The biggest problem I have with high VHF is I can get one station strong like channel 7 and then it makes channels 11 and 13 weak. When I make channel 13 stronger it makes channel 7 weak. Channel 11 is very weak. What I don't understand is that they are all broadcasting from the ESB. I should be able to get them all in the same position.

As of today. The terk-55 is getting all the VHF and UHF stations within 15 miles. With a 90 plus signal strength. I will try the C2 on the weekend

you're 15 miles from ESB and you get all the channels?!?! Terk TV55 looks like great antenna! i'm perplexed.

I too can't get WLIW, which is odd because for a few times earlier this week, I was able to pull in. Also, I lost WMBC, which has been a constant battle since getting the monoprice antenna. In for a few days then out and repeat.

WMBC - Feh!! Most of the stations (in the high UHF) are not of much interest unless you're Spanish speaking. And the English ones are a waste of time

I no longer receive WFME, or WMBC and have yet to receive WNJN. I read that WNJB will move to channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow so maybe I will be able to see their signal here. All of the new digital VHF signals are fine here about 25 miles north of Manhattan. I do agree that other than NJN most of what I can't receive isn't worth much to me anyway. Now my TV is filled with Spanish language broadcasting. After the novelty wears off I'll delete them from my TV's.

I read that WNJB will move to channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow so maybe I will be able to see their signal here.

Where did you read that NJB was moving tomorrow because there was a post earlier in the thread that stated NJB wasn't moving until October?

Also, I wait for WNJU to go digital so I can get their signal, finally.

They are staying on channels 44 and 38 so what are you waiting for?

We're waiting for 5 and 9 to shut down their analog signals at midnight to see if they broadcast a sign-off like 2 did. I missed 2's sign-off, but I'll be recording 5 and 9.

I read that WNJB will move to channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow so maybe I will be able to see their signal here.

great news! can you provide a link?

We're waiting for 5 and 9 to shut down their analog signals at midnight to see if they broadcast a sign-off like 2 did. I missed 2's sign-off, but I'll be recording 5 and 9.

i recorded NBC signing off at 12:30PM. i can upload the video somewhere if the site doesnt require subscription (i dont have patience for sign-ups)

I wonder if we will get a transmitter room view? but listening to WABC's news cast at 5Pm they hinted at it was just going to be a flash cut.. no special showings or anything like that..

WABC showed a live shot inside the control room and showed the engineer pushing the button. I should say they indicated that that's what they were showing. I suspect it may have been a phony button, since the signal didn't cut out until about 10 seconds after the guy hit the button.

WABC showed a live shot inside the control room and showed the engineer pushing the button. I should say they indicated that that's what they were showing. I suspect it may have been a phony button, since the signal didn't cut out until about 10 seconds after the guy hit the button.

I had WABC on OTA and I was all nervous when he pushed the button. As soon as he did the signal on RF 45 went to nothing. I then put it on RF 7 and adjusted it but can't get it as good as it was when it was on RF 45.

you're 15 miles from ESB and you get all the channels?!?! Terk TV55 looks like great antenna! i'm perplexed.

No We are 7 miles and get all stations BUT NJ PBS's and wLIW

The max range we get is about 15 miles. 20 miles seems to be Just out of range. And the reason I am trying the clearstream.

The DTVpal changed the stations for her. Even though some were moved to 70's channel above ( DTVPAL glitch) A full scan will fix this and I will do that this weekend.

If you are with in 10 miles of your stations I recommended the Terk -55 If your stations are father I will let you know who the Clearstream works

I no longer receive WFME, or WMBC and have yet to receive WNJN. I read that WNJB will move to channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow so maybe I will be able to see their signal here. All of the new digital VHF signals are fine here about 25 miles north of Manhattan. I do agree that other than NJN most of what I can't receive isn't worth much to me anyway. Now my TV is filled with Spanish language broadcasting. After the novelty wears off I'll delete them from my TV's.

"WNJB will move to channel 8 from New Brunswick"

Will move to where? NYC?

The DTVpal changed the stations for her. Even though some were moved to 70's channel above ( DTVPAL glitch) A full scan will fix this and I will do that this weekend.

I have DTVPal's. A rescan won't fix it. You have to reset to Factory Defaults.

Question I don't know if anyone answered it yet but what is on RF 8? which is 8-1 I checked wikipedia for New York stations and I can't find anything listed for 8-1

the signal is low enough that I can't get a reading for the station ident.

Also I still get break up's on 4-1 but it's not as bad.. if only i could place my antenna at the same level as my apartment atenna about 30 ft higher :P

"WNJB will move to channel 8 from New Brunswick"

Will move to where? NYC?

4 Times Square. Conde Nas Building. I still don't expect great reception when it does move in October.

Question I don't know if anyone answered it yet but what is on RF 8? which is 8-1 I checked wikipedia for New York stations and I can't find anything listed for 8-1

according to TVFool:

WNJB 58.1 is RF-8. <--- probably only in Oct.
WTNH 8.1 is RF-10.

WPXN-DT's signal SUCKS since they made the switch. Prior to today, WPXN (ION) came in strong and clear, now it's total crap.

Looks like my radio shack U-75R is truly a UHF only antenna. Was hoping it would pick up high VHS, but no go. Reconnected my old combo VHF/UHF on my roof that earlier did not pick up many of the UHF channels. Now it was only not picking up ION. Picked up 13 for the first time ever. Connected both antennas vis a simple splitter and also now pick up ION. Only issue ( around 4:30 pm) was that CBS was coming in on 33.1 and there was a picture of Central Park on 2.1 which then went black.

WPXN-DT's signal SUCKS since they made the switch. Prior to today, WPXN (ION) came in strong and clear, now it's total crap.

i used to get it at 70%. now i get it at 90%.
different freq, broadcast from diff locations, received at diff addresses, using diff antennas, yields diff results. only problem in my place is the high VHF channels.

WABC showed a live shot inside the control room and showed the engineer pushing the button. I should say they indicated that that's what they were showing. I suspect it may have been a phony button, since the signal didn't cut out until about 10 seconds after the guy hit the button.

I posted the video on youtube with that switch over.. however I had WABC-DT and WABC-Tv running at the same time.. the engineer (they are always on the phone) when he pressed the button the Digital feed went off as soon as he did.. then someone in the background says about 5 seconds later that 7-1 should be up on the new channel and about 3-4 seconds later Channel 7 on analog went out as well.

here is the link to my video.. I added a bunch of tags so it could be found.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2M4x7Rnq8

4 Times Square. Conde Nas Building. I still don't expect great reception when it does move in October.

He is saying it is moving TOMORROW not October

i used to get it at 70%. now i get it at 90%.
different freq, broadcast from diff locations, received at diff addresses, using diff antennas, yields diff results. only problem in my place is the high VHF channels.

Where does PXN broadcast from?

Channel 7 reception has improved a bit. I am now getting it in the 60's. Could just be the time of day or the weather. I am expecting it might be worse or better at other times of the day.

according to TVFool:

WNJB 58.1 is RF-8. <--- probably only in Oct.
WTNH 8.1 is RF-10.

Thanks.. but what do you mean probably only in Oct?

The station is planning to relocate to 4 Times Square, the Conde Nast Building in October!

i used to get it at 70%. now i get it at 90%.
different freq, broadcast from diff locations, received at diff addresses, using diff antennas, yields diff results. only problem in my place is the high VHF channels.

WPXN is a lost cause. I still can't get it. Only peak it at around 15% the same it has always been. The analog channel was not that clear.

I didn't say it was moving yet. What I said was that WNJB will start transmitting on channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow. Here's where I found the info.


http://www.njn.net/television/channels/channel58loss.html


According to the FCC map their coverage should be good enough to cover much of the NY market even from their present location.

WPXN is a lost cause. I still can't get it. Only peak it at around 15% the same it has always been. The analog channel was not that clear.
have you tried using a reflector? you can make one usig a cardboard and tinfoil. also, move the antenna to a higher spot. also try putting a circular bundle of cables near the antenna. alternatively, buy a VHF+UHF antenna with amplification. i'll get a Terk HDTVa.

They are staying on channels 44 and 38 so what are you waiting for?
Right, I got confused, I thought they were moving.

I didn't say it was moving yet. What I said was that WNJB will start transmitting on channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow. Here's where I found the info.

http://www.njn.net/television/channels/channel58loss.html

maybe what that page means is that tomorrow they will be broadcasting at RF-58, virtual channel 8.1. can someone acquainted with FCC's language clarify this?

regardless of numbering, i'm happy to know their signal will be stronger tomorrow. thanks a lot for the link, mate!

I didn't say it was moving yet. What I said was that WNJB will start transmitting on channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow. Here's where I found the info.


http://www.njn.net/television/channels/channel58loss.html


According to the FCC map their coverage should be good enough to cover much of the NY market even from their present location.

Ok I get it now. Thanks

Another stupid question. What do the Yellow areas mean?

For example by the letters NY the MAp is yellow. What is the meaning?

Also is there a time it will start broadcast on 8?

A couple of weeks ago I posted a pic of my outdoor $4 Radio Shack bowtie. Then there was the question of if it would still work after today with some of the stations going to VHF. Well, happy to report its still working, and now with Ch 13, which I could not get before.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bsGp7iJrCTc/SfjguwKmtwI/AAAAAAAAAbw/M33cDfLbEn0/s640/016.JPG

No, look at the power numbers. Their only running 20 KW at a lower elevation but with a much larger coverage area. It's actual RF 8, virtual 58.

I didn't say it was moving yet. What I said was that WNJB will start transmitting on channel 8 from New Brunswick tomorrow. Here's where I found the info.


http://www.njn.net/television/channels/channel58loss.html


According to the FCC map their coverage should be good enough to cover much of the NY market even from their present location.

Sorry I misunderstood what you meant.. I will check again tomorrow to see how things turn out.

I just turned to WLIW and i see a signal reading but nothing is showing up

however visiting the site this info is still up

"WLIW has contacted the FCC for a power increase but, to date, has not gotten a confirmation. This means that if you are having difficulty receiving WLIW digital now, you will continue to have this problem. WLIW expects an answer by the end of August."

Did WPIX transition to 11? I'm getting nothing on channel 11.

have you tried using a reflector? you can make one usig a cardboard and tinfoil. also, move the antenna to a higher spot. also try putting a circular bundle of cables near the antenna. alternatively, buy a VHF+UHF antenna with amplification. i'll get a Terk HDTVa.

I just bought the Terk HDTVa from Amazon for $39 with tax. I love the HDTVi but I can see if the amplified version will help on those weaker stations. Just hope it does not overload the strong channels like channel 5 and 47. Don't care one bit about channel 66. Last amplified antenna I had was the Radio Shack UFO type which did not make a bit of difference being amplified. Actually the HDTVi gives me better reception than the Radio Shack one.

Did WPIX transition to 11?.


Yes

Did WPIX transition to 11? I'm getting nothing on channel 11.

Yes. 7, 11, 13, and 31 all switched their digital signals to their former analog frequencies within a few minutes of 12:30 PM.

Watch the video from today's afternoon news here.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=6862404

It shows that people were still unprepared. It also showed them buying converter boxes and cheap indoor antennas and they have no idea the struggle they will have now of trying to pull in RF 7. There will be a lot of calls to the station.

Actually, 31 was the first major in the DMA to transition, much earlier than the others.

I don't know if anyone saw this site but pretty neat

http://www.fybush.com/sites/2009/site-090130.html

And I missed the 5Pm news for WABC i was stuck in traffic :(

No 11 or 13 here (mid NJ).

Someone on channel 5 news said to throw away your rabbit ears.

After a lot of dipoles movements. I can get channel 7 in the 60's and channel 13 in the high 50's to low 60's. Channel 11 I can't get nothing. Channel 2 I now have no problems getting now which is good. Hopefully the amplified Terk will help on those channels.

Also analog is still on channels 25, 41, 47, 60 and 68. Probably wait until 11:59am before switching them off. I will be in bed by then.

I live in East 70's Manhattan, and I cannot get ABC with an indoor antenna (Terk HDTVa antenna).

Yes, I had to rescan tonight, at least CBS was changed to another frequency.

I just hope I can pick up ABC tomorrow... :confused:

Isn't ABC from the Empire State Building? If so, I don't get why I may have to play with the dipoles.... :confused:

I'm getting CBS, NBC, Fox (ch.5), Ch. 9, Ch. 11, and Ch. 13 all fine ( I am only checking HD channels). But no WABC!

maybe what that page means is that tomorrow they will be broadcasting at RF-58, virtual channel 8.1. can someone acquainted with FCC's language clarify this?

regardless of numbering, i'm happy to know their signal will be stronger tomorrow. thanks a lot for the link, mate!

its not an error. WNJB analog was on 58 and digital has been on 8 all along. as per the DTV transition, there will be no channels above 51. WNJB has petitioned the FCC to move its transmitter from new brunswick to times square.

Yes, WABC-DT, 7 Digital transmits using the Hi-VHF Combiner from the ESB along with
WPIX-DT and WNET-DT.

Watch the video from today's afternoon news here.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=6862404

It shows that people were still unprepared. It also showed them buying converter boxes and cheap indoor antennas and they have no idea the struggle they will have now of trying to pull in RF 7. There will be a lot of calls to the station.

What the heck is a COBY box? Sounds like a cheap box you get if you wait till last minute

NJN analog has been off now for a while. Nothing on analog 50 and 58. Still wondering why the other analog channels are still on.

Yes. 7, 11, 13, and 31 all switched their digital signals to their former analog frequencies within a few minutes of 12:30 PM.

Then are they underpowered or something I used to get them fairly well and I figured that I still would with my CM4228/CM7777 give that it does ok with high VHF. I mean, I'm getting WNET at 60% signal quality but I can't even detect channel 11.

"WLIW has contacted the FCC for a power increase but, to date, has not gotten a confirmation. This means that if you are having difficulty receiving WLIW digital now, you will continue to have this problem. WLIW expects an answer by the end of August."

end of August?!?! does it take this long for an answer from the FCC? does anyone know if any other station has asked for increase of signal strength?

end of August?!?! does it take this long for an answer from the FCC? does anyone know if any other station has asked for increase of signal strength?

Did you get my PM?:confused:

Then are they underpowered or something I used to get them fairly well and I figured that I still would with my CM4228/CM7777 give that it does ok with high VHF. I mean, I'm getting WNET at 60% signal quality but I can't even detect channel 11.

I havea similar setup and nothing at all on 7, 11 or 13. Not sure if they are on the air or not.

I havea similar setup and nothing at all on 7, 11 or 13. Not sure if they are on the air or not.

THEY are ON THE AIR. My aunt is 7 miles away with a terk -55 and gets 90 plus the new VHF stations. Except channel 11 which is 80

Also analog is still on channels 25, 41, 47, 60 and 68. Probably wait until 11:59am before switching them off. I will be in bed by then.

i read somewhere (but i'm not sure) that NYCTV 25.1 would broadcast in HD after transition....

actually -- i just checked..... 25.1 is broadcasting in 1080i right now! this means "Secrets Of New York" in HD! :)

Yes, WABC-DT, 7 Digital transmits using the Hi-VHF Combiner from the ESB along with WPIX-DT and WNET-DT.

is that the reason why the 3 of them suck right now? someone from Midtown just posted that ABC's reception was impossible even with a Terk HDTVa... (!) can we have any hope that ABC, CW and Thirteen will get better tomorrow??? do they have to request signal upgrade from the FCC?

is that the reason why the 3 of them suck right now? someone from Midtown just posted that ABC's reception was impossible even with a Terk HDTVa... (!) can we have any hope that ABC, CW and Thirteen will get better tomorrow??? do they have to request signal upgrade from the FCC?

this is pathetic

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

I'm pleasantly surprised to find that up here in Poughkeepsie I am able to tune in WPIX-11 and WNET-13. The signals are very weak (~20%), but the fact that I get them at all provides some hope that they might be watchable if I moved the antenna outside (currently I have an attic installation). Unfortunately, there's no sign of WABC-7, which is surprising as TVfool indicates it should be about 4db stronger than 11 and 13.

Now, here's my dilemma. Do I keep the VHF antenna pointed at NYC for 7, 11, and 13 (and maybe 58.1) or do I rotate it to Albany for 6, 7, 12, and 13? Finally, why the heck did the FCC allow 7 and 13 in both of these overlapping markets (and to complicate matters 12 maps to digital 13.1)?

http://img190.imageshack.us/i/nbcsignoff.mp4/

I'm 20 miles north of the ESB in Westchester. I have a rooftop antenna on my apt bldg. 13 was gone for a while, came in on digital13-1 about 10 PM. but it's supposed to be 61 Huh? I have NBC on 4-1, but it was supposed to be 28. Is that because analog TV with conv box keeps the old numbers? They're also both incredibly clear.

I have no CBS yet, don't use WPIX or WWOR.

I think some of them are making adjustments today. Don't panic.

Instead of mandating all stations like 7, 11 & 13 on the uhf band with everyone else, the fcc allows these clowns to play on a different band that no one seems to be able to receive and requires 2 different antennas. Pathetic is right.

I just checked my DTV box and so far there is no flag preventing me from watching The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien in letterboxed 16:9 on my 4:3 TV.

