Buffalo, NY - HDTV [Text View] - Page 8

rwantennasat

11-17-05, 03:30 PM

For anyone out there looking for a good deal. Directv is starting a free HDTV system special on Nov 23rd. Get a HDTv receiver w/install etc and 3 months hd programming plus HBO/SHOW?STARZ and reduced price on total choice plus. This receiver does analog and hd off air and sd/hd directv. They were selling these for around $300.00/
Give me an e-mail if anyones interested.
Also I have a load of Channel Master 4228 8 bays and 4221 4 bays as well as winegard Yagis on hand. I have lowest prices around on Winegard uhf hdtv amps. Ap-4700-ap-4727 and ap-4800 Just e-mail me. Im installing all of western n.y. area all yaer as long as you dont have snow /ice on the roof.
Canadians come see me i sell antennas much cheaper here. Im only 20 mins from Rainbow bridge.

dzt41j

11-17-05, 03:55 PM

intrac

11-17-05, 04:02 PM

Daniel
Where in Markham are you? What kind of Antenna do you have and how is the reception and the number of stations?

ANDY.A -- go to this location for reception from Toronto.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=465187&page=1&pp=30

ClaudeR

11-17-05, 10:01 PM

Does anyone know if Adelphia transmits the digital locals with the cheap "broadcast package" in WNY? I have a dish 921, and am having trouble with OTA antenna. Thanks.

videobruce

11-18-05, 10:26 AM

OTA locals fall under the FCCs' must carry rule. Not sure why Ch 14 (analog 29) WUTV isn't carried.

Anyone able to receiver ANY Canadian station other than ATSC ch. 20 (CBC ch 5)?

rwantennasat

11-18-05, 09:17 PM

Good to hear from you.
My cousin who works for dish talked me in to it this summer at a low price. I didn't spend the extra for the hd box, especially since we use/abuse the heck out of the dvr! I am using the antenna you set up and a stb for hd.
I got lucky this affternoon and picked up a close out radio shack stb for $89 that I want to try out.
My uncle (the roofer) is supposed to get a hold of you about an antenna. Call me so I can tell you about it.

Anybody else have the radio Shack box? How is it working?

Dan

Dan,
i have a R.S. box here as well and they work good for 89.00. Biggest bitch with these is the poor remote control response. a few guys around here all picked em up when they were cheap. I have 3 in a commercial install in Buffalo and they do fine.

rwantennasat

11-18-05, 09:20 PM

OTA locals fall under the FCCs' must carry rule. Not sure why Ch 14 (analog 29) WUTV isn't carried.

Anyone able to receiver ANY Canadian station other than ATSC ch. 20 (CBC ch 5)?

I can get ch 20 /5 24/25 40/9 and 53/57 use to get ch66/52 but since sun took em over hd has been off or nill here.
Lockport,n.y. 14094

ClaudeR

11-18-05, 09:20 PM

Thanks bruce. Time to spend $30 for adelphia install broadcast cable. Hmmm, how will I get FOX? My OTA tuner is only digital. Seems like all the digital TV is one step forward, two steps back.

rwantennasat

11-18-05, 09:24 PM

Does anyone know if Adelphia transmits the digital locals with the cheap "broadcast package" in WNY? I have a dish 921, and am having trouble with OTA antenna. Thanks.

Best of my knowledge neither dish or direct carry hdtv over air. Directv is starting to roll it out in Detroit this month and will blow dish away in the HDTV market as they have deeper pockets and more bird capacity than Dish.

I dont believe that Adelphia gives you the hd locals in they're cheapo package. My suggestion!! Get a better outdoor antenna ! CAll me i will help you
434-9216

rwantennasat

11-18-05, 09:28 PM

I just installed it a couple of months ago.Today I put a db2 on a 10 ft tripod and all channels seem to be holding good at a range of 80-90 strength,i think I just had to get over some trees nesr the house!The only one I cant get is 49-1,but I never got that.So i'm gathering that the 4228 performs well?
Ive only been foolin around with the antennas I get free from work,but if I have to spend money,I'll probobly go with the channel master.

If you have alot of trees and are below the escarptment you should go with a yagi over an 8 bay. we find the yagis work much better in trees. Also consider a good winegard uhf preamp. You should get 49 easy since transmitter is in Cowlsville which is just south of you???? What kind of hd receiver are you runnin??????

Give me a call i can give you some suggestions based on your exact location. Akron has alot of what we call suck out zones. we do alot of work out there.

ClaudeR

11-18-05, 09:35 PM

Best of my knowledge neither dish or direct carry hdtv over air. Directv is starting to roll it out in Detroit this month and will blow dish away in the HDTV market as they have deeper pockets and more bird capacity than Dish.

I dont believe that Adelphia gives you the hd locals in they're cheapo package. My suggestion!! Get a better outdoor antenna ! CAll me i will help you
434-9216

It is true that there are no HD locals with satellite yet, but the 921 dish box has a digial tuner to get OTA. I have a ratshack yagi, but still get dropouts due to the POC tuner in the dish IRD. If videobruce is right about the Must Carry, then the $7 per month Adelphia should work...

videobruce

11-19-05, 10:07 AM

I can get ch 20 /5 24/25 40/9 and 53/57 use to get ch66/52 but since sun took em over hd has been off or nill here.
Lockport,n.y. 14094 Lockport?? Isn't that just south of the CN tower? ;)
Your halfway there. That doesn't count.

Just how strong does 40 & 53 come in? Can you get them with a indoor antenna? Could you give some SS readings with 20, 40, 53, 41, 47 & 57 just so I can compare your levels with mine?
Thanks.how will I get FOX? My OTA tuner is only digital. With an antenna............ :eek: If videobruce is right about the Must Carry They ARE in the clear alone with HD Net and HD Net movies..

jimdoo

11-20-05, 08:33 AM

DAN,
dIRECTV IS GOING TO HAVE A free hdtv RECEIVER DEAL STARTING ON THE 23RD OF NOV. sign up and pay 199,99 then get it free with mail in rebate!!! Not suppose to tell anyone yet because its not out yet but oh well.

For new and existing sub's ??

rwantennasat

11-20-05, 03:15 PM

[QUOTE=videobruce]Lockport?? Isn't that just south of the CN tower? ;)
Your halfway there. That doesn't count.

Just how strong does 40 & 53 come in? Can you get them with a indoor antenna? Could you give some SS readings with 20, 40, 53, 41, 47 & 57 just so I can compare your levels with mine?

Bruce
I am apx 20 miles south of the lake. Actually i have a cottage in BArker on the lake if you really want me to say im cheating anyhow I am in s/e cor of lockport Rapids area. Im running a C.M. 4251 at apx 78' with a winegard preamp. I have not checked my signals with a fsm but Im running a Zenith HD sat-520 on 5 and 9 25 or 20 24 40 i am almost fullscale when pointed at the CN Tower. On 53 Imin the middle of the scale and i dont always lock into a signal,but i normally get better once leaves fall. When 66 was good i use to get them a tad over half scale ,but now i see nothing from them. The analogs like 19/25/41/47/ are all apx + 20 db out of the preamp. Ch 57 is apx +10 db ch 36 hamilton is apx +17 69 is apx +18 52 is apx +12.
Hope this helps
Rich Lockport

rwantennasat

11-20-05, 03:18 PM

For new and existing sub's ??

Call me if you want more info I can get you in even if your an existing customer
434-9216

rwantennasat

11-20-05, 03:20 PM

It is true that there are no HD locals with satellite yet, but the 921 dish box has a digial tuner to get OTA. I have a ratshack yagi, but still get dropouts due to the POC tuner in the dish IRD. If videobruce is right about the Must Carry, then the $7 per month Adelphia should work...
I believe the $7.00 lifeline service is not digital. So you will not get fox that way.
I've installed the Dish netwk Hd units and never had a fox problem. Where are you located? A ratshack antenna is probably the reason. Especially if its not pointed properly or has a lot o multipathing.
Rich

ClaudeR

11-20-05, 08:41 PM

I believe the $7.00 lifeline service is not digital.
Rich

An adelphia installer lives nearby, he is going to check it for me. My next door neighbor gets the lifeline cable, could be time to run a 60' RG6 across the driveway to test it out. If it doesn't pan out, I'll be contacting you about the channelmaster antenna. I'm in the sheridan-millersport area, with the big 3 about 20 miles away. I don't want to mess with rotors.

videobruce

11-20-05, 11:19 PM

Im running a Zenith HD sat-520 on 5 and 9 25 or 20 24 40 i am almost fullscale Can you re-phase that?
You are having trouble getting 53?

metzeric

11-21-05, 02:11 AM

videobruce

11-21-05, 11:26 AM

http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp

Find your lat. & long. through the supplied link (save it and write it down) enter it in when it askes (don't get them mixed up), change ther default mileage to say 90 miles. Presto. Far better than that childish antennaweb.

Hello Rich, here's your chance...............but with those newer house in the surburbs, it's a piece of cake to install it yourself. UHF antennas sre small.

PS, welcome to the forum.

rwantennasat

11-21-05, 05:04 PM

Can you re-phase that?
You are having trouble getting 53?

Right now i get 53 decent ,but sometimes when all the leaves are on the trees im getting some tilling. At my place at the lake its sickening i can get all the To stuff as well as watertown with a indoor antenna. Although i have stacked yagis down at the lake. Waiting to see vermont in HD i do get rutland and Burlingto quite regular there! Its that LAke enhancement!

rwantennasat

11-21-05, 05:07 PM

i currently have adelphia cable to get my hd programing if i bought an antenna for the roof what channels could i get ? would i get any from canada or rochester
and if so what equipment should i get and any good installers in the area?

thanks eric

We install all of western and central n.y. Been in business since 1982 glad to help ya out. Give me a call or e-mail and i'll get some info from ya. We're pretty familiar with most areas situations.
Rich
R.W. Antenna Svce inc.
434-9216
Lockport,N.Y.

rwantennasat

11-21-05, 05:15 PM

[QUOTE=videobruce]http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp

Find your lat. & long. through the supplied link (save it and write it down) enter it in when it askes (don't get them mixed up), change ther default mileage to say 90 miles. Presto. Far better than that childish antennaweb.

Hello Rich, here's your chance...............but with those newer house in the surburbs, it's a piece of cake to install it yourself. UHF antennas sre small.

yes easy to install some of them. But we sell to do it yourselfers TOO!! :) So if ya want a good antenna (not RAT SHACK JUNK) call me. Plus i can give you my 25 years of advice!!!!!

rene52

11-22-05, 09:22 AM

Hi all, I tried the location finder at 2150 and it didn't give me any results.I put Log., Lat, Magnetic Declination, and miles, and it just kept coming up blank. Thanks rene52.

videobruce

11-22-05, 10:43 AM

You must be doing something wrong.

