I'm receiving Fox 5.1 & 5.2 clearly with minimal dropouts but recently the audio channel on 5.2 (WWOR-DT) is out of sync with the video signal leading it by 3-4 seconds. This doesn't occur on any other sub-channels, so I'm guessing it's probably not a receiver problem. Anyone else notice this? (It's a little strange hearing the announcer say Jeter just ripped a double to left when he's still standing at the plate :o).
BTW, 9.1 is too weak to watch lately in central jersey -have they reduced their transmitting power?.

5.2 is out of sync and seems to skip frames constantly.

Basically all the channels are on the Empire State Building. NBC is on the GM building, but is at such low power that it's basically impossible to pick up.

I get the best signal from Fox(WNYW) and CBS(WCBS). ABC(WABC) just barely comes in. I almost have CW(WPIX), it drops down too low every few seconds.

BTW, 9.1 is too weak to watch lately in central jersey -have they reduced their transmitting power?.

No problem at all for me to receive 9.1 in East Brunswick. I have a HUGHES HTL-HD digital tuner (D* satellite tuner that I only use for OTA since my switch back to cable), and a Channel Master roof mounted antenna with amplifier.

5.2 is out of sync and seems to skip frames constantly.

Basically all the channels are on the Empire State Building. NBC is on the GM building, but is at such low power that it's basically impossible to pick up.

I get the best signal from Fox(WNYW) and CBS(WCBS). ABC(WABC) just barely comes in. I almost have CW(WPIX), it drops down too low every few seconds.
Actually, all the NYC-licensed locals are now at Empire, on a combined antenna.
WNBC was on their [GE former RCA] building for awhile.

I just purchased a new Samsung plasma and an amplified antenna from Radio Shack. I have been able to get all of the local HD channels, except for WNET Thirteen. I believe that it's located on DT-61, but there's nothing but static. Does anyone else have this problem?

Yes, it's the weakest of the major stations in the New York market, and it does
transmit on Channel 61.

I have to practically do gymnastics with my Silver Sensor antenna to find the one
and only "sweet spot" in my apartment to get a signal.

Anyone else notice that Eyewitness News 7 now is doing HD graphics during the weather reports? Nothing spectacular, but looks a lot better than before with meteorologist standing in front of an SD graphic with wings (pillar bars.)

How long have they been doing this? (I've been out of town) Didn't catch any news stories from the field to see if they were in 16x9 SD though. Has that been updated also?

I believe it was just put on the air this week.

Heard Lee Goldberg, one of the station's meterologists,
mention the new system - said that those watching in SD
will also appreciate the new shaper images.

Hope this helps.

Which receiver you guys are using ? I'm still using Zenith Hd520 but thinking about buying Samsung 260F.

Glad to tell you guys that I am getting 35 digital (up from 33) channels pointing my indoor terk HDTVa towards NY from my apt in Piscataway. The additional two channels I am now getting are 9.1 (my9 HD) and 9.2 (FOX SD). I get all the major networks, PBS NY (13.*), Ion (31.*), Latin channels (36.1, 41.1, 68.1), PBS (NJN Trenton and New Brunswick, 50.*, 58.*), 63.* (Foreign Language Channels). All the major networks are not an issue at all. However 13.* is 70% reliable and 31.* is 90% reliable. I love the 13.1, however I am sometimes frustrated with the blockiness of 13.1 at times. Does 13.1 have any plans to increase their power?

I doubt if WNET-DT will make any changes until the 2/17/09 switchover date when stations will cease transmitting on their analogue channels and go solely digital.

At that time, this station will only use Channel 13 - but this time for digital. I have no idea of its power.

I just adjusted my rooftop atenna and now am able to pull in all channels. NBC was good until my Zenith locked and lost the signal

Probably will need to get a new box.

Forgive me if this has been covered already, I haven't been around this thread in a while.
Does anyone have any speculation on what will happen with the Digital switch-over?
It appears the Freedom Tower will not be ready until 2011.
Will the combiner need to be "re-combined"?
To the best of my knowledge, the combiner is tuned for the current stations/frequencies.
After the switch, some stations will be changing frequencies so I believe the combiner will need a "tune-up".
Am I right on this?
If there is changes needed, will this be a major change (new combiner major change) or a minor change?

Yes, things will change.

Of the major NY area's channels, here are the changes:

Channel 2-DT will transmit on 33.
Channel 7-DT will transmit on 7.
Channel 11-DT will transmit on 11.
Channel 13-DT will transmit on 13.

ERPs - don't know.

WCBS-DT on channel 33? What about WFSB-DT (CBS) of Hartford? They're using channel 33 now.

Channel 33 is currently being used in the NY market by WPIX-DT.

Is it a directional or low-power signal? WFSB-DT runs at least 1 million watts visual ERP from Avon Mountain to the west of Hartford.

WPIX-DT transmits on Channel 33 with 160 kW ERP using the Combiner's omnidirectional
antenna atop the Empire State Building.

I have no information what WCBS will be using in 2009 on Channel 33.

I have been having problems with WNBC, very weak signal (using Samsung H260F). Suddendly, all WNBC (4-1,4-2,4-4) comes in with no drop.

Did they increase the power ?

hi there:

I am new to all this. I got a HDTV tuner card, and got a terk hdtva amplified fishbone indoor antenna, and I received nothing. I live in Mamaroneck, NY, really close to the beach/sound. I wonder if there's anybody who can receive signal with just an indoor directional antenna in Mamaroneck? Or is there something wrong with my equipment(notably the tuner card)?

Now I am wondering if the indoor antenna would work if there's a brick wall blocking it from the source of the signal (I checked antennaweb for the orientation. most of the station seems to come from Manhattan)? Thanks.


Dan

I have been having problems with WNBC, very weak signal (using Samsung H260F). Suddendly, all WNBC (4-1,4-2,4-4) comes in with no drop.

Did they increase the power ?

Same here. I was able to catch SNL last night without a drop. Usually, WNBC is a no go for me. Checked the signal strength on my H260F and it showed 2/10 bars. Usually it's 1 or none.

Maybe the stars were lined up right. This morning, the reception is back to spotty.

hi there:

I am new to all this. I got a HDTV tuner card, and got a terk hdtva amplified fishbone indoor antenna, and I received nothing. I live in Mamaroneck, NY, really close to the beach/sound. I wonder if there's anybody who can receive signal with just an indoor directional antenna in Mamaroneck? Or is there something wrong with my equipment(notably the tuner card)?

Now I am wondering if the indoor antenna would work if there's a brick wall blocking it from the source of the signal (I checked antennaweb for the orientation. most of the station seems to come from Manhattan)? Thanks.


Dan
Most of the stations are beamed from Empire State Building. Brick Walls in between make it a little difficult. Try the antenna in some other location and preferably at a height, so that you have some space in between the antenna the wall. Antenna placed just beside the wall wouldn't give better results. I stay 26 miles from NY.. I get all the stations.. although I am bit lucky that I have a window which partially overlooks towards ESB. However.. there are lot of trees, building in between... You have to be a litle patient.. but have to find that sweet spot. I also have a similar antenna.. you can check out my setup in my sig.

Same here. I was able to catch SNL last night without a drop. Usually, WNBC is a no go for me. Checked the signal strength on my H260F and it showed 2/10 bars. Usually it's 1 or none.

Maybe the stars were lined up right. This morning, the reception is back to spotty.

Same here.

I don't know if you have the same problem with your H260F but I connected mine to an analog TV via S-video. Sometime, the aspect ratio messed up and I can't changed it or get into Menu.

I may have to return and get a new H260F

hi there:

I am new to all this. I got a HDTV tuner card, and got a terk hdtva amplified fishbone indoor antenna, and I received nothing. I live in Mamaroneck, NY, really close to the beach/sound. I wonder if there's anybody who can receive signal with just an indoor directional antenna in Mamaroneck? Or is there something wrong with my equipment(notably the tuner card)?

Now I am wondering if the indoor antenna would work if there's a brick wall blocking it from the source of the signal (I checked antennaweb for the orientation. most of the station seems to come from Manhattan)? Thanks.


Dan

I'm very close to you and using a Philips Silver Sensor on the second floor of my house. I'm able to easily pick up CBS and Fox. I just barely pick up ABC and almost have the CW. I have a window facing the antennas, but I actually get better signal from it facing the wall in a corner of my room.

^ Hmm your not that far from me I wonder how my Silver Sensor will do but Im on the first floor but not facing the antenna.. well kinda but half the building is blocking it at 238 degrees

All the high VHF analog channels in NY will switch their digital signal to their current analog frequency come 2009 except for WWOR 9. Is there any reason why they wouldn't want to. The lower frequency generally makes reception easier for a given power output, wondering why they would give this up?

hey:

I tried it some more with my Terk HDTVa antenna. It seems that adding an extension Coaxial cable to the antenna hurts the reception. Does this make sense? I added the extension so I could walk around the room and get the antenna closer to the window from where my computer was. I managed to get some signal on fox, but nothing showed up. At least I know now that the tuner card isn't faulty.

However, given that the amplifier did nothing on the signal strength, I'd be interested to know what your experiences are with the silver sensor in the Mamaroneck area. I read some reviews on how it does a better job than the Terk even without amplification. If it works for you guys maybe I'll try it out. They look the same to me physically though.

The following article in Broadcasting & Cable is interesting and a bit confusing.

"The FCC has given New York TV stations six months to test a digital TV system that would operate on three channels in the city and fill DTV coverage gaps resulting from the destruction of the World Trade Center on 9/11.

The city and parts of New Jersey otherwise would not get full DTV coverage until the stations can relocate their facilities to the Freedom Tower, which is not expected to be completed until 2011.

WCBS-TV, WNBC-TV, WNYW-TV, WABC-TV, WWOR-TV, WPIX-TV, WNET-TV,
WPXN-TV, WNJU-TV and WXTV-TV, under the banner of the Metropolitan Television Authority, had asked for permission to test the service using vacant channels
12, 33 and 65.

The FCC's permission was granted subject to the condition that broadcasters must inform hospitals and nursing homes that they are testing the service and that it could have an affect on medical devices, and broadcasters are not allowed to begin testing until they can document that notification."

What confuses me is that 3 "vacant" channels are mentioned - 12, 33 and 65.

Channel 33 is currently being used by WPIX and in February 2009 will be the digital channel for WCBS.

If more than three stations want to test this system, and there are only three channels available, then one or more of the test channels would have to multiplex signals to accommodate more than one station.

What happens to HD signals?

It sounds as if this could only work with three stations or just SD signals.

Any further information or insight?

Anyone in NYC able to get WNBC-TV or WNET-TV ?

I am able to get CBS, ABC, Fox, WPIX, My9

I look on antennaweb.org and NCB and WNET have the same direction as the other channels but i couldn't lock in.

If you able to get those channels, would you care indicate your receiver ?
Thanks

I'm in the Bronx and I receive these channels:

WCBS
WNBC
WNYW
WABC
My9
WPIX
WNET (weakest signal but watchable)
WPXN
WXTV
WFUT

I receive these channels on a Westinghouse HDTV and on my PC on a Pinnacle USB HD receiver.

I'm in the Bronx and I receive these channels:
I receive these channels on a Westinghouse HDTV and on my PC on a Pinnacle USB HD receiver.
Hi there,
Thanks for the info. This gives me hope.

What section of the Bronx ? Which antenna you use ? any amplifier ?

I have a CM 4228 and the CM amplifier on the rooftop of 6th floor building. I'm around Fordham and 192nd (9 miles from EPS)

Edit: I search and you mentioned you used some indoor model from RadioShack. Can you give the model number ? Do you face the EPS from your window ?
I have no window facing outdoor so I don't know if it will help.

Hi there,
Thanks for the info. This gives me hope.

What section of the Bronx ? Which antenna you use ? any amplifier ?

I have a CM 4228 and the CM amplifier on the rooftop of 6th floor building. I'm around Fordham and 192nd (9 miles from EPS)

Edit: I search and you mentioned you used some indoor model from RadioShack. Can you give the model number ? Do you face the EPS from your window ?
I have no window facing outdoor so I don't know if it will help.

I'm on 182nd near the Grand Concourse and my antenna is a 15-1868 and I'm facing Creston Avenue looking at Jerome Avenue. If I position the antenna looking towards Manhattan I get less channels. I have 3 windows in my bedroom maybe this is why I get a good signal.

I have another antenna (Came with the Pinnacle USB HDTV Stick) and this one is facing a corner, in the same bedroom but it's also next to the window and I also get the same channels, but with this one sometimes I get WNJU.

Hi,

I am in Newport, NJ, right outside Holland Tunnel, in a high rise building, with windows facing south and west.

1. What's the chance that I can get HD OTA?

2. What antenna should I buy?

3. Any trick to set it up?

Thanks!

Hi,

I am in Newport, NJ, right outside Holland Tunnel, in a high rise building, with windows facing south and west.

1. What's the chance that I can get HD OTA?

2. What antenna should I buy?

3. Any trick to set it up?

Thanks!
You should be fine, despite lack of direct line of sight. If you're getting an indoor antenna, get a Silver Sensor. Lots of companies make them under various different model numbers (I used to use a Philips PHDTV3). Just point it in the general direction of the ESB and go from there. Don't be afraid to point it in a completely different direction though; you may have more success pulling in a bounce signal.

I'm on the North Shore of Staten Island, underground, and I still managed to pull in WCBS-DT, WNBC-DT, WABC-DT, WNYW-DT, WWOR-DT, WPIX-DT, WXTV-DT and WNJN-DT well enough for them to be enjoyable using the PHDTV3. I never got WNET-DT though.

If you're getting an indoor antenna, get a Silver Sensor. Lots of companies make them under various different model numbers.

