I'm in Westfield NJ and am getting a 90% signal for CBS, but have not been able to get anything for channels 9 or 11. Anyone have any thoughts?

Rich,

I just checked this morning at about 8:15 in East Brunswick. No signal at all for 11-1. Good strong signal for 9-1.

Dear Santa Clause: Please bring me digital 13 OTA. I will be happy HD camper!

Originally posted by RMSko
I'm in Westfield NJ and am getting a 90% signal for CBS, but have not been able to get anything for channels 9 or 11. Anyone have any thoughts?
What do you see in the way of signal strength on 33 or 38? What receiver are you using?

Originally posted by WAYNEG
I am seeing the exact same thing here in Little Falls NJ- ABC-DT has been unwatchable since their upgrade except on rare occasions. This last Monday, it was a good solid signal, then Tuesday, no- signal on my SAT-520 and 4228 antenna. CBS and Fox have always been good and NBC seems to be better, but spotty at times. I'm hoping that Monday was a combiner test and not just atmospherics! Last night it was there, but breaking up, 11-1 was good with no guide data and 9-1 would not tune or show any signal.

Wayne

Wayne, I'm in Little Falls too...on First Ave...near center of town.
I get ABC-DT (7.1, 7.2) strong and steady on my DirecTV SIR-TS360 receiver and a standard roof antenna. I am on a bit of a hill where I am. I also have my antenna as high as the mast would allow.

My antenna is on a rotor. If find that it needs to be pointed between the Conde Nast Building and the Empire State Building to receive all. If I aim Directly at the ESB ABC weakens.

For the record, I see...

CBS (2.1) STRONG
NBC (4.1, 4.2) No signal
Fox (5.1, 5.2) STRONG
ABC (7.1, 7.2) STRONG
UPN (9.1,9.2) Intermittent MEDIUM
WB (11.1, 11.2) Intermittent WEAK-MEDIUM
WNET No Signal
PAX (31.1) STRONG
Spanish (41.1) MEDIUM
PBS (50.-50.5) STRONG
Spanish(68.1) STRONG

FWIW. Last year I got NBC everytime it snowed and was freezing out.

Last year I didn't get FOX unit I actally raised my antenna 6-8"...go figure. Thats why my moto is now higher and bigger is better.

On a side not, I have NBC-DT on DirecTV but really want it OTA. All HDTV looks subtle better OTA...NBC looked much better OTA.

On the bright side Wayne, eventually you will be getting ABC and NBC as strong as CBS pretty soon it seems.

I look forward to everyone in our area getting all stations in distant regions.

Harry
Admin at http://www.hdtvforum.com
Check out our daily HDTV news

WCBS-DT, WWOR-DT and WPIX-DT are all on the combiner now. WPIX-DT seems to only broadcast on channel 33 (combiner) during the evening. The other two all day.

I have been told WNBC-DT hopes to be on the combiner sometime next week. Most likely early next week. WABC-DT should follow shortly thereafter. WNET-DT will take some time, because their transmitter is not ready.

WNYW-DT will stay on its own antenna.

I hope this update helps.

Is WWOR going to increase in strength? I have to move my antenna closer to the window to get it, but if I do, I lose WPIX.

I might end up havig to mount my antenna high on the wall. Just didn't want an ugly coax cable running down the wall to the HD-Tivo.

Since I got my HDTV set last month, I've always gotten CBS fine. As of earlier this week, I started getting PIX and WOR, as expected when they went on the combiner. But I have not been able to get CBS for the last two nights. Anyone else having this issue? It seems strange, since I had no problems before, and am getting two other stations off the same antenna.

Why haven't I been able to scan for Channel 33 with my LG LSS 3200a? Everytime I try, doing it either through manual "Add a Channel" by full "Easy Scan" of all local digital channels or by going through the entire DirecTV set-up process, it still gives me Channel 12 as the signal on Channel 11-1.

I was able to scan in Channel 38, but the signal strength is minimal.

If anyone has any tips, please help.

Originally posted by dswallow
What do you see in the way of signal strength on 33 or 38? What receiver are you using?

Last night I was getting less than 30% signal strength. I'm at work now, so I don't know if it improved. My CBS numbers were better than they have ever been so it would appear that CBS is at full signal strength (at least for now). Does anyone know when the other stations expect to be at full strength?

Also, there was a post above that indicated that when he moved his antenna he could get channel 9, but would lose channel 11. How could this happen if they are both on the same combiner, i.e., it would appear that if you move the antenna and get a better signal for one station, you should get a better signal for all the other stations that are on the combiner. Am I missing something?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cpto
[B]I'd prefer that all HD stations broadcast 3:4 material the same way WCBS does, with gray borders...


Here,here! This has been bothering me because I use a Plasma monitor and I cant be the only one. WHY DONT the other stations take the hint from WCBS-DT and run gray bars when showing 4:3 content in a HD frame. When my DST52 or Panny monitor senses a 16:9 frame I can do nothing about it. Is this asking too much?

Although multiple stations, by way of being connected to the combiner, use the same transmitting antenna (in our case WCBS-DT), each individual station transmits at a different frequency and power.

Different frequencies when combined with multipath can cause very wide fluctuations in the ability to revieve signals. Logically you would think that since they're all coming from the same place that all you have to do is aim and that's all that's needed and reception station to station should be the same.

If you have dead-on line of sight to the Empire State Building with no signal bouncing around due to buidings, trees, etc., there then would be greater equality - the only difference then being power.

Hope that helps.

Gary

Originally posted by cpto
I'd prefer that all HD stations broadcast 3:4 material the same way WCBS does, with gray borders...
Note for all TV programmers: If the program you are sending me is 4:3, DON'T zoom it to 14:9 or some other odd-ball ratio. Most receivers and TVs will let you format 4:3 and 16:9 programs to fit your display, either 4:3 (computer and TV) or 16:9 (new, widescreen TV.) They can't recover what was cropped due to the stations's zoom.

Just tell the truth and give me all of the picture. I can deal with it if I have to. And don't stretch, either.

Is 9-1 on all the time right now. Because I have gotten 11-1 on and off for some time and now it is solid, I have never been able to get 9-1. Also, neither 33 or 38 come in. I live in hoboken (If I had a good arm I could hit the ESB) and I have the Hughes HD Directivo. Do I need to rescan?

Marc

Originally posted by Morg111
Is 9-1 on all the time right now. WWOR-DT seems to be on all the time including now.

Originally posted by plasmafan
[QUOTE]Originally posted by cpto
[B]I'd prefer that all HD stations broadcast 3:4 material the same way WCBS does, with gray borders...


Here,here! This has been bothering me because I use a Plasma monitor and I cant be the only one. WHY DONT the other stations take the hint from WCBS-DT and run gray bars when showing 4:3 content in a HD frame. When my DST52 or Panny monitor senses a 16:9 frame I can do nothing about it. Is this asking too much?

Yes, it is. Please don't give them any ideas. I'd rather have the black bars than that obnoxious light gray WCBS uses. I don't even watch non-HD programming on WCBS because of that. Sidebars are supposed to be black. Just calibrate your display and you don't have to worry about burn-in. It's a red herring.

Before you ask, I do have a plasma along with a front projector and a CRT RPTV and I still hate gray bars.

Hello All, Everytime it rains the signal from CBS bounces all over the place. When it's dry I get 100, when it rains it drops below 40 and I lose the picture. All other signals remain unchanged. I figure I have some strange mutipath problem that only surfaces when everything is wet. However, I have heard other people on this thread complain about the CBS signal. So before I go and remount/ replace and/or relocate my antenna, I'm just wondering if anyone has a similar problem when it rains. Thanks,
Phil

Is 9-1 on all the time right now. Because I have gotten 11-1 on and off for some time and now it is solid, I have never been able to get 9-1. Also, neither 33 or 38 come in. I live in hoboken (If I had a good arm I could hit the ESB) and I have the Hughes HD Directivo. Do I need to rescan?

I have a Samsung and had to rescan to get 9-1 & 2.

Originally posted by Phil Hightech
Hello All, Everytime it rains the signal from CBS bounces all over the place. When it's dry I get 100, when it rains it drops below 40 and I lose the picture. All other signals remain unchanged. I figure I have some strange mutipath problem that only surfaces when everything is wet. However, I have heard other people on this thread complain about the CBS signal. So before I go and remount/ replace and/or relocate my antenna, I'm just wondering if anyone has a similar problem when it rains. Thanks,
Phil
You might possibly have some bad connections, too. Water might be getting somewhere it shouldn't.

Originally posted by vruiz
I'd rather have the black bars than that obnoxious light gray WCBS uses. I don't even watch non-HD programming on WCBS because of that. Sidebars are supposed to be black. Just calibrate your display and you don't have to worry about burn-in. It's a red herring.

Before you ask, I do have a plasma along with a front projector and a CRT RPTV and I still hate gray bars.


AMEN! I am with you 100%. Properly calibrated displays should not fear black bars.

can u clarify what you mean by "Properly calibrated displays should not fear black bars", I fear black bars on my projection tv and want to know how to prevent them. By calibrate do you mean bring the brightness down to 0?

Yes, it is. Please don't give them any ideas. I'd rather have the black bars than that obnoxious light gray WCBS uses. I don't even watch non-HD programming on WCBS because of that. Sidebars are supposed to be black. Just calibrate your display and you don't have to worry about burn-in. It's a red herring.

I'm with you I HATE THE GRAY BARS! I to do not watch non-HD on CBS because of the gray bars...Why does CBS do this?

tony

Originally posted by shappyss
can u clarify what you mean by "Properly calibrated displays should not fear black bars", I fear black bars on my projection tv and want to know how to prevent them. By calibrate do you mean bring the brightness down to 0?

Proper calibration can be achieved using one of a number of calibration DVDs. An ISF technician can also do this for those who would rather pay to have it done:

http://www.imagingscience.com/

Most sets come out of the store in "torch mode" almost assuring burn-in over a short time. Proper calibration can markedly improve image quality while preventing burn in from static images.

Originally posted by hphase
Note for all TV programmers: If the program you are sending me is 4:3, DON'T zoom it to 14:9 or some other odd-ball ratio. Most receivers and TVs will let you format 4:3 and 16:9 programs to fit your display, either 4:3 (computer and TV) or 16:9 (new, widescreen TV.) They can't recover what was cropped due to the stations's zoom.

Just tell the truth and give me all of the picture. I can deal with it if I have to. And don't stretch, either.

I disagree. I prefer WPIX's 14:9 format. It's better than linear stretch and you don't lose as much info like you do with a straight zoom. Plus, I hate seeing those huge black (or CBS' awful Grey) bars on the side. I'll take WB's 14:9 PQ against everyone else's up-converted 480i any day.

I get and have gotten every channel there is perfectly including WPIX-DT (11-1) now. I cannot for the life of me get WWOR-DT (9-1). I have rescanned (twice) and still it does not recognize or show it. Any issues I should be aware of? Does anyone have the HR10-250?

Originally posted by Morg111
I get and have gotten every channel there is perfectly including WPIX-DT (11-1) now. I cannot for the life of me get WWOR-DT (9-1). I have rescanned (twice) and still it does not recognize or show it. Any issues I should be aware of? Does anyone have the HR10-250?

Reselect your local area, clear scanned off-air channels then rescan. That did the trick for me.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by netman
[B]Proper calibration can be achieved using one of a number of calibration DVDs. An ISF technician can also do this for those who would rather pay to have it done:

On my Mitsubishi 65907 with Promise Module, I have individual calibration for each type of input. Therefore using a calibration DVD can not be used to calibrate the HDTV input. I understand that there is a calibration D-VHS tape but it is only compatable with the JVC units (d-theater) not with my Mitsubishi HD-2000 tape unit.

That's okay. As long as you keep your contrast under 50% you should be fine. It's the contrast in torch mode what causes burn-in, not the brightness.

Has anyone else lost WPIX-33?

Originally posted by dturturro
...,clear scanned off-air channels... That did the trick for me.
How do you do that? I can't get rid of Channel 12 for WPIX-DT.:confused:

Originally posted by UroDoc
[QUOTE]Originally posted by netman
[B]Proper calibration can be achieved using one of a number of calibration DVDs. An ISF technician can also do this for those who would rather pay to have it done:

On my Mitsubishi 65907 with Promise Module, I have individual calibration for each type of input. Therefore using a calibration DVD can not be used to calibrate the HDTV input. I understand that there is a calibration D-VHS tape but it is only compatable with the JVC units (d-theater) not with my Mitsubishi HD-2000 tape unit.