How close are you to here;
http://www.juggling.org/bin/do/map-find?lat=%2B43.099920&lon=-078.984534&zoom=6&wid=.223&ht=.135&action=in&map.x=182&map.y=137

That will give you this;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=43%2E095176&longitude=%2D78%2E997621&magnetic_north=9&range=90&sort=distance&show_expired=False&show_construction=False&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

The links are long, hope they work.

rene52

11-22-05, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the info,I think my problem was that I was using Firefox instead of Explorer, I can
get the info now using Explorer. Thanks agin rene52.

dzt41j

11-22-05, 02:24 PM

Rich,
I was able to pick up one of the radio shack units, it does work fine. The remote really does suck, I'm looking on the internet for a generaic remote that will work.

videobruce

11-22-05, 10:48 PM

I was using Firefox instead of Explorer Shouldn't have anything to do with it. Better off with something other than Idiot Exploiter.

sprocto4

11-23-05, 11:09 AM

Shouldn't have anything to do with it. Better off with something other than Idiot Exploiter.

I think I read somewhere anti-Microsoft attitudes cause cancer :rolleyes:

ClaudeR

11-23-05, 05:09 PM

I believe the $7.00 lifeline service is not digital. So you will not get fox that way.
Rich - you are correct, I just tested it and the lifeline cable DOES NOT INCLUDE DIGITAL broadcast at this point in my area of Amherst.

How much are you getting for the 4221? I am 20 days away from my dish commitment, and am trying to decide between keeping dish or going back to HD cable.

videobruce - what do you know about "must carry", and is it worth pursueing the matter with Adelphia? Thanks.

dannyrj

11-23-05, 08:05 PM

videobruce

11-25-05, 11:13 AM

I think I read somewhere anti-Microsoft attitudes cause cancer :rolleyes: Listen to Edgeman, he will tell you anything;

HDKing

11-27-05, 09:18 AM

So is WKBW's digital/high def signal still down? I'm getting neither and I used to get both at nearly full strength at 9/10 signal bars.

dsspredator

11-27-05, 10:34 AM

So is WKBW's digital/high def signal still down? I'm getting neither and I used to get both at nearly full strength at 9/10 signal bars.

Rock solid right now: 11/27/05 10:45 AM

HDKing

11-27-05, 12:56 PM

Hmmmm, I'm getting nothing still. Hope my HD tuner doesn't need to be replaced.

daredevil23

11-27-05, 03:04 PM

Just checked and getting a solid 18.5 dB signal for WKBW.

Daniel Tonks

11-27-05, 07:24 PM

"Still down"? If you're talking about the outage from the wind storm a couple weeks ago, it was only down for a couple days and has been back up since.

rwantennasat

11-28-05, 04:33 PM

Rich,
I was able to pick up one of the radio shack units, it does work fine. The remote really does suck, I'm looking on the internet for a generaic remote that will work.

Dan, i heard that if you hold the remote pointing down they sometimes work better. Also heard R.S. may have a uni remote that will take care of the problem. Check it out and tell em the situation????
Rich :rolleyes:

rwantennasat

11-28-05, 04:38 PM

[QUOTE=ClaudeR]Rich - you are correct, I just tested it and the lifeline cable DOES NOT INCLUDE DIGITAL broadcast at this point in my area of Amherst.

How much are you getting for the 4221? I am 20 days away from my dish commitment, and am trying to decide between keeping dish or going back to HD cable.

Here is an idea :rolleyes: dump Dish and sign up W Directv and get a new Hd receiver free after rebate plus all the other freebeis they are throwing in. I sell the 4221 4 bay for $29.95 cash and carry. Bare bones unit. call me to discuss off the forum 716-434-9216

rwantennasat

11-28-05, 04:42 PM

I have a new TV, but don't have cable, a sattlelite dish, or antenna on the roof. All I can get with the cheap indoor antenna is 4, 17, 23 and 29. Can anyone recommend an indoor antenna that can pick up 2 and 7, as well as the Canadian stations 9, 11 and 13?

Im not sure of your location so i cant say for sure. If you have an attic of decent size you could put an actual antenna up there. Most rabbit ears or on the set type antennas never do good on low channels 2-6. As far as toronto chs 5-9 unless the antenna is up high and pointed at them forget it. I could advise more if i knew where you are
rich :confused:

EskimoPie

12-01-05, 12:52 PM

I thought that I had heard/read somewhere that the WB station was going to be moving soon and would be putting out a much stronger signal such that more than 2 people would be able to pickup HD WB... anybody know anything about this?

videobruce

12-01-05, 01:25 PM

Didn't know there were than many watching. :rolleyes:

Real waste of bandwidth. :mad:

Daniel Tonks

12-01-05, 06:23 PM

They're hoping to be move their transmitter to Grand Island and up the power level (now that they're forced to use channel 34 and their application to return to channel 49 after the analog shutdown was REJECTED). However, the antenna will be directional so, while it should help their NY audience, nothing much will change for Canadians. :-)

videobruce

12-02-05, 07:06 AM

the antenna will be directional so, while it should help their NY audience, nothing much will change for Canadians. Consider yourself lucky. ;)
Are one of the requirements to actually watch that tripe a IQ under 100?

rob50312

12-02-05, 08:40 PM

Daniel I will bet that if they get approval for the Grand island 175KW directional south that they will have a better signal into Toronto .The small rear lobe goes much furher north than the 650w signal they now have.Its too bad that are goverment is just trying to block WNYO-dt.Their current signal does come in for me sometimes .

Daniel Tonks

12-03-05, 12:40 AM

I've never gotten anything useful on 34... basically I can see a SLIGHT increase on the signal meter on incredible tropo days that indicates that there MIGHT be something there, but that's it.

MDK

12-03-05, 08:40 AM

WKBW down again?
Was there another windstorm? I've been getting zero signal form them again.

lurchwitts

12-03-05, 10:19 AM

yes me too,tried to see if santa is comin to town was hd but nothing on signal last night or this morning!Everything else is in the 90's for me and 0 on wkbw.

jimdoo

12-03-05, 06:33 PM

WNED -Anyone having issues with pbs? They're very intermittent again tonight - bad or low signal and pic break ups.

videobruce

12-04-05, 08:33 AM

I have seen some breakup on Ch 43 on occasion.
Ch 38 went down Thursday or Friday and back up late Saturday afternoon.
Promo the Robot had to be called in................ :D

http://www.digitalhomecanada.com/forum/showpost.php?p=296030&postcount=7

HVskier

12-06-05, 04:58 PM

newcomer to HDTV here. just got directv tv with hd receiver, now looking for a solution for the local channels. We are located in Lakeview, zip is 14085 (part of hamburg but closer to the lake). I've done an antennaweb search and the 2150 one. looks like 2, 4 and 7 are in the same general direction and 15-18 miles away, and 29 is at 22 miles but in a different diection. What would be the cheapest and easiest solution to get decent reception? Is it worth trying out an indoor antenna first?

videobruce

12-06-05, 11:39 PM

You have Toronto and Erie at your fingertips. Sure it is worth it with a rotor of course.

rubblerubble

12-08-05, 04:46 PM

bruce,

I recently replaced my 120" boom VHF/UHF combo with a CM4248. My hope was that the slight blip on CTV40 would be amplified a bit with a better quality yagi. To my dismay, the blip is now completely gone and the signal strength on the analogs is ever so slightly degraded. So much for Rat Shack being junk!

On a positive note, I seem to achieve a better overall lock of CBC20, so I guess it wasn't a total waste. Hockey Night in Canada is a beautiful thing.

videobruce

12-09-05, 08:30 AM

Is the antenna in the exact same location? Gain varies across the band. Two different antennas. That doesn't mean RS is good, just that in your case at that frequency it was better. I don't know who makes RS antennas now, since I'm sure they changed vendors a few times in the last 15 + years.

Since you had a signal, what downlead are you using? Did you change the matching transformer? How long is the cable? Are you running a amp or preamp?

This morning would of been a great day to do some antenna work............. ;)

daredevil23

12-11-05, 01:05 PM

Is someone asleep at the HD switch or what?

WIVB-DT1 39 (4.1) Sunday 12/11/2005 1:00 PM, 3 hrs
NFL Football
Patriots at Bills

New England (7-5) at Buffalo (4-8). The Patriots can clinch the AFC East title with a win and a Miami loss in San Diego. Tom Brady is 8-1 in this series after the Pats' 21-16 comeback win on Oct. 30. Bills WR Lee Evans caught 3 TD passes last week.
High Definition (HD) program shown in 1080i

Finally, just switched to HD at 13:09.

rubblerubble

12-13-05, 09:11 AM

Is the antenna in the exact same location?

Since you had a signal, what downlead are you using? Did you change the matching transformer? How long is the cable? Are you running a amp or preamp?
;

Yep, exact same location and height (chimney mount). Same pre-amp, but replaced all connectors with the ones that came with the new antenna.

I'm learning that the CM4248 is extremely sensitive to even the most minor movements on the rotator. Whether due to slight tropo or just fortuitous turning, I was able to get a one-bar blip on CTV40 last night. Still not good enough for reception.

rwantennasat

12-27-05, 02:43 PM

wow this forum is dead!! didn anyone get any new hdtv's for christmas or any neat new toys?

daredevil23

12-27-05, 07:04 PM

If it's not SED technology, then it ain't new. :p

I did score a new ATi x700 video card for my HDPC though.

videobruce

12-28-05, 01:22 PM

The biggest news is the arrival of the JVC 1080p set at Yuppie Disavantage.
Yet to be seen if BB will carry it.

iADD24x7

01-10-06, 10:10 AM

Has anybody heard about any updates about Adelphia cable carrying the FOX HDTV channel? Wondering if the transition to Time Warner/Comcast will have any effect on the progress with FOX also.

SDB

01-10-06, 05:22 PM

Has anybody heard about any updates about Adelphia cable carrying the FOX HDTV channel? Wondering if the transition to Time Warner/Comcast will have any effect on the progress with FOX also.

Last I heard, the latest unconfirmed for-sure rumor is "Sometime in 2006", but of course this is a follow up from the previous for-sure answer of "Oh, fourth quarter '05" which was the heir of the always heralded "Mid year 2005" which was preceded by... you get the picture.

I think I'll see Swine Air flying out of BUF before I see FOXHD on cable around here.

videobruce

01-10-06, 10:58 PM

Have you considered an outdoor antenna? :rolleyes:

SDB

01-11-06, 12:44 PM

Have you considered an outdoor antenna? :rolleyes:

Me? I live in a valley in Olean. I wish an antenna was an option :(

daredevil23

01-11-06, 09:59 PM

Me? I live in a valley in Olean. I wish an antenna was an option :(

Don't worry, Bruce will hook you up with a 20 meter tower.

rob50312

01-11-06, 10:37 PM

Their application for Grand island transmission is granted a construction permit for 175KW directional to the south.This will provide a stronger signal.They have a year to constuct.

macwho

01-14-06, 09:11 PM

Turned on ch.23-1, CBS, to watch the game tonight. No signal. My set says "poor signal quality" but my signal strength meter says 82 percent. Nothing on 23.3 either. All others 2.1, 2.2 & 7.1 all come in. Anyone else having a problem?