Just in case anyone missed this highly annoying and boneheaded move by WNBC-DT:

"As of June 11, 2009, WNBC began inserting a broadcast flag into their signal that overrides the manual aspect ratio control on digital converter boxes, forcing viewers using 4:3 analog television sets with converter boxes to view certain programs in a 4:3 aspect ratio, and denying viewers the option of viewing these shows in 16:9 letterbox format. Programming affected include WNBC's local news broadcast, Today, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien, among others."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WNBC#Digital_television

WNBC is the ONLY channel that is doing this.

anyone receiving WSAH 43.1? that's the station that has signed with RetroTV.

wow 5 and 9 turned off and they all went with no fan fare.. I hope no one was waiting up for it!

WNYW and WWOR quietly went off the air at 11:59. No fanfare or anything, just "sudden death".
I was fortunate to see the "classic" sign-off for WCBS today with the national anthem and all.

anyone receiving WSAH 43.1? that's the station that has signed with RetroTV.

I heard they just applied to move to ESB. Might take some time

Instead of mandating all stations like 7, 11 & 13 on the uhf band with everyone else, the fcc allows these clowns to play on a different band that no one seems to be able to receive and requires 2 different antennas. Pathetic is right.


I get 90% + on all 3 stations you just listed just fine.. they come in better now that they switched to VHF.

Was surprised to see both just switching off, to nothing, no fanfare, no national anthem.

Really wish I could have been home for the CBS sign off, feel bad that I missed the national anthem, and a shot of the classic screen.

I just checked my DTV box and so far there is no flag preventing me from watching The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien in letterboxed 16:9 on my 4:3 TV.

that's what my Tonight Show looks like.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7306/conan.png

I get 90% + on all 3 stations you just listed just fine.. they come in better now that they switched to VHF.

Curious what Antenna you using? My aunt get all in very strong also with a Terk 55

WNYW and WWOR quietly went off the air at 11:59. No fanfare or anything, just "sudden death".
I was fortunate to see the "classic" sign-off for WCBS today with the national anthem and all.

yes I posted the same thing about no fanfare.. matter of fact I switched to WWOR and as soon as I pressed record the channel went out on me.. looks like it was a programmed shutdown...

lets hope someone was good enough to get the WCBS shutdown.

If enough people enquirer, do you think WCBS would put it up online for fans to see?

Curious what Antenna you using? My aunt get all in very strong also with a Terk 55

it's a rooftop mounted on the 3rd floor of my apartment. Way better then trying with my silver sensor which is outside my window 11 Ft off the ground... I will say however It did a good job for being outside since last winter.

it's a rooftop mounted on the 3rd floor of my apartment. Way better then trying with my silver sensor which is outside my window 11 Ft off the ground... I will say however It did a good job for being outside since last winter.

Oh I see, My Aunts Apartment house Stopped the RooF Antenna many years ago

If enough people enquirer, do you think WCBS would put it up online for fans to see?

I would hope so... I might email them later today... I was not about to get a ticket trying to get home... besides where I was going had no OTA atenna anyways..

only time we will see something like this again is in another 50+ years when digital OTA goes away for something better...

Oh I see, My Aunts Apartment house Stopped the RooF Antenna many years ago

I only found out it worked last year... I been here for 3 years and 2 years ago they ordered everyone to take down the sat dishes from the outdoor window.. I guess they got a contract from crapvision...

I would hope so... I might email them later today... I was not about to get a ticket trying to get home... besides where I was going had no OTA atenna anyways..

only time we will see something like this again is in another 50+ years when digital OTA goes away for something better...

Or when the cable and phone companies get their way, and get rid of over the air TV completely :eek:

I only found out it worked last year... I been here for 3 years and 2 years ago they ordered everyone to take down the sat dishes from the outdoor window.. I guess they got a contract from crapvision...

Same thing with my Aunts place.

having a hard time getting WWOR now that they switched to RF 38. looks like im getting some serious multipath

same for WNBC.

Or when the cable and phone companies get their way, and get rid of over the air TV completely :eek:I doubt the FCC would ever allow that..

I'm not going to pay for tv in order to find out some breaking event.. something like a 9/11 event or so..


that would never do good at all.

Of course it would still be difficult to get WNJU. But it seems I am getting WLIW now, at least some of frames.

Wow, I just did a re-scan after midnight, and I can now get NJN 50.1. I could never get that before. So overall I still have the channels I had before plus 13.1 and 50.1.
The only thing I notice after the cutover today is that I can't get is WLNY Long Island 55. I could get it before, but not now.

I been here for 3 years and 2 years ago they ordered everyone to take down the sat dishes from the outdoor window.. I guess they got a contract from crapvision...

such "order" is now illegal if the window faces the street. put the antennas back. if window faces courtyard, they can prohibit anything hanging.

Of course it would still be difficult to get WNJU. But it seems I am getting WLIW now, at least some of frames.

I can get a few frames out of WLIW as well.. but I don't know what you mean by WNJU.. i'm talking about WNBC right now.. I have no signal for the main channel and it's substations.

such "order" is now illegal if the window faces the street. put the antennas back. if window faces courtyard, they can prohibit anything hanging.


my window faces the back of the apartment which is nothing but the woods.. i don't think the other 3 dish owners were happy about telling them to take down and get crapvision service...

No one can come behind here anyways since you need to unlock a fence... So I would not doubt that it's illegal at all.

No one can come behind here anyways since you need to unlock a fence... So I would not doubt that it's illegal at all.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTt41RhKUyoulTSFDTjTrr_hl_pgD98E0NQO6

I just checked my DTV box and so far there is no flag preventing me from watching The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien in letterboxed 16:9 on my 4:3 TV.

that's what my Tonight Show looks like.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7306/conan.png

Yes it has been discovered that the flag in question only affects certain converter boxes and is completely done on purpose. It's total bullshit. See this thread here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1148095

And for the complete description of the discrimination being carried out by the NAB in collusion with certain networks and coverter box makers see here:
http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Resources&CONTENTID=14424&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm

To the best of my knowledge when it comes to hanging satellite TV antennas your apartment complex can not prevent that. Check out this site for further info


http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/1998/nrcb8023.html

actually -- i just checked..... 25.1 is broadcasting in 1080i right now! this means "Secrets Of New York" in HD! :)

Still showing 480i here. If it was in HD, must've been for a very short time.

having a hard time getting WWOR now that they switched to RF 38. looks like im getting some serious multipath



Nothing switched. They've always been on RF 38.

I have no CBS yet, don't use WPIX or WWOR.

I think some of them are making adjustments today. Don't panic.

Hope you are right, and that's what I was thinking as well. I'm in 3 miles of the ESB. What else can explain why my Terk HDTVa isn't picking up ABC? LOL!

My Tivax box is showing WFUT with its RF channel number of 30, but the rest of the PSIP info is correct. Is this happening to anyone else?

Getting a strong signal from WLNY with the move to RF 47, which is pretty amazing since it was pretty impossible to get in OTA for years and years.

Still no WPXN for me for whatever reason.

Getting WNET consistently now in Middlesex County with the move to VHF. I tried ressurrecting the Central Jersey thread earlier but everyone living in these parts seemed to migrate here first.

Oh and to the folks running WNET, the new logo is ugly and way too big.

"Oh and to the folks running WNET, the new logo is ugly and way too big."

Couldn't agree more.

The old was had a classical look about it and wasn't as intrusive.

Bring back Baker!

end of August?!?! does it take this long for an answer from the FCC? does anyone know if any other station has asked for increase of signal strength?

Many (but not all) of the high-VHF stations realized early-on that they underestimated their RF power requirements and applied for higher limits. Many of those applications are still pending.

I'll bet that office in the FCC has been swamped since the first wave of the transition occurred in Feb.

Getting WLNY as well but the signal level is bouncing all around.. I have to manual add the channel.

my signal might be coming from the local repeater site in stamford, CT

Hope you are right, and that's what I was thinking as well. I'm in 3 miles of the ESB. What else can explain why my Terk HDTVa isn't picking up ABC? LOL!

If you have FM transmitters nearby on frequencies 88.5-90 MHz, try FM reject filter inserted before any amp/tuner. Their 2nd order FM distortion fall into Hi-V channel 7. The old analog sets had such filter but the new converter boxes do not.

The prize for best transition should probably go to Univision (41.1) that had a full 1/2 hour discussion before midnight. They showed technicians going into old people's disgusting apartments to install converter boxes on their 80s-era TVs. One older couple was even lying in bed (fat wife in nightgown) watching a technician install a box. Their lovely decor included a ton of plastic religious kitsch and pictures cut from magazines taped directly onto the walls.

There were no TVs with clicky dials, but there was one with a column of pushbuttons, one button for each channel, each with a little window showing the channel number that lit up when it was selected.

They presented a Salvadoran guy from "Nassau County" that won the contest to press a button (that did nothing, of course) and interviews with engineers from inside the ESB facilities as well as the observation deck. They showed the digital equipment and a guy pressing buttons on the analog equipment to "get it ready to shut down".

Just before midnight, they went live to Times Square where they claimed people from all over were gathering to be part of this historic event. They even had a new-years-eve-like countdown on the Times Square jumbotron which ended with a message saying "Welcome to the New Digital Era" (in Spanish). A few seconds later, the screen went to snow and white noise.

Switching to the digital channel, I saw they continued on talking about the transition and (best part of the show) they interviewed a lady in Texas about how embarrassed and ashamed she was that she didn't pay any attention to all of the warnings and now her TV didn't get any channels. They showed her TV in the background the whole time blasting "snow" as the reporter asked probing follow-up questions about just how badly she felt. The interviewer then handed the lady a surpise: a brand new converter box! She was extremely grateful (cheap bastards should have given her a new HDTV) and said things like "Oh, thank god, now I can watch the news and soap operas."

It was late and I had to go to bed before the lengthy festivities were over.

Location: Brooklyn, NY 11236

Winegard MS-2002 Amplified Omnidirectional roof antenna

Dish Network TR-40 CECB

Channel|Channel|{colsp=2}Signal Strength
Number|Name (PSIP)|6/11|6/13
2.1|WCBS-HD|95|85
3.1|DTV|0|N/A
4.1|WNBC-DT|71|64
5.1|WNYW-DT|90|90
7.1|WABC-HD|85|96
9.1|WWOR-DT|78|80
11.1|PIX 11|78|85
13.1|WNET-HD|61|81
25.1|WNYE1|90|93
31.1|ION|74|74
34.1|DTV|81|83
39.1|DTV|0|N/A
41.1|WXTV-DT|76|68
47.1|WNJU-DT|63|68
68.1|WFUT-DT|85|93

I'm having some strange problems with 4.1. On one branch of my network, I have 5 DVD recorders hooked up as a daisy chain. The 2 machines at the head of the chain (closest to the antenna, and therefore should be getting the strongest signal) are not getting 4.1, but the rest of the machines are. It's the opposite for 9.1. Only the machine at the end of the chain can't get 9.1.

The set in the kitchen is the furthest from the antenna in terms of cable length and this has always caused reception problems, but now it's showing higher signal levels than the sets closer to the antenna! This isn't making any sense!

so doing a full manual scan these are the stations I get a signal reading from but not enough to show a video or it breaks up..

WXTV
WNJU-DT
6-1 (have no clue what that is)
WNJB
WEDH-TV (seems to be a Connecticut station)
WFTY-DT.. I cant tell if WFTY-DT is a backup of another station because they both had the same infomercial on about selling cars.

all the other major channels I can get.

Oh I just thought about it.. 6-1 I think is Pulse 87.. is anyone closer able to get it?

Switching to the digital channel, I saw they continued on talking about the transition and (best part of the show) they interviewed a lady in Texas about how embarrassed and ashamed she was that she didn't pay any attention to all of the warnings and now her TV didn't get any channels. They showed her TV in the background the whole time blasting "snow" as the reporter asked probing follow-up questions about just how badly she felt. The interviewer then handed the lady a surpise: a brand new converter box! She was extremely grateful (cheap bastards should have given her a new HDTV) and said things like "Oh, thank god, now I can watch the news and soap operas."



See this is what I was talking about here.. They have that gut feeling it's not going to effect them So they don't take action until it finally goes off.

I doubt the FCC would ever allow that..

I'm not going to pay for tv in order to find out some breaking event.. something like a 9/11 event or so..


that would never do good at all.

Ironically, you could not have seen coverage of 9/11 OTA since it knocked out the transmitters atop the WTC.

Location: Brooklyn, NY 11236

Winegard MS-2002 Amplified Omnidirectional roof antenna

Dish Network TR-40 CECB

Channel|Channel|{colsp=2}Signal Strength
Number|Name (PSIP)|6/11|6/13
2.1|WCBS-HD|95|85
3.1|DTV|0|N/A
4.1|WNBC-DT|71|64
5.1|WNYW-DT|90|90
7.1|WABC-HD|85|96
9.1|WWOR-DT|78|80
11.1|PIX 11|78|85
13.1|WNET-HD|61|81
25.1|WNYE1|90|93
31.1|ION|74|74
34.1|DTV|81|83
39.1|DTV|0|N/A
41.1|WXTV-DT|76|68
47.1|WNJU-DT|63|68
68.1|WFUT-DT|85|93

I'm having some strange problems with 4.1. On one branch of my network, I have 5 DVD recorders hooked up as a daisy chain. The 2 machines at the head of the chain (closest to the antenna, and therefore should be getting the strongest signal) are not getting 4.1, but the rest of the machines are. It's the opposite for 9.1. Only the machine at the end of the chain can't get 9.1.

The set in the kitchen is the furthest from the antenna in terms of cable length and this has always caused reception problems, but now it's showing higher signal levels than the sets closer to the antenna! This isn't making any sense!

I can no longer get WNYE1.. matter of fact I used to get it good enough to watch the traffic and whenever Bloomberg spoke but as the months got closer the signal faded to nothing. nothing has changed on my end

Ironically, you could not have seen coverage of 9/11 OTA since it knocked out the transmitters atop the WTC.

I was watching WPIX 11's video of that last night since on wiki they said the microwave feed was knocked out but it did not seem to freeze up when I watched it on youtube.

Whenever the new WTC site is completed and the antennas are ontop I wonder how much better the signals would be.. until then it's going to be hard to figure out at least where I live.

Anyone else here still seeing 3 or 4 channels in analog in the NYC area, including CBS and NBC? What's the deal? Count me disappointed!

Both WCBS and WNBC are "Nightlight" stations per an arrangement with the FCC.

WNBC for approximately 2 weeks and WCBS for about a month will continue on the air to provide transition information along with any emergency announcements.

If you have FM transmitters nearby on frequencies 88.5-90 MHz, try FM reject filter inserted before any amp/tuner. Their 2nd order FM distortion fall into Hi-V channel 7. The old analog sets had such filter but the new converter boxes do not.

Hm... I have no idea but I bet some radio stations are in midtown, north to the ESB but south to me.

BTW, I am using my Terk HDTVa antenna with a computer TV tuner, and here is some information for channels I got from an application that allows me to watch TV on my computer. I wonder if this is of any help to people who cannot get channels I am able to get.

Also i cannot get Channel 7 (WABC) via automatic scan. Does anybody have idea what FREQUENCY they are using now and their TRANSPORT STREAM ID? I would like to try adding those coordinates? for the channel manutally to see if I can tune in.

Lastly, in the below screen-capture, Channel 11 (WPIX) was picked up after a scan but I CANNOT tune in well. I get green bars in the middle of the screen and the picture eventually freezes. Any indicative of what my issue may be? FM stations? or something else?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/nycmoonstar/temporary/ChanelCordinatesJune132009.jpg





Edit,

Now I don't get the green bars on Channel 11 / WPIX. But I'm getting bad pixellation. like this.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/nycmoonstar/temporary/pix.jpg

Hm... I have no idea but I bet some radio stations are in midtown, north to the ESB but south to me.

BTW, I am using my Terk HDTVa antenna with a computer TV tuner, and here is some information for channels I got from an application that allows me to watch TV on my computer. I wonder if this is of any help to people who cannot get channels I am able to get.

Also i cannot get Channel 7 (WABC) via automatic scan. Does anybody have idea what FREQUENCY they are using now and their TRANSPORT STREAM ID? I would like to try adding those coordinates? for the channel manutally to see if I can tune in.

Lastly, in the below screen-capture, Channel 11 (WPIX) was picked up after a scan but I CANNOT tune in well. I get green bars in the middle of the screen and the picture eventually freezes. Any indicative of what my issue may be? FM stations? or something else?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c80/nycmoonstar/temporary/ChanelCordinatesJune132009.jpg

If you have unreliable or no reception on ch 7,11 & 13 you must raise the signal to noise ratio (SNR). You most likely lost SNR margin due to (a) improper impedance match between the source and tuner and/or (b) FM 2nd order distortion. The insidious nature of these two is that they're hard to detect and that just the lowering the SNR margin, not necessarily killing the channel, is enough to make these channels freeze and pixellate when you walk around.

On Item (a) above: The mismatch raises the factory specified noise figure and that reduces the sensitivity of the tuner. Depending on the mismatch, the noise figure could become 10-20dB higher than that specified. A 10dB rise in NF is akin to lowering the transmitter power by 10dB. My advice is to avoid at all cost antennas with amplifiers.

Try passive outdoor antenna first. If it works, try the passive indoor UHF antenna I recommended in #8997. It's only $12. Even though it's a UHF antenna, if you're within 15 miles of ESB it may do.

Good luck.

Wow thanks. I have very lil understanding of this subject, but I think my antenna has an amp. It may be adjustable. So, that's what I should perhaps play with, maybe I should turn it off and try another scan! Thanks. I'll report when I finish!