Be careful. I had an ISF guy come to do my set and he was clueless. It took over 7 hours and he had to come back after consulting with others on how to take care of some problems. I was and am totally unsatisfied with the work that was done!

That flickering line on the top of WABC-DT is worse tonight.
Do they know about it and have any ETA on a fix?

Originally posted by Paperboy2003
Be careful. I had an ISF guy come to do my set and he was clueless. It took over 7 hours and he had to come back after consulting with others on how to take care of some problems. I was and am totally unsatisfied with the work that was done!

We're off topic, but if anyone is thinking about ISF calibration, I wholeheartedly recommend Eliab @avical.com. Just a little unsolicited plug. You TV will look amazing and the guy knows his stuff.

Originally posted by s2silber
How do you do that? I can't get rid of Channel 12 for WPIX-DT.:confused:

I just tried it and it worked for me. You have to go into settings, then channels, then off air channels. Then clear the scanned off air channels and then rescan. The only problem is that directv isn't getting the guide information yet. So you won't have any show names or times. It just says regular schedule. And I'm also getting WPIX twice, from Ch 12 and Ch 33. I read a solution to this is to unplug your antenna input and after the scanning passes channel 12 plug it back in. I'm going to hold off doing this until the guide data is available for ch 33.

But I am getting 9-1 which I wasn't getting before.

Originally posted by vruiz
That's okay. As long as you keep your contrast under 50% you should be fine. It's the contrast in torch mode what causes burn-in, not the brightness.

I respectfully disagree...

50% on one set might be equivalent to 80% on another set and 10% on another...

In other words, all sets are different.

For example, proper base settings on my Philips 42PF9976/37 are:

Contrast: 84
Brightness: 49
Color: 46

You have to make sure you see what you're supposed to - not go by "numbers"

Originally posted by icemannyr
That flickering line on the top of WABC-DT is worse tonight.
Do they know about it and have any ETA on a fix?

The flickering line - does it show up on all the HD broadcast shows, or just on the commercials between the shows?

I get the flickering line (not only on ABC, but others as well) when they aren't broadcasting in HD... Therefore, I just switch resolution on my D* box to 480p and problem solved... While this may technically be the proper solution, I'll admit it's a pain in the butt. On my HR10-250, all I have to do is hit the UP arrow to switch resolutions - easy for me, but on my previous box (RCA DCT-210), there was a hard switch on the front panel...this was *NOT* an acceptable solution IMHO by the D* box.

On some sets, you can alter picture size/position (either with the remote or through the service menu) to get around the problem. Unfortunately, on my Philips set, there isn't enough movement (I'm still 1-2 pixels short) north to get rid of the lines that way - and believe it or not, the Philips plasma service menu has NO adjustments/settings for size and/or position.

It seems that the issue is that some stations broadcast the programming in HD (720p or 1080i), but auto-switch to SD (480p) during commercials - and this causes the issue.

Now that said, like it or not, we're all early-adopters and most are techie-types - but when the rest of Joe Six-Pack America starts to invest in digital TV's, this resolution mismatch is going to prove to be a real bane to the stb manufacturers and the broadcasters - and you *KNOW* that each is going to be pointing their fingers at the other... Bottom line is, people are going to scream that they've paid $xK of dollars for digital/HDTV and they get a very distracting white line. And Joe Six-Pack will be absolutely right ...

If I have to get up and physically flip a switch on my cable/D* STB everytime a different show comes on, well, let's just say that I'm going to find other alternative forms of entertainment :D

Originally posted by grodgers
It seems that the issue is that some stations broadcast the programming in HD (720p or 1080i), but auto-switch to SD (480p) during commercials - and this causes the issue. This is not the case. No HD station in NYC changes their format to 480p for commercials or anything else.

Originally posted by kcn823
Then clear the scanned off air channels...
This is the part I'm having trouble with! Exactly how do you do that with the LG LSS 3200a? (The same box as the Hughes and Sony HD 300)

I am guessing it's an issue with the ABC-HD feed and WABC-DT.
I notice it only on HD programming but not all the time.
When it happens the line also shows up on national ad's since they are on the hd network feed also.

Originally posted by grodgers
The flickering line - does it show up on all the HD broadcast shows, or just on the commercials between the shows?

From Northern, NJ, I just tried my new silver sensor antenna and got WWOR-DT to tune in at 64% 17db signal. :)
With the antenna I can also pull in Ch52 WNJN-DT.

Originally posted by s2silber
This is the part I'm having trouble with! Exactly how do you do that with the LG LSS 3200a? (The same box as the Hughes and Sony HD 300)

I'm not sure how do clear the scanned channels on the LG LSS 3200a. On the HD Tivo that is just one of the options.

Originally posted by plasmafan
[QUOTE]Originally posted by cpto
[B]I'd prefer that all HD stations broadcast 3:4 material the same way WCBS does, with gray borders...


Here,here! This has been bothering me because I use a Plasma monitor and I cant be the only one. WHY DONT the other stations take the hint from WCBS-DT and run gray bars when showing 4:3 content in a HD frame.

...

Is this asking too much?

'cause its distracting as hell to those of us without plasma's who dont care about burn in.

:)

s2silber -

I have the Sony HD-300 - try this:

Menu
Setup
Favorite/Ch. Edit
Hilight the Channel You Want to Delete
Push Enter

At least when you're scanning channels up and down, the deleted channel won't show up.

I hope this helps.

Gary

Originally posted by grodgers
I respectfully disagree...

50% on one set might be equivalent to 80% on another set and 10% on another...

In other words, all sets are different.

For example, proper base settings on my Philips 42PF9976/37 are:

Contrast: 84
Brightness: 49
Color: 46

You have to make sure you see what you're supposed to - not go by "numbers"

Yes, of course all sets are different but proper is also a relative term, isn't it?

How exactly did you arrive at those settings? Did you use a color analyzer, or at the very least a calibration DVD? To have the contrast that close to the top of the scale is a recipe for disaster. I find it very hard to believe you arrived at those settings via any type of objective measuring method.

Remember we are talking about out-of-the-box settings and what you have is very close to torch mode. If you had your set ISF calibrated changes things though, since all the offsets would be done in the service menu and it's possible that whoever did your TV set the contrast at 84 in the user menu while properly adjusting it in the service menu. Possible, but highly unlikely. That's just not something I've seen any competent calibrationist do. They usually set the user menu near the middle and do the work in the service menu.

Bottom line, you believe whatever you want to believe, but keep the contrast that high on an uncalibrated set, you won't have it for very long, especially a plasma.

Originally posted by vruiz
Yes, of course all sets are different but proper is also a relative term, isn't it?

How exactly did you arrive at those settings? Did you use a color analyzer, or at the very least a calibration DVD? To have the contrast that close to the top of the scale is a recipe for disaster. I find it very hard to believe you arrived at those settings via any type of objective measuring method.

Remember we are talking about out-of-the-box settings and what you have is very close to torch mode. If you had your set ISF calibrated changes things though, since all the offsets would be done in the service menu and it's possible that whoever did your TV set the contrast at 84 in the user menu while properly adjusting it in the service menu. Possible, but highly unlikely. That's just not something I've seen any competent calibrationist do. They usually set the user menu near the middle and do the work in the service menu.

Bottom line, you believe whatever you want to believe, but keep the contrast that high on an uncalibrated set, you won't have it for very long, especially a plasma.

Service menu hasn't been touched. I set it up with S&V DVD. As I stated in my original post, "You have to make sure you see what you're supposed to - not just go by the numbers." If I set my contrast at 50% on my set, it's unwatchable - and I have to crank the brightness way up to see any fine detail - which causes me to lose any pure blacks...the blacks turn grey.

And, btw, these settings are nowhere NEAR the "torch mode" settings (on Philips, it is known as RICH setting). These settings are very very close to the recommended NATURAL setting on the menu...with a little tweaking here and there..

And, I'm certain that, contrary to popular belief, my plasma will be around a very long time. I make this statement based on my original post, and will use this analogy.... I have a Mesa Boogie 50 watt tube amp, my son has a 50 watt Marshall tube amp. His Marshall gets way louder at 8 than mine does.... but at 10, they're about the same...

Controls (digital AND analog) have different response curves built into them. I can design/build pot(entiometers), with equal low and high impedances, with VERY different ramps , but having identical values at the extremes...

I don't believe that any general assumption can be made about 50% (or 84% for that matter) being good or bad.... there just isn't enough information.

Happy viewing!
And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Originally posted by grodgers
His Marshall gets way louder at 8 than mine does.... but at 10, they're about the same...


sure but how about 11?

Originally posted by netman
sure but how about 11?

At 11, my wife leaves the house :D :D :D

Then the neighbors bring beer over for a Friday night jam ...

This may have been mentioned but I noticed the 2nd sub on WNYW-DT, listed as WWOR-DT, has no video.
I am guessing soon WNYW-DT would have WNYW-TV (SD) as its sub and WWOR-DT would have WWOR-TV (SD) as it's sub.

It's 6:51 p.m. and channel 5.2 is broadcasting (video and audio) of WWOR in SD.

Gary

Odd, my PC tuner gets 5-1 WNYW-DT in clear but 5-2 WWOR-DT has audio but no video.
BTW, the WNYW-TV SD feed looks better then WNYW-DT for non HD programming.

Suit yourself. Don't say you weren't warned.

I noticed at 8pm WWOR-DT switched to color bars with the text NEW YORK TX HD.

I guess they still have some bugs to work out. I guess the UPN-HD feed is not passing 4:3 network content or is it somthing else?

Is WPIX-DT broadcasting now at 21:00 EST?

It is at 21:10...

Originally posted by mw390
Is WPIX-DT broadcasting now at 21:00 EST?

The yule log will be on tommorowhttp
morning. Do you think WPIX DT will be broadcasting, and will it be HD?http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon7.gif
Smile

WPIX-DT

I guess what I should've said is it broadcasting in UHF. I had to make my STB do a re-scan and it didnt pick it up even after 2 scans

Yes, it is... I can only receive the signal from the combiner and it was coming in strong at 9:15. And still is now.

Originally posted by mw390
WPIX-DT

I guess what I should've said is it broadcasting in UHF. I had to make my STB do a re-scan and it didnt pick it up even after 2 scans

What channel is WPIX-DT?

Thanks

Originally posted by icemannyr
What channel is WPIX-DT?

Thanks

UHF 33

11-1

Originally posted by newhdcrt
The yule log will be on tommorowhttp
morning. Do you think WPIX DT will be broadcasting, and will it be HD?http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/icons/icon7.gif
Smile

it was not in HD, i recorded the first hour of it hoping to get it in HD but all that was on ch33 was the yule log with shutters :(

Originally posted by berniec
it was not in HD, i recorded the first hour of it hoping to get it in HD but all that was on ch33 was the yule log with shutters :( It was in HD. This was discussed in the past. It apparently is an old film in 4:3 that was transferred to HD in its original aspect ratio.

Originally posted by Bogney Baux
It was in HD. This was discussed in the past. It apparently is an old film in 4:3 that was transferred to HD in its original aspect ratio.

interesting...good to know...and here i thought i got jipped :)

WPIX oddness...

I know WPIX is currently testing so there may be issues from time to time as they work out the kinks. On my hr10-250 if I leave it on 11-1 for a while it tends to lose the signal and then never reacquire it until I change the channel and make it retune 11-1.

Has anyone else noticed a behavior like this? Right now WPIX is the only OTA that does this to me.

Thanks,
Tom

First thanks to everyone who replied awhile back when I queried about good equipment to use in the new york city environment. Very much appreciated. Didn't even up getting anything installed since I was never able to get back in touch with the installer who gave an estimate. And didn't have much luck finding anyone who was that clueful in the Staten Island phone book.

Something I found weird that happened to me. I was using a MyHD card with a silver sensor. It gave me a solid (70%) signal on CBS and a marginal right on the line signal with Fox and ABC (with usually Fox being just over the line and ABC being under). Then all of a sudden a few weeks ago my reception declined markedly. With CBS now being marginal and not terribly watchable with the dropouts.

