Did it move yet to the Conde Nas Building.

It's supposed to move after the transition.

By the way I always hear about it all the time. What is a bow tie antenna?

It's a UHF antenna that's shaped like a Bow Tie!

By the way I always hear about it all the time. What is a bow tie antenna?


here is one at Radio Shack
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062017

They work great.

I'm in Westchester, 15 miles from midtown. I think I'm the only one in the bldg still using the rooftop antenna. Reception's been atrocious since 9/11. I didn't know this forum existed till recently. Just plugged in my converter box, and the reception is amazingly clear. I get 2 and 4, 7; 5, 9, 11 don't interest me.

Except for ch 13, of course. I've been using a pricey saucer-shaped Radio Shack outdoor antenna indoors just for 13. I hope I can do away with it, and the coax I keep tripping on.

Anyone know if I will be able to watch 21 (WLIW) after T-Day (Transition Day)?

Bowtie antenna--it has the old 2-prong leads, and snaps onto rabbit ears, which most of us don't have. Anything else you recommend?

I'm in Westchester, 15 miles from midtown. I think I'm the only one in the bldg still using the rooftop antenna. Reception's been atrocious since 9/11. I didn't know this forum existed till recently. Just plugged in my converter box, and the reception is amazingly clear. I get 2 and 4, 7; 5, 9, 11 don't interest me.

Except for ch 13, of course. I've been using a pricey saucer-shaped Radio Shack outdoor antenna indoors just for 13. I hope I can do away with it, and the coax I keep tripping on.

Anyone know if I will be able to watch 21 (WLIW) after T-Day (Transition Day)?

There's no way to tell if you will be able to watch 21 after the transition (whenver that will be). The station has filed with the FCC for a hefty increase in power. Cannot tell if this has been approved and if so when it would be implemented.

Unfortunately, the station, now owned by 13, will continue to transmit from Long Island, not the Empire State Buidling, where it belongs.

These tough economic times will continue to have the watts coming from L.I.

One upbeat note, I've heard the station will resume HD broadcasting. For some strange reason (probably money) they had stopped their HD service.

Bowtie antenna--it has the old 2-prong leads, and snaps onto rabbit ears, which most of us don't have. Anything else you recommend?

You don't need the rabbit ears, just hang the bowtie on something. I have mine in the attic stapled to the roof rafter. I'm 25 miles from ESB and pick up everything except 13.

I was watching a documentary about India on channel 50 and it was clear and in HD so at least one station in NJ that I get actually broadcasts in 1080i and not 480i SD crud. I get channel 50 like I get channel 4. Breaks up sometimes but briefly. Still better than with that UFO antenna. Could not even get channel 50 with it. It would also just break up for many seconds at a time especially channels 5 and 9.

Also why did RadioShack discontinue the good antenna that they had and replace with the cruddy UFO?

You don't need the rabbit ears, just hang the bowtie on something. I have mine in the attic stapled to the roof rafter. I'm 25 miles from ESB and pick up everything except 13.

Might be different in my strip of 50 apartment buildings. What are you picking up besides ABC, NBC, CBS? I already have those through my converter box. If they don't have the bowtie anymore, I can make one.

Reddice-- By "UFO," do you mean the big plastic saucer-shaped antenna? I have that now indoors for channel 13. It's VHF.

Might be different in my strip of 50 apartment buildings. What are you picking up besides ABC, NBC, CBS? I already have those through my converter box. If they don't have the bowtie anymore, I can make one.

As I said before, I pick up everything except 13 ( low power) and also ION. I get 2,4,5,7,9,11,21,25,47,68.
Radio Shack should still have the bowties, I just bought one not to long ago for $4. You also need a 300 ohm twin lead-75 ohm f-fitting transformer.

Yes that is the saucer shaped antenna. The problem I have with it is that multipath is worse with that antenna. Channels like 5 and 9 would come in strong and then just keep breaking up to zero bar signals. It is amplified and the Terk antenna I am using now which is not amplified gives me about the same signal strength and sometimes even better but it does not cause the picture to break up much. I switched the antenna with my mother and she is using it on her Apex DTV converter box.

Like I said I really want the transition to go through in February because right now I can barely get channel 2 and channel 13 I never got a little pixel of a picture or anything with any antenna I tried. Who knows when channel 13 moves to high VHF if I will be able to get it. Analog I can get channel 13 clear but it is a bit snowy. How does high VHF combat with Line of Sight and multipath?

I am asking anyone in any city who has a digital station that is on high VHF and they are not far from the broadcast towers if they are able to get reliable reception with a indoor antenna with the rabbit ears.

Yes that is the saucer shaped antenna. The problem I have with it is that multipath is worse with that antenna. Channels like 5 and 9 would come in strong and then just keep breaking up to zero bar signals. It is amplified and the Terk antenna I am using now which is not amplified gives me about the same signal strength and sometimes even better but it does not cause the picture to break up much. I switched the antenna with my mother and she is using it on her Apex DTV converter box.

Interesting. For the past few years I've been using the rooftop antenna for 2 through 11, and the saucer only for 13. I have a Terk on my stereo system for FM-radio. Isn't that similar to UHF? Wonder if I could get 21 if I use that. Hmmm...

FM is VHF. Actually in some markets analog 6 is 88.1 on your FM dial. Some markets before he went to satellite radio would have Howard Stern on that station and you could record it with a VCR.

FM is VHF. Actually in some markets analog 6 is 88.1 on your FM dial.

Not quite. It's 87.75, but most radios that go that low will pick it up at 87.7

Thanks. Tried my old Terk. The TV antenna is much better.

As I said before, I pick up everything except 13 ( low power) and also ION. I get 2,4,5,7,9,11,21,25,47,68.
Radio Shack should still have the bowties, I just bought one not to long ago for $4. You also need a 300 ohm twin lead-75 ohm f-fitting transformer.

What's ION? And you get 21 and 25, which would be a plus for me. Worth the few bucks.

ION is the old Paxson WPXN - analog 31; digital 30 until the transition, then will revert to 31.

Speaking of ION, I am back to picking it up 100% strength like the good old days. I had had some trouble picking it up for the last 10-14 days. Maybe they are back to broadcasting from the ESB?

Still can't get a blimp off of ION. They can be next door to me and I still won't be able to get it. Like channel 13 it is a lost cause and I have given up trying to get it. The only way you can get a 100% signal strength is that you must be using a powerful roof antenna. I see you are using the Winegard HD 7694. If I had a roof antenna I would be able to get 31 and 13.

As for antenna's. I just use what works best. I don't listen to people on this forum or any other form saying that the antenna I am using is junk making me buy that cruddy UFO antenna. Then they will say this antenna is good and I will try it out and my reception would not be much better or worse. I am sticking with what I have and if the NYC stations switch to all digital on 2/17 then I will decide if I should get a amp for the HDTVi or not. If I will need it.

Also as for outdoor antennas they are out of the question. We had new windows put in last year and there is no way I can drill any holes to put any outdoor antenna. Also I should not need one on principle alone since I am only 4 miles from the ESB.

What's ION? And you get 21 and 25, which would be a plus for me. Worth the few bucks.

Channel 21 I can't get which I understand because it is far away. Channel 25 I have no problems getting it. I can get it around the high 60's. Just it is a another digital channel that broadcasts in cruddy 480i non HD so I don't watch it. At least they don't stretch the channel no more like they use it. The PQ still looks terrible even for a 480i non HD channel though. Are they are still on Conde Nas Building, right?

I cant get ION period..

Are the signals still coming from 4 times Square?

i hope to see some better signals.. funny I can get the NYeyeTv or whatever that channel is that shows the area NYC traffic.

also a curious question which I always wanted to know why is Fox 5 delayed over WNYW-DT? happens on cable too.

I believe NY NC is most adversely affected by the digital conversion in the US. When we had the WTC this would not have been a problem. They had much more tower space on the flat top of the WTC. Therefore there was room for the analog & digital antennas. But after 9-11-01 all the stations crowding back on the ESB there was not the room to accommodate extra antennas with out adversely the range of the stations.

Having been in NYC yesterday and looking at the 4 times Sq building it seems like it has more space for antenna mounting then the ESB right? I wonder if the Bank of America tower hurts the signal any too.

Once all the analog antennas are removed from the ESB mast, space problems will be eased tremendously.

While Conde Nast (4 Times Square) may have room - it's also not as high. I seem to remember that the top of its mast equates to the very bottom the ESB's.

wow that many analog antenna's on the ESB?

And yes you are right about the Conde Nast building given it's low height lucky to get anything from it when they switch to it.

With only a few more days left for the switch over I hope to see a few more improvements.

wow that many analog antenna's on the ESB?

And yes you are right about the Conde Nast building given it's low height lucky to get anything from it when they switch to it.

With only a few more days left for the switch over I hope to see a few more improvements.

The way the ESB was built there was only one tower not like the WTC. It had several. If you look at the photo & the text below "967 Facilities" at the web site

http://www.lnl.com/esbantennas.htm

You see why some stations do better than others at the ESB. But 1967 was years before broad band antennas were designed & avaiable.


To delay the cut date is like cutting down a 80' pine tree. You have tied a cable to the top & then to the bumber of a truck. You have cut a notch in the tree to direct the fall. the truck is ready to pull the rope tight. You are now about cut it down. DC thinks they want you to wait. I think we need to go a head & get that tree on the ground & I feel the same about the analog cut date.

1 World Trade Center (The North Tower) did have a number of masts, the main one,
360 feet, was re-built in 1999 to accomodate the new digital channels that had been assigned to New York DMA stations.

This main mast had antennas providing the signals for 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 31, 47 and four FM stations. 2 and 5 both had their digital signals emanating from ESB.

Your link is almost totally out of date. There are now broadband antennas that are fed by combiners. As I've mentioned before, once all of the old analog antennas are removed, there will no longer be the current crunch for space.

Additionally, with the Freedom Tower's availability still not a reality, just watch even the new combiners being moved further up the ESB mast to improve signals - the real estate will be available. Stations will continue to alter their equipment on the mast - if you look at FCC filings, you will note that there are plans for work to be done up until the fall of 2010.

1 World Trade Center (The North Tower) did have a number of masts, the main one,
360 feet, was re-built in 1999 to accomodate the new digital channels that had been assigned to New York DMA stations.

This main mast had antennas providing the signals for 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 31, 47 and four FM stations. 2 and 5 both had their digital signals emanating from ESB.

Your link is almost totally out of date. There are now broadband antennas that are fed by combiners. As I've mentioned before, once all of the old analog antennas are removed, there will no longer be the current crunch for space.

Additionally, with the Freedom Tower's availability still not a reality, just watch even the new combiners being moved further up the ESB mast to improve signals - the real estate will be available. Stations will continue to alter their equipment on the mast - if you look at FCC filings, you will note that there are plans for work to be done up until the fall of 2010.

I do understand that the broad band antennas are now in place at the ESB.
But, are the analog antennas you are saying are going to be remvoed;

Where are they mounted?

Are the analog low band antennas still like they are showing on the photo?

Also where are the broad band antennas mounted?

I thought the mast was still cluttered up like it is showing from the 1967 photo.

I assumed that when the stations left the ESB in the early 1970s they left the old antennas just like they were when they were still using it as the main site. I do understand that no one planned to end up back on the ESB on one mast. Then after 9-11-01 they were forced the use what was left

Is there a diagram of the ESB like the one at the site of 1967 except with the current mounting of the antennas?

Many questions I can't answer. If you want to do some research yourself, go to
Trip in VA's incredibly informative Web site, check out the various RabbitEars lists.

Also, the FCC has all the antenna heights you want.

It's difficult to use a picture that is nearly 42 years old and think that it might resemble
what's up there today.

I know of no similar picture representing today's antenna installations.
Wish there were one.

I can tell you:

The UHF Combiner is at 1,302'


The VHF-Hi Combiner (once fired up) will be at 1,329"

After stations moved their transmission to World Trade Center the mast became shorter
because hardware was removed.

The plan is to do the same with unused equipment.

The mast is owned by the ESB and they rent transmitter space and real space for antennas. Once a station left the ESB for World Trade Center, they no longer paid rent and had to remove their belongings.

After the destruction of World Trade Center, there was a mad dash to find a place for transmission. The big problem was that stations now had to find a home for two stations - analogue and digital. Yes, there were space concerns and also electrical.

Stations used temporary transmission sites until new equipment was installed on the ESB.

Some locations were:

In New Jersey: First Mountain and the Armstrong Tower

In New York: Conde Nast Building (4 Times Square), Viacom Building, G.E. Building,
the Daily News/WNET Building.

The rest of the info is up to you.

Imagine how things would be now if that proposal for a 2000' broadcast tower in Bayonne had gone through.

Imagine how things would be now if that proposal for a 2000' broadcast tower in Bayonne had gone through.

I don't understand your point.

How would things be now?

I don't understand your point.

