because of the constant (every ~2-3 min) sound drop-outs. It's stated that a new transmitter was put into operation on 4/7/09. That certainly hasn't improved things. For a drama program, the drop-out is usually anywhere from a couple of words to a sentence. Trying to watch - and listen - to a music program is very trying!

I wonder if any KTSC employees actually watch KTSC broadcasts at home. They would likely be as ticked off as other viewers.

RMPBS has known for years that this transition was to occur but obviously did not prepare itself. It's still not ready.

donnaw
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 8:02am
just did scan 4/13 - still no RMPBS in Fort Collins.

Jim Adams
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 8:07am
I can confirm donnaw's statement. This weekend, we went from a very intermittent RMPBS in Fort Collins to none at all (on any channel).

Linda in Viewer Services
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 10:45am
The translator in Fort Collins requires replacement of a part. The part should be delivered today (Monday, 4/13) and repairs will be made as soon as possible.

Linda in Viewer Services
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 11:28am
Good morning, Ken. As noted above by Susannah, we expect to have the equipment necessary for high-definition broadcast installed by mid- to late-July.

Linda in Viewer Services
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 12:23pm
Channel 32 from the Montrose translator, like most other translators, will continue broadcasting an analog signal until it can be upgraded to digital. We do not yet have a projected date for all of the translators to go digital. The direct KRMJ broadcast from Grand Junction is digital and viewers should be able to receive 18-1, 18-2 and 18-3 through their antennas.

Linda in Viewer Services
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 12:26pm
Hello, Terry. From 2:45 pm Thursday 4/9 until noon on Friday 4/10 KRMA was being broadcast on channel 18 while our technicians worked on the equipment. If you don't yet see channel 6 a channel scan should restore the signal.

marilyn revere
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 7:39pm
I have spent many hundreds of dollars on the auctions that you have to support the station. I understand trhoug the grapevine that the tickets for the Denver Antiques Roadshow are getting given out before the drawing to get them. I hope that the Denver show allows the availibility of tickets not to the the Elite but to be fair in the dispersion of the limited tickets. I already know people that were promised tickets, what is going on.. Marilyn Revere mrevere@mscd.edu and msahaarley@aol.com

Kurt Olender
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 8:20pm
Inadequate signal at Trilby and Timberline in SE Fort Collins with an indoor omnidirectional antenna and Zenith converter.

Julissa
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 11:08pm
Standard economic theory suggests that technological improvements that increase energy efficiency will tend to increase, rather than reduce energy use. This is called the Jevons Paradox and it is said to occur in two ways. Firstly, increased energy efficiency makes the use of energy relatively cheaper, thus encouraging increased use. Secondly, increased energy efficiency leads to increased economic growth, which pulls up energy use in the whole economy. Even thou our economy are still on hard hit, it is still good for ourselves to unwind and have a [url=http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/04/06/dad-years-summer-vacation/]vacation[/url].

Josie
Monday, April 13, 2009 › 11:14pm
Some retailers argue that bright lighting stimulates purchasing. Health studies have demonstrated that headache, stress, blood pressure, fatigue and worker error all generally increase with the common over-illumination present in many workplace and retail settings (Davis, 2001), (Bain, 1997). It has been shown that natural daylighting increases productivity levels of workers, while reducing energy consumption. Even thou our economy are still on hard hit, it is still good for ourselves to unwind and have a a href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/04/06/dad-years-summer-vacation/">vacation.

Director of Engineering
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 › 8:25am
Further update for our viewers.
During the service visit yesterday to restore the translator, we uncovered an additional problem, and have ordered parts to resolve this also.
We don't anticipate an additional failure, however we may have to take the translator off air on Wednesday or Thursday for up to an hour to install the parts and test the operation of the system.
Thanks again to our viewers for their support and understanding as we get over the bumps in getting this translator on line.

John Anderson
C.T.O. RMPBS

John in LaPorte
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 › 8:52am
John Anderson

As stated in the first post in this blog, I am line of sight 15 degrees E of N at 7.5 miles and even when the translator was running, the signal was very marginal.

Are you doing anything to increase the signal propagation to the North of the tower?

Thank You,
John

Susannah
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 › 10:50am
Hello Marilyn,

The link below will take you to the information about 'Antiques Roadshow' tickets.

http://www.rmpbs.org/panorama/?entry=380

There are 3 options to get tickets for the July event. One option is to pledge $400 or $750 for 2 tickets to attend. Another option is to submit your name in the lottery to get 2 free tickets. The last option is to submit your photos of a large furniture piece, if it is selected you will get tickets. The deadline for photo submissions is April 20, 2009. Below is a link to learn more about photo submissions.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/furniture.html

Allen Turner
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 › 8:13pm
6-1, -2, & -3 all back on air 100%
in Fort Collins.
Thanks, and good luck on Thursday!

Director of Engineering
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 › 9:18am
As noted by Mr. Turner last evening, we are indeed back on the air. We received the parts and installed them yesterday. The translator now is up and running at 100%. We should not experience further down time, and won't be taking the station down on Thursday. The repairs should have addressed the varying signal reported by "John in LaPorte" as we also noted this signal variation on our test equipment when connected to the transmitter prior to the repairs we finished yesterday.
Thank you to Mr. Jim McCauley for his help and to all the folks that have posted comments and provided assistance in reporting our coverage.
The support of our members and viewers is the greatest asset of RMPBS.

John Anderson
CTO Rocky Mountain PBS

John in LaPorte
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 › 4:11pm
John Anderson
Your translator signal does appear to be more stable and high enough for my tuners to lock on to it.

Thank You for all the work done to bring RMPBS to Fort Collins area viewers.
John

Dick F
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 › 7:49pm
It is now roughly six months since you stopped transmitting in high definition picture and sound. Instead you transmit standard definition and often letter box the picture within the standard definition picture. Your web site has never indicated why this happened or if and when you plan on changing. Since you were abler to transmit HD on KTSC for many years, I can't understand what you are doing. I believe you owe your viewers an explanation. As a very long term supporter of public TV, I am disappointed with the picture and the silence.

Susannah
Thursday, April 16, 2009 › 9:40am
The dates to upgrade to 1080i for Rocky Mountain PBS have changed since the digital transition has been postponed. Rocky Mountain PBS is participating in the digital transition on June 12th. It is estimated that the station will transmit 1080i toward the middle or end of July. When Rocky Mountain PBS began simulcasting analog channel 6 and digital channel 6-1 programming 24 hours a day in December 2008 the station was no longer able to broadcast HD while simulcasting. Once the analog signal is discontinued and our equipment is in place Rocky Mountain PBS will transmit HD.

John in LaPorte
Friday, April 17, 2009 › 9:56am
John Anderson

Apparently, something has once again knocked the translator off the air.

For a while Wednesday evening 4/15 and Thursday morning 4/16 the signal from RF 47 was coming in about 70% here, but it has not been viewable since Thursday afternoon.

I presently have "0" signal from RF 47 and even with the bad antenna placement and low power, I consistently see around 30% signal from RF 18.

John

Wayne Hartmann
Friday, April 17, 2009 › 2:52pm
Very good show, I need tickets!

Linda in Viewer Services
Friday, April 17, 2009 › 3:10pm
Hello, Wayne. See Susannah's comment just above yours for the information needed to acquire Antiques Roadshow tickets. Please note that online applications will not be taken after 11:59 PM ET, Monday, April 20, 2009.

Dick E
Friday, April 17, 2009 › 3:52pm
While I receive very strong signal, using my roof-mount antenna, according to my converter box, on some channels, the four channel signals associated with channel 6 are often unavailable and never more than barely useable. Why would this be? I have no problem rescanning, and, for a time, received very good signal on channel 18, apparently the same as channel 6, but now, that's no longer available, and the best reception of channel 6-1, 6-2, and 6-3 is very poor.

What can I do to improve reception of channel 6. 6 and 12 are the only channels I frequently use, so I'm certainly not going to subscribe to satellite or cable service.

Chris
Friday, April 17, 2009 › 9:16pm
When will DIRECTV carry the HD programming for KRMA-6? All the other Denver channels have long been in HD on DIRECTV.

Mark B
Friday, April 17, 2009 › 10:30pm
Though it was working for awhile, I'm seeing the on-and-off pattern again.

Sylvia
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 12:20am
For the last couple of weeks, all of the KTSC - Southern Colorado channels disapper suddenly in the evenings... then they may re-appear later at night - after 10:00 -- is this a money saving effort -- or a maintainance break -- perhaps prime time is not the best time for that -- ... it does not seem to be weather related, and I have not seen any explaination for it... I am in central Colo Spgs, and often have trouble with the signal, but this drop out has been very consistent the last couple of weeks in the evenings... any thoughts...?

Dick E
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 6:04am
I haven't observed any correlation between weather or time of day and the signal quality. I'm in Denver and receive signal on about 24 channels, of which only 6 and 12 are of any real interest, but of which I receive about 8 channels with reasonable signal quality.

Is there an antenna type that would do a better job than my old roof mount antenna, directed at Lookout Mountain?

Director of Engineering
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 7:43am
Thank you for the notice about our translator. As soon as we can safely travel to the site we will investigate the failure.

John Anderson
C.T.O. Rocky Mountain PBS

Frank R
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 11:32am
When KTSC/Chan 8 in Colo Spgs come back on the air?

BDL
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 4:50pm
I live in Montrose & can't get PBS on either of the analog channels of 32 & 61. I have also tried scanning through the converter box & adding in channel 18.1,2,or 3 & 6.1,2 or 3 and still can't get it. How do we get PBS here in Montrose.

D. Clark
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 5pm
My mother-in-law, an elderly lady, with anolog TV, called me today, 4-18-09, indicating she is not receiving PBS channel #8 TV....which I confirmed, also I have comcast cable TV, and do not have a signal either.........Please Advise????

Thank you........D. Clark (719)630-7276.

D. Kirks
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 5:26pm
I have found that Channel 8 (DTV 8.1, 8.2 & 8.3) are not coming in on DTV today. Last evening Friday - same issue. Channel 8.5 was coming in during the same time. Analog cannel 8 has a freeze frame of a painting show. I assume this is widespread - according to the emails above. I assume this is a technical issue?

Regards.

R. Lind
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 7:33pm
I too am receiving a frozen painting picture on Ch. 8 and no digital is coming in at all-again. This is VERY frustrating. Again how can I support a station when I can't receive it most of the time!!!

Dick
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 8:34pm
Looks like no one at RMPBS, much less KTSC Channel 8.x, is watching this forum or KTSC Channel 8.x!

Typical!

Greg Johnson
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 9pm
I wonder what the reaction would be, if someone sugested fileing a complaint with the FCC.

Dick
Saturday, April 18, 2009 › 9:16pm
Re Greg Johnson's Comment:

In addition, how about a complaint to PBS's national office/site/organization?

The Dude
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 6:44am
I find it funny everyone is using this as a forum for complaining about the current service. This page is about the DTV transition, it isn't a support column and isn't a forum.

What would be appropriate if everyone was commenting about your concerns regarding KTSC's ability to meet the extended DTV deadline because they can't keep their gear running through the weekend.

I suspect they program the system to run through the weekend and something crashed. It's probably running on Windows! They won't get in until Monday morning to reboot the system and get things on air again.

Frank R
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 8:21am
In response to "the Dude's" input:
You're probably right about "rebooting" the system on Monday, but I hope their crew is more attentive than that.
On the use of this forum, it showed me that I wasn't the only one waiting for the artist on KTSC's analog chan 8 to make the next brush stroke. (I'm still waiting, his arm must be cramped.)

Dick E
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 8:25am
I find it odd that there's nobody from the station to address these issues. If RMPBS isn't going to be available over the air to people living in the Denver area, then we need to make adjustments in our viewing, and in our contributing, habits.

I live within 5 miles of their studio, yet I can't receive their broadcast. That says something doesn't it?

The "other" PBS channel seems to have the same problem. maybe Public Television is just getting ready to die off in the over-the-air broadcast world.

I'd guess we have to consider that.

The Dude
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 8:52am
Frank, I completely agree with you. I, too, would hope they would be monitoring their systems for failures like this, but doesn't the fact we're all posting about the issue on a blog entry answer that basic question? That their tech support is indeed off the clock over the weekend.

If I were a paying advertiser I'd be pissed.

Dick E
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 9:12am
The reason I watch Public Television at all is because it lacks the stupid, Stupid, STUPID advertisement for cars, iPhones, drugs, etc, present on network TV. If I start seeing ads for Sears, Chevrolet, and Apple products on public channels, I'll stop watching TV altogether. I doubt I'll miss it.

Michael J
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 9:25am
I have an attic VHF/UHF antena pointer SW. Here in NW Westminster I get very little or no signal on DTV 6. Wondering if the signals from NW and SW transmitters are canceling out each other. Most DTV stations run 93-100%.

Greg Harbican
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 12:35pm
Dick E,

Near as I can figure, during weekday business hrs there is a toll free number to call, but nights and weekends it requires a call to a 303 area code - from this I get the feeling that other than during normal business hrs it's on automatic controls / run by remote.

Frank R
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 3:16pm
KBDI (Ch 12 DTV & Ch 32 Analog in Colo Spgs, via antenna reception), who are also off the air, reports their fuel ran out at their generator power station for their OTA Txmitr site. Won't be back on until road conditions improve to send refueling vehicles. ETTR will be as late as Tuesday. This must also affect Ch 8 (KTSC for Colo Spgs, and probably other stations). They should have planned for the storm. How am I going to find out what happens to "Little Dorit?" Eh? (Might have to resort to "reading" a Dickens novel.)

Ken
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 4:54pm
Ever since Denver Channel 6 took over KTSC channel 8, in the name of improved service, things like this happen all too often. As a one time Cornerstone supporter, I became disappointed with RMBS when I asked questions and did not like the answers I received. As always There is only one city in this state, and it's not Colorado Springs or Pueblo. Too many times it seems like someone fell asleep at the switch.

Dick
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 5:03pm
That's not a problem with which I'm familiar, but perhaps it should become a policy among disorganized contributors to withhold contributions until the publicly funded stations agree to 100% daily drug testing of their employees, and prohibit cellphones within 100 meters of their faciilities. That way it would be less likely people forget to do their jobs, while wrapped up in their drugs or personal lives when on the job.

R. Lind
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 5:57pm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/littledorrit/index.html
This site will take you to where you can watch Masterpiece online and catch Little Dorrit episodes.

James W
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 6:46pm
The article at the top of this page gives a timeline, but no substance that I would be willing to call a "plan." However, your plan is irrelevant if you can't keep your station on the air. You're sure going to wind up with a lot of angry viewers.

Susan S
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 8:11pm
I figured this was gonna happen when I watched KOAA's map about the difference in broadcasting area and signal strength with the switch to digital. There's also the problem of converter boxes burning out in short order. I'm hoping RMPBS will get their signal straight soon...I hate reality shows. I wonder what the outcry is going to be when the whole system changes in June.

Dick B
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 9:41pm
KTSC Channels 8.x are now working! (4/10/09, 9:30PM MDT)

Sound drop-outs are still apparent during Little Doritt tonight.

Dick B
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 10:21pm
The note above from a Dick time stamped Sunday, April 19, 2009 5:03 p.m. is not from me previously identified as Dick with time stamps:

Sunday, April 12, 2009 10:32 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2009 8:34 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2009 9:16 p.m.
as well as the previous message time stamped Sunday, April 19, 2009 9:41 p.m.

RMPBS has some problems which may -or may not- be due to the difficulties of the analog to digital over the air transition. The management of RMPBS needs to examine the causes of the lack of reliability in the delivery of their over the air programming and try to improve it. Are the problems simply that they have too many antenna sites and translators w/o enough techs? The weather? Viewers need a comprehensive explanation of why reception quality and reliability are so poor.

Greg H.
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 11:20pm
I was talking to someone at RMPBS early last week, and they told me that Digital TV is more sensitive to weather interference

That being said, I can't help but wonder how much of that, is in part because the power that the FCC allows stations is now being split from 2-4 ways in the case of RMPBS.

I noticed that when 8.4 started broadcasting it's audio only, that the program guide information available for 8.3 started showing nothing but "Regularly Scheduled Program " - is RMPBS accepting degraded signal strength as a part of adding more channels to it's lineup?

Personally, I think that performance has degraded to the point, where a lot of people are getting out of the habit of watching PBS programing

NickP.
Sunday, April 19, 2009 › 11:53pm
Once the DTV transition is complete on Ch 8, will we get to see its full potential? It seems from reports on other sites, there is a lot of SD programming using the available bandwidth/bit rate leaving the HD program a shadow of its original source. Why not allocate the entire channel for marquis programs (e.g. Nova, Nature, Mystery/MPT, etc.). Might help with fund raising to have just one excellent program vs several mediocre programs trying to "appeal to a broader audience" during prime time. Just wondering ...

Director of Engineering
Monday, April 20, 2009 › 8:53am
Regarding the loss of KTSC on Saturday evening; due to the snow storm we lost power to our microwave relay on Squaw Mountain. This relay carries programming to the transmitter on Cheyenne Mountain and telemetry back to Master Control.
The microwave relay station relies on battery backup to bridge most of the power interruptions that are common on a mountain top site, however this power outage was longer than the reserve capacity of the batteries, and preceding intermittent outages did not allow sufficient time for the system to fully recharge.
When we lose the feed to the transmitters the processing equipment "holds" the last frame of video and audio until the stream is restored resulting in a "frozen" picture.

John Anderson
C.T.O. Rocky Mountain PBS

Dick E
Monday, April 20, 2009 › 11:40am
to John Anderson:

I'm not concerned about the specifics of KTSC problems. In fact, I don't even know what KTSC is, though I imagine it's one of your stations outside the Denver Area.

It does concern me that there are already plenty of provisioning problems at your facility. You should, quite appearently, have at least 72 hours' backup battery capacity, and clearly don't.

Now, I'm in Denver, and can't even get a useable signal in good weather, day or night, though I receive all manner of stations, e.g. 2,4, 7, 9-whatever, 20, 31, etc, about which I don't care at all, quite well. The only stations in that range that I can't rely on are the ones from channels 6 and 12.

Those of us who occasionally contribute would like to see our contributions applied intelligently.

EMERGENCY Action Plan
Monday, April 20, 2009 › 5:27pm
And the government said we the public were not prepared for DTV transition? Looks like RBBS is not prepared for DTV transition!

FCC licenses DTV as a public service. What if this had been a real emergency. TV is where most people get their service. Analog and/or Digital TV is poor or non-existant in the Colorado Springs area during bad weather. WE ALL SHOULD FILE COMPLAINTS TO THE FCC AND LETTER TO THE PUBLIC COMMENT FILES AT ALL THESE STATIONS!!!. Emergency Managers in the Cities and Counties BE FORE WARNED. DON'T RELY ON TV TO COMMUNICATE TO YOUR CITIZENS DURING AN EMERGENCY.

This kind of problems is not hapening in other cities. Technically speaking someone should have shouted YEARS AGO that DTV would not work in Mountain Communities!! GET BUSY AND FIX THE PROBLEMS!!!