One thing I noticed was no matter where I pointed the thing I got the exact same reception everywhere. Which made me think maybe it was interference from the computer or something else in the room since that was about the only explanation i could think for it to suddenly become non-directional. Tried replacing the sg6 cable. Tried disconnecting, replacing, and moving a few things from the computer and nothing seemed to solve the problem. Being repeat season and not watching too many CBS shows I kinda gave up on the thing for awhile but after checking over here and noticing the combiner was up I played around with it again.

To make a long story short. On a lark I switched antennas (taking what I thought to be a worthless "hdtv" radio shack antenna out of my closet that i bought before the silver sensor) and low and behold unlike the silver sensor the signal did shift when aimed in different directions.. And once pointed in the right direction I was able to pick up a number of HD stations again.

This rather surprised me since I didn't think the Silver Sensor being a fairly "simple" non-powered indoor antenna could just go "bad" on me. And even more of a surprise. In the past CBS was the solid performer while the WB was a pipe dream. Now CBS is solid but a tad shaky in the 40s. With the WB being my strongest station in the 60s (combiner must be working well for them).

Anyway was wondering if anyone else experienced anything similar.

Can anyone confirm that they are getting a signal on 33 right now. I cannot seem to get anything above 13 or so. Compared to their broadcast of the wizard of Oz which as in the 70's to 80's

They are coming in fine here in western Suffolk.

Originally posted by Anthony in NYC
Can anyone confirm that they are getting a signal on 33 right now. I cannot seem to get anything above 13 or so. Compared to their broadcast of the wizard of Oz which as in the 70's to 80's

Same thing here in the Stead of Hemp. I'm getting it, but not at the same signal strength as before. Prior to the combiner, when WPIX-DT was VHF 12, I was getting it great with 81% signal strength (on a scale of 100). Now since they've switched over to UHF 33 and started the testing, it comes in at about 60-61%, no breakups, but signal strength markedly lower than before. Hmmmmm......

WNBC-DT

Anybody start getting WNBC-DT 28 who havent been able to before? I started around 10PM. Unless this is the weather conditions affecting this

No joy for me.

Originally posted by newhdcrt
No joy for me.

Same here in Norther NJ

Originally posted by mw390
WNBC-DT

Anybody start getting WNBC-DT 28 who havent been able to before? I started around 10PM. Unless this is the weather conditions affecting this

I was getting it tonight. I would venture to guess it's the atmospheric conditions, unless the engineers came in and did combiner testing tonight. Yeah riiiiiiiiiiiiight.......

I wonder why WPIX couldn't broadcast at full power and WWOR could. Here in CT 78 miles from ESB full power channels are coming in fine. WCBS seems easier than it was to receive. It used to be WNYW was the easiest followed by WABC and then WCBS. Now on Voom receiver WWOR has the strongest signal. 94 on meter as oppposed to high 80s for the others.

WPIX is in the process of testing their transmitter and have tenatively set a schedule of 4PM to 12 AM at 10% power. Firing up a transmitter is not plug and play.

I am seeing the opposite. All of the station on the combiner come in great except for WCBS-DT. This used to be the most reliable station for me. Signal hovers around 60% but jumps around too much to keep a consistent lock. Signal strength for WPIX and WWOR stay around 90%.

Mike

KCole -

Do I understand you correctly when you stated that WPIX is currently using only 10% of its power when it transmits between 4 p.m. and midnight?

I know that they are testing - but only 10% when they have HD programming scheduled? That sounds extremely low and to my
way of thinking - unlikely.

Would you mind confirming, please?

Thank you very much.

Gary

WPIX-DT

I think you guys should go to page 178 where the technician from WPIX states his station is on the air, does NOT stay on all the time (6pm to whataver) and is broadcasting at 25% power. He sounds like they dont want to zap anybody
by going full power

I need some help and advice. I live on Long Island, about 21 miles from the ESB. I used to get CBS, FOX, ABC, PAX and a spanish station at 68 fine. Since the combiner when on line, I get FOX, ABC, PIX, PAX, 68 and I get WOR inconsitently ( I tune to it at a 56 signal level, and then I lose it - my Dell Plasma requires the same number of channel ups or downs to get from 7-2 to 11-1 as if 9-1 and 9-2 were there, but nothing changes for the first two key presses until I re-scan for 38). CBS is just gone (and so is 11-2, btw). I've never been able to get NBC.

Per the Dell info screen, most stations are coming in with a signal level of about 52-67, with an SNL of 25db.

As I have a Radio Shack 15-2160 in the attic ponited at the ESB, I thought an inline amp would help. Bought the Radio shack and hooked it all up. then I got signal levels down to 0-20, no locks at all, and SNL of 10-16db.

Questions are as follows:
1. Do you think the inline amp was bad? Should I try a new one?
2. Do you think there might be something wrong with the Dell, in not getting CBS and losing WOR?

Thanks for any guidance.

Ever since they started pumping signals through the combiner I am getting fantastic reception on pretty much everything. A signal from WB was undetectable before this. CBS, ABC, UPN, WB, PAX, NJN and several spanish language stations all come in at 100% signal strength. NBC and FOX come in pretty strong too at 90%. All of these stations stay at these levels and I've never had a drop out, with the exception of WB (I assume they are still testing their setup). I am using an RCA DTC210 with a Winegard SS-2000 antenna which is pretty much aimed directly at the ESB (I'm about 22 miles north). I highly recommend this antenna for anyone who has been having reception issues.

Not real sure - but my radio shack inline amp had problems by using the different hookups - something like a transformer for impedence matching thing - one came with the antenna, one came with the amp - my first setup did the same thing yours did, after i switched to the other transformer the other one it worked great (its the little connector that splits the coax into the two connectors

I'm out in commack and can get abc,cbs,9-1,fox,pbs, a couple of spanish - can get NBC with a turn of the antenna but since nothing is really on it I can wait until the situation improves for that one.

Hi I've been a long time lurker on these forujms and finally decided to register :)

I don't know if anyone else has this problem but I have not been able to receive WNBC period. I can get every other major network (cbs, fox, abc, upn, wpix) perfectly. I have not a clue as to why this happens. I've been rescanning the channels on my Samsung STB almost everyday during primetime, but I still get nothing. I've never been able to receive channel 4, so I'm contemplating getting a new antenna or should I wait till nbc starts broadcasting on this new combiner, or has that happened?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)

P.S- I live on Staten Island.

Originally posted by jaydee07
Hi I've been a long time lurker on these forujms and finally decided to register :)

I don't know if anyone else has this problem but I have not been able to receive WNBC period. I can get every other major network (cbs, fox, abc, upn, wpix) perfectly. I have not a clue as to why this happens. I've been rescanning the channels on my Samsung STB almost everyday during primetime, but I still get nothing. I've never been able to receive channel 4, so I'm contemplating getting a new antenna or should I wait till nbc starts broadcasting on this new combiner, or has that happened?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)

P.S- I live on Staten Island.

WNBC-DT is not on the combiner as yet... I would want until everyone is on the combiner before changing antenna now since it appears we are on the home stretch.

Long time no post however long time no station changes, until recently. I'm receiving everything NY has to offer, except WNBC, here in Long Valley, NJ (Schooley's mountain). Strongest WCBS 90% weakest WPIX 66%. Also I am getting Montclair NJN @ 66%, Trenton NJN 90% and Philly CBS at 70%. Now if I can only pull in Fox, NBC and ABC from Philly.

Channel Master 4228 w/ 7775 preamp. Rotator a must.

Originally posted by Signalseeker
Long time no post however long time no station changes, until recently. I'm receiving everything NY has to offer, except WNBC, here in Long Valley, NJ (Schooley's mountain). Strongest WCBS 90% weakest WPIX 66%. Also I am getting Montclair NJN @ 66%, Trenton NJN 90% and Philly CBS at 70%. Now if I can only pull in Fox, NBC and ABC from Philly.

Channel Master 4228 w/ 7775 preamp. Rotator a must.
Fellow Long Valley mountain-dweller here. It is surprising that your CBS-NY is so strong, given the channel 56 in Hazelton, PA at almost 180 deg from your NY heading. ABC is strongest for me, but I get Fox, CBS, UPN, Pax, Telemundo, and "ch68" from NYC. I only got PIX on their first night. Something must have changed after that. No NBC or PBS (13) but I can get Trenton and New Brunswick (ch8 DT) NJN. I'm waiting for full power transmissions from the combiner before I make any equipment changes.

Philly CBS is easy to receive, as is ABC. Fox and others from Philly are iffy. No NBC or PBS from Philly yet (if ever.)

Haven't tried WB/Scranton yet, but it's not a priority. Besides, many of their DTV allocations are on NYC VHF channels (and vice-versa!)

Originally posted by jaydee07
I've been rescanning the channels on my Samsung STB almost everyday during primetime, but I still get nothing.
By the way...you don't think you have to rescan on the Samsung STB to try and receive a channel. I have an SIR-T351 and all I have to do is just enter the real UHF frequency. For NBC 4-1 for example, enter 28. It should come back and display 28-0. If it can't receive it, it'll just display a 'no signal' message. If it can, it will receive the information about the station, the display will change to 4-1, and it will be in memory.

This is how I've been able to program in both NY and Philly stations (I'm in central NJ). I aimed my antenna for one of them and used the scan, and entered the other markets stations manually. By the way...I've been getting 4-1 at around 60 to 70%.

The only one I couldn't do this with was the older NY WPIX, which broadcast on 12. If I enter 12, it automatically assumes Philly 12-1 which I have in memory. By the way, here's a listing that shows the UHF frequencies:

http://www.nab.org/newsroom/issues/digitaltv/dtvstations.asp

Tom

Ahh okay.. thanks to everyone for the advice. I guess I'll wait a couple weeks or so before decideing whether to get a new a new antenna or not :)

WNBC-DT is now on the Combiner !!!!!

Their is signal is about at 50%, and will increase hopefully later this week if everything goes well.

I am getting it very strong at about a signal strength of 90.

Are you sure? I can't pick up even a glimmer of a signal. Before, when they were on top of the GE Building, I saw at least a blip (15%) of yellow. Don't have anything now.

Originally posted by s2silber
Are you sure? I can't pick up even a glimmer of a signal. Before, when they were on top of the GE Building, I saw at least a blip (15%) of yellow. Don't have anything now.

Yes, they are, but they are in test mode. They are only at 50% signal strength. The signal level should pick up hopefully by the end of the week. I am getting it stronger than on the GE building.

Originally posted by Scott G
Yes, they are, but they are in test mode. They are only at 50% signal strength. The signal level should pick up hopefully by the end of the week. I am getting it stronger than on the GE building.

NBC is definitely up and running. I am in Levittown and I am receiving a signal in the low to mid 90's. Normally, I receive low to mid 70's. Just waiting for WNET now (I already receive ABC just fine)!

Originally posted by dturturro
NBC is definitely up and running. I am in Levittown and I am receiving a signal in the low to mid 90's. Normally, I receive low to mid 70's. Just waiting for WNET now (I already receive ABC just fine)!

Yup, I am getting the about the same signal strength here in East Meadow.

It is definitely on the combiner. I got it from an impeccable source. They are only at 50% power so anyone who cannot get it yet, don't worry it is coming probably later this week.

Nothing out here in NW Jersey, but I am noticing that my Philly NTSC stations are comong in better, even though the antenna is pointed at NYC. Could this increase in "signal strength" for WNBC-DT be coincidence or is someone SURE that they are transmitting from the combiner?

I know there is work being done on the combiner this week, and I know everyone wants to help out with reception reports, but it would be nice if someone knew FOR SURE what was happening before we all go looking for that first reception report. That way no one gets flamed.

Originally posted by hphase
Nothing out here in NW Jersey, but I am noticing that my Philly NTSC stations are comong in better, even though the antenna is pointed at NYC. Could this increase in "signal strength" for WNBC-DT be coincidence or is someone SURE that they are transmitting from the combiner?

I know there is work being done on the combiner this week, and I know everyone wants to help out with reception reports, but it would be nice if someone knew FOR SURE what was happening before we all go looking for that first reception report. That way no one gets flamed.

I am 100% sure they are transmitting from the combiner. I also am sure it is at 50% signal strength. So it will get stronger. Probably by the end of the week. Trust me, I was notified by someone who would know about this.