JCochran

01-14-06, 09:28 PM

No problems on 23.1 or 4.1

mrpergo

01-14-06, 10:01 PM

I'm on 4.1 in Hilton,N.Y. with no problems.

videobruce

01-15-06, 08:38 AM

Don't worry, Bruce will hook you up with a 20 meter tower. Sounds like a plan........... ;)

macwho; What set do you have and are you using the internal tuner?
If it happens again, power down and power back up. If that doesn't do it, power down, wait till it is completely off (if it is a Microdisplay) and unplug the set for a minute.

P.S.; welcome to the forums. :)

macwho

01-15-06, 03:05 PM

Videobruce,
Thanks for the welcome.
My set is a Panasonic PT-44LCX65, LCD projection. I am using the internal tuner. Purchased at CC 11/27/05, for $1295.00. And it has been awsome.
I tried powering down but I still couldn't receive any of the WIVB stations. So I did a channel re-scan and it came in. I'm still using an indoor antenna and I get a lot of reflection. Maybe that has something to do with it ??
I just purchased a CM 4228, pre-amp and rotor that will be going up soon. I'm sure it will make a difference in picture quality.
Incidentally I purchased the antenna and pre-amp from rwantennasat, before I found this Forum. Good local guy to deal with. Good prices and very knowledgeable. I assume you also install antenna's & sat ??

videobruce

01-16-06, 09:08 AM

Yes, but not on a regular basis.
That preamp might give you problems because of the 'problems' from the 'other' country between here and Canada............ ;)

rubblerubble

01-16-06, 12:44 PM

macwho,

Without you having to sift through the pages upon pages here, I'll give you a synopsis of my chronicles with a pre-amp in the greater Buffalo area.

Basically, considering your proximity to Grand Island, you will likely introduce signal overload if you are trying to get a lock on any Canadian HD channels if you decide upon a pre-amp. I'm approx. 8 miles away from GI and have experimented with combinations of pre-amps and attenuators. In the end, I have a cm4248 antenna and a 17db pre-amp. Anything stronger than this from my location results in overload and extreme frequency bleeding.

Chances are, the cm4228 that you intend on installing has enough gain to get you as close as possible to achieving a useable signal without overload. If you haven't already purchased a pre-amp, I would advise against it.

Good luck, and post your results when your project is complete.

RIppolito

01-16-06, 09:34 PM

I have been getting a really weak signal recently (I live in Rochester), but tonight, it is strong enough for me to pick it up.

Is it good atmospherics, or did something happen? Anyone know?

Thanks,

Ron

macwho

01-16-06, 10:58 PM

I already bought the pre-amp. It's a Winegard AP-4700 that provides a 19db gain on UHF, and is suppose to compensate for overload. My antenna cable length is apx. 120', and I am going to use a power passive splitter to connect the antenna to another TV, with another 25' of cable, so I have a lot of db loss.
Based on the advise, I will first try it without the Pre-amp. I will post my results, hopefully this weekend if it doesn't snow, if it doesn't rain, if it doesn't get too windy, if it etc. etc.

videobruce

01-17-06, 08:05 AM

1st, I would not use a preamp next to the antenna for this reason;
Accessibility, you can't get to it if there is a problem.

What I do is run the d/l into your attic or crawlspace, put the preamp or netter yet amp there. Then you can put traps, filters. splitters. attenuators etc where you can rearrange, add, or subtract them at will without climbing up on the roof.
besides they are all weather protected!

rubblerubble

01-17-06, 10:01 AM

macwho, I'm also using the Winegard 4700, but I have it mounted inside the house much like videobruce for the very reasons he elucidates. Also, by having it further down the line, it encourages enough signal loss to prevent overload.

videobruce, have you had any luck recently with pulling in CTV40 or any other non-CBC20 signals from Canada?

whiteout1604

01-17-06, 10:21 AM

Hi I just recently bought a 17" LCD HDtv ready, I got adelphia HD but when i watch it on HD local channels it comes in like a box shape, not just bars on the top and bottom but also on the left and right..just makes picture look terrible, is this because the screen is small or what? thanks

videobruce

01-17-06, 11:18 AM

I haven't looked in the past couple of months. But the last time, only ch 20.

I have a mosture problem with the balum at the antenna. No idea what happened. 30 years of dealing with antennas and never had a issue. When it rains (gets wet) the attenuation goes way up. I am loosing 10-15 dbmV. :mad:

whiteout1604; Welcome to the forums, but that would be better posted in the Display section;
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=40

NJRich

01-18-06, 10:52 AM

Indiana627

01-18-06, 12:53 PM

Before I drive myself crazy trying different OTA's does anyone know when DirectTV will begin carrying local HD channels?
A guy at Stereo Advantage told me they'd start carrying HD local 'this summer' 2006. Anyone heard about it?

Thx

Directv has started carrying Local Into Local (LIL) HD channels. They have them in about 10-12 of the largest markets now, with another 10-12 schedule soon. As far as I know, Buffalo is not on the list yet. But once the 2nd satellite they launched last year is operational, I bet Buffalo will get LIL HD. I would think definitely in 2006 sometime.

Mark

macwho

01-18-06, 11:01 PM

videobruce & rubblerubble,
Thanks for the info & suggestions. Unfortunately I have no workable head room in my attic as my second floor is finished space. It actually resembled videobruce's before I finished it off. As I said I'm going to first try the antenna without the pre-amp. I'll post my results.

videobruce

01-19-06, 09:59 AM

macwho; W/O the preamp, you will get all the locals and ch 20 out of Toronto.
If you want more out of Toronto you will need some single channel traps (filters) and the preamp.
Take a look here;

http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapsurfer?infact=2&outfact=2&act=move&tlevel=-&tvar=-&tmeth=i&mlat=42.968618&mlon=-78.872948&msym=redpin&mlabel=14217__Kenmore_&murl=&lat=42.9682083&lon=-78.8731842&wid=0.025&ht=0.025&conf=mapnew.con&map.x=249&map.y=254

You can narrow down where you live by clicking on the map. Copy the lat. & long. down (keep it for reference) and then go here;

http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=42%2E9630318&longitude=%2D78%2E8697739&magnetic_north=10&range=90&sort=distance&show_expired=False&show_construction=False&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

Those coordinates are Delaware Ave & Delaware Rd. You can enter in your exact location, bookmark the page with the link on the left top of the page for further reference.

macwho

01-19-06, 05:40 PM

videobruce

01-20-06, 09:50 AM

I just took to main streets as a reference.
For anyone else you can do the same with that map. Zoom out, find your street and zoom back in. Write your coordinates down. A couple of pointers; the "-" IS used, be sure there are NO spaces ahead of the lat. & long. number (easy to do if you do a cut and paste). You can sort by distance or direction and choose the distance (default is 150 miles). Magnetic declamation is 10 degrees.

Most do not know the real reason WNED (ch 17 & 43) moved to Grand Island. $$. Apparently too many were watching Ch19 out of Toronto and the pledge money was going there. Having a strong channel only 12 MHz away from a weak one kinda screws anyone wanting to watch it.

There are many companies that sell filters (traps). The one I used which was a big help is in East Syracuse;
http://www.cefilter.com/products/display_complete_catalog.asp

Not too expensive (as single channel traps go) though there are two levels of attenuation. They give you a graph on the trap that show notch depth and skirt loss.

Doctor_K

01-20-06, 11:30 AM

I don't see 2-1 & 2-2, but I can see them at 33-1 & 33-2. Anybody else?

dsspredator

01-21-06, 10:36 AM

I don't see 2-1 & 2-2, but I can see them at 33-1 & 33-2. Anybody else?

They just changed their ID to:

2-1 WGRZ-HD

2-2 WGRZ-SD

Doctor_K

01-21-06, 12:22 PM

They just changed their ID to:

2-1 WGRZ-HD

2-2 WGRZ-SD

Yep I see it has resolved itself as of last nght (Friday 20th).

captaincelluloid

01-21-06, 05:20 PM

First the PRO -- WIVB seems to have gotten rid of their micro blocking
and audio crashing issues.

Now the CON -

AUDIO problems

Now that they've fixed their issues with 5.1 audio there seems to be an issue
with matrix stereo.

To wit; if a show is NOT 5.1 I get what seems to be the front dialog channel
in my rear channels [ Lexicon MC-1 ]

AND when they cut back from commercials to a 5.1 show I get a VERY LOUD
pop in the rear channels.

Anybody else notice this? Is it them or me?

VIDEO problems

In the last few weeks CBS has been running repeats of the various CSI shows
in irregular prime time slots . . and when then do THEY ARE NOT IN HIGH DEF.

Seems like the memo didn't get to the guy who pushed the HD button about the
schedule..

AND

they STILL have those annoying flash frame switching errors. Seem to be most prevalanet in the 10 to 11 pm hour. Could this be from WNLO crosstalk . .

. . or are the boys in Indianapolis just snoozing at the swtich.

John, are you still listening????

Anybody got any idea what's up???

rwantennasat

01-21-06, 10:09 PM

videobruce,
Once again, thanks for the info. Your coordinates were off by only about 8 blocks. I'm closer to military road.
I see what you mean about the channel traps for the Toronto transmitters. They line up almost the same, 1-7 degrees difference, with the G.I. transmitters from my location. I see problems with the pre-amp overloading, because the G.I. transmitters are less than 5 mi. from my location. I guess this is going to be a real learning experience for me.

Rich here from Lockport. Dont totally scrap the amplifier idea. I've seen situations in tonawanda where i have been able to put both the ap-4700 19 db gai and even the ap4727 22 db gain amps. these were where the gi towers were les than 2 miles away. Difference was the tuners being used. Zeniths No problem some Sony's no problem but alot of LG's and Hitachi's were blledover monsters. Alot of tuners selectivity's differ so until you try you wont know for sure. The ap-4700 is reccomended thou in your case MACHWHO. If you need some attenuators ive got tons of them in diff values to play with. If traps become an issue i also have them from winegard and microwave filter co.
Rich

macwho

01-22-06, 10:22 PM

Rich,
How's it going ?
I finally got a good day, that I didn't have to work, to put the antenna up. Kinda of pain. I guess I'm getting to old to climb around on roofs. Anyway I got it mounted with the pre-amp connected, kinda out of level, but I don't have the inside wire run completed yet anyhow. When I get it completed I'll post my results. I'll also keep you in mind if I need anything else. Also my tuner is a Panasonic.

rubblerubble

01-24-06, 12:10 PM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060124/ap_on_en_tv/tv_network

I wonder if this will affect the current transmission towers and the pursuit of WB to build that transmitter on GI.

videobruce

01-24-06, 12:34 PM

Hopefully, it won't be built! ;)

MDK

01-24-06, 10:55 PM

The UPN/WB combination has some potential:
WNLO-UPN has a full power license for a Grand Island transmitter, but is not passing their network programming in HD...
WNYO-WB has the stuff to transmit their network in HD and is doing so, but does not have the broadcast power and would like to move to Grand Island...
Hypothetically they could:
1. Have WNLO emerge as the local CW network broadcasting in full-power and full-bandwidth 1080i from Grand Island.
2. Get WIVB-CBS back to full bandwidth, dumping its UPN appendix
3. WNYO essentially takes one for the team and becomes a local independent network.
Yes this might just be wishful thinking. But the merger has the potential to bring the consumer more HD programming in markets where one of the two network affiliates is broadcasting HD and the other isn't, or in those areas that have only the WB or UPN but not both. Can't wait to see what happens.

tametz

01-29-06, 11:59 AM

Fox: 238deg 5miles CNTower: 336deg 48miles Big 3 networks: 165deg 30miles
Wheatfield NY, very flat

Had my good ol' Attic mounted non-amped 90 ft cable run Radio Shack 160" boom pointed south to the US networks at approx 165 degrees. Just got an HDTV (JVC HD-56FH96) and hooked it up, presto, PBS, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox - all with signal strengths around 92-94 (as reported by JVC). Adelphia gives everything HD but Fox, so for the olympic coverage (and spured on by Tor vs Habs in HD last night on Hockey Night in Canada) I figured pointing the antenna towards the CN tower would get me the canadian stations - so I lined it up to 336 degrees - wrong.