How would things be now?


More space available and a larger coverage area with less power needed? And they wouldn't have had to wait on the Freedom Tower since this would've been built quicker?

Many questions I can't answer. If you want to do some research yourself, go to
Trip in VA's incredibly informative Web site, check out the various RabbitEars lists.

Also, the FCC has all the antenna heights you want.

It's difficult to use a picture that is nearly 42 years old and think that it might resemble
what's up there today.

I know of no similar picture representing today's antenna installations.
Wish there were one.

I can tell you:

The UHF Combiner is at 1,302'


The VHF-Hi Combiner (once fired up) will be at 1,329"

After stations moved their transmission to World Trade Center the mast became shorter
because hardware was removed.

The plan is to do the same with unused equipment.

The mast is owned by the ESB and they rent transmitter space and real space for antennas. Once a station left the ESB for World Trade Center, they no longer paid rent and had to remove their belongings.

After the destruction of World Trade Center, there was a mad dash to find a place for transmission. The big problem was that stations now had to find a home for two stations - analogue and digital. Yes, there were space concerns and also electrical.

Stations used temporary transmission sites until new equipment was installed on the ESB.

Some locations were:

In New Jersey: First Mountain and the Armstrong Tower

In New York: Conde Nast Building (4 Times Square), Viacom Building, G.E. Building,
the Daily News/WNET Building.

The rest of the info is up to you.

Maybe some one who works in a high building in view of the ESB wiht a digital camera will zoom in on the top of the ESB & take a digital photo for us. Then post it here where we can all see the current status of antennas on tower at the top of the ESB.

Assuming the House does not come to its senses and passes the digital transition delay bill today, does anyone know if any of the NYC stations will use their option to turn off analog early?

It would be nice if at least WNET 13 would start a full power digital broadcast on channel 13 on 2/17.

Our government sux. House voted to delay the transition. This really ticks me off. It makes no sense. Last week it was rejected and now they decide to try to pass another bill that makes no sense to be allowed and now this one gets passed. We were nagged for two years about the 17th and now it is not going to happen.

Looks like I won't be able to get channels 2 or 13 until now June and E* has no reason to ever carry 13 in HD.

I also am disappointed in Congress' decision. There will still be people who won't be ready come June - that is human nature. This delay simply will waste tv stations' money by "forcing" them to broadcast in both digital and analog. And yes, I know that technically a station may stop broadcasting in analog before June but I don't think the major NYC stations would be able to do so unless they all agreed to do so at the same time. I don't think NYC stations will switch until June. If someone on this board knows otherwise please correct me.

Complain to Echo!

DirecTV recently, and before any vote concerning the transition, which has absolutely nothing to do with what your carrier decides to provide you, has been providing its New York DMA with WNET-DT.

You are comparing the problems of apples with those of oranges!

One has absolutely nothing to do with the other.

I hate when people use the apples and oranges analogy just like when they use car analogy's. Apples and Oranges are similar. They are fruits.

Then don't ask questions if you don't like the answers!

Does anyone know if the NYC stations will be switching on the 17th or later? According to this site (http://www.rabbitears.info/termlist.php) it does not show any NYC station switching on the 17th. This delay should never happen. There are always going to be lazy people who are not ready. Now we have to watch stupid scrolls and promos for 4 more months saying June 12th until June comes and it is delayed again because they ran out of money or few people are still not ready.

I hope they plan on switching anyways

Does anyone know if the NYC stations will be switching on the 17th or later? According to this site (http://www.rabbitears.info/termlist.php) it does not show any NYC station switching on the 17th. This delay should never happen. There are always going to be lazy people who are not ready. Now we have to watch stupid scrolls and promos for 4 more months saying June 12th until June comes and it is delayed again because they ran out of money or few people are still not ready.

they will most like do some more give away like I said in the last part of my post

#7991

Some who have a bike rim on a chimmy for an antenna living in an old shack i& card board houses getting a snowy ghosty signal. they will be given a box an a antenna to now get a perfect signal by means of the US gov $ give away.

Now I know why we have know we had the oil situation since 1973 & we have not made real major dent in the oil imports.

I hope they handle bringing digital to AM radio & lot better than this.

I hope they handle bringing digital to AM radio & lot better than this.

Hahaha, that's a good one. Have you seen (or rather, heard) the horrible disaster that is digital AM?

- Trip

Hahaha, that's a good one. Have you seen (or rather, heard) the horrible disaster that is digital AM?

- Trip

Oh yes.

I do understand it is off the topic but

I just am appalled the FCC would do such a botched up mess as that.

What I do not understand about that is the FCC approved using IBOC. IBOC spreads it's signal band into other stations frequency band. But yet AM is self have a upper side band & a lower side band. Why didn't they just remove the lower side band & put an digital signal like used for cell phone in place of the lower side band. Besides why would they use a modulation that has copy writes fees on it. I thought the FCC was to prevent interferance not aprove of it.

Yeah, AM IBOC is a royal mess. Hopefully it'll be killed off sometime soon. I was staying at relatives in NJ and couldn't manage to keep the AM digitals locked on my Sony radio, and the towers were pretty close by.

CBS had the right idea, carrying their AMs on subchannels of the FMs. While I don't like the IBOC system on FM either, at least it doesn't interfere as badly and is immensely more usable.

- Trip

Yeah, AM IBOC is a royal mess. Hopefully it'll be killed off sometime soon. I was staying at relatives in NJ and couldn't manage to keep the AM digitals locked on my Sony radio, and the towers were pretty close by.

CBS had the right idea, carrying their AMs on subchannels of the FMs. While I don't like the IBOC system on FM either, at least it doesn't interfere as badly and is immensely more usable.

- Trip

FM has a 200k wide channel spacing between stations. AM has only 10kc. FM should have enough band width to accomadate a digital signal just like they also multiplex stereo. So FM should be able to stay with the 200k band. AM could if they would remove the lower side band & use that as a digital signal thus staying in their assigned frequency band. Thus the exsisting AM radios would still receive the analog upperside band.

The FCC use to make modulations types backwards compatible.

Black & white TVs could watch color broadcast.
Color could watch black & white braodcast.
FM mon could receive FM stereo.
FM stereo would receive FM mono

I do remember the AM stereo. But the FCC was too late in approving the stereo modulation type. To start with the FCC let the market select it. All new radios were not required to have the AM stereo decoders. Thus the AM stereo thing kinda fell through.

So atleast the FCC did in 1962 require that all new TVs sold must have a UHF tuner.

They just waited a little late to require that all new TVs must have ATSC [digital] tuners.

But at least some one had the back bone to require analog TV a cut date. It could have been worse. They could have left it up to the market like they did the AM stereo & digital AM. Some times it is better when to just make the modulation type the law & cut off the old by a set date. Therefore not letting the market set it.

Really analog TV the video is AM modulation like the am radio. So with the better more efficient modulation available analog TV should have been taken off the air.

Does anyone know if the NYC stations will be switching on the 17th or later? According to this site (http://www.rabbitears.info/termlist.php) it does not show any NYC station switching on the 17th. This delay should never happen. There are always going to be lazy people who are not ready. Now we have to watch stupid scrolls and promos for 4 more months saying June 12th until June comes and it is delayed again because they ran out of money or few people are still not ready.

W00t! WMBC looks like it is switching on 02/17!

They have been a major thorn in my side because their analog transmitter is not far from me so they overload my preamp. I'm glad at least they're going away so maybe my 2 x CM4228 stack with preamp will have some chance of picking up the weaker ones now.

Bump.

Does anyone know if the NYC stations will be switching on the 17th or later? According to this site (http://www.rabbitears.info/termlist.php) it does not show any NYC station switching on the 17th. This delay should never happen. There are always going to be lazy people who are not ready. Now we have to watch stupid scrolls and promos for 4 more months saying June 12th until June comes and it is delayed again because they ran out of money or few people are still not ready.

I wonder raj2001 I know when you live near a analog transmitter it can interfere with other TV and radio stations. If you live near a digital station does it do the same thing.

I wonder raj2001 I know when you live near a analog transmitter it can interfere with other TV and radio stations. If you live near a digital station does it do the same thing.

It does. Overload is overload and causes desensing in your amplifier.

However, in my case WMBC's digital transmitter is further away and won't overload me as much.

I read a article that CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC owned stations will keep their analog on until June 12th. NBC 4 and FOX 5 it won't matter since they are broadcasting on 28 and 44. ABC will most likely stay on 45 until June 12th. I just hope that WNET 13 will move to 13 before June 12th. It also said that half or more PBS stations will be turning their analog off. I hope it is 13. I still won't be able to get CBS 2 because right now on 56 it is very weak. Maybe if WPIX 11 turns off their analog since they are owned by Tribune they will move CBS 2 to 33. I just want to see if I can get 13 and before June 12th.

This is going to create a big mess and I bet you by the end of May or June 1st they will complain again and will need more time because people are not ready and it will happen again be delayed.

W00t! WMBC looks like it is switching on 02/17!

They have been a major thorn in my side because their analog transmitter is not far from me so they overload my preamp. I'm glad at least they're going away so maybe my 2 x CM4228 stack with preamp will have some chance of picking up the weaker ones now.


I have had the same problem with over load. I found what worked best for me.

I found I had a better signal on the screen of the analog TV with out the amp.

So what I ended up doing was I got a line/distribution amp. The are build with transister that can carry a higher current. The really are build the be connected to a TV cable to boost the signal for multiple TVs off one TV cable connection. But they have a higher noise level than the preamp that you mount at your antenna. So since antennas are 300 ohm researched the lowest attenuation 300 cable. I found that open wire 300 has almost no loss. But I could not find any. So I built my open wire 300 ohm & ran it down into the attic. I connected the open wire 300 ohm directly to a 300 to 75 connecter. The connecter had 2 screws for the 300 side & a 75 ohm male on the 75 side. I ran an extension cord from an outlet to the edge of the attic. I pluged the line/distribution amp in & connected the amp to the antenna & the TV. I did much better. Since the line/distribution amp are build to handle a + 3 db with up to 70 channels at that level; I knew it could handle 12 high level channels with out overloading the amp. That worked really well for me.
But I also knew I had to get the signal to the amp with as little loss as I could through the wire coming from the antenna.

Yeah, AM IBOC is a royal mess. Hopefully it'll be killed off sometime soon. I was staying at relatives in NJ and couldn't manage to keep the AM digitals locked on my Sony radio, and the towers were pretty close by.

That's amazing. I live really far away from the AM stations I want to listen to (I'm also in NJ) and they're receivable. WCBS 880 and WABC770 don't have any problems here really. In fact when I use the Beverage pointed SE they come in like local stations.

Only one problem is that there tends to be fade at night.

The White House wants your opinion on The DTV Delay ACT Bill
President Obama wants to hear what the public has to say, you can comment here

http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing_room/dtv_delay_act/

WNET has a note on their web site that says they plan to continue to broadcast an analogue signal on channel 13 until June 12th. Their digital signal will continue to be on channel 61 at low power until then.

Sorry to pass on the bad news..

_Paul

That sux. So NYC is not tuning any analog off until June 12th. This stupid bill should have never been passed or even been allowed since last week it was defeated. Why was it allowed to be a bill again and passed this time makes no sense? Looks like I still won't get 13 and have to stick with SD crud on E* but the E* is another topic I am not going to get into. I still get 50 though which actually is the only NJ channel I can get that is actually in HD 1080i so it is not a complete waste. However 50 is weaker so it does break up more frequently but I can still get it.

Also I am wondering talking about SD channels OTA what is going to happen to channel 60 which is HSN. June 12th or whatever day they turn off the analog for full power stations even if it is a low power or transistor station where is it going to go? Anything past channel 51 has to be vacant.

W60AI has a permit to go digital on channel 41.

- Trip

So that is why channel 41 RF channel is staying on channel 40.

So that is why channel 41 RF channel is staying on channel 40.

WXTV is staying on 40 because they'd have to cut power due to interference concerns with WSAH-DT on 42 had they returned to 41. W60AI is just moving into the empty space.

Of course, WSAH has petitioned to move to channel 41 on the Empire State Building, so I doubt Ventana Television is in any hurry to build out channel 41 until action is taken on that petition.

- Trip

I read somewhere that digital stations can be next to each other without causing interference. If that is the case then why are stations worried about interference with each other.

I read somewhere that digital stations can be next to each other without causing interference. If that is the case then why are stations worried about interference with each other.

It's not an arbitrary rule. The rule says that they can be next to each other if they're within 14 miles. There's then a gap of between 14 and 68 miles where stations can cause harmful interference to each other.

Those limits are not fixed, which is why the FCC requires interference analyses, but are a good general rule and is how the "available channel search" on my website functions.