NickP
Monday, April 20, 2009 › 7:35pm
J Anderson,
Thanks for your problem description. Having worked in telecomm industry ops (primarily satcom) for many years, I'm a little surprised by the technical response and lack of user notifications.

The outage is an opportunity to learn a few things:
1. Experience shows frequent status updates lower user anxiety. Consider providing more announcements or better, a system status page on the website.
2. Reliance on 1 distro path introduces Ops Availability risks. Consider multiple paths or fall back to the PBS satellite feed at the station during an extended outage.
3. Implement a network wide monitoring & control system like Neb PTV
4. Reasses back-up power design. Replace aged batteries.
Thanks for your thoughts.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 › 1:07pm
NickP,

Did you get an answer directly??? Here lies the problem. No one at RMPBS cares what the customer experience is.

J Anderson
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 › 1:12pm
J Anderson,

From the anouncement above:

Why would you cut off your analog Channel 8 signal on May 26, 2008 and not be broadcasting DTV on Channel 8 - Why continue to only broadcast on Channel 26 till June 12, 2009 ONLY.

I am an engineer and you are confusing me. Those Blue Hairs/non-technicals will really be confused.

FiveStarNet@AOL.COM

donnaw
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 › 2:20pm
since snowstorm Thursday - Saturday channel 6 has cut in and out in Fort Collins. picture will come on for 1min and then cut out for 3-4, be back for a min and then cut out. Unwatchable. was hoping it will change, but still not back on Tuesday.

Any idea when will be broadcasting correctly?

S Smith
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 › 2:44pm
Missed it due to power outage. Does RMPBS repeat the episodes or can it be viewed online?

Jim Adams
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 › 3:34pm
I'm also from Fort Collins and can confirm the same issues as Donna above.

Good luck with whatever is going on RMPBS!

NickP
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 › 6:09pm
Emergency,
No contact from RMPBS.

Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 11:11am
As you are no doubt aware there was a snowstorm last weekend. As soon as our engineers have access to the Horsetooth Mountain site they will check the equipment for damage and arrange for repairs.

Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 11:37am
To J Anderson: KTSC will continue to be identified as channel 8 on viewers' televisions and the digital broadcast will not be cut off on May 26. Viewers with antennas will need to run channel scans on June 12 when the frequency changes to channel 8, which is in the VHF frequency band.

Dick E
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 11:52am
What about the service in the Denver area?

I've checked with numerous friends whose service, like mine, is impaired by ultra-low signal level. Those of us in the southwest Denver area, and roof-mount antennas directed at Lookout Mountain aren't getting sufficient signal strength allow our converter boxes even to notice channel 6 about half of the time. Much of the time it simply says, "NO SIGNAL."

At my mother's house, in the Bear Valley area, the converter box doesn't even "see" a channel 6, nor has it ever detected it.

John in LaPorte
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 11:53am
QUOTE:
"Michael J
Sunday, April 19, 2009 9:25 a.m.
I have an attic VHF/UHF antena pointer SW. Here in NW Westminster I get very little or no signal on DTV 6. Wondering if the signals from NW and SW transmitters are canceling out each other. Most DTV stations run 93-100%."

Very doubtful, the transmitters are on widely seperated frequencies and the signal from Horsetooth Mt is too weak and directional for you to receive it.

The Mt Morrison antenna is mounted very low on a catwalk and you are probably shadowed from that signal at the present time. That will improve when the antenna is moved up to the top of the tower on May 19.

J Anderson:
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 12:10pm
TO LINDA in Viewer Services.

You missed the whole point above.

The first 4 lines of this entry 434 state!
"As filed with the Federal Communications Commission, our dates for cessation of Analog high-power program transmission are:
KTSC/Channel 8 - May 26, 2009 at midnight"

So the message continues and states that you are going to change DTV broadcast from Channel 26 to Channel 8 on 6/12/09.

QUESTION: WHY not broadcast on DTV Channel 8 before cutting off analog Channel 8?????

AntennaWeb states that I am only 3.1 miles 223 degrees (direction from the Channel 8 site. Still I receive no signal on channel 8 or channel 26.

You have had 5 years to fix things. Why now are you scrambling at the last minute to try to get things right!!! POOR PLANNING!!!

Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 1:48pm
Ref: "QUESTION: WHY not broadcast on DTV Channel 8 before cutting off analog Channel 8?????" It is my understanding that we cannot broadcast both analog and digital on the same frequency at the same time.

donnaw
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 › 9:02pm
i'm beginning to be concerned that the only time i'll get to see RMPBS is during fair weather. i'm really kinda bummed that i've been missing so much programming the past couple weeks because of problems and inability to access the site. i have a pretty low opinion of dtv so far....if you don't live right near a major broadcasting area you're screwed.

Mark Bell
Thursday, April 23, 2009 › 10:12am
On Thursday April 17 we were receiving
the signal on RF 47 somewhere above
70%. Our antenna is a 10' antenna in
the attic pointed south towards
Denver. We live near Trilby and
Lemay. Since then, we have received
nothing except a <30% signal every
now and then when checking.

John in LaPorte
Thursday, April 23, 2009 › 10:18am
QUOTE:
"donnaw
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9:02 p.m.
i have a pretty low opinion of dtv so far....if you don't live right near a major broadcasting area you're screwed."

If you expect to receive DTV via rabbit ears, then you are correct.

DTV is more difficult to receive. On the old analog system, you could get some kind of horrible picture on a very marginal antenna - DTV is either a good picture or not at all! Therefore, a lot of people will have to upgrade their antenna systems in order to receive some stations.

I live 64 mi from the Lookout Mt. antennas and 68 mi from KRMA and there is a high ridge sticking up in the way. I receive LOM stations well and will receive KRMA when their antenna is finally moved to the top of the tower. However, I have an adequate antenna system.

donnaw
Thursday, April 23, 2009 › 11:51am
If you expect to receive DTV via rabbit ears, then you are correct.
hmmm..did i say i'm using rabbit ears?

a brand new 109 mile radius antenna with VHF/UHF and a booster isn't exactly rabbit ears.

what is killing me is that the fort collins repeaters for both pbs stations are only running partial power. I'm pleased you're getting great reception but until everyone gets their repeaters up and going correctly and not so weather sensitive us folks in fort colins are out of luck.

Dick E
Thursday, April 23, 2009 › 12:39pm
Much of the hassle should "go away" when the analog stations "go away." This is because digital stations have to operate at reduced power to avoid interfering with those analog channels.

My initial question, however, was whether I should reorient or should simply replace my roof-mount antenna. That's never been addressed.

I'd never pay good money just to have the boob tube available, so cable or satellite is OUT! I've recently given away three perfectly good >20" color TV's because the two hours or so that I normally watch the tube each week just isn't worth losing the space they occupied. I use public TV channels mostly because they lull me to sleep, though sometimes it's interesting enough to watch. The blaring commercial TV stations don't interest me at all.

J Anderson
Thursday, April 23, 2009 › 12:45pm
To: Linda in Viewer Services :

The frequency for DTV is NOT the save frequency for old analog channels. One of the benefits of the DTV switch is to give Public Safety the old analog frequencies that analog TV is using.

Suggest someone at RMPBS go talk to the engineers and get the real story of why everyone is having problems receiving DTV and post an new update to your story. This story (this page) appears to be flawed with errors.

John in LaPorte
Thursday, April 23, 2009 › 1:10pm
QUOTE:
"donnaw
Thursday, April 23, 2009 11:51 a.m.
hmmm..did i say i'm using rabbit ears?

?a brand new 109 mile radius antenna with VHF/UHF and a booster ?

?fort collins repeaters for both pbs stations are only running partial power. "

There is no KBDI translator in FC!

Actually there was no indication of your location or setup.

You setup should be adequate to receive KRMA from Denver on May 19. Whether you can easily receive their FC translator can depend on your exact location. The transmitter antenna being used is very directional to the East and is a low power translator. I have great difficulty with it.

There is a separate blog for the FC translator "Horsetooth Mountain translator now functional" on the KRMA website that has some very good information on the problems up there.

Linda in Viewer Services
Friday, April 24, 2009 › 9:29am
To J Anderson:

According to the engineers here: You cannot have two transmitters operating on the same frequency at the same time and place.

In digital we assign channel numbers within the data stream that contains our programming, not by frequency.

Pat
Friday, April 24, 2009 › 8:33pm
I don't know if this is related to your transition but the sound is terrible when I record. There are hiccups every 15 seconds and I lose the continuity of the conversation. It is quite annoying. Please try to fix this.

Mark Bell
Saturday, April 25, 2009 › 9:19am
As of Saturday April 25 we are receiving
the signal on RF 47 at about 67%.

John in LaPorte
Saturday, April 25, 2009 › 10:20am
RF 47 is 20% and below 7.5 mi LOS at 15 degrees North North East of the tower. Nothing I can lock on to.

24 more days until the Mt. Morrison antenna goes on line from the top of the tower - HOPEFULLY!!!

Suzanne
Saturday, April 25, 2009 › 10:36am
One of my TV's just uses a regular antenna and I have the box hooked up and after the scan I get all channels except for Channel 6. What can I do? I live in Golden.

Jan Painter
Saturday, April 25, 2009 › 12:13pm
I can't seem to find out when KRMA has "Collect This! Collect This!" on their schedule. Can you tell me please? I would like to see the program.

Patrick Crow
Sunday, April 26, 2009 › 9:56am
I'm pleased to learn there are others who also enjoy the variety, flavors and nutritional benefits of Korean cuisine. My wife and I learned to love it when we lived in Taegu for two years.

suzanne
Monday, April 27, 2009 › 11:13pm
although we only watch pbs, so i did not need to buy a converter box yet, i did purchase one - and what do you know...channel six is the only channel we don't get! go figure. we live in central denver - please help, as i have no need to watch the stuff on the other channels. thank you!

John in LaPorte
Friday, May 1, 2009 › 9:39am
Suzanne in Golden:
Currently, you are almost certainly shadowed by the low placement of the KRMA antenna on Mt. Morrison.

After May 19 when they are scheduled to install a new antenna at the top of the tower and increase output power, you may be able to receive their signal unless you are located where you are completely blocked from Mt Morrison.

Suzanne in central Denver:
Large buildings between your location and Mt. Morrison can significantly block the signal. Large dense trees can also interfere with the digital signal. but not to the same degree as a building.

Again May 19 may do the trick for you. If not, you might post more information regarding your location (a nearby intersection) and what type antenna you are using and maybe someone can help out.

John

Celia T
Monday, May 4, 2009 › 9:33pm
This is for the RM PBS management: I will not be making a contribution this year due to the fact that I haven't been able to watch hardly any of my local RM PBS channel due to all the technical difficulties that are not even explained by staff. PBS is the only channel I watch most of the time on TV because it offers the most intelligent and interesting programming. As a RMPBS member for some years now, I am very disappointed as this is a total lack of planning.

Dr. Tara L. Zeleny
Thursday, May 7, 2009 › 12:02am
We have been in China and just returned to learn about the July 25th event and would like to become a member (or renew our membership) and obtain 2 tickets for the event.

We also would hope to bring a child's oak rolltop desk circa 1900 from Denver, given to us by a friend who enjoyed by a little girl long ago. It would be great to see the value.

How do we go about?
? renewing our membership
? getting two tickets for the July 25th show
? receiving an opportunity to have the 1900's child's desk from early Denver appraised on the show

Thank you for your help.

Tara

Thank you for your help. We look forward to seeing you on July 25th!

Dr. Tara

Susannah
Thursday, May 7, 2009 › 11:29am
Hello Dr. Tara,
You can pledge $400 for two Antiques Roadshow tickets by calling viewer services at 303-892-6666 or 800-274-6666 between 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri. Your membership will automatically be renewed by making a pledge for the tickets. You should contact Antiques Roadshow directly to ask about arrangements to get your desk appraised. They had a furniture submission deadline of April 20, 2009 so I'm not sure if they are still making arrangements for furniture. You can contact them at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/contactus.html.

Rod House
Saturday, May 9, 2009 › 4:10pm
I live in La Veta

1) On May 27th will you be broadcasting at maximum power? If NOT, when?
2) I've searched Antenna Web & can't find the location & compass heading for either CH 3 (LA Veta repeater) or CH 8 Pueblo antenna. Please help.

This transition is a complex operation, folks, my fall back position was/is to subscribe to Dish TV with locals so I can get PBS during the transition. I know that everyone can't necessarily afford that, but please cut the folks at PBS some slack! Threats aren't going to solve your problem.

800 character limit is too small!

Sheila May Cox
Sunday, May 10, 2009 › 11:48am
How does solar power compare with wind power in Colorado? I have a gas hot water heater and gas furnace, and air conditioner. Would Solar power run these gas appliances or must they all be replaced to run on electric solar power?

Jim McCauley
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 10:27am
For those of us who are having difficulty picking up the translator signal, would you please post a notice here when the upgraded Mount Morrison transmission facility goes "live" so that we will know when to rescan?

GE
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 2:49pm
Do I understand correctly that the planned May 19, 2009 Channel 6 (digital RF18) power increase/antenna relocation has been delayed to sometime in August 2009?

Dick B
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 3:22pm
To GE,

That's what the note at the top of this forum says. Quote:

"In August 2009, KRMA will increase power of our digital signal from our site on Mt. Morrison from 315kW ERP to 1,000kW (1MW or 1 million watts) We will also begin broadcasting with a new antenna from the top of the tower on Mt. Morrison which, coupled with the increase in power should resolve most of the signal reception problems our viewers experience with in our coverage area."

As I said before, RMPBS once asked if its viewers were ready for the Digital Transition.

I asked if RMBS was ready. It appears not. The evidence is clear!

Rob T
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 3:38pm
Wow, a three month slip communicated in a whisper just a little over a week before the deadline? Not very impressive, folks.

Karkus
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 3:43pm
Actually, the KRMA website said May (not August) just a few weeks ago for improved DT signal.
That means that after the June 12 shutoff, a large number of folks north of Denver won't get any KRMA (until August).
As for ever getting a real HD signal - forget about it. Their auxiallary 6.2, 6.3 and 6.5 channels are sucking away bandwidth from the main 6.1 channel, so even when they start carrying a widescreen version of 6.1, it's going to be pixellated (just like 9.1 -see AVS Forum OTA Denver for a discussion on this). KRMA will be wasting OUR money on HD programming, but they won't have the bitrate required to properly transmit it to us.

I am a KRMA member, but they won't get my renewal until they go full power in August, and until they get rid of one of their subchannels.

Dick B
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 4:19pm
To Karkus,
I'm not sure that RMPBS (KRMA, etc.) will be bit-rate limited with one HD and two SD channels and audio feed. In Colorado Springs, we have commercial stations broadcasting one HD and two SD channels and they all look great. I'm not sure what the bit-rate for the RMPBS audio broadcast is, but for voice, 64 kbit/s would be ok and 128 kbit/s would not add much. I listen to the BBC Radio 7 programs streamed on the net, which are almost all voice, and at 64 kbit/s they're just fine. Now, if they start music broadcasts, that's something different. One might need at least 256 kbit/s for nice stereo fidelity.

Digital tv is broadcast over the air at somewhat greater than 19 Megabits/s.
Other things cause pixillation such as receiver signal strength.

My beef is RMPBS is very late w/ DTV

John in LaPorte
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 4:36pm
Apparently, the translator is now operating at designed power.

The UPDATE at the top of this page no longer mentions anything about operating at reduced power.

Therefore, we can only assume that if we are not receiving the translator, we must hope for increased power and height from the Mt. Morrison facility.

John

Linda in Viewer Services
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 4:54pm
The Horsetooth Mountain translator is operating at 70 to 75% strength, which should reach most of Fort Collins. We will be running more examinations on it in the near future and hope to have it back to full strength at that time.

John in LaPorte
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 4:56pm
It looks like August at the earliest!

FROM:
UPDATE: Our DTV transition plan
In August 2009, KRMA will increase power of our digital signal from our site on Mt. Morrison from 315kW ERP to 1,000kW...

Sounds like a project manager needs motivation!!!!!!!

Linda in Viewer Services
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 5pm
Hi, John. Unfortunately, motivation is not a sufficient substitute for back-ordered equipment. We will be operating at full power as soon as can do so. Thank you for all your help.

Nick P
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 5:53pm
To Dick B,
I think Karkus concern is that all the SD channels reduce the HD quality. That 19+ Mbps data rate is split over multiple channels. More SD channels = fewer bits/sec for HD. And bit rate reductions makes a huge difference in HD quality. Check out the AVS forum on Comcast and how its compression is affecting HD programs. See
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271&page=63

So I echo Karkus concern. PBS should stop being all things to all people, at least for their marquis programs like Nova, Nature, American Experience, Mystery (oops, I meant Masterpiece Theatre. Grrr Programming, another source of heartburn. I'm sick of Antiques Roadshow, auctions, "member favorites", and constant begging - Bring back PBS of old!).

Dick B
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 8:22pm
Nick P:
This forum has been about Over the Air reception of RMPBS, not cable. Agreed, increasing the number of channels on a single frequency can degrade picture quality (PQ) by reducing the color depth and/or smear resolution. In some markets Comcast is putting 3 HD channels per frequency, reducing PQ, instead of 2. A single cable freq supports 38.8 Mbits/s, so 2 full 19.4 Mbits/s HD signals can occupy 1 cable freq. The AVS forum notes that Comcast does not recompress local broadcast channels. The quality of the TV set also effects PQ.

Everyone has different tastes and it's not likely that any 1 channel will satisfy them all the time. That's why TV sets have on-off switches and the ability to tune different channels.

Dick B
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 8:40pm
Re. Nick P's comments on beg-a-thons, etc.

One of the problems RMPBS has with is beg-a-thon programming is it's mostly the same stuff repeated over and over. This includes doo wop music, John Denver, Suze Orman, and various life style/psychoanalytical gurus. When beg-a-thons come on, I figure I will not watch RMPBS for two weeks. And now RMPBS is asking each member to give $53 more to shore up its bank account.

If RMPBS wants fewer, more successful beg-a-thons, the programming must be new and interesting stuff that a majority of viewers will watch. Currently, only those folks who watch the beg-a-thons consistently must want to watch that same stuff for the 20th time. They need to expand the audience.

Maybe RMPBS needs to look into commercials between programs. None during programs!

Dick E
Monday, May 11, 2009 › 9:19pm
There's no point in griping about such minor details. Nobody will listen until the dontations stop ... and I don't just mean slow down ...

Clark A
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 6:24am
We had no news (News Hour with Jim Lehrer) On analog 6.
Is your DTV antenna moved from the ice bridge to the tower? If not, when will that happen? When that does happen will you continue to broadcast on RF18 for a while? In northeast Longmont we get zero KRMA-DTV signal.

S. Gray
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 1:13pm
What is the signal power of the translator on Horsetooth Mtn.? I am also interested in knowing what the signal footprint is, as I am trying to find a way for my parents to continue viewing Rocky Mnt. PBS (they are unable to receive the signal from Mt. Morrison [the signal footprint faces away from them], but can receive other signals from up near Ft. Collins).

