AKA and Kousib,

Great info for me an others considering making an antenna! I have two antennas outside (CM4228 and a UHF) feeding 2 TVs. Trying to split the signals has too much downside at my location so I would like to put a home made antenna in the attic to feed my 3rd TV which is sitting idle for now.

I thought it would be a fun project to build one for the attic at this point. Looks would not matter and I really only need to get a few stations for TV 3.

I think the suggestions you folks gave are a great help!

What is Channel 3.1? My box said it added a "new service" Channel 3.1. All it is is a blank white screen with low quality weather warning/information audio.
3-1 is christian broadcast, daytime if you want still picture with the sound
you may hear on DigitalTV, go to Analog 46, Alo

More I watch DTV more commercials I see, out of 30+ programs, when I scroll it
at least 15 of them are showing commercials same time, 5 are so so, 10 Spanish,
I really like 47Telemundo, most have English subtitles, on CC3 or Service2,Alo

The 7694 is a pretty big antenna - You got this thing hanging from the LR ceiling with fishing line, or did you just dedicate a spare bedroom to it???

At your location I'm surprised you didn't try a homemade mclapp whisker or a G-H... At least either of these hanging on your wall you could've called modern art! LOL

it's in a corner in the kitchen, mounted on a tripod, at about 1.5m off the floor. i might get a higher tripod later so that i can place the antenna flush with the ceiling, but i don't want to make holes anywhere. even though i have addressed the problem with channels 7 and 13, CW is still dark.

the reason why i didn't try more home-made designs is because it became clear to me that Hi-VHF is a serious challenge. i had already wasted 2 months with indoor antennas and a home-made Folded Dipole. it was high time to stop playing like a boy and start acting like a man! :) and by that i mean: it was time to recognize the time-sink Hi-VHF has become and attack it with the "big guns".

in retrospect, i think an RCA ANT751 would have probably done the job too, but i doubt any other home-made design or UHF-only antenna would have yielded decent results for Hi-VHF. besides, I have lousy handyman skills. I'm happy with my new eye-sore! :D

I have the 7694p and it takes up a large portion of my attic. I couldn't imagine having it in my kitchen. I think my wife would seriously leave me if I even tried.....

Doug Lung has a new article on TVT:

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/85186

He has included a coverage map for WNBC, which includes building loss calculations:

http://dtvcoverage.xmtr.com/wnbc-dt.html

This can be panned and zoomed out.

His idea about vertically polarized on channel repeaters was of interest, since I know of some problems with DTS as implemented by WNJU.

This idea sounds a lot like the cell phone approach:

I'd like to see broadcasters be given the flexibility to use low-power (maximum 30 to 50 watts transmitter output) on-channel repeaters inside their coverage area with streamlined FCC processing, perhaps registration-only with notification to adjacent-channel stations, to fill in these coverage holes when and where needed.

If only we had a system with native SFN support.

Amazing what a little trial and error can find: http://dtvcoverage.xmtr.com/wnju-dt.html

- Trip

I have the 7694p and it takes up a large portion of my attic. I couldn't imagine having it in my kitchen. I think my wife would seriously leave me if I even tried.....

LOL!

Obviously we're dealing with a bachelor here... :)

can anyone help me? Since the switch to digital i haven't been able to receive abc and cw. The rest of the channels aren't that good, have to constantly move the antenna to get different channels, but I can still get them. I use an indoor antenna. I'm about 16 miles from the city, in jersey. Does anyone know what kind of antenna I should get?

Since the switch to digital i haven't been able to receive abc and cw.

welcome to the already crowded club. the 3 Hi-VHF channels of the area (ABC, CW, Thirteen) are extremely hard to receive with indoor antennas....and CW is the hardest! put some serious consideration into buying an outdoor VHF+UHF antenna like the Winegard HD-7694P (i have one), AntennaCraft HBU33 or the RCA ANT751.

smaller antennas like ChannelMaster CM3010, CM2016 or Winegard HD-1080 **might** also work for your location but the bigger antennas tend to yield better results. just remember: indoor antennas dont usually handle Hi-VHF channels well.

[...] have to constantly move the antenna to get different channels, [...] that's typical with indoor antennas.

can anyone help me? Since the switch to digital i haven't been able to receive abc and cw. The rest of the channels aren't that good, have to constantly move the antenna to get different channels, but I can still get them. I use an indoor antenna. I'm about 16 miles from the city, in jersey. Does anyone know what kind of antenna I should get?

What city are you located in? I'm about 20 miles away from the city in E. Hanover NJ. I have a radio shack antenna in my attic which does a good job in getting the UHF channels, but I have to combine that with an outdoor roof antenna to get 7, 11, and 13.

can anyone help me? Since the switch to digital i haven't been able to receive abc and cw. The rest of the channels aren't that good, have to constantly move the antenna to get different channels, but I can still get them. I use an indoor antenna. I'm about 16 miles from the city, in jersey. Does anyone know what kind of antenna I should get?