Sorry for the crossed post. Now someone just needs to get channel 28 from Scranton to shut down. What do they need three million watts for? (Just a joke.)

It's definitely on the combiner... 've never gotten above 13% for NBC before now it's in the mid 70's. My antennae points to ESB so I never could see the NBC signal until just now.

Tom

Originally posted by s2silber
Are you sure? I can't pick up even a glimmer of a signal. Before, when they were on top of the GE Building, I saw at least a blip (15%) of yellow. Don't have anything now.

Guys, trust me on this one. There is no dispute here. They are on the combiner. I also know for a fact, they are at 50% so hang in there it will get much, much stronger and soon.

Originally posted by Signalseeker
Long time no post however long time no station changes, until recently. I'm receiving everything NY has to offer, except WNBC, here in Long Valley, NJ (Schooley's mountain). Strongest WCBS 90% weakest WPIX 66%. Also I am getting Montclair NJN @ 66%, Trenton NJN 90% and Philly CBS at 70%. Now if I can only pull in Fox, NBC and ABC from Philly.

Channel Master 4228 w/ 7775 preamp. Rotator a must.

Good old Schooley's Mountain...I love that area. I used to live down in the valley in Mansfield. I used to use a huge Channel master antenna purchased at Radio Shack in Blairstown to receive analog locals from NY and Philly.

Want to buy my old tower???
http://p078.ezboard.com/fdigitaltelevisionhdtvforumfrm22.showMessage?topicID=2.topic

I'm in Little Falls NJ now. (15 mile west of the ESB)

I receive today...

2.1 CBS
4.1, 4.2 NBC
5.1, 5.2 FOX
7.1, 7.2 ABC
9.1, 9.2 UPN
11.1, 11.2 WB
31.1PAX
41.1 Spanish
50.1-50.5 PBS
68.1 Spanish

Today is the first time that I've seen NBC in a year. I trust that the combiner has a role in this but am realistic that atmospheric conditions do help. UPN has been constantly strong. WB still breaks up and pixels. NBC looks good so far.

As I get these channels OTA, I block them out on my DirecTV. I prefer OTA.

Unbelievable. I'm getting NBC finally too. I live 30 blocks from the ESB with a direct view, and was never able to get 4.1 4.2 until today!

Getting 7 to 8 bars out of 10 on my Samsumg SIR-T451 signal strength on 4.1 and 4.2 . no problems here. Denville NJ . 31 miles west of the ESB.

Wow.. so my post was right on target. After i saw Scott's post, I tried to tune in, and it worked! woohoo! :D

Solid 60-70% for WNBC-DT on my HDTIVO in Hackensack NJ.

It's nice to see 4.1 again since my antenna was turned for everything else over the summer, but it's breaking up every so often. (not to bad though) It's at about 59%. I would imagine there's a good drop every now and then. The HR10-250 tuner seems to have a harder time holding the singal than the TVs tuner. Could just be timing though. I had never seen the 4.2 Weather Channel before. It's convenient to have in the winter. lol

Hopefully the extra power will do the trick soon and then on to WNET!

Getting NBC at 92 sig ...here in SI. Very happy indeed....OTA is so much better than anything over sat. All we need now is for PBS to get their act together and we will be good to go.

Originally posted by Jonathann_K
Unbelievable. I'm getting NBC finally too. I live 30 blocks from the ESB with a direct view, and was never able to get 4.1 4.2 until today!


Jonathann_K:

What type of antenna do you have?? Indoor/outdoor?? Model #?? I down here in Chinatown - Lower East Side - couldn't get WNBC at all. There is 20+ stories high-rise between my building and ESB. However, CBS, FOX(UPN on 5.2), ABC and WB all come in mid 60-70 % signal. TIA.

NBC reined in last night.. fantastic!

Anybody have an update on WPIX's power-up timetable?
It was stated that they are only broadcasting at 25% power.
Is that accurate?
Scottie, I need more power!
I can't lock WPIX.
Anyone have the scoop on this?

I love this over the air crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D

Originally posted by vinnyv07
Getting NBC at 92 sig ...here in SI. Very happy indeed....OTA is so much better than anything over sat. All we need now is for PBS to get their act together and we will be good to go. Does anyone know who to call or write to at WNET to urge them on, or at least get some accurate information?

Your calling or writing WNET will serve little purpose. The station's management wants to be back as much or more than you. All that is curretnly known is that they will be on the combiner sometime after the first of the year.

Gary

Anyone know when the stations will update their status with Tribune?
Tribune is the guide data provider for the HD Tivo and without guide data I can't setup season pass for shows on WIPX-DT and WWOR-DT.

Originally posted by Gary Press
Your calling or writing WNET will serve little purpose. The station's management wants to be back as much or more than you. All that is curretnly known is that they will be on the combiner sometime after the first of the year.

Gary
If you call, or better yet, write to WNET it will certainly be appreciated. Gary is right, if you call or write to COMPLAIN about what they are doing or why they're doing it, it won't be appreciated. Constructive criticism, however, is just as well received as outright support.

Channel 13 had stated on-air that they want to hear from their HD viewers. Granted, some of that wish might be to find new members, but that is part of what they do.

WNET is a large producer of programs for PBS, and full mailbags are undeniable "evidence" that viewers, in this case high-definition viewers, are out there. Many of the programs that WNET producers are either done in HD or are ideally suited to it. This includes DD5.1, which they recently started passing on to their HD viewers.

I think most participants on these boards realize that support is always appreciated and complaining, while sometimes tolerated, gets old real fast. I hope WNET gets on the combiner soon. OTA is what TV (and PBS) is all about!

Does anyone know if the digital transmissions for WNBC, WPIX or WWOR are on the combiner right Now? I've been trying to scan for any of them for the past week or so, and can't get a thing.

Are of em are, however I cant lock WPIX all the yime. I think they're not putting out as much power

Originally posted by s2silber
Does anyone know if the digital transmissions for WNBC, WPIX or WWOR are on the combiner right Now? I've been trying to scan for any of them for the past week or so, and can't get a thing.

All 3 are on the combiner now. What kind of receiver are you trying to pick up the feeds on?

On my Samsung TS360, I had to rescan for my zip code, then do a channel scan under the cable/antenna menu.

HDTV OTA disapointment in Flushing, NY
=========================

I live in Woodside--and OTA reception from the 3rd floor of my apartment is fantastic using a Radio Shack double bowtie indoor antenna and especially with the combiner coming online...

However, I thought the same would hold true in Flushing, NY at my parents apartment, (which is just a few miles to the east) so I blindly bought a HDTV set for my folks for Christmas with built in tuner and a Silver Sensor antenna...

It wasn't until I set everything up that I realized that being surrounded by other apartment buildings and having no ability to mount an outdoor antenna, that OTA is impossible in that location/situation.

We get nothing in that apartment...

Guess I really should have used Antennaweb.org first...

Any one have any ideas? Looks like Time Warner cable might be our only choice...

John,
Have you tried other indoor antennas? I'm in Oakland Gardens, slightly south east of Flushing and have pretty good HD reception with my Sony TV's built in HD tuner. I have it hooked up to a old roof antennae now but was previously using an 8-yr old Rectocon amplied indoor antenna with rabbit ears and was able to pick up some ota HD signals. However, I am not surrounded by large apartment buildings so that may also be a reason.

I'm basically stupid in that I should have checked first to see the capability of receiving the standard analog VHF stations from the ESB in Flushing before optimistically thinking I could pull it in OTA digital signals with an indoor antenna.

Too bad there doesn't exist things like "repeaters" for OTA HDTV....they could put something like that in the center of Queens/Brooklyn to repeat the signal from the main antenna to expand the coverage area etc.

I mean, this isn't analog transmission.....couldn't it work?

Cant lock ABC today, yesterday was great - can get CBS, FOX, 9-1, and my others (not NBC, never could, not even with their current testing). I'm out in Commack on LI - are they testing or is it just a bad tropo day?

Get ALL the channels < 13 EXCEPT WPIX any time I punch em up.

Originally posted by John Chu
Too bad there doesn't exist things like "repeaters" for OTA HDTV....they could put something like that in the center of Queens/Brooklyn to repeat the signal from the main antenna to expand the coverage area etc.

I mean, this isn't analog transmission.....couldn't it work?

Digital television translators and digital on-channel repeaters are authorized by the FCC. Usually you find these in very rural areas in the shadow of mountains.

de WB9YRR
George

Is anyone with an HR10-250 having problems with WPIX-DT? All of a sudden I have to manually enter 12-3 or 33-3 to tune it in. I've tried restarting and rescanning with no results.

at about 5:30 or so ABC came back up for me, great lock, no breakups - either something weird in the atmosphere or maybe testing

A digital repeater anywhere in a metro area wouldnt work because of multipath, maybe the translator but then the number of channels that need to be allocated goes through the roof

Originally posted by chrisb3
All 3 are on the combiner now. What kind of receiver are you trying to pick up the feeds on?
It's the LG LSS 3200A DirecTV HD receiver. While it's gone now, I did have 9-1 for a while, but I still can't capture WNBC, WPIX or WWOR. What am I doing wrong?:( :confused:

WOW, I'm able to get WCBS, WNBC, WABC, WWOR, WNYW and WPIX without moving my antenna for the first time ever !!!! I love this combiner project. Best Xmas present ever !!!

Something intersting just happened at 20:10 EST. I punched 9 and I get 9-1/9-2 on my dispplay and then 1/2 second later it flashes 38-1/38-2. Cant punch 9 any more. Have to punch 38 now.

Well, my 9.1 and 9.2 have migrated over to 38.3 and 38.4.

Also, WNBC-DT is now my strongest and steadiest signal!

Gary

Not getting WNBC 28 in central jersey. Did a scan with the dish 921 and it didn't come up.
Manually entering the channel gives me no picture and a fluctuating signal strength from 0 to 70. They must be testing.

Originally posted by John Chu
I'm basically stupid in that I should have checked first to see the capability of receiving the standard analog VHF stations from the ESB in Flushing before optimistically thinking I could pull it in OTA digital signals with an indoor antenna.

Too bad there doesn't exist things like "repeaters" for OTA HDTV....they could put something like that in the center of Queens/Brooklyn to repeat the signal from the main antenna to expand the coverage area etc.

I mean, this isn't analog transmission.....couldn't it work?

Flushing should be well-covered already... people are getting good reception much further from NYC than you. However, not even a repeater would help you unless you have good line-of-sight to it or can pick up bouncing signals.

Have you tried moving your antenna around? You may be able to pick up a signal bouncing off a building at an angle not directly pointing to ESB.

Originally posted by little_blaine

Have you tried moving your antenna around? You may be able to pick up a signal bouncing off a building at an angle not directly pointing to ESB.

I will try that...I will go back later with a longer length of cable and see if I can reorient around...or maybe even move the antenna to another room.

As for line of sight...that is the biggest problem....

My parents are on the second floor of a six story apartment and directly across the street is another apartment buliding directly blocking line of sight to Manhattan...

If they were only a higher floor...

Thanks for the hints.

I'm in Westfield, NJ and am now getting all the stations except WB, however, NBC is still only in the 60's (with a fluctuating signal). Hopefully it's because they are not a full signal strength. One thing that is strange is that when my HD TiVo locks in on "28" it shows it as 4-2 and not 4-1. Anyone have any thoughts?

Originally posted by dturturro
Reselect your local area, clear scanned off-air channels then rescan. That did the trick for me. I did all of that last night around 9:30, and the HR10-250 picked up some new channels but not 9-1. And recently 5-1, which, along with 2-1, was my strongest, has been pixellating so badly that I've switched all of my Fox Season passes to channel 88. When ABC comes on line, I'll probably do the same, and I bet that from now on, I watch very little HD OTA. Does anyone else think that it's an odd coincidence that just as the combiner is getting installed, DirecTV managed to find room for all the other HD local network channels?

Try 38-1 for channel 9-1

I live in an apartment house, 15th floor, some 12 blocks or so from the Empire State Building and though I have no direct view of the Building from the room with my TV, a Panny plasma, have been getting all, one somewhat spotty, of these stations with a Zenith indoor antenna. But so far I do not see any improvement over what I see via TW. I will keep looking. Of course, I am getting a few channels, not HDTV, on cable. But does anyone really expect the Mets in HDTV on WPIX as someone here suggested? It's all fun though.