- Trip

Yesterday I decided to experiment. I hooked up a $1 VHF only antenna and adjusted it and believe it I was able to get channel 4 at the high 60's to low 70's however except for channel 29 which was still strong all the other NYC channels were weaker. I wonder if it has to do with that WFME next too it since that station is further away causing interference. With the Terk and RadioShack antennas I can get channel 7 strong but channel 4 weaker in the high 50's to low 60's. When I moved the Terk HDTVi to a certain position and changed the antenna to sideways I was able to get channels 4 and 5 which I get strong anyway but channel 7, 9 and 11 was weaker.

This stupid bill should have never been passed or even been allowed since last week it was defeated. Why was it allowed to be a bill again and passed this time makes no sense? The first vote was under special rules that required a two-thirds majority, which it didn't get. The second time it was under regular rules where it only needed a simple majority.

Our tax dollars at work.

I live in Poughkeepsie, NY about 65 miles due north from the ESB. A few weeks ago I asked for recommendations about improving my reception of NYC OTA channels, particularly Digital Channels. I've made some upgrades, so I thought I would post my results.

I previously had a Large unidentified VHF antenna in my attic pointed toward the ESB. I could receive the VHF analog channels (2-WCBS,4-WNBC,5-WNYW,7-WABC,9-WWOR,11-WPIX,13-WNET). Picture quality varied from marginal (some snow) to poor (lots of snow), but was watchable. I was unable to pick up any of the Digital Signals from NYC, probably due to lack of a suitable UHF antenna, although I could receive 48-WTBY(48.1) and 27-WRNN(54.1), both of which have transmitters in nearby Beacon, NY.

Since that time, I added an attic-mounted Antennas Direct ClearStream4 UHF antenna. Unfortunately, with the new antenna pointed towards NYC, I was unable to find any digital signals. However, with the antenna pointed north towards Albany, I could get 26-WTEN (10.1) with about 60% signal. The picture and sound were perfect with no drop-outs or pixelation. I could also see 39-WRGB (6.1) with about 20-30% signal, which was essentially unwatchable due to frequent drop-outs and pixelation. I also received a marginal signal from analog 23-WXXA.

I subsequently added a Channel Master CM7777 pre-amp, which also acts as a combiner for the VHF antenna (pointed toward NYC) and the UHF antenna (pointed toward Albany). This improved 26-WTEN (10.1) to about 80% and made 39-WRGB(6.1) watchable (~60% signal, no drop-outs or pixelation). I was also able to receive 34-WMHT(17.1) at about 40% signal, which was mostly watchable with an occasional drop-out or pixelation, perhaps every 10-15 minutes or so.

In addition to the digital stations, I now get three Albany analog stations (17-WMHT, 23-WXXA, 45-WCWN). WXXA is very good, WMHT is marginal and WCWN is almost unwatchable.

The CM7777 pre-amp also significantly improved the analog VHF stations from NYC, which are now either clear or have light snow. In addition I am able to pick up 31-WPXN, 25-WNYE, and 41-WXTV off the back of the UHF antenna, although 31 and 25 have poor picture and 41 is pretty much unwatchable. I haven't yet gotten around to aiming the UHF antenna at NYC with the Pre-amp to see if I can pick up any digital signals, but based on TVfool.com, I'm not very optimistic.

The last thing I tried was aiming the VHF antenna toward Albany. I got a strong, but erratic signal (fluctuating between 80% and 0%) from 12-WNYT(13.1), which was essentially unwatchable. Could this be a multi-path or interference issue? I also got a weak signal (20-30%) from 7-WXXA(23.1), which was also unwatchable.

I've heard murmurings that high-band VHF is not meeting expectations for digital transmission due to interference issues. Could this be what I'm experiencing? Is it a sign of things to come, as stations drop down to the VHF band post transition?

For the time being, I'm content to leave my VHF antenna pointed at NYC and the UHF antenna pointed at Albany. In this configuration, I'm able to pull in 14 analog channels and 16 digital channels (including sub-channels). However, I'm concerned that I am currently unable to receive watchable digital signals from NBC, Fox, MyN and CW. I'm even more worried that I may lose ABC and CBS if these stations switch to VHF post-transition.

That is what I am worried about with interference issues with high VHF if it has them. 7, 11 and 13 are going to be on high VHF and right now I get 7 and 11 solid which are on UHF channels for now.

I have noticed that the major networks are playing games with their HD programming. Specifically if you look at the nightly news broadcasts from CBS, NBS or ABC you will see that the news anchors are not completely in focus so you can't see their faces in sharp detail. I know there was a concern awhile ago about digital/HD programming showing imperfections in all of these TV personality types but I had not realized that they are now taking steps to reduce the quality of the progamming we see. It is not an OTA thing as it is the same issue with cable. They may be even doing this with regular programming and the movies will be next!

We should all protest this scam being perpetrated on us! The sharper the TV picture the more they will do to protect the image of their stars by not allowing us to see their wrinkles, etc...

Live with it - it's a fact of life and nothing is going to change it.

Before HD, CBS used special "features" on "60 Minutes" and when Dan Rather was the network's anchor.

Do you really want people to see Barbara Walters without some special "softening"?

I remember the first morning the "Today" show was in HD and poor Meridith didn't fare well and that's putting it mildly.

Television and movies have been doing this for years and will continue.

It's interesting that you brought this point up now. Watching the president's news conference and I was amazed at the quality of the HD - no filtering of him.

Sorry, but it's here to stay - and the older the celebrity, the more processing will done.

Live with it - it's a fact of life and nothing is going to change it.

Before HD, CBS used special "features" on "60 Minutes" and when Dan Rather was the network's anchor.

Do you really want people to see Barbara Walters without some special "softening"?

I remember the first morning the "Today" show was in HD and poor Meridith didn't fare well and that's putting it mildly.

Television and movies have been doing this for years and will continue.

It's interesting that you brought this point up now. Watching the president's news conference and I was amazed at the quality of the HD - no filtering of him.

Sorry, but it's here to stay - and the older the celebrity, the more processing will done.


You may not want to see how bad their teeth are. Some were not bessed with pretty straight teeth & did not endure braces.

If they show the face in hd they will need to get younger pretter & more handsome folks or pay for a make up person to cover up those crows feet.

I just hope they will keep the shows in wide screen hd so when they show movies like the sound of music it will look like it did at the movie house.

Here's an easy one: I have an analog TV and the converter box, and a combo DVD-VHS player. I play DVD's and tapes, but I don't tape from the TV. Do I have to run my converter box through the DVD-VHS player anyway?

It depends on how many inputs your TV has and the output of the converter box. If your DVD-VHS player is on "Video 1" and the converter box hooks up through "Antenna 1", you don't have to run it through the player at all.

You'd have to run it through only if you have an (extremely old) TV that lacks sufficient inputs to hook them up separately.

It depends on how many inputs your TV has and the output of the converter box. If your DVD-VHS player is on "Video 1" and the converter box hooks up through "Antenna 1", you don't have to run it through the player at all.

You'd have to run it through only if you have an (extremely old) TV that lacks sufficient inputs to hook them up separately.
But, if you use Antenna 1 to watch the converter box on channel 3 (or 4), then you wouldn't hear broadcasts in stereo because the ch. 3/4 modulator inside converter boxes isn't BTSC (assuming stereo is important to you).

You both have me confused, because I'm not really deeply into this stuff. I'm a computer geek. Here's what I have:

Analog TV with 2 white-yellow jacks and one antenna jack
Converter box with one set white-yellow-red jacks, one antenna jack
DVD-VHS with 2 sets red-yellow-white, a black-blue-red and a green-red-white.

I presume the red is for stereo, so my TV doesn't have a red. I've never used the red cable. May I presume you don't need the antenna cable just to play DVD's and VHS's?

I think I may have found out why I'm not getting WNYW-DT. There's an analog station in Wilkes-Barre PA (WVIA) that may be interfering. TVFool maps show "pink" for my area (but not for my exact address) which means that I will be getting some of their signal here. For WNYW-DT they are about the same.

I'll be able to see after the analog shutoff though, whenever that happens. Hopefully I'll still be alive.

WNYW-DT uses a directional antenna on the Empire State Building's mast.

The signal is weak towards south New Jersey to diminish interference with
WMCN, Atlantic City also transmitting on Channel 44.

You both have me confused, because I'm not really deeply into this stuff. I'm a computer geek. Here's what I have:

Analog TV with 2 white-yellow jacks and one antenna jack
Converter box with one set white-yellow-red jacks, one antenna jack
DVD-VHS with 2 sets red-yellow-white, a black-blue-red and a green-red-white.

I presume the red is for stereo, so my TV doesn't have a red. I've never used the red cable. May I presume you don't need the antenna cable just to play DVD's and VHS's?

I'm going to assume that for the DVD-VHS one set of red-yellow-white connections is the output and the other set is an input. In this case, you have basically three choices of how to configure your system:

1. Connect the the white-yellow output from the DVD-VHS to one of the white-yellow inputs on the TV (leave the red lead unconnected, you won't get stereo, but your TV doesn't support it anyway). Similarly, connect the white-yellow output from the converter box to the other white-yellow input on the TV. In this configuration, DVD-VHS will be one of the inputs (eg. INPUT 1) and digital TV will be the other input (eg. INPUT 2). You will be unable to record digital TV, but this appears to be what you want.

2. Connect the DVD-VHS as above. Connect the red-yellow-white jacks from the converter box to the red-yellow-white input jacks on the DVD-VHS. The advantages are that you can now record the Digital TV programs. The disadvantage is that you must have your DVD-VHS turned on to watch TV.

3. Connect the DVD-VHS as above. Connect the TV-out antenna jack from the converter box to the antenna-in connection on the TV. In this case you will need to tune your TV to ch3 or ch4 to get the digital TV. You will not be able to record digital TV and your signal will be slightly degraded relative to the options above. (obviously this would be the least desirable configuration).

There may be other ways to connect the box, but I believe the above are your best bets, at least until you get a better television.

Thanks, Semi. Couldn't be clearer. :)

And my TV is just fine for my purposes, until it dies.

Don't know if this has been posted before but according to this pdf from the FCC most of the NYC stations ARE switching

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-221A5.pdf


Hold the fort....I didnt look at those X columns. Why don't these guys just put the stations switching instead of saying all stations switching and then you have to look at the X's? Gov't geniuses

Maybe because it's a list of "All Full Power Television Stations by DMA"? It even says that it indicates those terminating analog service (presumably by the bolded red font).

I record Conan and Leno every night off of my D* MPEG-4 local channel. Last night (or this AM) the 3:05 recording stopped after 1 minute...and last week the 12:30 episode of Conan (not sure what night---think the guide info said "Johnny Knoxville") did not record at all.

My question: Anyone know if the OTA feed was off air as well....or did my HR21 DVR just muck things up....which *occasionally happens*....

:confused:

I really do hope they change in NYC no point in holding it up when this has been talked about for YEARS on the expense of the broadcaster running two systems.

It just isn't going to happen.

The networks are afraid of a new White House, a new FCC and a reconstituted Congress.

Sorry!

Don't get me started on the FCC. Those idiots are the ones who approved the Sirius XM merger now look how bad the company is now. Sirius slim repeative playlists ruined XM radio which I why I don't listen to it that much anymore. They might even go Bankrupt.

I am not happy that no NYC stations are going to be turning off their analog especially channels 7, 11 and 13. I will have to make do to channel 50 for some HD PBS shows.

I noticed the PQ on WNYW-DT's non HD programming is 100% better.
After years of bad video quality they have turned off the edge enhancement and text on screen seems to be deinterlacing correctly.

Don't get me started on the FCC. Those idiots are the ones who approved the Sirius XM merger now look how bad the company is now. Sirius slim repeative playlists ruined XM radio which I why I don't listen to it that much anymore. They might even go Bankrupt.

I am not happy that no NYC stations are going to be turning off their analog especially channels 7, 11 and 13. I will have to make do to channel 50 for some HD PBS shows.

The fact that it took two years for the merger is what hurt both companies.
I agree the FCC are idiots and so is the DOJ and the NAB.

Don't get me started on the merger... it was only a matter of time sirus crappy stock drove down XM.

XM had better music which is why I went with them... I have not listened since this merger took place but from what it seems most are not happy.

According to Cablevision's method of selling news (as well as other things) on dead trees (a.k.a. Newsday), all the locals are going analogless on Tuesday except WNET.

Just shows how much the Dolans know!

It also could be a ploy concerning Cablevision's "scare tactics" commercials for jeople to sign up for cable service.

With the Dolans, big grains of salt are always recommended.

The Dolans... :rolleyes: thank god Fios is now available in my area. It blows CV away!

I noticed the PQ on WNYW-DT's non HD programming is 100% better.
After years of bad video quality they have turned off the edge enhancement and text on screen seems to be deinterlacing correctly.

I agree. I notice on The Simpson's it is so much clear. Also they are showing Seinfeld in 16:9 even though the show originally aired on NBC in the 1990's when they did not have 16:9 TV's and I though it was a 4:3 show.