*** I will attempt antoher scan tomorrow. It seems to me like stations are adjusting signals. Right now, I don't get green bars OR pixellation on Channel 11. BTW, those issues I had a fwe hours ago were not due to a helicoptor in the sky as I also had CBS in picture in picture from the same antenna and it was perfectly fine. If I still cannot pick up ABC tonight or tomorrow, I'll try with the amp off. Thanks for your help! xoxo ***

man still not happy with WNYW-DT and WWOR-DT both i can't get (was fine before the switch.. now both are breaking up and the signal level went from the high 80's to low 50's..

Looks like no watching House for me tonight...

Moonstar: I think if you turn the amp off you'll lose the passive antenna as well because it is connected through the active electronic circuit to the tuner

Moonstar: I think if you turn the amp off you'll lose the passive antenna as well because it is connected through the active electronic circuit to the tuner

:s I just looked at the amp, and I can only turn on or offf. I think youa re right! When I first got the antenna, I think I could get very few channels or none without the amp on. ... :confused: maybe i need to buy the new antenna? Oh well, I'll wait till tomorrow to see... Oos! WPIX is pixellating again!!!

lol I like how cablevision is still showing that june 12th ad tv's like this wont work... lmao

lol I like how cablevision is still showing that june 12th ad tv's like this wont work... lmao

What's even better is that they advertise their "low cost program," but I bet if you call they don't bother to tell you about the basic broadcast option that only costs about $11 in NJ. I've heard many stories about reps denying it even exists when questioned directly about it.

lol I like how cablevision is still showing that june 12th ad tv's like this wont work... lmao

lmao! that's smart I guess! but is their target still getting television to see their ads? LOL! ;)

Ironically, you could not have seen coverage of 9/11 OTA since it knocked out the transmitters atop the WTC.

You would've been able to watch on WCBS. They were one of the few TV stations that stayed on the ESB (or at least had a backup transmitter on there)



Whenever the new WTC site is completed and the antennas are ontop I wonder how much better the signals would be.. until then it's going to be hard to figure out at least where I live.

From what I read, most stations have decided not to move back to the site. One of the reasons given is that there won't be any issues with mulipath like there were when the original towers went up in the 70s.

My Tivax box is showing WFUT with its RF channel number of 30, but the rest of the PSIP info is correct. Is this happening to anyone else?

Getting a strong signal from WLNY with the move to RF 47, which is pretty amazing since it was pretty impossible to get in OTA for years and years.

Still no WPXN for me for whatever reason.

The Manual scan read out indicates that 68-1.2 WFUT-DT has been deleted/relocated by Full or Add Scan to ch.30 scale.
ION 31-1.2.3.4.has been forced to relocate from ch.30 to previous analog now Digital spot on -31
Ch.11 WPIX has relocated from ch33 to previous analog now digital to the
same old spot on ch11
Ch.2 WCBS-HD was removed from ch56 placed to ch33 location
CH.13WNET-HD was removed from ch61 and placed to previous analog
position on ch.13.
Ch. 7WABC was removed from ch45 placed to old analog nest on ch7 now Digital.

Anyone else here still seeing 3 or 4 channels in analog in the NYC area, including CBS and NBC? What's the deal? Count me disappointed!

The ch.2wCBS ,ch.4wNBC run only INFO for DTV.
Ch.17 korean christian, ch26 (wNYZ 6-1or 1-1 digital) ch35 noise of 26
ch.46 Cornerstone, ch60 - all filled and covered with rain/snow on Analog.
That is why LP's stations had to go Digital, to be competitive you must
have good neighbors

i have good news to report!

I can now get 25.1 25.2 with over a 60% signal.. big improvement..

Also I can now get WWOR and WNYW they will still break up but when the signal locks on it's 75 %

I had to point the silver sensor up outside since elevation is not on my side..

It also handled the outdoors pretty good for being outside since November of last year.

With the new pitch upwards not sure how it will do with wind gusts.. I know from before it held in 25-35 gusts with no issues.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SubaruWRX/Pict0003.jpg

The ch.2wCBS ,ch.4wNBC run only INFO for DTV.
Ch.17 korean christian, ch26 (wNYZ 6-1or 1-1 digital) ch35 noise of 26
ch.46 Cornerstone, ch60 - all filled and covered with rain/snow on Analog.
That is why LP's stations had to go Digital, to be competitive you must
have good neighbors

last night for giggles I checked out each Low power station and anything else I could find that was not in my market only thing I get a reading from is Pulse 87 which is a radio station in a way.. but they are on digital and analog I could not get any stations like WMBC which I was hoping I would see a reading on the signal meter but nothing.

Queens, NY 11412, DTV Pal+ CECB (F106 firmware), 40 ft. high approx. slightly modified 15 year-old, directional Radio Shack VU-90 XR ($65) VHF/UHF roof antenna with a 15 db amplifier, pointed a few degrees north of Empire State Building. I used Google Earth to draw a line from my house to the Empire State Building, but I could have used this site also for aiming:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/
I know there are other similar terrain maps for directional pointing and signal range.

For Antenna point setup: Pal+ tuned to Channel 33, 587000 frequency with a signal strength reading of 94 to 98.

Scanned 54 Channels post-transition up from 42 pre-transition. There are some duplicate call signs (WWOR) and there were some Spanish stations added post-transition. A couple of those WNYN channels are running duplicate programming.

Channel Call Sign Signal Strength

002-01 WCBS-HD 98
004-01 WNBC-DT 90
004-02 WNBC4.2 90
004-04 WNBC4.4 90
005-01 WNYW-DT 95
005-02 WWOR-DT 98
007-01 WABC-HD 93
007-02 LivWell 93
007-03 WEATHER 95
009-01 WWOR-DT 86
009-02 WNYW-DT 85
011-01 PIX11 98
011-02 LATV 96
013-01 WNET-HD 90
013-02 Kids 90
013-03 V-ME 88
021-01 WLIW-SD 62
021-02 CREATE 62
021-03 WORLD 61
025-01 WNYE1 98
025-02 WNYE2 98
031-01 ION 63
031-02 qubo 66
031-03 IONLife 68
031-04 Worship 66
034-01 DTV 88
039-01 WNYN-1 94
039-02 WNYN-2 94
039-03 WNYN-3 94
039-04 WNYN-4 94
039-05 WNYN-5 94
041-01 WXTV-DT 90
041-02 WFUT-DT 92
047-01 WNJU-DT 86
050-01 NJN-1 63
050-02 NJN-2 63
050-03 NJN-AV 61
063-01 WMBC-DT 74
063-02 Korean 74
063-03 MBC 74
063-04 MHTV 74
063-05 KBS 74
066-01 WFME-DT 66
066-02 WFME-FM 66 Audio Only
066-03 FR WEST 66 Audio Only
066-04 KEAR-FM 66 Audio Only
066-05 F.L.#1 66 Audio Only
066-06 F.L.#2 66 Audio Only
066-07 67SUB 66 Audio Only
066-08 92SUB 66 Audio Only
066-09 NOAA 66 Audio Only
066-10 FUTURE 66 Blank, No Audio
068-01 WFUT-DT 95
068-02 WXTV-DT 95
(sorry, but my tabbed columns wouldn't hold for some reason)

There you have it. I don't have any close obstacles in the way of my antenna and it is probably above all the rooftops in my residential area. I can't see the Empire State Building from where I live near JFK airport even when I stand on my roof. My antenna is mounted on a 15 foot mast which is tilted up a couple of degrees. Maybe the antenna has line of sight, but I can't tell that one way or another. I had done my homework months in advance and readjusted my antenna when the weather warmed up a bit.

I aimed my antenna slightly north of the Empire State Building to get better signal strength for the Channel 63 transmitter in New Jersey which is more distant than the Empire State Building.

I figure this info might help people that are claiming they can't get digital signals in Queens or something. This digital blows analog away. My signals are basically rock solid with no macro-blocking (pixel breakup) even during the recent thunderstorms. Channel 21 is about the weakest because the transmitter is somewhere east of me. If I wanted to I could just purchase a signal joiner to another UHF antenna I have on my roof and point that antenna east or use an antenna rotator. Whatever. I can also get a couple of stations from Connecticut if I point my antenna north in that direction, but there's nothing coming from there I want.

I use TimeWarner Cable so I don't really need this setup, but I wanted to see what was possible OTA. It ain't bad at all.:D

Even if people only get a portion of the channels I get, it should be a step up from the analog station count.

Late addition: I checked my Channel 21 stations later in the evening and they were appearing and disappearing, so the signal is definitely borderline.
_________________________
For those that are interested in the TVGOS feature of the Pal+. It sucked. My Panny DMR-E85H got passed about 10 channels and saw no subchannels at all. I'm only saying this from a quick check since I didn't look at the channel editor to see if channels didn't get turned on. I'll say one thing. The Panny acquired the clock time and downloaded a short info listing in less than six hours (12:30 AM to 7:00 AM) which is less than half the total time it used to take. It used to take two nights before the change. Maybe it was just a fluke. Enough said about that.

Queens/LI boarder, did a scan of what I could get on my HDTV through the rooftop antenna earlier today

Air 2: WCBS Analog Nightlight
DTV: 2.1 WCBS 2 Digital
Air 4: WNBC Nightlight
DTV AIR 4.1: NBC
DTV AIR 4.2: NBC Nonstop
DTV AIR 4:2: Universal NBC US
Air 5: Blank
DTV AIR 5.1: WNYW DT
DTV AIR 5.2: WWOR DT
DTV AIR 7.1: WABC DT
DTV AIR 7.1 Liv Well HD
DTV AIR 7.1 Weather
Air 9 Blank
DTV AIR 9.1 WWOR DT
DTV AIR 9.2 WNYW DT
DTV AIR 11.1 PIX DT
DTV AIR 11.2 LATN
DTV AIR 13.1 WNET
DTV AIR 13.2 WNET Kids
DTV AIR 13.1 V ME
Air 25 Blank
Air 21.1 WNYE just audio, no video
Air 26 something strange in snowy analog, with a bunch of kids. Is this supposed to be there?
DTV Air 31: ION
DTV Air 31.2 QUBO
DTV AIR 31.3 ION Life
DTV AIR 3.4 Worship for Kids
AIR 32: Something programmed by kids in snowy analog same as on AIR 26? Does anyone have any idea if this is something legal?
DTV Air 34.1 Infomercial in spanish, no station ID
Air 35: Once again strange programming that looks like it it is done by local young people. Got a "station ID" and figured out by google what it is http://vice.typepad.com/vice_magazine/2009/03/new-york---th-4.html
DTV Air 31.1 WNYN 1
DTV AIR: WNYN 2
DTV AIR: WNYN 3
DTV AIR WNYN 4
DTV AIR WNYN 5 just audio
DTV AIR 41.1 WXTV
DTV AIR 41.2 WFUT DT
Air 46: Prayer
Air 47.1 WNJU DT
DTV Air 50.1 : NJN 1
DTV AIR 50.1: NJN 2
DTV Air 50.2 NJN AV
Air 60: HSN
DTV AIR 66.1 WFME DT
DTV AIR 66.2 WFME FM
DTV AIR 66.3 FR West
DTV AIR 66.4 KEAR FM
DTV AIR 66.5 F.L #1
DTV AIR 66.1 F.L #2
DTV AIR 67 SUB
DTV AIR 66.8 92 SUB
DTV AIR 66.9 NOAA weather radio
DTV AIR 66.10 FUTURE, but nothing...
AIR 68 Blank:
DTV Air 68.1 WFUT DT: No signal
DTV Air 68.1 WFUT DT 2 No signal

Queens, NY 11412, DTV Pal+ CECB (F106 firmware), 40 ft. high approx. slightly modified 15 year-old, directional Radio Shack ($65) VHF/UHF roof antenna with a 15 db amplifier, pointed a few degrees north of Empire State Building. I used Google Earth to draw a line from my house to the Empire State Building, but I could have used this site also for aiming:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/
I know there are other similar terrain maps for directional pointing and signal range.

For Antenna point setup: Pal+ tuned to Channel 33, 587000 frequency with a signal strength reading of 94 to 98.

Scanned 54 Channels post-transition up from 42 pre-transition. There are some duplicate call signs (WWOR) and there were some Spanish stations added post-transition. A couple of those WNYN channels are running duplicate programming.

Channel Call Sign Signal Strength

002-01 |WCBS-HD| 98
004-01 |WNBC-DT| 90
004-01 |WNBC4.2| 90
004-04 |WNBC4.4| 90
005-01 |WNYW-DT| 95
005-02 |WWOR-DT| 98
007-01 |WABC-HD| 93
007-02 |LivWell| 93
007-03 |WEATHER| 95
009-01 |WWOR-DT| 86
009-02 |WNYW-DT| 85
011-01 |PIX11| 98
011-02 |LATV| 96
013-01 |WNET-HD| 90
013-02 |Kids| 90
013-03 |V-ME| 88
021-01 |WLIW-SD| 62
021-02 |CREATE| 62
021-03 |WORLD| 61
025-01 |WNYE1| 98
025-02 |WNYE2| 98
031-01 |ION| 63
031-02 |qubo| 66
031-03 |IONLife| 68
031-04 |Worship| 66
034-01 |DTV| 88
039-01 |WNYN-1| 94
039-02 |WNYN-2| 94
039-03 |WNYN-3| 94
039-04 |WNYN-4| 94
039-05 |WNYN-5| 94
041-01 |WXTV-DT| 90
041-02 |WFUT-DT| 92
047-01 |WNJU-DT| 86
050-01 |NJN-1| 63
050-02 |NJN-2| 63
050-03 |NJN-AV| 61
063-01 |WMBC-DT| 74
063-02 |Korean| 74
063-03 |MBC| 74
063-04 |MHTV| 74
063-05 |KBS| 74
066-01 |WFME-DT| 66
066-02 |WFME-FM| 66 Audio Only
066-03 |FR WEST| 66 Audio Only
066-04 |KEAR-FM| 66 Audio Only
066-05 |F.L.#1| 66 Audio Only
066-06 |F.L.#2| 66 Audio Only
066-07 |67SUB| 66 Audio Only
066-08 |92SUB| 66 Audio Only
066-09 |NOAA| 66 Audio Only
066-10 |FUTURE| 66 Blank, No Audio
068-01 |WFUT-DT| 95
068-02 |WXTV-DT| 95
(sorry, but my tabbed columns wouldn't hold for some reason)

There you have it. I don't have any close obstacles in the way of my antenna and it is probably above all the rooftops in my residential area. I can't see the Empire State Building from where I live near JFK airport even when I stand on my roof. My antenna is mounted on a 15 foot mast which is tilted up a couple of degrees. Maybe the antenna has line of sight, but I can't tell that one way or another. I had done my homework months in advance and readjusted my antenna when the weather warmed up a bit.

I aimed my antenna slightly north of the Empire State Building to get better signal strength for the Channel 63 transmitter in New Jersey which is more distant than the Empire State Building.

I figure this info might help people that are claiming they can't get digital signals in Queens or something. This digital blows analog away. My signals are basically rock solid with no macro-blocking (pixel breakup) even during the recent thunderstorms. Channel 21 is about the weakest because the transmitter is somewhere east of me. If I wanted to I could just purchase a signal joiner to another UHF antenna I have on my roof and point that antenna east or use an antenna rotator. Whatever. I can also get a couple of stations from Connecticut if I point my antenna north in that direction, but there's nothing coming from there I want.

I use TimeWarner Cable so I don't really need this setup, but I wanted to see what was possible OTA. It ain't bad at all.:D

Even if people only get a portion of the channels I get, it should be a step up from the analog station count.
_________________________
For those that are interested in the TVGOS feature of the Pal+. It sucked. My Panny DMR-E85H got passed about 10 channels and saw no subchannels at all. I'm only saying this from a quick check since I didn't look at the channel editor to see if channels didn't get turned on. I'll say one thing. The Panny acquired the clock time and downloaded a short info listing in less than six hours (12:30 AM to 7:00 AM) which is less than half the total time it used to take. It used to take two nights before the change. Maybe it was just a fluke. Enough said about that.

lets see if it works now..

It was a roof top view of what?!?! it's unlikely it's going to ever happen again so I hope someone got a screen grab.

It looked like central park.

Ah I see..

glad I can get WNYE now with no issues the main channel has some pretty good shows on the main channel that I never knew they had.

It looked like central park.
Yeah in fact I thought I saw some people sunbathing on top one of the buildings.

Thanks, SubaruB4 for doing it right for me. You'll have to teach me how to set those columns in this forum. I pasted my data from a tabbed text file. I was gonna redo it in Excel or Word, but figured, what's the point since the data is correct.

Thanks, SubaruB4 for doing it right for me. You'll have to teach me how to set those columns in this forum. I pasted my data from a tabbed text file. I was gonna redo it in Excel or Word, but figured, what's the point since the data is correct.

seeem like the issue was that you needed to add the brackets for the table which would be

Queens/LI boarder, did a scan of what I could get on my HDTV through the rooftop antenna earlier today

Air 26 something strange in snowy analog, with a bunch of kids. Is this supposed to be there?

AIR 32: Something programmed by kids in snowy analog same as on AIR 26? Does anyone have any idea if this is something legal?
DTV Air 34.1 Infomercial in spanish, no station ID


When I checked Channel 34 at 10 PM on Saturday it was showing sports in Spanish and it had a logo of a ball and CV. Maybe it's a leased-time sort of station. I couldn't find Channels 26 or 32 even with a rescan.