Not to sound condescending, but did you rescan? Those channels both moved along with some others.

… about over-the-air TV reception

I learned a couple of things about my reception conditions recently, and thought that I’d pass them on. The first applies to my attic mounted antenna, but would likely apply to any roof or attic mounted antenna just the same.

The second issue relates to antenna cable routing, and could affect anyone, regardless of antenna placement. Anyone with a home theater PC or a computer near their TV should take special note of this tip, though.

Anyway, I’m going to post these comments in separate messages, in hopes that someone who needs this information won’t skip the whole post just because half of it didn’t apply to them. Stand by….

When you have an attic mounted antenna, a wet roof can interfere with your signal. In my case, the antenna is aimed at the transmitting antennas, looking through the north gable (triangular end) of the roof. The gables are covered by the roof overhang, and stay dry during almost any rain. As such, aiming through this portion of the roof is not nearly as susceptible to signal attenuation due to moisture in the roofing shingles.

However! I have found that a clogged gutter can actually cause enough signal scatter to nearly eliminate a TV signal on certain channels. For several days after a recent hard rain, I couldn’t receive a number of channels that normally came in just fine. It wasn’t until I was outside looking around at the gutters that I realized that one of them was dripping from the center of its length – it must be clogged! That’s a 20 foot length of 5-inch-wide gutter, filled with water, just a few feet away from the attic mounted antenna. As far as the antenna was concerned, that 20 foot block of water was reflecting signals in a way that could cancel out certain frequencies. I’m surprised that I received any TV at all while that gutter was clogged!

It’s not very well publicized, but one of the tenets of good antenna cable routing is to not coil up any extra length of cable that you might have. Spooled up cable will actually choke off certain frequencies, possibly to include one channel that you’ve been having trouble receiving. In my case, it was RF channel 13 (WNET). Once I noticed and straightened the extra loops in my excess antenna cable, suddenly channel 13 starting coming in again. I had battled reception problems related to that station for two months after the digital transition before I uncoiled my excess antenna cable and apparently solved the problem.

At the same time, I made a point of routing the antenna cable away from a nearby Ethernet cable. A typical Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet signal has a base frequency of 100Mhz. That’s certainly lower than any VHF-hi TV signal, but I could imagine a harmonic of that frequency interfering with channel 11, in particular, and to a lesser extent, with the entire range that a tuner or signal amplifier is called on to process.

I also made sure that the antenna cable no longer passed over the antenna pre-amplifier’s power injector anymore. This power injector is basically an AC-to-DC transformer, so I’m sure that it could actually be the source of some electrical noise if a looped signal cable were to pass over it a number of times.

last night channel 11 single strength stayed the same but was very hard to watch :mad: while channel 9 took a 25 point jump in signal strength :eek:. I know big storms have been moving through our area but they mostly kill single strength not boost it.

" CGNTV (Christian Global Network Television) specializes in Christian missionary education programming broadcasting to 123 countries, 24 hours a day. CGNTV's broadcasting objective is to supply Korean missionaries all over the world with spiritual training resources as well as help Korean Christian diasporas maintain their spiritual walk with God."
Last night I have turned TV to Analog, ch.46 is dead but it is on CGNch.17 Analog,
under given circumstances with a lot of rain-snow it is watchable.
There is also the Shopping ch.on 60, awful sight, and ch32 on DTV1-1 or 6-1.

Oh well so much for small wonders, channel 9 now went down the same amount it increased last night :mad:.

Mono Price Indoor/outdoor digital antenna on my bedroom wall 13 miles away from NYC.
Single strength changes in 60 second time frame.

Friday 8/14 9:00 PM
2.1 - 34 to 49
4.1 - 46 to 55
5.1 - 40 to 76
7.1 - 00 to 00
9.1 - 36 to 43
11.1 -15 to 17
13.1 - 22 to 26
21.1 - 00 to 00
25.1 - 58 to 67
31.1 - 19 to 20
34.1 – 00 to 00
41.1 – 49 solid
47.1 – 17 to 34
68.1 – 46 solid

BTW: I think this folder should be broken into sub folders for OTA,Cablevision,twc and others. Would make it faster for people to find post for their reception method than running through cable posts. Why HDTV topic, it's all HDTV :cool:

looking at tvfool page it says ch 7 signal is strongest off the channels in nyc area with 58 mile radius. im in nwest queens i get all nyc channels strong, even though im surrounded by 6 story buildings on all sides. (i live in 2 story house). the only channels that dont show up are njn 50.1 wliw 21.1

looking at tvfool page it says ch 7 signal is strongest off the channels in nyc area with 58 mile radius. I'm in nwest queens i get all nyc channels strong, even though im surrounded by 6 story buildings on all sides. (i live in 2 story house). the only channels that dont show up are njn 50.1 wliw 21.1

I have had problems with all the VHF channels since they returned from UHF. Not sure why 7 is so hard to receive and 11 has had problems lately. Single strength hasn't change but the picture breaks up a lot to the point of being unwatchable. I read the reviews on Monoprice and it seams lot of people are having trouble with this antenna and the VHF. It never really locked in the VHF channels even before the switchover but since it gets 13 fine figured it would get 7 & 11 same since they come from the same tower locations.

i use rabbit ears for high vhf but i fold it to more than 17" on each side of rods. because the vhf frequencies half wave dipole is only 34" for channel 7 . it usually works well, i use the rabbit ears also for fm

lately i been using a preamplifier winegard hdp-269 on the rabbit ears i get a stronger signal and cleaner picture. is only 14db of gain, and high input capabiltiy so it won't overload the signal.