"Seinfled" has recently had its episodes re-mastered.

Yes, the show was originally shot on 4:3 - the re-mastering to 16:9 has been expertly done by cropping and I believe some digital magic.

I just got a bowtie antenna that all of you were saying that was so great. Well it is the worst peace of crud I have ever tried. The only stations that I was able to get strong which I can get with any antenna was channels 29 and 47. Even channel 4 was worse. I was able to peak channel 7 in the mid 60's but that is only if I held the antenna up in the air. Plus the cord is way too short. I don't even think the cord would reach behind the TV is how short it is. I hooked back up my Terk HDTVi and I got the NYC stations stronger and more reliable.

As for that guy who said he lived 25 miles away from the ESB and he has that antenna in his attic and he can get all the NYC channels except channel 13 well sorry buddy I just don't believe a word you are saying. Not to be mean with anyone as I was not expecting it to work because I only wasted $4 on it. I don't care what anyone says about the Terk HDTVi antenna. They can say it is junk and these cheaper antennas is better but to me it is the best antenna I have ever tried. I am sticking with it even after the June 12th transition. Just really want to know how it pulls in high VHF. Sorry to go on and that is that.

No good deed goes unpunished!

So true. As I said before I stick with what works. Remember another well know phrase "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

As for Seinfeld if it was remastered did they really just chop the top and bottom off. I watched a couple of Seinfeld episodes and they really look like they were filmed 16:9.

Odd I don't get email updates anymore..

On the other thing with yesterday's wind how did your signals do? I had a little break up but nothing crazy.. but sometimes I will just get no signal at all for 5-1 and 5-2 but 99% of the time I have no issues.

According to Today's Cablevision's dead trees news method, they corrected themselves and have stated the the DTV transition for the NYC locals will begin on June 12th.

I know it stinks. June 12th. I was really looking forward too this month to see how I would get 7, 11 and 13 on high VHF now I have to wait four more months. Lets hope when June rolls around Congress won't decide to pass another delay.

"Seinfled" has recently had its episodes re-mastered.

Yes, the show was originally shot on 4:3 - the re-mastering to 16:9 has been expertly done by cropping and I believe some digital magic.

What are the chances the orginal cameras where wide screen hd. Then 1990s they cropped the side to fit it on the SD NTSC analog tv that was in use then. Therefore today the go back & run the show from the orginal copy. I remember seeing Dallas. On the opening of the show on the screen would say " in mitsubishi hd where avaiable" when the title would come on before credits would come on.

I just got a bowtie antenna that all of you were saying that was so great. Well it is the worst peace of crud I have ever tried. The only stations that I was able to get strong which I can get with any antenna was channels 29 and 47. Even channel 4 was worse. I was able to peak channel 7 in the mid 60's but that is only if I held the antenna up in the air. Plus the cord is way too short. I don't even think the cord would reach behind the TV is how short it is. I hooked back up my Terk HDTVi and I got the NYC stations stronger and more reliable.

As for that guy who said he lived 25 miles away from the ESB and he has that antenna in his attic and he can get all the NYC channels except channel 13 well sorry buddy I just don't believe a word you are saying. Not to be mean with anyone as I was not expecting it to work because I only wasted $4 on it. I don't care what anyone says about the Terk HDTVi antenna. They can say it is junk and these cheaper antennas is better but to me it is the best antenna I have ever tried. I am sticking with it even after the June 12th transition. Just really want to know how it pulls in high VHF. Sorry to go on and that is that.

I used a 12 db amp to boost the signal since it is a low gain antenna. I connected the 300 ohm lead from the bow tie to a 300 to 75 slip on adapter. Then I slip the admaper onto the input of the amp. The lead from the bow tie was short. that cuased the amp to be near the bow tie. But I anted to boost the signal before any loss of the wire. I twisted the 300 ohm flat lead wiht about 7 twist at about 3 twist per foot. Then I got a longer 75 ohm cable & connected on end into the output of the amp. I connected the other end to the tv. This antenna will work but you will need to do some extra work, an amp & a 75 ohm cable. You would need to put the antenna on some thing to hold it in place. For example like putting a screw through the plastic in the middle into a block of wood since I assume you do not have rabbit ears to snap it onto. Then you tuen into one of the analog UHF sations & move it around until you have the best pitcher on the screen. Then try it on the digital sations & see what yo9u receive. You cna put it in a closet, under a bed or in the window.

I understand that you may not be the kind who likes to take on a project like this. If you are the kind that like to just plug it in & it works then this may now work well.

I know it stinks. June 12th. I was really looking forward too this month to see how I would get 7, 11 and 13 on high VHF now I have to wait four more months. Lets hope when June rolls around Congress won't decide to pass another delay.


looong time ago when they finally decided to stick with Feb 17th as the date I joked with people saying I bet you they will delay it somehow again like all the other dates, and one person says nah I think this is the last time...

Heh guess that's not so

WNYW-DT uses a directional antenna on the Empire State Building's mast.

The signal is weak towards south New Jersey to diminish interference with
WMCN, Atlantic City also transmitting on Channel 44.

Yeah yeah I know that.

I also don't live in south Jersey. I live in Northwest NJ.

You're very welcome!

Think of the new June date as an "extension", like the one you get from the IRS if you file the proper form.

How did everyone's signal do with the wind?

No problems here. My antenna is securely fastened to an 86ft tower though. I have larger antennas on it which have seen two seasons of ice storms with no problems.

So I don't expect a little wind to be a problem. ;)

^ without a doubt, those Variety TV antenna installers know what they're doing.

The Amazing Race 14 said "Presented in HD" but I only got SD.

Even all of the commercials were in SD (including the ones that were usually in HD). This was both OTA and on cable.

Think someone at WCBS screwed up bigtime? Or is TAR not in HD yet?

The listings saying it was in HD were a mistake.

StudiTech...Forget the listings...you missed Raj's point.

Raj I agree with you! Why would CBS say at the beginning of the show that it was presented in HD and then present it in SD. Could they be that dumb that they have no clue which shows are in HD? I think we know the answer when a show like Amzing Race which is a no brainer to be shown in HD has not been and other programs are in HD which should have been a much lower priority!

Mine was fine but I have to have the installer over today as my mom's is about to crash. One of the brackets has only one screw holding it and the antenna is listing forward and will come down soon if we get any wind over 20 miles per hour.

Reception was bad during the wind. Most stations from ESB were down to 60% and lower signal strength....from the usual 70-90%.

I was told that most of the digital stations were going to increase power on February 6th. Given that the 2/17 transition date has been delayed, did the power increase take place as planned, or has that been delayed as well?

My reception on 2-1 has been steadily improving in recent weeks (but still not what I would call "reliable"), but last week it took a turn for the worse.

News to me.

I was told that most of the digital stations were going to increase power on February 6th. Given that the 2/17 transition date has been delayed, did the power increase take place as planned, or has that been delayed as well?

My reception on 2-1 has been steadily improving in recent weeks (but still not what I would call "reliable"), but last week it took a turn for the worse.

Why would 2-1 increase power when they are flash cutting from 56 to 33 on 2/17 (or whenever)?

I was told that most of the digital stations were going to increase power on February 6th. Given that the 2/17 transition date has been delayed, did the power increase take place as planned, or has that been delayed as well?

My reception on 2-1 has been steadily imp9, but last week it took a turn for the worse.

For me 2-1 has seen a very big improvement.. I get a 90-100% signal at any time of the day..

However one channel which is still not great is 5-1 some times of the day I get no signal at all as if they shut the digital feed off then I get a 80% signal for the rest of the day.. very confusing..

Also 4-4 which I think is universal sports sometimes it's good during the day and sometimes it breaks up so bad and always in the good parts I want to watch/hear about.

StudiTech...Forget the listings...you missed Raj's point.

Raj I agree with you! Why would CBS say at the beginning of the show that it was presented in HD and then present it in SD. Could they be that dumb that they have no clue which shows are in HD? I think we know the answer when a show like Amzing Race which is a no brainer to be shown in HD has not been and other programs are in HD which should have been a much lower priority!

I wasn't paying attention right at the beginning of the show (I was catching the beginning of the Simpsons in HD as I was recording it) so I missed the "presented in HD" line.

I believe what you're experiencing is an anomaly of digital reception - it makes no sense.

As someone has already mentioned, there is no logic behind CBS investing additional money behind a frequency that was supposed to have been abandoned on 217 -
now 6/12. CBS will spending a wad of dough keeping their stations' analog signals on the air until June.

Just enjoy this gift from who knows where.

Concerning 4-4. That sub-channel's signal is based upon your reception of Channel 28.

What I have noticed is that this station, as an SD sub-channel, works with limited bits.
Much of the programming contains high-speed sports, a big user of the channel's bits.

Sports with a great deal of movement are hardly the program content for a sub-channel.

This is quite evident when you notice the difficulty in trying to read lower-thirds.

Since we're mentioning CBS, had anyone noticed that WCBS had never properly ID'd their digital signal? At one time, I used to see WCBS-TV New York/DT 56, which was wrong. Now, nothing. Just the same WCBS-TV New York, just like the analog signal. All the other stations seem to do it correctly.

When you say "properly" ID's their signal, what do you mean?

Literarily, at this time, it is Channel 56, but 60+ years of marketing Channel 2 has great value. I'm sure that Channel 2 is what the station will continue to be called; no one, as of June, will refer to the station as Channel 33.

Additionally, WCBS-DT will continue to want the Channel 2 position on cable and satellite systems.

I believe what you're experiencing is an anomaly of digital reception - it makes no sense.

As someone has already mentioned, there is no logic behind CBS investing additional money behind a frequency that was supposed to have been abandoned on 217 -
now 6/12. CBS will spending a wad of dough keeping their stations' analog signals on the air until June.

Just enjoy this gift from who knows where.

Concerning 4-4. That sub-channel's signal is based upon your reception of Channel 28.

What I have noticed is that this station, as an SD sub-channel, works with limited bits.
Much of the programming contains high-speed sports, a big user of the channel's bits.

Sports with a great deal of movement are hardly the program content for a sub-channel.

This is quite evident when you notice the difficulty in trying to read lower-thirds.

Thanks for the info I had no clue it was based off channel 28.. and you are right when the camera is not panning or a large amount of movement is not going on the signal is fine.. Like watching Lake placid the other day was annoying enough for me to just mute the channel and watch. The whole Channel got blocky so it's not just a lower thirds thing.

When you say "properly" ID's their signal, what do you mean?

Literarily, at this time, it is Channel 56, but 60+ years of marketing Channel 2 has great value. I'm sure that Channel 2 is what the station will continue to be called; no one, as of June, will refer to the station as Channel 33.

Additionally, WCBS-DT will continue to want the Channel 2 position on cable and satellite systems.

I'm talking about the callsign, city of license ID that required by the FCC at least once an hour.

How long do you think it will be before WMBC and WFME will go full power? I would like to see if I could get either these stations with an indoor antenna.

How long do you think it will be before WMBC and WFME will go full power? I would like to see if I could get either these stations with an indoor antenna.

They already are.

- Trip

I had the pleasure of seeing a little 2 minute tech spot on the 5:30 news this AM where the WNBC female anchor (Erika?) kicked off a little techie vignette about the digital TV delay which was supposed to start today....and she alluded to the fact that the transition would start today on SOME networks/channels....yet not ONCE did she mention IF ANY NYC channels (or even our very own WNBC) would be kicking off early...or whether or not WNBC would be starting on 6/12....or sometime in between.

I found it ironically comical that that little piece...in my own mind...just added to the confusion/lack of clarity on the whole situation by leaving the local viewer (who is obviously going to be impacted) in the dark as to whether any of this BS would be directly affecting THEM right NOW!!!!
:eek:

I had the pleasure of seeing a little 2 minute tech spot on the 5:30 news this AM where the WNBC female anchor (Erika?) kicked off a little techie vignette about the digital TV delay which was supposed to start today....and she alluded to the fact that the transition would start today on SOME networks/channels....yet not ONCE did she mention IF ANY NYC channels (or even our very own WNBC) would be kicking off early...or whether or not WNBC would be starting on 6/12....or sometime in between.

I found it ironically comical that that little piece...in my own mind...just added to the confusion/lack of clarity on the whole situation by leaving the local viewer (who is obviously going to be impacted) in the dark as to whether any of this BS would be directly affecting THEM right NOW!!!!
:eek:


This is the price WNBC and the audience pays for the station's ongoing cut-backs and firings.

They spent so much money building the unneeded and idiotic "Content
Center" but forgot that content and capable people are king!

Yeah I too was trying to search to see if any stations made the switch this morning.. but never found any info.

Yeah I too was trying to search to see if any stations made the switch this morning.. but never found any info.