This is the same as the Terk HDTVa and HDTVi antennas? (J&R has them, for example). Would the amplified or non-amplified version be better...if it's even possible to say. I'm in a ground-floor apartment in Brooklyn with 5-story buildings across the street, but with windows facing Manhattan in general.

the Terks cost more and don't work as well(or at all,in my case).get the unamplified Silver Sensor at Circuit City for $25.

I just got my first HDTV with a digital tuner. I'm located in Nassau county, on the north shore, about 30 miles from midtown. I have a roof top antenna in a house, and I have decent analog reception of 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and occasionally 21 (I am at the bottom of a hill). Antennaweb.com says that I should get plenty of stations.

Anyway, I fired up the set and during the rain this morn' the only digital station found was 8.1 (which I think is from CT, across the Sound). Now, after the rain, I'm getting no digital stations, but my analog reception is fine.

Now, I'm just not sure what to do. Is the problem the new set and the digital tuner? Or is the problem the old antenna? I had read that the old antennae should work fine, but it never really did tune in the UHF channels well so I'm wondering if the HD content is really up there in those frequencies, it won't be suited for this.

Your experience and thoughts are appreciated!

Silly question, but are you sure you're aimed at NY and not CT? Analog stations carry better then digital so you may be receiving them off the side of the antenna. Also, if the antenna's been up there a while the connections may be rusty and failing or just plain loose.

I'm thinking that the problem is that it's so old, that it's a pure VHF antenna. It never really could bring in any UHF stations with any degree of clarity. I'm not sure which way it is aimed, but the analog stations are tuned in ok. 2 and 4 are excellent, and 5 and 7 are very good. 9, 11 and 13 are watchable but have some noise. I get a picture from 20, 21 and 25 but there is tons of interference and they're not really watchable.

I'm thinking that the problem is that it's so old, that it's a pure VHF antenna. It never really could bring in any UHF stations with any degree of clarity. I'm not sure which way it is aimed, but the analog stations are tuned in ok. 2 and 4 are excellent, and 5 and 7 are very good. 9, 11 and 13 are watchable but have some noise. I get a picture from 20, 21 and 25 but there is tons of interference and they're not really watchable.


1) It it's strictly a VHF antenna, then you can't expect it to pick up UHF stations.
2) If it's a combination UHF, VHF antenna, there could be 2 separate elements. I had a similar rooftop antenna, and when I first tried to pick up UHF signals, I connected it to the VHF terminals. Later on, I realized there were separate UHF terminals.
3) GOOD LUCK

Thanks for the luck. I'll start saving up for a new antenna...

is anyone receiving WNYW-DT 5.1 OTA?I have an Accurian receiver,but it doesn't get 5.1,only 9.2,it's lame and bitrate starved.I can also get 38.2,again it's low bitrate.

is anyone receiving WNYW-DT 5.1 OTA?I have an Accurian receiver,but it doesn't get 5.1,only 9.2,it's lame and bitrate starved.I can also get 38.2,again it's low bitrate.


Yes, we get 5.1 Channel 5.
Funny thing is that every so often, can not get CBS-DT 2.1 in the evenings/prime time. In fact, when that happens, 2.1 doesn't even show as 'available' on our tuner listing of available channels.

thanks,sometimes CBS-DT doesn't come in for me either.

Hey anybody watching the the Yankees-Mets tonight? Its being shown simultaneously on My 9 and CW 11. My 9 is 720p & CW 11 in 1080i. It's been difficult to make out any real differences in resolution between the two,except in some close ups. From my observation My 9's color is slightly more saturated. I've been switching between the two and noticed CW 11 is @ 1 1/2 - 2 seconds behind My 9.

I'm using the ATSC tuner in my tv, LG Slimfit 30fsd, to compare the two channels. I'm in Southern Westchester @ 14 miles from the ESB.

Hey anybody watching the the Yankees-Mets tonight? Its being shown simultaneously on My 9 and CW 11. My 9 is 720p & CW 11 in 1080i. It's been difficult to make out any real differences in resolution between the two,except in some close ups. From my observation My 9's color is slightly more saturated. I've been switching between the two and noticed CW 11 is @ 1 1/2 - 2 seconds behind My 9.

I'm using the ATSC tuner in my tv, LG Slimfit 30fsd, to compare the two channels. I'm in Southern Westchester @ 14 miles from the ESB.

I thought CW11 was slightly better in picture quality.

Also this is probably the only "away"game that the Mets are in HD. I wonder if it's just a matter of them loading up their HD truck, driving over the bridge to the Bronx, and setting up at Yankee stadium? Or is it a lot more involved? I wish all Mets road games were in HD like the Yanks.

Neither feed was in HD here in central Connecticut. WTXX-TV/DT (CW) channel 20/D 12 of Waterbury caries the CW 11 Mets feed and WCTX-TV/DT (MY) channel 59/D 39 of New Haven carries the MY 9 Yankees feed. As for FOX, WTIC-DT (FOX) channel 61/D 31 of Hartford will likely carry the Giants @ Red Sox this afternoon.

I thought CW11 was slightly better in picture quality.

Also this is probably the only "away"game that the Mets are in HD. I wonder if it's just a matter of them loading up their HD truck, driving over the bridge to the Bronx, and setting up at Yankee stadium? Or is it a lot more involved? I wish all Mets road games were in HD like the Yanks.
You hit it right on the nail.
Yankee Stadium has HD circuits and fiber in the stadium available for visiting broadcasters.
The truck just had to travel on Astoria Blvd to the Triborough, then off the Deegan at 161st St. About 10 miles as the crow flies.
[Not as short as the distance between Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands complex, which is about 8 miles, but shorter than the distance between MSG and the Devils' new arena in Newark, about 13 miles.]

Thought I'd post what I'm tuning.

Brooklyn Heights/Dumbo/Downtown Brooklyn area.

WinTV-HVR-1600 + Silver Sensor clone pointed out a northern window a bunch of stories up.

WCBS, WNBC, WNYW, WABC, WWOR, WPIX, WNYE, WNJN, WFUT (all with assorted subchannels when applicable)

I had posted this in a discussion thread over in the cable tv area but this is a much better fit for my questions... I hope you guys don't mind the re-post.

So... anyway...

I have cable so this *kinda* doesn't have any impact on me but... I live in Northern NJ - on the WRONG side of a mountain... in other words the side NOT facing New York City.

When it was normal Analog TV and all the NY/NJ antennas were on top of the World Trade Center we were able to get TV reception.

Soon the analog will be turned off forever and digital will be the only game in town... Well not my town ... or the town next to us...

The Towers are gone and the antennas have relocated to the Empire State Building ( I think ) and given some combination of the height difference and the nature of the beast that we call digital transmission... HDTV signals of any type aren't making it thru (at least this was the case last I checked). That HDTV web site ceda? even confirms it.

What does that mean for the tens of thousands who are stuck on the 'wrong side' of this immovable object? Could we REALLY be in a position where our area (a short 24 miles to NYC - less line of sight) will be WITHOUT ANY over the air broadcast options?!?! I can't believe this is going to be the case ... Could this really be happening to tens, multiple tens? of thousands of tax paying property owning United States citizens AND voters?!?!

Yea thats a bit over the top but I'm practicing for when I write a letter to my Mayor and local Congressman.

Like I said... I have cable but the point is... having a home that doesn't have ANY local TV reception is quite distressing and remember this isn't the middle of Nebraska (no offense intended) but 24 miles from NYC!!!

I'd more than welcome any comments...

Dav

I had posted this in a discussion thread over in the cable tv area but this is a much better fit for my questions... I hope you guys don't mind the re-post.

So... anyway...

I have cable so this *kinda* doesn't have any impact on me but... I live in Northern NJ - on the WRONG side of a mountain... in other words the side NOT facing New York City.

When it was normal Analog TV and all the NY/NJ antennas were on top of the World Trade Center we were able to get TV reception.

Soon the analog will be turned off forever and digital will be the only game in town... Well not my town ... or the town next to us...

The Towers are gone and the antennas have relocated to the Empire State Building ( I think ) and given some combination of the height difference and the nature of the beast that we call digital transmission... HDTV signals of any type aren't making it thru (at least this was the case last I checked). That HDTV web site ceda? even confirms it.

What does that mean for the tens of thousands who are stuck on the 'wrong side' of this immovable object? Could we REALLY be in a position where our area (a short 24 miles to NYC - less line of sight) will be WITHOUT ANY over the air broadcast options?!?! I can't believe this is going to be the case ... Could this really be happening to tens, multiple tens? of thousands of tax paying property owning United States citizens AND voters?!?!

Yea thats a bit over the top but I'm practicing for when I write a letter to my Mayor and local Congressman.

Like I said... I have cable but the point is... having a home that doesn't have ANY local TV reception is quite distressing and remember this isn't the middle of Nebraska (no offense intended) but 24 miles from NYC!!!

I'd more than welcome any comments...

Dav


I can't find the article which mentions them setting up a "repeater" antenna for dtv to increase signal to pre 9/11 levels, but this should answer your question...



http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6446284.html

NYC TVs Get DTV Reprieve
FCC warns it may toughen up on further delays
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/21/2007

The FCC has given more time to the overwhelming majority of the 145 TV stations that have yet to finish construction of their digital facilities, including WABC and WNBC New York, which will have until Feb. 17, 2009, to complete their 9/11-devastated transition.

The deadlines for construction were July 1, 2005, for stations affiliated with the Big Four networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC) in markets 1 to 100, and July 1, 2006, for everybody else. But the FCC has granted extensions for a variety of reasons. Among them: destruction of the New York stations' DTV facilities in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

The commission granted six-month extensions to 107 stations, including WNBC, and set the deadline at Feb. 17, 2009, for 33 stations. Of those stations, 29, including WABC, will broadcast after the DTV switch on a channel different from their current DTV location; four stations want to use the same top-mounted antenna site for their DTV signal that they use for their current analog signal.

Two stations were denied extensions but will be allowed to continue operating analog stations, and another three were denied applications and admonished—an official reprimand.

The commission also warned that it might have to get tougher with stations. It pointed out that they had several years to plan for and finance the DTV construction, noting that many stations had received numerous extensions.

In a recent review of the progress of the DTV transition, the commission said that any further extensions may be subjected to a tougher standard.

According to the FCC, 1,702 stations are currently licensed to broadcast in DTV, with 1,603 on the air with a signal; some of the 145 seeking extensions are on the air but do not meet the minimum build-out requirements for mandated power levels or coverage areas.

ja2bk,

Thanks for the info and a repeater antenna sounds mighty promising... but somehow I think I'll be OLDER and GREYER ;) before I see that...

Dave

Hey all, does anyone know what's going on with WWOR DT 5-2 lately? A few weeks ago it was working wonderfully, and I was getting Yankee games in perfect HD with my OTA antenna. But recently, and even right now, it's only in 480i, and even worse, the top 1/3 or so of the image is distorted and pixellated. I don't understand it, because the other 14 or so channels I pick up work fine with none of this pixellation, and some of them are in HD. It can't be a problem with my TV, and I don't see how it could be my antenna...is it the station? Is anyone else having this problem, and does anyone know how to fix it? Thank you.

WNYW, Channel 5 and WWOR, Channel 9 are both owned by Fox.

For some strange reason, one that makes absolutely no sense, WNYW-DT, 5.2 broadcasts WWOR( (9) in Standard Definition, while WWOR-DT, 9.2 broadcasts WNYW also in Standard Definition.

5.2 broadcasting a Yankee game was in Standard Definition, not HD!

Only those ".1" DT stations broadcast HD.

I could've sworn it was in high def before; is there a station that does broadcast My9 Yankee games in HD OTA? But regardless, do you have any idea what could be causing this strange distortion and pixellation? It makes it almost unwatchable, and it doesn't happen on any other station.

I could've sworn it was in high def before; is there a station that does broadcast My9 Yankee games in HD OTA? But regardless, do you have any idea what could be causing this strange distortion and pixellation? It makes it almost unwatchable, and it doesn't happen on any other station.

WWOR-DT IS broadcasting in HD on UHF channel 38, remapping to 9.1 on your set.

Do you not get that channel where you are? Whereas WNYW-DT shows WWOR in standard def on 5.2, WWOR-DT shows WNYW standard def on 9.2.

Time to play with your antenna, or have your set rescan for available channels.

Hmm...OK, I'll have to look for 9.1. I have an RCA antenna with a UHF/VHF knob, which kind of confuses me. I never know where to set it, so I just kind of leave it in the middle. Where should I have it set, and where should I have it set to pick up 9.1 in particular? Thanks.

Hey everyone! I just put up the 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna By RadioShack. I live in brooklyn, NY and I got all my HDTV. My HD Channel came perfectly on my HDTV.

I can't find the article which mentions them setting up a "repeater" antenna for dtv to increase signal to pre 9/11 levels, but this should answer your question...


How's this? <http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/dtv/nyc911.html>

Dave Kristol

How's this? <http://www.ntia.doc.gov/otiahome/dtv/nyc911.html>

Dave Kristol

Thanks... that was the one. Hope DaveGee sees this ...

NYC 9/11 Digital Transition On March 22, 2007, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded $7,855,000 to reimburse New York's Metropolitan Television Alliance (MTVA) for phase one of the NYC 9/11 Digital Television Transition project, for the design and deployment of a temporary digital television broadcast system for 10 television stations throughout the New York City area.

The first phase of the project, to be accomplished in FY 2007, will design and test the system at three to five sites in the New York City metropolitan area. Based on the results of the test sites, MTVA anticipates requesting $21,645,000 by reimbursement in FY 2008 for Phase 2, to complete the full 20 site system in the New York City metropolitan area so it would be operational prior to the digital television transition deadline of February 17, 2009. The transition to digital television will free-up more of the nation's airwaves for advanced wireless broadband services, and interoperable communications among emergency first responders.

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which established the digital television transition deadline, provides up to $30 million to reimburse MTVA for the design and deployment costs of the temporary digital television broadcast system. Until a permanent facility is constructed on top of the Freedom Tower, it is necessary to design and install a system to distribute digital signals throughout the New York City area.

