Fall 2009 HD Local HD Launches

**jcrandall** · 11-11-2009 11:23 PM

Two new markets launched today (new to HD & SD):

Missoula, Mont., designated market area. The following broadcast networks will be available in HD: KTMF/ABC, KPAX/CBS, FOX/MNT, KECI/NBC, KUFM/PBS, and CW in standard-definition.

Marquette Michigan customers for the first time via DIRECTV digital satellite, will include WBUP/ABC, WJMN/CBS and WLUC/NBC - all in HD, and FOX, WBKP/CW, WNMU/PBS, WNMU2/PBS and WZMQ/MNT in standard-definition.

The Marquette launch is a big one, the entire Upper Peninsula is that DMA and OTA reception up there is the pitts. They have struggled with locals up there forever (the few people that are up there).

**bamaweather** · 11-12-2009 01:04 AM

There were also several individual HD local channel launches in various markets around the country. Here are the ones I found:

Milwaukee WI: WVTV (CW)
Greensboro NC: WCWG (CW)
Louisville KY: KET-1 (PBS)
Memphis TN: WKNO (PBS), MPB (PBS), WLMT (CW)
Richmond VA: WUPV (CW)
Lexington KY: KET-1 (PBS)
Waco/Bryan TX: KBTX (CBS)
South Bend IN: WBND (ABC), WCWW (CW)
Tri Cities TN/VA: WKPT (ABC)

And also an SD addition...

Colorado Springs CO: KTSC-DT2 (PBS)

**aa9vi** · 11-12-2009 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Jason Crandall

Two new markets launched today (new to HD & SD):

Marquette Michigan customers for the first time via DIRECTV digital satellite, will include WBUP/ABC, WJMN/CBS and WLUC/NBC - all in HD, and FOX, WBKP/CW, WNMU/PBS, WNMU2/PBS and WZMQ/MNT in standard-definition.

The Marquette launch is a big one, the entire Upper Peninsula is that DMA and OTA reception up there is the pitts. They have struggled with locals up there forever (the few people that are up there).

Mostly right... The eastern 1/3 of the Upper Peninsula is part of the Traverse City-Cadillac market which launched some time ago. But, you're right, reception in the West and Central upper Peninsula (Marquette DMA) sucks due to rugged terrain and low powered stations. for example, NBC and FOX 83 kw on UHF, CBS 9.8 kW on UHF, MYT at 41 kW. The ABC/CW on VHF is pretty low too.

**grizbear** · 11-12-2009 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Jason Crandall

The Marquette launch is a big one, the entire Upper Peninsula is that DMA and OTA reception up there is the pitts. They have struggled with locals up there forever (the few people that are up there).

Same can be said for the Missoula Launch. Many mountains, valleys and low power transmission. I live 30 miles from Missoula and could get only 2 of the 7 stations OTA.

**jcrandall** · 11-17-2009 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by aa9vi

Mostly right... The eastern 1/3 of the Upper Peninsula is part of the Traverse City-Cadillac market.

Didn't remember that, perhaps I need to spend more time up there, I've enjoyed every trip up north I've ever had the opportunity to take.

**jcrandall** · 11-17-2009 05:34 PM

Word is the final two for November will launch tomorrow:

Minot-Bismarck-Dickinson ND
Sherman TX-Ada OK

**brian_r** · 11-18-2009 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by bamaweather

There were also several individual HD local channel launches in various markets around the country. Here are the ones I found:

Waco/Bryan TX: KBTX (CBS)

It appears that KBTX is only SD, even though Direct lists it as HD. Perhaps that will change in the future. The fact that they carry them at all is a small miracle, we (local residents) have waited for about five months for this to happen.

**colt45allstar** · 11-19-2009 02:30 AM

Seems like they are never going to get to Joplin, Mo

locals are the only thing I miss from Dish and Cable.

Would be nice to not have to depend on my sometimes flaky OTA antenna/am21 combo.

Who knows maybe by 2012 or so the locals might be here

Sorry to complain (and to be fair dish network does the same thing) but it just annoys me that instead of adding locals... even standard definition versions to markets that lack any at all, the television providers make adding hd versions in existing markets a priority.

Seems like areas that need any form of locals should get first priority, over existing markets getting hd feeds... but hey what do I know?!?

**russ222** · 11-19-2009 04:19 PM

wpne pbs went hd todaych38 in gbay mkt

**pongo835** · 11-21-2009 06:44 PM

I see KET is now HD in our local the channel shows up but when I try to watch nothing but black screen. I have the other locals in HD and everything seems to be okay with receiver does anyone know why this might be happening?

HR-20-100, Slimeline dish
Hatachi 50v500
Yahama htr 6280
Sony BDP S350 blueray