34 is owned by CaribeVision, a Spanish-language TV network. They're on full-powered stations in Puerto Rico, but on a couple of LP stations in the US.

- Trip

When I checked Channel 34 at 10 PM on Saturday it was showing sports in Spanish and it had a logo of a ball and CV. Maybe it's a leased-time sort of station. I couldn't find Channels 26 or 32 even with a rescan.


Channels 26, and 32 are still analog, perhaps that is why you are not getting them on the digital tuner.

I thing it may still be a remnant of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WXNY-LP

I got a kick out of some of the people who were interviewed on TV who said, "Why didn't they let us know ahead of time that they were changing over to digital." (Face-palm)

I swear that I absolutely got sick of seeing scrolling messages on TV stations saying that there was going to be an analog to digital changeover. It's possible that maybe these people couldn't read or the print was too small to see. I certainly didn't know anyone who didn't know about the transition taking place.

@Tresjolie9
Well, if Channels 26 and 32 are still analog, then I probably don't want to see them. ;)

Somebody mentioned that WPXN was missing. I think I might have seen that some time ago, but I thought it was taken off the air. No matter, I never watched it, anyway. (never mind, when I checked Tresjolie9's wikipedia reference I see that it's Channels 31.01, 31.02, 31.03)

You just knew that they were gonna find people you had no clue.

Any advices on getting an antenna, I live about 16 miles from the city in jersey.
I just brought a RadioShack antenna, Model: 15-1868, Catalog #: 15-1868 w/ UHF & VHF and the signal peaks at 40, I can get most of the main network channels although I lose signal very often but i can't get WABC or WPIX at all :(
I want to get another indoor one and return the radioshack one. THANKS

Is anyone else out there in Westchester County? I have an apt house rooftop antenna, which of course I can't adjust, nor will the management, since I'm the only one in the bldg on OTA. .

13 (WNET) and 7 (ABC) are fine. I just started getting 7 (ABC) tonight, but 4 (NBC) is all broken up. .Don't use 5, 9 or 11. Does anyone know what's going on with NBC? Is a bowtie antenna any better?

Any advices on getting an antenna, I live about 16 miles from the city in jersey.
I just brought a RadioShack antenna, Model: 15-1868, Catalog #: 15-1868 w/ UHF & VHF and the signal peaks at 40, I can get most of the main network channels although I lose signal very often but i can't get WABC or WPIX at all :(
I want to get another indoor one and return the radioshack one. THANKS

I'm in a similar area as you and I can't get a signal from WABC-DT, WPIX-DT or WNET-DT with my RadioShack indoor VHF/UHF/HDTV Antenna Model: 15-1892 and another VHF/UHF antenna.

I connected my RadioShack outdoor scanner/ham discone antenna to my tuner card and all three come in with a strong signal.

I guess since the antenna is higher it has an easier time finding the signal.
Is the VHF signal that sensitive or are all three stations not at full power?

Well, I have to say that I am frustrated and confused by my reception here in Poughkeepsie.

First my current stations list:


Callsign__RF Ch__Vchan__ Netwk__Signal
WRNN____48_____48.1____RNN____70
WTBY____27_____54.1____TBN____70
WTEN____26_____10.1____ABC____70
WCWN___43_____45.1_____CW____30
WMHT___34_____17.1_____PBS____70
WPIX____11_____11.1_____CW____30
WNET___13______13.1____PBS____30


All stations are watchable, although the 30% ones suffer from the occasional glitch (maybe every 5-10 minutes).

I have two attic mounted antennas. The first is an Antennas Direct C4 UHF antenna pointed north toward Albany. The second is a huge Taco Electra 9-element VHF Yagi pointed south toward NYC. Both antennas are connected through a CM7777 preamp.

As you may have guessed, I'm frustrated that despite being able to tune in 7 separate stations from two DMA's, I cannot get CBS, NBC, Fox, or MyN. For a test, I tried moving my VHF antenna outside. I found that 11.1 and 13.1 increased to 50%, but there was still no sign of WABC (7.1). Rotating the antenna towards Albany, I was able to pick up WRGB(CBS 6.1), WXXA(FOX 7-23.1) and WNYT(NBC 12-13.1) each at about 30%, so at least there's a little hope. Unfortunately, I couldn't get anything (except for an unwatchable 5% signal on 6.1) from inside the attic. I also couldn't get WNYA(MyN-13-51.1) even outside.

Now for the confusion, first, why can I get 11.1 and 13.1, but not 7.1? According to TVfool, 7.1 should be the strongest of the three by about 4dB and I believe that all three are being broadcast from the same location, so I would think they should have similar signal paths to my place. Furthermore, analog 7 used to come in better than 11 and 13.

Second, why are the two NYC VHF stations so much stronger than the Albany VHF stations? Supposedly, Albany is LOS, while NYC is 2Edge. TVfool estimates the Albany signals to be about 35-45dB stronger than the NYC stations. Am I getting some kind of mystery bounce from NYC and if so, why doesn't 7 get the same?

Finally, back in February, I was able to pull in the Albany VHF stations (7 and 12) at up to 60%, so what happened? The WNYT engineer suggested that it might be due to the leaves. Is that likely? It hasn't seemed to effect the UHF stations.

Anyway, looks like I need to break down and put the antenna up on the roof, perhaps with a rotator. Any recommendations?

I'm in Brentwood, 39 miles east of ESB using my present mid grade Radio Shack all band antenna with a MAV-11 home built preamp. I thought this was going to be difficult. I'm very happy. All the channels are coming in fine. I'll have to sit down list the levels for you.

I have two attic mounted antennas. The first is an Antennas Direct C4 UHF antenna pointed north toward Albany. The second is a huge Taco Electra 9-element VHF Yagi pointed south toward NYC. Both antennas are connected through a CM7777 preamp.

Good stuff here! Taco (Wade) has some great antennas. I had considered them for an FM DX'ing project that I have yet to complete.

The C4 should be more than adequate for UHF. However, I'm a little confused about the Taco antenna that you described. I just took a look at their web site, and only found one current-model Yagi antenna that looked like it was 9-elements: http://www.wade-antenna.com/TACO/ATCYagi.htm. And clearly, this does not cover the frequency band that you're trying to receive. Could it be that you're dealing with one of the ten-element antennas? See http://www.wade-antenna.com/TACO/10ElementYagi.htm. Or maybe your antenna is long-since discontinued?

At present, with what you've given us so far, I'm suspecting that you don't have the right VHF antenna. If so, then all of the mounting and orientation in the world is not going to help you.

See if you can better identify that Yagi antenna and let's go from there.

I live in Sea Girt, NJ and was doing great until Friday.
Now that I have lost 7, 11 and 13 - do I need to add a VHF antenna
and combine that with my 4228 UHF antenna?

Thanks,

Jeff

yes you need a VHF since 7, 11 and 13 moved back to VHF.

I'm thoroughly confused by the channels I'm getting after the switch. I live right across the Hudson from the city, and prior to the switch my TV/antenna (DB2) received the digital signals of all four major networks + PBS perfectly. Saturday morning, all the channels except CBS were working fine. After numerous re-scans and messing with antenna location a little bit, I only get CBS and NBC in analog, and I don't get Fox at all. ABC and PBS come in fine in digital.

According to AntennaWeb, the only channels I'm getting right now are VHF, and the stations I'm not getting are UHF. Given the fact that I don't have a VHF antenna, I was worried about the exact opposite.

Am I missing something obvious as to why this is happening, or does anyone have any troubleshooting tips?

Thanks in advance.

I live in Sea Girt, NJ and was doing great until Friday.
Now that I have lost 7, 11 and 13 - do I need to add a VHF antenna
and combine that with my 4228 UHF antenna?

Thanks,

Jeff
Yes, 7, 11 & 13 are now VHF .. Get a combo antenna or add a VHF antenna.

I live in northern jersey (16 miles from ESB) and lost WABC, WPIX and WNET after 6/11 (with Terk HDTVa). As HDTVa is VHF/UHF antenna, I believe it is station power issue. According to the DTV list in my area (from antennapoint.com), all those 3 stations (WABC-3.2kw, WPIX-5.89kw, WNET- 3.2KW) have very low power while other stations average 200kw more, which means I need outdoor antenna to pick up these weak signals. Is my understanding correct?
============================================================ ===
Affiliate Analog Digital Band Power City Distance Heading
WNYE-TV PBS 25 24 UHF 200.0 kW New York 13.34 mi 187.55°
WXTV Univision 41 40 UHF 300.0 kW Paterson 13.34 mi 187.55°
WNJU Telemundo 47 36 UHF 832.0 kW Linden 13.34 mi 187.55°
WMBC-TV IND 63 18 UHF 1000.0 kW Newton 13.91 mi 246.27°
WNJN PBS 50 51 UHF 200.0 kW Montclair 13.91 mi 246.27°
WWOR-TV UPN 9 38 UHF 136.0 kW Secaucus 16.24 mi 189.94°
WNYW FOX 5 44 UHF 225.0 kW New York 16.24 mi 189.94°
WNET PBS 13 13 UHF 3.2 kW Newark 16.24 mi 189.94°
WNBC NBC 4 28 UHF 164.0 kW New York 16.24 mi 189.94°
WABC ABC 7 7 3.2 kW New York 16.24 mi 189.94°
WCBS-TV CBS 2 33 UHF 239.0 kW New York 16.24 mi 189.94°
WPIX CW 11 11 VHF 5.89 kW New York 16.24 mi 189.94°
WPXN-TV PAX 31 31 UHF 225.0 kW New York 16.24 mi 189.94°
============================================================ ===

Well, I have to say that I am frustrated and confused by my reception here in Poughkeepsie.

First my current stations list:


Callsign__RF Ch__Vchan__ Netwk__Signal
WRNN____48_____48.1____RNN____70
WTBY____27_____54.1____TBN____70
WTEN____26_____10.1____ABC____70
WCWN___43_____45.1_____CW____30
WMHT___34_____17.1_____PBS____70
WPIX____11_____11.1_____CW____30
WNET___13______13.1____PBS____30


All stations are watchable, although the 30% ones suffer from the occasional glitch (maybe every 5-10 minutes).

I have two attic mounted antennas. The first is an Antennas Direct C4 UHF antenna pointed north toward Albany. The second is a huge Taco Electra 9-element VHF Yagi pointed south toward NYC. Both antennas are connected through a CM7777 preamp.

As you may have guessed, I'm frustrated that despite being able to tune in 7 separate stations from two DMA's, I cannot get CBS, NBC, Fox, or MyN. For a test, I tried moving my VHF antenna outside. I found that 11.1 and 13.1 increased to 50%, but there was still no sign of WABC (7.1). Rotating the antenna towards Albany, I was able to pick up WRGB(CBS 6.1), WXXA(FOX 7-23.1) and WNYT(NBC 12-13.1) each at about 30%, so at least there's a little hope. Unfortunately, I couldn't get anything (except for an unwatchable 5% signal on 6.1) from inside the attic. I also couldn't get WNYA(MyN-13-51.1) even outside.

Now for the confusion, first, why can I get 11.1 and 13.1, but not 7.1? According to TVfool, 7.1 should be the strongest of the three by about 4dB and I believe that all three are being broadcast from the same location, so I would think they should have similar signal paths to my place. Furthermore, analog 7 used to come in better than 11 and 13.

Second, why are the two NYC VHF stations so much stronger than the Albany VHF stations? Supposedly, Albany is LOS, while NYC is 2Edge. TVfool estimates the Albany signals to be about 35-45dB stronger than the NYC stations. Am I getting some kind of mystery bounce from NYC and if so, why doesn't 7 get the same?

Finally, back in February, I was able to pull in the Albany VHF stations (7 and 12) at up to 60%, so what happened? The WNYT engineer suggested that it might be due to the leaves. Is that likely? It hasn't seemed to effect the UHF stations.

Anyway, looks like I need to break down and put the antenna up on the roof, perhaps with a rotator. Any recommendations?


I am also located in Poughkeepsie. I think all you need is a good rotor that is strong enough to turn both your VHF and UHF antennas (generally you need to keep your VHF and UHF antennas at least 5 feet apart on the mast). I also think you are already in good shape with your Channel Master Titan-2 7777 preamp. Just move it up on the mast above the rotor as close to the antennas as possible.

The one thing you can't control is the terrain. You and I have trouble because of the terrain - the Hudson Highlands south of Beacon is a barrier that prevents signals from traveling up the Hudson (hence the 2 edge from NYC and 1 edge from Albany in my case). Ironically Poughkeepsie is in the NYC DMA but we both do better with out of market Albany, NY DMA because the terrain is flatter (except for signals clipping the edge of Catskill Mountains).

I did a final channel scan the morning after "T" Day (June 13th). I thought I'd post it to show how us folks on the fringe are doing.

We have really old outdoor antennas (the Archer UHF Yagi is thirty years old, the Channel Master Crossfire VHF is 26 years old). The mast is rusted and even after loosening the eve mount on the side of the house, we couldn't turn the mast toward Albany, NY, which seems to have more favorable reception as the TVFool web site suggested.

So with the VHF stuck towards NYC (for legacy analog up until "T" Day), and UHF on a rotor, here are the stations we can pick up post June 12th:

ESB (63 miles south):
WNYW (5-1, 5-2)
WFUT (68-1, 68-2)
(NONE OF THE VHF-HI CHANNELS COME IN AT ALL - Signal strength for 7, 11, and 13 are too weak on the converter box signal meter for a lock)

Mt. Beacon (12 miles south - line of sight)
WTBY (54-1, 54-2, 54-3, 54-4, 54-5)
WRNN (48-1, 48-2, 48-3)

Helderberg Mtn antenna farm (67 miles north- near Albany NY)
WTEN (10-1, 10-2, 10-3)
WMHT (17-1, 17-2, 17-3)

Generally, it turned out to be a net loss (we received more analog stations in pre-transition era), so we fall into the 2% the FCC predicted would lose channels. Looking at the FCC maps, Poughkeepsie falls outside the range of nearly all Albany, NY stations, NYC stations, and Hartford, CT stations. It sucks to be located here, signal wise.

My question is: does antenna performance degrade over the years? What happens to aluminum after it has been out in the elements for a couple of decades? No elements are seriously bent, but they have gone through a lot of winters. We did everything we could short of replacing the antennas (added a CM Spartan 0264 preamp, new RG6 lead in wire).

BTW, this is my first post. I've been reading this thread for months, and this is the first time I've ever jumped in to participate.

Generally, it turned out to be a net loss (we received more analog stations in pre-transition era), so we fall into the 2% the FCC predicted would lose channels. Looking at the FCC maps, Poughkeepsie falls outside the range of nearly all Albany, NY stations, NYC stations, and Hartford, CT stations. It sucks to be located here, signal wise.



Heck I live in CT and I can't get WTNH at all.. the NYC stations are better then CT but the NYC stations only report anything in CT if it's a large event like the chimp attack which is only 5 miles from here.

However to get WTNH my antenna has to be pointed about 180 degrees the other way.

I am in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn (11206), approximately 5 miles from the ESB. I have a DB2 Antenna from AntennasDirect.Com. I live in a slightly sunken ground floor apt in a brick building. My antenna is mounted indoors about 6 ft above ground level pointing south-west (not towards the ESB which is NW).

This is my reception this morning:

2 CBS 100%
4 NBC 92%
5 FOX 100%
7 ABC 92%
9 MY9 92%
11 CW 70%
13 PBS 83%
25 Ind. 100%
34 CV 100%
41 Uni 87%
47 Tel 62%
68 FUT 100%

Good stuff here! Taco (Wade) has some great antennas. I had considered them for an FM DX'ing project that I have yet to complete.

The C4 should be more than adequate for UHF. However, I'm a little confused about the Taco antenna that you described. I just took a look at their web site, and only found one current-model Yagi antenna that looked like it was 9-elements: http://www.wade-antenna.com/TACO/ATCYagi.htm. And clearly, this does not cover the frequency band that you're trying to receive. Could it be that you're dealing with one of the ten-element antennas? See http://www.wade-antenna.com/TACO/10ElementYagi.htm. Or maybe your antenna is long-since discontinued?

At present, with what you've given us so far, I'm suspecting that you don't have the right VHF antenna. If so, then all of the mounting and orientation in the world is not going to help you.

See if you can better identify that Yagi antenna and let's go from there.

Yeah, the 9-element Yagi is an oddball. It says "TACO" on it, but I haven't been able to figure out the model. I'm sure it is ancient as it came with the house and the previous owner had lived here 50+ years. It's a funny antenna, with a bunch of weird "loops" on the ends or in the middle of the elements. As for whether it is the "right" VHF antenna, I suspect it must be pretty good, since I'm pulling in 11.1 and 13.1 at 64 miles away, behind a mountain and with the antenna in an attic. TVfool, estimates the signal of these stations at my location to be -106.6 dBm! Also, prior to the transition, it pulled in all the NYC VHF stations, decently. Sure there was some snow, but at 64 miles with 2Edge, what do you expect?

I have another VHF antenna I didn't mention before that appears to be a Taco Y-104 series, 10-element antenna. When I took it outside, I was able to pick up WRGB (6) from Albany, but nothing else, which isn't terribly surprising as this is a VHF-Low antenna. The signal was about the same on from this antenna as from the oddball, which again makes me suspect that it is a pretty decent VHF antenna.