New York City and the counties encompassed in this project include the Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, and Westchester. The New Jersey counties involved are Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Passaic, and Union.

MTVA was formed after September 11, 2001, when the television stations' digital and analog transmission facilities were destroyed in the collapse of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The television stations then installed temporary digital and analog transmission facilities on top of the Empire State Building. However, the Empire State Building is not a sufficient site for the distribution of digital television signals because high rise buildings block the signals, interfere with digital reception, and create shadow effects that negate signal reception.

NTIA has current authority to borrow up to $30 million from the Treasury for this program.

Anyone getting terrible signals from 5.1 and/or 13.1 tonight? I'm in central NJ and tonight I can only get 5.1 by turning my antenna towards the north, were it won't pick up other stations and I can hardly get 13.1 at all.

Since I put together my new MythTV system about a month and a half ago I've been getting everything flawlessly without ever having to move my antenna.

Tom

After having read the last part of this release, I was wondering if there is data comparing transmissions from the former WTC to the ESB.



MTVA was formed after September 11, 2001, when the television stations' digital and analog transmission facilities were destroyed in the collapse of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The television stations then installed temporary digital and analog transmission facilities on top of the Empire State Building. However, the Empire State Building is not a sufficient site for the distribution of digital television signals because high rise buildings block the signals, interfere with digital reception, and create shadow effects that negate signal reception.

NTIA has current authority to borrow up to $30 million from the Treasury for this program.

Can anyone from Hoboken comment on the current channel line-up that I can expect to recieve? I'm going to be right on the river (Stevens) but unfortunately facing away from the city and using an indoor antenna (I hear good things about the Silver Sensor). I am mainly interested in the HD football games.

Hi, I am looking for an antenna for my folks in New City, NY. I went to antennaweb and the red zone (medium-directional) looks like it has everything they'd need. Which model antenna would work best for them? Thanks in advance for any assistance. Here's the chart i get at antennaweb:

yellow - uhf WABC-DT 7.1 ABC NEW YORK NY 189° 25.2 45
yellow - uhf WXTV 41 UNI PATERSON NJ 189° 25.7 41
* yellow - uhf WXTV-DT 41.1 UNI PATERSON NJ 189° 25.7 40
yellow - uhf WNJU 47 TEL LINDEN NJ 189° 25.7 47
* yellow - uhf WCBS-DT 2.1 CBS NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 56
yellow - uhf WFUT 68 TFA NEWARK NJ 189° 25.7 68
yellow - uhf WNYE 25 IND NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 25
* yellow - uhf WNYW-DT 5.1 FOX NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 44
* yellow - uhf WPIX-DT 11.1 CW NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 33
yellow - uhf WPXN 31 ION NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 31
* yellow - uhf WPXN-DT 31.1 ION NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 30
* yellow - uhf WWOR-DT 9.1 MNT SECAUCUS NJ 189° 25.7 38
green - vhf WWOR 9 MNT SECAUCUS NJ 189° 25.7 9
green - vhf WPIX 11 CW NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 11
green - vhf WNYW 5 FOX NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 5
green - vhf WNBC 4 NBC NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 4
green - vhf WNET 13 PBS NEWARK NJ 189° 25.7 13
green - vhf WCBS 2 CBS NEW YORK NY 189° 25.7 2
green - vhf WABC 7 ABC NEW YORK NY 192° 28.1 7
* red - uhf WNET-DT 13.1 PBS NEWARK NJ 189° 25.7 61
* red - uhf WNBC-DT 4.1 NBC NEW YORK NY 188° 25.0 28
blue - uhf WNJN 50 PBS MONTCLAIR NJ 221° 20.1 50
blue - uhf WTXX 20 CW WATERBURY CT 75° 58.7 20
blue - uhf WEBR-CA 17 IND MANHATTAN NY 189° 25.7 17
violet - uhf WEDW 49 PBS BRIDGEPORT CT 88° 44.6 49
violet - uhf WRNN-LP 57 IND NYACK NY 92° 12.2 57
violet - uhf WLIW 21 PBS GARDEN CITY NY 140° 37.3 21

Thanks... that was the one. Hope DaveGee sees this ...

Yes thanks!! I just gotta find out where these other locations are going to be and cross my fingers that I'll be within eyeshot of one of them....

Dave

Anyone else here picking up NY digital stations from central NJ? As per my previous post above, lately I'm finding that, if there's the least hint of electrical storms, I all but totally loost 5.1 and 13.1. Tonight I can't get them no matter how I turn my antenna.

This never used to happen, and my antenna etc is all fine. Is anyone aware of anything that's changed recently with either of those stations?

Tom

Anyone else here picking up NY digital stations from central NJ? As per my previous post above, lately I'm finding that, if there's the least hint of electrical storms, I all but totally loost 5.1 and 13.1. Tonight I can't get them no matter how I turn my antenna.

This never used to happen, and my antenna etc is all fine. Is anyone aware of anything that's changed recently with either of those stations?

Tom

I was able to get 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, 11.1, and 13.1 with an indoor antenna clear as day up till about 2 weeks ago and now i can only get the channels intermitently by constantly changing the position of the antenna. I am in central Westchester right on the hudson and did not have any problems getting all the channels OTA with the antenna in the same position untill recently. Anyone know if something changed with the broadcast of the channels?

I am in Piscataway.. and get all the NY channels except 13.* (Thirteen PBS) and 25.* (NYC TV) and WLIW (21.* different direction) .. both are low powered station.. and probably next winter I may get 13.* like I got before.... I use the Terk HDTVa amplified antenna.. 'coz I am about 26 miles away.. I get all the channels using the tuner in the Olevia 537h and the Hisense USDTV tuner (which is supposedly 4th gen tuner).. and antenna pointed in one direction.. yes i get NJN out of New Brunswick too.. although the antenna is not pointed that way.. but it's a VHF channel.. and I am just 5 miles away from it.

I was able to get 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1, 11.1, and 13.1 with an indoor antenna clear as day up till about 2 weeks ago and now i can only get the channels intermitently by constantly changing the position of the antenna. I am in central Westchester right on the hudson and did not have any problems getting all the channels OTA with the antenna in the same position untill recently. Anyone know if something changed with the broadcast of the channels?
I don't know if anything changed. I think I know what the issue is with 13.1 for me, and that's simply a low signal all the time. What I think is happening is that, when there's any electrical storm activity, the extra noise is enough to knock it out. I thought I used to get a stronger signal from 13.1.

I probably shouldn't complain as I'm probably about 30 miles away. I'm using a good roof mounted radio shack combination antenna and a channel master mast mounted amp.

Tom

When it was normal Analog TV and all the NY/NJ antennas were on top of the World Trade Center we were able to get TV reception.

Soon the analog will be turned off forever and digital will be the only game in town... Well not my town ... or the town next to us...

What does that mean for the tens of thousands who are stuck on the 'wrong side' of this immovable object? Could we REALLY be in a position where our area (a short 24 miles to NYC - less line of sight) will be WITHOUT ANY over the air broadcast options?!?! I can't believe this is going to be the case ... Could this really be happening to tens, multiple tens? of thousands of tax paying property owning United States citizens AND voters?!?!

Yea thats a bit over the top but I'm practicing for when I write a letter to my Mayor and local Congressman.

Like I said... I have cable but the point is... having a home that doesn't have ANY local TV reception is quite distressing and remember this isn't the middle of Nebraska (no offense intended) but 24 miles from NYC!!!

I'd more than welcome any comments...

Dav
Your old analog reception was probably snowy, but you could watch it. Technically, because of the mountain, you were not in what would be considered the coverage area of the station, but you could choose to watch the channel through the snow. That's why cable TV was brought into many neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, digital does not give you a choice. If the signal is above the signal threshold you get a perfect signal, without snow, just as good as you would get if you were a mile from the station. If, however, the signal is below the threshold you get nothing. No choice to view through the snow. Time to watch cable.

I wouldn't bother to write your Mayor or anyone else. Unless they have the ability to remove the mountain (and all of the voters who live on it) you don't have a prayer. The other side of the coin is that digital TV provides the ability to deliver multiple channels plus other data to more people and locations than before. Unfortunately, you don't appear to be one of them.

I have just installed a Channel Master 4228 antenna with a Channel Master 7775 amplifier. I also purchased a Channel Master mast rotator but it does not work, so I have to return it. I live in Ridgefield, Ct which is approx. 45 miles from the Empire State building. I receive (very good signal) Fox - DT and WABC - DT which are broadcast from the Empire State building. However, I cannot receive WCBS - DT or NBC - DT which are also broadcast from the Empire State building. Can anyone help me? I am at a lost why all the stations broadcast from the Empire State builing do not work.

I have just installed a Channel Master 4228 antenna with a Channel Master 7775 amplifier. I also purchased a Channel Master mast rotator but it does not work, so I have to return it. I live in Ridgefield, Ct which is approx. 45 miles from the Empire State building. I receive (very good signal) Fox - DT and WABC - DT which are broadcast from the Empire State building. However, I cannot receive WCBS - DT or NBC - DT which are also broadcast from the Empire State building. Can anyone help me? I am at a lost why all the stations broadcast from the Empire State building do not work.

Your old analog reception was probably snowy, but you could watch it. Technically, because of the mountain, you were not in what would be considered the coverage area of the station, but you could choose to watch the channel through the snow. That's why cable TV was brought into many neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, digital does not give you a choice. If the signal is above the signal threshold you get a perfect signal, without snow, just as good as you would get if you were a mile from the station. If, however, the signal is below the threshold you get nothing. No choice to view through the snow. Time to watch cable.

I wouldn't bother to write your Mayor or anyone else. Unless they have the ability to remove the mountain (and all of the voters who live on it) you don't have a prayer. The other side of the coin is that digital TV provides the ability to deliver multiple channels plus other data to more people and locations than before. Unfortunately, you don't appear to be one of them.

That's pretty much the answer I was expecting...

24 miles to NYC and yet without paying for cable tv we'd be completely uninformed and unprotected in cases of emergency. This isn't 1807 this is 2007 and I for one would expect more from the powers that be.

Just saying you live on the wrong side of the mountain so you're SOL! Seems so wrong on so many levels. Lets face it, we all know something COULD be done if they wanted to expend the effort (and money) and I'm willing to bet that in other parts of the country where mountains are more prevalent THEY DO come up with solutions for the tax payers.

So sad....

Dave

That's pretty much the answer I was expecting...

24 miles to NYC and yet without paying for cable tv we'd be completely uninformed and unprotected in cases of emergency. This isn't 1807 this is 2007 and I for one would expect more from the powers that be.

Just saying you live on the wrong side of the mountain so you're SOL! Seems so wrong on so many levels. Lets face it, we all know something COULD be done if they wanted to expend the effort (and money) and I'm willing to bet that in other parts of the country where mountains are more prevalent THEY DO come up with solutions for the tax payers.

So sad....

Dave

And it all started in Pennsylvania when mountains got in the way of providing viewable television. Some smart business people decided to erect a big antenna atop of a high mast on the mountain, strung wire and brought the signal into town.

That was the beginning of cable!

I have just installed a Channel Master 4228 antenna with a Channel Master 7775 amplifier. I also purchased a Channel Master mast rotator but it does not work, so I have to return it. I live in Ridgefield, Ct which is approx. 45 miles from the Empire State building. I receive (very good signal) Fox - DT and WABC - DT which are broadcast from the Empire State building. However, I cannot receive WCBS - DT or NBC - DT...

thnaks, I tried to tweak the antenna a few degrees left and right and nothing. My Panasonic plasma has a signal strength indicator and we used it to 'zero-in' on Fox and ABC. So I thought that this would also work for CBS and NBC. BTW, I purchased the Channel Master 7775 preamp. Do you think the Channel Master 7777 preamp would have solve this? I know that it is for VHF and CBS-DT is on UHF, but just a thought.
I'm answering your question here because the forum is for local threads, not user specific threads.

The Channel Master 7775 pre-amp is UHF only, it does not amplify VHF. All of the NYC stations are currently digitally broadcasting on UHF, so you are ok for now. In 2009, WABC 7, WWOR 9, WPIX 11 will switch their digital channel to their current upper VHF analog channel. If you had asked, I would have recommended the CM 7777 over the CM 7775, because the CM 7777 offers more flexibility for VHF.

I don't know why you are not getting WNBC-DT 4 (DT=28) or WCBS-DT 2 (DT=56). Do you get anything on the digital signal meter if you select 28.1 or 56.1? Besides experimenting with the aim of the CM 4228, you should also try it without the pre-amp. You can't just unplug the power supply, you have to bypass the pre-amp at the antenna. Go to tvfool.com and enter your exact location. That should provide some info on the expected general signal strength for the NYC stations.

My brother lives in Ridgefield, so that is why I answered your original post. Perhaps someone else who lives in the general area can comment on their reception.

Hello my fellow New Yorkers. Here's an interesting problem that I have. I purchased a Gen 1 Air2PC card a few months ago, and I've been having trouble with battling interference with the train (I live near Pelham Bay Station and the 6 train el is about 25 feet from the front of the house). Every time the train passes, the signal breaks up. I've tried moving my uni-directional antenna around to the front of the roof facing southwest (as a few other websites told me), but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I have a feeling that it's due to multipath because I get ghosting on the left side of the image when using it on my analog capture card. Another interesting thing that happens is on WNYE's analog signal when the train passes...the color tones become more intense. I'm thinking about purchasing a VBOX Cat's Eye 150 card. Can anyone give me any advice on this matter?

According to my information, WWOR-DT will remain on UHF Channel 38 and will not use its analog Channel 9 for digital broadcasting.