Wasn't getting the the Canadian stations, so I went to Radio Shack for an amp (didn't think it would help, but maybe with HD it was different - not a fan of amps anyway - they can only hurt your S/N) - and nope, didn't help. (But, got a 26db amp for 19.99 because it was last years model - darn cheap). Got the same exact results with or without the amp.

Fox was at 94 and WNLO at 83. These are the only stations I'm now getting with the big antenna. OK, so just for kicks, I hook up an old RCA loop/rabbit ear unit (see picture) - I expected to start getting some of the Big 3 networks again and Fox. Much to my surprise, I got Fox WNLO and CBC!! Huh? I dont get it. But it means that the CBC signal is here. (North is out the window where my TV is - see pic)

The only thing I can guess, is that the Fox signal is so strong with the big antenna, it's killing the Canadian stations?? The amplifier only made the Fox signal bigger, making the RF front end on the JVC adjust accordingly. However, I thought because of the directional nature of the antenna, the 98 degree difference between Canada and Fox would reject enough of the Fox signal.

Any thoughts? My only guess is to get a notch filter for Fox (do you have them Rich the Antenna Man?) and see if that helps - or try a different antenna - because most of that 160" boom I have to move around isn't used anyway (total pain in the butt in the attic!)...and if I try the DB4 (see link below), its a different type..If I try a notch filter though, I still want to get Fox somehow...just a bit confused now.

Ideas?
Thanks in advance...anyone want a huge antenna?

Current stash of equipment:

Current 160" boom in attic s/90ft cable run:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103087&cp=&kw=antenna+boom&parentPage=search

JVC TV came with a 3db and 6db attenuator - but this would drop all signals down..

Radio Shack 26dB amp

Got a Silver Sensor coming next week (got for Neighbor, but can test before handing over):
http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=49&id=131

New stuff???:
http://www.antennasdirect.com/DB4_HDTV_antenna.html
or maybe even:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088&cp=&kw=antenna+boom&parentPage=search

videobruce

01-30-06, 09:41 AM

tametz; In this area as in most (but not all) all digital transmitters are and will be UHF only. There is NO need for a large VHF combo antenna anymore.
That DB4 is almost the same design as the CM 4228 which can be had now for $40.

You didn't even get ch. 20 (CBC)?? Where you are, you should get almost all of them.

tv4chief

01-30-06, 10:24 AM

We run all audio in 5.1 mode regardless if it's 5.1 or stereo. That won't change until the NTSC is switched off in 2009. Sorry about that. You may get some strange audio occurrances depending on your system when program is in stereo. I can't find any as run log that shows that CSI was not in HD. If someone has a specific time and date, please let me know. I've never seen or heard of the flash frame problem, lately, but it could be the delay associated with being on a hub. Any comments, please feel free to email me at john.merrill@wivb.com.

videobruce

01-30-06, 11:11 AM

Welcome to the forums John. Are you guys at full power?

tametz; there is another choice especially for this area that I was think of trying. It's the SL-4BT;
http://www.wade-antenna.com/UHFantennas.htm

Have I pointed you to here?;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=43%2E0894432&longitude=%2D78%2E8817520&magnetic_north=%2D13%2E25&range=90&sort=distance&show_expired=False&show_construction=False&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

rubblerubble

01-30-06, 03:25 PM

tametz,

2 things could be happening...

1) In my experience, to obtain the best reception of CBC20, I need to point my antenna more northerly, away from the coordinates expected of the CN tower. Could be some stange deflection on the way down to the states, who knows.

2) You could be getting overkill on analog 19 that is bleeding into your reception of CBC20. Your location should be perfect not only for CBC, but CTV40, and maybe even Toronto 1. CITY might be difficult. Good luck.

daredevil23

01-31-06, 12:57 PM

Had my good ol' Attic mounted non-amped 90 ft cable run Radio Shack 160" boom pointed south to the US networks at approx 165 degrees. Just got an HDTV (JVC HD-56FH96) and hooked it up, presto, PBS, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox - all with signal strengths around 92-94 (as reported by JVC). Adelphia gives everything HD but Fox, so for the olympic coverage (and spured on by Tor vs Habs in HD last night on Hockey Night in Canada) I figured pointing the antenna towards the CN tower would get me the canadian stations - so I lined it up to 336 degrees - wrong.

Wasn't getting the the Canadian stations, so I went to Radio Shack for an amp (didn't think it would help, but maybe with HD it was different - not a fan of amps anyway - they can only hurt your S/N) - and nope, didn't help. (But, got a 26db amp for 19.99 because it was last years model - darn cheap). Got the same exact results with or without the amp.

The only thing I can guess, is that the Fox signal is so strong with the big antenna, it's killing the Canadian stations?? The amplifier only made the Fox signal bigger, making the RF front end on the JVC adjust accordingly. However, I thought because of the directional nature of the antenna, the 98 degree difference between Canada and Fox would reject enough of the Fox signal.

Any thoughts?

Ideas?
Thanks in advance...anyone want a huge antenna?

Well I already got the VU-190 antenna, so your 160 would be a step down. :)

Forget the amp for anything closer than 10 miles, it will only contribute to signal overload.

Try those attenuators and see if that rectifies the signal problems. I have a 20 dB variable attenuator on my setup, because my Spartan 3 amp is only really necessary for the analog stations and the low wattage digital stations like CKXT D66. With all the other digital stations I have to use a full 20 dB cut in signal to get a better signal level.

And I'm located within 10 miles of the Fox transmitter and about 40 miles from the CN Tower. Fox is so strong that I can get them at full strength pointing about 20 degrees N, whereas the station is about 100 degrees E.

So try more directions as well instead of just pointing it directly only.

cfilkins

02-04-06, 08:44 PM

Hi, guys...I feel weird asking questions about my Adelphia signal, while everyone else is working with antennas, but maybe someone can help me out.

I've got a SA8300HD DVR, and the past week or so, 2 and 4 have been horrible during primetime...very blocky, audio glitches, just a crap signal. 7 appears to be ok, though, and all the other HD channels appear to be fine. I wanted to see if it's something with 2 and 4 themselves, or an Adelphia issue. I've tried watching stuff live as well as recorded, and it's almost unwatchable. Just watched My Name is Earl from this past Thursday, and it got horrible from about halfway through (9:15pm or so). I just flipped between 2, 4, and 7, and 2 and 4 are both garbage - 4 is in SD with the commercials show is even very blocky with the audio dropping out.

Anyone else sharing in this dilemma? It could be my box, Adelphia's signal, or the tv stations...

Chris

videobruce

02-04-06, 10:25 PM

What TV?
If it has a QAM tuner, bypass the box and try the tuner direct on the 'in the clear' channels.

cfilkins

02-05-06, 11:29 AM

I have a Toshiba 57HX82, which does not have a QAM tuner built in :(

videobruce

02-05-06, 12:19 PM

Ok, not ATSC/QAM tuner at all. A HD ready set...............

cfilkins

02-05-06, 01:14 PM

You got it. It's an antique, in that it's 2 1/2 years old.

So, any ideas on where the problem lies? Anyone with any OTA tuners able to share how their signals were at the time?

Chris

videobruce

02-05-06, 01:32 PM

Could be low signal, call service.

lurchwitts

02-05-06, 03:06 PM

Anbody Else Lose 7-1 Just Now?

MDK

02-05-06, 03:15 PM

Anbody Else Lose 7-1 Just Now?

Yeah, I just got back and saw it frozen. :mad: As of this post it is back up. And I had hoped for these guys to get their act together and get Dolby 5.1 for the superbowl...now I'm just hoping to be able to watch it at all.

rickeyboa

02-05-06, 03:31 PM

7-1 Still showing no signal at all in Mississauga. Very disappointing on Super Bowl Sunday. You'd think they would want to showcase their product today and would be extra vigilant on the technical side.

rickeyboa

02-05-06, 03:36 PM

7-1 just came back. Let's hope the problem if fixed

rspetti

02-05-06, 05:52 PM

Has WKBW ever said, or does anyone know, when they will start using DD5.1?

cwoody222

02-06-06, 07:41 PM

I'm considering buying a fairly cheap HD set with some tax refund money. I'd like some recommendations. I don't necessarily need a LCD or plasma set (especially due to cost) but I don't want any giant set either. I don't need a big screen - my apt is small and I don't sit far away. I currently have a 27" 4:3 set. I don't think I'd need anything bigger than 32" 16:9. I definately want a widescreen set. I need to keep the price under $1000... under $800 would be even better. I really like this Toshiba and have almost bought the 26" model before except for it's only HD-ready.

I'd need HD-built in because due to my apartment I can't get my own cable or satellite so I'd have to get HD over-the-air and I don't want to buy a HD receiver (unless that's cheap too). I know it's a waste since eventually when I move out I'll probably get HD with cable and won't need the built-in part. Oh well.

Before I do anything I'd like to make sure I get a decent signal on the major local networks. I'm in downtown Buffalo - Elmwood district.

Can someone also recommend a cheap antenna I could buy to test for good HD signals on my current non-HD set? Can I even do that? I'd be willing to buy a better antenna later but I don't want to spend the money just to find out I can't get signals.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.

cwoody222

02-09-06, 05:18 PM

Oops... forgot the link to the set I like.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001YI462/002-1114769-8408843?v=glance&n=172282

Oh, and <bump> Anyone?

tametz

02-10-06, 08:56 PM

Oops... forgot the link to the set I like.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001YI462/002-1114769-8408843?v=glance&n=172282

Oh, and <bump> Anyone?

My recommendation would be:
- Looks like you are into a "HD ready" set anyway, so if you are concerned about reception, you can grab the HD OTA receiver/computer card first - make sure you get reception - then plunk the money on the set. (Ive heard people having good luck with rebuilt units from ebay)

- If you still have an apartment, I would spend a bit extra and get a flat panel - lugging those tubes from place to place sucks...plus a 26" HDTV is pretty darn small - is your viewing distance like less than 5 feet?

good luck..

tametz

02-10-06, 09:22 PM

Well I already got the VU-190 antenna, so your 160 would be a step down. :)

Forget the amp for anything closer than 10 miles, it will only contribute to signal overload.