John in LaPorte
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 2:20pm
You can view the coverage area of the Mt. Morrison transmitter when it finally goes full power at this url: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1248487.html

The coverage area for the Horsetooth Translator is at this url:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1287498.html

The Horsetooth Translator is low power licensed for 10 kW ERP according to FCC records.

If your parents have been receiving a good signal from KRMA Analog, chances are pretty good that they will be able to receive the Mt. Morrison digital signal when it goes full power with their new antenna.

If you get on this forum:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793003&page=210
and give your approximate location, there a lot of very knowledgeable people onther who will help you out.

Ruth Maguire
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 4:03pm
Would a voluntary change to viewing the monthly schedule on the rmpbs.org site or via the email like Rocky Mountain PBS E-News be a significant cost-cutter from printing the monthly Promo?

Dan Doran
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 4:07pm
Why doesn't KRMA digital channels 6-1, 6-2 or 6-3 supply program info to TiVo? Your analog channel 6 has programming info, but the digital channels (which I can receive currently in Boulder), do not. This means I can only record PBS programs in standard definition from CH 6 and not in HD from 6.1 . If it's not fixed by next month, it also means I won't be able to record any of your programs next month. Since I watch all of your programs delayed on my TiVo box, not having the programming info means I'll never know what's on KRMA. This has been an issue from the start with your digital channels. Thanks for any help.

Dan D

William Loftis
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 4:09pm
You should consider giving the option to get schedule info via the web site by providing an opt-out for the printed Promo. Our church does this with our bi-weekly newsletter.

Joan Bloom
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 4:22pm
I think getting rid of the Promo is a good idea. But, I wonder how many folks out there don't have computers - and how that might effect them. I like the idea of people being able to choose to opt out or not. I for one, would.

Carolyn Cyr
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 4:22pm
Thank you so much for your diligence
in keeping RMPS up and running.
I can't imagine television without
PBS. Keep up the good work.
Carolyn and Al Cyr

Elizabeth
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 4:28pm
We now offer an electronic version of Promo. Sign up for e-promo at rmpbs.org/promo and help us save money and trees! Thank you for your support.

G. Kuhn
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 5:01pm
I don't know the details of your operating budget and funding sources, but I think it's time to analyze your too frequent online membership drives. I'm sure a lot of money is spent to put together the special "shows" you air; I would rather see the effort/resources be spent on shows that are your trademark, like Nova, Nature, Masterpiece Theater, American Experience, shows with local flavor (Spirit of Colorado), etc. Frankly, I'm really tired of seeing endless repetitions of Doo Wop, Celtic Women, John Denver, Andre Rieu, etc., etc. Rather give me good realistic weekly programming and provide multiple opportunities to view or tape these shows.

John W
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 5:16pm
After carefully reorienting my directional VHF/UHF antenna toward Mount Morrison in January, digital reception of KRMA has been acceptable most of the time. However, in the last few days, the signal has deteriorated to the point that I've been forced to watch the analog signal. Today the digital signal is extremely poor, with severe pixelation, total dropouts, and unusable audio. I would really appreciate a web page containing real-time technical information regarding transmission problems so I don't have to climb the ladder and play with the antenna in futile attempts to improve reception. Since the probability of lightning strikes generally increases in June, I would rather not be up there in the period between the analog transmitter shutdown and the August completion of the transition.

Rob T
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 5:38pm
To Dan Doran -
KRMA schedule updates go to the Tribune Company, which powers Tivo's guide, and that works well for my DirecTV Tivo. I suspect your problem is because you're getting KRMA on 24-x in Boulder, and the Tivo doesn't know to map that to the 6.x channels it knows about. This is a Tivo problem, and as a Tivo user with an active account, you can submit a trouble report to Tivo and get this fixed. From tivo.com, go to the Support tab, then to "Issues with my DVR", and find the link that says "Channels missing or incorrect in guide". They say it takes a week or so to resolve issues.

Larry
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 5:52pm
In June we will lose your signal, and we can't pick up PBS from Colorado Springs from where we live. Asking us to contribute even more is not very appropriate. Sadly, we will be the forgotten ones. It looks like we have to part ways (and contributions). Aloha.

Kelly
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 5:53pm
We love RMPBS! And, I just discovered the auction this year and was looking forward to next years! We haven't been in the best finacial position the past few years, so we haven't been able to donate...we hope to in the future. You are a great channel with great shows! Thank you!

Nick P
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 6:25pm
Dick B,
A couple of questions on your post:
1. Agree with you up to a point - The Forum focuses on OTA, but DTV conversion and operations affect the viewer experience regardless of source at home. I'm wondering, how does cable get the RMPBS feed? OTA? Satellite? Fiber? Microwave?
2. Regardless of feed, isn't the data rate still 19+ Mbps? So, if there is multiple SD programming, the HD program loses bits and thus suffers quality. So if RMPBS is chewing up bit rate with SD we can expect less than optimum HD performance regardless of our source. Grrrr. Is that a fair statement?
Cheers

Nick P
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 6:30pm
Did anyone catch PBS Mystery Sunday evening (Channel 8)? I viewed it primarily over cable but switched to OTA periodic to check that it wasn't a cable artifact. Let's just say the video was less than steller. There were periodic pixelization and audio dropout errors that occurred with alarming frequency (every 5-10 minutes it seems). Also, the overall picture quality was poor, very noisy (I have analog cable - but it wasn't great OTA either). Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else had poor picture quality and if so, how did you view the program (e.g. OTA, Cable, etc.).
I'm curious: If RMBPS would drop their SD programming until cut-over and concentrate on X.1 channel programming, would things be operating a little smoother?
Cheers

EnvEngr
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 6:47pm
I agree with Nick P's questions, which I think are valid. I asked the same question about how Comcast gets their signal back on April 2 and have yet to see RMPBS respond with an answer. Why is it that all of the commercial stations don't seem to be having these kinds of problems?

David Mosier
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 › 8:37pm
enjoyed this brief "program" - thanks! I've seen his work around Grand Jct, but had never seen him. He's a fine sculptor.

Pam
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 8:02am
I add my agreement to this comment:

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 5:01 p.m.
I don't know the details of your operating budget and funding sources, but I think it's time to analyze your too frequent online membership drives. I'm sure a lot of money is spent to put together the special "shows" you air; I would rather see the effort/resources be spent on shows that are your trademark, like Nova, Nature, Masterpiece Theater, American Experience, shows with local flavor (Spirit of Colorado), etc. Frankly, I'm really tired of seeing endless repetitions of Doo Wop, Celtic Women, John Denver, Andre Rieu, etc., etc. Rather give me good realistic weekly programming and provide multiple opportunities to view or tape these shows.

Jack
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 11:13am
When the going gets tough...etc.

To get going, perhaps rethinking liaisons with program sources outside the normal PBS sphere would help. There are multinational program sources outside of the usual (but nonetheless good) BBC, etc., that might offer totally new types of fare.

E.g., the Eurovision music event (pop music song contest...more viewers than the Superbowl and Oscars combined, worldwide) might be available through the BBC or other non-commercial sources. It's outside the box and could be combined with subscriber solicitation. Or, let people subscribe to these piecemeal on your new digital "sideband" (6.1, 6.2, etc.) stations. People may want to pick and choose, but only from a newer, more international (and fresher!) selections. Things like MI-5, though good, aren't new.

Kay Shaw
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 1:17pm
Thanks for all that you all do. We understand the need to cut cost and want to help too. We would be happy to receive Promo on line, if you could just run the Featured Programs pages as a separate section. I have an idea about the "regularly" scheduled shows but am especially interested in printing the two pages of the Featured Programs to have by my TV. Thanks for asking.

Bill H.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 3:09pm
EnvEngr:

Channel 4 (digital) has that problem for me. According to a CH 4 engineer, they are having a problem with the antenna pattern; specifically, the portion in my direction is bad. BTW, not one of the other three stations from that same tower have a problem at my home.

I suspect RMPBS is no different, as they try to get new patterns set, optimized, and such.

Still your point is well taken; where is the information about what's going on? I keep wanting to crawl on the roof to adjust an otherwise perfectly working antenna! And, I still can't get CH 6 DTV at all!

Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 4:49pm
Colorado is well suited for both solar- and wind-generated power. Solar-generated electricity would not work well with appliances that were designed to use gas. I'm not aware of any way to adapt gas-powered appliances to run on electricity. There are methods of using solar energy directly to heat water and houses as well as heat exchange appliances which both heat and cool which do not involve electricity.

Nick P
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 4:56pm
It seems to me a lot of technically savvy people are out here (OK, geeks - I being one of them, know a little about RF propagation, satellite communications, OTA, am pretty handy with test equipment like spectrum analyzers, power meters, etc.). So why not send out some details that satisfy the curiosity of those of us with tech backgrounds? After all, it would be most unfortunate if EnvEngr or Bill H accidently fell off the roof "adjusting" an antenna when there was no need to be up there (i.e. maintenance activities at the transmitter is really causing the "problem").

Clark A
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 5:44pm
Today, is KRMA-DT broadcast from the ice bridge or tower?

Lois Nelson
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 › 6:19pm
If I watch TV at all, it's primarily PBS. I thank you for your terrific programming! Although, my computer isn't functioning now, I have been getting e-promo by accessing a computer at the public library. I want to agree with two former suggestions: 1. Let's try forming some multi-national liasons with TV programming; 2. Even though I've participated in your membership drives several times in the past, perhaps we could come up up with a more cost effective way to get new members and keep loyal members. When I am able, I will continue to support PBS monetarily.

Vanessa Coats
Thursday, May 14, 2009 › 11:08pm
We have 2 public television stations in Colorado. Wouldn't it be more efficient if you joined forces?

Ryan
Friday, May 15, 2009 › 9:57am
Kay,
Ask and you shall receive. There is a separate "Featured Program" PDF that can be downloaded at
rmpbs.org/promo. The link is underneath the e-promo graphic along with the full schedule and a primetime only version. Thank you for your support!

elaine elzia
Friday, May 15, 2009 › 1:44pm
i am a volunteer at pbs and i would like to know what will happen with the people that i have worked with after your reorganization. will you be putting these people back to work for you rather than hiring new workers. i am upset about the loss of people that i have worked with for the past two years.

Lynn Buschhoff
Friday, May 15, 2009 › 5:28pm
I'm not well-versed in funding for non-profits, but I am always amazed at the amount of paper and postage they use. I have discontinued some non-profits for clogging my mailbox, Is there a way that only those who request it, receive their promos and membership renewals by snail mail? Would a simple, silent statement posted regularly, reminding people that good programming is not free. be as effective? I am of the boomer generation that was brainwashed by really clever ads. I think such a thing would work for PBS. Also, though I know that there are those who may watch in the wee hours of the morning,but- would cutting from a 24 hour broadcast save any money? Do you know what shows bring in the most viewers? What shows can you not afford to cut?- eg. lose the Newshour, lose me.

Dixie Gordon
Sunday, May 17, 2009 › 7:47am
I am very interested in seeing a wildlife carved totem pole - also would like to know the pricing. Not interested in the very contemporary pieces but more natural looking ones. Excellent work!!

elaine elzia
Monday, May 18, 2009 › 1:37pm
i see new people doing the same jobs as the ones that were fired--why then did you fire the original people? i have loved pbs for a long time and been a volunteer but i am very disappointed to see new people doing the jobs of those that were fired.

John in LaPorte
Monday, May 18, 2009 › 3:01pm
It looks like the translator has gone into limp mode.

It was fine yesterday, but today it is up and mostly down.

John in LaPorte
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 9:42am
No signal from RF47 at all today!!!!!!

mina kidd
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 4:39pm
I will be upset for you to do Promo only online. I will have to print the whole thing out and it will be a mess to keep by my TV. I go thru my Promo daily and as soon as I get a new one. I mark in red what I want to see so that I don't miss an Indep Lens or POV, etc. Your small format fits perfectly in my space and is much easier to use than a bunch of 8 1/2 X 11 sheets. I give $15 a month and will make it $16 if that will cover the cost of MY promo. I NEED it badly.

Larry McLaughlin
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 4:40pm
Most of the time it just sits on the coffee table.

Dave Webster
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 4:42pm
E Promo would be great for me. I hope it has the Create schedule on it.

I currently get the enews.

joanne thompson
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 5:03pm
Yes, yes, yes I use Promo and want to keep receiving it. Thankyou.

Phil Norton
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 5:10pm
I have signed up for the electronic version twice and still haven't seen a thing! ??

Barbara & Bill Martin
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 5:13pm
Our computer is in the basement and the TV is upstairs in the family room, so it is not convenient to go to the cellar for Promo.

As for a reliable program source, the computer doesn't always work - so Promo would be unavailable.

We much prefer a printed Promo on which we regularly highlight "not to miss" programs and help plan our week's activities.

I fully understand RMPBS' need to raise more money and reduce expenses.
We live on a fixed income and cannot contribute more than at present. Our preference is to cut expenses.

Let's stop spending money on "Doo-Wop" and similar low-value re-re-reruns.
How about shutting down the station at night. There simply cannot be a meaningful number of viewers between 12 midnight and 5am.

Thanks.
-Bill and Barbara Martin

beth bowman
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 5:51pm
Online is good for me

Theresa Kozney
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 6:27pm
I check the online schedule and use the 'remind me' so that I don't need to write it down.

Clliff Malmquist
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 6:29pm
I don't have a problem with the email version. I never did make a habit of checking Promo dduring the day to see what would be on. Now when I receive an email, I might glance through it early in the day and then try and remember that there is something I want to tune into that evening.... Aside from that, the odds are that when I turn the TV on, I go right to Ch. 6 no matter.....

Elizabeth Galles
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 6:31pm
I think that a CHOICE is the best solution. Although the e-promo version would be fine for me, many folks do not have internet access. Please continue to send the printed magazine to them. I am sure that the amount you will save with many people choosing the online Promo will make a difference. However, I have requested the e-promo 3 times now, and still have not received it. Better get that problem resolved or all of us e-promo folks will be going back to the paper version which has always been a reliable programming source guide.

donna mcfadden
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 7:24pm
i have now switched to the internet version. i was very worried i would miss some of my favorites, but in fact the whole evening program page shown in a monthly format was FABULOUS. certainly
not a choice if no internet, but it has worked for me. thank you for the choice.

Teresa McMullin
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 9:06pm
No need to print this online. Don't remember being offered Promo, but don't need it. We get the schedule weekly through our Sunday paper television section. That is enough. I already get the weekly e-news.

Rosemary Scheuering
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 › 11:29pm
I want the printed Promo as I use it daily, often more than once a day. I don't turn my computer on all the time.

Clark A
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 › 6:11am
May 19 2009 came and went. Did anything happen with the KRMA-DT antenna?

My signal in northeast Longmont is still ZERO!

R Selos
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 › 9:09am
While I rarely look at Promo during the month, in my opinion it would be a mistake to stop printing it. I enjoy the weekly emails the most. But as someone said earlier, if printing the schedule were required, it would be scattered all over the place and never get read. I'm for keeping Promo!

Rose Dobler
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 › 9:16am
We will be moving to Kenya, but when I am here I actually read more on line than the book- I usually read the first page or two and that all I get to. Thanks for an awesome station and programs.

CIndy Berriosros
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 › 9:16am
I love Promo. As soon as I receive it, I mark all the programs that I want to see so that I can either watch it when it airs or tape it and watch it at another time. I don't have a computer at home so I love to have Promo. In fact, if you cancel Promo, I will not renew my subscription.

Kay Shaw
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 › 2:45pm
I use Promo but am willing to try the on line version. It is important to make the print as small, but still readable so that we all won't be wasting "tons" of our paper. In doing the Featured Program part, please don't put in colors, it just costs us more. Or another thought is to ask people who want an on line version to pay extra. Thanks for asking!

Don
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 10:14am
Mr. Doug Price
It is well understood that KRMA is in the same economic downturn as the rest of us. However, many of the problems you currently face were caused by bad decisions on the part of KRMA management and the Board of Directors. KRMA bailed out of the Lake Cedar group tower on Lookout Mountain due to pressure from CARE. Now you are facing similar threats from the same group over your plans on Mt. Morrison

Just two weeks ago, You slipped the date for full power from Mt. Morrison from 5/19 to August sometime maybe. That is the result of failure to properly manage that project.

These issues are directly the responsibility of management and the Board.

The bottom line is that many people who have been supporters are "FED UP" with your constant inability to follow up on projections.

Doug Price
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 1:50pm
Thanks to all of you who have participated in this conversation. Your constructive criticism is essential to our ambition to continuously improve our product and our efficiency. With your continued involvement, we will work to address the challenges we face. Every business makes mistakes, and we have a lot to learn. To those of you who have reached out and shared positive feedback, we are grateful for your support. Glad to have so many loyal friends.

Gillian
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 2:02pm
Hello all - I haven't been able to receive digital PBS in Colorado Springs for over 2 weeks. I bought a new antenna - power boosted and UHF/VHF, etc. and still can't get anything. Am I right in thinking I have to sit tight until June 12th before I'll get my signal back? Gillian

Dick B
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 3:41pm
Gillian,
Lots of reasons for your prob. KTSC D comes in fine for me in NW CS.

Where do you live? Do you receive the other CS digital channels? If not, check all your cables. If so, select the signal strength meter for one of these and adjust the position and direction of the antenna for maximum signal and look for CH 8.1. Have you rescanned your converter box or digital TV? If not, get a maximum signal for a CS station and rescan. Power amplified antennas sometimes put out too much power and the signal is lost in the noise, so turn off the amp. If you're using a converter box's RF out to a TV's antenna in, make sure the TV is set for CH 3 if that's what's set on the converter box assuming you can't get any digital stations. If using RCA cables, make sure your TV is set for EXT input.

Jean Tillotson
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 4:05pm
I miss the Promo and wondered where it went. I always go through it to seewhat is coming. I would like to receive it on the internet (although I always liked to hold it in my hands and thumb through it several times.) I have missed some programs I wanted to see, but did not have the "Promo". I would be glad to have it again, even on the internet.

Jean Tillotson
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 4:06pm
I miss the Promo and wondered where it went. I always go through it to seewhat is coming. I would like to receive it on the internet (although I always liked to hold it in my hands and thumb through it several times.) I have missed some programs I wanted to see, but did not have the "Promo". I would be glad to have it again, even on the internet.

A Simmons
Thursday, May 21, 2009 › 6:38pm
Your digital signal is extremely weak. You have stated in your info ads that anyone capable of receiving the analog signal will receive the digital; this is patently false. Most viewers outside the metro area will now be abandoned. You have destroyed your credibility and the good will of your viewers - good luck.

John in LaPorte
Friday, May 22, 2009 › 9:23am
My signal strength is back to 60% since 10:00 AM yesterday 5/22.

I'm hoping that something was done at the translator.

Otherwise KRMA will probably go dark for me once the weather changes again.