According to my information, WWOR-DT will remain on UHF Channel 38 and will not use its analog Channel 9 for digital broadcasting.
You are correct. My mistake, WWOR-DT is listed in the FCC digital selection spreadsheet as staying on UHF 38. So there will be 3 upper VHF digital stations in NYC after the analog shutdown - WABC-DT ABC 7, WPIX-DT 11, WNET-DT PBS 13.

Any updates on future power numbers?

I'm sorry if this has been listed many times, but could someone tell me which NYC locals are doing their news casts in HD? Thanks, guys.

2,4 and 7.

2,4 and 7.

Thank you very much, Gary.

New to this. I scored a yellow and am about 12 miles from all the major affiliates here on Staten Island. I've looked through the thread and it appears I'd do best with a non amplified indoor antenna and it would be on the top floor of a 2 story house. My focus would of course be on the HD Channels. What antenna would be best for me at my location? Would this (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6830904&type=product&prod uctCategoryId=cat08082&id=1091101854020) do? If not, I'd like to get a capable one preferrably at a local best buy, circuit city or radioshack B&M. Thanks!

If possible, always mount an antenna outdoors.

UHF digital reception vagaries are such, that what works for one person, living just a few feet away from you, may not work for you.

I use an indoor antenna called the Silver Sensor. Search for it on the Internet - it can be had for around 25 dollars. It's about the best indoor antenna available.

If possible, always mount an antenna outdoors.

UHF digital reception vagaries are such, that what works for one person, living just a few feet away from you, may not work for you.

I use an indoor antenna called the Silver Sensor. Search for it on the Internet - it can be had for around 25 dollars. It's about the best indoor antenna available.
Thanks for the advice. I heard of the SS But the only place to find it seemed to be online. Is the silver sensor available anywhere I can get my hands on NOW? I'd rather not order it, wait, get it then find out theres a defect or I have no good use for it.

I found one at Sears. Radio Crap probabbly sells it too.

"Silver Sensor" is Zenith's brand name for a fairly generic design. Many companies make Silver Sensors under different model numbers, for example the Terk HDTVi and Philips PHDTV1. Most likely you'll be able to find one of those in a local store.

"Silver Sensor" is Zenith's brand name for a fairly generic design. Many companies make Silver Sensors under different model numbers, for example the Terk HDTVi and Philips PHDTV1. Most likely you'll be able to find one of those in a local store.


The Terk is NOT based upon Silver Sensor. I bought one from Best Buy, unplugged my Silver Sensor,plugged in the Terk and the picture went away. Plugged Sensor back and picture reappeared

Absolutely right about Terk and the Silver Sensor.

The Terk version is a "steal" of the Silver Sensor design which goes back to England and
the BBC.

Terk makes many fine products - but not antennas. Stay far away from this brand's antenna products!

The version I have in the Zenith - the Philips is identical.

I couldn't find the Silver Sensor anywhere locally so I ultimately went for the RCA ANT103 At Best Buy for $19.99 thinking worst case scenario would be to just take it back for a refund. All the channels are coming in crystal clear with the HD ones included. Quality is comparable to my Time Warner Cable box reception. However, Channel 11 CW11 HD Seems to have constant breaking up pixelation and drop outs. Is this a known issue on this station or could it be the antenna and positioning itself? Perhaps a better antenna is needed to prevent this? Other than that everything is great, with WNBC HD Looking the best. I'll be primarily using the antenna with my dvd recorder to record late night HD shows and broadcasts. Is there any other tweaking needed to prevent the breakups and drop outs?

Your problem with CW11 is quite normal. Not normal in the sense that CW11 has a problem, but normal in the sense that quite frequently you have to make minor pointing corrections with the antenna to get a particular channel. And when you do, it might very well affect reception on other channels. So, you have to spend a little time with it and find what direction works best. Note that because of the tendancy for these types of signals to be reflected off of buildings, objects, etc., having the antenna oriented in the direction of the tower is not necessarily the best position to get the reception you need. So, it's necessary to do a little experimenting.

Does your TV have a signal strength meter for each channel? By using the strength meter, you can find which signals are strongest in a particular direction. If you're not sure, post the model of your TV and we can probably find out for you how to access the menu for the meter.

My TV picked up quite a few channels. 29.x are most empty. Anybody know what these channels are?

Also, anyone know if PBS/13 is available?

thanks!

My TV picked up quite a few channels. 29.x are most empty. Anybody know what these channels are?

Also, anyone know if PBS/13 is available?

thanks!

Channel 29:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WFME-TV

Yes, Channel 13 is available in OTA digital, but appears to be on lower power than other channels and is a dicier reception. You'll probably need to play with the antenna a bit.

PBS/13 - WNET-DT (UHF Channel 61) although transmitting from the Empire State Building,
has very low power and many people have trouble receiving its signal over-the air.

Thanks for the info.

AntennaWeb shows 3 PBS stations:

WNET-DT 13.1 PBS NEWARK
WNJN-DT 51.1 PBS MONTCLAIR
WNJB-DT 8.1 PBS NEW BRUNSWICK

I have amplifier in antenna, which made it possible to pick up channel such as ION. However, out of the 3, I can only get 51.1. WNJN-HD seems to have no programming. I can pick the analog 13 but the picture is not that clear.

WNJN-HD broadcasts on a part-time basis (I think during primetime hours.)

The EPG can only display the listing for the current channel. If I change to a different channel in EPG viewer (not the tuner, the information is empty). If I switch channel in the tuner and go back into EPG, it's still empty. It takes a long time to see EPG information for the channel.

WNJN-HD broadcasts on a part-time basis (I think during primetime hours.)

Right, and from what I remember NJN out of Montclair and New Brunswick show identical programming so they are redundant. NJN out of New Brunswick is broadcast over the VHF spectrum so you need a VHF antenna to get it. I can't get it 5 miles away in East Brunswick because my roof antenna is UHF only.

Terk have different type of antennas.. omnidirectional and unidirectional. AFAIK, Best Buy sells the omnidirectional version.. I guess TV5.. the silvers sensor clone is HDTVi and HDTVa (the one I have).. both also have the VHF capability. I get 31 digital channels (some of them are obviously blank..e.g. 50-3, 63-3 etc) with the indoor antenna.. I am 26 miles from NY and 5 miles from New Brunswick.. I get both the NJN-HD out of montclair and the New Brunswick one.. during spring.. I used to get 13.*.. which I no longer get these days.. otherwise the channel count would have been more.. ocassionalyy I get some digitals signals out of Philly.. however.. to get it reliably.. I need to point it towards philly.. which I don't prefer.. because my antenna is pointed towards ESB.. and the VHF bunny ear gets the NJN HD out of New Brunswick.. About the non amplified version of the silver sensor... try these two stores.. Circuit City has the Philips PHDTV1.. J&R, PC Richardson has the Terk HDTVi and the HDTVa. Walmart, Best Buy doesn't stock any of the silvers sensor variants..
Hope this helps.. and clears out the confusion for Terk HDTVi/HDTVa

Thanks for the info.

AntennaWeb shows 3 PBS stations:

WNET-DT 13.1 PBS NEWARK
WNJN-DT 51.1 PBS MONTCLAIR
WNJB-DT 8.1 PBS NEW BRUNSWICK

I have amplifier in antenna, which made it possible to pick up channel such as ION. However, out of the 3, I can only get 51.1. WNJN-HD seems to have no programming. I can pick the analog 13 but the picture is not that clear.

NJN-HD only broadcast between 8 PM and mid night.

Right, and from what I remember NJN out of Montclair and New Brunswick show identical programming so they are redundant. NJN out of New Brunswick is broadcast over the VHF spectrum so you need a VHF antenna to get it. I can't get it 5 miles away in East Brunswick because my roof antenna is UHF only.

all of the NJN channels in NJ are run from trenton and have identical programming. i think there are 5 throughout the state. the hd programming is national feed and identical to wnet's hd feed. they also have pbs kids which wnet has as well and some other channels relevant only to nj residents.

NJN is in Montclair, New Brunswick, Trenton and Camden. A fifth station would be news to me.

The EPG can only display the listing for the current channel. If I change to a different channel in EPG viewer (not the tuner, the information is empty). If I switch channel in the tuner and go back into EPG, it's still empty. It takes a long time to see EPG information for the channel.
Not so, but it's just a technicality. There is nothing in the ATSC standard that prevents a station from including guide information for another channel, but not surprisingly, not many do. I've seen some tuners that cache the guide info from channels as they are watched, so theoretically you could get the full guide by surfing (and staying on) all channels for a while. It won't get updated when your're not watching the station, but it might be useful.

Not so, but it's just a technicality. There is nothing in the ATSC standard that prevents a station from including guide information for another channel, but not surprisingly, not many do. I've seen some tuners that cache the guide info from channels as they are watched, so theoretically you could get the full guide by surfing (and staying on) all channels for a while. It won't get updated when your're not watching the station, but it might be useful.


I must be fortunate. My LG lists all channels that I can pick up in the EPG without me being on that specific channel. I don't recall having to navigate to them prior to getting the info, but it is quite possible as I almost always flip through several channels.

I must be fortunate. My LG lists all channels that I can pick up in the EPG without me being on that specific channel. I don't recall having to navigate to them prior to getting the info, but it is quite possible as I almost always flip through several channels.

By any chance does your LG have a sticker that indicates "TVGuide" built in. We have for use two LG DLPs 52inchers that due which currently get the TVGuide from the local PBS station that covers all channels in our area...

By any chance does your LG have a sticker that indicates "TVGuide" built in. We have for use two LG DLPs 52inchers that due which currently get the TVGuide from the local PBS station that covers all channels in our area...

Nope. No TV Guide built in on this TV. Its an LG 32LC2DU. I can't even get a strong signal on PBS.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2429431&cp=&sr=1&origkw=hd+tv&kw=hd+tv&parentPage=search

I had to refresh the channel guide in MCE and a couple of the OTA channels have disappeared. I could manually add them back in, but I'm kind of hoping it "fixes itself". Anyone else experiencing something similar?

anyone knows what going on with CBS 2.1 ?

It used to be the one with the strongest signal but has disappeared the last few weeks for me.

anyone knows what going on with CBS 2.1 ?

It used to be the one with the strongest signal but has disappeared the last few weeks for me.


Might best be described as a "car blinker" as in: It works. It doesn't work. It works. It doesn't work. It works....
:D :D :D

Believe me. I know what you mean~

anyone knows what going on with CBS 2.1 ?

It used to be the one with the strongest signal but has disappeared the last few weeks for me.
I'm in central Jersey(50miles from ESB). CBS is my strongest channel. Nothing has changed for me atleast.

I've been having trouble with all the NY stations. Since early 2002 my reception of the NY stations has been generally very good to excellant. CBS was always the strongest station. Over the past few months its hit or miss with reception. I haven't been able to receive WWOR at all during this time but I generally get FOX. I tried rotation the antenna but that didn't improve things.

I need some help here... I just got my first HD LCD TV and am trying to figure out how to get OTA transmission. I live in Manhattan Midtown West. I can't seem to get any type of reception at all.

I bought the 'Terk HDTVi High Def Interior Antenna' and it just picks up some local stations but I don't see any HD content.

I'm also a little confused about the Channel nomncalature... (5.1 vs. 5-2) same thing?

Can someone please help or direct me to someplace where I can get some info on the list of stations broadcasting and their respective channels?

Thanks

First of all, what brand of TV did you get and what is its model number? Second of all, does it have one coaxial (cable) input on the back or two?

I got the toshiba 42lx177...it only has one coax on the back

I don't know why it is happening but I am getting excellent signals from all NYC stations in Monmouth County, NJ. Did something happened or is the clearing weather affecting this?

I live in Queens and I recently bought the Terk HDTVi for my Samsung DLP. According to antennaweb I should be pointing my antenna northwest for most channels. Putting the antenna closer to the window in this direction brings in some channels but they go in and out so often it's too annoying to watch. I've spent a few days playing around with the positioning and I found that putting the antenna far from the window facing either south or west gives me the best reception. This is facing a concrete wall with more apartments behind it. This doesn't make any sense to me, any suggestion? BTW I'm on the 14th floor.

It's all experimentation. Remember that the signals are getting bounced around a lot where buildings are. My indoor antenna is facing north, and I'm already north of the ESB (North Queens). Plus, it's not even facing a window. It's facing my living room wall. It's all trial and error.

This is a bit random, but Channel 7 is getting a new look by Hothaus, and three new sets! They're already HD, but their graphics suck.

anyone knows what going on with CBS 2.1 ?

It used to be the one with the strongest signal but has disappeared the last few weeks for me.

I got strong signal from CBS this morning but lot of breakups...anyone else experience the same ? I"m in north bronx

I was getting some brief audio hiccups on CBS OTA on my TiVo S3. Anyone else get this?

I was getting some brief audio hiccups on CBS OTA on my TiVo S3. Anyone else get this?
Can anyone with inside information tell us what's going on with CBS ? did they move/lower the power ?

WCBS-DT didn't move.

In fact, CBS's antenna atop the Empire State Building is used by Channels 4, 7, 9, 11 and 13 - what is known as part of the Combiner project.

I believe what you're experiencing are the frustrations of digital UHF transmission - dependent upon humidity, temperature, etc. - you name it.

I use an indoor antenna and I face even more problems having to deal with multipath - it's here today and gone tomorrow!

Can't wait until the analog cutoff and channel allocations power change!

God only knows what things will be like then!!!!

Thanks very much Gary,

The reason I ask is that it seems CBS has always been there for the last few there and nothing changed. I haven't experienced something like about 1 month ago, hence my question about their power/location. It used to be the strongest channel for me.

I will try to rotate the antenna to see if it helps. Maybe the fall weather has something to do with it.

Again, thanks for the clarification. I look forward to your update, Gary.