They didn't switch. Too many people w the rabbit ears. They can probably still afford running 2 transmitters but yeah, it's pretty pathetic.
Reporter: "Hello Engineering?"
Eng: "Yes"
R: Are we switching to digital on 2/17?
E: No
R: Thanks

How hard was that?
Not very for people with brains

They didn't switch. Too many people w the rabbit ears. They can probably still afford running 2 transmitters but yeah, it's pretty pathetic.
Reporter: "Hello Engineering?"
Eng: "Yes"
R: Are we switching to digital on 2/17?
E: No
R: Thanks

How hard was that?
Not very for people with brains


Well I knew the major networks were not going to switch but was curious about any low powered stations.

I wonder if they would be stupid enough to try to delay it again past it's current date set now..

Low power stations don't have to switch to digital for years - they have been exempted.

Yeah I too was trying to search to see if any stations made the switch this morning.. but never found any info.
I read the FCC report that WMBC will switch off their analog today (or already did it). Not sure whether they have done it or not. But their digital stays at the same channel, so no way to test whether my antenna can get a upper VHF digital or not.
Also about wind causing problem, I didn't see any difference. Although, I am seeing occasional glitches (say every 15 min) for WABC (7.1) now a days for the past 15-20 days. I don't see the same issue with CBS, NBC, FOX, my9 or PIX11. Not sure whether they made any changes on their antenna directional pattern.

WMBC's digital transmission channel has always been and is Channel 18 -
which is not VHF.

It is clearly within the UHF band.

WMBC's digital transmission channel has always been and is Channel 18 -
which is not VHF.

It is clearly within the UHF band.

What I meant, is that if there were any station moving from UHF to upper-VHF today, my Eagle Aspen would have been better tested. But since WMBC stays at 18, I have no way to know whether my antenna would be good on June 12. I have a slight hope though. I get ABC, PIX11 analog (both of which are in upper VHF.. ok ABC is at 7) with lot of noise (almost unwatchable) but I do get the picture and the audio though using the same antenna. I never get CBS, NBC or FOX analog.

You stand a good shot to receive 7, 11 and 13 when they become digital on 6/12.

But, you never know until the stations start transmitting.

Wait until the changeover before you do anything.

Even after the transition, there will be a lot of work going on at the ESB - removal of the analogue antennas along with stations probably moving to higher positions on the mast and/or increased power.

Wish you well.

How long do you think it will be before WMBC and WFME will go full power? I would like to see if I could get either these stations with an indoor antenna.

Although I can't get WMBC, WFME is so strong where I live I can probably get it strong with a peace of wire and a paper clip antenna. Even $1 VHF not UHF but VHF antenna can pick it up strong. This comes to my question I wonder because of that channel which is on 29 is the reason why I have trouble picking up channel 4 which is on 28? Could it be overloading it and making channel 28 worse?
on.

You stand a good shot to receive 7, 11 and 13 when they become digital on 6/12.

But, you never know until the stations start transmitting.

Wait until the changeover before you do anything.

Even after the transition, there will be a lot of work going on at the ESB - removal of the analogue antennas along with stations probably moving to higher positions on the mast and/or increased power.

Wish you well.

I was hopping to be able to see how I would get 7, 11 and 13 on high VHF today but because of the stupid bill that was passed which I still don't understand how a bill could be rejected one week and then passed the next week I will now have to wait 4 more month to find out unless it gets delayed again which won't be a surprise if it is. :mad:

Although I can't get WMBC, WFME is so strong where I live I can probably get it strong with a peace of wire and a paper clip antenna. Even $1 VHF not UHF but VHF antenna can pick it up strong.

I don't know exactly in Brooklyn you are, but it seems that maybe the 10± miles (and probably direction) distance between us, somewhere in between the signal just completely dies out. And according to the transmitter maps on the FCC website, I should be getting a good signal just being closer (same with WMBC).

getting curious about this "WMBC" everyone is talking about they have a pretty nice line up of programming.. Not sure if it's been said before but how much power are they using to transmit? I know it's hardly a blip here in CT

It looks like 1,000kW.

Thanks, what is also puzzling is my Insignia NS-DXA1 when I did the auto scan I got the following channels added but they must be low powered or far away but sometimes they come in... tends to happen more when the higher channels

2-1
4-1
4-2
4-4
5-1
5-2
7-1
7-2
7-3
9-1
9-2
11-1
11-2
21-2
21-3
21-4
25-1
25-2
41-1
68-1

From Yahoo website....who went all digital
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090217/ap_on_hi_te/tec_digital_tv_list

Well I knew the major networks were not going to switch but was curious about any low powered stations.

I wonder if they would be stupid enough to try to delay it again past it's current date set now..


Yeah, YOU knew that and so did I, but what about all the poor yutzes who haven't figured out they need a converter

And according to the transmitter maps on the FCC website, I should be getting a good signal just being closer (same with WMBC).

Those FCC maps just like the ones on TV Fool are very inaccurate. For me it shows WFME as yellow saying I will have trouble getting it and might need a roof antenna but I get it the strongest of the stations that even the cheapest of indoor antennas have no problem getting. Then it shows me WCBS as green saying I will have no problems getting it with a indoor antenna yet I can barely pull in a signal, can only peak it at about 55% and when I do it is very unreliable. Breaks up a lot.

WMBC is the same distance as channel 50 but I can't even get a blimp of a picture for WMBC. I can only peak it at about 15%. Channel 50 I can get in the mid 60's.

Those FCC maps just like the ones on TV Fool are very inaccurate. For me it shows WFME as yellow saying I will have trouble getting it and might need a roof antenna but I get it the strongest of the stations that even the cheapest of indoor antennas have no problem getting. Then it shows me WCBS as green saying I will have no problems getting it with a indoor antenna yet I can barely pull in a signal, can only peak it at about 55% and when I do it is very unreliable. Breaks up a lot.

Have you tried calling up the CBS, NBC engineers on your reception issues in BKLN? I think, they should be able to help you and can probably visit your area and try to understand the problem, considering so many people rely on indoor antenna in that area and they wouldn't like to see people getting frustrated over reception issues and dropping OTA altogether.

Yeah, YOU knew that and so did I, but what about all the poor yutzes who haven't figured out they need a converter

More the reason why this should of never of been delayed.. my take is when the signal goes out that will "force" them to get what they need...

Then you have freaks that say "it's the government and they want to spy on you" I know a few family members that think like this.

Do you really think that stations are going to spend time and money before the June transition to try to "fix" reception problems?

In my opinion, it ain't gonna happen!

So I guess those of us who would like to receive them need analog pass through on our converter box then, right? I got a pocket TV that I might do a project with.

WMBC shut off its analog sometime during primetime. Around 7PM the analog was there, and when I rescanned after American Idol... poof... it was gone. Thank God, my preamp is probably breathing a sigh of relief now. When it gets warmer I'm going to climb the tower to put the second phased 4228 and a VHF antenna to get a good lock on the VHF stations as well as get a better lock on the UHF. I may get a 3rd antenna and put it on the rotatable mast to get philly stations or for general DXing.

My main reason for going OTA was to make sure I can get TV in an emergency as we see ice storms here and it's been known to take out cable.

There is a slight improvement in reception and I have a little better lock on WNYW-DT now because there's no WMBC to desense the preamp. Channel 64 (which just has a color bar test pattern, I think it is WASA) is now solid and doesn't co-channel with 63 anymore.

WFME 66 is also running crawls constantly saying that they're going to shut down the analog at 11:59 PM tonight.

I'd stay up but I have work tomorrow. I'll probably just TiVo the analog shutoff of WFME, but it's certain to be anticlimatic. It will probably just go dark without a fanfare...

getting curious about this "WMBC" everyone is talking about they have a pretty nice line up of programming..

I don't know about that, unless you're interested in Korean and other international programming. My wife does enjoy the "asian variety show" that airs on weekends and shows news about bollywood films.

I don't know about that, unless you're interested in Korean and other international programming. My wife does enjoy the "asian variety show" that airs on weekends and shows news about bollywood films.

I was interested in it for it's international programming and Korean Dramas. However 1000kW I doubt the signal does well in NYC.

Now all someone needs to do is figure out how to make a handheld DTV TV tuner with a built in screen.

I was interested in it for it's international programming and Korean Dramas. However 1000kW I doubt the signal does well in NYC.

The DTV transmitter is actually closer to NYC now, can't remember where exactly (too lazy to pull up lat/long). The analog was in lake Hopatcong, about 15 miles from me.

Now all someone needs to do is figure out how to make a handheld DTV TV tuner with a built in screen.

I've seen at least one on amazon.com.

Still can't get a blimp of a signal for WMBC.

Still can't get a blimp of a signal for WMBC.

I am currently in midtown manhattan and I can get them on an indoor antenna.

From what I am seing there is a big difference between Digital and Analog signal reception.

If you are or were getting analog like I was, you never had to worry about not getting it. It was a reliable signal. No pixilation or dropouts. Those are not analog signal issues. 30 miles from NY and the analog signal was very good.

Digital on the otherhand is a whole different ballgame. My experience is the reliability of the signal is all over the place. For example digital 11.1 at my location can be anywhere from the 50's to the 80's in signal strength. Just about all the stations I receive except for a very few can be anywhere from the 60's to the 80's. Such a wide descrepancy means I don't know one day to the next what I will get. I bet that is the same for many people. Wind, weather, whatever seems to impact digital.

When analog is cut off this will become even more apparent. That digital while offering better picture and sound IS NOT AS reliable or consistant a signal as analog.

Perhaps this will change when the cutover is made and all of the transmitter changes are made but my gut tells me what we are experiencing right now is what it will be with digital. I hope I am wrong.

There are options. I am seriously reconsidering getting rid of cable and instead changing my cable package to basic analog. For some of us it is a viable option at only about $12 a month with Cablevision. I will get just about everything coming in OTA but not digital. My thinking is I can then have the best of both worlds. I can watch OTA digital when the signal is good and when it is bad I can switch over to analog cable. PLus I can continue to record shows on the VCR and not worry about trying to record OTA digital signals that are good one day and bad the next. I have also been following the forum thread on the OTA DVR from Direct TV which appears to have lots of issues.

This is an option I am seriously considering if the concerns I have are not addressed in the June cutover. I think for a lot of us who are not close to NY it is a good one.

Now all someone needs to do is figure out how to make a handheld DTV TV tuner with a built in screen.

You mean like this?

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2855063

"When analog is cut off this will become even more apparent."

Why would digital's shortcomings become more apparent when analog is cut off? Sorry, I must be missing something.

If I were you, I wouldn't make any decisions at this time concerning which method to use for reception.

As I've discussed before, once the transition for the major stations in the New York market takes place in June, stations with antennas on the ESB will be removing unneeded analog hardware. This means that real estate on the mast will open up. Stations have already filed with the FCC both to move further up and stations have also filed for more power.

Speaking of power, many are beginning to discuss that the Commission botched the job in its allocation of digital stations power limits - specifically east of the Mississippi. The allocations are very low and the ability of those signals to reach viewers in urban areas are becoming a big concern. Sounds just like New York.

Hang in there, if you can!

I am hanging in. I was just pointing out my experience and frustration. I plan to downgrade my cable package soon to just basic analog which will save me some money. Then in June or July I will decide again whether to get rid of cable all together or whether I want the analog package as a backup.

My point about analog OTA was that at least for now people can still get it if their Digital OTA is bad. Come June that option is gone.

I am hanging in. I was just pointing out my experience and frustration. I plan to downgrade my cable package soon to just basic analog which will save me some money. Then in June or July I will decide again whether to get rid of cable all together or whether I want the analog package as a backup.

My point about analog OTA was that at least for now people can still get it if their Digital OTA is bad. Come June that option is gone.