Try those attenuators and see if that rectifies the signal problems. I have a 20 dB variable attenuator on my setup, because my Spartan 3 amp is only really necessary for the analog stations and the low wattage digital stations like CKXT D66. With all the other digital stations I have to use a full 20 dB cut in signal to get a better signal level.

And I'm located within 10 miles of the Fox transmitter and about 40 miles from the CN Tower. Fox is so strong that I can get them at full strength pointing about 20 degrees N, whereas the station is about 100 degrees E.

So try more directions as well instead of just pointing it directly only.

Actually - I think it may be the VU-190 after looking at it today. :cool:

Well, got up in the attic again - thanks, you are right - I aimed the antenna about 10-15 degrees north of where the CN tower should be, and bingo. Still have fox too. Unfortunately I still have only CBC. Should be able to do better..

Found out the Radio Shack amp is garbage.
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/basics.html

The amp adds 7 dB of noise (equivalent to the loss in about 200ft of RG-6!!!)

Attenuators had no effect.

Since I'm not getting anything but CBC - I may go for one of those bow-ties without reflector..get the figure 8 pattern to pick up the US stations as well...or maybe pick up a decent amp...dunno...got Hockey Night in Canada and the Olympics for now...

Also-- How can we get Universal HD?? called Adelphia - no dice. Looks like we may be missing a ton of HD Olympic Ice Hockey...wah!

oCHEMISTo

02-11-06, 10:04 AM

Is anyone else having trouble getting NBC 2-1? I've always been able to get this station with my OTA. All of a sudden since yesterday no dice. Please tell me I'm not alone, I was so excited for the Olympics. Well at least I get Universal HD through the satellite.

mrpergo

02-11-06, 11:07 AM

got it here in Hilton,NY with about a 75-80 signal strenth

videobruce

02-11-06, 02:42 PM

How can we get Universal HD?? :confused:

mrpergo

02-11-06, 03:05 PM

Channel 74
Directv

macwho

02-11-06, 03:21 PM

oCHEMISTo
Re-scan your stations on your receiver. I have a Panasonic and for some reason I have experienced this twice. No 2-1 and no 23-1. I did a re-scan and they came back in.

oCHEMISTo

02-11-06, 04:50 PM

oCHEMISTo
Re-scan your stations on your receiver. I have a Panasonic and for some reason I have experienced this twice. No 2-1 and no 23-1. I did a re-scan and they came back in.

I unplugged the receiver and was going to re-scan but once everything was done "rebooting" channel 2-1 came in. Don't know what the problem was it was out since yesterday; just a grey screen with no message about looking for signal etc. Thanks for the suggestion though. I'm off to occupy the couch for a few hours.

biek

02-20-06, 07:00 PM

I live near to Sweethome Rd. North French intersection, Buffalo (I am 6 or 30 miles away from most of the stations). I have a MCE PC with ATI HDTV card. The card came with Zenith Silver Sensor looking antenna. I can only get Fox (29-1) and PBS (43-2 and 43-3) with freezes. I have tried several indor antennas: Terk HDTVa (SS with an amp.), Terk HDTV-S (square shooter ?) and lastly Radio Shack 40" Boom UHF. I got the best results at the second floor with Terk square shooter. But it is very directional (I was able to get PBS, ABC, FOX). I tried RS UHF antenna at the attic but it didn't work well (almost same as it being in the basement). Could anyone suggest a best solution so I can at least get a good reception from the stations in Grand Island. I would prefer indoor antenna or at worst an attic antenna. I don't know the siding or roof material since I rent.

Thanks

MDK

02-20-06, 08:17 PM

Hi biek,
I'm about 1.5 mi to the south of you. The catch with our location is we have two clusters of stations in nearly opposite directions: Fox, PBS and UPN to the west on Grand Island, and CBS, ABC, NBC and the WB farther away to the southeast. I can get all but the WB with $3.99 Radio shack bowties, the only catch being I need one for the west side of the apt and one for the east. (MyHD MDP-130 tuner) I've found through trial and error that a cheap antenna in a good position will beat a good antenna in a bad position, and often the cheap ones will be more forgiving with the aiming than the higher gain ones that are more directional.
If you need an attic antenna, the channelmaster 4221 (4bay bow-tie) is easy to setup and IMHO a good value for the money. But you sound like you already have more than enough hardware to get the signals, it may be a matter of finding that "sweet spot", which as we know can be a PITA :) In general - the higher the better.
Good Luck

thecrave

02-21-06, 12:21 AM

Anyone aware of other alternatives than Jointenna?

I am pretty sure I have a problem with multipath on my NBC station (33), but I'm afraid if I get a Join-Tenna that I will block out UPN & WB. My expectation would be to order a Join-Tenna for 33, connect my 40" boom below to the Join-Tenna at All Stations, then take the output and put it into a combiner with my DB2 Multidirectional antenna in order to avoid having more antennas (antennae?)

I'm in zip 14075 and I have the following setup:

40" boom antenna from Radio Shack pointed at 358 degrees for the following channels

Apx 358 Degrees
14 - FOX
32 - UPN
43 - PBS

DB2 Multidirectional antenna pointed at 101 degrees

Apx 100 / 87 Degrees
33 - NBC
34 - WB

Apx 127 / 121 Degrees
38 - ABC
39 - CBS

BTW -- I get 20 (CBC HD from Toronto on 5) just fine from the antenna pointed towards FOX/Grand Island.

biek

02-21-06, 12:55 AM

Thank you MDK. I tried opened-up coax cable and if I orient into certain direction I can get PBS and FOX without any freezes so I am guessing the signals are strong (maybe too strong). Did you install the bowties indoor or outside ? Where can I find RS bowties ? I think these are discontiuned. Anybody has an experience with RS 15-1880 ? I just want to install the antenna and forget about it. I don't want to orient it everytime I change the channel.

Thank you for the suggestions. :)

MDK

02-21-06, 06:40 PM

Hi again, biek
If stripped coax works as an antenna - no shame in using that :) I'm pretty sure RS still stocks the single bow-tie; it has been around about as long as UHF TV has. (double bow was discontinued for a while) The single bow is just like a little coat hanger with 300 ohm leads that can be mounted with no effort and is even cheaper than rabbit ears. I have one scotch taped in the corner of a window. Such a location 1. gets it out of the way and 2. makes sure it gets most of the signal straight from the tower instead of signal that has bounced about the room. Putting the antenna in the middle of the room makes it more prone to signal breakups due to people moving about.

I'd also like to say hello and welcome to the forum to thecrave. I don't know about the jointenna - hopefully someone else here will chime in soon. Congrats on being able to pull in the CBC-HD; that's one I can't quite get...yet. Must be nice this time of year, as their olympic coverage is a nice alternative to NBC's.

videobruce

02-22-06, 10:39 AM

I just want to install the antenna and forget about it. I don't want to orient it everytime I change the channel. As long as stations are in different directioins, that probably won't happen. UHF antennas are small and rotors are cheap.

biek

02-23-06, 11:05 AM

If I buy two of those RS bow-ties and orient them to NW (grand Island) and SE and combine the signals using RS 75-Ohm Coax Combiner/Splitter (15-1296) do you guys thing it will work ? Do I need to put them outside and second floor ? If so, should I run 300-ohm to the 75-ohm transformer or combine them and run a coax cable.

Thanks.

sprocto4

02-23-06, 11:44 AM

I have 2 UHF antennas on the roof pointing 180 degrees from each other going into a standard cable splitter and have great results. I use it to get Rochester and Buffalo without rotating anything as you can't really do that when you are Tivo'ing. YMMV. I would try it and see.

I would connect one at a time to orient them then connect them together. You will loose some signal, so it will need to be quite good before combining.

tametz

02-23-06, 11:50 PM

sprocto4

02-24-06, 06:35 PM

Which type of UHF antenna are you using?
Thanks,
Tom

The one pointed toward Buffalo is the Winegard PR-4400 and Rochester gets the CM 4221.

daredevil23

02-26-06, 04:16 PM

Come on Fox, the NASCAR race is in HD, flip the switch. :mad:

Well that was thoroughly disappointing display of people asleep at the switch, with the entire race in Narrowvision™. :(

Indiana627

03-02-06, 08:35 AM

I live in Wheatfield near the intersection of Niagara Falls Blvd and Shawnee Road. I don't currently have any HD equipment, but am wanting an HDTV more and more. But before spending $1500-2000 on one, I'd like to first know if I could get the HD channels OTA. Is there someway to test to see what signal strength I would get?

Mark

videobruce

03-02-06, 08:51 AM

If this is you;
http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapsurfer?infact=2&outfact=2&act=move&on=CITIES&on=GRID&on=railroad&on=zip_code&tlevel=-&tvar=-&tmeth=i&mlat=43.09570&mlon=-78.88578&msym=redpin&mlabel=Wheatfield__NY&murl=&lat=43.0585365&lon=-78.8349457&wid=0.062&ht=0.062&conf=mapnew.con

Then this is what is available;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=43%2E05854&longitude=%2D78%2E83495&magnetic_north=%2D10%2E25&range=90&sort=distance&show_expired=False&show_construction=False&show_analog=True&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

As far as how much of that you can get, The bigger and higher antenna (with a rotor of course) gets the worms...............

Indiana627

03-02-06, 11:13 AM

So if I'm reading the 2150.com page correctly, the transmitter antenna column shows the transmitter in the center and then the red line is the direction of my house? And I assume the ERP/HAAT column represents the signal power and height of the transmitter, and then naturally the bigger the numbers the better?

So the Buffalo stations either come from Grand Island or the southtowns near Holland it looks like. I doubt I'd have any problems with the GI stations but am curious about the Holland ones. Anyone live near me that could share your OTA reception quality? There's no kind of hand held signal meter that I could use to test each of these stations? Thanks for the help.

Mark

videobruce

03-02-06, 11:30 AM

Yes to the first two questions. You are at the edge of the circle, the xmitter is the center. IOW's draw an arrow INWARDS towards the center for the direction of your antenna.
Yes for the third, either G.I. or the Boston Hills (Colden or S. Wales).

There are plenty of SLM's' (Signal Level Meters) available especially used older analog models under $100. New digital ones start around $500.

You won't have any problem with most of what you see (except the very furthest stations) including Toronto and probably Rochester.

Indiana627

03-02-06, 12:43 PM

ernie6

03-03-06, 09:05 AM

NBC digital channels 2-1 & 2-2, signal strength on my H20 HD receiver registers 74-76%. All the others stations, ABC, CBS, Fox and the PBS are register 100%. I advised NBC Buffalo of this issue and their sports director, Ed Kilgore, advised NBC is being forced to transmit at a lower frequency to avoid interfering with a Canadian HD signal. He wasn't very optimistic about the situation improving.