Nick P
Friday, May 22, 2009 › 10:03pm
I've noticed multipath interference on Ch 8 on Comcast cable in Colo Spgs lately. The OTA signal is strong enough to interfere with the cable signal. A major problem when living closer to Cheyenne Mtn, now its in Briargate. So two questions:
1. Why can't RMPBS request that Comcast move KTSC-8 to another channel (like swap Ch 7 and Ch 8)? They do this for Channel 11 (its Ch 10 on cable) probably for that reason. I asked Comcast about a Ch 8 swap and they said no.
2. Failing a channel swap, will digital signals over cable and OTA eliminate this problem?
BTW all connections are tight, next thing to do - terminate all cable connections w/75 ohm dummy loads. OTA signal leakage may be through unterminated jacks BTW, OTA signal is OK, multipath only occurs on cable.

LKS
Friday, May 22, 2009 › 10:31pm
Those are priceless!! Super School News obviously provides a fabulous experience for elementary students in Colorado. Thanks, Rocky Mountain PBS, for producing such a great local program allowing kids to have such memorable experiences.

John in LaPorte
Saturday, May 23, 2009 › 11:51am
Nick P
I do not think your Comcast problem is related to the KTSC-DT OTA signal which is still being broadcast on UHF channel 26 until June 12 at which time, they will broadcast on VHF channel 8.

QUOTE FROM HEADER STORY:
"On June 12, 2009 KTSC will change the transmitted channel from our interim 26 back to broadcast channel 8."

Presently, the data stream tells your TV tuner to display channel 8.
If you enter 26 from your remote, you will automatically see channel 8.
UHF channel 26 is at 542-548 Mhz
VHF channel 8 is at 180-186 Mhz

Your thought to install 75 ohm terminators on any open cable connectors is a good idea to prevent spurious signal leakage.

Nick P
Saturday, May 23, 2009 › 5:37pm
John in La Porte,
Thanks for the note. Analog Ch 8 is still being broadcast but I'm not sure if from Cheyenne Mtn or the shared transmitter tower (with KOAA Ch 5/30) north of Pueblo. The digital signal is on Ch 26, but not received here since I don't have an ATSC tuner, only NTSC. I'm reasonably certain there's multipath, since the OTA analog signal is OK, i.e. the ghosts/wavy intereference disappears. Quality is not digital quality (to be expected given my simple analog set-up) but better than cable. Hopefully digital transition will also improve cable Ch 8 service. We'll see. Now, if RMBPS would devote the entire HD bit stream to primetime marquis programs (e.g. Nova, Mystery, American Experience, etc.) and drop SD channels ... That's a topic for another post.

John in LaPorte
Saturday, May 23, 2009 › 8:29pm
Nick P
"...since the OTA analog signal is OK, i.e. the ghosts/wavy intereference disappears. ..."

I did miss the fact that CH 8 analog was still live in CS.

Wavy interference is usually caused by a strong FM signal and ghosting would be multipath. However, since you get a clean analog signal OTA, that seems to suggest that either some spurious signal is being picked up by your cable box either from your own system or from an outside source. Do your neighbors get clean cable reception on Comcast CH 8?

Get an ATSC tuner, You will be pleased at the improvement over analog.

I'm 63+ miles north of the Denver towers (2 edge deflection) and always had ghosting, FM and electrical interference on analog. Digital is MUCH better.

Nick P
Sunday, May 24, 2009 › 10:25am
John P
Oh yeah, digital is definitely in the cards. Its just a matter of time, will, and $$$. I had this same problem at another location in Colo Spgs and it was much worse since I lived closer to Cheyenne Mtn. Calls to the cable company were fruitless. They kept trying to sell me digital service and not address the real problem. There was never any diagnostics/ fault analysis done. Grrrrr. A background in satcom O&M made that attitude and lack of technical knowledge annoying. I'm thinking satellite and OTA for local channels is the way to go. Wish we had fiber to the house like they do in some places. *sigh* Or, if I had the space - a C/Ku-Band direct satellite feed system would be even better. Maybe someday ...
Cheers

GE
Monday, May 25, 2009 › 9:15am
Nick P

The KTSC, Channel 8, analog signal (A8) will be turned off permanently on Tuesday, May 26. The pre-transition digital channel RF26 (displays as 8.1,8.2, etc.) will continue to broadcast thru or just before June 12 at which time the digital signal is planned to transition and be broadcast on RF8. A rescan of one's DTV or digital converter box will be needed to reprogram the channel memory to receive D8 orginating from RF8.

Thus, your suspected multipath interference on cable 8 should disappear after 5/26 if there is such interference. John in LaPorte's comments on the interfernece patterns are correct.

ed
Monday, May 25, 2009 › 10:26am

I live in Del Norte, 30 miles west of Alamosa. Your analog signal on channel 41 varieas from good to poor to absent in recent weeks. I get no digital signals when I scan.

When is your digital transition for me, where is the translator, and what digital channel?

Thanks

iI

jg
Monday, May 25, 2009 › 10:27am
1. OK, am NO tekkie, only a Senior Citizen in Woodland Park with limited income, old TV, rabbit ears & RF modulator. Got the converter box, but today only Spanish language 48.1 & .2 came in, LESS than when I tried it out last October and two majors came in. Have never got PBS (ch.8), which is about all I watch (not often). ANY VERY LOW-COST NON-TEKKIETALK-TYPE SUGGESTIONS (in addition to new antenna)?

2. From where does W'Park receive transmission, and WHEN will full power be operative for it? Will it then work for me?

3. My comment about RMPBS's transition? I think its done quite a poor job. Looks like its STILL not fully ready, and won't be for months yet (August?!), and ditching UHF (and me) before its federally necessary.

Thanks for any help someone can give.

Carol
Monday, May 25, 2009 › 2:58pm
I love the paper copy that it sent in the USPS mail. I do not always want to turn on my computer and like having promo handy as I flip through it in bed before I fall a sleep or wake up at have a look while I eat lunch. I leave it on my coffee table all month.

Rod House
Monday, May 25, 2009 › 4:28pm
Wow, a question I might be able to help on! ed: You seem to be in a similar situation to me. I live in La Veta and can get PBS on the repeater channel (CH 3 here.) I assume your CH 41 is a repeater like our CH 3. There is no requirement for broadcasters to convert low power (Which our repeater channels are) transmissions to digital at this time. So, when I called KTSC in Pueblo, they had no clue as to when (or if?) they might convert the repeaters to digital. So, my understanding is that we will experience no significant change for possibly months or years. We will continue to get analog PBS on our local repeater channel until they change it to digital sometime in the future.

Hope this helps.

David
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 › 9:03am
I agree but at the same time disagree.

Barrak Obama
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 › 9:06am
Yes we can!

Bush
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 › 9:07am
We'll just solve our problems with nukes!

vic
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 › 12:32pm
Now that ktsc is digital only I can't get 26 [8-1] on my digital tv but can get everything on my analog tv through the converter. box. I have been told that with a new transmitter supplying more power a week from now my problem will be gone. I live in Crowley, 67 miles from the transmitter. Any comments?

KB
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 › 1:08pm
jg,

First, Woodland Park receives its signals from Cheyenne Mountain, just east of Pikes Peak. Unless you try to receive something from Denver, which is to the north or northwest.

The weather the past few days has been rainy, foggy, and altogether bad for DTV reception. To get KTSC now, rescan, or try tuning it to channel 26. If your converter box lets you, but just presents a blank or blocky screen, press the Display (or Info) button, and try moving your rabbit ears around so that the signal strength meter (which may be numbers, bars, or a graph) is as high as you can get it.

If that doesn't work, try it again later this week when the weather's better. If that doesn't work, you can opt to wait 2 or 3 weeks until KTSC moves to channel 8, or get a better antenna.

Good luck!

jg
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 › 5:39pm
Thanks Rod, Vic, and KB for your help -- Rod & Vic, don't know if my situation involves a "repeater" (KB, is Cheyenne Mtn. one?), but all I get analog on-screen is a message to tune to 8.1 (which doesn't scan in with the converter box). KB, thanks for the advice regarding weather & signal strength meter (not very high & am not sure how to "tune to channel 26" -- do you mean use that rather than 3?) -- and to all of you for the encouraging words about not having to wait until August for the new transmitter. Am certainly looking into a new antenna - just hope I don't have to hoist this elderly body up on the roof!
jg.

John in LaPorte
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 › 11:46am
jg QUOTE:
...am not sure how to "tune to channel 26" -- do you mean use that rather than 3?)...

You should leave the TV tuned to CH3 and use the remote for your converter box to tune CH26. Just punch in 26 and then take a look at the signal strength while moving your antenna if you have access to it.

Hope this helps.

rod House
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 › 12:50pm
Well, any time I think I know something, I'm likely to find out I don't! In La Veta I have zero PBS signal. The repeater is apparently shut down & with my best antenna there is no digital signal from Pueblo. I didn't expect the Pueblo digital signal to be there yet, but nothing the Pueblo PBS folks told me indicated that they would be shutting the repeater down. I can only assume that by 6/12 they will be sending an analog signal to the repeater?

Sorry to have misled anyone.

vic
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 › 4:02pm
If you need an antenna that will pick up signals from a long range, I recommend looking at Radio Shacxk. I found my new antenna there and it is rated at 90 miles -vhf and 70 miles uhf. It cost me about $65 and works great.

Jan
Thursday, May 28, 2009 › 6:40am
We're in Walsenburg, on Bresnan cable, and as of Tuesday night, May 26, we're getting on channel 8 no audio and programming we've never seen before, sometimes identified as V ME on the screen where a network/channel logo would typically appear. Any suggestions?

Deborah
Thursday, May 28, 2009 › 10:54am
What a great learning experience and confidence builder for the kids. Keep up the good work RMPBS!

vic
Thursday, May 28, 2009 › 3:18pm
What you are getting is the spanish programming channel for PB S. In additionto the regular PBS channel you should also get the Create channel, 8.3

habeas
Thursday, May 28, 2009 › 4:26pm
We live in southwest Longmont and have a converter box, rabbit ears, and an analog TV. I can't get any signal on our converter box whether I try channels 6, 8, 18, or 26, no matter how I move my antenna and no matter how many times I try to add channels with auto-tune or manually. Any suggestions? Any insider knowledge about Longmont area coverage during this transition time?

John in LaPorte
Thursday, May 28, 2009 › 5:24pm
habeas

Unfortunately, Longmont is shadowed from Mt. Morrison by 2 buildings and a ridge with the current Broadcast Channel 18 antenna located on the ice bridge (a safety structure to shield cabling from the transmitter building to the tower).

I believe broadcast channel 24 is the translator in Boulder, but if your Set Top Box doesn't pick it up on a channel re-scan, you probably can't receive it at your location with rabbit ears. Be sure your rabbit ears are designed to receive UHF channels 14 -69 or you won't get KRMA.

Channel 8 and 26 are in Colorado Springs so you don't have a chance of receiving them on rabbit ears.

Unfortunately, KRMA will not move the antenna onto the tower until about August 10. Therefore, some folks like you will lose KRMA from June 12 until then.

Nick P
Thursday, May 28, 2009 › 7:13pm
KTSC has shut off its analog Ch 8 broadcast per the schedule above and sure enough - no analog signal on my old TV. However with the TV hooked to cable Ch 8 picture quality is much, much better than it used to be on the cable connection (sometimes it was so bad, I'd transfer to over the air broadcast). Multipath interference is gone and in general quality is very good. Quite an improvement. Now, let's see what happens with respect to digital noise artifacts.
Cheers

Dawn
Saturday, May 30, 2009 › 9:03am
I am confused. For channel 6 it states above June 12, July12, Aug 2009. I live on Green Mtn and can not get Chnl 6 at all. My antenna has 74%, rescanned lots, no Chnl 6 :(. REALLY miss my shows, how can I receive difital chnl6 now? Anyway you can move up that Aug date?

GE
Saturday, May 30, 2009 › 12:52pm

Dawn:

It is my understanding that due to digital equipment delivery delays, Channel 6 will not complete the full power digital transmitting system on Mt. Morrison until August 2009. Thus, they are broadcasting their low power digital signal on channel 18 (virtual channel 6) until the new digital system is in place.

The analog signal from Lookout Mountain will be broadcast till July 12. However, regular programming will cease sometime on June 12 to be replaced by "nightlight" service. i.e., instructions on how to receive digital service, emergency information, etc. Channel 4 will also do the same thing. All other stations analog signals will cease on June 12.

If you presently receive digital 14, you will likely receive digital 6 in August as both xmit from Mt. Morrison

John in LaPorte
Monday, June 1, 2009 › 12:49pm
My signal has been steady at 60% since 5/21.

Thank You to the techs who went up the mountain and got the translator working correctly.

John

Theresa
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 › 8:36pm
For a time the digital signal seemed to be fine then for some reason when I try to change to next channel it goes to a partial signal on the same channel and I have to hit the button twice to advance to the next broadcast channel. Both boxes do the same thing. Any suggestions?

GE
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 › 8:54pm

Theresa

Can you describe what you mean by "partial signal".

Also, are you in the Colorado Springs/Pueblo area, the Denver/Boulder area, or Ft. Collins area, or Steamboat Springs, or Grand Junction area, or watching on one of the translators around the region?

And are you watching channel 8.1 or channel 6.1 and receiving that channel OK? Is the partial signal on #.2, #.3 or #.5?

Theresa and GE
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 › 12:23am
We are just east of Durango. We are still receiving an analog signal as well as a digital signal for kRMU over the air. Channel 20.1, 20.2 and20.3. By partial signal I meant weaker signal that breaks up.If I am on 20.1 for example and hit the button once to go to the next channel it stays on 20.1 but drops signal strenght and breaks up. If I hit it for the second time then it goes to the next channel ok. All three do this. The other digital channels ie, KASA and KREZ do not do this. My neighbor has this same problem.
Thank you for getting back with me so soon.
T. and GE

GE
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 › 8:02am
Theresa

I'm not with RMPBS so I don't know their transmitting setup in Durango.

However, what you are describing does appear to be a result of a weak digital signal resulting in the digital "cliff effect" (you did note that it was a weaker signal). The digital signal must be decoded and with a weak signal, the error rates in the decoding process may become so great that it is unable to generate an acceptable picture (the "edge of the cliff"). No picture is the result of the cliff effect ("it fell off the cliff").

A signal amplifier inserted between the antenna and the DTV or digital converter box may resolve the problem.

John in LaPorte
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 › 8:48pm

Theresa

How does the reception look on each if you start at 20.3 and move down to 20.2 and then 20.1?

You might also try doing a complete channel scan (not add or find new channels) and see if that solves the problem.

Try going into the menu on your converter box and look for something like "Channel Edit". You may have two each of CH20.1 etc. If so you could delete the troublesome channel - the 2nd one according to your post.

Manitou
Thursday, June 4, 2009 › 4:13pm
Hello!

Manitou Springs checking in...

In the past we watched KTSC / RMPBS off the translator on ch. 7 K07PA, but that has not worked for several weeks now.

What's up?

GE
Friday, June 5, 2009 › 1:01pm

Manitou

Read GE on 5/25/2009 at 9:15 AM above.

As a result of the reconfiguration of the KTSC signal, all of the KTSC Over-The-Air (OTA) translators also have to be reconfigured to accept an OTA digital signal. This will begin to occur after the final configuration of KTSC to RF8/D8 occurs on or just before 6/12.

I would guess that K07PA is an OTA translator. If so, it will remain "dark" until it is reconfigured on or after 6/12.

Jean Muirhead
Saturday, June 6, 2009 › 9:36am
As of Friday night, I cannot get HD TV in Ft. Collins. Any information you can give me?

GE
Saturday, June 6, 2009 › 7:01pm
RMPBS is not broadcasting any programming in HD at this time due to limited server capacity.

Did you mean you are not receiving the digital signal (DTV) in Ft. Collins? And were you receiving 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.5 before Friday night?

Also, are you receiving the analog channel 6 signal? If not, were you before?

Jeffrey
Sunday, June 7, 2009 › 10:14am
No service at all now, as of sometime last evening. Had been getting adequate reception using DTV Pal. BTW, my Magnavox converter wouldn't pull in KRMA's signal at all.
Jeff in Wellington

dave eldridge
Sunday, June 7, 2009 › 10:37am
i live in pueblo west and i cannot get 8.2 and 8.3 any more. i can get 8.1 just fine. i did used to see them but now my antenna meter only shows 50% for 8.2 and 3. I have a new rooftop antenna coming into my directv receiver. any ideas?

dave eldridge

John in LaPorte
Sunday, June 7, 2009 › 11:50am
RF47 has been black at my location since before 6:00 PM Friday 6/5/09.

My Zenith converter box shows adequate signal level, but no audio or video. The same on a computer tuner.

I certainly hope this is not what we can expect to see until August.

GE
Sunday, June 7, 2009 › 4:39pm

Dave

If you are getting 8.1 OK, you should get 8.2 & 8.3 equally as well as they all use the same carrier signal. Try a channel rescan.

BTW, the KTSC, Channel 8, analog signal (A8) was turned off permanently on Tuesday, May 26. The pre-transition digital channel on RF26 (displays as 8.1,8.2, etc.) will continue to broadcast thru or just before June 12 at which time the digital signal is planned to transition and be broadcast on RF8. A rescan of one's DTV or digital converter box will be needed to reprogram the channel memory to receive D8 orginating from RF8.

Paul Honeycutt
Sunday, June 7, 2009 › 11:04pm
I've also been unable to recieve RMPBS on DTV in Fort Collins since Friday night. It was coming in fine up until then. What changed? I need my Create fix!!!

GE
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 8:10am

Paul

Were you receiving RMPBS OTA on A6, D6 or D47 before Friday night?

Jeffrey
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 8:52am
Yeah, my DTVPal showed the same, until I rescanned. Then Channel 6 was bumped off the lineup entirely. Bummer- hope they've got somebody working on this one.

Tom
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 9:43am
I also can no longer receive a single form any 6.* channels in Fort Collins. Channel 6.5 has never worked. I rescanned and no 6.* channels were found. I also adjusted my outdoor antenna and rescanned once again with the same results as before.

Ashton
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 10:10am
The Fort Collins translator on RFID 47 has a problem, but the Denver RFID 18 signal is receivable at my location in Fort Collins

Paul Honeycutt
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 10:13am
My experience was just like Tom's. It was working fine until Friday night. I guess it was A6, I'm not sure what that means. We were watching a show and the scene froze so we turned off the set. I got a "No Signal" message on Saturday and have rescanned several times since then. When I scan it's like Channel 6 no longer exists.

Susannah
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 11:23am
Thank you viewers for informing us that the Fort Collins translator on RFID 47 is no longer broadcasting a digital signal. Our engineers will go to the site on Wednesday or Thursday of this week to assess the problem and work on repairs.

Susannah
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 12pm
Thank you for informing us about the problems you are having with the Fort Collins translator digital signal. We are aware the Fort Collins translator is currently having broadcast issues. Engineers will go to the site today to assess the problem and get the translator operating again.

GE
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 12:57pm
Paul Honeycutt, et al.