Some Mets home games are in HD via MSG or PIX!

Originally posted by Gary Press
KCole -

Do I understand you correctly when you stated that WPIX is currently using only 10% of its power when it transmits between 4 p.m. and midnight?

I know that they are testing - but only 10% when they have HD programming scheduled? That sounds extremely low and to my
way of thinking - unlikely.

Would you mind confirming, please?

Thank you very much.

Gary

Gary,
I spoke to the engineers at WPIX this afternoon and they will remain at their lower power setting until their testing and work is complete. WCBS went through the same power level testing when they first started up.

Thanks,
KCole

Originally posted by jgrahamiii
I need some help and advice. I live on Long Island, about 21 miles from the ESB. I used to get CBS, FOX, ABC, PAX and a spanish station at 68 fine. Since the combiner when on line, I get FOX, ABC, PIX, PAX, 68 and I get WOR inconsitently ( I tune to it at a 56 signal level, and then I lose it - my Dell Plasma requires the same number of channel ups or downs to get from 7-2 to 11-1 as if 9-1 and 9-2 were there, but nothing changes for the first two key presses until I re-scan for 38). CBS is just gone (and so is 11-2, btw). I've never been able to get NBC.

Per the Dell info screen, most stations are coming in with a signal level of about 52-67, with an SNL of 25db.

As I have a Radio Shack 15-2160 in the attic ponited at the ESB, I thought an inline amp would help. Bought the Radio shack and hooked it all up. then I got signal levels down to 0-20, no locks at all, and SNL of 10-16db.

Questions are as follows:
1. Do you think the inline amp was bad? Should I try a new one?
2. Do you think there might be something wrong with the Dell, in not getting CBS and losing WOR?

Thanks for any guidance.

The in-line amp could be the problem. It's possible that if you are only 21 miles out you could be overloading the amplifier and creating distortion. At that point, reception is unpredictable. You might try a higher gain antenna and not use the amplifier. The amplifier is seeing all of the terestrial signals both NTSC and HDTV. Radio Shack in-line amps are not the best performers

Thanks,

Originally posted by dm145
Some Mets home games are in HD via MSG or PIX!
I can't get MSG on TW. so HD on PIX will be fun this summer, that is, if they are better than they were towards the end of next year. Now, what about some local Yankee broadcasts in HDTV. I guess not. The ones on national TV aren't enough for me and with George Steinbrunner's millions, the YES network is still not HDTV.

Originally posted by Bob Hawley
I did all of that last night around 9:30, and the HR10-250 picked up some new channels but not 9-1. And recently 5-1, which, along with 2-1, was my strongest, has been pixellating so badly that I've switched all of my Fox Season passes to channel 88. When ABC comes on line, I'll probably do the same, and I bet that from now on, I watch very little HD OTA. Does anyone else think that it's an odd coincidence that just as the combiner is getting installed, DirecTV managed to find room for all the other HD local network channels?

If 38-1 doesn't work try 38-2 & 38-3.

I know that YES had stated that they planned on going HD. I wouldn't be surprised if it is in time for this coming season. The question then becomes who picks it up and broadcasts it that way....

Originally posted by KCole
The in-line amp could be the problem. It's possible that if you are only 21 miles out you could be overloading the amplifier and creating distortion. At that point, reception is unpredictable. You might try a higher gain antenna and not use the amplifier. The amplifier is seeing all of the terestrial signals both NTSC and HDTV. Radio Shack in-line amps are not the best performers

Thanks, I'm getting the same exact LOW readings whether the power supply for the inline amp is plugged in, or not plugged in. This suggests to me the amp or power supply is bad or the power is not getting up the line, somehow. Does this sound right, or is it still possible that the amp is overloading? Thanks!

Originally posted by dm145
Some Mets home games are in HD via MSG or PIX!

Actually ALL Mets Home Games are in HD either on WPIX, MSG-HD or FOX Sports NY-HD. WPIX is OTA and the others are "Only on cable". Good thing CV just released their iO HD-DVR, mine gets installed next Wednesday.

Originally posted by DTVDAD
Actually ALL Mets Home Games are in HD either on WPIX, MSG-HD or FOX Sports NY-HD. WPIX is OTA and the others are "Only on cable". Good thing CV just released their iO HD-DVR, mine gets installed next Wednesday.

They're not just "only on cable" they're only on Cablevision.

Originally posted by Paperboy2003
I know that YES had stated that they planned on going HD. I wouldn't be surprised if it is in time for this coming season. The question then becomes who picks it up and broadcasts it that way....

Hopefully cable and D* will pick up YES HD for the 2005 season. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that WWOR will be showing Yankee games in HD in 2005.

Originally posted by chrisb3
Hopefully cable and D* will pick up YES HD for the 2005 season. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that WWOR will be showing Yankee games in HD in 2005.

WWOR/UPN 9 broadcasts Yankees games? Is their some new deal I haven't heard of? Did you mean WNYW/FOX 5?

Originally posted by jgrahamiii
I'm getting the same exact LOW readings whether the power supply for the inline amp is plugged in, or not plugged in. This suggests to me the amp or power supply is bad or the power is not getting up the line, somehow. Does this sound right, or is it still possible that the amp is overloading? Thanks!

Test it with the Analog stations . See you are getting the same reading with it powered up . I have the same RS amp. With out power on it all my reception drops. Or try it with out the Amp . But you will need to get up to the antenna to by pass the amp that is mounted on the mast.

Originally posted by dm145
WWOR/UPN 9 broadcasts Yankees games? Is their some new deal I haven't heard of? Did you mean WNYW/FOX 5?

From NY Times :

Airwaves

Early next month, the YES Network is expected to announce that the 20-game Yankees broadcast package that has been televised by Channel 2 will move to Channel 9 and Channel 5. Most of the games will be on Channel 9, and it is possible that all will be on the channel, which was the longtime Mets' broadcaster. Channel 5 and Channel 9 are owned by News Corporation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/31/sports/baseball/31sandomir.html

Originally posted by HoundBaby
Test it with the Analog stations . See you are getting the same reading with it powered up . I have the same RS amp. With out power on it all my reception drops. Or try it with out the Amp . But you will need to get up to the antenna to by pass the amp that is mounted on the mast. I have to look. I have an unamplified UHF only antenna. Hopefully I can pull in Channel 31 Analog and check that out. I don't know, though, if the TV will show me signal strength on an analog station. Thanks. -John

Last night after midnight 4-1, 11-1, 38-1 went out and shortly thereafter WCBS. The only one back today is WCBS and 38-1. Anybody else get the same?

Yeah - they were out until after 3:30AM (baby duty). I've got a signal for NBC but cant transmit - rumor was they would up the power at the end of the week, isnt that today??????

Any Time Square stuff in HD?

didnt mean "cant trasmit" for NBC, meant "cant lock"

Originally posted by dcarpa
Any Time Square stuff in HD?

Yup, on Voom.

Originally posted by Paperboy2003
I know that YES had stated that they planned on going HD. I wouldn't be surprised if it is in time for this coming season. The question then becomes who picks it up and broadcasts it that way....
YES has been producing Yankees games in HD since this pasy July. The problem is, they haven't inked any deals for anyone to show them that way. They didn't even come to an agreement with WCBS, which could certainly show it in HD. Hopefully, this will change. Right now the only person who can see the games in HD is George.

Can anyone tell me which, if any, of the stations besides WCBS are currently on the combiner and which, if any, are at full power? I can't scan in 33, 38 or 28. I'm using the LG LSS 3200a DirecTV tuner.

WCBS, WNBC, WWOR, WPIX. Only WCBS is at full power

Originally posted by Scott G
From NY Times :

Airwaves

Early next month, the YES Network is expected to announce that the 20-game Yankees broadcast package that has been televised by Channel 2 will move to Channel 9 and Channel 5. Most of the games will be on Channel 9, and it is possible that all will be on the channel, which was the longtime Mets' broadcaster. Channel 5 and Channel 9 are owned by News Corporation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/31/sports/baseball/31sandomir.html

But am I correct in assuming that just because they will be on channel 9 and its HD station, there is no guarantee that they will be in HD?

Why is UPN channel 9 only coming up on 38-3 ?? Why is it not on 9-1 like it was in the beginning of the week ???

When I first did a scan on my HD-Tivo last week it came up as 9-1 but now all rescan's cant see it only at 38-3. 9-1 comes in as "searching for signal" This is not very Wife and Kid friendly.

Also I want to start setting up Season passes for WB 11-1 and UPN 38-3 but the Guide info is still not there on my HD-Tivo, it just says "regular schedule" in the Grid guide. Its been a week I though by now Directv would of updated the info. Any insider Info would be appreciated, THANKS and Happy New Year

Originally posted by bs77
Why is UPN channel 9 only coming up on 38-3 ?? Why is it not on 9-1 like it was in the beginning of the week ???

When I first did a scan on my HD-Tivo last week it came up as 9-1 but now all rescan's cant see it only at 38-3. 9-1 comes in as "searching for signal" This is not very Wife and Kid friendly.

Also I want to start setting up Season passes for WB 11-1 and UPN 38-3 but the Guide info is still not there on my HD-TiVo, it just says "regular schedule" in the Grid guide. Its been a week I though by now DirecTV would of updated the info. Any insider Info would be appreciated, THANKS and Happy New Year

I've tried contacting D* and the stations directly. No luck so far. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Tribune? They provide the guide info, don't they?

Originally posted by dturturro
I've tried contacting D* and the stations directly. No luck so far. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Tribune? They provide the guide info, don't they?

You can try to pass your information to one of these e-mail addresses at WWOR. They will pass the information along to the appropiate people. They did that for me. Write here :

programming@wwortv.com

or

engineering@wwortv.com

Originally posted by bs77
Why is UPN channel 9 only coming up on 38-3 ?? Why is it not on 9-1 like it was in the beginning of the week ???

When I first did a scan on my HD-Tivo last week it came up as 9-1 but now all rescan's cant see it only at 38-3. 9-1 comes in as "searching for signal" This is not very Wife and Kid friendly.

Also I want to start setting up Season passes for WB 11-1 and UPN 38-3 but the Guide info is still not there on my HD-Tivo, it just says "regular schedule" in the Grid guide. Its been a week I though by now Directv would of updated the info. Any insider Info would be appreciated, THANKS and Happy New Year

i can confirm this is the case on my Samsung 160. mapping as 38-1 with no call letters displayed much less prog. info.... guide data issue? well let's let 'em work on it.
BTW D* subs WABC-DT is live on D* ch 86!!!

jim

PS getting every station on the combiner tho NBC is a bit spotty. and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! and thanks for all the priceless info.

jim

Originally posted by AlanMa
But am I correct in assuming that just because they will be on channel 9 and its HD station, there is no guarantee that they will be in HD?

Correct, they were on CBS and never in HD!

ABC is giving me half a screen this morning. I plan to watch many bowl games on ABC today, somebody better wake up and fix it.

It's fixed now.

With the combiner up now (don't know if most stations are at full power yet), has anyone in CT been able to receive broadcasts from ESB? I'm in the Danbury area and can pick up VHF stuff from NY very nicely. UHF reception however is not good. Feedback from anyone in the general area would be greatly appreciated.

If you go back a few pages you'll see that the WPIX folks said they were just in testing. Once they go "production" they'll inform DTV about the change and DTV will start providing guide data for that channel. Until then you need to get the info from either the 12-1 WPIX or the sat local and then manual schedule the recording.

I'd think they'd be up soon since they've been in test for a little over a week now.

Tom

Originally posted by dturturro
I've tried contacting D* and the stations directly. No luck so far. Does anyone know how to get in touch with Tribune? They provide the guide info, don't they?

Originally posted by hobbes382
With the combiner up now (don't know if most stations are at full power yet), has anyone in CT been able to receive broadcasts from ESB? I'm in the Danbury area and can pick up VHF stuff from NY very nicely. UHF reception however is not good. Feedback from anyone in the general area would be greatly appreciated.