I'm in Brooklyn, NY and ever since the transition I cannot pick up channel 7 where as it was one of my cleanest stations before. Rescanned and rescanned and none of my TV's can pick up the station. I get everything else.:(

I'm in Brooklyn, NY and ever since the transition I cannot pick up channel 7 where as it was one of my cleanest stations before. Rescanned and rescanned and none of my TV's can pick up the station. I get everything else.:(

Do you only have a UHF antenna?

Although most UHF antennas will pick up Hi-VHF, Channel 7 can be a problem!

I am 30 miles west from ESB with a Channel Master 4228 antenna and 7777 preamp 40 feet up on chimmney. Results so far are not good. I gained some and lost some.

Today I will try w/o the preamp. Also I have a Channel Master Converter Box which when turned on will get me a few more channels than the Sharp TV alone. Picture is good too as it has s-video to TV. I will post updated results later.

So far the conversion has not been good for me...

_______________6/11___6/12____6/13

NET_______CH_____LEV_____LEV____LEV

WCBS______2.1____00%_____55%____79%
WNBC______4.1____78%_____63%____70%
WNYW______5.1____65%_____61%____62%
WABC______7.1____76%_____00%____00%
WWOR______9.1____00%_____00%____00%
WPIX_____11.1____81%_____00%____00%
WNET_____13.1____00%_____00%____00%
WLIW_____21.1____00%_____00%____00%
WNYE_____25.1____62%_____62%____72%
WFME_____29.1____00%_____00%____00%
WPXN_____31.1____56%_____43%____78%
WXTV_____41.1____33%_____48%____00%
WNJU_____47.1____00%_____00%____00%
WNJN_____50.1____84%_____78%____74%
WLNY_____55.1____00%_____00%____00%
WNJB_____58.1____00%_____00%____00%
WMBC_____63.1____99%_____00%____99%
WFUT_____68.1____00%_____00%____80%

I have another VHF antenna I didn't mention before that appears to be a Taco Y-104 series, 10-element antenna. When I took it outside, I was able to pick up WRGB (6) from Albany, but nothing else, which isn't terribly surprising as this is a VHF-Low antenna. The signal was about the same on from this antenna as from the oddball, which again makes me suspect that it is a pretty decent VHF antenna.

I went back and looked at your posting from January 8th, 2009 where you posted two links of the two different antennas in your attic.

I can't figure out the make of the antenna in the first picture (the Taco with the funny looking loops you described), but the second one (that you refer to as a Taco Y-104) looks just like a Channel Master FM antenna that was on our roof 20 years ago. You probably can only pick up WRGB Channel 6 because that antenna is cut specifically for the FM Band (88-108MHz) and Channel 6 comes closest to that than any other channel. I'd use it just for receiving FM only - it's not meant for VHF-TV.

OK thanks - how would I combine 2 antenna coax's (vhf and uhf) correctly?
Will a 1 - 2 splitter reversed 2 -1 do the job?

Thanks,

Jeff

Yes, 7, 11 & 13 are now VHF .. Get a combo antenna or add a VHF antenna.

My question is: does antenna performance degrade over the years? What happens to aluminum after it has been out in the elements for a couple of decades? No elements are seriously bent, but they have gone through a lot of winters. We did everything we could short of replacing the antennas (added a CM Spartan 0264 preamp, new RG6 lead in wire).

BTW, this is my first post. I've been reading this thread for months, and this is the first time I've ever jumped in to participate.

Hi Neighbor! Welcome to the board. It appears based on the distances you listed in your post that you are about 1 mile south of me. I'm just off of Route 9, on Beechwood. I haven't really tried messing with my UHF antenna yet, but your post gives me hope for getting WNYW and maybe WFUT after I get the antennas up on the roof. I'm a little surprised that you don't get WCWN (45.1) from Albany, maybe that's the difference between the CM0264 and the CM7777? or it could just be the terrain.

As for your question, I have heard that Aluminum can oxidize a bit leading to some performance degradation. I doubt that it would amount to more than a few dB, but maybe that would be enough? Based on my experience, I really think you should be able to get WPIX (11.1) and WNET (13.1) from NYC and WRGB (6.1), WXXA (23.1), and WNYT (13.1) from Albany if you can get your VHF antenna oriented properly.

All working here in upper westchester. I recorded most of the transitions, but Channel 7 was the only one that did anything other than an unannnounced flash cut. Ch 7 showed "the switch" being pushed. Disappointing for the others.

I had issues getting my Panasonic TV to see the VHF digital channels. Scanning "digital" revealed all the UHF, but you had to enable "analog" to see the 2-13 channels. It then found them. My Sony DVRs were also confused by the "low digital" but eventually found them.

I have always been fortunate that my roof antenna received everything, even the old PBS signal. The analog transition here went well. Thanks to the poster who explained why channel four has aspect ratio issues.

The only analog is the nitelight service for 2 and 4. 4 is weaker than "usual". so it appears they are running reduced power.

For all of you with reception issues, if you have control over your roof/walls, I repeat the mantra of Ham Radio Operators...get as much metal as you can as high up as you can for an antenna.

I've played with radio enough to see places where VHF high (7-13) works and UHF does not, and vice/versa. The signals may be digital but RF reception is the same.

Also, for the prior posters, antennas don't wear out, but over time, the connections will oxidize, and if you have any splitter or 300ohm to 75 ohm devices (the flat lead to coax connector) water will eventually intrude. Try moving your antennas around a bit (horizontal, lateral and in height) to find signals. I once had a problem hitting a ham radio repeater station after raising my antenna 15 feet, normally a very good thing. Think of Cell Phones. It works in the bedroom, but not the kitchen. You may have to move the antennas around. Since RF voltages are tiny-very tiny, even for folks with 100%, an oxidized connection can be a bad thing.

You can't break it-you can't mess it up-if you can put up an antenna, think broadly and you'll find a sweet spot. Compared to any pay TV service, an antenna is less than two months pay TV and will last 10-20 years if installed carefully.

I went back and looked at your posting from January 8th, 2009 where you posted two links of the two different antennas in your attic.

I can't figure out the make of the antenna in the first picture (the Taco with the funny looking loops you described), but the second one (that you refer to as a Taco Y-104) looks just like a Channel Master FM antenna that was on our roof 20 years ago. You probably can only pick up WRGB Channel 6 because that antenna is cut specifically for the FM Band (88-108MHz) and Channel 6 comes closest to that than any other channel. I'd use it just for receiving FM only - it's not meant for VHF-TV.

You could be right about that being an FM antenna. It does say "Taco" on it, so I'm certain about the manufacturer, but less certain of the model. It appears to have a built-in pre-amp as well. In any case, I'm not really using it for anything at the moment, which is why I didn't mention it in the original post. I tried it out, just for fun, but it usually just sits up in the attic. Anyone interested in an old FM antenna?

OK thanks - how would I combine 2 antenna coax's (vhf and uhf) correctly?
Will a 1 - 2 splitter reversed 2 -1 do the job?

Thanks,

Jeff

yes a 2 way splitter is the cheapest most effective combiner. for you non believers out there, set on of your DTV box or vcr outputs to ch3 and another to ch4 and combine them with a splitter used backwards. then hook up the combined output to an analog tv tuner and you will see it works effectively

OK thanks - how would I combine 2 antenna coax's (vhf and uhf) correctly?
Will a 1 - 2 splitter reversed 2 -1 do the job?

Thanks,

Jeff
It may work, but the better option is: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=UVSJ

I can get all the channels I use to get except high VHF Channel 11. Channel 2 comes in great now. In the 70's. I noticed that high VHF channels 7 and 13 come in the high 50's to mid 60's. I noticed that sometimes it will come in the high 50's but at night it comes in more in the mid 60's. Channel 13 is a bit stronger at night. Also even though it comes in the 50's to 60's the signal is more stable than a UHF signal. It does not fluctuate much. A UHF signal if it came in the 50's to 60's would keep dropping out below to the 40's. Also it fluctuates more. I watched some of "The Haunted Mansion" on channel 7 last night and even though it was mostly in the high 50's the signal did not break up. Channel 4 RF 28 coming in like that would keep randomly breaking up.

Although I was never able to get channels 31 and 41 I am still annoyed that I can't get Channel 11. Channel 47 is my strongest channel out of all them. Even stronger than that waste of space channel 66. I can peak channel 47 in the low 90's. Do you know if they are still in NJ or on the ESB. If they are on the ESB then why can't the more important channels be that powerful. Even though channel 47 is no longer a waste since they broadcast in 1080i HD. Since they have no subchannels they have excellent picture quality just like channel 2 does. Channel 13's "Kids Thirteen" subchannel is the only useful station. Also on my mothers cruddy Radio Shack UFO antenna she can now get channel 2 but can't get anything on the high VHF channels 7, 11 and 13. I can at least get channels 7 and 13.

I see that my Amazon order is charged so they should be shipping it soon. I will see if it will help having the amplified Terk HDTVa antenna. I can always connect it without the amp if it does not help or make things worse. It won't be a waste because I will be given the Terk HDTVi back to my mother to see if it will improve her reception over the overpriced space saucier junk antenna.

I did a new channel scan this morning. In UES, my Terk HDTVa still does NOT pick up Channel 7. :mad: Channel 11 is unstable, Channel 13 and other network channels are fine. I need a new antenna then? :confused:

Do you only have a UHF antenna?

Although most UHF antennas will pick up Hi-VHF, Channel 7 can be a problem!

I have a Terk HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna. Channel 7 was great right before the transition. Watched Lost every week and was amazed at the clarity and now its gone. I think they flipped the wrong switch.

You almost can't go wrong with something like this:
http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=1&products_id=8353
It's very similar to my Radio Shack VU-90 XR in number of elements, corner-reflector design and range. Plus you can always add an amp to it. Make sure you get high quality coax, too. People that are using indoor antennas are really putting themselves at a disadvantage for good signal strength.

Not everyone can get a outdoor antenna. Many people live in apartments or other residents where the landlord will not allow any outdoor antenna. Also I can't put no outdoor antenna either because last year new windows were put in the front of the house and no more holes can be drilled.

Also since most of us in the tri-state area live so close to the ESB transmitter we should not need no outdoor antenna. The weaker stations need to boost the power.

Are the major networks broadcast from different sources? Antenna web tell me to point the antenna in the following directions (from Sunset Park, Brooklyn):

2, 4, 7, 11 - 9 degrees
5, 9, 13, 31, 68 - 21 degrees

I'm guessing 9 degress is 4 Times Square and 21 degrees is ESB. Are they going to remain separate?

I notice that channel 5, 9, 31 and 68 are coming in with a very weak signal at only 0% to 20%. Channel 13 is 100% (probably because it's VHF) and 2, 4, 7, 11 are coming in at 70% to 100%.

Antennaweb, once again showing the world that it IS possible to be completely wrong all the time.

9 degrees is 1 World Trade Center. 2, 4, 7, and 11 have applications in place for when it's finished. The others do not. Antennaweb should be showing ESB for all of those signals, except maybe 68, which I think is on 4 Times Square.

- Trip

I am in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn (11206), approximately 5 miles from the ESB. I have a DB2 Antenna from AntennasDirect.Com. I live in a slightly sunken ground floor apt in a brick building. My antenna is mounted indoors about 6 ft above ground level pointing south-west (not towards the ESB which is NW).

This is my reception this morning:

2 CBS 100%
4 NBC 92%
5 FOX 100%
7 ABC 92%
9 MY9 92%
11 CW 70%
13 PBS 83%
25 Ind. 100%
34 CV 100%
41 Uni 87%
47 Tel 62%
68 FUT 100%

WOW SO the DB2 DOES GET VHF? It is a UHF antenna. This is great news since I have to install a Clearstream C2 which is a cousin of the DB2 imo. I was worried about VHF and we are 7 miles from ESB. So we should also have no problems

I feel better now. Thanks for the info

If you have unreliable or no reception on ch 7,11 & 13 you must raise the signal to noise ratio (SNR). You most likely lost SNR margin due to (a) improper impedance match between the source and tuner and/or (b) FM 2nd order distortion. The insidious nature of these two is that they're hard to detect and that just the lowering the SNR margin, not necessarily killing the channel, is enough to make these channels freeze and pixellate when you walk around.

On Item (a) above: The mismatch raises the factory specified noise figure and that reduces the sensitivity of the tuner. Depending on the mismatch, the noise figure could become 10-20dB higher than that specified. A 10dB rise in NF is akin to lowering the transmitter power by 10dB. My advice is to avoid at all cost antennas with amplifiers.

Try passive outdoor antenna first. If it works, try the passive indoor UHF antenna I recommended in #8997. It's only $12. Even though it's a UHF antenna, if you're within 15 miles of ESB it may do.

Good luck.

Hm... thanks. imma look into this one as I still cannot pick up ABC. Imma look if it's sold at a store so that I can regurn if it doesn't work. Thanks for your suggestin! Hope it's small.

:D
http://www.summitsource.com/digital-hdtv-indoor-uhf-antenna-tv-aerial-local-hd-channel-master-4149-allegro-double-bow-tie-hd-signal-television-reception-gold-reflector-screen-with-balun-transformer-part-cm4149-p-7192.html?osCsid=13d43005e44e0ebad7b3fb6b6d1a7829

EDIT *

Ouch!
The product is no longer available for purchase.
It has been replaced by the Magnavox Amplified Indoor Antenna !!!!

This means that antennas with amplifiers could make high VHF reception worse. I already ordered the HDTVa. I can't cancel it. Can I connect the antenna without the amplifier if it makes it worse which makes it just like the HDTVi.

Also on my mothers cruddy Radio Shack UFO antenna she can now get channel 2 but can't get anything on the high VHF channels 7, 11 and 13. I can at least get channels 7 and 13.

i'm planning to try a bunch of different antennas this week and the RadioShack UFO is one of them. which channels can you get with your UFO? and how far are you from the ESB?

I have a Terk HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna. Channel 7 was great right before the transition.

i'll buy myself an HDTVa this week. which channels can you get with your HDTVi? how far are you from the ESB? have you tried placing your HDTVi on the window? my home-made UHF loop cannot get *any* channel whatsoever when placed in my living-room! on the other hand, i can get several UHF channels when i place the loop on the window (inside the apartment)....even though said window is kept closed at all times. another thing, try pointing your HDTVi antenna up. someone else here did it and got better results!

WOW SO the DB2 DOES GET VHF? It is a UHF antenna. This is great news since I have to install a Clearstream C2 which is a cousin of the DB2 imo.

i thought you had already installed it by now.... when are you gonna do it? i'm curious about your results.



i see LOTS of people here complaining about reception of 7.1, 11.1 and 13.1. i'd like to know, how many ppl (in percentual terms) are having problems with those stations.... it seems to me that going back to high VHF has been a big mistake for those stations. it looks to me that *most* of those people who are receiving ABC, CW and Thirteen possess an *outdoor* antenna....

please, could someone here enlighten me? what's the advantage -- if any -- of using high VHF as opposed to UHF? why did they do it?!?!? is it cheaper?

UFO is okay for UHF reception but VHF it seems no good. Amplified does not improve reception. You can adjust it by three levels but it does not make a bit of difference if it is set to 1 minimum or to 3 maximum. You can't adjust the dipoles much. You can only move them side to side. With the Terk antennas you can move them in different directions.

With the UFO I can get 2, 4, 5, 9, 25, 47, 66 and 68. I am 4 miles from the ESB.

i'm planning to try a bunch of different antennas this week and the RadioShack UFO is one of them. which channels can you get with your UFO? and how far are you from the ESB?



i'll buy myself an HDTVa this week. which channels can you get with your HDTVi? how far are you from the ESB? have you tried placing your HDTVi on the window? my home-made UHF loop cannot get *any* channel whatsoever when placed in my living-room! on the other hand, i can get several UHF channels when i place the loop on the window (inside the apartment)....even though said window is kept closed at all times. another thing, try pointing your HDTVi antenna up. someone else here did it and got better results!



i thought you had already installed it by now.... when are you gonna do it? i'm curious about your results.



i see LOTS of people here complaining about reception of 7.1, 11.1 and 13.1. i'd like to know, how many ppl (in percentual terms) are having problems with those stations.... it seems to me that going back to high VHF has been a big mistake for those stations. it looks to me that *most* of those people who are receiving ABC, CW and Thirteen possess an *outdoor* antenna....

please, could someone here enlighten me? what's the advantage -- if any -- of using high VHF as opposed to UHF? why did they do it?!?!? is it cheaper?

Weekend changed to beginning next week

i'm planning to try a bunch of different antennas this week and the RadioShack UFO is one of them. which channels can you get with your UFO? and how far are you from the ESB?



i'll buy myself an HDTVa this week. which channels can you get with your HDTVi? how far are you from the ESB? have you tried placing your HDTVi on the window? my home-made UHF loop cannot get *any* channel whatsoever when placed in my living-room! on the other hand, i can get several UHF channels when i place the loop on the window (inside the apartment)....even though said window is kept closed at all times. another thing, try pointing your HDTVi antenna up. someone else here did it and got better results!



i thought you had already installed it by now.... when are you gonna do it? i'm curious about your results.



i see LOTS of people here complaining about reception of 7.1, 11.1 and 13.1. i'd like to know, how many ppl (in percentual terms) are having problems with those stations.... it seems to me that going back to high VHF has been a big mistake for those stations. it looks to me that *most* of those people who are receiving ABC, CW and Thirteen possess an *outdoor* antenna....

please, could someone here enlighten me? what's the advantage -- if any -- of using high VHF as opposed to UHF? why did they do it?!?!? is it cheaper?