NBC 4 is having some problem with their OTA and HD cable feed (at least Cablevision). The first 10 minutes after 11 pm there was only a black screen, then a test pattern and then the Tonight Show came on 20 minutes early with an episode from last year looping at 2 points. Test pattern then Tonight Show, back and forth for a few minutes before the 11pm news finally started in progress. The SD feed of the news was running without a hitch on Cablevision.

I haven't seen a test pattern on a television in over 20 years.

I need some help here... I just got my first HD LCD TV and am trying to figure out how to get OTA transmission. I live in Manhattan Midtown West. I can't seem to get any type of reception at all.

I bought the 'Terk HDTVi High Def Interior Antenna' and it just picks up some local stations but I don't see any HD content.

I'm also a little confused about the Channel nomncalature... (5.1 vs. 5-2) same thing?

Can someone please help or direct me to someplace where I can get some info on the list of stations broadcasting and their respective channels?

Thanks


Terk is a piece of junk. Looks like a Silver Sensor but that's where they part company. 5.1,5.2 is like HD-Radio....sub channels but every sub channel takes away bandwidth from the others on the same channel

I live in Queens and I recently bought the Terk HDTVi for my Samsung DLP. According to antennaweb I should be pointing my antenna northwest for most channels. Putting the antenna closer to the window in this direction brings in some channels but they go in and out so often it's too annoying to watch. I've spent a few days playing around with the positioning and I found that putting the antenna far from the window facing either south or west gives me the best reception. This is facing a concrete wall with more apartments behind it. This doesn't make any sense to me, any suggestion? BTW I'm on the 14th floor.

Chuck the Terk and get the Silver Sensor http://electronics.search.*********/silver-sensor_Consumer-Electronics_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ293

"Silver Sensor" is Zenith's brand name for a fairly generic design. Many companies make Silver Sensors under different model numbers, for example the Terk HDTVi and Philips PHDTV1. Most likely you'll be able to find one of those in a local store.


The Terk IS NOT the Silver Sensor. The Zenith and Philips ARE

what gives with WCBS? why aren't they showing the first half of the CBS NFL double header today?

what gives with WCBS? why aren't they showing the first half of the CBS NFL double header today?

The Giants on FOX are the home team. No other game can be shown local to "protect" the live gate of the home team. That's why the game must be a sellout in order for it to be shown in the local area. If the Giants were IN Green Bay, a game could be shown on CBS opposite.

i didn't know that.... so the giants v. packers isn't a sell out? that doesn't seem likely.

i didn't know that.... so the giants v. packers isn't a sell out? that doesn't seem likely.
If Giants v. Packers were not a sellout, the game wouldn't have been broadcast locally on TV at all. Such is the way of NFL blackouts.

so you're saying that if the jets play at 1pm and the giants play at 4pm and Fox has the double header.... fox can't show a game at 1pm under any circumstance? that's ridonkulous.

so you're saying that if the jets play at 1pm and the giants play at 4pm and Fox has the double header.... fox can't show a game at 1pm under any circumstance? that's ridonkulous.
The idea is if the local team is playing at home, that's the only game you'll be able to see at that timeslot. So if the Jets are at home at 1pm on CBS, there will be no game on Fox at 1pm. Whereas, like today, if the Giants are at home on Fox, there will be no game on CBS.

Again, this is to protect local team ticket revenues and TV advertisers. It's the same all over the country, we're just in the somewhat unique position of having two teams.

Since the Giants and Jets share a stadium, there will never be a situation where both teams are at home on the same weekend.

The idea is if the local team is playing at home, that's the only game you'll be able to see at that timeslot. So if the Jets are at home at 1pm on CBS, there will be no game on Fox at 1pm. Whereas, like today, if the Giants are at home on Fox, there will be no game on CBS.

Again, this is to protect local team ticket revenues and TV advertisers. It's the same all over the country, we're just in the somewhat unique position of having two teams.

Since the Giants and Jets share a stadium, there will never be a situation where both teams are at home on the same weekend.

this makes sunday ticket a lot more valuable to the new york market... you've got a 50/50 chance of being screwed out of an out of market game every sunday.

When both teams are on the road (that does happen once or twice a season), or playing on different days, we get the network doubleheader.

We also get the double header when the home teams network has the DH. If the Jets are home and CBS has the DH you'll get the OOM CBS game against the Giants and vice versa.

OTA reception of WNBC-DT was all f'ed up tonight, it started breaking up during Chuck, and then just before Heroes the signal dropped out pretty much completely.

Watched the same programming OTA, and no problems on the Uppper East Side.

OTA reception of WNBC-DT was all f'ed up tonight, it started breaking up during Chuck, and then just before Heroes the signal dropped out pretty much completely.

Interestingly, for me, Heroes had at least 3-4 different intervals of breakups---but I couldn't be totally sure that it wasn't my antenna. Both of my HD Tivo's that are hooked up to the SAME antenna had the exact same breakups on 4-1 at the EXACT same times. One time that I can recall was at the 36 minute mark. Watching Journeyman at 10pm there were NO breakups during the 1:02 long show. I checked this board as well as the programming board to see if ANYONE was complaining on the Heroes thread for transmission issues but I didn't see any complaints....so I figured it was my setup.
:confused:

I had similar OTA issues beginning around 8:30pm-9pm or so; why must they screw up transmissions during prime time original programming whenever they do it? I actually had to switch to the cable HD feeds of my locals last night. That's backwards! :)

I had similar OTA issues beginning around 8:30pm-9pm or so; why must they screw up transmissions during prime time original programming whenever they do it? I actually had to switch to the cable HD feeds of my locals last night. That's backwards! :)

The worst part for me was that I was watching on one HD A/V setup that was within 10 feet of a 2nd HD A/V Setup....both recorded Heroes off of 4-1 on HD Tivos....both were hooked up to the same rooftop antenna---both had issues at the SAME spot. Now my OTHER HD Tivos' (hooked up to another rooftop antenna) weren't set to record 4-1...(hell, I think 2 recordings is enough redundancy eh? :D)...so I couldn't verify if the issues was a local transmission issue...or my particular setups :mad:

So, now, I think I'll have to set a recording off of 4-1 on one setup, 4-1 on the other...because I don't watch TV "live" in my house so real time "checking" isn't an option for me!!!:(

Anyone else record or watch NCIS? Anyone watch it from an analog source? I have no voice trac on my capture from last night. I wish I had the analog Tivo setup to record it as a "backup" since I assume the analog signal would not have had the same problem. Anyone else?

As for NBC, I long ago gave up on the OTA signal and capture from my cable feed and that was fine for Heroes just as an FYI.

Andy

Anyone else record or watch NCIS? Anyone watch it from an analog source? I have no voice trac on my capture from last night. I wish I had the analog Tivo setup to record it as a "backup" since I assume the analog signal would not have had the same problem. Anyone else?

As for NBC, I long ago gave up on the OTA signal and capture from my cable feed and that was fine for Heroes just as an FYI.

Andy

It might not be you.
I watched it 'live' last night and during the opening few minutes, it seemed that the lips moved while the voice did not appear. My system was sending the audio through my AVR/surround sound with the plasma (itself) set to 1 (almost silent) on the volume chart. There was music and background noises coming from my surround system (not via the Plasma) Due to a phone call coming in simultaneously, I tried to switch to CC. Some of the dialogue appeared in the cc mode on screen, while most did not. BTW- commercials did have full sound during this interval + my OTA was really using Cablevision 2-1 that does not show unless I manually program in that station.

Due to the timing, I thought that I had screwed up the cc input somehow. But based on your posting, it does not look like either of us caused it.

I switched back to the non cc mode and shortly there after, full voice sound (synced with the lips) returned. In other words, rewatch it (if you have not erased it) and wait until about 5 minutes into the show.

..Mark

wait until about 5 minutes into the show.

..Mark

I still have it. I always use CC so I figured I would watch it when I felt more patient and would rely on the CC. Glad to hear they figured it out before the end of the show and will watch it in full. I think I gave up right before they fixed it by what you say. I guess my timing was bad.

Andy

I recorded the program via Time-Warner Cable and had the same problem. What apparently happened was that the program came down the network as 5.1 channels but WCBS was sending out only 2.0; that is only the left and right channels were present. After about 11 minutes they switched the sound to 5.1 channels and the sound was then OK. A couple of years ago WNBC had the same problem on a couple of shows. Unfortunately in those cases they never corrected the problem during the show. I thought that by this time WCBS wouldn't make such a mistake.

Cynthia

There was a problem. No voices could be heard on 2-1 although the background music was there. Program was fine on CBS in Boston over expressvu

Odd....Heroes came across flawlessly. I guess it all depends upon where you are, your antenna and the HD tuner one uses. I mostly use the Sony DHG-HD250 + a CM4228 UHF on the roof

After about 11 minutes they switched the sound to 5.1 channels and the sound was then OK...... I thought that by this time WCBS wouldn't make such a mistake.

Cynthia

There was a time when mistakes like this were considered the worst thing that could happen (dead air) but now it seems no one really cares very much. They had better realize the people watching thier digital transmitter are not "second class watchers" and learn how to operate the stuff already.

There was a time when mistakes like this were considered the worst thing that could happen (dead air) but now it seems no one really cares very much. They had better realize the people watching thier digital transmitter are not "second class watchers" and learn how to operate the stuff already.

Taking long to fix a problem is not sufficient argument to say the networks don't care. As I stated in another thread, tv is more complex than some people imagine. There are a lot of things in the chain prior to a signal reaching your home tv. Digital is not easier than analog. Analog was perfected over time.
Not to mention trying to do two businesses (HD & SD) with their own nuances.

Taking long to fix a problem is not sufficient argument to say the networks don't care. As I stated in another thread, tv is more complex than some people imagine. There are a lot of things in the chain prior to a signal reaching your home tv. Digital is not easier than analog. Analog was perfected over time.
Not to mention trying to do two businesses (HD & SD) with their own nuances.


Sorry but I deal with mission critical technology all the time and "gee it is hard" is kind of pathetic. My conclusion is not based on this one incident; it is based on years of evidence. What happened was not likely a problem but very likely carelessness. And BTW, some people understand how complex TV is.

Sorry but I deal with mission critical technology all the time and "gee it is hard" is kind of pathetic. My conclusion is not based on this one incident; it is based on years of evidence. What happened was not likely a problem but very likely carelessness. And BTW, some people understand how complex TV is.

It's not a "gee it is hard" answer. Not really trying to argue. Just wanted to let you know that it is more complex than the analog world. There are probably less things standardized now than analog (see various HD formats, various Dolby delivery methods, audio needing to be delayed to match HD video, etc.) Networks care more than some folks think and are indeed trying to get it right. Getting it done fast doesn't equal getting it done right. You can have it done fast or you can have it done right. Which do you prefer? I'm certain you might like a mix of the two. But certain you want it done right.

I live on the 11th floor on the upper east side facing south, SW. Just taped two hangers on a cardboard box :o and wired straight to coax antenna connect on my panny th-50px60u. I get some watchable reception on the basic channels. Will I get clear reception and possibly more channels if I buy some equipment, like a silver sensor? I look forward to your suggestions!

I live on the 11th floor on the upper east side facing south, SW. Just taped two hangers on a cardboard box :o and wired straight to coax antenna connect on my panny th-50px60u. I get some watchable reception on the basic channels. Will I get clear reception and possibly more channels if I buy some equipment, like a silver sensor? I look forward to your suggestions!
I don't think there is a clear answer to that question. You might, then again you might not. It's all experimentation. You're relatively high up and your apartment faces the Empire State Building, so you've got quite good conditions for receiving all the local channels, so I'd imagine you're already getting all that you can get.

But it can't hurt to pick up a cheap Silver Sensor (you live on the UES, you can afford it. ;) ) and return it if it doesn't deliver the results you want.

This isn't a question about reception, per se, but about the signal Channel 11 is broadcasting.

I looked at a couple of the new shows this season and they just didn't look HD to me. CBS, NBC -- even Fox -- had more detail. The picture was noticibly softer on 11.

Can anyone speak to what is happening?

Thanks.

This isn't a question about reception, per se, but about the signal Channel 11 is broadcasting.

I looked at a couple of the new shows this season and they just didn't look HD to me. CBS, NBC -- even Fox -- had more detail. The picture was noticibly softer on 11.

Can anyone speak to what is happening?

Thanks.

And I thought Smallville looked better than Prison Break does on Fox. I guess individual monitors probably come into play a bit.

Is anyone else having a problem with 4-1 and 11-1 in NY? I received these channels with no problem until yesterday, now neither of them are showing a signal. All my other OTA's are coming in fine.

Hello everyone,

I've done some searching on the forum and Google, but still somewhat confused.

I have Time Warner internet cable service in my apartment (I live in NYC, north of 86th st). I DO NOT have cable tv service. So the wire running to the cable modem is split in two, one going to the cable modem, and the other connecting directly to my Vizio tv (the tv has a built-in ATSC HD tuner).

So my tv picks up certain OTA (i'm assuming its OTA) channels. For example, channel 1-2 is CBSHD, 1-4 is NBCHD, 1-5 is FOXHD, 1-7 is ABCHD, etc. I also get TNTHD, but it's channel 93-2. The TV is setup in digital mode (the other option is analog, in which case all the HD channels are gone).

Basically my question is this: where can I get a full lineup list of the actual channels that I receive, and which ones are in HD? Also, anyone else have the same setup as I do? Why do I get SO many random channels such as 111-152, 111-153, etc (all the way to 111-176. and at least 15 channels on the 93-X line).

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

Hello everyone,

I've done some searching on the forum and Google, but still somewhat confused.

I have Time Warner internet cable service in my apartment (I live in NYC, north of 86th st). I DO NOT have cable tv service. So the wire running to the cable modem is split in two, one going to the cable modem, and the other connecting directly to my Vizio tv (the tv has a built-in ATSC HD tuner).