A6 is Analog 6, D6 & D47 are Digital 6 and Digital 47.

A6 broadcasts on RF channel 6 from Lookout Mountain the Denver area. D6 broadcasts on RF channel 18 from Mt. Morrison in the Denver area (will show on your TV as virtual channel 6.1, etc.) and D47 on RF47 from Horsetooth Mountain in the Ft. Collins area. RF means the radio frequency of the broadcast.

All three channels may be receivable in Ft. Collins depending on your location. D6 is not at full power or planned height yet (completion projected for sometime in August 2009).

A6 will continue broadcasting till July 12 but will become a "nightlight" service on June12, i.e., providing only info on DTV transition, emergency info, etc.

6.5 is audio only - don't know if that is broadcast on RF47.

Paul Honeycutt
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 1:07pm
Thanks for the explaination. Glad we can help sort things out. I'm sure there will be some bugs getting DTV up and running.

William
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 3:35pm
Why don't you put this channel on 6 and not UHF. We get 6 not UHF. Is there something sacred with 6? We need VHF not UHF!

Vicky Marchino
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 4:18pm
I live in Longmont and I'm not receiving 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 with the digital converter box. I'm receiving the analog 6. Why am I receiving the analog and not the digital?

BOB
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 4:23pm
Well I live 3.1 miles from the Cheyenne Mountain D8 site. I only get piczelized digital signal and 1/8th of the sound.

DTV is a BUST for RMPBS. How long have you been working on this?
Channel 5 and 11 work just fine.

William
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 6:18pm
They want you to pay for cable or Dish or DirectTV; That way they get paid by those companies and they want you to pay them also. It ain't going to happen! I don't pay for crap on those services!

Careful Listener
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 7:25pm
Jean Muirhead and others, thank you for reporting the outage of reception in Fort Collins.

Susannah, thank you for your helpful response. But is it necessary for Fort Collins viewers to report an outage for RMPBS to discover that their equipment has an operational problem?

GE, I hope you are not one of the RMPBS employees. Your posts, while accurate, provided no help in identifying the source or resolution to the problem.

GE
Monday, June 8, 2009 › 9:04pm

Careful Listener

I am not a RMPBS or other television station employee in this market but was previously a television station engineer in another part of the country.

I have volunteered many hours in call centers, FCC walk-in help centers, etc., for all of the Front Range since November answering DTV transition questions.

The intent of my questions was to help identify where the problem was orginating while not adding to the confusion which is exactly what the engineering staff of any television station does to identify viewer signal problems.

Resolving these problems is not always easily done through a blog and I am sorry you feel my efforts were not sufficient.

Perhaps someone will step forward to further help these viewers that have questions.

Paul Honeycutt
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 10:26am
It's back!

As of 9:00 AM today I rescanned my converter box and I'm good to go.
Thanks for your help.

Transitions like this are not easy, there's going to be bugs and occasional outages. There's a lot to sort out, equipment to get working and making sure it plays nice with other pieces of equipment... Glitches, Gremlins...

Yeah, it's unfortunate when you can't get RMPBS, but it's minor compared to a lot of other things. Go outside and get some sunshine (or rain as the case may be...).

William
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 3:25pm
Why don't you call the channel number what it really is. Your not channel six digital. We need to know your real channel number. This whole change is stupid. When you go the a new frequency let the people know what the real channel is! In Denver what is it.? In Ft Collins what is it? We have the same problem with Channel 2! What is it? Channel 4 What is it? Drop your channel number if you don't have the correct number!

mis
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 3:29pm
We purchased a new tv this spring to be prepared for the transition to digital. We are currently receiving both analog and digital stations for the local channels and received 8-1 prior to May 26. Since May 26th we have not received any of the channel 8 stations or channel 26 (it either has snow or is black and says "no signal"). I have auto programmed our tv several times a week to hopefully pick up the PBS station as my girls are missing their "Sesame Street" time! Please let us know what is going on and can we expect to have a signal after the 12th?

GE
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 4:47pm

A follow up to William's info.

On or after June 12, only three stations (not including translators or low power stations) along the Front Range will be digitally (D)broadcasting on the same channel radio frequency (RF) as from their analog (A) days.

In Denver: KMGH - A7=D7=RF7, KUSA - A9=D9=RF9

In Colorado Springs: KTSC - A8=D8=RF8

The two Denver stations listed have been broadcasting on their old analog frequencies since April 16, 2009.

All other stations will be broadcasting on differnet RF channel than their virtual channel number, e.g., RMPBS KRMA - A6-->D6=RF18. D6 is the virtual channel number and that is what will display on TVs in the Denver area turned to D6 from RF18.

In other words, you will "tune to" channel 6 like you used to in the analog days.

Greg
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 5:05pm
Mis-

Depends on how far you are from the transmitting antennae.

Digital signals are wimpy when compared to analog signals and since they are splitting their channels up it's even worse - people in fringe areas, who used to get channels with the antennae that comes built into the TV, are now having to get secondary antennae to be able to pick up the broadcasts.

Digital signals are also more affected by adverse weather.

ETHAN
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 5:40pm
The U.S. is stupid for doing this to people

Joseph Geiger
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 5:50pm
Kudos for going digital. Your excellent programming will look even better (when possible) with the new signal.
Now, beef up the FM signal for classical radio so I can listen to it when driving my car and you will have a totally satisfied listener...who will resume donating to Rocky Mtn PBS.

Rob T
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 7:38pm
Greg, I'm way up in Fort Collins, and I get a far better digital KRMA signal than I ever got with analog. (I do look forward to more power to ease dropouts, of course.) And it doesn't matter - at all - how many subchannels a signal has from a reliability point of view - if there's a problem, it affects all subchannels. More channels does mean fewer bits for each signa, but that matters most with HD (which we don't have yet, sadly).

GE
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 7:52pm

Joseph Geiger

That's a good thought on the classical radio power.

However, Colorado Public Radio is a separate organization from Rocky Mountain PBS. So you might want to resume your donation to RMPBS.

BTW, Colorado Public Radio's classical program is broadcast on their high power FM 90.1 HD2 channel. Might be a good time to check on HD radio for the car and home. Many Denver stations on both AM & FM are broadcasting HD signals with additional channels on FM.

Greg
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 › 9:50pm
Well it seams to me that if there are more channels each with fewer bits, doesn't that mean that it is easier to disrupt the signal of each channel?

Rob T
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 › 6:51am
Greg, not at all - it's one bitstream, and disruptions mess up all subchannels equally. More subchannels does limit how good each can be, of course.

Greg
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 › 11:19am
Ok, I think something is being lost in communication.

I understand disruptions affect all sub channels equally - I understand that the more sub channels there are, the less data each channel is given.

My understanding is that with the less data that each sub channel is given, the easier it is to interfere with the data stream because fewer usable data blocks reach the receiver ( the amount of data that reaches the receiver drops below a minimum requirement of usable data stream )- where as if there was more data per channel, the picture might degrade but enough data can still get through to the receiver to deliver a usable data stream.

Did that make sense?

GE
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 › 12:12pm
Greg, implicit in your logic is that the data flow interruptions are periodic in nature. That is generally not the case.

Interminent signal loss and/or interference and thus data loss tends to be of a random nature.

Depending on the quality of the demodulation and error correction of the system, the data may or may not be recoverable. Thus, there is no predictable pattern of which subchannel will have or at what level the interference and/or drop out will occur as the data loss occurs over time; e.g., one could have unrecoverable momentary data loss in the HD subchannel and none in another subchannel. It just depends on which data blocks are lost, a random event.

The ATSC DTV system uses MPEG-2 coding for transport of program information.

Bill
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 › 12:28pm
Like Vicky Marchino, I too live in Longmont and cannot receive either channel 6 or 12 digitally. I do receive them via analog. The other Denver stations (2, 4, 7, 9, 20, 31, ...) come in just fine w/my converter box.

GE
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 › 2:55pm
Bill & Vicky, et al.:

From another page on the KRMA Web site:
"In August 2009, KRMA will increase power of our digital signal from our site on Mt. Morrison from 315kW ERP to 1,000kW (1MW or 1 million watts) We will also begin broadcasting with a new antenna from the top of the tower on Mt. Morrison which, coupled with the increase in power should resolve most of the signal reception problems our viewers experience with in our coverage area."

This change at Channel 6 in August will probably resolve the problems.
Also, Channel 12 will go to full power sometime on June 12 on a new RF frequency (13) but with the same virtual channel of 12.

To receive the stations, you will need to perform a channel rescan.

12 has not broadcast an analog signal since January 5.

Buffy
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 › 5:34pm
After months of watching your recommendations to upgrade to digital TV, I finally purchased one. It really works well to receive all the commercial TV stations and channel 6-0, but reception of the digital channels is really poor. I understand that your analog transmission will cease on 6/12, and that digital transmission won't be available before August. Why didn't you follow your own recommendations to prepare for digital TV?

Bob
Thursday, June 11, 2009 › 6:01pm
When does HDTV return?

Nick P
Thursday, June 11, 2009 › 6:58pm
Bob, your comment made me chuckle. The signal now may be the best HD there is if its contaminated with SD program. So to answer your question, you may be getting HD now - you just don't know it! LOL
Cheers

Viewer
Thursday, June 11, 2009 › 11:23pm
Bob

RMPBS is not broadcasting any programming in HD at this time due to limited server capacity as confirmed by station personnel.

Hopefully, capital funds will be available for additional server capacity sometime soon.

However, as noted on this Web site by RMPBS senior management, RMPBS has a severe budget shortfall resulting in layoffs. See comments from CEO at:
http://www.rmpbs.org/panorama/?entry=468

Shelley
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 2:31am
MIKE AND OTHERS.. -
When those OTHER changes happened you could still USE the older technology (w/o adaptions) until you COULD afford to buy the newer technology. I could listen to cassettes even though CD's were all the rage & watch VHS when DVD's were the big hit. You are blessed if you can afford to make the switch now. We have a chronically ill child. We are college educated , not tech-ignorant. I worked in TV for 10 yrs but now we live on a tighter budget. Converters, antennas, CABLE, Dtvs cost money. Our TVs are basically being stolen from us. They work just fine NOW. I don't NEED a "prettier picture" or ooh "better sound." If I CHOOSE to get it...I should be able to budget it in over time! You can tell my kids why their TV is being "taken away!" Selfish is what you are!

Bob
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 10:35am
To Viewer:

I appreciate the money issue. Times are tough all over. However, RMPBS delivered HDTV not much more than a year ago. What happened to that server capacity?

What will it cost to gain that server capacity? Is it possible to raise funds solely for that project? Server space is not all that expensive these days. I am willing to contribute what little I can.

Viewer
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 11:12am
To Bob

It's my understanding from a previous blog somewhere on this site perhaps in this blog that when RMPBS went to 24 hour programming they needed the server capacity for that programming.

Perhaps RMPBS will address the cost issue for us.

Joe in Erie
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 12:07pm
I live in Erie, CO and am using a digitla converter box. I hae never been able to get KRMA on any channel. All other Denver stations come in fine but I have een watching KRMA channel 6 on analog. Why can we not get this in Erie? As of June 13 I can no longer get my favorite station. HELP!

Michael D
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 1:31pm
Nick P,

HD and SD are mutually exclusive, and both can be sent over DTV.

The station is currently sending SD (Standard Definition ... 480i), but not HD (High Definition ... 480p, 720p or 1080i).

- Michael

Alyn
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 1:44pm
I have the same problem in Grand Juntion with TIVO that another viewer noted above: the PBS station that actually broadcasts programing signal doesn't carry the programing information (making recording PBS on TIVO virtually impossible.) the stations that DO carry the programing information unfortunately don't carry any broadcast signal. It's been this way since the March 26th adjustments made by PBS. TIVO says it's not anything they can fix...that the fix has to come from the network broadcasting the signal.

A fix would be greatly appreciated.

Alyn
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 1:52pm
Unable to use TIVO as the station carrying the broadcast signal doesn't carry programing information and the station carrying programming information have no signal. TIVO says it has to be fixed by the station doing the broadcasting. Has been a problem since the March 26 adjustments.

Any possibility of getting this resolved?

Alyn
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 1:54pm
Forgot to add in the post above that we're in Grand Junction.

Unable to use TIVO as the station carrying the broadcast signal doesn't carry programing information and the station carrying programming information have no signal. TIVO says it has to be fixed by the station doing the broadcasting. Has been a problem since the March 26 adjustments.

Any possibility of getting this resolved?

Bob
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 3:58pm
To update all about the HDTV situation, I received the following message from Viewer Services Representative Susannah D. Frank:

"The station will upgrade to 1080i during August or September. When
Rocky Mountain PBS began simulcasting the analog channel and channel 6-1
programming 24 hours a day in December 2008 the station was no longer able to broadcast in HD. Once our analog signal has been discontinued
and we are no longer simulcasting, equipment will be set up so that
Rocky Mountain PBS will begin broadcasting at 1080i. Have a great day and thank you for supporting Rocky Mountain PBS."

Rob T
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 5:34pm

To Alyn in Grand Junction -

It probably is Tivo's thing to fix; I have errors after today's changes. The good news is that they have a way to report it. I've seen some Tivo guide changes already today, so waiting a day or two for the digital transition to calm down would be fine. After that:
- go to tivo.com
- click on the "Support" Tab, top right
- type "channels missing" to find an article named "Channels missing or incorrect in Live Guide"
- click on the "Report the issue to Tivo" near the bottom of the text
- Fill in the form; they claim to respond in a week or so

zhahn
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 6:38pm
Poor sound in Estes Park. Will it improve in Aug or Sept? Sound breaks up constantly.

Nick P
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 6:46pm
Michael D
You are correct HD and SD are exclusive channels within the total 19+ Mbps digital data stream. However, adding SD channels removes bits from the data stream that can be allocated to HD programming. So SD programming can reduce the number of HD program bits per second and affect negatively true HD signal performance. Perhaps my tongue in cheek comment inference to degraded HD data rate caused by inclusion of SD channels and their total signal data stream bit robbing did not come across clearly.
Cheers.

jrw
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 7:40pm
Today (June 11) Channel 6 was received in Crested Butte on DirectTV with intermittent sound, making Channel 6 unviewable. Video is OK. All other 600 channels on DirectTV are ok. What is your problem?

Dick B
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 9:32pm
Has KTSC DTV, CH 8.1,.2,.3, lost it's power? Digital TV was coming in just fine earlier this PM, but nothing now. There are storms in the area, but no messages on RMPBS.org site. Also, the NBC affiliate (KOAA DTV, CH 5.1, .2) is also off. What a time for a power outage, it that's the problem. Rescanned my Digital TV, but no joy. Of course, since the stations are off, they are not recognized as being in existence. Oh, fun!

Zach
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 10:30pm
No longer receiving RMPBS down in the Springs. It just went out tonight. I have had no problem receiving the digital signal for almost a year now. What gives? This is not the only station with this problem. Rumor has it a lightning strike took out an antenna...any validity to this? If so, why not post the info on the website to help customers?

Will
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 10:50pm
Dick B: I've noticed the same problem. I assume that there's some transmitter or power problem. Perhaps on Cheyenne Mountain?

Eric
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 10:58pm
As of approx. 8pm Friday 8 and 8-1 went off the air in Colorado Springs. Is this my reception of is this your station? Has RMPBS changed the channel it broadcasts on?

Nick P
Friday, June 12, 2009 › 11:34pm
At 11:20 PM, I had all local channels on cable in Colo Spgs. Have no way of checking OTA though. There were thunderstorms earlier, so a power outage was a potential problem I suppose.

Dick B
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 12:25am
Colorado Springs Channels 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 5.1 and 5.2 are back on air. They must have had a power failure. Channels 48.1 and 48.2 are not up yet. Maybe these broadcasters share a tower and a lightening strike.

Those folks who might have scanned their digital TV or converter box during the outage probably have to scan again to recover the missing channels.

This was not a good time for a power failure as it's likely to cause much confusion for some what with today's change over to Digital TV. It doesn't happen very often in Colorado Springs. Of course, it happened at the worse time in the evening after most of the stations' employees probably went home for the weekend!

GE
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 12:32am
Zack, Eric

Perform a channel scan. Channel 8 was scheduled to shift virtual 8 from RF26 to RF8 on June 12.

Nick P
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 8:05am
KTSC and KOAA share a tower north of Pueblo. So the fact that both Ch5 and 8 were down sure gives support to the notion of a power outage (lightenting strike?) at the transmission facility. Supposedly Ch 8 is moving ops to their Cheyenne Mtn transmitter. The fact that Ch 5 and 8 both were out suggests that Ch 8 transition is a work in progress.

dawn
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 8:28am
KRMA digital will continue to transmit on broadcast channel 18, and our KRMA viewers will continue to tune to "Channel 6" (6-1, 6-2, and 6-3) to receive our KRMA programming. ???

I live on Green Mountain, I don't have any of your stations. I have scanned and re-scanned. Should I be receiving ch 6,8, or 18?
I get 30 other staions when I scan, very confused and missing all my favorite shows! Very frustrating,what is really going on for us in the Denver area?

John in LaPorte
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 9:18am

Dawn!

Depending on where you are located on Green Mountain, you may be shadowed from the CH 6 (RF 18) antenna on Mt Morrison.

The CH 6 (RF 18) broadcast antenna is presently located on an "ice bridge" (protective catwalk over the transmission lines to the tower) quite low on the ridge north of Mt Morrison.

Do you have an outdoor antenna pointed at Lookout Mt?

If you are using an indoor antenna, is there a building between your location and Mt Morrison?

Try moving an indoor antenna near a window facing Mt Morrison.

If you receive the spanish language station on CH 14, you will very likely be able to receive CH 6 (RF 18) after they get their new antenna mounted at the top of the same tower about August 10.

dave eldridge
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 10:16am
After last nights (Friday) lost signal i did a rescan this morning. Before 8.1,2,3 all were showing about 50% signal strength and today they all are around 98-99 %. Equal to KOAA in the Springs. Very nice.

Terry Medearis
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 12:50pm
I used to receive the KRMA over the air. When I went to a converter box when 7 and 9 went digital a couple months ago I lost 6 and 12. I had hoped that I would get it again on June 12. I scanned for stations again, and I still don't get 6, but I do now get 12. I live in Longmont. I'm disappointed that I can no longer get channel 6. Terry Medearis

Scott
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 4:38pm
A point of information for Pueblo/Colorado Springs viewers.

KTSC has been broadcasting both analog (about 10 years) and digital (about 5 years) signals from Cheyenne Mountain. The KOAA digital signal has been from Cheyenne Mountain since they went on the air with digital. KOAA has abandoned the Baculite Mesa site north of Pueblo now that analog is gone.

All digital TV signals for the Pueblo/Colorado Springs area come from Cheyenne Mountain.

Last night's outage was weather related.

Rod House
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 7:12pm
Just turned on receiver and rescanned. Got a perfect picture on ch 8.1

No big deal, you say, well I live in La Veta and we lost our translator ch 3, so according to Scott's post I'm picking it up from Co Springs (Cheyenne Mtn)!