For the record I installed a 10' outdoor antenna that works great. NBC comes in fine except during high windy conditions.

bigdog7640

03-05-06, 11:30 PM

I live in Newfane NY and have a few questions. I can't understand where to point my hd antenna to get best reception. I look at several sites telling me degrees and so forth but there are no degrees listed on my router. Can someone makes this easier for me to understand? I have satalite tv with hd reciever and a outside hd antenna. Thanks in advance for the help.

sprocto4

03-06-06, 10:57 AM

videobruce

03-06-06, 10:59 AM

Indiana627; pick up a silver sensor (as mentioned before) for under $20 and try that.

bigdog7640; do the same, but also pick up a compass or map if you don't know how you are situated and orientate yourself to the three primary directions you would be receiving. SSE, W & NW.
PS, welcome to the forums.

nicks124

03-06-06, 04:35 PM

guys i just entered the hd world with my new sharp aquos 32in lcd. Im at college in buffalo here and bought a TERK HDTVa Antenna pro at best buy. Problem is, im getting no good channels the only one I get real good is fox 29. Can anyone suggest maybe if im doing something wrong or what you guys use around here for good reception. Thanks

videobruce

03-07-06, 07:32 AM

Which college? Where are you? A dorm, or elsewhere? How high up are you? Which direction does the room the TV resides face?

Steve Mehs

03-11-06, 02:05 AM

Has anybody heard about any updates about Adelphia cable carrying the FOX HDTV channel? Wondering if the transition to Time Warner/Comcast will have any effect on the progress with FOX also.

I live in Marilla, one of three towns in Erie Country (Alden and Akron being the other two) that is blessed to have Time Warner of Rochester as our cable provider. It's probably irrelevant but TW currently does not have 29 in HD. We have WKBW, WIVB, WGRZ and WNED but no WUTV. Time Warner STNY, the TW division that covers Jamestown/Fredonia doesn't have Fox in HD either.

tametz

03-17-06, 12:21 PM

I was able to get one game in HD yesterday - and only saw the tail end (Bama/Marquette)...anyone know what's up? ARGH...!!

I used Adelpia and WLNO CBS (with antenna pointed towards Canada, I dont get CBS directly)

Chipshot14031

03-21-06, 09:19 AM

Hi Everyone,
I got my new Dell 37" LCD last week and bought a RS indoor uhf/vhf antenna don't have the model number but its the one that looks like a flying saucer with rabbit ears at the bottom. I live in an apartment in the Wehrle/Transit area (alongside golf dome). First floor south facing apartment with no chance for an outdoor antenna. Anyone have an opinion on the RS antenna I purchased? I had only one choice in my LR to locate TV. Back of TV faces southwest and behind TV is where I have to locate the antenna. I get 7-1 and 4-1 fine but 2-1 & 2-2 comes and goes. Can I somehow enhance the rabbit ears which I surmise are the VHF receptors? I remember my dad doing tin foil years ago. Any tips out there?

videobruce

03-21-06, 10:48 AM

"Rabbit ears' are for the VHF bands.
A better choice is the 'Silver Sensor" mentioned hundreds of times in these threads (and elsewhere). It can be had for less than $20.
Move the antenna around for UHF channel 33.1 that the broadcasters prefer to call 2.1. :mad: (one reason that this is a poor decision on part of the FCC as usual). Channels 39.1 (WIVB) & 38.1 are a slightly different direction. You should be able to receive ch. 32.1 (WNLO) and possible 43.1 (WNED).

Take a look here (it's the intersection you mentioned);
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=42%2E9564018&longitude=%2D78%2E6952286&magnetic_north=%2D10%2E25&range=70&sort=distance&show_expired=False&show_construction=False&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

Chipshot14031

03-21-06, 01:51 PM

Videobruce............. Thanks for the info as I had no idea I was getting 2, 4 & 7 on UHF.... I'll work more with the flying saucer (UHF) part of my antenna to see if I can get Channel 2. I can rotate that by remote.

Chipshot14031

03-21-06, 02:04 PM

Videobruce .....did a Yahoo Shopping search for Silver Sensor ..... is it the one that has what looks like 4 wings that increase in size or the one that looks like a stealth aiircraft? I suspect the former but want to hear it from the 'source'....

videobruce

03-22-06, 07:53 AM

Yes. It looks like a 'real' antenna. That's why it works. had no idea I was getting 2, 4 & 7 on UHF The FCC did it again. The broadcasters whinned about loosing their established channel numbers. They were worried that Joe Idiot wouldn't/couldn't make the change from channel 4 to channel 39.
Real stupid move. :mad:

jimdoo

03-31-06, 09:58 AM

Excluding the Toronto and Rochester stations, would a simple set of rabbit years sitting on top of my entertainment center suffice for the Buffalo stations? Or would I need a full blown roof mounted antenna? And would I need a rotor? Anyone living near me care to share your experiences?

With a bowtie from RS that set me back a whopping $3.99 I get 2,4,7, 23 sometimes even 26 (from Jamestown ??) (believe it or not), 29, and 43. I can get WB49 also if I use the Model: 15-624 from RS.

I'm impressed overall with the signal I get and the # of stations.

jimdoo

03-31-06, 09:59 AM

My 5th post

jimdoo

03-31-06, 10:01 AM

Here's what the Model: 15-624 looks like:

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2265499w345.jpg

Chipshot14031

04-03-06, 01:22 PM

Is it just me or is CBS not close captioning their HD signal? I get Oprah (not in HD) with CC1 thru my digital tuner but in the evening nothing for the CBS shows in HD.

intrac

04-06-06, 09:24 AM

MOOLALA -- that's not the case. There are many DirecTV receivers in Toronto that are receiving the Toronto OTA HD stations.

moolala

04-06-06, 11:45 AM

MOOLALA -- that's not the case. There are many DirecTV receivers in Toronto that are receiving the Toronto OTA HD stations.

has my original inquiry been removed...don't see the post anywhere ?!?!

anyhow, I don't doubt your statement about many receivers picking up Toronto OTA through DirecTV receivers, I just need to know if any of them are/were those specific makes/models (LG 3200A, hughes HTL-HD or the Sony 300) so I can reconcile my own situation.

thanks, moo

Indiana627

04-10-06, 12:40 PM

Indiana627; pick up a silver sensor (as mentioned before) for under $20 and try that.

One more question regarding the silver sensor. I don't have an HDTV yet, I just have a 32" Philips that I bought in 1999. If I hook up the silver sensor to it and if I can get the SD signals for the locals, would that be a good indication that I would be able to get the HD signals once I do get an HDTV?

intrac

04-10-06, 12:48 PM

If you get the SD locals, you may also get the digital channels as well. The towers are in the same location, but the antenna height and power is different.

The digital channels will not show up on your set.

videobruce

04-10-06, 01:11 PM

Not unless you have a 8VSB (ATSC) tuner.

Indiana627

04-10-06, 03:53 PM

Not unless you have a 8VSB (ATSC) tuner.

I'd only need this tuner to get the HD channels right? I mean a TV without this tuner should be able to get the SD channels right?

intrac

04-10-06, 04:27 PM

The SD channels are all the standard channels.

Indiana627

04-10-06, 04:43 PM

I know. I can get those on a non-HDTV with the use of the silver sensor antenna right?

intrac

04-10-06, 04:46 PM

Yes -- there is nothing special about the Silver Sensor -- it is just an indoor antenna.

Indiana627

04-10-06, 04:57 PM

OK, I'll try that out. Thanks.

videobruce

04-11-06, 07:07 AM

The SD channels are all the standard channels. SD can mean 480 digital or it can mean 480 analog.
A "digital" channel isn't automatically HD.

captaincelluloid

04-14-06, 01:36 PM

Looks like WIVB is having problems again re OTA signal.

Microblocking has been showing up again recently, there seems to be
more "switching errors" and last night CSI would black out then switch to 3x4 then back to HD.

Anybody know what's going on?

Is it the same on cable feeds.

John, are you out there?

-30-

Indiana627

04-17-06, 01:06 PM

Where can I buy the Silver Sensor locally? I don't see it on BB or CC sites.

cwoody222

04-17-06, 05:09 PM

I'm learning about QAM tuners over in the tivocommunity. As I understand it cable companies have to send local HD signals without encryption and a QAM tuner can tune these digital signals.

I currently only get basic analog cable from Adelphia. (channels 2-99 basically for around $50/mo)

If I had an HDTV with a QAM tuner would I be able to just plug in my current coax cable directly to the TV and tune to all the local HDs that Adelphia offers?

Would I have to call to ask them to 'turn it on'? Would they charge me more or force me to buy another bundled package?

Anyone here in Buffalo do that right now?

videobruce

04-18-06, 08:28 AM

Indiana627; Mail order it. There is nothing you need to see that would/should prevent you from getting it out of town. I have seen it as low as $17. As I understand it cable companies have to send local HD signals without encryption and a QAM tuner can tune these digital signals. Yes, but only the OTA locals and a couple of freebies. Would I have to call to ask them to 'turn it on'? No, not the 'in the clear' stations. Would they charge me more or force me to buy another bundled package? No and yes. Maybe not "force" you but 'strong arm'. ;)
I don't know about the suburbs since it is a different system, but IN Buffalo, HD Net & ND Net movies are 'freebies' anlog with 4 locals.

cwoody222

04-18-06, 08:41 AM

Indiana627

04-18-06, 12:38 PM

Indiana627; Mail order it. There is nothing you need to see that would/should prevent you from getting it out of town. I have seen it as low as $17.

But I want to be able to easily return it in case I can't pickup any signals. Would this one (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Terk-Indoor-HDTV-Antenna-HDTVi-/sem/rpsm/oid/91092/catOid/-15607/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) work just as well for my testing purposes? Or another one you know of?

videobruce

04-19-06, 07:44 AM

It's $17, big deal.

You will get the stations from Gilligans Island with no problem and possibly the Boston Hills depending on exactly where you live, how high the antenna is in the house and where in the house it is (direction).

pmb1010

04-26-06, 12:08 PM

Thanks! I'm in the City too. Since I get cable from my landlords (so I can't control what I do - or don't - pay for) this is perfect for me. I can now get a QAM-tuner HDTV, just plug in the coax I already have and get 4 local HDs AND HD Net?!? Awesome!

Now to find me a not-too-big HDTV that I can afford!

cwoody, please report back your results on this. Might want to do this over at mother-in-laws house, she has analog cable (no digital box, doesnt want one) and it would be neat to get HD TV and have HD and analog 2-99.

cwoody222

04-26-06, 12:11 PM

Here - see this thread to read about what TV I bought, my luck with a QAM tuner and my luck with HD. All brief, unfortunately. videobruce also from Buffalo also posted info about QAM and the identical set.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=669350

pmb1010

04-26-06, 12:53 PM

so you have this set now?

(whoops, I see that link had a "page 2" and read the rest...)