So my tv picks up certain OTA (i'm assuming its OTA) channels. For example, channel 1-2 is CBSHD, 1-4 is NBCHD, 1-5 is FOXHD, 1-7 is ABCHD, etc. I also get TNTHD, but it's channel 93-2. The TV is setup in digital mode (the other option is analog, in which case all the HD channels are gone).

Basically my question is this: where can I get a full lineup list of the actual channels that I receive, and which ones are in HD? Also, anyone else have the same setup as I do? Why do I get SO many random channels such as 111-152, 111-153, etc (all the way to 111-176. and at least 15 channels on the 93-X line).

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
Try asking the question at this thread...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11835467#post11835467

Hello everyone,

I've done some searching on the forum and Google, but still somewhat confused.

I have Time Warner internet cable service in my apartment (I live in NYC, north of 86th st). I DO NOT have cable tv service. So the wire running to the cable modem is split in two, one going to the cable modem, and the other connecting directly to my Vizio tv (the tv has a built-in ATSC HD tuner).

So my tv picks up certain OTA (i'm assuming its OTA) channels. For example, channel 1-2 is CBSHD, 1-4 is NBCHD, 1-5 is FOXHD, 1-7 is ABCHD, etc. I also get TNTHD, but it's channel 93-2. The TV is setup in digital mode (the other option is analog, in which case all the HD channels are gone).

Basically my question is this: where can I get a full lineup list of the actual channels that I receive, and which ones are in HD? Also, anyone else have the same setup as I do? Why do I get SO many random channels such as 111-152, 111-153, etc (all the way to 111-176. and at least 15 channels on the 93-X line).

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

You are receiving what is known as QAM transmission of channels.

Cable companies are "supposed" to provide their service areas' OTA channels for those television customers (paying customers) who choose not to use
(pay for) a set-top box. TNT-HD is thrown in as a bonus, for some unknown reason.

It sounds as if you installed the splitter yourself to "expropriate" television service.

You really shouldn't be advertising in a public forum that you've done this.

Finally, I don't know of any published list of TWC's QAM channel line-up.

Gary, thanks for the input.

When I moved into this building, there was only 1 cable running into my apartment. I used to just attach that cable to my TV and watch regular channels (no HD, no cable channels, but I still had TNT and TBS, no ESPN, etc).

Then when I signed up for TW internet service, the installer used the existing cable, used a splitter (one to TV and one to the cable modem) and set up the internet. I only started receiving the HD channels when I bought this new Vizio TV that has the HD tuner built-in.

I'm assuming there is nothing wrong with what I've done, considering TW set it up for me.

LL3HD: I didn't ask in that page because I don't have cable TV service, and my channel lineup is completely different from those that have TW cable. I guess I'll have to do some research on the difference between QAM and OTA.

... I don't have cable TV service, and my channel lineup is completely different from those that have TW cable. I guess I'll have to do some research on the difference between QAM and OTA.The cable that you have attached to your computer and to your TV is coming from TW. This is like getting basic cable service. I do believe that if you post on the local TWNY thread that you will find that there are others that have the same set up and can map out the channels for you. ;)

You are receiving what is known as QAM transmission of channels.... I don't know of any published list of TWC's QAM channel line-up.
If you went to the TWCNY thread, as I suggested, :) then you will see this post. This guy busted out a pretty interesting chart.:cool:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11871924&postcount=12881

No cigar!

Yes, the chart is interesting, but bears no resemblance to the unencrypted QAM reception that I receive on two sets and to what the original questioner had asked!

For example, Channel 93.1 is WWOR-DD and Channel 93.2 in TNT-HD - no such listings under QAM on your recommended resource.

So, for our purposes, the chart provides no answers!

No cigar!

Yes, the chart is interesting, but bears no resemblance to the unencrypted QAM reception that I receive on two sets and to what the original questioner had asked!

For example, Channel 93.1 is WWOR-DD and Channel 93.2 in TNT-HD - no such listings under QAM on your recommended resource.

So, for our purposes, the chart provides no answers!:o Sorry..Oh well, it’s all encrypted to me. :p

But the chart is a good bit of information—if for only to see how TW jams a dozen eggs into a ½ dozen carton.:cool:

Hello all. Newbie here with questions. I am getting my HDTV on Tuesday (Sharp Aquos 1080p). As weird as it may sound - I hate television. I am getting the TV to watch DVDs mostly. However, I am also a sports fan, and I would like to watch football in HD. I would hate to get cable just for that, but if needed, I would (wouldn't mind watching the Rangers). How good is your reception of FOX, NBC, and CBS? For now my antenna on the roof has perfect SDTV reception for FOX, and a watchable (a little snow/ghosting) picture on CBS and NBC. Are HDTV on different channels? How do I find them - do I hook up my current antenna and do a channel scan on the TV? Thanks in advance, and my apologies if you've heard it all before. Oh, I am in Brooklyn - 11229.

I live in Staten Island, and I am interested in Dxing. I am not near any tall buildings, and I am around 175 feet above sea level (on top a hill). I'd really like to get Philadelphia TV stations. Is it possible using the Eyetv Hybrid I have? I also am going to connect my roof antenna to it, and make it point towards Philadelphia? Is this possible via ATSC or NTSC?

How good is your reception of FOX, NBC, and CBS? For now my antenna on the roof has perfect SDTV reception for FOX, and a watchable (a little snow/ghosting) picture on CBS and NBC. Are HDTV on different channels? How do I find them - do I hook up my current antenna and do a channel scan on the TV? Thanks in advance, and my apologies if you've heard it all before. Oh, I am in Brooklyn - 11229.
It's hard to say, but I suspect that you've got a decent shot of getting good OTA HDTV via your TV's ATSC tuner. Channels are on different frequencies but your TV should automatically find them and map them accordingly. If you're curious about what you can tune in, I suggest plugging your address into the TVFool site.

I live in Staten Island, and I am interested in Dxing. I am not near any tall buildings, and I am around 175 feet above sea level (on top a hill). I'd really like to get Philadelphia TV stations. Is it possible using the Eyetv Hybrid I have? I also am going to connect my roof antenna to it, and make it point towards Philadelphia? Is this possible via ATSC or NTSC?

Having lived on SI (my parents still live there) I think it'll be pretty hard for you to get consistent/reliable signals from the philly OTA stations. I USED to be able to get analog Philly stations years ago but not reliably and not clearly. Having said all that, when I hooked up a rooftop antenna (with a mast mounted pre-amp) a few years ago, I was not able to get them any Philly stations other than the NJ PBS stations out of Montclair and Trenton. You MAY be able to get some of the Philly OTA stations when the tropospheric conditions are right (I think that's the right word--though I haven't even thought of that stuff in years....:cool:--amazing how far OTA reception in the NY/NJ area has come since I started in 2003 when I used to tool around with my OTA antenna trying to pick up OTA staions from Mass/Delaware/MD and the like--which I was able to do...)

Give it a shot though---the worst that can happen is that it won't work! You'll have a better shot (obviously) with a rooftop antenna and the fact that you are 175 feet asl is pretty awesome.

Reality is you'd be gaining some ABC regional sporting events as well as some Phillies games---I'm not sure if the Flyers/Sixers are on OTA as well as local news programming in HD. The PBS stations out of NJ are useless AFA HD programming compared to 13-1 IMHO.

And, if you can I'd recommend getting a rotor for that rooftop antenna. Both of my rooftop antennas are rotor mounted---makes it much easier to fine-tune your reception as well as giving you the ability to rotate towards NYC and Philly (and the NJ stations in North Jersey as well)

Just curious if anyone else with DirecTV DVR'd any of the war episodes and had a showing that WAS NOT "The War"?? In particular the episode titled "A World Without War"....which I believe is the last installment. I set my HDTIVO to record the 10/6 at 7pm showing on 13-1....and the 2:30 recording was of 3 totally different programs!

This was the first episode of "The War" that I *think* I didn't record on it's first airing. This time slot/date was a re-airing of the episode which I think first aired in the middle of the week.

I think this thread had a listing of "The War" re-airings so I'll have to go search for that link to see when this episode will be re-aired on 13-1...especially since it seems that none of the PBS NJ HD stations are showing this.

So....anyone else (outside of D* subs) experience the same thing? Or was the D* guide data just incorrect?

Having lived on SI (my parents still live there) I think it'll be pretty hard for you to get consistent/reliable signals from the philly OTA stations. I USED to be able to get analog Philly stations years ago but not reliably and not clearly. Having said all that, when I hooked up a rooftop antenna (with a mast mounted pre-amp) a few years ago, I was not able to get them any Philly stations other than the NJ PBS stations out of Montclair and Trenton. You MAY be able to get some of the Philly OTA stations when the tropospheric conditions are right (I think that's the right word--though I haven't even thought of that stuff in years....:cool:--amazing how far OTA reception in the NY/NJ area has come since I started in 2003 when I used to tool around with my OTA antenna trying to pick up OTA staions from Mass/Delaware/MD and the like--which I was able to do...)

Give it a shot though---the worst that can happen is that it won't work! You'll have a better shot (obviously) with a rooftop antenna and the fact that you are 175 feet asl is pretty awesome.

Reality is you'd be gaining some ABC regional sporting events as well as some Phillies games---I'm not sure if the Flyers/Sixers are on OTA as well as local news programming in HD. The PBS stations out of NJ are useless AFA HD programming compared to 13-1 IMHO.

And, if you can I'd recommend getting a rotor for that rooftop antenna. Both of my rooftop antennas are rotor mounted---makes it much easier to fine-tune your reception as well as giving you the ability to rotate towards NYC and Philly (and the NJ stations in North Jersey as well)

I used to be able to get WPHL in the 1998's pretty well, about the strength of NJN 58. Not anymore though. My fiddiling around has allowed me to finally recive WNET HD via OTA however.

I used to be able to get WPHL in the 1998's pretty well, about the strength of NJN 58. Not anymore though. My fiddiling around has allowed me to finally recive WNET HD via OTA however.

Which antenna are you receiving WNET via? The rooftop or that other one you mentioned?

As a kid back in the 80's, I can remember watching Sixers games on analog 17...which I *think* is/was WPHL....

I'm using Radio Shack amplified rabbit ears, and I moved it barley half a foot, and then I got WNET HD, which previously I couldn't recive anywhere. The antenna I'm trying to hook up is one of the ones that go on top of my sat dish (dormant), and lucky enough for me, that's pointing southwest towards Philly, in the exact direction of what antenna web says is where the Philly transmitter is.

Anyone else having a problem catching Fox this weekend?
After a year of relatively problem-free reception (Samsung HD tuner, Terk ant.)
Fox 5.1 and 5.2 are gone. I can still catch Fox through 9.2. Are there any alternative channel numbers for Fox or has anything major changed this weekend?
Thanks in advance!

Fox 5.1 was coming in fine here in Wayne, NJ during the baseball game last night.

I would like to watch football in HD. I would hate to get cable just for that, but if needed, I would (wouldn't mind watching the Rangers). How good is your reception of FOX, NBC, and CBS? For now my antenna on the roof has perfect SDTV reception for FOX, and a watchable (a little snow/ghosting) picture on CBS and NBC.

When I lived in 11215 I received those stations with a 25 dollar window antenna from my 3rd floor apt. I used http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx to set up the direction of the antenna. Football looked great in HD. If your TV has a tuner you can just plug in your antenna and scan for the channels.

Anyone else having a problem catching Fox this weekend?


I could not tune in fox this weekend using my "QAM" tuner. I did not try over the air. It was working fine before. I hope someone can answer this, the world series is coming up!

After 4 days I rescanned all the channels and 5.1 and 5.2 are back. Maybe their alternate channel numbers, whatever they are, changed?

When I lived in 11215 I received those stations with a 25 dollar window antenna from my 3rd floor apt. I used http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx to set up the direction of the antenna. Football looked great in HD. If your TV has a tuner you can just plug in your antenna and scan for the channels.

I'm in 11216 and catch 23 channels with a antenna pointed out my window. I'm on the second floor with a back yard but 2 taller buildings on each side and the antennaweb suggestions were useless. I'm pointed about 90 degrees counterclockwise from ESB with the antenna positioned on its back at a 60-70 degree angle into the sky. It took hours of experimentation. Don't give up if you don't catch all channels. You might have to walk the room to find the hot spots. I still can't catch PBS.

That's interesting, I now live in 11216 and had a similar experience. There is a reflection off the buildings and pointing in completely the wrong direction I got Fox without a problem and then pointing in the correct direction, moving the antenna to the opposite side of the apt to a window pointing toward the Empire State Building, I could get almost all the local channels except PBS.

When I lived in 11215 I received those stations with a 25 dollar window antenna from my 3rd floor apt. I used http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx to set up the direction of the antenna. Football looked great in HD. If your TV has a tuner you can just plug in your antenna and scan for the channels.

Yep, I unhooked my roof antenna from my old TV and hooked it into the Sharp, and the picture is absolutely astounding! I'm happy that I don't have to get cable now.

I just got a new Panasonic 1080p Plasma, and I live on the Upper East Side. What kind of antenna would you recommend for me, if I was trying to go the indoor route? I don't wanna spend anything over $50, but I would like to receive a decent amount of basic channels. Unfortunately, my windows all face West and North. :(

I just got a new Panasonic 1080p Plasma, and I live on the Upper East Side. What kind of antenna would you recommend for me, if I was trying to go the indoor route? I don't wanna spend anything over $50, but I would like to receive a decent amount of basic channels. Unfortunately, my windows all face West and North. :(
OTA signals don't require line-of-sight, so the direction your windows face doesn't matter all that much. I'm in a basement with one tiny east-facing window in Staten Island, and I was still able to pull in most signals.

"require" is the operative word!

In a perfect world, line-of-sight with no obstructions is the ultimate.

I live in Manhattan and don't have line-of-sight - only some 40 blocks from the
Empire State and also situated too low.

The signals I receive ricochet off many buildings on their way to me. I'm using those
deflected signals for over-the-air reception.