I'm happy

Scott
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 7:21pm
Rod,

That's good news.

Pete
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 7:26pm
Shawn,

I'm within one-half mile of W. 6th Ave. and Indiana St., essentially on the north side of Green Mountain.

If what I'm beginning to suspect is true, I don't think raising an antenna a few feet on Mount Morrison is going to make any difference for me and my similarly situated hundreds if not thousands of neighbors.

I'm receiving very clear signals from all of the major local stations, which I believe broadcast off Lookout Mountain.

Our days of over-the-air viewership of PBS may be over.

Green Mountain casts a long and a wide shadow, and that may include in the digital sense.

Let's hope for the best, and see what we get.

GE
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 7:44pm

To Terry Medearis

See above
GE
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:55 p.m.

Dick B
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 9:25pm
To Scott & John in LaPorte & et al.,

Right now, I'm guessing both KOAA-DT, CH 5.X, and KTSC-DT, CH 8.X, are both broadcasting from Cheyenne Mountain. My TV digital receiver shows a signal of 98% with rabbit ears. However, I reported in an earlier forum here the following:

"According to a submission by RMPBS to the FCC (DTV TRANSITION STATUS REPORT 07/17/2008 Exhibit 2), in Colorado Springs/Pueblo the switch will entail a new transmitter at Baculite Mesa which is east of Pueblo. According to the TV Fool web site, this is 43 miles from Colorado Springs. Even though after the transition KTSC will be VHS Ch 8, that seems far for rabbit ears!"

I don't know whether KTSC-DT plans to follow through with this change to Baculite Mesa or when it might occur.

Can a RMPBS engineer respond?

bdl
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 9:34pm
i live in montrose. i have scanned 18.1,18.2 & 18.3 into my converter box - no signal. what channels are you using for montrose to get pbs? no help from the GJ office either!

Viewer
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 10:46pm

To Dick B.

Having spoken to the Engineering Manager for KTSC in Pueblo (Channel 8) in the last three weeks about the specific info you mentioned, that plan was later changed.

The final digital configuration for D8 is RF8 from Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs which was planned to be completed by June 12.

From the signal reports posts just above, it is apparent that D8/RF8 is functioning from Cheyenne Mountain.

Dick B
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 11:05pm
To bdl,

According to tvfool.com, KRMJ is analog after the digital transition, but if this is wrong, you will not be able to pick it up using a converter box. At the top of this forum, though, RMPBS says, "The week of March 23, we will be working in Grand Junction to repair the KRMJ transmitter part that will allow us to move our digital transmitter from broadcast channel 17, up to our permanent channel 18 assignment. We expect the channel change to occur on Thursday March 26, before we get into prime time programming. Viewers will need to rescan their receivers to continue to receive KRMJ digital broadcast. Following a rescan of their receivers KRMJ viewers will continue to tune to "Channel 18" (18-1, 18-2, and 18-3) to receive our KRMJ programming." Did KRMJ lose power like CoSprings?

Dick B
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 11:08pm
To bdl,

Oooops!

1st sentence of previous message should read:

According to tvfool.com, KRMJ is analog after the digital transition, but if this is CORRECT, you will not be able to pick it up using a converter box.

Tim Lenahan
Saturday, June 13, 2009 › 11:34pm
I just wanted your engineering staff to know that your digital signal is about 90% here in Florence, Colorado. I am using a medium sized UHF-VHF antenna mounted at 30 feet, with a Winegard 20 db preamp. All digital stations from the Springs come in here very well.
Tim Lenahan
Owner
Florence TV and Big
Screen Repair
Florence, CO
29 miles south
of Cheyenne Mtn.

Alyn
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 3:07am
I posted on Friday with the TIVO issue involving receiving programing information on one channel (KRMJ-DT) but no programing information, making TIVO recording on PBS virtually impossible. Well, sometime Saturday afternoon, the PBS signal moved to KRMJDT from KRMJ-DT. Now signal and programing information are on the same frequency again. Not sure what the fix was as I hadn't had opportunity to contact TIVO customer service yet, but I'm sure glad to have it fixed.

dan
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 8:15am
I'm in louisville, near Boulder. we get all stations digital except PBS. I have an indoor antennae, and converter box. Any ideas? please help.
Thank you,
dan

Matt
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 10:27am
I had no problem recieving the KRMA digital signal before Saturday using windows media center set to Physical channel 18, major 6. I live in Denver, downtown, Now it's gone, no signal, any ideas?

John in LaPorte
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 10:59am

Pete, Dawn and others in the shadow of Green Mountain.

If you can presently receive KTFD-DT, the spanish language station on channel 14 (RF 15), you should receive KRMA-DT after the August boost in power and mounting the antenna higher on the tower.

As I understand the situation, KTFD-DT transmits from the same tower that KRMA-DT will ultimately mount their antenna. KTFD-DT transmits at 200 kW and KRMA will transmit at 1000 kW. In addition, KTFD-DT's antenna is significantly lower on the tower than the new antenna for KRMA-DT will be.

John

Scott
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 11:33am
KTSC is on Cheyenne Mountain and will not move to Baculite Mesa as mentioned on some of the FCC web sites.

If you look on those sites the information listed for KKTV best represents our signal from Cheyenne Mountain.

Scott - Producer/Director-KTSC

William
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 11:51am
Sounds like a real good system! So many positive entries! I think you could stay on analog until your superduper transmitter comes on the air. I will just have to watch NET Nebraska on C-band big Dish. It's also in HDTV and 3 channels. We here don't get that!
RMPBS you might look at NET Nebraska and see what they are doing! Maybe you might want to talk to the tech people!

Wynn Weidner
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 1:27pm
I switched to digital in early June and continued receiving Ch. 8 just fine - until June 12. Now, nothing, except the message "no program".....now what? Ba

Dick B
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 1:56pm
To Wynn Weidner ,

In mid morning June 12, Ch. 8 changed its digital broadcast frequency when it shut down its analog transmissions, so your digital TV or converter box needed to be rescanned to pick up that new frequency. Furthermore, there was a power outage in the early evening of June 12, and if you scanned during that outage you might have lost Ch. 8.x altogether. Rescanning your digital equipment could return you to Ch. 8.x unless something else is wrong.

GE
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 2:33pm
To William

All the full power analog TV signals left in nightlight service in the USA must be turned off by the end of July 12, 2009 per Federal regulations of the FCC.

Thus, RMPBS KRMA Channel 6 analog can not stay on the air in nightlight service past July 12, 2009.

Pete
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 4:34pm
John in La Porte,

Thank you for that clarification.

After several scans I have gotten no trace of channel 14.

Driving this morning about three miles west of my residence, I finally got what I think is line-of-sight to the tower at Morrison Mntn.

All I can do is wait until August to know what the situation is going to be for the long-term. Obviously, for the near-term next two months, denizens of northern Green Mountain are not in the PBS transmission pathways. And I suspect the situation is the same for those who live on the northern declivities of the two mesas due east of Golden.

I hope I'm wrong, but I'll be surprised if I can get a PBS signal post-August.

Nonetheless, I appreciate your optimism!

Pete
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 5:20pm
Also, for an excellent explanation of the actual versus masking DTV channel numbers, see, Migoya, David, "Consumer ShoppingBag," 090614SU Denver Post: Business K2:1.

Bonnie Hargrave
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 7:33pm
With my digital TV + roof antennae I was receiving channels 8-1 and 8-3 just fine in Black Forest PRIOR to the cut-off date, but as of June 12 I'm suddenly getting nothing but a "low signal" message on both stations. What's that about?

GE
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 7:55pm
You need to rescan for new digital channels.

KTSC moved their virtual digital Channel 8 signal from RF26 to RF8 (RF= Radio Frequency).

Frank Pfenneberger
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 8:18pm
I have no Channel 6 PBS DTV on June 12 in Longmont. Still receiving broadcasting in analog concerning the change over; but no explanation why no DTV or what to do about it. We used to receive a storng analog chan 6 except for occansional bad weather. The was both by rooftop and rabitears antennas. Did PBS get its DTV channels up and running? I would guess not, since I receive all other DTV channels clearly; but no PBS.

GE
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 8:30pm

To Frank Pfenneberger

From the top of this page:
"In August 2009, KRMA will increase power of our digital signal from our site on Mt. Morrison from 315kW ERP to 1,000kW (1MW or 1 million watts) We will also begin broadcasting with a new antenna from the top of the tower on Mt. Morrison which, coupled with the increase in power should resolve most of the signal reception problems our viewers experience with in our coverage area."

Nick P
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 9:57pm
Watching Mystery this evening on Colo Spgs cable Ch8 (KTSC) on analog TV/service and see an occaisional digital noise artifact (freezing, pixilation, dropped frame). Weather has calmed down for the evening, so doubt its environmental. Also, its the same problem I've seen for several weeks.

Has anyone else noticed this or can offer an explanation? Could it be over compression by Comcast? Too many Ch 8 SD channels robbing the primary HD data stream bits? Other thoughts?
Thanks

Rob T
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 10:01pm
Nick P, there's no HD on KRMA right now. They are running 3 SD streams, and there should be enough bits for them all to be reasonably good. It has been my experience that signal disruptions almost always affect all subchannels at the same time; if your received signal strong enough?

Dick B
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 11:01pm
To Nick T and Rob T,

Noticed this also over the air just twice. KTSC hasn't broadcast HD since Dec, I think.

However, KTSC gets its signal via microwave from Denver, so if anything was going on with that signal, that could be the source of the problem. A few weeks ago there was a serous problem with the microwave transmission that caused sound to disappear every few minutes for a second or so. It could be a problem at one or the other or both ends of the signal or some intermediate point. I don't know whether the microwave signal goes through one or more intermediate receivers/retransmitters or if a direct line is possible.

Nick P
Sunday, June 14, 2009 › 11:58pm
Dick B,
Thanks for the note. According to a response to the same query over on Audio-Visual Forum, it seems the cable company may be over compressing. This is a known problem (there's a whole thread devoted to Comcast Picture quality reduction). A respondant to my query stated he had no problems OTA. Since my set-up is very basic (a 13 in analog TV connected to cable with no digital capability) and has not changed in years, I can only presume the problem originates at the cable company head end.
Cheers

Nick P
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 12:04am
Dick B,
Your post made me curious. I wonder why they can't have a C/Ku-Band satellite feed receiver in Pueblo with a microwave shot to Cheyenne Mtn instead of a microwave link from whereever in Denver. I suppose its probably cheaper. Still, its a little annoying to be so dependentant on KRMA and facilities there.

Will we ever get to see true HD on RMBPS? Or will they clutter the bit stream with SD programming. We can only hope. Why invest in expensive equipment if we can't enjoy its full capabilities. *sigh*

Paula Beavers
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 10:50am
We have no PBS (KTSC) signal via our cable provider Falcon Broadband. They (Falcon BB) says that it's a KTSC problem.

EnvEngr
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 11:01am
NickP: Regarding your comment last night about KTSC signal dropout, piellation, etc. last night while watching Mystery on cable, I complained on April 2 about this. Comcast technicians say they see the same problem where they receive the signal (I don't know if it's off air or via microwave). The problem still has continued with me, even after KTSC went completely digital.

Scott
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 12:11pm
Paula,

You might ask Falcon Broadband if they are aware that KTSC is now broadcasting on digital channel 8 as of June 12 at 3:00 p.m. KTSC is up to full power on 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 & 8.5. As of this post (12:00 noon) there is not a problem with our signal.

Scott - Producer/Director - KTSC

Dick B
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 3:45pm
To Nick P,

In response to an earlier problem, J. Anderson wrote on April 20, in this forum above, "...due to the snow storm we lost power to our microwave relay on Squaw Mountain. This relay carries programming to the transmitter on Cheyenne Mountain and telemetry back to Master Control."

I don't know why they do this, but probably it's cheaper.

How are the many translators all over Colorado fed? This forum has discussed some problems with translators in Montrose, Boulder, Fort Collins, etc. I presume there are a dozen of them - maybe dozens. Satellite transmission would seem more efficient and reliable unless the translator receiving dishes are unable to "view" the southern sky.

There are many pleasures living in or near the mountains, but being a TV station is not be one of them.

Green guy
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 3:58pm
Solar water heating converts 65% of the energy that strikes the panel into useful energy. PV electric cells only convert at 15% efficiency, and are much more expensive. The final cost per MW is about $10000 for PV and about $2000 for solar water heating. The payback(without subsidies) for water heating is around 6-7 years if your electricity rate is 10 cents per KW/H. We have more information here at http://www.sunbelt-solar.com a local solar installer in Austin, TX.

Aaron
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 7:58pm
When will the translator on Badger Mountain in Lake George go digital?

Tina
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 8:47pm
Is RMPBS having technical difficulty? The digital channels 8.1; 8.2; and 8.3 have been out since Friday, June 12. HELP! Thank you, Tina

Scott
Monday, June 15, 2009 › 9:08pm
Tina,

See Dick B's post on June 14. Rescanning should do the trick.

Paul Koch
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 6:58am
Before June 12, 2009 I was receiving over the digital signals 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3, now I get no signal. I have rescanned the digital signals after June 12 and am still not receiving any digital signals on 8. What happened?

GE
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 9:54am

To Paul Koch

I am assuming you are in CS/Pueblo area.

Your antenna must be capable of receiving both VHF and UHF frequencies.

If you are receiving KKTV, Digital Channel 11 (RF10), Over-The-Air (OTA), you should also receive KTSC, Digital Channel 8 (RF8).

If you do receive D11, try this process.

If you are using a rabbit ears antenna, make sure the rods are extended all the way out and titled between a horizontal to 45 degree angle and rotated perpendicular to the line of sight to the signal location (Cheyenne Mountain). Same direction if using an outside antenna.

Disconnect your antenna from your DTV or digital converter box and rescan for digital channels. This should clear the digital channel memories. Then reconnect the antenna and rescan for digital channels.

Paul Koch
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 1:43pm
Thanks for the response GE. Yes, I'm in CS area. I have a Digital capable (UHF/VHF) exterior antenna placed very high and pointed towards Cheyenne Mountain. I do receive KKTV 11-1,2&3. I will try your suggestion of disconnecting/scanning/reconnecting/scanning.

Christina
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 2:51pm
I live in an apartment high-rise building near downtown Denver. My windows face due north. I can't get reception of 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 - nothing. Moving my antenna around doesn't help. Re-scanning doesn't help. Although I realize it wasn't your choice to convert to digital, this is very disappointing. Will the upgrade to your signal in August help at all? I miss Rick Steves and Bob Ross. Cable and satellite are out of the question for me because 99% of the programming is garbage, so I may just have to do without.

Buffy
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 3:50pm
This is really frustrating! After spending $400 for a digital TV, $80 for an outdoor antenna, $40 for an amplifier, and several hours tweaking this mess, I still have spotty reception in Longmont. When it's good, it's great, but at least half the time it's unusable, with intermittent audio and severe video pixelation. I can receive all the commercial stations even with no antenna connected, but I have no interest in watching that garbage. I realize that the situation should improve in August, but my earlier question has not been answered -- why didn't you follow your own recommendations to prepare for digital TV? Especially with the 4 month transition date extension! Another question -- what is the reason for the huge quality variation?

Dan
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 4:03pm
TiVo Still Missing programming information for digital Channels 6-1, 6-2 & 6-3 in Boulder. I logged a case with TiVo over a month ago notifying them that these channels broadcast on channel 24 in Boulder, but the issue has not been fixed as of last night. There is still no programming info for the digital channels.

To make things worse, the old analog channel 6, now broadcasting the "Get a converter box Grandpa" message 27/7 *still* has all the programming info supplied to TiVo. This means I'm still recording my shows and actually getting hours of the analog "nightlight" program.
I'm logging another case with TiVo, but if RMPBS can move things along with TiVo it would be appreciated. There must be hundreds of oterh Boulder TiVo users with the same issue.

Dan - Boulder OTA TiVo guy

Mary Lou Church
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 5:20pm
I live in a government-subsidized apartment, so am in no danger of losing my home, but I am very concerned about those who are in that situation. Please let me know if there is anything I can do....other than send money, which I do not have.

Nick P
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 5:56pm
Two Questions:
1. I accidently left the "Notify me when ..." box checked once and now I get a flood of e-mails. Is there anyway to disable this feature? Or should I just "reject" all messages from this sender in e-mail?

2. On transmission problems everyone is having, can RMBPS temporarily suspend 6.2 (8.2) & 6.3 (8.3) SD channels and lower the data rate for 6.1 (8.1) until they get bugs worked out and/or get new transmitters on line later this summer? In the satellite comms biz that strategy increases the transmit energy per bit, effectively increasing transmit power (and recvd signal strength) without actually increasing transmitter power. We call this figure of merit Eb/No (higher is better). Has there been any thought about that as a temporary fix to reception problems?

Dennis S
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 › 8:39pm
Longmont antenna viewers are missing KRMA. When we do get a signal, it's un-watchable. I'm disappointed to see that the signal increase has been moved out again. OMG! No RMPBS until August or later!

Webmaster
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 › 8:05am
Nick P, there is a link at the bottom of every e-mail with a link that will turn off these reply notification e-mails.

Mike Lewis
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 › 1:06pm
When ch. 8 first transmitted in digital, the pictures were fantastic, 1080I. Many shows were so beautiful. Now all is old time 480i and look terrible. Why don't the HIGH resolution programs come in high definition any more?

Viewer
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 › 1:26pm

To Nick Lewis

It is my understanding that RMPBS is not broadcasting any programming in HD at this time due to limited server capacity as a result of 24/7 operations with the need for different programming for analog and digital signals, i.e., pre-transition/nightlight programming vs regular programming.

Channel 6 analog in Denver is running nightlight service until July 12.

Viewer
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 › 4:07pm

Further clarification to Mike Lewis (oops -sorry about the wrong first name before).

Since almost all of the programming in Pueblo/Colorado Springs on RMPBS KTSC Channel 8 originates from the Denver RMPBS KRMA studios, then the limited server capacity in Denver limits the broadcasting of HD programs at this point in time.

Peg Keller
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 › 6:57pm
I am located in Arvada. After the transition on June 12, I was able to scan Channel 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. However, yesterday those channels were lost and I am not able to find them when I update scanning channels. Is there a problem with my area?

John
Thursday, June 18, 2009 › 1am
When you are making predictions of resumption of HD broadcasting, could you please state the year?

Mike Lewis
Thursday, June 18, 2009 › 6:02am
One suggestion to get bandwidth to resume HD: Trash "Create" it is a very awful version of PBS and the brag ads lasting 6 minutes per half hour are unbearable. Also, trash the reading channel, it isn't "green" to waste power, besides it only works on 50% of the digital sets. (use FM radio band for it)

Brad Ellgen
Thursday, June 18, 2009 › 2:57pm
What a Great Program you are offering to help educate people in need! I deal with so many people (at my job) who have lost thier home, car, so much more due to the poor economy. Thank you.

Dick B
Thursday, June 18, 2009 › 4:31pm
To Mike Lewis,

Regarding the Create channel: My wife enjoys this channel immensely, particularly programs on knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She does all these and learns a great deal from these programs.