Thnx

cwoody222

04-26-06, 12:57 PM

Nope, returned it. I couldn't get any channels thru the QAM tuner. My theory is that the set had a broken QAM tuner. I wanted to exchange the set to try another identical one but they didn't have any more so I returned it for cashback.

cwoody222

05-02-06, 03:03 PM

Just an update. I got a totally different set on Saturday. Still no QAM channels so I think something's wrong w/ my cable. In the meantime I'm using this antenna with pretty good results.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034&cp=&pg=2&origkw=antenna&kw=antenna&parentPage=search

I'm in downtown Buffalo (Elmwood area) and I can get HD versions of WGRZ, WIVB (along with their digital SD version of WNLO), WKBW, WUTV and PBS.

2, 4 and PBS come in very nice. 29 and 4 (both on 4 and 23) are a little stubborn sometimes. 7 seems the weakest but once it's locked in, I'm OK.

I'm trying a Zenith Silver Sensor tomorrow.

cwoody222

05-04-06, 02:39 PM

Wow, the Silver Sensor I got from amazon is great! Within 2 minutes of opening the box I got every channel. Depending on how I position the antenna (horizontal or vertical) I can get every channel but 1 (usually 29 or 7, sometimes 4. 2 seems rock solid). But which the 1 is will come in if I just switch the positioning which takes 10 seconds.

But when they don't come in they come in but they just have breakups. Sometimes with the other antenna they couldn't come in at all (black screen).

I've only had the antenna one night but it seems VERY good so far!

FYI: it's in a corner, hidden on a table behind my LCD set, not even up high, in front of a window, or anything crazy like that)

dsspredator

05-04-06, 08:33 PM

7-02 is live. WNGS RTN 11.

cwoody222

05-04-06, 08:37 PM

I was just about to ask why WKBW only broadcasted one channel. Then magically today I see it show up. It's a pretty worthless channel but cool nonetheless.

videobruce

05-05-06, 07:05 PM

The Sabres game is on ch 20.1 Toronto in full 16x9 HD! :eek:

So there, all you that just have a Cable STB...................

cwoody222

05-06-06, 10:15 AM

Not that I'm a sports fan but I would have liked to see that. Do you think I'd pick that up along with the Buffalo locals on my indoor antenna? I have a "weak channel installation" in my setup menu. Would I try channel 20?

What other channels should I try to get? I'm confused on AntennaWeb.org whether I try the channel numbers like 7 for WKBW or 38.

(and antennaeweb doesn't list CA it seems)

videobruce

05-06-06, 11:48 AM

and antennaeweb doesn't list CA it seems That's why I never use it since that makes it useless (among that childish color chart).

Didn't I send you the URL for 2150 for your location?

I doubt that indoor antenna would work for ch 20 out of Totonto.

cwoody222

05-06-06, 11:55 AM

I just did a full channel scan again (first time with the Silver Sensor). No additional channels.

I wish NBC would show a Sabres game or two; they're showing other teams. I'd like to have friends over to see it in HD but doesn't look like that's gonna happen.

What's the URL for 2150?

videobruce

05-06-06, 12:10 PM

Here is is again;
Put your zip code in here, click on 'map' and fine tune your location;
http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer

Enter the Lat & Long in here;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp

That will get you this;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp?latitude=42%2E91640&longitude=%2D78%2E87633&magnetic_north=%2D10%2E25&range=75&sort=distance&show_expired=False&show_construction=False&show_analog=False&show_low_power=False&action=Show+Stations

videobruce

05-07-06, 11:19 AM

I just discovered by accident I CAN receive channel 40.1 (CFTO-CTV ch 9) out of Toronto.

I tried to receive it a few times before and failed. I only have been able to receive ch 20 (CBC) from Toronto.
I reconfigured my trap setup after I realized I was getting swamped by ch 32 & 43 from Gilligans Island giving me a hard time with ch 20 (CBC) durning the hockey game. I had to offset my antenna to drop the local signals down enough so 20 would lock. :mad:

I just received a Prime DTV Technologies PHD-101 tuner. I did a first scan and sure enough it picked up channel 40 that I never expected. :eek: I then treid it on my HP LCD and it was good there.

This adds a 2nd Canadian channel to the lineup. :)

NEOSG

05-10-06, 08:01 PM

The Sabres game is on ch 20.1 Toronto in full 61x9 HD! :eek:

So there, all you that just have a STB...................

Gotta love video feed CBC HD paired with sound from MSG with RJ calling the sabres game

videobruce

05-10-06, 11:06 PM

Anyone else try to receive ch 40.1 (9.1 if you wish) from Toronto?

NEOSG

05-10-06, 11:17 PM

Gotta love video feed CBC HD paired with sound from MSG with RJ calling the sabres game

BBBIIIGGGGG Thanks to Rich The Antenna Man (rwantennasat) and his company for my latest antenna so I could pick up the games on CBC from Toronto.

Excellent install!!!!

berniez

05-11-06, 05:23 PM

Which antenna did he install for you. I live in Clarence. I am running an old Winegard wedge design antenna and CBC HD is not always available to me. Weather seems to play a part. I may need to call Rich to upgrade
Bernie

flyngaudio

05-14-06, 11:20 PM

I've had limited success with 40.1 CFTO usually on clear days, 20.3 CBC is stronger most of the time.

videobruce

05-14-06, 11:42 PM

flyngaudio; Where do you live??

With a -35 dbmV signal, I can't beleive these tuners can decode that with NO breakup. 20.1 is a piece of cake with a -5dbmV. :cool:

flyngaudio

05-15-06, 02:44 PM

I live in Amherst. I have two antennas direct DB8 antennas on order for my house. At Stereo Advantage i'm using one DB8 with a antennacraft mxu59 both combined before a preamp. The receiver is a DTV HR10250.

videobruce

05-16-06, 12:14 PM

Why two antennas? Are you going to 'stack' them??At Stereo Advantage i'm using one DB8 with a antennacraft mxu59 both combined before a preamp. You work there?

flyngaudio

05-16-06, 01:20 PM

For the past 4 years

cwoody222

05-16-06, 09:07 PM

Did someone at WKBW and WGRZ forget to turn on HD tonight?

I thought maybe reruns of W&G could be in SD but the season finale of Scrubs?

And the reality crap on ABC certainly was in SD but I know the season finale of Boston Legal should be HD.

WTF?!

cwoody222

05-16-06, 09:25 PM

ABC is all better now.

I emailed the engineering dept. during a commercial and it was better afterwards. Coincidence? ;)

cwoody222

05-16-06, 11:30 PM

NBC got all better for L&O but then CBS went SD for The Unit. What was going on tonight?

rwantennasat

05-17-06, 10:54 PM

BBBIIIGGGGG Thanks to Rich The Antenna Man (rwantennasat) and his company for my latest antenna so I could pick up the games on CBC from Toronto.

Excellent install!!!!
thanks for the business!!!!!! for anyone wondering we installeda deep fringe winegard yagi at NEOSG's place in E. amherst. Thought we would need a preamp and found out not needed. We got 3 torontos and numerous buffalos off the rear and sides. signal area was quite strong!!!!!!

rwantennasat

05-17-06, 11:17 PM

thanks for the business!!!!!! for anyone wondering we installeda deep fringe winegard yagi at NEOSG's place in E. amherst. Thought we would need a preamp and found out not needed. We got 3 torontos and numerous buffalos off the rear and sides. signal area was quite strong!!!!!!

P.S. IT is antenna season for many of you . if you need some antennas or a quote on a completely installed professional job call me at 716-434-9216
or e-mail me at rwantsat@verizon.net
YEs WNGS RTN has signed a contract to be carried on 7-2
RTN features old time shows like Hogans Heros, My Three Sons, Rockford Files etc.
Also in the clear on Galaxy 10 Ku MPEG along with numerous other free channels.
So long for now
RICH :)

videobruce

05-18-06, 09:53 AM

Other than 20.1 & 40.1 what was the other Canadian station??

cwoody222

05-18-06, 10:07 AM

Incidentally I was getting really good reception lately so this morning I did a new channel scan to see if I could get any additional stations (I currently can pick up 2, 4, 7, 29, 43). Nope :(

Oh well, those are the most important anyway. (I'm not a hockey fan so CBC isn't that important to me)

cwoody222

05-18-06, 02:06 PM

With WNLO being next fall's "The CW" affiliate, is there any way to receive WNLO in HD?

I realize I can pick it up digitally on either of WIVB's secondary channels but that's just SD.

I'd love to watch Everybody Hates Chris, Smallville, and some others in HD.

Or is it just not broadcast in HD at all here in Buffalo?

cwoody222

05-18-06, 08:12 PM

Yet again no HD on WGRZ. How do I contact someone there who can fix it ASAP?

rwantennasat

05-21-06, 12:52 PM

Other than 20.1 & 40.1 what was the other Canadian station??

24-1 which is 25 cblft

videobruce

05-22-06, 10:03 AM

How strong a signal compared to 20.1 and 40.1?
Have you taken readings?

cwoody222

05-25-06, 03:29 PM

Daniel Tonks

05-25-06, 08:13 PM

27 is TBN's broadcast channel. Maybe something of theirs? Depending on your receiver PSIP-bases channels will often be added automatically.

tshaff09

05-25-06, 09:26 PM

Last night, without doing a new channel scan or anything I suddenly had two new channels.

27.5 labeled "East"
27.6 labeled "Mtn"

Both are showing the exact same content showing on 29.1 (WUTV).

a) what are these?
b) how did I get them without re-running a new (antenna) channel scan?
c) anyone else seeing them? are they new?

Hmmm... I had the same thing last night on WUHF-DT in Rochester. 27-5 East.
Weird. When I had it, it wasn't a network show. Maybe some new PSIP update
that isn't working quite right?

Here's what WUHF posted on Rochesterhdtv.com : FOX controls the switching for all the nertwork feeds. Last night there was a software glitch that caused equipment at a number of East coast affilliate to switch to the wrong feed. This is what you saw. They are trying to determine what happened.

videobruce

05-26-06, 08:22 AM

These came up as new, separate channels?? The only thing that comes up at 2150.com is ch. 27 WNYB digital out of Jamestown (holy roller crap) 42 miles away in east farmers bumf***..

http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen/map.gif?lon=-79.228889&lat=42.393333&iwd=750&iht=750&mlon=-79.228889&mlat=42.393333&msym=smalldot&mlabel=WNYBDT&on=majroads,streets,water,miscell,counties,places,railroad,C ITIES&off=GRID,shorelin,cen_blkg,censusb,con_dist,indian,msa,tract s&ht=0.2%20&wid=0.2

cwoody222

05-26-06, 09:06 AM

Yep, came up as new, separate channels. The ONLY channels I watch live thru my TV are 2, 4, 7, 29 and 43 so I immediately noticed 2 new ones when I started to channel flip after watching Lost.

Both were showing Simpsons and was at the same part of the program that 29.1 was.

I haven't been home since Thurs morning so I'll check later today to see if it's still like that.