Many postings here have talked about using the indoor Silver Sensor - the Philips version of this antenna is available at Circuit City.


Try it. You'll have to be patient - you literally "walk" it around your room noting signal quality and strength of each channel you hope to watch. Then you comprimise!

Although you probably don't want to spend the money, you'll probably end up with a cable installation.

Good luck.

If I live in a co-op building that has a master antenna for OTA VHF channels, will I be able to receive the local HD channels (CBS, NBC, etc.) on an HDTV with a built in ATSC tuner?

TIA....JL

You probably won't get much from the master antenna which, as you state is VHF, and being a master antenna, more than likely it doesn't use a wide band antenna.

Currently the only HD channel in the Metropolitan area on the VHF is WNJB-DT, channel 8 assigned to New Brunswick, NJ. It will eventually move its transmitting antenna to the Conde Nast Building in Times Square.

Until the change over to digital in February 2009, all of the other Metro stations are on UHF.

Come February 2009, there will be three digital HD stations in the area.

WABC-DT will then be on channel 7
WPIX-DT will then be on channel 11
WNET-DT will then be on channel 13

Long way around to say forget the master antenna the way its currently constituted.
If the building wants to update its system it can - it will only cost the shareholders money. More than likely, the majority of them already have cable and will be unwilling to approve the expense.

Gary, thanks for your response. I posted the question for my brother in law because he is looking to purchase an LCD HDTV. I guess he'll have to wait until 2009 to watch OTA HD content. Just for giggles, I might take my 19" HDTV to his co-op just to see what we can get.

Regards...JL

Gary, thanks for your response. I posted the question for my brother in law because he is looking to purchase an LCD HDTV. I guess he'll have to wait until 2009 to watch OTA HD content. Just for giggles, I might take my 19" HDTV to his co-op just to see what we can get.

Regards...JL

Well, Gary answered accurately, but a very easy way to get OTA UHF is with an inexpensive UHF indoor antenna. You can get them for about $20. Heck, he/you can even try the little loop antenna that comes with many TV's just to see what the reception is like.

I live in a co-op in NW Queens, and my apartment faces East-Northeast. So, there are more than a few walls in between my location and the Empire State Building direction. But I can still pick up the OTA digitals. The signals get a little dicey when people are moving around the living room, but if you're just hanging out watching, they come in fine. Of course, you will probably have to fine-tune the antenna direction for different channels. Most of these ATSC TVs come with Signal Strength meters so you can at least tell if you're moving the antenna in the right direction.

By the way, many times you will get better reception by facing the antenna in a direction that's not directly aimed at the transmitter tower. In other words, you'll get a better signal from one that's bounced to you from another direction than direct.

For indoor antennas, many people swear by the "Silver Sensor", which is usually available for around $20. This model comes under different brand names, like Zenith, Phillips, etc. If you go to Amazon and search for "Philips PHDTV1", you should see it come up for $17.88. Buy something else for $7.12 (to get to $25.00) and you can get free Super Saver shipping. Just make sure to choose Super Saver when checking out. It won't default to that. You need to spend $25.00 to get that option.

You probably won't get much from the master antenna which, as you state is VHF, and being a master antenna, more than likely it doesn't use a wide band antenna.

Currently the only HD channel in the Metropolitan area on the VHF is WNJB-DT, channel 8 assigned to New Brunswick, NJ. It will eventually move its transmitting antenna to the Conde Nast Building in Times Square.

Until the change over to digital in February 2009, all of the other Metro stations are on UHF.

Come February 2009, there will be three digital HD stations in the area.

WABC-DT will then be on channel 7
WPIX-DT will then be on channel 11
WNET-DT will then be on channel 13

Long way around to say forget the master antenna the way its currently constituted.
If the building wants to update its system it can - it will only cost the shareholders money. More than likely, the majority of them already have cable and will be unwilling to approve the expense.

I have a CM4228 UHF antenna and I am able to receive decent signals on analog 7,11, and 13. Will I be able to get them digitally in 2009 or must I have
a dual antenna?

If you are receiving "decent" signals on 7,11 and 13 now - more than likely, you should be in good shape for the changeover.

Just remember, with digital transmission, you take nothing for granted.

If you are receiving "decent" signals on 7,11 and 13 now - more than likely, you should be in good shape for the changeover.

Just remember, with digital transmission, you take nothing for granted.

Yeah...they are definitely watchable...thanks very much

to add to the frustrations of signal reflection and line of site, you have to also consider the area air ports and traffic helicopters during the morning and afternoon rushes. i catch a decent signal considering the reflection from area buildings but when planes or helicopters fly between the ESB and my apartment the signal gets disrupted.

The much-heralded "5th Generation" OTA ATSC tuners do wonders with DTV reception, especially if you have lots of signal (reflected or otherwise) which is usually the case in NYC and the close-by suburbs.

What I'd like to know is, whether the tuners in the new ATSC sets (the only ones you can buy starting earlier this year) are doing a good job with OTA signals. My experience has been that either "rabbit-ears," a whip antenna, or a "Silver Sensor" provide good indoor reception. A good VHF-UHF outdoor antenna usually does well, too. So, if you have one of the newer sets, please post the model number and which city you are in (or borough.)

If these recent reports of finnicky indoor reception are with the newer sets, it would be helpful to find out which ones work well and which ones don't, especially for the die-hard "free-TVers."

Thanks!

Anyone else not getting CBS 2.1 at all today? I am really pissed that I cannot watch the Pats/Colts game.

No Problem - coming in loud and clear!

No Problem - coming in loud and clear!

So strange. I wonder what the heck happened to me, then. I was forced to watch the entire Pats/Colts game on the horrible CBS analogue channel.

Was it my set-up or was the Dancing with the Stars audio out of sync with the video for the first 15 minutes tonight.

Was it my set-up or was the Dancing with the Stars audio out of sync with the video for the first 15 minutes tonight. It was out of synch for me on TWCNY too for the very beginning.

Thanks Larry, I just wanted to confirm this as I'm still in the process of setting up an HTPC and I thought my a/v sync problems were behind me until this happened.

I know this may be a stupid question, but how are you guys tuning to 2.1 on your tv? I just bought my tv last night (Sammy Ln-T4053H) and don't get a single channel. I have DirecTV btw....hoping to just get a couple of the "in the clear" channels.

I know this may be a stupid question, but how are you guys tuning to 2.1 on your tv? I just bought my tv last night (Sammy Ln-T4053H) and don't get a single channel. I have DirecTV btw....hoping to just get a couple of the "in the clear" channels.
If you have DirecTV, why not just get WCBS-HD from them?

But yeah, if you are using an OTA antenna and it is hooked up properly, doing a channel scan should get 2.1 for you, then simply tuning to channel 2 should make it select 2.1 automatically,

If you have DirecTV, why not just get WCBS-HD from them?

But yeah, if you are using an OTA antenna and it is hooked up properly, doing a channel scan should get 2.1 for you, then simply tuning to channel 2 should make it select 2.1 automatically,

I have the older satellite box....they won't be able to change my satellite and boxes out for 1.5 weeks.

Hi everyone
I live in Bayside, Queens (11364 is my zip)
Will I be able to pull in an HD signal with an indoor antenna?
I ask because I'm pretty sure I used to have a line of sight view of the skyline from the west-most bedroom, but now there are trees in between me and the ESB. Would I be able to get away with a Terk HDTVi on my second story bedroom, on the east side of the building. Should I face it towards the wall, or do I need to run it from the west side room to the one where the TV is? do I need an outdoor antenna instead?
I'm only 11 miles from the the esb, so I was kind of hoping I would be able to bring in CBS, Fox, UPN, CW, ABC, etc. But I heard that digital reception is line of sight. Is this true? BTW, there's no hills or anything btwn me and Manhattan.

Thanks

Hi everyone
I live in Bayside, Queens (11364 is my zip)
Will I be able to pull in an HD signal with an indoor antenna?

Would I be able to get away with a Terk HDTVi on my second story bedroom, on the east side of the building.
My guess is if you’re already getting a good signal inside your home then you don’t need to go with an external antenna but an external antenna will probably give you more stations and if you put one of those motorized rotators on it you can swing it towards Connecticut etc.

Do you already own the Terk? If not, see if there is any other alternative indoors solutions. I don’t know anything about Terk but the mere mention usually brings out a lot of haters claiming that they are overpriced. The same thing usually happens when someone mentions Bose or Monster but that’s not important.

I'm in Manhattan, not paying for cable but have a splittler for my Time Warner internet cable so I can get the coax to my Samsung 4065 (w/ ATSC tuner). I get a bunch of DTV channels. Is there any advantage to adding an OTA antenna? Or is this redundant? APologies for the lame question =).

My guess is if you’re already getting a good signal inside your home then you don’t need to go with an external antenna but an external antenna will probably give you more stations and if you put one of those motorized rotators on it you can swing it towards Connecticut etc.

Do you already own the Terk? If not, see if there is any other alternative indoors solutions. I don’t know anything about Terk but the mere mention usually brings out a lot of haters claiming that they are overpriced. The same thing usually happens when someone mentions Bose or Monster but that’s not important.

I don't own any of it yet. I'm getting an HDTV for Christmas so I figured I would do some research.
I only want channels from NYC.
I don't know what kind of signal I would get since I don't have the TV or antenna yet.

I don't own any of it yet. I'm getting an HDTV for Christmas so I figured I would do some research.
I only want channels from NYC.
I don't know what kind of signal I would get since I don't have the TV or antenna yet.Do you have any TV in your home that is not hooked up to a cable (TW) or satellite (DirecTv or Dish) that gets a good over the air picture with rabbit ears? If so, then that’s what I meant—you should be ok for HD.

to be honest with you I'm not sure. I used to have one and I think it got pretty decent quality. I don't think I can test really because all we have now is cable, and I don't even know where we have a set of rabbit ears. I can try to find them and hook them up to the tv in the other bedroom though.

...all we have now is cable, and I don't even know where we have a set of rabbit ears...
Just in case you are not aware of another option, since you mentioned that you already have cable, you can use a splitter and run a separate cable directly into your new display, assuming it has a QAM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM_tuner) tuner and get the locals in HD. According to a poster in the TWCNY thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12267745#post12267745), you should be able to get the locals and TNT in HD.

actually I have analog cable, not dtv.

You should still be able to get locals in HD. The "digital cable" channels might be trapped out on your cable, though.

I don't know because our cable has been acting up a lot lately with static and picture breaks and noise. If I can get good reception from an indoor antenna, I will. Plus I'd have to run a cable, an undertaking I don't feel like I want to do. OTA is better quality sans-compression anyway.

I didn't know I could get HD with analog cable. Apparently they send them over the same cable unscrambled?

...our cable has been acting up a lot lately with static and picture breaks and noise.
If you’re having a problem with TW, call them and complain. They will set up a free service call and check everything out.
I didn't know I could get HD with analog cable. Apparently they send them over the same cable unscrambled?
Yes, they do.

WWOR-HD to show 2 Rangers and 2 Knicks games

Cable or Broadcast?
It's hard to tell sometimes.

That'll be the case Sunday when NY City broadcast station MY9 WWOR-TV
carries MSG-produced coverage of the New York Rangers vs Dallas Stars
NHL game at 1pm ET.

The stunt is part of a 4-game package for the broadcast station,
including one more Rangers' game (Dec 16 vs Phoenix) and a pair of
New York Knicks' basketball games (Dec 30 vs Chicago and Mar 30 vs
Atlanta). All four games will be produced in HD and feature MSG
announcers. Carriage on WWOR will give MSG increased exposure in the
NY metro market, said Lydia Murphy-Stephans, EVP, Programming and
Production for MSG. WWOR-TV's incentive is obvious, offering coverage
of the white-hot Rangers. The Knicks, while not playing well, are
generating plenty of headlines with reports of internal dissention
between guard Stephon Marbury and coach Isiah Thomas.

MSG is part of Madison Square Garden, L.P., which is owned by the
Dolans' Cablevision Systems Corp, which also owns the Knicks, Rangers
and the Garden itself. WWOR-TV My9 and WNYW FOX 5 are owned-and-
operated by the FOX Television Stations, an owned-and-operated
network broadcast group with 35 stations in 26 markets and covering
nearly 45% of U.S. television homes.

http://www.cable360.net/technology/news/26708.html

I don't know because our cable has been acting up a lot lately with static and picture breaks and noise. If I can get good reception from an indoor antenna, I will. Plus I'd have to run a cable, an undertaking I don't feel like I want to do. OTA is better quality sans-compression anyway.

I didn't know I could get HD with analog cable. Apparently they send them over the same cable unscrambled?
I have the most basic level of cable service. Only over the air channels. I can pick up all OTA digital channels using the QAM tuner on my HDTV.

Hi everyone
I live in Bayside, Queens (11364 is my zip)
Will I be able to pull in an HD signal with an indoor antenna?
I ask because I'm pretty sure I used to have a line of sight view of the skyline from the west-most bedroom, but now there are trees in between me and the ESB. Would I be able to get away with a Terk HDTVi on my second story bedroom, on the east side of the building. Should I face it towards the wall, or do I need to run it from the west side room to the one where the TV is? do I need an outdoor antenna instead?
I'm only 11 miles from the the esb, so I was kind of hoping I would be able to bring in CBS, Fox, UPN, CW, ABC, etc. But I heard that digital reception is line of sight. Is this true? BTW, there's no hills or anything btwn me and Manhattan.

Thanks


Dont get the Terk. Get the Zenith Silver Sensor. And if you live in a 2 story house try and get it up as high as you can

I seemed to have lost OTA and Cablevision QAM CBS (2.1) /PBS (13.1). Anyone else have this problem? I'm in Brooklyn zip 11205

Edit: picking up 2.1 now still no 13.1 on OTA

Has anyone caught up with an article in the New York Sun on 11/20 entitled
"The Incredible Shrinking Freedom Tower"? - http://www.nysun.com/article/66714

In it, it discusses the very successful experiments conducted by ION Media Networks,
NBC/Telemundo and Richland Towers, a designer and provider of transmission facilities.