KEEP CREATE

Furthermore, the amount of bandwidth taken by these SD subchannels is trivial and is not preventing RMPBS from broadcasting HD programs. Likewise, there's no difference in broadcast power required for different a number of subchannels. The bit packets just get sorted by whatever receiver the viewer uses.

Apparently, RMPBS has some kind of storage limitation that prevents it from caching enough bytes for round the clock HD broadcasting. Computer servers are cheap as are hard drives with redundancy, so I don't understand their problem. An RMPBS tech person should comment.

Rebecca
Thursday, June 18, 2009 › 8:42pm
It's very disappointing that we cannot get the digital version of Channel 6 in Longmont, even after rescanning. We get all the other Denver channels (2, 4, 9, 7, etc.) in digital. Will we be able to get it after the boost in August, or are we now permanently without PBS?

Clark A
Friday, June 19, 2009 › 5:43am
05-21-09, I had a very interesting and informative chat with Mr. Anderson, head of engineering:
(I will try to recapture it here)
Testing proved that the old channel 20 antenna will not work for KRMA-DT at RF18.
They have removed the old channel 20 Analog transmitter (It has served for many years and the removal provided nostalgia.) There is now room for the new transmitter.

The new antenna (and transmitter) are scheduled to arrive 1 August 2009. They believe they can have it installed by 10 August 2009 and operating at full power. They will keep the smaller transmitter that is, now powering the Ice Bridge antenna, available as back up for the new transmitter.

He thinks the new antenna (above channel 14 on the tower) and the new transmitter will be able to reach Fort Collins nicely!

Walt Johnson
Friday, June 19, 2009 › 2:38pm
I have enjoyed listening to RMPBS on the FM radio in the Metro area; however, now I only get the analog portion on the FM radio. Do you have plans to play the audio of the new digital TV on the FM radio?
Thnaks

Susannah
Friday, June 19, 2009 › 2:44pm
To Walt Johnson:
Rocky Mountain PBS terminated the analog signal on June 12th, which ended our broadcast on 87.7 FM. We are no longer able to offer this audio option since we made the switch to digital from analog.

GE
Friday, June 19, 2009 › 3:46pm
To Walt Johnson and Susannah

To clarify what Susannah meant to say, channel 6 analog (A6) has not turned off, thus one can still receive the 87.75 audio frequency of A6 on most FM radios.

However, regular programming is no longer being broadcast on A6. A6 is in "nightlight" service, i.e., DTV instructions or emergency information, until 7/12/2009 when A6 will turn off permanently.

After 7/12, there will be no analog audio signal from A6 that an analog FM radio can demodulate.

Charlene Noland
Saturday, June 20, 2009 › 1:28pm
We live in downtown C.S. We previously recieved channel 8. Now, even with a converter box, and a digital tv, we recieve no signal. What's up? No, we don't need to rescan.

GE
Saturday, June 20, 2009 › 3:45pm
As noted above, KTSC moved from a digital UHF channel (D8/RF26) to a digital VHF channel (D8/RF8). If you have not rescaned since June 12, try a rescan.

You need to have a VHF capable antenna correctly oriented toward Cheyenne Mountain. If you are using rabbit ears, be sure they are extended, and, generally, should be extended horizontally and perpendicular to the line of sight toward Cheyenne Mountain southwest of downtown CS. Rescan after adjusting the antenna. However, downtown buildings may cause problems with signal reception.

Also, sometimes the channel memories don't forget the old channels. Try a double rescan. Disconnect the antenna, then scan. No channels should be found. Then reconnect the antenna and scan for channels.

GE
Saturday, June 20, 2009 › 3:53pm
To clarify the previous post, in the Colorado Springs/Pueblo, Denver and Grand Junction areas, there are both VHF and UHF digital channels.

You need an antenna capable of receiving both VHF & UHF signals.

Many of the so called "digital antennas" being sold are UHF capable only.

Emily Graham
Monday, June 22, 2009 › 5:45pm
GE
Thank you for your helpful information. We also have lost rmpbs. (We are at I25 and 136th). Please convey our frustration and anger to the knuckleheads who run rmpbs. The technological problems may be beyond their control, but the public relations/communications disaster is inexcusable. In the final days, viewers were never told that huge areas of CO would lose signal until some time in Aug (maybe). We pointlessly scanned and re-scanned for rmpbs for days. All we can get is A6 with its infuriating digital conversion message warning us to get ready. We ARE ready. Have been since last Fall. rmpbs isn't.

I am curious about the future 1,000kW signal. How does that compare to the signal strength being used by Channels 7 and 9?

GE
Monday, June 22, 2009 › 10:09pm
Emily Graham

I'm not affiliated with RMPBS but it appears they monitor the blog posts, so I think they have seen your comments.

Channel 7's digital signal is 27KW ERP and Channel 9's is 45 KW, far less thantheir analog powers. These powers were determined by the FCC to provide approximately the same primary coverage area as the analog signal. Digital requires less signal level for the same channel frequency.

6's digital is D6=RF18 while 7 & 9 reverted their digital to RF7 & RF9 from RF17 & RF16.

6's primary digital problem is antenna height, not power. In the area of Louisville where I live in a siganl shawdow of a mesa, I do not receive D6.

I do receive D14 which is lower on the same tower and at less power as the future D6. I hope to see D6 in a few weeks.

john in LaPorte
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 › 8:49am
Emily Graham

It's hard to compare CH 7 & 9 (RF 7 & 9 VHF)to the eventual power of KRMA based on their kW transmit power. It takes less power on the VHF TV frequencies to reach the same area than is required on UHF frequencies where CH 6 (RF18) is located.

I'm surprised that you can't receive CH6 at your location since you should have a pretty straight look at Mt. Morrison.

The best indicator of future reception of KRMA would be if you can presently receive the spanish language station on D14 as GE mentioned above. D14 (RF15) is transmitting at 200 kW, one fifth the power that KRMA is slated to transmit on RF18.

Emily Graham
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 › 9:43am
Thank you GE and John
We do receive D14, so we are very much encouraged about our chances of receiving D6 in Aug.
Our house sits in a low area near the Big Dry Creek which may account for why we can't get D6 now. We have an old roof top antenna we bought in the 1970s. It's a little bent and missing a few spokes, but it brings in all of the digital stations in the area except D6. We even get 53 from Castle Rock sometimes.
If we can't get D6 in Aug, we can try a newer antenna mounted higher on the roof, but I think we will probably be OK.

DJ
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 › 10:10pm
The conversion has occurred and I'm extremely disappointed w/KRMA. I[m in Greeley with no reception except for occasional signals in the morning from Colorado Springs. I think that you strung lots of people along about coverage until the 11th hour and in the meantime took contributions from people you knew would not continue to have coverage. RMPBS has created lots of ill will with many long time viewers.

Director Of Engineering
Thursday, June 25, 2009 › 6:23pm
I am very interested in the commentary of all our viewers. One issue that keeps recurring is our power level and coverage. An easy comparison would be to see if you can get channel 20, they are broadcasting on channel 19 at 1MW with a similar pattern to what we (KRMA) are planning. As we have said before, sometimes you need to point your antenna in the "wrong direction" to get good reception. Also we have been noticing that in some areas folks can get ch 20 but no us. if that is the case try reducing the amount of signal getting to your receiver, either with a pad or unplug your amplifier.
With digital too much signal is worse that just barley enough since an overloaded tuner can't discriminate between signals as well as a tuner that is working at a lower signal level.
Thanks for watching

Director Of Engineering
Thursday, June 25, 2009 › 6:42pm
RE: Emily Graham's comments.
Thanks for your comments, trust me we are as frustrated as you are. We have been working very hard to get to full power and the delays and hurdles have at times seemed insurmountable. Please be patient a little while longer. It's great that you receive D14 because their antenna is right where we will be, only we will be a bit higher on the same tower.
For now have you tried to receive our digital Boulder Translator? it's right on the campus and is transmitting on channel 24 and is rebroadcasting KRMA. You will still see 6-x. Try pointing a bit north west and see if you can pick us up.

Dorothy Lease
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 9:28am
Just want you to send the prpmp by e mail

John in LaPorte
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 9:29am
To Director of Engineering

I am among many who are "patiently" waiting for KRMA to get the Mt. Morrison transmitter/antenna up and running. Anything you can do to expedite that process will be greatly appreciated.

I am located just 7.5 miles Line-of-Sight 15 degrees NNE from the RF 47 translator. Unfortunately that is 90 degrees off axis from your extremely directional RF47 antenna that is oriented 105 degrees ESE. I was receiving RF47 quite well until 6/17 when it was lost and is really not viewable.

I do have a computer based tuner that will decode the signal some of the time. The diagnostics show a constant signal strength of 27% - 28%, but the signal quality bounces around a lot probably from multi-path signals.

Looking forward to full power from Mt. Morrison!

John

Brian
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 11:09am
haha, easy there, A Simmons. This conversion is unprecedented and there are bound to be some issues. I have faith that RMPBS will do their best to please everyone - give it some time. I find it surprising how quickly you abandon a station you seemingly enjoy watching... thanks for being there RMPBS!

Sharon A. Russell
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 11:19am
looking forward to hearing from you on a regular basis!

GE
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 11:56am
Is the digital Boulder translator on channel 24 located on one of the Williams Village residence halls towers?

Linda in Viewer Services
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 3:03pm
Yes, GE, the Boulder digital translator channel 24 is broadcast from the top of the Williams Village dorm just east of Highway 36 off Baseline.

J. Shaw
Friday, June 26, 2009 › 9:40pm
I have to agree with A Simmons although I'm not affected. Like most commercial broadcasters, RMPBS hyped the advent of the "new and improved" digital signal, alluding to improved image and service for all. Then, about a year before 6/12 the "This Old House" crew began mention of "well, you might need a new antenna". Then it became "..some fringe areas may lose reception and need a new antenna or else cable/satellite service." Now, RMPBS is trying to ameliorate the "cliff effect" where fringe areas lose reception entirely with assurances that their repeaters will pick up the slack.

This deceptive and forthrightless ploy is what I'd expect from commercial stations -- but such a lack of integrity from subscriber-based RMPBS???

How many former paying subscribers now lack RMPBS reception?

Sheila Roberts
Sunday, June 28, 2009 › 1:54pm
Just started watching Rocky Mountain PBS. What a great variety of programs! Sorry it took me so long to find you.

MA FATIMA F SANTOS
Monday, June 29, 2009 › 3:05am
Its allready close,,can you send me a mail if you have any promo,im willing to take a survey

Shawn
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 › 1:58pm
Actually green is a really big deal. I think a lot of people have posting good strong facts on the issue. Remember folks, search green on Google because education is have the battle. Go green everyone. Thanks.

John Cunningham
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 › 4:06pm
Thanks for the great programming!

Ellyn
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 › 10:28am
Last year, we got PBS 6 just fine. Between Feb and June, we barely got it, and had to do some serious acrobatics with the antenna to get PBS. After the switch and a re-scan, we don't get it at all. We don't even receive a 'weak signal' message. Just gone. I live in Boulder, CO. Totally bummed - guess we're done with PBS? My antenna receives VHF and UHF signals, and we are getting all of the other major stations. Bummed, since you guys asked for money for so long for this switch.

Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 › 11:19am
We will go to full power (1MW) as soon as the backordered parts can be installed. This should be done by August 10. You can go to http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1272906.html to see the coverage area we'll have with full power.

J. Shaw
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 › 12:21pm
Linda,

Your explanation of interim loss of service to some viewers is fine, but doesn't address the complicity I cited where RMPBS along with commercial broadcasters sold viewers a bill of goods about digital & high-definition broadcasting.

We were promised "better, clearer,..." etc. and this is hardly the case. This tactic along with no mention to fringe viewers of the notorious "cliff effect" they could experience did a disservice to us all.

While we have come to expect a lack of forthrightness from commercial services, RMPBS and PBS nationally should have adhered to a higher level of integrity and been more "up front" about the issues behind Americans giving up free public bandwidth for the expediency of commercial carriers and military "national security".

GE
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 › 8:42pm
To DJ & Ellyn

From another page on this site:

KRMA/Channel 6 - June 12, 2009 at midnight

KRMA will remain in "Statutory Analog Nightlight Service" until July 12, 2009. Statutory Analog Nightlight Service consists of notification information to inform viewers where and how to receive the broadcast programming of Rocky Mountain PBS, now being broadcast exclusively in Digital.

In August 2009, KRMA will increase power of our digital signal from our site on Mt. Morrison from 315kW ERP to 1,000kW (1MW or 1 million watts) We will also begin broadcasting with a new antenna from the top of the tower on Mt. Morrison which, coupled with the increase in power should resolve most of the signal reception problems our viewers experience with in our coverage area.

GE
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 › 8:52pm
To Ellyn:

You should be able to receive two different translators for KRMA in Boulder: digital on channel 24 and analog on channel 44.

Check your channel scan results for those channels. Select, i.e., tune in either 24 or 44, not 6.

John in LaPorte
Thursday, July 2, 2009 › 10:03am
QUOTE:
"Linda in Viewer Services
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 11:19 a.m.
We will go to full power (1MW) as soon as the backordered parts can be installed."

Is it correct that the "Backorderd Parts" are the result of an error in judgment on the part of Engineering in thinking the KTVD Channel 20 antenna would be adequate for RF18 transmission, therefore, requiring KRMA to hastily order parts just a few days before the June 12 cutover date?

If so, this is not a case of "Backordered Parts", but normal scheduled delivery of late ordering by KRMA.

John

June
Thursday, July 9, 2009 › 7:14pm
Initially, I received almost no channels digitally with my converter and antenna; finally did a re-scan and now get everything except Channel 6. Got a clear picture of Chan 6 over July 4th weekend for a day or two but now nothing. Any suggestions?

June
Thursday, July 9, 2009 › 7:16pm
In follow up to my last email, I live in Longmont.

GE
Friday, July 10, 2009 › 1:08am

To June:

From another page on this Web site:

"In August 2009, KRMA will increase power of our digital signal from our site on Mt. Morrison from 315kW ERP to 1,000kW (1MW or 1 million watts) We will also begin broadcasting with a new antenna from the top of the tower on Mt. Morrison which, coupled with the increase in power should resolve most of the signal reception problems our viewers experience with in our coverage area. "

In particular, the present very low height of the temporary KRMA antenna seems to be causing considerable reception problems to the north from Mt. Morrison which is west of Denver. With the improvements in August, more than likely you will have a good signal in Longmont. If you recieve Channel 14 now, you should be OK with Channel 6 come August 10.

Tim
Saturday, July 11, 2009 › 10:03am
Great tips!! I think with the bad economy you can spend money on your house and actually save a lot of money in the long run. I'm number crunching and will look into these options. Thanks very much!

Bob Voelkel
Saturday, July 11, 2009 › 7:03pm
Makes me want to see this series!

paul
Sunday, July 12, 2009 › 10:49am
we live 8 miles east of the interstate east of ft collins in weld county. no signal for rmpbs. will the august improvements give us reception? we get all other denver stations at our current antenna setting.

GE
Sunday, July 12, 2009 › 7:09pm
To Paul

If you receive Channel 14 now, you should be receive Channel 6 when KRMA activates their new transmitter and antenna in August. Channel 14's antenna is on the same tower at a lower height and operating at a lower power than the new Channel 6 system.

GE
Sunday, July 12, 2009 › 7:21pm

To Paul

In addition to the previous post on 7/12/2009 at 7:08 PM, you should be able to receive Channel 6 (D6-RF47) now from the digital translator on Horsetooth Mountain west of Ft. Collins. However, you may have to aim your antenna in that direction (west), causing you to loose reception of the Denver stations.

Mike
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 3:53pm
These vignettes were very well done. I feel after watching all of them that I learned quite a bit and I am reassessing the neighborhood in which I live to see how it matches up with the good neighborhood ideas.

Thanks for doing these.

Molly Mitchell Martin
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 4:03pm
These are great videos!! What great marketing material for enticing a corporation or company to move to Denver! You could go one step further and mention which neighborhoods you are talking about. I was born and raised here so I know which ones are being highlighted but many people may not. I have sold real estate here in Denver for over 24 years and those videos would be a great marketing tool for realtors too!

Thanks,
Molly Martin

Coco
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 › 5:57pm
These videos are fantastic. I'm proud to say I live in the Bluebird District (East Colfax), one of the featured neighborhoods, and love it because of its proximity to shops, restaurants, services and other livable amenities. Also glad to know that Denver and other Colorado communities are thinking "Living Streets" and making them a reality.

ChadC
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 › 1:35am
A lot of people will quite frankly buy anything if you tell them its designer; designer this, designer that, designer Baby Jane, designer jeans, designer air, and now designer home tending. Designer home tending implies a lot, but here's what it is: if you're selling your home and have moved out, the real estate company will get someone to live in your home and keep it looking good for prospective buyers. They'll mow your lawn, do the windows, little bits of home improvement to get your place to sell. You won't even need payday advances for it - it's free.

Marilyn .Tyler
Thursday, July 16, 2009 › 8:44pm
It was such an honor to help the Super School News kids that were chosen to be auctioneers during the auction. It was so much fun helping the kids read through their scripts and learning how to pronounce some of the words. Getting them ready to go on air and giving them encouragement. Congratulating them when they were through. Telling them what a good job they did and give them a hug. We used to watch the board afterwards to see what kind of bids they got on the items they presented. They were such great kids and it was so much fun!!!!!!

Bob Evers
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 › 7:27pm
My mother lived through the dust bowl in the area of Hays Kansas and recalls many events very clearly. One of her most vivid recollections is when to first dust storm hit her parents thought it was the beginning of the end of the world. Included in her recollections are the actions taken by her parents to protect the family from the dust including locking the children in a closet. She is now 89 years old and the last surviving of the family of 9 children. Her parents were second generation Americans of German - Russian decent, and her mother never learned English. In addition I have a book about that area, including maps, a historical account, and numerous pictures. My guess is that between my mother and the book I have you could at much to your documentary.

GE
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 › 9:17pm

To KRMA Staff:

Is the upgraded higher antenna and increased power still on schedule to activate on August 10, 2009?

Judith Sersen
Thursday, July 23, 2009 › 10:57pm
Not sure about if there are any photo's but my mother lived through a couple of dust storms in SE Colo. Her name is Pollyann Sersen 970-226-1863 (Petersen at the time) She told me about my Grandma and Grandpa soaking handcherchief to breath through and wet towels around the doors to minimize the dust in the house. I don't know of photos but my mother went through it. 970-226-1863 she is in her 80's but she's all there. Tell her that her youngest Judith put you folks up to this if you decied to contact her. My father uses the computer she uses the phone.

Linda in Viewer Services
Friday, July 24, 2009 › 8:56am
We've verified with the Engineering Department that we'll have full power (1MW) on Monday 8/10. The antenna will be shipped 7/30, then put up on Mount Morrison 8/1. Installation will proceed and the turn-on date is 8/10.