You know you can get a DB2/aspen for like $30 Read my post #9164 Seems this UFH antenna is working on Close VHF quite well

I think you should be looking on a small out door antenna. Rather then an indoor antenna. Speaking from past experience RadioShack stuff is garbage.

Go to J&R or B&H (Closer to you)

You can't adjust the dipoles much. You can only move them side to side. With the Terk antennas you can move them in different directions.

With the UFO I can get 2, 4, 5, 9, 25, 47, 66 and 68. I am 4 miles from the ESB.

i saw the UFO up close on display yesterday. i noticed that the dipoles cannot move in *any* direction. they can only be stretched in or out. maybe the design has changed since you bought yours.

like i said before, try putting your UFO on the window (indoors). it makes a BIG difference! i say that because i live in valley where the signals are obstructed by a hill (Tryon Park). also, my antenna is just a loop made of wires. if i place it on the window, i get the same channels you get plus 31.1. another thing, my freaking window faces north! you should be doing better with the UFO, i think.

Edit: 4 miles from ESB?!?! i'm 8mi away in a "hole" facing the opposite direction! you really should be receiving more channels.

I am 30 miles west from ESB with a Channel Master 4228 antenna and 7777 preamp 40 feet up on chimmney. Results so far are not good. I gained some and lost some.

Today I will try w/o the preamp. Also I have a Channel Master Converter Box which when turned on will get me a few more channels than the Sharp TV alone. Picture is good too as it has s-video to TV. I will post updated results later.

So far the conversion has not been good for me...

_______________6/11___6/12____6/13

NET_______CH_____LEV_____LEV____LEV

WCBS______2.1____00%_____55%____79%
WNBC______4.1____78%_____63%____70%
WNYW______5.1____65%_____61%____62%
WABC______7.1____76%_____00%____00%
WWOR______9.1____00%_____00%____00%
WPIX_____11.1____81%_____00%____00%
WNET_____13.1____00%_____00%____00%
WLIW_____21.1____00%_____00%____00%
WNYE_____25.1____62%_____62%____72%
WFME_____29.1____00%_____00%____00%
WPXN_____31.1____56%_____43%____78%
WXTV_____41.1____33%_____48%____00%
WNJU_____47.1____00%_____00%____00%
WNJN_____50.1____84%_____78%____74%
WLNY_____55.1____00%_____00%____00%
WNJB_____58.1____00%_____00%____00%
WMBC_____63.1____99%_____00%____99%
WFUT_____68.1____00%_____00%____80%

I would suggest checking to make sure your Channel Master 7777 is not set up in the UHF only mode. I believe there is an internal switch that should be set to "combined". That could explain you not getting WABC, WPIX, and WNET at all.

I need to buy an new HDTV (probably LCD over plasma) with a strong tuner because I will use it only for over-the-air broadcasts. I'm in Jersey City (Journal Sq-ish, not on the water).

I know I'll have to get an antenna and that I'll be having problems getting the 'new' channels. Can the quality of the tuner in the new TV I plan on buying help me get reception? If so, I'd appreciate any feedback/recommendations on brands or specific sets (40", maybe 37")

Most of the tech lingo here is over my head, straighforward recommendations on an antenna or the-thing-that-amplifies-signal-strength (I've forgotten the name) would be helpful. THank you.

maybe there's hope for this channel....
they might add more MSNBC and CNBC shows in the future.

SUNDAY, JUN 14:
------------------------------------------------------------------
5:30 PM The Wall Street Journal Report (News, 2009)
6:00 PM On the Money (News)
7:30 PM The Wall Street Journal Report (News, 2009)
8:00 PM On the Money (News)
9:00 PM Meet the Press (News, 2009)
10:00 PM The Chris Matthews Show (2009)
10:30 PM The Wall Street Journal Report (News, 2009)

That's the weekend - wait until tomorrow and all the days until we reach Saturday and the swill shall be there to educate us all.

Just think of the horror that the empty suits at 4 are creating - a new 5 p.m. Monday-
Friday show to replace the news - and the major "talent" - none other than Sara Gore!

How ignorant can these people be?

Well, I guess they'll be showing us!!!!

How much lower in the ratings can 4 go?

Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I was letting my mother try out the stations when I noticed I had another station that was added 1-1.. which turned out I finally got a lock on it which is WNYZ-LP AKA Pulse 87.. the picture was blocky but it looks like a video? I could not tell what it was..

I still can't get WNJN despite them running a higher power level

WLNY still comes in but I don't know where I'm getting the signal from Stamford, CT or one of the other locations.. given that I'm about 5 miles from stamford I guess it's Stamford but it should not matter which way my antenna is pointed right? It's up and down sometimes 50% and sometimes 40% in which I drop the lock to the station.

I'm going to call NJN tomorrow. I have trouble believing they are transmitting. I have a directional array pointed south and a mast mounted pre-amp. Even running low power I was able to get an image from WNJN analog. If they were running licensed power at this poiint I can't imagine that I wouldn't be able to watch their transmissions. I live about 20 miles north of NYC and can receive WTBY channel 54 & WRNN during periods of enhancement (morning usually) and that is off the back of my antenna. Up until about a week ago I was able to receive WMBC & WFME fairly well. Now I can no longer receive WMBC or WFME. WNJU, which according to the FCC has moved off of Empire, has also disappeared. I wonder if there's an issue at the transmitter site. From what I can determine it looks like these stations might be using the same site to transmit from. All stations from Empire & 4 Times Square (Conde Nast) have terrific signals at my location. To give an example of what my system can do at FM frequencies, I can receive WHCU (8 Watts) WSIA (11 watts) and NJ 101.5 with no problem. During morning enhancement WPUR (107.3) can also be heard using a Sony HD tuner and a Sangean HDT-1X. I guess we'll see some improvements in the coming weeks.

I'm going to call NJN tomorrow. I ahve trouble believing they are transmitting.

is that the station that was supposed to boost its signal Saturday? the one that would broadcast at channel 8? i've been re-scanning for new channels since this info was posted here and so far nothing. i'm completely PBS-less. :-(

Reddice & Nordloewelabs -- MY UFO (& Zenith 901) is working out, though I don't claim I've perfected it yet. I'm the only person in my entire appt building (which no longer has an antenna on the roof) who isn't on cable, so no outside antenna possible here! & I'm 10 miles south of ESB in Brooklyn. & my antenna is nowhere near the window, either.

I have the UFO set in the sweet spot I found for 13 analog pass-through (I couldn't receive 61 digitally) with the rabbit ears partly extended in the way that worked for 13 analog till now & this AM I made my first stab at post-transition reception. All my results are with the antenna in this position with the rabbit ears extended for 13 analog reception -- & basically it's working out that way. I'm hoping not to need to keep repositioning the antenna ;) though I realize I may discover that moving in the rabbit ears may improve the weaker UHF stations' reception.

As has been the case till now, my reception IMPROVES drastically with the UFO gain set highest at 3, & drops off/ disappears when lowered. This is true for both UHF & VHF reception, my personal best bet is leave the gain on 3.

the beauty of UFO is figure out the best settings, set them up, & then point & click; & it's working for me (with some caveats to be addressed)post changeover.

I started by moving to setting 9 (which is where, on analog pass-through, I got best reception for 13 / or it didn't interfere. whatever! -- as the youngsters say) & re-scanned. Sure enough: 9 turns out to be my best setting for channels 2, 11, & 13 with subs, all coming in strong & clear, showing reception at the low end of my "good" reception zone! Setting 9 is also best for channels 4 & 9, (but they periodically disappear on me) & their reception shows as lower down in the middle area. Of course, they look & sounds as good as the others when I get them.

Setting 12 is best for channel 25 WNYE.
Setting 7 is best for channel 50 WNJN.
Setting 5 is best for channel 5 ;) - & it also receives all the above adequately, except 4,9,& 50 don't come in on it.

I am not listing / paying particular attention to them, but am also continuing to receive strong reception on 29 (66) & several Spanish stations (47,68 & 34 which is new to me now.)

...In case my UFO settings will help you along.

I'm still working on pulling in 31, 7, & would like to improve 4 drastically. I'm less concerned with 9 since it duplicates 5.

also hoping to eventually find 58.1 & 21.1, which I occasionally caught in the past on analog...

For the knowledgeable people out there, a question:
I can't figure out why all my stations emanating from ESB, all supposedly at exact same angle from my home according to TVFool etc, don't all show up best using the same UFO setting. It would seem that I should receive all (except 50 & 58.1 & 21.1, whenever I hit upon them) using 1 UFO setting aimed right at the ESB. But it's not so!

is that the station that was supposed to boost its signal Saturday? the one that would broadcast at channel 8? i've been re-scanning for new channels since this info was posted here and so far nothing. i'm completely PBS-less. :-(

yes WNJU was stated to boost it's output on June 13th I can't tell if the transmitter is on or not it's almost like it's turned off.

Also for PBS

I can get WNET but not so much WLIW yet but do they both show the same programs?

is that the station that was supposed to boost its signal Saturday? the one that would broadcast at channel 8? i've been re-scanning for new channels since this info was posted here and so far nothing. i'm completely PBS-less. :-(

Well according to the FCC filing, WNJB has requested a move to NYC but won't do so until October of this year. I'm also of the opinion that they might not return to air at all until July;

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101308409&formid=387&fac_num=48457


"NJPBA IS MOVING WITH ALL DUE DILIGENCE TO IMPLEMENT THE MODIFICATION, WHICH REPRESENTS THE CULMINATION OF DECADES OF EFFORTS TO DRAMATICALLY ENHANCE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC VIA RELOCATION OF FACILITIES TO A VASTLY SUPERIOR SITE. IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE MODIFICATION WAS ONLY RECENTLY GRANTED AND OF THE LOGISTICAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT, NJPBA ANTICIPATED THAT IT WOULD SEEK SOME ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMPLETE THE RELOCATION. IN THAT REGARD NJPBA HAS FILED AND BEEN GRANTED AN EXTENSION UNTIL OCTOBER 18, 2009 TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION PURSUANT TO THE FCC'S POLICIES REGARDING PHASED TRANSITION RELIEF (SEE FCC. FILE NO. BLDSTA-20081217ABN). SUCH ADDITIONAL TIME WILL IN NO WAY COMPROMISE THE ACCESS OF NJPBA'S CURRENT AUDIENCE TO THE LICENSEE'S ANALOG AND DIGITAL SERVICE."


http://www.njn.net/television/channels/channel58loss.html




But there was no such request made for any of their other sites.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1251612.html


http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/images/callsigns/WNJN.gif


Maybe someone has more information on this subject.

Antennaweb, once again showing the world that it IS possible to be completely wrong all the time.

9 degrees is 1 World Trade Center. 2, 4, 7, and 11 have applications in place for when it's finished. The others do not. Antennaweb should be showing ESB for all of those signals, except maybe 68, which I think is on 4 Times Square.

- Trip

I do not think the local stations really anticipated not being on the Freedom Tower after the on the day of the transition, back a few years. The new tower would many, as NYC buildings block a lot of people from having LOS to the ESB.

As I have seen, Antennaweb is off a lot, TVfool is almost always better.

Reddice & Nordloewelabs -- MY UFO (& Zenith 901) is working out, though I don't claim I've perfected it yet.

nice info BrooklynGal. after seeing lots of good reviews about the UFO at RadioShack.com, i decided to keep it on my radar. reddice's experience with this antenna really surprised me. now that i've read your story, i'm inclined to believe that his UFO could be broken. the fact that none of the amplification settings change anything on his reception is a big flag-raiser....(!) please, if you ever try your UFO near the window, let us know how that impacts your reception.

I can get WNET but not so much WLIW yet but do they both show the same programs?

most of the programming is the same between PBSs, but a documentary produced by PBS Boston might be aired by PBS New York, but not be aired by PBS Philly. so, while not greatly advantageous to have more than one PBS, it can be useful anyway.... especially in this age of reality-filled networks. in the case if WNET and WLIW the programming is very similar, but not identical.

Well according to the FCC filing, WNJB has requested a move to NYC but won't do so until October of this year. I'm also of the opinion that they might not return to air at all until July

i'm trying not to get too excited about their move to ESB.... they will be using a high VHF channel, after all, which means i'll probably have a hard time to receive it. btw, wont WNJB's decision to use RF-8 create a problem with the already messed-up ABC (RF-7)?

All working here in upper westchester.....
You can't break it-you can't mess it up-if you can put up an antenna, think broadly and you'll find a sweet spot. Compared to any pay TV service, an antenna is less than two months pay TV and will last 10-20 years if installed carefully.

Typical long term TV antenna system points of failure include bad/worn/weather beaten lead in coax or twin lead,bad end connectors, bad grounds, rusty rivets (drill out and replace with stainless steel nuts and bolts), bent/broken elements from wind and birds, weather contaminated balluns, crummy noisy preamps, too many spiltters.

From a safety standpoint wood mounts rot, metal tripods and masts rust out, guy wires snap.

Rotors forget where to stop, the brake fails, masts held in loose brackets slip and allow the antenna to go out of alignment.

Don't go crazy trying to bug shoot it. Rip it all out while the weather is good and put in good quality gear before the snow flies.

Get a fresh antenna that will receive the right band(s), solid mast, rotor, mast mount preamp with great signal to noise ratio, RG-6 coax, weather proof compression fit coax connectors, 8 foot long ground spike tied the rest of the house ground system.. and put it in a place where you can pickup signals. I guessimate about $300 should do it.

btw, wont WNJB's decision to use RF-8 create a problem with the already messed-up ABC (RF-7)?

No, by being almost co-located, it will actually reduce interference in New Jersey.

- Trip

"i'm trying not to get too excited about their move to ESB.... they will be using a high VHF channel, after all, which means i'll probably have a hard time to receive it. btw, wont WNJB's decision to use RF-8 create a problem with the already messed-up ABC (RF-7)?"

First, WNJB-DT will not be moving to ESB, it locate approximately in Ocober at 4 Times Square, the Conde Nast Building.

Second, WNJB-DT was granted Channel 8 before WABC-DT received Channel 7.

The only way WABC-DT could get Channel 7 was if Channel 8 (WNJB-DT) were to
"co-locate" with 7. The FCC considers ESB and 4TS as co-located transmission sites.

Hm... thanks. imma look into this one as I still cannot pick up ABC. Imma look if it's sold at a store so that I can regurn if it doesn't work. Thanks for your suggestin! Hope it's small.

:D
http://www.summitsource.com/digital-hdtv-indoor-uhf-antenna-tv-aerial-local-hd-channel-master-4149-allegro-double-bow-tie-hd-signal-television-reception-gold-reflector-screen-with-balun-transformer-part-cm4149-p-7192.html?osCsid=13d43005e44e0ebad7b3fb6b6d1a7829

EDIT *

Ouch!
The product is no longer available for purchase.
It has been replaced by the Magnavox Amplified Indoor Antenna !!!!
It's there. I may have given you the wrong URL. Go to:

http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=1&products_id=7192

So wait WNJB-DT is not transmitting now?

So wait WNJB-DT is not transmitting now?


Yes, it is - from its current home, New Brunswick, NJ.

Channel 7 and 13 are in the 60's now. It seems stronger at night. Channel 2 is a bit weaker peaking it in the high 60's.

What I don't get is some of you can get the stations that I get the weakest strongest and the stations I get the strongest like channels 47 and 66 you can't get or get weak. I must live in just the right location to get those stations strong.

Yes, it is - from its current home, New Brunswick, NJ.

Is is causing problems for channel 7? I though the idea for 7 to go on 7 was for channel 8 to move to the Conde Nast Building but now it is not moving until October. Would it cause signal problems for 4 months?

Channel 7's problem is a weak signal!

So I was letting my mother try out the stations when I noticed I had another station that was added 1-1.. which turned out I finally got a lock on it which is WNYZ-LP AKA Pulse 87.. the picture was blocky but it looks like a video? I could not tell what it was..

I still can't get WNJN despite them running a higher power level

WLNY still comes in but I don't know where I'm getting the signal from Stamford, CT or one of the other locations.. given that I'm about 5 miles from stamford I guess it's Stamford but it should not matter which way my antenna is pointed right? It's up and down sometimes 50% and sometimes 40% in which I drop the lock to the station.

Pulse 87's current slogan is "New York's New Dance Music Leader." Though they do broadcast video, it is usually nature scenes that are repeated throughout the day, and only to fulfill the FCC requirement that some sort of video be broadcast on the frequency. WNYZ operates using a television license as opposed to an FM radio license, because the FCC only issues FM licenses between 88.1 and 107.9 MHz; the 87.7 frequency, though many radios can receive it, is specifically set aside for television by the FCC and by international organizations.

Channel 7's problem is a weak signal!

Channel 11 is a weak signal for me!

Pulse 87's current slogan is "New York's New Dance Music Leader." Though they do broadcast video, it is usually nature scenes that are repeated throughout the day, and only to fulfill the FCC requirement that some sort of video be broadcast on the frequency. WNYZ operates using a television license as opposed to an FM radio license, because the FCC only issues FM licenses between 88.1 and 107.9 MHz; the 87.7 frequency, though many radios can receive it, is specifically set aside for television by the FCC and by international organizations.

What RF channel are they on?

Pulse 87's current slogan is "New York's New Dance Music Leader." Though they do broadcast video, it is usually nature scenes that are repeated throughout the day, and only to fulfill the FCC requirement that some sort of video be broadcast on the frequency. WNYZ operates using a television license as opposed to an FM radio license, because the FCC only issues FM licenses between 88.1 and 107.9 MHz; the 87.7 frequency, though many radios can receive it, is specifically set aside for television by the FCC and by international organizations.