The test was to see if a series of low-powered transmission faciliies in New York City all broadcasting on a single frequency could be an alternative to the Empire State Building facility or even the planned Freedom Tower, now slated for completion by 2012.

The Richland system consists of a main, relatively high-powered transmission site in West Orange, New Jersey, providing coverage to most of the market, and the addition of 5 low-powered sites that will serve the remainder of the area. One of the low-powered locations is atop the Bloomberg Building at Lexington Avenue and East 59th-60th Streets in Manhattan.

This could be the answer to our prayers for better and more consistent O-T-A reception.

Now I know why I can't get any WNBC NY signals out here in Middletown, NY.

I've got to say that WCBS2 probably has the best HD in NY. The picture quality is second to none. The Victoria's Secret show quality looked awesome. You could see every detail on the models, flawless. That's the kind of video they should have in the stores to demonstrate the capabilities of HD to people.

I've also noticed that their Sunday NFL games are better looking than the ones on Fox or NBC, they're an 8.5 where CBS is a 10. There is less artifacting on fast plays, much sharper image in general. I understand the weather and traffic subchannels, but is there a reason some have a third subchannel or an SD simulcast of their HD transmission? Is there some type of content that broadcasters are actually expecting to come along, or is it just in case something does comes along? Couldn't they add the subchannels in the future instead of now if viable content came along, or is there something I don't know about?

Ah, the beauty of having NO sub-channels. Anyone else notice they tend to have 5.1 issues during their football coverage?

There's a thread here about that on the HDTV Programming forum.

Just curious (and don't want to hijack the thread)---for those with DirecTV and an HD receiver that gets the MPEG4 locals---how does the picture quality compare to OTA? I just swung a deal to upgrade another receiver to a new MPEG4 receiver---but I got the HR21---which DOES NOT have an OTA tuner in it--so I'm relegated to using the D* locals to DVR material---but to my eyes the picture quality didn't look as good---but it was only a quick look in comparison to an OTA signal on a totally different TV when I watched "Life" last night on WNBC OTA.

Anyone ?
:confused:

I have OTA and D* NY locals through my HR20. I really don't see a difference on my 50-inch Sony SXRD tv.

Antennaweb wasn't right for me for SD signals so I don't expect high def info to be any better.

Standard def...years ago with a huge Channel Master antenna and pre amp I rceived all locals from NYC and Phili.

My question: Are there maps available to demonstrate where each networks HDTV signal is reaching??? (...Im not talking about the map that shows a single circle around the region).

Are there maps available to demonstrate where each networks HDTV signal is reaching???
I'm not sure if this thread is your answer but there are some great things here...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=821480

I'm in hoboken, silver sensor or Terk HDTVa or are they pretty much the same thing? Thanks

I'm in hoboken, silver sensor or Terk HDTVa or are they pretty much the same thing? Thanks
Yes and no. Both refer to UHF log-periodic dipole array antennas. But it's sort of like xerox or kleenex or bandaid. Silver Sensor originally referred to Zenith's ZHDTV1 antenna. (I don't think they trademarked it though.) The term silver sensor has become a generic one to describe that style of antenna. You may get worse, the same, or better performance out of that Terk as the original Silver Sensor. mw390 clearly meant the original when he said Silver Sensor. Supposedly, the Philips PHDTV1 is the same as the Zenith ZHDTV1.

I'm in hoboken, silver sensor or Terk HDTVa or are they pretty much the same thing? Thanks

No, they are not!

The Terk HDTVa is an amplified VHF-UHF antenna that goes for almost twice the price of the Silver Sensor.

Although every situation is unique, I wouldn't use an amplified antenna living so close to the Empire State Building. You don't need amplification.

Do you really need an antenna for VHF?

Even with the Febraury 2009 switch to all digital - with 3 local digital stations relocating to the high-VHF band (7, 11 and 13), in my opinion, the
Silver Sensor should serve your purposes better and cheaper.

Both antennas are highly directional, so be prepared to walk the antenna around the room looking for a sweet spot for each channel.

The Silver Sensor is amazing. I use one in a high rise in the canyons of Manhattan.

Anybody else having issues receiving the Thirteen channels (13.1, 13.2, 13.2) over-the-air in NYC (from the Empire State Building)?

I was just setting up my DVR (after a complete reset) and can't get these channels anymore with either the DVR or my TV directly. Does anyone else have issues with these?

Anybody else having issues receiving the Thirteen channels (13.1, 13.2, 13.2) over-the-air in NYC (from the Empire State Building)?

I was just setting up my DVR (after a complete reset) and can't get these channels anymore with either the DVR or my TV directly. Does anyone else have issues with these?

I have intermittent issues on a weekly basis with digital 13, but that's (I assumed) because I'm out on the fringes in Central NJ. I figure you'd be OK where you are....unless whey you tried to set up your DVR, 13 was "off air" at that time??

I know for a fact the other night that MOST of the major NYC locals (2/4/7 digital) were off air.....for what I assume was maintenance...but this was from about 2am till 4am ish.

Just a reminder that WNYE's transmitter is now on the Empire State Building. It was down yesterday. The signal went from 39% with dropouts to 100%. However, its PAT is not working, so you'll have to manually add the PIDs.

We are getting the NYJ/TEN game here in NY, but I was just curious, if I had a rooftop antenna, is it possible to pick up stations outside of LI,NY to get the MIA/NE game? This is the coverage map.

http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2007-16-CBS2.html

I live in Astoria, and Ive got the Dish HD VIP622 DVR receiver, which comes with the OTA small antenna that gives me MUCH better picture quality than the Dish networks compressed local HD channels. Its so much better that it makes me not watch anything thats coming through Dish offerings. The only thing is I can only get about 16 channels using that small Dish antenna and only cbs, nbc, fox CW and abc are in hd.
My question is, how many channels do you guys get on average OTA, and which indoor antenna solution do you guys recommend me to get to improve the reception?
Thanks so much!

We are getting the NYJ/TEN game here in NY, but I was just curious, if I had a rooftop antenna, is it possible to pick up stations outside of LI,NY to get the MIA/NE game? This is the coverage map.

http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2007-16-CBS2.html

Depends on if you're close to the cost of LI--WKYW (CBS out of Philly) is THE STRONGEST OTA DT station for me in Central NJ--but for you in LI, you'd have to have considerable height as well as be close to the short...to even have a shot at it. In addition, I doubt the rainy weather would help your chances much today.

I'd gather you'd have a better shot at picking up some DT CBS station from Connecticut over Philly for that matter---but I don't know how well those stations transmit as far as power/distance/transmission pattern

WFSB-DT (CBS) channel 33 is a million watts visual ERP and transmits from Avon Mountain to the west of Hartford. That might be a problem if you're closer to NYC itself. Doesn't somebody there also broadcast on channel 33?

Oh JAYPB? CBS of Philadelphia is KYW-DT, with no "W".

Channel 33 in the New York Metropolitan area is currently WPIX-DT (CW).

Interestingly, come February 2009, WCBS-DT (CBS) will be moving to channel 33.

WFSB-DT (CBS) channel 33 is a million watts visual ERP and transmits from Avon Mountain to the west of Hartford. That might be a problem if you're closer to NYC itself. Doesn't somebody there also broadcast on channel 33?

Oh JAYPB? CBS of Philadelphia is KYW-DT, with no "W".

Oops! I forgot it was one of those quasi-evil stations that only has 3 letters.....:p

Ok i just finished reading about 100 pages in this thread :) and realized that I'm pretty much getting in all the OTA channels in NYC, besides the fact that I'm not locking in WNET and IONs as well as ABC most of the time. Not sure if the ABC sends low power signal here in Astoria Queens, but its a bitch to get 60+ percent on that channel. Now, I am using dish network's VIP622 DVR that comes with a small "piece of wire" antenna about 8 inches long.
Please give me your opinion: will unamplified Silver Sensor be enough for me to improve the signal on the channels my receiver memorized in auto search but has a hard time locking in with the piece of crap wire antenna my dish receiver has.

Thank you so much guys!!!

Btw: Just realized how compressed dish network's channels are after I experienced few OTA HD channels.

milan03 -

Welcome!

First, WABC-DT uses the Combiner antenna on the Empire State Building, as does, 2,4, 9,11 and 13. The transmission pattern is omni-directional - so, there are no specific areas that have low power. WNET-DT is notoriously difficult to receive. It suffers from very low power and it transmits at the highest frequency in the metropolitan area.

I would recommend your trying the Silver Sensor - do not try an amplified version - Astoria is much too close, and would more than likely overload your tuner.

I use the Silver Sensor in Manhattan and it's really quite good. All of this must be taken with a big grain of salt. Digital, UHF transmission in an urban area can be fickle - you never know what you're going to get. Try the Silver Sensor and walk it around your room look for "sweet spots" for each channel.

Good luck and Merry, Happy!

That small piece of wire is for the UHF remote, not for reception. See the last two episodes of dl.tv for more details about that.

That small piece of wire is for the UHF remote, not for reception. See the last two episodes of dl.tv for more details about that.

It totally works for pulling in some OTA channels! Signal levels on CBS and NBC are over 80% lol! I didnt know thats for the remote :) So I guess if i'm getting decent reception with that little wire, Silver Sensor should be just enough.

Apologies if I am in the wrong site or this has been answered (I searched the thread for a while). I just moved to central Long Island (South shore, in Brookhaven/Bellport). We don't watch TV much and would only really need networks, which now seem like we can get HD on some of them. We are debating installing an antenna but I have no idea if I would really get these channels or not. I looked on Antennaweb.org and there are some stations 9 miles away, 40 miles away, and 56 miles away (NYC). Before I go buy an antenna and fall off my roof installing one, I wondered if anyone else gets decent reception from an antenna in a similar location or situation.

Thanks very much.

I'm in Huntington, so I can't tell you much, but call the guys at LNL in Syosset. They are very knowledgeable and helpful and will tell you if it will work and suggest the best antenna for your situation. They helped me out and they are reasonably priced. If you need a good installer who is also reasonably call Mike at ABS Satellite, tell him that Adam from Huntington sent you his way. Good luck.

I recently moved from NYC to Long Island City into one of the buildings right on the water in front of the old Pepsi-Cola sign. My apt is all windows where my plasma is located with an open view of the entire east-river. I'm wondering if I should pick up an OTA antenna and see what kind of reception I get. While I didn't have the time to go through the entire thread, is my situation optimal for being able to receive HD OTA signals?

Also, how many HD channels come in OTA, it seems that they are far superior to the compressed providers...I'm just wondering how many come in clearly. Any recommendations for the best antennas (with a reasonable price) out there?

Thanks for all the help, its a bit daunting to go through this thread.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I recently moved from NYC to Long Island City into one of the buildings right on the water in front of the old Pepsi-Cola sign. My apt is all windows where my plasma is located with an open view of the entire east-river. I'm wondering if I should pick up an OTA antenna and see what kind of reception I get. While I didn't have the time to go through the entire thread, is my situation optimal for being able to receive HD OTA signals?

Also, how many HD channels come in OTA, it seems that they are far superior to the compressed providers...I'm just wondering how many come in clearly. Any recommendations for the best antennas (with a reasonable price) out there?

Thanks for all the help, its a bit daunting to go through this thread.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

From the East Village I was able to pull in all the major networks & WNET using a Samsung DTB-H260F STB receiver combined with a Philips PHDTV1 indoor antenna.

I'm sure your line of vision to the Empire State Building is better than the one I had from a 5th floor walk-up.

After a year of no PBS using a tunerless 42" Sylvannia monitor, a Samsung DTB-H260F, and a Terk antenna, I finally upgraded to a Panasonic 42pz700u with the same Terk. I am finally pulling PBS in, though not in HD.

What is the alternate channel number for 13.1?

Also, the signal strengths are all much stronger with the tuner in the TV than I ever got with the Samsung box top. The picture quality is amazing.
The Panasonic is NICE!

"What is the alternate channel number for 13.1?" If you mean a different PBS-HD station in the metro area, it's channel 50.5, WNJN out of Montclair, NJ.

Unfortunately, the HD signal is only available in the evenings.

Hopes this answers your question.

"What is the alternate channel number for 13.1?" If you mean a different PBS-HD station in the metro area, it's channel 50.5, WNJN out of Montclair, NJ.

Unfortunately, the HD signal is only available in the evenings.

Hopes this answers your question.



Hey Gary,
Thanks for the info/response. I also have been seeking to find the HD broadcast for 13 PBS-Hd. Unfortunately, in Longuyland [at this moment 8:35PM] (Cablevision- using the tuner) 50-5 (while it showed as 1081) came up as "unavailable".

..Mark

I'm getting a bit confused.

Are we talking about O-T-A (Over-the-Air) reception or using Cablevision?

If you are trying to receive WNET-DT in HD, 13.1, it is very difficult for many to receive.
It transmits on UHF channel 61, the highest allocation in the market, and has the lowest power.

If we are talking about using Cablevision, you should have no problem finding 13.1 on your cable box. It should be found on channel 713.

"What is the alternate channel number for 13.1?" If you mean a different PBS-HD station in the metro area, it's channel 50.5, WNJN out of Montclair, NJ.

Unfortunately, the HD signal is only available in the evenings.

Hopes this answers your question.

Thanks Gary. I was asking about the OTA channel.
In the past people posted alternate channel numbers here....like entering 581 to get to Fox 5.1 (581 is just an example, not the actual number). There were times when I entered 5.1 but couldn't pick up the channel, yet when I entered the higher number, the tuner found it. I was hoping there was something like that for PBS. I was checking during the day though so I'll check tonight to see if HD is coming through.
thanks again.