I am in Wilton, Ct. I think my OTA antenna is a Winegard Sensar (i.e. bat wing) provided as the standard Voom installation. I am receiving ABC, 7.1 and 7.2, the most reliably and CBS 2.1 with somewhat less reliability. Fox and UPN, 5.1 and 5.2, only sporadically. The rest are no shows. I did some research today and think I have discovered my OTA antenna is not pointed correctly. It seems to be aligned due South or at 180 degrees. Based upon my research on the web I believe the ESB tower is at 231 degrees from my location. I assume that re-aiming would improve my reception. You might want to check the orientation of your antenna.

I am confused about what stations are actually on the combiner right now. For the stations that are on the combiner why would there signal strengths vary if they are all using the same antenna? Also if UPN & WB are at 1/4 power why am I seeing mid 80's and CBS I am seeing low 90's?


HR10-250 Tivo OTA tuner:
33 WPIX-DT 85
38 UPN 83
44 WNYW-DT 78
45 WABC-DT 0-65 (not steady at all)
56 WCBS-HD 92

Originally posted by Gary Quiring
I am confused about what stations are actually on the combiner right now. For the stations that are on the combiner why would there signal strengths vary if they are all using the same antenna? Also if UPN & WB are at 1/4 power why am I seeing mid 80's and CBS I am seeing low 90's?


HR10-250 Tivo OTA tuner:
33 WPIX-DT 85
38 UPN 83
44 WNYW-DT 78
45 WABC-DT 0-65 (not steady at all)
56 WCBS-HD 92
First, have you tried using an attenuator? The HR10-250 is somewhat picky about signal levels.

Different frequencies have different propogation qualities, so there can be differences; you may also be getting some interference from other sources, affecting only specific frequencies.

Finally, the "signal strength" is really a measure of signal quality, so the power in the transmission doesn't necessarily translate to different signal readings; what will matter is how good the signal is. A very low strength signal that your unit receives perfectly would measure in the 90's but a very strong signal with lots of multipath or interference may not register much of anything because the receiver is unable to decode much or any of it.

First thing I'd try since you have a HR10-250 is getting a variable attenuator from Radio Shack -- or if you have any 2-way splitters laying around, you could put one or two of them inline with your antenna input on the HR10-250 to similarly attenuate the signal and see if that helps WABC.

Though now that WABC-DT is carried by DirecTV on channel 86, and you're in NJ/NYC market (so you definitely qualify to get it), you could always just use that instead of worrying about it. :)

Originally posted by Gary Quiring
I am confused about what stations are actually on the combiner right now. For the stations that are on the combiner why would there signal strengths vary if they are all using the same antenna? Also if UPN & WB are at 1/4 power why am I seeing mid 80's and CBS I am seeing low 90's?


HR10-250 Tivo OTA tuner:
33 WPIX-DT 85
38 UPN 83
44 WNYW-DT 78
45 WABC-DT 0-65 (not steady at all)
56 WCBS-HD 92

according to previous posts WCBS, WNBC, WWOR, & WPIX are on the combiner in testing mode. WNYW uses its own antenna on the ESB & WABC is still on the Conde-Nast building. i am only 3/4 of a mile from the ESB & get 100 on everything BUT: CBS has fairly many dropouts. UPN less so. NBC about the same as UPN. WB is rock steady(so is WABC but i have to turn my S Sensor 180 degrees) can't get Fox at all unless i move the antenna several feet.

jim

Originally posted by dswallow
First, have you tried using an attenuator? The HR10-250 is somewhat picky about signal levels.

Though now that WABC-DT is carried by DirecTV on channel 86, and you're in NJ/NYC market (so you definitely qualify to get it), you could always just use that instead of worrying about it. :) I am happy ABC is on D* so I will not even try the OTA anymore. But I am worried about UPN & WB. I don't get a great OTA except CBS but even it has had it's days of dropouts. I have a Channel Master amp between the antenna and my HR10. Without it my OTA was worse. With that would tinkering with an attenuator still be useful?

Originally posted by Gary Quiring
I am happy ABC is on D* so I will not even try the OTA anymore. But I am worried about UPN & WB. I don't get a great OTA except CBS but even it has had it's days of dropouts. I have a Channel Master amp between the antenna and my HR10. Without it my OTA was worse. With that would tinkering with an attenuator still be useful?
What kind of antenna are you using and where is it (and how high above the ground is it)?

I have a Channel Master 4228 in my attic and a 7777 preamp, about 36 feet above ground level, and even pre-combiner got all the NYC stations, including WB11 (though WB11 was a bit shaky sometimes) at just over 30 miles from NYC, in Long Branch.

I was able to get everything except WB11 with a Winegard Square Shooter, with or without amp, though haven't hooked it back up to try since the combiner went online -- I figured I'd wait until everyone was full power and DirecTV had been notified of the channel mapping changes.

I've noticed the last couple of days that my WNBC-HD signal is very weak. Anyone else having this issue?

Originally posted by dswallow
What kind of antenna are you using and where is it (and how high above the ground is it)?The an antenna is an old VHF/UHF in the attic (2 floor house). I am only about 20' above sea level and I have some very large trees due north of me (about 150 feet from the house and about three times the height of the house). I also tried a silver sensor and had worse results.

Originally posted by Gary Quiring
The an antenna is an old VHF/UHF in the attic (2 floor house). I am only about 20' above sea level and I have some very large trees due north of me (about 150 feet from the house and about three times the height of the house). I also tried a silver sensor and had worse results.
Well, unlike satellite signals, the trees aren't as big a problem for OTA, though if the trunks were really large and it was really dense, I could see it having an effect.

You certainly could do better with a higher performance antenna; there's no need for VHF now that WPIX is using channel 33 for their digital broadcasts, though even channel 12 can be received decently by many UHF antennas.

The 4228 (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm) is a nice compact antenna since it's a 8-bay bowtie style (about 40"x40"x6"); pretty easy for an attic install. The 4248 is a standard Yagi style and is 80.5" long, it is more directional, but not as high a gain as the 4228, so it might be helpful with severe multipath problems, but so-so because you need an attic install and have a wall of trees, so more gain would be helpful.

I haven't paid a lot of attention to some other Yagi antennas, but I know there's people around here that are big on one or two other brands right now that seem to be rather good performers. They may edge out the 4228, but they're probably not all that far from it anyway.

Is the preamp you have the Channel Master 7777 or 7775? Those are the highest gain/lowest noise. If you have a different one, there might be some help to be had by switching.

A lot of this is just plain guesswork and trial and error; ideally you find what works out well for someone nearby and duplicate that as a start.

I helped install the exact same setup I have (4228, 7777 preamp, 9521A rotator) in the attic of a friends house up in Keyport and they have the same experience with reception I have... all good. The rotator is useful for aiming; it's a "waste" in the sense that once you've aimed it, you'll rarely move it again, but you can if you want; you can get some Philadelphia stations too. But the ability to tweak it for the best signal is nice without having to run back and forth and all that.

Is there any HD programming on UPN or WB?

Originally posted by Ken Ross
I've noticed the last couple of days that my WNBC-HD signal is very weak. Anyone else having this issue?

I haven't gotten it well since the first day it was reported they were testing on the combiner.

Don't be so happy that DirecTV is now adding more local HD stations(ABC recently). I've noticed that they still compress even those local HD stations as they do every other feed. The OTA reception seems to be better for HD clarity for every local HD station that I can receive. Has anyone else noticed this?

Originally posted by DVW
Is there any HD programming on UPN or WB?

yes, a fair amount actually. WB has GILMORE GIRLS, REBA, THE MOUNTAIN, EVERWOOD, & SMALLVILLE. UPN you have the teen drama VERONICA MARS, KEVIN HILL, & GIRLFRIENDS. and don't forget ENTERPRISE when the season renews. in fact the entire UPN mon. primetime sched. is listed in HD.
as for OTA v. Sat. i haven't noticed a major difference. audio dropouts on NBC last nite OTA & sat.

jim

Originally posted by RZ
Don't be so happy that DirecTV is now adding more local HD stations(ABC recently). I've noticed that they still compress even those local HD stations as they do every other feed. The OTA reception seems to be better for HD clarity for every local HD station that I can receive. Has anyone else noticed this?

It can be argued this is exactly what we need to combat Directv against using too much compression. If a customer can receive a better picture OTA, he/she may drop the Directv locals package, or at least threaten to. I haven't noticed too much difference in quality on my 34 inch Sony, but YMMV, especially with larger displays. I think I've noticed it more on the standard def channels previously in years past. Of course, more capacity on Directv is "coming soon" so hopefully the point will be moot soon! :)

Thanks for the info on HD on 9 & 11. I'll have to give these shows a look. As for a better picture OTA vs DirecTV there is no doupt OTA is better. OTA is better than the local cable box also.

I do see a very slight difference between OTA and SAT on my 50" plasma. Once the combiner migration of WPIX is complete I do intend on dropping my locals from D*.

Maybe if this happens with enough people they'll look at the offering vs. OTA and adjust price or quality.

Tom

Originally posted by SteveWinNJ
It can be argued this is exactly what we need to combat Directv against using too much compression. If a customer can receive a better picture OTA, he/she may drop the Directv locals package, or at least threaten to. I haven't noticed too much difference in quality on my 34 inch Sony, but YMMV, especially with larger displays. I think I've noticed it more on the standard def channels previously in years past. Of course, more capacity on Directv is "coming soon" so hopefully the point will be moot soon! :)

Originally posted by tmtech
Maybe if this happens with enough people they'll look at the offering vs. OTA and adjust price or quality.

Tom

This really won't become an issue for D* until they get more local markets on-line. Right now the only people seeing this poor PQ are lucky ones like us in O&O markets (and the few lucky ones with waivers). If they spend millions (or even billions) putting up birds for local HD and nobody wants them due to PQ then they will do something.

quote:Originally posted by Ken Ross
I've noticed the last couple of days that my WNBC-HD signal is very weak. Anyone else having this issue?

Rock solid in the Stead of Hemp. One of my strongest signals since they started doing combiner work. And prior to that, I couldn't even get a whiff of the signal.

Is there anyone in the Port Washington/Manhasset area getting locals in HD ota?

I don't know what's happening but in the past couple of days I now get channel 4 WNBC NY. I've never received that channel before. It used to be 65%-75% it jumped around a bit but never locked in. All of a sudden I can see it.

I'm glad I put off adjusting my attic antenna. I get all the other local channels already.

Also, call me crazy, but I think the PQ on all the locals got worse lately. Unless I'm just getting used to the HD image and starting to get finicky. lol It's all good.

Just curious if anyone is using the newest RCA D* HD STB for their OTA locals. I recently received a new RCA STB from D* to replace one of my issues laden Hughes E86's.

I'm unable to punch in "9-1" to get WWOR-DT....rather I have to tune in 38-1 in and then obviously get no re-mapping/no programming information....but I do get a picture/audio.

11-1 on a scan gives me TWO 11-1's....so I'm not sure if it's picking up a signal on digital 12 as well as digital 33 ??!?

Strange....anyone?

Originally posted by dswallow
You certainly could do better with a higher performance antenna; there's no need for VHF now that WPIX is using channel 33 for their digital broadcasts, though even channel 12 can be received decently by many UHF antennas. I still need OTA/VHF for other TV's in the house that are not on D* or HD capable. I have a splitter in the basement for the antenna and the feed to HR10 is where the Channel Master is connected. I cannot remember which one I got.

I have been tempted to get a dedicated UHF antenna but running a dedicated coax feed to the HR10 would be a large project. My other concern will be if D* starts over compressing the HD locals. Then an OTA would be of greater interest. I just wish I knew if the effort would pay off. I could see myself going through the whole upgrade and not improving the signal reception.

At this point since D* is only missing HD UPN & WB I will wait until the combiner is done and see what I get. The only shows I am missing on those channels is Star Trek and Smallville. Seeing Topal in HD has got to be some treat though!!!

HI GRN, rock solid in Long Beach, very good signal.

WABC is showing the SD version of ESPN's Sunday Night Football. Talk about taking the easy way out...

I know, meaningless game, holiday crew, yadda yadda yadda. Just kind of lame.

Originally posted by cissado

Also, call me crazy, but I think the PQ on all the locals got worse lately. Unless I'm just getting used to the HD image and starting to get finicky. lol It's all good.

I agree about the PQ...it has been better.
Last year I got NBC for about a week when it was really cold out...the PQ was superb...better than today, but of course the weather substation wasn't up then.

Cold case on CBS looked a lttle grainy tonight.