Whatever I have read about the digital transition is that, major networks are not going to increase their transmission power, except for WNET(13.x). Their digital level will be same as now. yes you will see some differences for ABC, PIX11 too because they are moving to upper VHF, but thats an unknown territory (at least to my antenna). So don't expect much on June 12, if you are not reliably getting the digital signals today, unless the reorientation of the antenna at higher level help you out.
IMO, a better antenna (I am not suggesting outdoor) like CM4221 or aesthetically superior (smaller size) DB2/Eagle-Aspen (like mine) can solve lot of the issues you are facing on digital reception reliability. Now, I dropped cable soon after I bought my first HDTV in Mar 2007 and I am exclusively watching TV via OTA for the last 2 yrs, without any hiccups or reliability issue (leaving aside WNET) even in bad weather, gusty wind, fall time. Till Jul 2008 I had the Terk HDTVa, which was fine at 26 miles from ESB, although it was really sensitive and picky about the direction. Then I moved to another apartment, which was 33 miles from ESB. Still the Terk was fine, but I found only one sweet spot to get all the NYC channels and I had to run a 25 ft RG-6 to reach the TV. Now, one fine day it fell down and it soon stopped working. I started looking for another indoor antenna. Initially I built the 4-bay coat hanger antenna without the reflector and without all those fine workmanship. It was performing better than the Terk HDTVa in terms of signal strength, but the signals were unreliable (fluctuating from 40-80 like you see) because of severe multipath. I attributed it to the lack of reflector and the lack of workmanship for the DIY antenna. So after looking at EV's thread on indoor antenna, I ordered an Eagle Aspen for $24 shipped from amazon. This is far far cheaper than the $59 I paid for Terk HDTVa and even cheaper than the DIY antenna (if you consider all raw material cost and my time). The antenna works like wonder, signal reception is rock solid (even with a 25 ft RG-6 run without any pre-amp and split into two output), looks better in my living room. It is by far one of my best purchase in electronics. And yes, I am not watching the TV via any DTV convereter box (which has the latest 6th gen tuner), its thru a Olevia Tv (which supposedly has a 4th gen tuner). I can really vouch for this antenna and with amazon's return policy, I suggest you try this route, before trying out other means. It's really an well made antenna and I haven't seen much negative reviews for this antenna like Terk HDTVa (which can be a hit or miss).
Also, to @reddice, sometime back you mentioned that you tried the radioshack bow-tie anetnna and it sucked. Well, I would like to stress the importance of the reflector part of the bow-tie style antenna. Without the reflector, you are basically at the mercy of the multipath and pray that it will work for you. Same holds true for any UHF loop style antenna. I have learnt that lesson when I tried my hand in building the 4-bay bow tie antenna. But upon reading more in "Buidling your own UHF antenna" thread, I realized that the reflector and proper angle/distance from the bow-tie elements helps a lot in rejecting the multipath and get a reliable and solid signal. I consider $24 (you may find it cheaper in buy.com, sometimeback it was selling for $15 + shipping) a small investment to completely get rid of cable if you are only interested in network TV and full blown HD.

Add: Would like to add that, you can probably return the antenna to amazon for free refund, if it doesn't work for you, so its a realitvely less risky proposition.

You mean like this?

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2855063

yeah.. wow did not know those existed (with the ATSC tuner built in)

I can't find the post here talking about WABC-DT but is anyone else getting sound drop-outs every few seconds? my signal goes from 75-90% but it's breaking up the sound about every 5-9 seconds without the picture breaking up.

I can't find the post here talking about WABC-DT but is anyone else getting sound drop-outs every few seconds? my signal goes from 75-90% but it's breaking up the sound about every 5-9 seconds without the picture breaking up.
I only reported about the glitches in WABC, although I think it's not every 7-9 sec. Anyway, today is "Lost" night, so I will report back whether I am seeing it or not.

Coming in loud and clear - no problems!

hmm.. well I hope when the digital antenna is moved up higher that this wont be an issue anymore.

Also WNYE that's not broadcasting from the ESB is it?

yeah.. wow did not know those existed (with the ATSC tuner built in)

Yeah they do, Also RCA/Winegard/Venturer DTV tuner model#: STB7766G1 has an optional accessory power pack of 6 D cells and it also has analog pass through. Hook that up to an old portable TV with a AV input jack and connect an antenna and your go to go. Who wants to bet that the portable TV's batteries die before the batteries in the accessory pack do?

I agree with you that analog is much more reliable than digital. With a analog signal you can put the antenna almost anywhere and get a picture but with digital you got to have it in the just the right spot. Move it a bit and it goes from a picture to a blank screen.

No way would I trade the incredible digital picture that I get with a my small Silver Sensor indoor antenna.

I did a comparison trying to look at analogue O-T-A ,and as they say in the neighborhood - fuhgettaboutit! Pictures unstable, colors off, snow - you name the anomaly and I had it.

Yes, digital can be frustrating - but once I found the "sweet spot" I'm pretty happy.

Just hope the changes in June will only help and in no way hinder the great pictures I'm enjoying.

By the way, I have no line-of-sight to the ESB and am surrounded by many taller buildings.

I'm sure that there are strong signals bouncing all over the place, but the major O-T-A stations I watch most often, 2 through 13, all come in fine.

I'm fortunate.

I am just saying that analog signal is more reliable put the PQ stinks. Digital does have much better PQ.

Also WNYE that's not broadcasting from the ESB is it?

I thought they were for some reason.

I am in NNJ (07036) about 15mi from ESB (per antennaweb.org) and in the "yellow" antenna zone. Currently I'm using a 25year old uhf/vhf antenna on the roof of my house :) for my HD reception - I have DirecTV but use OTA for local networks. I notice 4-1 signal is varying in sig (60%-80%) but CBS/ABC/FOX are all solid 90% (I'm using the signal meter on my DirecTV receiver as a reference).

I'd like to replace this antenna for my digital HD channels but looking at all the charts I see ABC is going from UHF to VHF (the only one of the 4 majors).

What antenna is recommended that will handle both VHF and the single &^&^&@@ ABC channel? I have a DB4 I bought a long time ago but never installed but that is UHF only. Since I am so close to NYC will the DB4 be able to pickup VHF-7-1 in June well enough or do I need a dualband antenna? If so, any suggestions? I do have an attic I could install in rather then roof-top.

I too live in Northern NJ and I highly recommend the Winegard HD 7694P. I have it installed in my attic and receive all the digital stations perfectly (with ION 31.1 being the only somewhat unreliable signal).

Good Luck

http://www.iptv.org/video/detail.cfm/3328/dqa_20090131_receiving_digital_television

Not NY but an online video about the digital TV conversion.

I am in NNJ (07036) about 15mi from ESB (per antennaweb.org) and in the "yellow" antenna zone. Currently I'm using a 25year old uhf/vhf antenna on the roof of my house :) for my HD reception - I have DirecTV but use OTA for local networks. I notice 4-1 signal is varying in sig (60%-80%) but CBS/ABC/FOX are all solid 90% (I'm using the signal meter on my DirecTV receiver as a reference).

I'd like to replace this antenna for my digital HD channels but looking at all the charts I see ABC is going from UHF to VHF (the only one of the 4 majors).

What antenna is recommended that will handle both VHF and the single &^&^&@@ ABC channel? I have a DB4 I bought a long time ago but never installed but that is UHF only. Since I am so close to NYC will the DB4 be able to pickup VHF-7-1 in June well enough or do I need a dualband antenna? If so, any suggestions? I do have an attic I could install in rather then roof-top.

My advice to you would be an old saying: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unless WNBC-DT is actually dropping out on you, there's not much point in wasting the money and effort on new equipment.

And don't forget that 11 and 13 will be on upper-VHF as well, along with 58 (but that's mirrored on 50).

Given that you already have the DB4, what you could do is wait for the transition to occur and give it a try and see. If your existing antenna works well for you on VHF, you could get a UHF/VHF joiner and use the DB4 for UHF and the old antenna for VHF.

- Trip

...
What antenna is recommended that will handle both VHF and the single &^&^&@@ ABC channel? I have a DB4 I bought a long time ago but never installed but that is UHF only. Since I am so close to NYC will the DB4 be able to pickup VHF-7-1 in June well enough or do I need a dualband antenna? If so, any suggestions? I do have an attic I could install in rather then roof-top.
FWIW, I am in Central NJ 50+ miles from NYC and with a DB4 in my attic (boosted by a Channel Master CM7777 for a 25' cable run) am able to receive very good quality video for VHF 7. I would suggest that you put up the DB4 antenna in your attic and see how good a reception you get on this channel, before trying anything else.

I put the DB4 in the attic and (vs my 30 year old broken down old existing roof antenna) and it works fine on all channels EXCEPT DIGITAL 4. Must be a multipath issue caused by the foil under the vinyl siding of the house because 4.1 and subs are varying widely in signal strength on the DirecTV signal meter. All the other digital channels are solid 90-100% but 4digital is jumping between 30% and 90%. When I go back to the dilapidated roof antenna (about 15' higher then the DB4 in the attic) everything is solid 100%. Oh well .... guess I'll stick with the old relic on the roof or maybe I'll just mount the DB4 in it's place in the spring since I have it.

FWIW, I am in Central NJ 50+ miles from NYC and with a DB4 in my attic (boosted by a Channel Master CM7777 for a 25' cable run) am able to receive very good quality video for VHF 7. I would suggest that you put up the DB4 antenna in your attic and see how good a reception you get on this channel, before trying anything else.

I'll probably just TiVo the analog shutoff of WFME, but it's certain to be anticlimatic. It will probably just go dark without a fanfare...

Did analog for WFME end as planned? I would like to confirm before I take it off the analog list.

Thanks,

I put the DB4 in the attic and (vs my 30 year old broken down old existing roof antenna) and it works fine on all channels EXCEPT DIGITAL 4. Must be a multipath issue caused by the foil under the vinyl siding of the house because 4.1 and subs are varying widely in signal strength on the DirecTV signal meter. All the other digital channels are solid 90-100% but 4digital is jumping between 30% and 90%. When I go back to the dilapidated roof antenna (about 15' higher then the DB4 in the attic) everything is solid 100%. Oh well .... guess I'll stick with the old relic on the roof or maybe I'll just mount the DB4 in it's place in the spring since I have it.


Before you take down your old antenna can you take a photo of it & post here so we can see it. I think you may have a better antenna than you think it is.

I thought they were for some reason.

hmm must be lower on the ESB then. I really can't find much info on it.

No way would I trade the incredible digital picture that I get with a my small Silver Sensor indoor antenna.

I did a comparison trying to look at analogue O-T-A ,and as they say in the neighborhood - fuhgettaboutit! Pictures unstable, colors off, snow - you name the anomaly and I had it.

Yes, digital can be frustrating - but once I found the "sweet spot" I'm pretty happy.

Just hope the changes in June will only help and in no way hinder the great pictures I'm enjoying.

By the way, I have no line-of-sight to the ESB and am surrounded by many taller buildings.

I'm sure that there are strong signals bouncing all over the place, but the major O-T-A stations I watch most often, 2 through 13, all come in fine.

I'm fortunate.

You're fortunate in that you chose THE MOST DIRECTIONAL small indoor antenna available. Others who are struggling with less directional indoor antennas in areas that are subject to multipath, like yours, will only continue to be frustrated.

Did analog for WFME end as planned? I would like to confirm before I take it off the analog list.

Thanks,

Yes they went QRT on 02/17 at midnight as planned. 66 is all snow.

Yes they went QRT on 02/17 at midnight as planned. 66 is all snow.

Thank you for the update. The FCC had them on the nightlight list, but it appears they didn't.

i recently built a 3-Loop antenna using a mix of wire 12 and 14 wires (i'll make them all 14 later). the antenna works ok when leaning against my apartment window (near 200th Street). i can easily get:

2.1
4.1
5.1
5.2 (My9 on my Olevia!!!)
7.1
11.1

if i move the antenna around i can also get 25.1, 31.1 and 41.1 but i dont need them. on the other hand, i do miss the PBS stations (Thirteen and WLIW21). :-(

first question: i've read that stations will transmit with stronger power once their analog channels are shut down. is it true to every big station (not talking about WMBC and other small ones)??? i mean, when a given station shuts down their analog transmitters, do they always boost their digital one? if all digital signals do get a boost in June, i might not need to buy an antenna. i'd like to receive all of them but the PBSs are a priority to me.

second question: if the signals do not get a boost, which antenna would fare better in my location: HDTVa or DB2? from what i understand, some stations will utilize the VHF-Hi band after the transition.

You're fortunate in that you chose THE MOST DIRECTIONAL small indoor antenna available. Others who are struggling with less directional indoor antennas in areas that are subject to multipath, like yours, will only continue to be frustrated.

I was going to try that antenna. The Silver Senor and compare it with the Terk HDTVi but now I am just going to stick with what I have and find out in June if things improve or not. Like I said many times the Terk HDTVi works pretty good around my area. The only main local channels I have trouble with is channel 2 which is very weak to no picture and channel 13 which no antenna can pick it up. Also channels 31 and 41 I can't get a blimp of a picture either.

Yes they went QRT on 02/17 at midnight as planned. 66 is all snow.

I wish they would shut off their digital station too since it is a waste. It is so strong where I live.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with religious stations except WFME. Although I was more into God and into Christianity a few years ago I just don't believe what that station teaches. I don't believe the wacko who owns the station. First he thinks that the world is only 10,000 years old. Hey what about proof of the dinosaurs.

Also he thinks the word is going to end in May of 2011. I even heard some guy arguing with him saying that no one but God knows when the end of the world is going to be. Even Christians don't believe his whacked out believes.

I was watching Daystar and even the Christan that was preaching on that station said that only God would know when the rapture would occur. Still that wacko station WFME has to beam really powerful. I am able to get it with my Terk antenna in every position I move it except one. I am even able to peak it at 96%. I think this is the reason why I have problems getting channel 4 stronger since it is on channel 28. Even his radio station is wasting space taking up a valuable spot for a commercial radio station.

End of rant.