I did not see a nature shot unless my box was showing a image from the last channel I was on (have you noticed they do that?)

and the RF number they are on is 6 which for me shows as 1-1 on my box..

the call is also coming up as WNYZ-LO

and 7 and 11 come in fine here! How high are your antennas?

I estimate the antenna for me is about 40Ft above where my window is.. My window alone is 11Ft off the ground.

Channel 11 is a weak signal for me!

Channel 7's problem is a weak signal!

What I don't get is some of you can get the stations that I get the weakest strongest and the stations I get the strongest like channels 47 and 66 you can't get or get weak. I must live in just the right location to get those stations strong.

the maps showing the signal areas on DTV.org or whatever the site was.. for stations like NMBC I'm in a area where I should be able to get it but I think that's a UHF station and my antenna is not pointed that way and I doubt I'd still be able to get it since the face of my building is in the way if you saw the shot I posted of my silver sensor.

Some other stations I should be able to get but height is what's limiting me... I might try to make a bracket so I can stick my antenna out a little bit more I just don't know how I can get the antenna to stay on it.

Channel 7's problem is a weak signal!

1) for how long will the signal remain weak?
2) will ABC's, CW's and Thirteen's signals all get increased together?
3) why have they gone back to VHF?

maybe there's hope for this channel....
they might add more MSNBC and CNBC shows in the future.

SUNDAY, JUN 14:
------------------------------------------------------------------
5:30 PM The Wall Street Journal Report (News, 2009)
6:00 PM On the Money (News)
7:30 PM The Wall Street Journal Report (News, 2009)
8:00 PM On the Money (News)
9:00 PM Meet the Press (News, 2009)
10:00 PM The Chris Matthews Show (2009)
10:30 PM The Wall Street Journal Report (News, 2009)

All those shows are shown on NBC in the morning on Sundays. The only thing this means is that now I can sleep in on Sunday mornings and not miss watch my favorite political shows, because I can see it during the prime time hours. I'm with you guys on the MSNBC on a sub channel front, especially because in Cablevision markets those with FiOS can't get it.

OK, so it looks like there's an antenna installation project in my future. Can anyone recommend a local antenna dealer (preferably in Dutchess, Orange or Westchester county). I actually already have the antennas, so I'm really looking for mounting supplies (brackets, tripods, masts, weather-proofers, etc...) and hopefully, a little guidance. I realize that I can order all of this stuff on-line. However, while most of the supplies are relatively inexpensive, they can be quite bulky and thus expensive to ship. I'm having trouble with the concept of paying $10 shipping for a $3 part. I can also picture myself forgetting some crucial component and it would be nice to have someplace I can go to pick up the missing piece, rather than waiting 2 weeks for a shipment.

I imagine Lowes and Home Depot will have some of this stuff, but it seems like they are pretty hit or miss. Are there other places I could be looking (eg. Radio Shack, Best Buy, Joe's Electronics)?

Finally, I am leaning toward a "Tripod" installation on the roof peak. Are there any guidelines I should be aware of regarding whether I need a 3-ft or 5ft tripod, as well as what kind of Mast Heights and weight loads each can support?

Anyway, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

just vecause u cannot pick them up does not mean they are not transmitting. my office is located by the hudson river in manhattan and i can pickup wnjn on 51 and wnjb on 8. on occasion wnjt 52 out of trenton comes in.


I'm going to call NJN tomorrow. I have trouble believing they are transmitting. I have a directional array pointed south and a mast mounted pre-amp. Even running low power I was able to get an image from WNJN analog. If they were running licensed power at this poiint I can't imagine that I wouldn't be able to watch their transmissions. I live about 20 miles north of NYC and can receive WTBY channel 54 & WRNN during periods of enhancement (morning usually) and that is off the back of my antenna. Up until about a week ago I was able to receive WMBC & WFME fairly well. Now I can no longer receive WMBC or WFME. WNJU, which according to the FCC has moved off of Empire, has also disappeared. I wonder if there's an issue at the transmitter site. From what I can determine it looks like these stations might be using the same site to transmit from. All stations from Empire & 4 Times Square (Conde Nast) have terrific signals at my location. To give an example of what my system can do at FM frequencies, I can receive WHCU (8 Watts) WSIA (11 watts) and NJ 101.5 with no problem. During morning enhancement WPUR (107.3) can also be heard using a Sony HD tuner and a Sangean HDT-1X. I guess we'll see some improvements in the coming weeks.

just vecause u cannot pick them up does not mean they are not transmitting. my office is located by the hudson river in manhattan and i can pickup wnjn on 51 and wnjb on 8. on occasion wnjt 52 out of trenton comes in.

If WNJN was transmitting at full power I can't believe I couldn't get their signal. I was even able to watch their much power reduced analog signal. I am on the NY/NJ border about 10 minutes north of Alpine, NJ. By the way, I was able to receive their HD signal for a few weeks prior to the original February shut down date. After the delay was put in place WNJN disappeared and never came back. I am well within their service area.

1) for how long will the signal remain weak?
2) will ABC's, CW's and Thirteen's signals all get increased together?
3) why have they gone back to VHF?

1 - Until the FCC grants an increase in ERP.

2 - Although all three station share the Hi-VHF Combiner on the ESB, each station has its own transmitter and applies to the FCC as an individual entity.

3 - Both WABC-DT and WPIX-DT chose the change. WNET-DT's previous channel allocation, Channel 61 was "out of core," meaning that Channels
52-69 were no longer allocated for television broadcasting and stations had to find a new home.

Radio Shack has lots of parts but the price you will pay almost makes mail order attractive even with shipping. You will just have to compare. Lowes and Home Depot don't have a lot of parts...at least where I live...

They really screwed the pooch on this one!

A lot of people use to get 2,4,5,7,9,11 and 13 for twenty years with rabbit ears. The only time we didn't was after 9-11

Not being able to get 7,11 and 13 without a roof top antenna is unacceptable!

They kept pushing stb's and never mentioned that you may need a new antenna as well. I guess cable and sat are going to get a ton of new subs after all!

They really screwed the pooch on this one!

A lot of people use to get 2,4,5,7,9,11 and 13 for twenty years with rabbit ears. The only time we didn't was after 9-11

Not being able to get 7,11 and 13 without a roof top antenna is unacceptable!

They kept pushing stb's and never mentioned that you may need a new antenna as well. I guess cable and sat are going to get a ton of new subs after all!

How long after 9/11 did it take for you to receive an acceptable picture? Consider that the changes which have occured here are on just about the same level technologically as what occured following 9/11. Many stations are broadcasting from new systems, some from alternate sites and now that real world conditions are underway there will be applications to the FCC to bring service back to normal levels with a short period of time. There are too many stations experiencing spotty coverage for improvements not to occur. Let's see waht this week brings. Unfortunately the switch took place on Friday afternoon and it's only Monday now. For me, while I was able to receive all area analog stations following 9/11 the image quality for many stations never returned to pre 9/11 levels. Work is going on and patience is the word for the day.

They really screwed the pooch on this one!

Not being able to get 7,11 and 13 without a roof top antenna is unacceptable!



I can't get 7,11 and 13 now and I have a roof antenna!

I'm in upper Westchester and am using a Winegard SS-2000. It gets all the UHF and FM stations just fine. I'm hesitant to replace it with a big yagi only to find out that I still can't get 7,11 and 13.

Is anyone in upper Westchester (on the Hudson River side) getting 7,11 and 13? What antenna are you using. Thanks!!!

If WNJN was transmitting at full power I can't believe I couldn't get their signal. I was even able to watch their much power reduced analog signal. I am on the NY/NJ border about 10 minutes north of Alpine, NJ. By the way, I was able to receive their HD signal for a few weeks prior to the original February shut down date. After the delay was put in place WNJN disappeared and never came back. I am well within their service area.

I agree with you too about WNJN on June 12th I saw at least some signal from it.. now after June 13th I don't get a reading at all..

I was out the whole weekends, so I didn't had time to try lot of antenna locations. But whatever I was able to try last night, I am not getting 7, 11 and 13 with the Eagle-aspen UHF antenna. The antenna is in indoor facing a wall (second floor). I don't have a pre-amp connected and the signal is split between the TV and the HTPC. after a 25 ft run of RG-6. I will have to try connecting directly without a splitter and a shorter run of RG-6 to see whether it may help or not. But for this I may have to relocate the TV to a different place. I am in Franklin Twp of NJ (about 32-33 miles from ESB). All the other channels are coming fine and are stable. I know, I may have to get a VHF antenna. But having a VHF antenna indoor is little impractical. I have a balcony, which I can use though to place larger antenna.. but I think CM3016 will be too large. Also my TV doesn't have a signal meter. I am yet to do more troubleshooting using the Zenith DTT901 to get the best placements.

I can't get 7,11 and 13 now and I have a roof antenna!

I'm in upper Westchester and am using a Winegard SS-2000. It gets all the UHF and FM stations just fine. I'm hesitant to replace it with a big yagi only to find out that I still can't get 7,11 and 13.

Is anyone in upper Westchester (on the Hudson River side) getting 7,11 and 13? What antenna are you using. Thanks!!!

If I'm not mistaken, the Winegard SS-2000 is a UHF-only antenna. Being that 7, 11, and 13 are VHF signals, it's makes perfect sense why you can't get those channels. I don't see how you can avoid getting an antenna that will support VHF as well. Perhaps combining it with rabbit ears?

When I bought my rooftop antenna last year, I was leaning toward a DB4-type UHF antenna. But I looked into the DTV transition specs and realized that 3 channels would remain in VHF. I scratch the UHF antenna plan and bought a traditional big 'ol yagi. Now, 7, 11 and 13 are actually my strongest signals.

OK, so it looks like there's an antenna installation project in my future. Can anyone recommend a local antenna dealer (preferably in Dutchess, Orange or Westchester county).

After Greylock Electronics closed on Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie I began going to their other store location in Kingston NY (Ulster County). I have no idea if the Kingston store is still open but they are still listed in the Yellow Pages.

Greylock Electronics
763 Ulster Ave
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 338-7901

They carried a complete line of Channel Master antennas and all the mounting gear you could imagine. I carried a ten foot mast home on the roof of my car.

They really screwed the pooch on this one!

A lot of people use to get 2,4,5,7,9,11 and 13 for twenty years with rabbit ears. The only time we didn't was after 9-11

Not being able to get 7,11 and 13 without a roof top antenna is unacceptable!

They kept pushing stb's and never mentioned that you may need a new antenna as well. I guess cable and sat are going to get a ton of new subs after all!

They did. It's the ideal stimulus package for cable/satellite services.

If I'm not mistaken, the Winegard SS-2000 is a UHF-only antenna. Being that 7, 11, and 13 are VHF signals, it's makes perfect sense why you can't get those channels. I don't see how you can avoid getting an antenna that will support VHF as well. Perhaps combining it with rabbit ears?

When I bought my rooftop antenna last year, I was leaning toward a DB4-type UHF antenna. But I looked into the DTV transition specs and realized that 3 channels would remain in VHF. I scratch the UHF antenna plan and bought a traditional big 'ol yagi. Now, 7, 11 and 13 are actually my strongest signals.

Thanks!

It's funny...some places, including Winegard's own website do show this as a UHF only antenna. Yet, when I bought it last July, SummitSource listed it as a VHF/UHF antenna. I just got off the phone with SummitSource and they still show it that way. It is still picking up the FM radio band quite well from its perch atop my chimney at about 30 feet.

For those trying to get 7, 11 and 13 with a UHF antenna you should leave the testing for people that live under 10 miles from the ESB..

Like for me I can't get 7, 11 or 13 just using my UHF silver sensor.. I get no signal on all 3 channels.

The people who live closer have a stronger signal so they can get away using a UHF.

I think I have it bad since my antenna is next to my Ham radio antenna so every 5 min when it transmits I get a break up on channel 5, 9 or 55-1

FYI - I'm getting 7,11,and 13 through my older CM4228, with a 7777 preamp, attic mounted. Now, I have LOS, but I'm also approaching 60 miles from ESB.

A newer model of this (4228-HD - ha!!!) is supposedly an upgrade for hi VHF.

For those trying to get 7, 11 and 13 with a UHF antenna you should leave the testing for people that live under 10 miles from the ESB..

Like for me I can't get 7, 11 or 13 just using my UHF silver sensor.. I get no signal on all 3 channels.

The people who live closer have a stronger signal so they can get away using a UHF.

I think I have it bad since my antenna is next to my Ham radio antenna so every 5 min when it transmits I get a break up on channel 5, 9 or 55-1

I, too have a Silver Sensor and until the transition everything was just fine!

I realize that living in the canyons of Manhattan, my situation and location are different from yours.

To get locked in reception for 7, 11 and 13, yesterday, I bought an inexpensive Terk TV1 set of rabbit ears, fed the Terk and the Silver Sensor through an old combiner (not a cheap splitter/combiner) I had in my "parts" box.

Since I'm close to the ESB (no LOS - surrounded by tall buildings and lots of steel) I won't use an amplified antenna.

It's a compromise, my reception is not as good as what I had, but I now can deal with the transition and its problems.

If you can, try a second antenna, as I did - or, although not a Terk fan in the past, that company has two indoor combo VHF/UHF antennas -
HDTVi - unamplified; and the HDTVa - amplified.

Hope this helps.

Just came back from my mom's and rescanned channels for her. She is getting 48 channels including WLIW with some breakup but still not bad. She is about 1/2 miles closer to the ESB than me (still about 29.5 miles out) and in a flat area and about 500 feet above sea level. All of the high VHF channels are coming in strong even with a UHF anntenna.

Her equipment is the same as mine except she is using an RCA converter box to a Sony analog TV. CM4228 antenna and 7777 preamp.

I, too have a Silver Sensor and until the transition everything was just fine!

I realize that living in the canyons of Manhattan, my situation and location are different from yours.

To get locked in reception for 7, 11 and 13, yesterday, I bought an inexpensive Terk TV1 set of rabbit ears, fed the Terk and the Silver Sensor through an old combiner (not a cheap splitter/combiner) I had in my "parts" box.

Since I'm close to the ESB (no LOS - surrounded by tall buildings and lots of steel) I won't use an amplified antenna.

It's a compromise, my reception is not as good as what I had, but I now can deal with the transition and its problems.

If you can, try a second antenna, as I did - or, although not a Terk fan in the past, that company has two indoor combo VHF/UHF antennas -
HDTVi - unamplified; and the HDTVa - amplified.

Hope this helps.


I don't know what antenna I should get but I will look for some..

What about this? I think it was talked about in this thread or someplace on here..

What would happen if I connected two Silver Sensors and both connected to a splitter then run it to my box?

I might replace my box if I get another set of converter box coupons because both of them expired.. I was going to try the Channel Master and the Dish network box.

my location when the RF is moved to UHF I have a multipath issues but it seems to be less of an issue at night.. I've been adjusting my antenna but I can't stick the antenna out more then what it is now or it has nothing to support it.


I sure has heck can't run a indoor antenna since my building is made from steel and about 6 inches thick of concrete. with the silver sensor indoors I get no signal on all channels that are on UHF.

I wish I did not have these 50Ft tall trees here I have just a narrow way without a tree

this Terk HDTva is it a powered antenna? I only ask because I HAVE to have the antenna outside so far my Zenith silver sensor has been ok for the 9 months it's been outside. It's been so long I can't remember what the gain is on it.

OK, so it looks like there's an antenna installation project in my future. Can anyone recommend a local antenna dealer ...
Anyway, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Short of Radio Shack, Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy your only "local" option for a parts only source may be Greylock Electronics in Kingston, NY

I don't know what antenna I should get but I will look for some..

What about this? I think it was talked about in this thread or someplace on here..

What would happen if I connected two Silver Sensors and both connected to a splitter then run it to my box?

I might replace my box if I get another set of converter box coupons because both of them expired.. I was going to try the Channel Master and the Dish network box.

my location when the RF is moved to UHF I have a multipath issues but it seems to be less of an issue at night.. I've been adjusting my antenna but I can't stick the antenna out more then what it is now or it has nothing to support it.


I sure has heck can't run a indoor antenna since my building is made from steel and about 6 inches thick of concrete. with the silver sensor indoors I get no signal on all channels that are on UHF.

I wish I did not have these 50Ft tall trees here I have just a narrow way without a tree

this Terk HDTva is it a powered antenna? I only ask because I HAVE to have the antenna outside so far my Zenith silver sensor has been ok for the 9 months it's been outside. It's been so long I can't remember what the gain is on it.

I wouldn't connect a second Silver Sensor!

First, if you're having trouble receiving Hi-VHF stations - 7, 11 and 13 - this is where the Silver Sensor is deficient. You need an antenna that delivers
Hi-VHF - that's it.

Second, there are DYI projects of mounting two Silver Sensors exactly
side-by-side and using identical lengths of coax. Fuhgetaboutit!

As I already stated, the Terk HDTVa is amplified (powered).

If an additional antenna must be placed outdoors, don't know how any Terk would do. I would not try the amplified version outside.