I had some interesting HD events last night. DirecTV's HD Spice Channel came up FREE from midnight till 230am and ABC OTC did some kind of test. ABC broke away from a news program sometimes after midnight with the sudden video of a Space Shuttle flight taking off. I was awesome PQ, but suddenly ended with a pair of hands holding a small chalk-broad reading "ABC Eng test"...and the person kept snapping the black and while edged bordered up and down like 10 times.

Originally posted by hphase
WABC is showing the SD version of ESPN's Sunday Night Football. Talk about taking the easy way out...

I know, meaningless game, holiday crew, yadda yadda yadda. Just kind of lame.

They always DO show the SD version of the ESPN Sunday night presentation. I don't EVER recall an HD feed being carried either in Philly or NYC on Sunday night when the "locals" are playing.

Originally posted by HDugan
I had some interesting HD events last night. DirecTV's HD Spice Channel came up FREE from midnight till 230am and ABC OTC did some kind of test.


Wow! I guess you got a late XMAS gift eh? :eek:

Originally posted by HDugan
ABC broke away from a news program sometimes after midnight with the sudden video of a Space Shuttle flight taking off. I was awesome PQ, but suddenly ended with a pair of hands holding a small chalk-broad reading "ABC Eng test"...and the person kept snapping the black and while edged bordered up and down like 10 times.

This is the ABC HD demo video. If they'd stayed with it longer you'd have seen a Monsters Inc segment as well as some Good Morning America promos and a few flybys of NYC...and even the WTC was shown the few times I caught the demo a few months ago.

Originally posted by jaypb
Just curious if anyone is using the newest RCA D* HD STB for their OTA locals. I recently received a new RCA STB from D* to replace one of my issues laden Hughes E86's.

I'm unable to punch in "9-1" to get WWOR-DT....rather I have to tune in 38-1 in and then obviously get no re-mapping/no programming information....but I do get a picture/audio.

11-1 on a scan gives me TWO 11-1's....so I'm not sure if it's picking up a signal on digital 12 as well as digital 33 ??!?

Strange....anyone?

same thing on my Samsung 160. UPN is mapped as 38-1. no guide info--not even call letters. still testing & tweaking i guess.
i also get 2 11-1's & yes i believe one is ch 12 and the other ch 33. i can tell which is which tho because ch 12 lists as 11-1 WPIXDT while 33 is 11-1 WPIX-DT. good news is prog. info is listed in the guide.
BTW is the combiner being shut down late at night for maintenance? all chs. were dark at 1 AM last nite.


jim

Originally posted by hphase
WABC is showing the SD version of ESPN's Sunday Night Football. Talk about taking the easy way out...

I know, meaningless game, holiday crew, yadda yadda yadda. Just kind of lame.

I just got my system set up and was looking forward to seeing the game in HD. I ended up playing with the antenna and checking all the HW before I figured out that they went SD...

Does anyone know what's going on with 9-1? For the last couple of nights I've had to tune to 38-1 to get the channel. Has anyone else had this problem? When I looked at the manual digital station add option tonight, 38 was shown as 38-1. Thx.

C

So, need a little advice, have previously posted that I had no luck 32 miles due north of New York city (Rockland County) with receiving any DT signals other than CBS (2-1 on occasion) and PAX (31-1).

I have all the right equipment, right placement, right amps and have had folks like Peter Putman advise on why I could not receive (Toshiba RPTV tuner, terrestial concerns etc.) .

Since the combiner, and, since it is now winter and leaves are down, I get almost everything I ever wanted (CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, WB11, UPN9 etc.) .

Has the combiner changed all this, or is this a winter xmas gift and I'll lose all this come Spring?

I have no real blockage that I could ascertain, all I could assume was that where my UHF 8 box antenna lived was just not the right place.

Mid winter did not seem like the time to climb on my roof and search for better placement.

Combiner or Winter

TVJAZZMAN

First, don't spend energy asking why, just sit back and enjoy the improvement of your reception!

Although there are so many variables concerning reception, more than likely it's the combiner that is helping to make life better for you.

Realize that the stations that are now transmitting are still in a testing phase and are not putting out full power.

You also have some things to look forward to - the additions of WABC and WNET eminating from the Empire State Building combiner.

Happy New Year and enjoy your newfound channels.

Gary

I have a dedicated UHF Radio Shack antenna in my attic. I'm about 21 miles from the ESB on Long Island. Until CBS went on the combiner, I had no problems receiving them. Now, I can't lock on to them at all, ever. I get a signal strength of between 55 and 70 on NBC, FOX, ABC, WOR (as 38-3/4), PIX and PXN (and 68), with a SNR of about 20-25. I added a RS inline amplifier into the mix and my signal strencth dropped about 10 +/- on each station and SNR did not change much. Still could not get CBS. I also occassionally lose either WOR or PIX when switching to them, and have to rescan to get them back.

I'm not certain if the problem is my Dell HDTV receiver, or if it is something in the signal of CBS. Given the drop in signal with the amplifier, could I actually need a signal attenuator? Perhaps some sort of noise filter?

Thanks

Battlestar Glactica in HD. Great way for those of you that now can get NBC to start off the new year:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4908842#post4908842

I'm bummed that I can't get 9 and 11 at the same time without moving my megawave indoor antenna :(

I guess time to try the Silver Sensor again.

Originally posted by GRN
quote:Originally posted by Ken Ross
I've noticed the last couple of days that my WNBC-HD signal is very weak. Anyone else having this issue?

Rock solid in the Stead of Hemp. One of my strongest signals since they started doing combiner work. And prior to that, I couldn't even get a whiff of the signal.

That's really weird. I've always gotten WNBC with no problems until several days ago. Now it's very weak despite fine tuning the antenna alignment. I have no idea what's going on, but it obviously has something to do with the combiner work. I'm a little further east in Nassau.

Originally posted by cpto
Does anyone know what's going on with 9-1? For the last couple of nights I've had to tune to 38-1 to get the channel. Has anyone else had this problem? When I looked at the manual digital station add option tonight, 38 was shown as 38-1. Thx.

C

there have been about a half dozen posts on this very subject. it seems everyone has this issue with WWOR no matter what tuner or receiver they have so i'm guessing WWOR is not sending the correct flag to remap the ch. to 9-1. hopefully it will be corrected soon.

jim

I sent an email to WWOR about the listing service, but the answer pretty much reflects their current state:
Thank you for your recent email. We are aware of the problem. The HDTV
transmission is still very limited and far from complete. The listing
service will likely improve as transmission increases on the channel.
We are still awaiting word on when the full HDTV signal will be
complete. Once again, thank you for notifying us of your concerns.

Sincerely,
Viewer Services

Originally posted by slocko

I'm bummed that I can't get 9 and 11 at the same time without moving my megawave indoor antenna :(

I guess time to try the Silver Sensor again.

Say...how is the Megawave antenna? Does it live up to the hype?

I've read about it on their website...does it really work?

What is your opinion on it?

Originally posted by Ken Ross
That's really weird. I've always gotten WNBC with no problems until several days ago. Now it's very weak despite fine tuning the antenna alignment. I have no idea what's going on, but it obviously has something to do with the combiner work. I'm a little further east in Nassau.

Ken,

My WNBC-DT has gotten stronger since they went on the combiner. I now get it about 90. I used to get it at about 70. I think they are still not at full power, so it should get better.

Originally posted by KenA
I sent an email to WWOR about the listing service, but the answer pretty much reflects their current state:

I sent the problem with the PSIP to engineering at WWOR, and got this response :

Scott, Thanks for you comments. We are unable to generate PSIP for WWOR
at this time. Shortly we will have the equipment in place to be able to
generate PSIP/EPG, etc. We're sorry for any inconvenience this causes
our Viewers, please be assured that we are making every effort possible
to quickly resolve this situation.

Al Shjarback
VP Engineering and Operations WNYW/WWOR TV

Scott, I sent the inquirey about the HD TiVo listings since I use them to record shows. Right now, it just says "Regular Scheduled Programing" as mentioned earlier in the thread. Without the guide data, I can't easily schedule TiVo recordings. Instead, I have to make a manual recording, which is a PITA.

Originally posted by KenA
Scott, I sent the inquirey about the HD TiVo listings since I use them to record shows. Right now, it just says "Regular Scheduled Programing" as mentioned earlier in the thread. Without the guide data, I can't easily schedule TiVo recordings. Instead, I have to make a manual recording, which is a PITA.

Well, at least he said shortly it should be fixes. Hopefully they will get the PSIP equipment soon.

So far, it has been the best indoor antenna I have tried, and the best form factor. Very flat and blends in with the TV.

Before the combiner I was able to receive Fox, ABC, CBS with no problems with it.

Now with the combiner, I can now in addition, pick up NBC, and WPIX and WWOR, but these two, not at the same location. I have to move it closer to the window for WWOR.

I am going to try the Silver Sensor again, to see if with the combiner, maybe it will perform better, but I doubt it.



Originally posted by John Chu
Say...how is the Megawave antenna? Does it live up to the hype?

I've read about it on their website...does it really work?

What is your opinion on it?

Originally posted by Scott G
Ken,

My WNBC-DT has gotten stronger since they went on the combiner. I now get it about 90. I used to get it at about 70. I think they are still not at full power, so it should get better.

So when are they gonna ramp? The last posts were suggesting that it would have happened last week - I need a bit of a boost to get it in.

Ken,

The good news may be that the HD-Tivo doesn't use PSIP. If you look back a few pages you'll see some discussion on that. So even if WWOR can't generate PSIP once they tell DTV to switch to the new configuration we'll get the guide data from them. Hopefully that makes it quicker than having to wait for them to get the equipment in and running for PSIP.

Tom


Originally posted by KenA
Scott, I sent the inquirey about the HD TiVo listings since I use them to record shows. Right now, it just says "Regular Scheduled Programing" as mentioned earlier in the thread. Without the guide data, I can't easily schedule TiVo recordings. Instead, I have to make a manual recording, which is a PITA.

Originally posted by tmtech
Ken,

The good news may be that the HD-Tivo doesn't use PSIP. If you look back a few pages you'll see some discussion on that. So even if WWOR can't generate PSIP once they tell DTV to switch to the new configuration we'll get the guide data from them. Hopefully that makes it quicker than having to wait for them to get the equipment in and running for PSIP.

Tom
That's great! I still wouldn't mind accurate PSIP, since I've also got a Zenith HDR230.

Originally posted by Ken Ross
That's really weird. I've always gotten WNBC with no problems until several days ago. Now it's very weak despite fine tuning the antenna alignment. I have no idea what's going on, but it obviously has something to do with the combiner work. I'm a little further east in Nassau.


WNBC-HD is on the combiner as of 12/28 and they are 50% power for a week or so until the transmitter is fully checked out and adjusted.

Originally posted by jgrahamiii
I have a dedicated UHF Radio Shack antenna in my attic. I'm about 21 miles from the ESB on Long Island. Until CBS went on the combiner, I had no problems receiving them. Now, I can't lock on to them at all, ever. I get a signal strength of between 55 and 70 on NBC, FOX, ABC, WOR (as 38-3/4), PIX and PXN (and 68), with a SNR of about 20-25. I added a RS inline amplifier into the mix and my signal strencth dropped about 10 +/- on each station and SNR did not change much. Still could not get CBS. I also occassionally lose either WOR or PIX when switching to them, and have to rescan to get them back.

I'm not certain if the problem is my Dell HDTV receiver, or if it is something in the signal of CBS. Given the drop in signal with the amplifier, could I actually need a signal attenuator? Perhaps some sort of noise filter?

Thanks

You could be overloading your STB with the addition of the in-line amp and now 4 more robust DTV signals. When did you add the amp? Was it always in? Try taking the amp out. Try putting in a 3 dB, 6dB attenuator.

Originally posted by KCole
You could be overloading your STB with the addition of the in-line amp and now 4 more robust DTV signals. When did you add the amp? Was it always in? Try taking the amp out. Try putting in a 3 dB, 6dB attenuator. I only added the amp after I lost CBS (around when PIX came on line or so. I will try the attenuator. Thanks!

Originally posted by Scott G
Ken,

My WNBC-DT has gotten stronger since they went on the combiner. I now get it about 90. I used to get it at about 70. I think they are still not at full power, so it should get better.