I'm not concerned, just curious.

jimdoo

05-26-06, 10:08 AM

I'm getting 27-5 here in NT also. As well this station just showed up with no need to re-scan -same thing when 7-2 launched. Could 27-5 be the new spot for MyNetworkTv? Only temporarilly duping fox 29 material?

cwoody222

05-26-06, 10:33 AM

That's a very good possibility because WNYO is going to be the MyNetworkTV affiliate and WNYO is WUTV's sister station, both owned by Sinclair.

videobruce

05-26-06, 11:40 AM

digital ch.27 (Jamestown) gives me -9 dbmV, their analog signal gives me +11. Very receivable where I am not that I would waste my time watching it.
I get nothing additional on either 14.x (what it should be) or the foolish remapped 29.x.

Can't believe how bad the quality is on Fox. Looks as as bad as satellite; over compressed smear.

cwoody222

05-26-06, 11:46 AM

Some things on 29 don't look that great. For example, Prison Break and 24 don't look nearly as good as Lost or other things on ABC or CBS, IMHO.

But American Idol (which I only flipped to to compare to SD) looks awesome every week.

Indiana627

05-31-06, 08:47 AM

I got my Sony KDF-E50A10 TV last week and have a Terk TV5 set top antenna hooked up. I get all the local channels but am not sure if going to an attic mounted antenna (maybe the Terk 55 or a similar RCA one I saw at Best Buy) would give me better reception. I currently don't get CBC and would like to, so maybe the attic idea would help with that (mounting in attic would get the antenna about 20 feet higher).

Here's what I'm getting now with the Terk TV5 (this was measured last night):

Channel: 4.1
Physical Channel: 39
Frequency: 623000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 27
AGC (%): 54
Signal Strength: 89

Channel: 7.1
Physical Channel: 38
Frequency: 617000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 29
AGC (%): 52
Signal Strength: 92

Channel: 23.1
Physical Channel: 32
Frequency: 581000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 26
AGC (%): 41
Signal Strength: 87

Channel: 29.1
Physical Channel: 14
Frequency: 473000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 32
AGC (%): 39
Signal Strength: 98

Channel: 33.1
Physical Channel: 33
Frequency: 587000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 23
AGC (%): 56
Signal Strength: 78

Channel: 43.1
Physical Channel: 43
Frequency: 647000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 29
AGC (%): 45
Signal Strength: 92

I get more channels than just these (the analog channels and other sub-channels) but am more concerned about the HD channels. My signal strengths seem pretty good except for 33.1, which I guess is normal for everyone. I don't know what SNR (dB) and AGC (%) mean though. And don't know if these numbers are high, low, average. So seeing what I'm getting, would an attic mounted antenna be beneficial? I live in Wheatfield near Shawnee and NFB.

Thanks for the help!

Also, would a pre amp help at all?

videobruce

05-31-06, 09:43 AM

Just where/what did you get these readings from?? :confused:

Indiana627

05-31-06, 10:00 AM

On my TV you can go into the settings > diagnositcs menu while tuned to each OTA digital channel and that's where I got it. I had to tune to each channel separately.

MDK

05-31-06, 10:15 AM

Hi Mark,
It looks like you're in a pretty good location. Stay away from the Terk-55, it has a reputation for being overpriced and underperforming. For an attic install I'd go with the CM-4221; its compact enough for an attic install and seems to give good bang for your buck. I don't know if anyone in this area has gotten the CBC with an indoor antenna, though...at 45 miles away and at only ~38kW, a good outdoor antenna seems a must.
I'd go to an amp as a last resort, try to get all the gain "in the metal" that you can first. As far as setting up an antenna goes, higher is better, outside is better, and bigger is usually better as well.
Best of luck,
Matt

videobruce

05-31-06, 10:21 AM

He should be able to get 20.1 where he is. 40.1 (CFTO) is another matter.

Indiana627; tune to 33.1 (WGRZ) and 34.1 (49 I believe) and see what they give you for the heck of it.

cwoody222

05-31-06, 10:32 AM

Since we're all offering help... :)

I'm right in the middle of the city, 2nd floor. I rent so I have to use an indoor antenna. I'm currently using a Zenith Silver Sensor. It works good 90% of the time. But I still lose the signal occassionally... sometimes just a blip here and there, other times, a channel is unwatchable.

I have to have the antenna and coax set up JUST RIGHT to get 2, 4, 7, 29 and 43 which is all I really want. I've tried to get anything else and all I sometimes get is the secondary ch4 and ch2 stations. Canadian and 49 are out of the question (but that's OK).

But it worries me that my antenna has to be JUST SO. Literally if I move it an inch I may lose ch2. Two inches another way and bam - ch29 is gone. Really annoying.

I tried a Terk HDTVa to see if an amp'ed model would do any better. It didn't.

I also found that my coax from the antenna to my TV has to be JUST SO too. Which really worries me because if the wind blows thru my window I could lose reception if they move the coax ;)

I can't tell if my coax is actually acting as an extention of the antenna... meaning if I 'loop' the coax up into the air it comes in better. (by loop I just mean I position the coax so it kinda makes an upside "U" sticking up into the air)

Or if the coax is actually receiving interferrence from one of the other wires behind my TV and by having it up in the air it's just not getting interferrence because it's not "touching" the other cables.

I'm using the coax that came with the silver sensor. It seems decent quality, nothing special. "Gold" plated screw ends which I have nice and tight. It's not too long... the antenna sits directly behind my TV.

Would some shielded coax cable help? or hinder?

Any advice?

Indiana627

05-31-06, 10:37 AM

Indiana627; tune to 33.1 (WGRZ) and 34.1 (49 I believe) and see what they give you for the heck of it.

I can already get 33.1:

Channel: 33.1
Physical Channel: 33
Frequency: 587000
Modulation: 8VSB
Status: Lock
Errors: 0
SNR (dB): 23
AGC (%): 56
Signal Strength: 78

I'll try 34.1 when I get home.

As for 20.1 (CBC), you say I should be able to get it - I assume you mean with a higher mounted antenna?

What does SNR (dB) and AGC (%) mean? I assume the higher the number the better?

As for ChannelMaster antennas, where can you buy them? Are they available locally or only on the net?

Thanks everyone for all the help!

daredevil23

05-31-06, 10:59 AM

Fox screwed up their PSIP information, that's all it was.

Last night, without doing a new channel scan or anything I suddenly had two new channels.

27.5 labeled "East"
27.6 labeled "Mtn"

Both are showing the exact same content showing on 29.1 (WUTV).

a) what are these?
b) how did I get them without re-running a new (antenna) channel scan?
c) anyone else seeing them? are they new?

videobruce

05-31-06, 11:09 AM

I didn't see it in your listing orginally. I was just trying to figure out the AGC %. I assume the higher the % the stronger the signal. Really is useless. Why Pnoney all baloney put all of that in there is beyond me. Unnecessary and overkill.

SNR is signal/noise ratio and the higher the better. The really meaningful number is the error count if it is accurate.

You should get 20.1 with a inside antenna up where you are unless the room faces SE.

Indiana627

05-31-06, 11:15 AM

OK, I see the corelation between the SNR and the signal strength, so that makes sense. Is SNR on a scale of 100? What's the highest SNR anybody else has seen?

For error counts, I assume if I dropped the signal it would show up there? For what HD I have watched, I can't recall any audio or video dropouts or freezes or anything. But I've probably only watched a total of 4-5 hours of HD material.

videobruce

05-31-06, 11:59 AM

What's the highest SNR anybody else has seen? You would have to ask that in the owners forum for that set as it would only be relevent for that set. I can't recall any audio or video dropouts or freezes or anything. Mistune your antenna so you do get drop-outs and then look at the count.

MDK

05-31-06, 12:20 PM

Is SNR on a scale of 100?

In theory, there is no limit to how high SNR can get, however there must be a limit to what your meter can measure.

As far as buying CM antennae locally, I think Lowe's has at least one model, but to find the 4 and 8 bay bowtie models that are so popular in this forum I've had to order off the web (just google CM 4221 or CM 4228)

I do envy anyone who can get CBC-20 with an indoor antenna. I've been trying to get it with an outdoor antenna by any means possible for several months, and succeeded for the 1st time last night...for about 10 minutes before it faded back out. :rolleyes:

videobruce

05-31-06, 12:31 PM

In theory, there is no limit to how high SNR can get The atomic noise of cable/wire is 59 db.
The 4228 can be had for $40 mail order.

Indiana627

05-31-06, 12:41 PM

Thanks everyone for the help. You've given me some direction to go now for getting better reception and CBC.

George Molnar

05-31-06, 01:04 PM

Your receiver shouldn't report a higher SNR than being transmitted by the station. Technicians use test instruments to keep an eye on transmitted SNR. At our station the number usually hovers between 28.7 and 30.2 on one unit and between 27.025 and 29.741 on another. The digital signal degrades as it travels outwards from the tower just like analog stations get snowier the farther you are from the station. You experience the "cliff effect" when the SNR gets too low for your DTV receiver to decode (right around 15). You should expect usable SNRs to be somewhere in the range between 15 and low 30s.

Indiana627

05-31-06, 01:35 PM

MDK

05-31-06, 02:08 PM

One more question about installing a CM in the attic: is there a good or bad way to attach them? I have a newer house with trusses but don't know how exactly I would attach the antenna since I have never seen one. Are there any major dos or don'ts? The vast temp swings in the attic won't hurt anything will it?

(I have to check my attic access hole to see how big of an antenna I could even get up there!)

If you get the 4-bay 4221 it should easily fit through a common 3x2' attic opening. Some who have bought the 8-bay 4228 have found they had to either take it apart and re-assemble it or notch the horizontal support bars with a hacksaw to allow it to be folded in half then unfolded to get it into the attic. Once you get it up there just keep it away from large metal stuff and you should be fine. I set one up a 4221 in a relatives' house by just leaning it on a post and aiming it out a vent toward the broadcast towers. Having a second person to watch the signal meter while you set it up helps greatly with aiming it.

SDB

06-01-06, 01:20 PM

The atomic noise of cable/wire is 59 db.

Is this for real? :) Sounds like a Cliff Clavin quote.

cwoody222

06-02-06, 10:39 AM

As some of you may know (I know videobruce does!) I'm having trouble getting QAM channels at my place with Adelphia cable. I'm hoping some others of you are doing that here and can help me out.

I've verified this with different sets and on different cables in my apartment and I've tried every possible amp/splitter/etc. combo. It's got to be some "interferrence" or something but no one can seem to explain it. And no amount of searching online finds anyone out there with similar issues!

It'll be "difficult" to have Adelphia come out to fix the problem (if it is something they can figure out and fix) since my landlords let me share their cable which I don't think is 100% legit according to Adelphia.

I've tried calling Adelphia but their people all just tell me I need an HD STB or CableCard to receive HD. Whatever.

Anyway, when I run a channel scan, here's what I get. Does anyone else get something similar?

It finds these digital channels:

73.128 - 73.149, all blank
75.1 - 75.12 except 75.2, all blank
401
404-419
431
439
441

All the 400-level channels are labeled "MC01" etc. and their "Music Choice" channels. Sometimes they come in, sometimes they don't.