Also no one who lives in a market where there is a high VHF station would tell me how reliable is reception. How are LOS issues with a indoor VHF antenna? I can't wait four more months thanks to the useless delay on how I am able to get channels 7, 11 and 13. Channel 7 is one of my strongest stations but only if I point the antenna one direction and have it on top of a DVD player and shoe box. I watched the Oscars last night and not one break up. Would really hate to lose channel 7 come June.

So, is there any recourse for those of us in fringe areas seeing significant changes in our reception capabilities post-transition? Are there any efforts in the works with the FCC to increase broadcast power and thus coverage areas?

For example, with analog by pointing my antennas toward NYC I can currently receive the 7 major VHF stations (2,4,5,7,9,11,13) and a few UHF stations (25, 35, 41). If I point them toward Hartford I can get 8 and 20. Pointing towards Albany I get even more (6,10,17,23). The NYC stations come in the best, followed by Albany and then Hartford.

So far, with Digital I can only get a few Albany UHF stations (6.1, 10.1, 17.1, 45.1). So, post-transition my coverage drops from 14 channels including all the major networks to just 4 (or 3 if I can't get 6.1 which switches to channel 6 post-transition). And worse, I go from the NYC market, which provides local news and weather coverage for my area and which are available through the local cable providers to the Albany Market, which for whatever reason seems ignorant of anything south of Kingston.

Even more worrying as you may have inferred from above, I can't get the Albany VHF-Hi stations (13.1, 23.1) reliably. Some days they come in OK, but other days they fluctuate erratically jumping from 85% to 0% several times per minute with corresponding pixellation and loss of audio making them unwatchable. I'm really worried that 6.1 (moving to ch 6) will be even worse post transition.

It really seems like the FCC has been playing fast and loose with the coverage areas and I'm surprised we haven't heard more clamor from those like me who will experience a significant fall-off in digital reception.

First let me say again that Digital Reception appears to fluctuate greatly in signal strength for many of us who were able to get consistent analog reception. Like many of you I can go days where all the stations are great (like yesterday when it was very windy and the wind had no impact) to days where there are stations that can't be watched because they break up so much. This is unacceptable and the word needs to get out to the powers that be that we are going backwards! Even though the picture and sound are much better what good is it if you don't mnow from day to day whether you can watch TV? Now some of the better informed posters on this forum have said just wait till the transition as there will be changes to the antenna heights and some stations may increase power. That is good news and I will wait...I have too but for me that is a lot of ifs, ands and buts. This should all have been addressed BEFORE the analog was swtched off so WE would know what the hack we would be getting! The way they are making the switch over is leaving many of us in the dark till the last minute!

Thank you for the update. The FCC had them on the nightlight list, but it appears they didn't.

Actually I was wrong about that.

They are very very low power and displaying the "you need to get a converter box" message.

Is that what "nightlight" service is? I guess so.

Read this article on Yahoo. It is so true about digital reception.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090302/ap_on_hi_te/tec_digital_tv_reception

That was a great link with important info. One of my early posts on this forum said a lot of the same things about my experience with a great analog picture on many channels but I could not get digital for the same channels until I put up a UHF antenna on the roof with a preamp. I don't think my situation is unique.

This issue was never mentioned until recently. All the TV spots were talking about were simply get a converter box or a new TV. That works for some people but others will need a new antenna and maybe amps too!

Does anybody know what happened to the Funimation channel that was being broadcast on 48.3? I still get 48.1 (WRNN) and 48.2 (rebroadcast of TBN), but 48.3 has been blank for the last couple of months.

This issue was never mentioned until recently. All the TV spots were talking about were simply get a converter box or a new TV. That works for some people but others will need a new antenna and maybe amps too!

The new TV spots with the June 12 date have been mentioning antennas.

Yes, I've seen spots touting going to antennaweb.org.

For the heck of it, I went to the site and entered my address.

I was horrified to see both wrong and totally out of date information.

If this site is meant to help the public, once again, the public is being misinformed and misdirected.

It's amazing the way the NAB and the Consumer Electronics Association
can't get their act together!

And that is why I direct people to TV Fool.

- Trip

I have found even the FCC's own reception predictor to be much better than antennaweb. Antennaweb is showing Upper East Side in the red zone for UHF. wow.

Antennaweb seems to have a grudge against UHF.

2nd Edit: Be careful when re-scanning as it doesn't seem to reset the old results even when the inputs are changed. I can now get it to show about half the UHF stations that I can easily receive at home in Violet. They shouldn't be any worse than red.

When I told the FCC about some great resources (e.g. TV Fool) at a town hall meeting, they agreed that it was a good site, but couldn't recommend a 3rd party site. The "PSA's" don't seem to have any problems recommending Antennaweb.

Mike -

You hit it right on the head.

Just look at the false locations they claim for way too many transmitting antennas!

It would be better to have no information versus bad information!

Not sure if anyone mentioned it in this thread....but tomorrow AM 4-2 is turning into "NY Nonstop" (formerly Weather Plus). I'm a D* sub and checked my guide and it's showing "NY Nonstop" airing now...but Weather Plus is still on.

In addition, the bumpers said that it's available on TWC Channel 171 (??) starting tomorrow night at 7pm...but the talking head I just saw during the news said it debuts tomorrow AM at 5am.

Also, while I was watching they NEVER mentioned that this was available to any/all poor shleps with a rooftop antenna....or that it was replacing 4-2 Weather Plus. The only thing they mention is that it's "available on your local cable system"...but "not on channel 4....you'll have to check your local listings to see what channel it's on depending on your cable system". This was on the 6:00 PM news tonight on Sunday.....

Well at least NBC is consistent in NEVER promoting their very own OTA local channel capabilities.....

First, the promo that you saw mentioning 7pm pertains to Chuck Scarborough's newscast - it previously has appeared on 4.1, as of tomorrow, it will be an hour.

The station no longer mentions over-the-air, it hasn't for all too long time.

NY Nonstop originally was to be very much like NY1. Then the financial cutbacks came about. It will now be garbage with much of the programming coming LTVX, a junk production company that produces a lot of programming for many of the NBC owned stations. Management liked the cheap junk so much, they bought the company!

They deserve each other!

The stations's management is totally inept.

Hey, the station is owned by G.E., what do you expect?

Anyone having any issues getting WPXN? After upgrading to the Radio Shack UFO today, I'm getting just about every major station in the market except for that (along with WXTV which I don't care about and WNET which is to be expected).

Thanks.

31.1 coming in fine - usual signal.

Interesting...NY Non-Stop is a standard definition widescreen channel. Is this a first here in NY? How many are there elsewhere in the US?

From what I can tell, it looks like it's not widescreen SD, rather it's letterboxed 4:3.

There are a few stations doing actual widescreen SD out there, though they're few and far between. (WTVS, WWTV, KUED are the ones I can think of off the top of my head)

- Trip

Trip -

It is letterboxed 4:3.

When 4:3 commercials are played, they look like postage stamps.

The whole thing is ill conceived, poorly executed and a waste of bits.

Totally inept!

General Sarnoff, I'm sure, is taking another spin in his grave.

Huge disappointment!

Hopefully they'll flip it to widescreen SD sometime soon. It's completely doable, as I referenced several stations doing it.

WTVS 56-2 Detroit: http://img.lineupui.silicondust.com/snapshots/55/snapshot_9715655.jpg
KUED 07-2 Salt Lake City: http://img.lineupui.silicondust.com/snapshots/73/snapshot_9715973.jpg

- Trip

Well at least NBC is consistent in NEVER promoting their very own OTA local channel capabilities.....

Does this mean we aren't really losing bandwidth on the HD channel? :rolleyes:

I have seen this in the LA area as well, where a station put up a long list of where to find the sub-channel on various cable systems, but completely neglected their OTA sub-channel. A simple, you can also find ABC+ on 7.2, would have been nice. This happened when were having some bad fires, but they needed to switch the main channel (7.1) to a sporting event.

One of the supposed "benefits" of DTV was the ability to cram more channels into the same 6MHz bandwidth. This is really only effective when the main channel isn't HD, but outside of a few foreign language stations in the LA area, most stations seem to be fumbling the concept.

If stations are going to compromise our HD bit-rates they would do well to actually encourage people to watch the subs...

I'm pretty sure it's widescreen SD. When I cycle through the aspect options on my Tivax box connected to a 4:3 SD TV, the "wide" option for outputting to widescreen displayes fills the screen with a distorted, stretched image. If it was a 4:3 stream containing letterboxed widescreen programming, wouldn't the black bars be there somewhere?

I'm pretty sure it's widescreen SD. When I cycle through the aspect options on my Tivax box connected to a 4:3 SD TV, the "wide" option for outputting to widescreen displayes fills the screen with a distorted, stretched image. If it was a 4:3 stream containing letterboxed widescreen programming, wouldn't the black bars be there somewhere?

If you're talking about 4.2, it most definitely is NOT widescreen SD.

You may be fooled by the way your STB or receiver is set.

The way the signal is being transmitted is Letterboxed 4:3 to make the
information appear as 16:9.

There are black borders on the sides and on the top and bottom of the screen.

Black bars are at the top and bottom.

http://img.lineupui.silicondust.com/snapshots/42/snapshot_9717342.jpg
http://img.lineupui.silicondust.com/snapshots/89/snapshot_9718289.jpg
http://img.lineupui.silicondust.com/snapshots/27/snapshot_9719027.jpg

- Trip

Trip -

This is a puzzler.

I can receive 4.2 in three different ways - all of them have bars top, bottom and sides.

The only way to eliminate the side bars is for me to go into on my TV one of the Stretch modes or Zoom.

The three methods of reception are:

1. Over-the-Air via a DirecTV tuner

2. Over-the-Air via TV's tuner

3. Cable QAM

All the same!

Are you sure that one of your components is not doing some stretching?

Those links come from the SiliconDust search feature, which takes the video exactly as it's coming from the station--as if I was using TSReader to capture it.

- Trip

New York NONSTOP

System Channel

Cablevision 109 NY 118 in Ct.

Time Warner Cable 161

Comcast 248

Verizon FIOS 464

RCN 189

Patriot 158

Charter 244

Over the air 4.2

I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, but why does the "wide" setting not feed the back bars in some form? Normally, 4:3 channels on a 4:3 TV are pillarboxed and stretched vertically when the Tivax is set to wide, while 16:9 is squished horizontally to fill the 4:3 screen. If it was a 4:3 channel with a letterboxed WS image, then where'd the letterboxing black bars go? Does the Tivax detect letterboxed programming and send it w/o the black bars when set to "wide" so it's not pilarboxed?

To simplify, it behaves like the 16:9 channels do.

Hello,I'm in Ct.,I have a roof-top antenna with pre-amp,it's uhf-vhf channel master,I can recieve 2.1,4.1,5.1 from new york but I can find 7.1 wabc,is it coming from the same local as those other station that I can get,7.1 is the one I want the most because abc 8 here in Ct. is aweful,any help would be appreciated.I think at one time awhile back I used to get 7.1,have they moved or changed something? Thank you Jim

Do you get PBS from WEDH 24-1? If so, you will be unable to receive WABC.

- Trip

WABC-DT, 7.1 (transmitting currently on UHF 45) is located as 2.1, 4.1, and 5.1 at
the Empire State Building.

There have been times in the past when the station has been doing work on its ESB facility that it will switch to its backup at the Conde Naste Buidling, 4 Times Square.

But, with you being in Connecticut that change in location would not make a difference only the question of the backup's lower power.

I just checked, and everything seems to be fine with the main transmitter being used from the ESB.

Why, 24-1 from Hartford effect 7-1 from new york,I can get everything from new york ,but 7-1? Thanks Jim

Why, 24-1 from Hartford effect 7-1 from new york,I can get everything from new york ,but 7-1? Thanks Jim

Both stations broadcast on channel 45.

Similarly, if you receive WPIX 11-1 from New York, you will not receive WFSB 3-1 from Hartford, because both are on channel 33.

- Trip

So theres no way for me to get 7-1?Nothing I can do? Thanks Jim

So theres no way for me to get 7-1?Nothing I can do? Thanks Jim

You might be able to receive WABC-DT when they move from 45 back to 7 on June 12th.

Hope so,cause abc in CT.is aweful,Thanks, Jim

Alrighty I have a question for you guys.

My wife and I decided to save some money and ditch time warner cable tv service and only get internet.

We have a Samsung LCD tv Samsung LN-S4696D it has a built in ATSC tuner but does not have a QAM tuner built in.

I've got a cable splitter plugged in from the internet cable line to the tv. I was hoping I would be able to pickup some HD signals but no go since I dont have QAM tuner built in.

So my question to you guys is what antenna would you recommend? We live at W 55th St on the 23rd floor of a building and we face north towards central park.

I also wasn't sure if I pickup an antenna would I also need a digital converter box for the big transition in June?

Thanks guys

Alrighty I have a question for you guys.

My wife and I decided to save some money and ditch time warner cable tv service and only get internet.