GE
Friday, July 24, 2009 › 10:27pm

To Linda in Viewer Services:

Thanks for the update! :)

Lisa Wittenberg
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 › 3:09pm
My father grew up in Reydon, Oklahoma, a small town near the panhandle of Okalhoma and remembers Black Sunday very well. He has told stories about the dust bowl and living on the farm during those times. He is the 3rd youngest of 10 children, of whom only the youngest 3 are still alive. He is 81 years old, and while he would be willing to talk about his experiences, he does not want to have to write about them.(Which is crazy to me, he was an English teacher and worked for the Department of Education in Colorado; but he is getting lazier in his older years. ) He has family photos from the era, but nothing depicting the dust bowl specifically, If you would like to contact him, I will give you his information, so contact me.

Barbara Leinenger Duerson
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 › 9:35pm
My Mother and aunt Patsy were both raised in Lamar Co.,before during and after the "Dust Bowl".I've heard but a few of the stories that I'm sure there plenty of.Our ph.# is 719-339-6670

Roxanne Bortnick
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 › 8:08pm
My family farmed on the Colorado Kansas border south of Arapahoe Colorado. You might want to contact the Eastern Colorado Historical Society. I'm almost sure they have documentation in their museum in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado (http://www.townofcheyennewells.com/ourcommunity/index.html). Also, my mother lived on the family farm at the time and has told me many stories. You can contact her at the Prairie Manor Nursing home in Sharon Springs, KS ((785) 852-4244). She was very active in the historical society and would know if there are articles available.

Tom Seibert
Thursday, July 30, 2009 › 3:04pm
I used to get analog channels 2, 4, 6, along with the other analog stations. I get all former analog stations (now digital) plus a few new ones, but am not getting 2, 4 or 6 in digital. Rescanning does not work. I have a large attic antenna, but was wondering if these three are being broadcast from a different point and thus I need a second antenna to aim that direction. Thanks.

Linda in Viewer Services
Thursday, July 30, 2009 › 4:37pm
Hello, Tom. Channels 2 and 4 are on Lookout Mountain; Channel 6 is on Mount Morrison. Remember, RMPBS will be going to full strength on August 10.

GE
Thursday, July 30, 2009 › 5:24pm
To Tom:

Assuming you are in the Denver area, if you receive Digital Channel 31 (D31 - Fox) which is actually broadcast on RF (Radio Frequency) Channel 32 (RF32), i.e, D31=RF32, then you most likely should receive D2=RF34 and D4=RF35. You still select the legacy channel #. Both D2 & D4 are broadcasting at higher power at this time than D31.

Have you done a double rescan? Disconnect the antenna from the Tv or converter box and rescan. This clears the channel memories and no channels should have been found. Then reattach the antenna and scan for channels.

Also, read the blogs above from July 10 & 12 for more detailed information about Channel 6.

William Van Matre
Thursday, July 30, 2009 › 5:43pm
Too all of you! You need to know that 2,4,6 are not on VHF anymore. They transmit on UHF. The signal does not bend around infrastructures, Hills, Buildings! They screwed up when they assigned the frequency's to these channels. Sorry but they don't care!

GE
Friday, July 31, 2009 › 1:31pm

To Tom:

To clarify the above information, Channel 6 analog was on Lookout Mountain and their digital is further south above Red Rocks on Mt. Morrison.

Channels 2 & 4 had their analog on Lookout Mountain. Both of their digitals are on Lookout Mountinan. 2's digital will be (if not already) on the top of the same tower where the analog antenna was (it was lower at the same site). Channel 4's digital antenna is lower on a new tower further east on the upper side of Lookout Mountain than they were on their old tower .

However, if you are receiving D7=RF7, D9=RF9, & D20=RF19, you should receive D4 as they all are on the same new tower.

You may need to insert a signal booster amplifier between your TV (or DTV converter box) and your attic antenna.

Thayer Johnson
Friday, July 31, 2009 › 1:48pm
I lived through the dust bowl. I was born on a farm next to Highway 66 near Erick in southwestern Oklahoma in 1929. The dust bowl began, the stock market crashed, and my father was a sharecropper. We moved to California in 1944.

I'd be happy to help you with your dust bowl series if I can.

Thayer Johnson

Tom Seibert
Friday, July 31, 2009 › 2:34pm
Thanks for all of the responses. To clarify, I am in Fort Collins and receive all of the stations except 2, 4, 6. Since 7, 9, and 20 are on the same tower, I guess I will try the booster recommended, but don't quite understand why it would be required for 2 & 4, if 7, 9, & 20 come in loud and clear. Thanks again for all of the responses and I'm looking forward to the full power boost for channel 6 on August 10th. By the way, I did the rescan as suggested by GE.

GE
Friday, July 31, 2009 › 7:27pm

To Tom:

For Ft. Collins, RMPBS has a translator on Horsetooth Mountain. If you can receive its signal, it should appear as D6=RF47. In addition, you should receive D6=RF18 on August 10 (two channel 6s).

Higher frequency stations signals don't travel as far for the same amount of power. The FCC limits RF channels 14-51 to 1,000 kW.

Channels D2=RF34 and D4=RF35 are the highest frequency full power stations presently broadcasting from Denver (based on antenna location) to Ft. Collins. Channels D38=RF38 & D59=RF43 broadcast from a site east of I-25 near Dacona (southeast of Longmont) much closer to Ft. Collins.

Channels 2,4, 38, & 59 are all broadcasting at 1,000 kW. Thus channels 2 & 4 are most likely the weakest signal full power stations received in Ft. Collins.

Judith Wright
Saturday, August 1, 2009 › 12:05pm
Why would we be interested in the 2007 Fall PBS schedule?

GE
Monday, August 3, 2009 › 1:46pm

To Tom:

Oops! I forgot that Channel 50 (D50=RF51) is broadcasting at 1,000 kW from Lookout Mountain in Denver (Golden) just a few hundred feet away from the shared tower for 4, 7, 9, & 20.

If you receive 50, you should receive
2 & 4. 2 & 50 share a site but 50 is on a lower tower adjacent to 2's taller tower.

Carolyn Moore
Monday, August 3, 2009 › 3:19pm
I hate this new website. Very, very slow and jerky. I can't find what I want anymore. I want the week's schedule of features in one place and I cannot find that now.

Webmaster
Monday, August 3, 2009 › 3:33pm
Just as before, you can see this week's features by clicking "Schedule" then clicking "features" just below the date.

Constance Congdon
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 1:38pm
Although my family went through the dust bowl, all the survivors are gone now. I do have some photographs of Dodge City in the midst of a dust storm.

Kris McCusker
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 4:35pm
WHEN IN AUGUST IS THE BOOST?

Channel 6 is still weakest with my converter. When is the promised boost, so I can rescan? News media all vague about dates.

Linda in Viewer Services
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 4:38pm
As noted above, we will go to full power on August 10.

r macqueen
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 5:36pm
Where is there to be found a listing of programs appearing in HD? Will "Masterpiece" ever return in HD on comcast cable?

Tess
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 5:50pm
As a regular subscriber, I would feel more willing to consider re-pledging for next year if I could get a consistant signal. When I do get a signal, the sound level raises and dtops at random and when I don't , the digital signal breaks up making it impossible to watch let alon to use my digital recorder for later viewing...I get used to watching Create and it 's no gone as well. I live in the Grand Junction area and have been very disapointed with PBS as a whole. Provide a product I can actually view and I'll be willing to donate considerably more.

Jeannette
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 5:57pm
I can't get any reception at all with my digital air antenna. I live in West Lakewood just over the hogbacks..foothills. Any suggestions? I miss the PBS programing!!!

Rue Nelson
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 6:24pm
Tess is absolutely right on the mark!!!!
I worked and lived on the Navajo Reservation for over 10 years. I had Satellite television and the local (Arizona) PBS station came in loud and clear--NEVER a complaint. I moved to Grand Junction a little over 2 years ago and brought my Satellite with me. PBS--although not a local feed (due to local cable blocking PBS)--came in loud and clear from the East coast. Six months ago, I subscribed to the local cable television; and PBS is NOT loud and certainly NOT clear! The picture breaks up and freezes in place; the picture is at times full screen and at other times is less than half screen; and the sound is variable! My question is: Now that your website is "cool", what is your plan to improve PBS reception and coverage in Grand Junction???????

Rebecca Whyley
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 6:49pm
I've experienced the same type of TV reception of the PBS signal in Colorado Springs--the picture breaks up about every 30 seconds. I was in Durango recently and was unable to get KRMA clearly--on one evening the signal cut out about every 10 seconds (audio and video), so it was difficult to watch the program. Also, this time of the summer seems like a programming wasteland-the 'swingin' to the oldies' shows and info-mercials during your summer fund-drive are a complete bore. I don't watch KRMA when you present programming like this. The Sherlock Holmes reruns are getting old, too. I look forward to some fresh programming this fall, hope it's forthcoming.

Frustrated Viewer
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 6:52pm
I am a long-standing viewer and contributor to PBS programing. Until a few months ago, I had few complaints. I am now a "frustrated viewer"! For example: When I am viewing the News Hour, the picture breaks up and freezes in place and the audio will actually disappear for long periods of time. The outcome is that I have no idea what I am listening to. My Grand Junction friends are experiencing the same problems. Could you enlighten your viewing public as to what is occurring with the RMPBS feed in Grand Junction? Rue and Tess have made very valid comments. I want to continue being a contributor in good standing; however, I do expect that RMPBS meets me halfway. Thank you.

Jim in Louisville
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 › 7:55pm
I have never been able to receive Channel 6 over the air because I live just 200 yards from the KGNU tower in Louisville. I still am unable to tune into KRMA. Will I be able to in on August 10th? I'd love to drop Comcast but I stick with it only to get KRMA. On my DTV, what channel number will I find you under? When I scanned last weekend, all I got on channel 6 was noise from KGNU.

GE
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 12:13am

To Jim in Louisville:

Read the posts above from GE on June 22 and John in La Porte on June 23 (click on 24 above).

Channel 6 digital should not be affected by KGNU's FM signal as the digital signal frequency is far removed from the FM band. On August 10, do a rescan for new channels - you should find channel 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.5 (audio only). Again, if you receive D14=RF15 and D20=RF19, you should receive D6=RF18 on August 10.

Does anyone at RMPBS know what time the cutover on August 10 is planned at?

Doug Price
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:10am
Thank you all for your comments. We are aware of our signal problems, and we are taking it seriously. No break in service is tolerable, and senior management is notified each time a service interruption is noted by a viewer.

Serving the entire state is a technical challenge given our terrain. This is indeed a transition, and with transition, there are challenges to work through.

You have my assurance that this is our highest priority. We are committed to making it better. When we go to full power next week, we expect the signal strength to improve in communities that lost our signal altogether in June when we transitioned.

Our viewers play a crucial role in helping us address technical issues. We want to hear more from you at 800-274-6666. Thank you for your patience.

mountain girl
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:14am
Make the E-News printable on a single page, please.

Viewer
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:22am
We thank you for the update on the "technical" difficulties.... :)

Claudia
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:26am
I live in E. Denver and though my problems in no measure compare to viewers in other parts of the state, I, too, have trouble with the visual signal breaking into pixels and occasionally lose audio. Thanks for your response, Doug, that RMPBS is working on the problems.

Tess
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:29am
Doug,
Thank you for your response to concerns expressed in these comments. I would suggest that NOW is the time to show subscribers how RMPBS is aware of the glitches, let alone problem solve as to what could be done about them. As a subscriber in a major metropolitan area (Grand Junction), should I really have to notify RMPBS that the digital picture quality cuts out and the sound constancy is soft one moment and blaring the next? Enough people are experiencing this that I think RMPBS should have discovered this on their own and should be talking with us, the public, about it. I can't imagine how the many people in the Fort Collins area must feel when they see all the shiny bells and whistles on the website but are not even receiving a signal.

Tess
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:35am
My point is that public relations could be shifted in a way that would provide the viewers and subscribing viewers a more sympathetic and understanding view of our position. Showing off the new website and asking for more money doesn't leave me feeling warm, fuzzy and/or generous when I can't get a consistent signal and I don't even live in a remote area.
Thank you

Webmaster
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 11:43am
Mountain Girl, if you receive the HTML version of e-news you will see a link for "printable version" near the top right next to the date. You can also just bookmark rmpbs.org/schedule/enewsPrint.cfm to print out the weekly highlights.

GE
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 12:43pm

To Doug Price:

Could you elaborate on how the increase to full power with a higher antenna in the Denver area will improve the reception in Grand Junction and other parts of the state?

Dick B
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 3:20pm
Hopefully the comments above and in other forums on the RMPBS web site will have an impact on improving your signal problems. My guess is they will not. RMPBS literally has had years to work out the problem of delivering digital TV to all of Colorado and still hasn't gotten it right. In Colorado Springs, the digital over the air signal is just as bad as it has ever been. I can see the top of Cheyenne Mountain from my house. It's a straight line of sight view from ~ 12 miles away, yet reception is horrible. All the other broadcast channels having antennas at the same location on Cheyenne mountain are received just fine, but not KTSC, channel 8. RMPBS must be up-front as to why this is so and fix the problem. The number of subscribers and their donations depends on viewing quality.

Dick B
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 3:52pm
I have many problems opening the August ePromo on my computer. Earlier versions of ePromo .pdf files opened fine. My version of Adobe Reader is 9.1.0.

1. Attempting to open the Featured Programs crashes both IE8 and Firefox 3.5.1.

2 The other two links (Full Schedule and Calendar of primetime highlights) give an error, "There was an error processing a page, Invalid ColorSpace" which seems to be an Adobe Reader error. Again, this shows up whether Adobe Reader 9.1.0 is opened in IE8 or Firefox 3.5.2.

3. If these three documents are downloaded, Adobe Reader 9.1.0 crashes when it attempts to open them.

Perhaps RMPBS could create these documents as HTML files (and as .pdf files) and provide links to the HTML files as well. Some web sites provide links to both HTML and pdf files.

Webmaster
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 4:02pm
Dick, we were aware of the PDF issueand have re-created them. Please try downloading them again at rmpbs.org/promo and let me know here if you are still having errors opening them.

Questions ?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 4:18pm
1) Are the "technical difficulties" listed above the same whether you have Cable or Directv/Dish Network? I have Cable in Grand Junction and PBS is the ONLY channel with "problems".
2) I watched the Tour de France--LIVE, and the reception was fantastic! Does this mean that Colorado has more of a "Technical Challenge" with its "Terrain" than France and Italy do with their terrain in the Alps and the Pyrenees?
Hopefully, "going to full power next week"will ameliorate all of the aforementioned issues and concerns. Thank you...

Dick B
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 4:38pm
To Webmaster,

Re: Unable to view ePromo linked documents

Nothing has changed in the ~30 minutes since my message to you above. My browsers and/or Adobe Reader 9.1.0 crash in one way or another.

By the way, I'm using Windows XP Pro, SP 3. This is a fresh install of Windows on a new hard drive. Very few app have been installed.

I'll try another .pdf reader and see if things improve.

Dick B
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 › 4:54pm
To Webmaster,

Re: Unable to view ePromo linked documents

I solved to problem noted above by installing Foxit Reader 3.0 build 1817. Both the free standing Foxit and the Firefox plug in work to read the ePromo .pdf documents.

Anyone else having problems reading the referenced docs, try Foxit Reader.

Ken
Thursday, August 6, 2009 › 5:24pm
How silly of me to think your new fund raising system would mean fewer campaigns. Now I see, you have actually add another new annual campaign.
What happened to the idea of never pre-empting the most popular shows, Antiques Roadshow, Nova, Masterpiece, etc???

Viewer
Thursday, August 6, 2009 › 7:39pm
I live in Rural SW CO and have had many of the above mentioned reception problems too. A lot of times it seems that the video and audio feed are not in sync. I would also like to see shorter interruptions (asking for pledges) during the pledge programs (especially musical concerts.) The interruptions are just too much repetition that takes too long! Solution is maybe more breaks that are shorter in duration. I have turned the channel because I got tired of the long interruptions. I do love PBS though...would like to see more of the Friday night concerts and I love the travel programs. I would also like to see more science (Nova) programs. It seems like you used to have more than you do now.
Just my opinion....hope it helps!

elaine and john shepherd
Friday, August 7, 2009 › 4:42pm
I loose the signal spasmodically but it is getting better. Lost it today with Charlie Rose. BUT, I haven't gotten the monthly PROMO for several months. What goes?

Linda in Viewer Services
Friday, August 7, 2009 › 5:12pm
Hello, Elaine and John, I'm sending an August Promo on Monday and have corrected your account. We've been having intermittent equipment problems in Grand Junction and our engineer there is working diligently to find the source and repair it. Thank you for your patience and support.

bob
Sunday, August 9, 2009 › 10:33am
radio frequency for simulcasts.

you promised to show Masterpiece Theater during pledge weeks.
for shame.

burt christensen
Sunday, August 9, 2009 › 11:26am
I'm like Larry from the Colorado Springs area only I live in Longmont and can no longer recieve RMPBS or KBDI for that matter so why would I contribute a station I can't recieve.
It's been nice but goodby!

GE
Monday, August 10, 2009 › 12:49pm
It's early afternoon (12:30PM) on August 10 and I see no sign of KRMA Channel 6 from Denver after several rescans throughout the morning on both rabbit ears and attic antennas.

Is KRMA broadcasting at full power on its new anteena yet? If not, when can we hope for a signal? BTW, I am receiving Channel 14 just fine.

Director of Engineering
Monday, August 10, 2009 › 1:14pm
Great News, we are ready and will switch on the new transmitter this afternoon before prime time, aprox 4:00 PM. We still have folks working on the tower and don't want to create a hazardous environment for them to work in.
Please don't forget to rescan your receiver if you don't see us this evening.
For the next couple of days we will be returning to low power during the day time hours to allow the completion of all the work and removal of the rigging equipment.
Once that is all complete we will remain at full power and on the new antenna.
Thanks to everyone for the comments and support during this long process.

John Wm. Anderson,
CTO, Rocky Mountain PBS

Pam
Monday, August 10, 2009 › 1:18pm
This update comes from John Anderson, CTO of Rocky Mountain PBS:

We will bring KRMA DT to full power this afternoon in time for prime time programming. (Aprox 4:00PM)

Because we still have folks working on the tower we will need to return to low power during the day from aprox 9:00AM until 4:00PM.

We expect this to be necessary through Wednesday. After that we will be able to remain in the full power configuration.

GE
Monday, August 10, 2009 › 5pm

Congratulations!

As of 4:20 PM today, August 10, I am receiving KRMA's solid non-pixilated DTV signal of 6.x (1,2,3 & 5 [audio only on .5 - the radio reading service] using both amplified rabbit ears and amplified attic antennas in a signal challenged shadow area of Louisville at the northeastern base of Davidson Mesa (the Mesa blocks the line of sight signals of low elevation transmitting antennas).

I have never been able to receive KRMA's prior DTV signal and had a very poor analog signal through the years.

It is great to have a KRMA signal back after having lost any