Hi-
I rescanned last nite (was away for the weekend) and everything seemed fine, though channel 11.1 broke up a lot until I extended my VHF dipoles on my Terk HDTVi more and rotated the antenna around until I got a good signal. 13 and subchannels still do not even come in at all unless I turn the Terk around completely the other way. Annoying.
Anyway, I'm experiencing something weird. When I now change the channel from, say 2.1 to 4.1 (not exclusive to these channels tho), or back (one press of the Ch +or- button), I usually have to press it again until I actually get the picture and channel up on the screen. When I press once from 2.1 to 4.1, I'll see "4.1 WNBC" on the screen but will get nothing. I press again, see "4.1 WNBC" again, wait a split second, and get a picture.
I'm in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, zip 11367.

What gives here? I see this on both the TV remote (Panasonic 50TH-PZ800U) and my Harmony 1.
Thanks.

Hi-
I rescanned last nite (was away for the weekend) and everything seemed fine, though channel 11.1 broke up a lot until I extended my VHF dipoles on my Terk HDTVi more and rotated the antenna around until I got a good signal. 13 and subchannels still do not even come in at all unless I turn the Terk around completely the other way. Annoying.
Anyway, I'm experiencing something weird. When I now change the channel from, say 2.1 to 4.1 (not exclusive to these channels tho), or back (one press of the Ch +or- button), I usually have to press it again until I actually get the picture and channel up on the screen. When I press once from 2.1 to 4.1, I'll see "4.1 WNBC" on the screen but will get nothing. I press again, see "4.1 WNBC" again, wait a split second, and get a picture.
I'm in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, zip 11367.

What gives here? I see this on both the TV remote (Panasonic 50TH-PZ800U) and my Harmony 1.
Thanks.

I know what you are saying. I can actually get a fair signal for channel 11 but then I completely lose channels 7 and 13. Also since the antenna is facing away from the window I lose many of the UHF channels too. If channel 11 is on the ESB then I should get it in the same spot I get channels 7 and 13.

Also my Toshiba Regza sometimes does that if I change the channels too quickly. Sometimes rarely it does not even lock in and I have to change the channel, wait a couple of seconds and change it back.

"If channel 11 is on the ESB then I should get it in the same spot I get channels 7 and 13."

It has been mentioned countless time on this thread that there is no guarantee that different stations, broadcasting on different frequencies, having different levels of power will allow you, with multipath and strong signals bouncing, to expect any uniformity concerning reception!

How long after 9/11 did it take for you to receive an acceptable picture? Consider that the changes which have occured here are on just about the same level technologically as what occured following 9/11. Many stations are broadcasting from new systems, some from alternate sites and now that real world conditions are underway there will be applications to the FCC to bring service back to normal levels with a short period of time. There are too many stations experiencing spotty coverage for improvements not to occur. Let's see waht this week brings. Unfortunately the switch took place on Friday afternoon and it's only Monday now. For me, while I was able to receive all area analog stations following 9/11 the image quality for many stations never returned to pre 9/11 levels. Work is going on and patience is the word for the day.

9-11 was unexpected
This switch over was PLANNED (used loosely)

Why would anyone that was receiving all the OTA signals just fine, think for a minute that on 6/13/09 they wouldn't?

That is my point!

9-11 was unexpected
This switch over was PLANNED (used loosely)

Why would anyone that was receiving all the OTA signals just fine, think for a minute that on 6/13/09 they wouldn't?

That is my point!

Because what works on paper doesn't neccessarily translate to the real world. Adjustments and improvements will be seen. It's only Monday, which due to the weekend is almost like the day following the conversion. Many of these stations, especially the ones now on the upper VHF portion had no way of testing prior to the actual switch. I'm sure within a month or so you'll see most signal coverage will be back to normal. At my house about 25 miles north of the ESB I am only having trouble receiving WNJN and WNJU (I don't speak Spanish so it's no big deal and I do receive ch 39 with a solid signal from NY.). All other pre-conversion stations are well received with pictures that are much better than they were in analog mode. My antenna is mounted in my attic and uses a mast mounted pre-amp. I think I willl turn the antenna west and see where it gets me.

Like I said before I usually receive channels 7 and 13 better at night. Maybe they are boosting the power at night.

At first post-transition I was disappointed. I managed to get the VHFs but the drop was noticeable (for 7, 11, 13 my ratings dropped from 88, 91, 68 to 53, 38, 44 respectively). Plus even WNJB dropped just enough (from 50 to 35) to be on the edge.

I had previously arranged things so that I could get the critical channels well (for me that is 13, 31, and 58) plus all the majors and Spanish channels. Now with the VHF signal drops and the fact that 41 was backed up on 68.2 (which helps Brooklyn a lot) I was free to try different things.

Lo and behold in another room I found a new sweet spot. I lost 41 and my 31 signal strength dropped to a still-acceptable 45 but in exchange I got all the VHFs at around 70 plus WMBC 63 and, for the first time ever, WLIW.

I'm using a plain-old rabbit ears (VHF-style) in a V-shape to boost UHF. The magic spot is with the antenna lying on the floor. It is by a window and the walls are thinner on that side.

When I was trying things I tried the rabbit ears straight as a half-wave dipole. That boosted my maximum signal strength on the VHF channels but, as has been seen here, I would gain on one channel and lose another in VHF. It also degraded UHF reception somewhat.

One last thing, for an extra WLIW signal boost I found that laying a metal rod (like a screwdriver) across the aperture of the antenna but not touching the rods helped me boost and lock in the signal (from 32 and pixellated to 36-45 and rock-solid). It boosted most other signals slightly as well. However, that cost me WPXN (which from analog days was strong but highly-susceptible to multipath).

Like I said before I usually receive channels 7 and 13 better at night. Maybe they are boosting the power at night.

unlikely - boosting power at night
more likely - atmospheric conditions or lack of sunlight

I wouldn't connect a second Silver Sensor!

First, if you're having trouble receiving Hi-VHF stations - 7, 11 and 13 - this is where the Silver Sensor is deficient. You need an antenna that delivers
Hi-VHF - that's it.

Second, there are DYI projects of mounting two Silver Sensors exactly
side-by-side and using identical lengths of coax. Fuhgetaboutit!

As I already stated, the Terk HDTVa is amplified (powered).

If an additional antenna must be placed outdoors, don't know how any Terk would do. I would not try the amplified version outside.

As stated before I don't have any issues with 7, 11 or 13 I all get a 90-95% signal matter of fact my insignia AKA LG box will give me a full solid signal tone when I check.. As I sated before and I think you and someone else told me I could go back to using my roof antenna since the roof antenna here is only VHF and since it's direction has not changed I get a perfect signal.

I just have issues with any UHF stations like right now as I type this WWOR is breaking up every 25 or so seconds then the signal level comes back to lock for another 5 seconds or so...

I don't think this silver sensor is amplified at least checking online so far.


*edit I have some Sony rabbit ears with a twin lead I might be able to use.

unlikely - boosting power at night
more likely - atmospheric conditions or lack of sunlight

Yes it's atmospheric conditions I don't know how many here Dx but it's better to do it at night

I was out the whole weekends, so I didn't had time to try lot of antenna locations. But whatever I was able to try last night, I am not getting 7, 11 and 13 with the Eagle-aspen UHF antenna. The antenna is in indoor facing a wall (second floor). I don't have a pre-amp connected and the signal is split between the TV and the HTPC. after a 25 ft run of RG-6. I will have to try connecting directly without a splitter and a shorter run of RG-6 to see whether it may help or not. But for this I may have to relocate the TV to a different place. I am in Franklin Twp of NJ (about 32-33 miles from ESB). All the other channels are coming fine and are stable. I know, I may have to get a VHF antenna. But having a VHF antenna indoor is little impractical. I have a balcony, which I can use though to place larger antenna.. but I think CM3016 will be too large. Also my TV doesn't have a signal meter. I am yet to do more troubleshooting using the Zenith DTT901 to get the best placements.

We get all the main station with the Terk 50. Stations I wanted to get with the Clearstream C2 (50.1, 63.1, 66.1 54.1, 21.1)

Well Disappointment the C2 did NOT get any more stations and the Signal Strength was Identical to the Terk -50 on every station, but Analog 60 came in a little better but not 100% clear. I tried moving the C2 to every window and door area. Also the C2 was more prone to the way it was pointing.

Clearly for us the Terk-50 was/is the best choice.

I did alot of pre-dd on this and I thought I was prepared. I am really disappointed. I am not convinced a C4 would work either. In our case. Plus that is too big for her apartment.

The GOOD news for people looking at the C2. The VHF Channels came in very strong 80 to 95. Of course we are just 7 miles away. I do not know what farther distance will do to the C2.

So I guess I got to return the C2. I really didn't want to do that.

Well she has the same amount of stations as pre-transition. 33 channels.

Let's hope 43.1 and 68.1 move to NYC soon.:)


PS I am not saying the C2 was bad, just the same as the Terk-50 I bought 10 years ago.

Looks like NYC is not alone:

ABC, FCC Working on DTV Reception Issues
Network, commission addressing low power signals from WLS Chicago, WPVI Philadelphia
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/14/2009 8:17:09 PM MT
DTV Transition: Continuing Coverage

ABC will be working with the FCC to try and fix the reception problems at WPVI Philadelphia and WLS Chicago, said a spokeswoman for the ABC-owned station group.

Both stations have been experiencing reception problems following the shutoff of analog broadcasts on June 12. WLS was having difficulty reaching high-rise and downtown buildings, while Philadelphia viewers complained they couldn't find WPVI's new digital VHF signal.

"We always believed that we were given an insufficient power allocation, and we will work closely with the FCC to aleviate the situation," said WLS-TV President and General Manager Emily Barr. Julie Hoover, a spokeswoman for the ABC station group, said the situation is the same in Philadelphia.

FCC staffer Bob Radcliff said at a press conference Saturday that the FCC was aware of WLS' difficulties. He did not cite WPVI but said the FCC was doing some field analysis of how VHF stations "are experiencing problems in big cities." He said he has talked with stations and the commission is trying to figure out how to "adjust the technical parameters of these stations to improve their service in the cities."

Looks like NYC is not alone:

ABC, FCC Working on DTV Reception Issues
Network, commission addressing low power signals from WLS Chicago, WPVI Philadelphia
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/14/2009 8:17:09 PM MT
DTV Transition: Continuing Coverage

ABC will be working with the FCC to try and fix the reception problems at WPVI Philadelphia and WLS Chicago, said a spokeswoman for the ABC-owned station group.

Both stations have been experiencing reception problems following the shutoff of analog broadcasts on June 12. WLS was having difficulty reaching high-rise and downtown buildings, while Philadelphia viewers complained they couldn't find WPVI's new digital VHF signal.

"We always believed that we were given an insufficient power allocation, and we will work closely with the FCC to aleviate the situation," said WLS-TV President and General Manager Emily Barr. Julie Hoover, a spokeswoman for the ABC station group, said the situation is the same in Philadelphia.

FCC staffer Bob Radcliff said at a press conference Saturday that the FCC was aware of WLS' difficulties. He did not cite WPVI but said the FCC was doing some field analysis of how VHF stations "are experiencing problems in big cities." He said he has talked with stations and the commission is trying to figure out how to "adjust the technical parameters of these stations to improve their service in the cities."

Claims by the FCC to the contrary notwithstanding, very poor indoor reception on ch 2-13 is a nationwide problem. Most problems are in the metropolitan areas. Worst cases, ch 2-6.

Like I said before I usually receive channels 7 and 13 better at night. Maybe they are boosting the power at night.

unlikely - boosting power at night
more likely - atmospheric conditions or lack of sunlight


the most likely culprit is the Sun, which tends to cause subtle radio interferences on the hemisphere on which it shines. on periods of heavy solar activity, the inferences can be substantial.

One last thing, for an extra WLIW signal boost I found that laying a metal rod (like a screwdriver) across the aperture of the antenna but not touching the rods helped me boost and lock in the signal (from 32 and pixellated to 36-45 and rock-solid).

yes. i've pointed that out a few times here. little things around the antenna can have a positive or negative impact on reception. people should really try everything before returning an antenna.

He said he has talked with stations and the commission is trying to figure out how to "adjust the technical parameters of these stations to improve their service in the cities."

the million dollar question is: how much bureaucracy will be required for the problem to get addressed? will the FCC take 3 months to analyse it and another 3 to issue a permit?

i got my first 3 real antennas today (have been using a home-made loop so far): Terk HDTVa, Terk TV55 and RadioShack UFO. gonna try them tonight and report back the results.

After the cut on 6/12, I have problems getting WPIX. No matter which way I position my outdoor antenna, I don't even get a blip on the screen. 7 and 13 come in fine.

Update:
Unbelievable. 5 minutes after posting this, I put on 11.1 and I get a picture @ about 40% strength. Its not cutting out, its steady, so I'm crossing my fingers.

I had issues with WCBS today but I think that was due to the storms over in the New york area I was getting 30% now I'm back up to 75%

Also a question.. the Antennas for WCBS and WWOR and WPIX I would guess they are omnidirectional antennas but are they mounted at the very top of the ESB or do they mount them lower?

I plan on taking a trip to the building soon

WCBS, WWOR and WNBC digital all share a UHF, non-directional Combiner antenna located 397 m. high on the antenna mast. These stations also employ a fill-in antenna panels located on the southeast corner of the ESB, between the 82nd and 85th floors.

WPIX, WABC and WNET digital now share a Hi-VHF, non-directional Combiner antenna located 405 m. high on the ESB antenna mast.

The very top of the antenna mast is currently not available - a great deal of analog antenna hardware must first be removed before stations have an opportunity to possibly migrate to better real estate.

Credit: Falcon_77

And we can't remove that until WCBS and WNBC stops the nightlight right?

Yes!

But, just because old antennas will be removed, there's no guarantee that the Commission will say "yes."

Personally, with all the problems, I believe something positive will happen.

After the cut on 6/12, I have problems getting WPIX. No matter which way I position my outdoor antenna, I don't even get a blip on the screen. 7 and 13 come in fine.

Update:
Unbelievable. 5 minutes after posting this, I put on 11.1 and I get a picture @ about 40% strength. Its not cutting out, its steady, so I'm crossing my fingers.

Oh we have similar situations. No ABC, WPIX has been meeah.... on and off with aweful pixellation, practically unwatchable at lot of times....










I'm so not familiar with this, but DTVintermods kindly suggested earlier that I get an antenna without amp. Do you think DB2 ?? will work? The one DTVintermods suggested was unfortunately no longer available. (too bad, i thought that one was kinda cute, lol! )


My issue is that like many others here, I haven't been able to get good VHF picutres post transition, meaning no ABC (7) at all and unstable WPIX (11), 13 is watchable but I noticed some occasional pixellation.

SO.... what antenna will be good? I live within 3 miles of the ESB. How long will it take for them to remove the analogue devices at the top of the mast and migrate those VHF channels to the top? Does the positions of the transmitters affect me at all given that I live so close to it?

Does anybody know when NBC and CBS's nightlight proof stuff ends? We need to rescan when it happens... right???

I have cable but for what I do on a daily basis as a hobby, it's critical that I have clear OTA reception for Channel 7. :o

Thanks.
:D

WNBC is scheduled to end Nightlight - 6/26

WCBS - 7/12

Yes that's what I heard too

So it seriously stinks that I get less channels now than before the switch to DTV. I'm about a mile south of the ESB and only get a handful of channels. 11 and 13 do not work at all. I have the Silver Sensor antenna. Is there anything else that would work better? I'm on the ground floor so I know my reception is not going to be perfect but this is ridiculous.

So it seriously stinks that I get less channels now than before the switch to DTV. I'm about a mile south of the ESB and only get a handful of channels. 11 and 13 do not work at all.

maybe you need an attenuator...

maybe you need an attenuator...

..or turn the Silver Sensor 90 degrees.

It doesn't pick up VHF in the forward-facing direction as it's boom acts more like an element than do the actual elements at VHF frequencies.

Does anybody know when NBC and CBS's nightlight proof stuff ends? We need to rescan when it happens... right???
Incorrect. CBS and NBC are remaining on channels 33 and 28 so in theory a rescan will not be required when analog 2 and 4 shut down.

WCBS, WWOR and WNBC digital all share a UHF, non-directional Combiner antenna located 397 m. high on the antenna mast. These stations also employ a fill-in antenna panels located on the southeast corner of the ESB, between the 82nd and 85th floors.

WPIX, WABC and WNET digital now share a Hi-VHF, non-directional Combiner antenna located 405 m. high on the ESB antenna mast.

The very top of the antenna mast is currently not available - a great deal of analog antenna hardware must first be removed before stations have an opportunity to possibly migrate to better real estate.

Credit: Falcon_77

Would moving upwards help WPIX, WABC and WNET if they stay at the current ludicrously low ERP?

Unless I misunderstand, the problem could only be solved by increasing their power or by moving to UHF (where they belong in the first place) and then increasing their power.

Am I wrong?

As I understand it, ERP is based on transmitter output and position on a tower.

If so, keeping current transmitter output and moving higher would help - as would more power at current height.

There are problems with how much higher ERP the FCC will permit - the Commission's allocations don't allow much wiggle room and their coverage estimates are way inflated -they don't represent real world situations taking into account vertically oriented, steel-laden, urban areas with viewers using indoor antennas.

I can't see stations migrating back to UHF.

What I do hope for is the use of SFN/DTS. That is, additional transmission points in different parts of the city all using the same frequencies. This is what 7, 11 and 13
desperately need right now!!!!

WNJU has received Commission approval to fire-up an additional facility on 4TS to supplement the station's current main transmission location - Richland Tower, West Orange, NJ.

I hope that all those who are having problems will complain to the FCC - this is the way to get things improved.