We have a Samsung LCD tv Samsung LN-S4696D it has a built in ATSC tuner but does not have a QAM tuner built in.

I've got a cable splitter plugged in from the internet cable line to the tv. I was hoping I would be able to pickup some HD signals but no go since I dont have QAM tuner built in.

So my question to you guys is what antenna would you recommend? We live at W 55th St on the 23rd floor of a building and we face north towards central park.

I also wasn't sure if I pickup an antenna would I also need a digital converter box for the big transition in June?

Thanks guys

You don't need a converter box, provided your TV has a ATSC tuner.
You can pick up this antenna from B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/314645-REG/Terk_Technologies_HDTVI_HDTVi_VHF_UHF_HDTV_Indoor.html

This is available in J&R too I think. There is one more version called HDTVa (amplfied version, if HDTVi doesn't work, try the HDTVa, which I used to own before but it broke after a year use).

Also, you can give this antenna a try too, because amazon let you return the antenna, if it doesn't work (only downside is more hassles). The antenna is highly rated (I use it and can vouch for it). The price has gone up by $6-$7 because of popular demand.
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Aspen-Dtv2Buhf-Directv-Antenna/dp/B000GIT002/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237396228&sr=8-1

Buy.com sells it too, but they are sold out right now:
http://www.buy.com/prod/pro-brand-directv-2-bay-uhf-antenna-pro-brand-directv-2-bay-uhf-antenna/q/loc/111/202827678.html

I noticed that WFME now says channel 66 as a virtual channel. It's RF channel is still 29. I was hopping they would have moved there RF channel because it is so strong where I live it might be making channel 4 RF channel 28 weaker. Not sure just speculating.

I have a problem getting WFME. Sometimes is shows up.

However, I am reporting that for the past 2 weeks reception as measured by my TV's signal strength meter has been on the low side for all channels.

You don't need a converter box, provided your TV has a ATSC tuner.
You can pick up this antenna from B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/314645-REG/Terk_Technologies_HDTVI_HDTVi_VHF_UHF_HDTV_Indoor.html

This is available in J&R too I think. There is one more version called HDTVa (amplfied version, if HDTVi doesn't work, try the HDTVa, which I used to own before but it broke after a year use).

Also, you can give this antenna a try too, because amazon let you return the antenna, if it doesn't work (only downside is more hassles). The antenna is highly rated (I use it and can vouch for it). The price has gone up by $6-$7 because of popular demand.
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Aspen-Dtv2Buhf-Directv-Antenna/dp/B000GIT002/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237396228&sr=8-1

Buy.com sells it too, but they are sold out right now:
http://www.buy.com/prod/pro-brand-directv-2-bay-uhf-antenna-pro-brand-directv-2-bay-uhf-antenna/q/loc/111/202827678.html

Thanks for the help man... I picked up a crappy RCA tuner from Bestbuy for $15 and it works great for some channels but then you have to mess with it to see other channels.

I'm probably going to return it and get that DB2 antenna from amazon... my wife i going to kill me because that thing is a huge eyesore... hopefully i can get it to fit in one of our windows and just have the blinds cover it haha

I also need to try and find a stand for it. I might try and use an extra speaker stand i have.

I have recently noticed that my signal strength meter on both TV's are showing very wide swings in signal. It used to be that the maximum signal would show for example 80% and the minimum would be 75%. Now I am seeing swings of 20-30% or more.

This is a recent event. Something has happpened either at the transmitters or at my house.

This is a recent event. Something has happpened either at the transmitters or at my house.

My suspicion is that it's at the transmitters. Since roughly the beginning of the month, my reception of WNET has gone from "very reliable" with few, if any audio dropouts or video pixelation, to several seconds per hour of these errors. I've seen this before when we knew certain work was going on at the broadcast antennas, and it usually only took a few days before the work was completed and my signal was rock solid again.

So I'm not touching my antenna. I had it aimed about as well as it could be, and that orientation hasn't changed. So I'll wait until the magicians at the ESB finish working their magic. I just hope I don't have to wait until June for this to be all sorted out.

The only change that I've noticed is that the "Signal Meter" on my receiver shows higher readings for WWOR-DT and for WNET-DT than previously!

Go figure!

Hi everyone. I hooked up an old rooftop mounted antenna to a new lcd this past week & have some questions. Hopefully, someone can advice.

I hooked up this antenna (yes, its one of those old school uhf/vhf?), with some new quad shield rg6. My question pertains to the signal I'm getting (with very frequent dropout) on 2.1 wcbs. Here are the signals I'm getting on select stations. BTW, I'm in central nj (08816) about 30M away per antennaweb.org. I'm using the signal strength meter on my samsung.


2.1 wcbs - usually 2-5/10 (always seems to be jumping around, with lots of dropouts

4.1 wnbc 8/10 solid
5.1 wnyw 8/10 solid
7.1 wabc 9/10 solid
9.1 wwor 8/10 solid
11.1 pix 7/10 solid

These are the main channels i'm interested in. It would ne nice to improve wcbs. I was thinking about turning the antenna slightly more to the ne. Its mounted about 6 feet above my roofline (2 level house). While reading a little about ota, it seems that these older antenna work very well, which I was very suprised.

any suggestions to improve wcbs (for the wife of course )
Thanks

Not sure if you read my earlier posts but CBS is one of my issues too. Since it is broadcasting from the same place (Empire State Building) as the other main stations I would not move your antenna if the others are coming in ok.

Thanks for the help. I'm not going to move the antenna, like you said other channels I'm getting in great are broadcast from the ESB. I guess there's nothing else I can do?

balwx,

Try plugging your zip code into tvfool.com. They have a nice circular directionality graph that will show you the optimal orientation for each of the channels in your listening area. You'll see that most of the stations that you want are either right at 45-46 degrees (NE), with a few at 19-20 degrees (NNE). I would think that if you aimed your antenna right at 45 degrees, you'd be getting the best reception that you can with that particular antenna. Note that TVFool shows both true north and magnetic north orientations. BTW, you really should use a compass if you want to get this right and be sure about it.

If you still need more signal than that, then you can always buy a larger antenna, or at least get a similar sized one that is optimized for only VHF-high and UHF. Your current antenna was probably designed for those two bands, plus VHF-low/FM. So roughly one-third of the elements on that antenna are probably useless to you in this new digital-only era.

Thanks rothe. I see your a little south my location. How is your wcbs 2.1 reception? Thanks for the site, I'm looking at it now.

Also, if I decide to replace this antenna (its really rusty & weathered) can you please suggest a model for me?

Thanks

Thanks rothe. I see your a little south my location. How is your wcbs 2.1 reception?

Generally, it has been rock-solid. Thirteen is the only major network that regularly gives me any trouble. Of course, it just happens to be the one that I watch most. :(

Thanks for the site, I'm looking at it now.

Also, if I decide to replace this antenna (its really rusty & weathered) can you please suggest a model for me?

Thanks

Everybody has their favorite brands and models, so an answer to that question can be pretty subjective. I could go into all of my objective reasons for choosing the Winegard HD7698P that I ultimately settled on, but the same reasons might not apply to your needs. Still, I like that brand, and the entire 7600-series product line is just what the doctor ordered for VHF-high/UHF reception. They're a little pricey, but $50-$120 for a good broadcast signal is still much cheaper than a monthly cable bill.

I currently have a CM 4228 antenna mounted outside and would like to mount a smaller UHF bow tie antenna below it by about 2-3 feet on the same mast. I plan on running the rg6 cable from the bow tie antenna to another TV.

My question is would having two antennas on the same mast degrade the CM4228 reception? Would they interfere with each other?

Short of trying it I thought I would get some expert advice before I climb a ladder and do the work.

LenL,

There will definitely be some reflected signals bouncing off of one antenna and to the other. How badly this will affect reception would be very difficult to calculate, so you won't really know until after you try it. Honestly, I wouldn't invest the time, money or labor on such a project - I think you're introducing variables that are just begging for some reception problems with both sets.

A better solution would be to simply split the signal from your 4228 after a mast-mounted preamplifier, and then run a second cable to your other TV.

BTW, you might want to check out this page:

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/cm4228.html

The author makes some interesting comments about wind and VHF-high reception problems specific to the 4228, and I'm recalling that you are one of few forum members here who have commented about reception problems on windy days.

Thanks for the advice and link which has great info on the CM4228! The info does say there is a wind problem with this antenna ...but for VHF not UHF. My problems are UHF. Also I have had great reception on Windy days and bad reception on Windy days. So I don't think the Wind is the variable that is causing a UHF problem.

I have tried to spilt the signal 2 ways and the impact was minimal. However I have 3 TVs and would rather not split 3 ways. Plus I found this small bow tie UHF antenna in my attic and hooked it up in the house (second floor by a window) with a preamp and got all the channels but with signal strength in the 50-60% range. I figure if I mount it outside I can get even better results. I just did not want to buy and install another mast outside.

I guess at this point I will just try to mount it lower on the mast and see if the existing CM4228 is impacted.

LenL,

Is there a mast-mounted pre-amp on your CM4228? If so, then I'd say "split away!" If not, then install one. Ten to fifteen db of amplification will more than exceed any signal loss from a three-way splitter.

Poke around on the rest of that site. There's great information about splitters and combiners, pre-amps, distribution amps, and all sorts of antenna comparisons.

Yes I have a CM 7777 Titan 2 Amp at the Antenna and the power supply for it at the TV where it is supposed to be accoding to Channel Master. That makes it a bit of a problem to split for the TV upstairs.

See the drawing on page 29:

http://www.channelmasterintl.com/documentation/manuals/guide_AntennaInstallation.pdf


Can you set things up like that?

FYI, within the last day or two, WNJU-DT Telemundo 47 switched to 1080i. No HD programming at this point.

Thanks! I have seen this before from your link that you posted earlier but this looks like old documentation and disagrees with the documentation in the CM7777 material. I can try this and see what happens.

I think since my signal is kind of marginal at this point I will wait till 6/12 and see what the signals look like then before I try splitting signals...

Thanks again.

FYI, within the last day or two, WNJU-DT Telemundo 47 switched to 1080i. No HD programming at this point.

MIAMI, March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin music stars . . . have confirmed their appearances as exclusive performers at the 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards . . . The ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 23 at 7PM/6c from The BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. The Awards Show will air live in High Definition on Telemundo, the first Hispanic network to broadcast in true HD.

Now channel 47 is not a waste since they now broadcast in 1080i and will be having HD programs. Any channels like WFME and WNYE and the network subchannels that broadcast in 480i are still a big waste. 480i looks horrible on my 1080p HDTV.

Hi - wondering if there is anyone in my immediate vicinity that is successfully receiving channel 13 (PBS) well OTA and if so what antennae they are using?

I'm currently using:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7694P

but have also tried:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD-1080

at my last apartment I had one of these that worked well:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANCM3018

I have roof access, 10 foot pool on top of a 3 storie brownstone, <5 miles to ESB - I feel like I should have excellent reception and am wondering if it's not my antennae...

All the main channels seem to come in fine aside from WNYE. Looking on tvfool et al it seems to be broadcasting from the same location at about the same strength so I am confused why my reception isn't better.

thanks

anthony

Get read out from www.TVFool.com count your LOSes,you get better idea of your box capabilities

Hi - wondering if there is anyone in my immediate vicinity that is successfully receiving channel 13 (PBS) well OTA and if so what antennae they are using?

I'm currently using:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD7694P

but have also tried:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=HD-1080

at my last apartment I had one of these that worked well:

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=ANCM3018

I have roof access, 10 foot pool on top of a 3 storie brownstone, <5 miles to ESB - I feel like I should have excellent reception and am wondering if it's not my antennae...

All the main channels seem to come in fine aside from WNYE. Looking on tvfool et al it seems to be broadcasting from the same location at about the same strength so I am confused why my reception isn't better.

thanks

anthony

ALSO - selling the winegard HD-1080 on ebay if anyone is intersted:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180342238556&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

I am only 4 miles from the ESB and I can't get a bunch of stations like channels 2, 13, 31, 41 at all. Okay channel 2 I can sometimes get but all I get is a bunch of pixels. Some days I can lock in a picture but it is very unreliable. It seems the further away you are the better your reception is as I can get channels 47, 50 and 66 from NJ. 47 and 66 being the strongest.

I am not sure if this was posted in this thread yet. Since I haven't been to this thread in awhile

Anyway it seems the NBC sub channel 4-2 has changed. From 24/7 weather to "NEW YORK NONSTOP"

Although better then 24/7 weather. We are disappointed that NBC did not take the opportunity to put on a movie channel or at least old sitcoms. So now we have NY Nonstop on 4-2 and on 4-4 old Olympics.

Disappointing to say the least.

If this was talked about already. Could you provide a link for the posts?

thanks

If this was talked about already. Could you provide a link for the posts?

thanks

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15997097#post15997097

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15997097#post15997097

OMG ty