Scott, that's why I can't figure out why mine has gotten weaker. We're not that far apart.

Originally posted by KCole
WNBC-HD is on the combiner as of 12/28 and they are 50% power for a week or so until the transmitter is fully checked out and adjusted.

Ah! Now that makes sense. I'll bet that date is exactly the point that my signal went south. The 50% power explains why my reception has deteriorated. Thanks. I look forward to the ramp up in power.

Ken, that is 50% of ESB site full power. It never was 100% at EBS yet. They were only running 1KW or 10K ERP at GE building. That doesn't explain your reception deterioration except if you are close in. (Added height and signal pattern/dispersion.)

I should have asked before. Where in the line do you put an attenuator -- At the antenna end or at the TV end? Thanks

Originally posted by jgrahamiii
I should have asked before. Where in the line do you put an attenuator -- At the antenna end or at the TV end? Thanks
Right at the antenna input of the receiver.

Originally posted by George Thompson
Ken, that is 50% of ESB site full power. It never was 100% at EBS yet. They were only running 1KW or 10K ERP at GE building. That doesn't explain your reception deterioration except if you are close in. (Added height and signal pattern/dispersion.)

No George, I'm in Plainview, so close proximity isn't the issue. I'm not sure what is then. Everything else is coming in fine.

Anyone have an update on when WNET 13 (UHF 61) will be live on the combiner? I originally heard sometime this month, but haven't heard anything since. /steve

Originally posted by Ken Ross
No George, I'm in Plainview, so close proximity isn't the issue. I'm not sure what is then. Everything else is coming in fine.

I know you must have mentioned what antenna you are using but can you say again and say if you repositioned it since the move to ESB?

The same thing is going one with me. I have an old boom, VHF/UHF chimney mounted antenna. (Lynbrook)

I'm surprised at this point that 38.3 is coming in from the ESB but not 4.1. I'm also only tuning in 11.1 from Channel 12, not 33. 33 has a very slight reading on the signal meter (20-30).

Channel
2.1 85
4.1, 4.2: 30-50
5.1/5.2 75-80
7.1/7.2 90+
38.3/38.4 70
11.1/11.2 65-70 (from channel 12)
13.1 no signal
21.X/X/X good signal, don't remember
25.1 no signal
30.1 no signal
50.1 no signal
58.x/x/x 45-60 estimate, breaks up frequently

Longtime reader, first time poster.

Last night I tried a Silver Sensor in my ground-floor apt. in Hoboken and was pleasantly surprised to get reception from several stations, thanks for the recommendations everyone.
Anyway, my signal seems to be slightly different from what I'm reading from others (I've just skimmed, so I may have missed some).

I get 4.1 and 4.2 as the best signal with no movement of the antenna and the others with a little bit of movement and the odd dropout. 2.1 is probably the worst, that and 7.1 seem to fluctuate the most.

What I'm interested in knowing is, will this get better when the combiner is 'up to speed' or is it more likely that it's surrounding buildings and an LOS issue and I just have to deal with it? Just wondering as I'm amazed I got anything at all and got 4.1 so well.

Originally posted by Ken Ross
No George, I'm in Plainview, so close proximity isn't the issue. I'm not sure what is then. Everything else is coming in fine. Don't necessarilyl count on that. I have an antenna in my attic, and I live in Nassau County also. I found that putting an amplifier in made my signal strength weaker, and SNR higher. I took it out, and then as an experiment before buying an attenuator, I split the line, and my signal strength improved over not splitting the line, and the SNR decreased. I still don't get CBS, which is the only one at full power, so I'm guessing that it is just overpowering my receiver. I'm going to get that attenuator soon and see if that helps even more.

Brainodo -

Congratulations to a fellow Silver Sensor owner - this little antenna is a amazing for what it can do!

Reception quality will be changing when WNBC-DT, WPIX-DT are at full power; when WABC-DT starts transmitting from the Empire State Building;
WNYW-DT gets FCC approval to increase its power. Not sure about WCBS-DT if its putting out full power while there's work being done on the combiner - a lot of people have seen its signal deteriorate since the combiner work began.

Nothing will change concerning WWOR-TV - it's operating at full power. The only change will be its ability to have your tuner consider it as channel 9.1 - the needed equipment is on the way.

We are also waiting for the transmitter equipment to be installed on the ESB for WNET-DT.

Enjoy taking your Silver Sensor for "walks" around your apartment!

Gary

Gary,

Thanks for the information. I was stunned with how well the signal from NBC came in, not to mention how much the Silver Sensor picked up.

Any theories on how my reception will change once the combiner's fully operational? I was amazed how little movement affected the different signals.

I'm in Chelsea at 22nd & 9th with line-of-sight to the ESB.

I pick up 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 and all 13 sub chanels digitally, but all I can get from 4 is analog.

Is NBC really transmitting digitally from the combiner?

Is there anyway to combine two indoor antenna signals into one line to feed the hd-receiver? Would using a splitter in reverse work?

Originally posted by slocko
Is there anyway to combine two indoor antenna signals into one line to feed the hd-receiver? Would using a splitter in reverse work?

it isnt very easy. Apparently you get multipath or you wind up sending some of the signal from antenna A back out antenna B.

I figured I would try since some others have had random positive results but I tried to combine a silversensor with a 4228 and it just made a mess.

if there is just one channel on one antenna and all the rest on the other you can use a 'jointenna' which basically filters out on channel from one antenna and then inserts just that channel from the other antenna.

But even those have issues- they dont always cleanly filter out- so if you have channles close by on the 2 different antennas it winds up screwing up one. Also they seem to be made more for VHF as the UHF's are special order but most Digital TV seems to be UHF.

other possibility is if all uhf on one antenna and all vhf on another then some of the amps can combine those 2 well.

Hey there,
I'm considering buying an HDTV in the near future. I don't have cable, and I'm interested in trying the OTA HD signals. My main problem is I live at the Bottom of Bennett Ave in Manhattan (192 st). It's in the valley, down the hill from 175st (i.e no straight shot at the ESB). Has anyone had success in that neighborhood with the Regular HD antenne?
Thanks
Bill

Originally posted by trumpace
I'm in Chelsea at 22nd & 9th with line-of-sight to the ESB.

I pick up 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 and all 13 sub chanels digitally, but all I can get from 4 is analog.

Is NBC really transmitting digitally from the combiner?

Yes. I live in the Stead of Hemp, Nassau County, and ever since NBC-DT went on the combiner I have been getting a strong signal 24-7. Prior to that I got nothing .....

Originally posted by GRN
I live in the Stead of Hemp, Nassau County..

Of course in my younger years we called it Hempseed whatever that meant.

Originally posted by slocko
Is there anyway to combine two indoor antenna signals into one line to feed the hd-receiver? Would using a splitter in reverse work?

If you still want to try this one way to minimize the multi-path is to make sure the two cable lengths are exactly the same.

I receive WABC-DT via DNS on D* and notice the audio levels are a quite a bit below other channels. Is this normal? Do you guys get the same results OTA?

I noticed the low levels yesterday when switching between CBS and ABC. I'm just happy that I don't have to rely on my crappy antenna to get HD from the big 3. D* has outdone themselves. Next, I want a HD DVR that won't break the bank and more HD in the MLB package. Are people getting 11-1 lately? I'm on the border of Nassau and Suffolk and have never received it.

Originally posted by slocko
Is there anyway to combine two indoor antenna signals into one line to feed the hd-receiver? Would using a splitter in reverse work?

There are some threads on AVS forum that discuss "stacking" antennas to improve reception. I'm no expert but there are several basic rules that have been mentioned:

1. Antennas can be stacked horizontally (most common) or vertically. Reception distance will be improved but the angle of orientation for best reception becomes smaller. You can have a stacked array of 4 antennas.

2. The antennas must be identical.

3. The cable length must be exactly the same length.

4. The distance between the antennas is a fixed distance and is based on the physical characteristics of the antenna.

5. You will most probably need a rotator and possibly a tilter to get the best reception possible.

Most of the threads discussing stacking antennas are for people at great distances from the transmitters, usually in western US (~ 60 miles). I think one thread was about people in the Mount Wilson area.

If you want to see example of stacked antennas , rotators and tilters go to this URL: http://www.atechfabrication.com/

In most cases this is overkill.

Has WPIX 11 stopped broadcasting during the day? . My antenna is covered with ice and still getting a good signal from all stations on the ESB and combiner

Originally posted by HoundBaby
Has WPIX 11 stopped broadcasting during the day? . My antenna is covered with ice and still getting a good signal from all stations on the ESB and combiner

They only broadcast on Channel 33 from 5:00PM to 12:00AM.

Even then, I don't get enough of a signal to even register Channel 33. As for Channel 38, I've only gotten it a couple/few times, mapped differently each time and with too weak of a signal to watch without breakups. The rest of the time, it just disappears from my channel guide.

What's going on?

I'm experiencing same problem as Ken Ross. Both WNBC-DT and WYNY-DT are being received at a considerly lower level than WCBS, WOR, and WPIX, all on same ESB combiner. My experience when WNBC was on GE building, was very good signal with no dropouts. My location is Massapequa NY, south shore LI, about 35 miles from ESB.

WNBC-DT is at half-power until at least next week, but I was under the impression that WNYW was still at its separate location at the ESB.

WNYW is not a part of the combiner project.

It has its own antenna at the ESB, and is currently awaiting the FCC's
approval to increase its ERP.

Gary

I was able to pull in (but only for an instant) WPIX on channel 12 and 33. WWOR 38 is out

Originally posted by the-sloth
I receive WABC-DT via DNS on D* and notice the audio levels are a quite a bit below other channels. Is this normal? Do you guys get the same results OTA?

Noticed the same. Usually, I watch ABC on -40db. I had it on -30db last night.

Did WPIX drop their power for more testing? I can not get as strong a signal as I did a week ago 70% vs. <30% now. When will WNBC be at full power?

Thank you

Originally posted by the-sloth
I receive WABC-DT via DNS on D* and notice the audio levels are a quite a bit below other channels. Is this normal? Do you guys get the same results OTA?

I've routinely had volume problems with both NBC and ABC when watching HD stuff. Commercials are usually higher in volume. Changing from NBC to CBS is a real eye-opener!!! I get these channels both via OTA and D*. No real difference in levels between the two. :(

I was away last week and may have missed something, but is WNBC-DT now transmitting from the
ESB?
I'm less than a mile from ESB with line-of-sight but all I'm able to pick up is WNBC analog.

Anyone have any ideas?

Hi guys,

I have switched to TWC digital cable since 9/11. I chose TWC for its local HD channels. Since then, they have raised their price so much that I want to switch back to D* again. Especially after hearing that D* is now offering national feed of HD signals for CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC. Would a guy living in Queens be able to get those without going through hoops for waivers? Otherwise, what can I expect to get for local HD channels now with say a good indoor antenna?

Victor

Originally posted by Victor C
Hi guys,

I have switched to TWC digital cable since 9/11. I chose TWC for its local HD channels. Since then, they have raised their price so much that I want to switch back to D* again. Especially after hearing that D* is now offering national feed of HD signals for CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC. Would a guy living in Queens be able to get those without going through hoops for waivers? Otherwise, what can I expect to get for local HD channels now with say a good indoor antenna?

Victor

Victor, you should be able to receive the HD feeds from D* without waivers in Owned & Operated markets (O&O). New York is one, so you should be able to get all the channels without a waiver.

Conversely, once the combiner is up and running at full power, you should be able to receive CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, WPIX, UPN and WNET over-the-air and may not even have to pay D* for your locals. Right now they are in testing mode, but I can tell you thah in Nassau County I am picking up CBS, NBC, ABC (intermittently), FOX, UPN, WPIX, WNJN, and WFUT with a rooftop antenna.

Thank you GRN
Bye Bye TWC :)

Originally posted by Victor C
Thank you GRN
Bye Bye TWC :)

No problem. BTW they have a listing of the local channels that D* offers and the eligibility criteria here:

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/HDTV_localchannels.dsp

Could one of you old timers help me out here? I was wondering if it violates the prime directive of this forum if I were to post something for sale to negotiate with anyone who wanted to privately buy something I have for sale (HDTV related). Thanx

As of 18:00 today I am getting the same signal strength (I get bars like on the Cingular commercial) on channels 4, 9, and 11.