I have had problems with all the VHF channels since they returned from UHF. Not sure why 7 is so hard to receive and 11 has had problems lately. Single strength hasn't change but the picture breaks up a lot to the point of being unwatchable.
In digital as is in analog measured signal power includes mutipath power. But in digital, the always destructive multipath power becomes undesired noise even as the equalizer may attenuate some of it. In other words, multipath always causes the SNR to get nearer and sometime over the cliff-edge...
The point is, signal power is insufficient condition for DTV reception.

I'm getting WRNN for the first time...it's a bit choppy, but watchable. Anybody else in NYC getting it?

I've received it now & again in on the North Jersey border with my attic mounted TV antenna pointed towards NYC. I'm sure if I put up a rotor I'd have no trouble receiving RNN. I also get WTBY which I believe is broadcasting from the same mountain.

What analog stations are coming in now?

Can you guys list the channel numbers and what is on that station

thanks

i just installed the y6713 vhf antenna from winegard on the roof. this antenna is about 8' length is very good for upper vhf channels 7-13 i can get ch 8 and 10 from new brunswick, new haven respectively, without turning it. i aim strait to manhattan and it picks up connecticut, bouncing off building across from me. i live in queens near laguardia airport. no amp needed.

From Northern Bergen County in NJ the only remaining analog channel I can receive from my attic mounted antenna is Channel 60, W60AI.

The other analog channel, WEBR-CA is now transmitting in digital. Currently the only active stream (480i) is on 17.2, WEBR-SD. WEBR-HD on 17.1 (1080i) and WEBR-SD2 on 17.3 (480i) are running color bars.

The other analog channel, WEBR-CA is now transmitting in digital. Currently the only active stream (480i) is on 17.2, WEBR-SD. WEBR-HD on 17.1 (1080i) and WEBR-SD2 on 17.3 (480i) are running color bars.

Wow, thanks for the tip on that. They're doing 0.315 kW and it's pretty directional away from New Jersey, so I don't know if I'll be seeing this one when I make my next visit in December...

I must admit, I'll be really surprised if the 1080i feed doesn't go away and get replaced with two 480i feeds.

- Trip

Wow, thanks for the tip on that. They're doing 0.315 kW and it's pretty directional away from New Jersey



According to their authorization letter from the FCC, WEBR-CA needs to show -123dBm on Channel 16 (presumably to avoid interference to NYC 2-way radios), accept interference from WMBC and not interfere with their current and future operations including DTS...

It's a miracle WEBR is allowed to operate at all.

BTW, the program listing for WMBC on your site may need an update, just a gentle observation. See post 9992.

Wow, thanks for the tip. I don't know how I missed that post. I think I've corrected it now.

- Trip

Trip -

While you're in the "correction" mood -
here are changes for NY DMA, Channel 39 - WNYN-LD.

You can add the following:

39.6 Azteca America
39.7 Infomercials
39.8 Infomercials
39.9 Infomercials

Done.

- Trip

Trip -

While you're in the "correction" mood -
here are changes for NY DMA, Channel 39 - WNYN-LD.

You can add the following:

39.6 Azteca America
39.7 Infomercials
39.8 Infomercials
39.9 Infomercials

My Coship box puts into memory 39-1 the AtecaAmerica
39-2,3,4.5 the Infocommercials
then register 4 more but same time it 'deletes' by itself so there are on ch. 39 only 5 programs.
My iNet1921 in addition to the 5 registers 4more 39-2817.2818.2819.2820

The additions I suggested are by way of watching Channels 39.6 through 39.9 using the OTA tuner on my Sharp HDTV.

Looks like I need to get new equipment to watch OTA now.
I just canceled cable yesterday and returned the box.
I have CM 4228 up the roof of my building but I haven't used it since the past 2 years or so.

I read the past 10 pages or so of this thread and it seems to me we are worse of now than before in turn of HD OTA. I thought the signal must be better by now.

I'm in the Bronx, near Fordham University. Anyone with experience up here?

I'm in the Bronx, near Fordham University. Anyone with experience up here?

...on whether the 4228 has a clear view of the ESB/4TS. Bottom line is that multipath appears to have a more destructive effect on the received signal. Whereas ghosting under analog may be annoying to the viewer, ghosting under digital may result in a "no signal" condition.

Having said that, reading these pages may give you a skewed view of things as folks tend to report problems more than successes. Though I have adjusted the antennas a few times this year, I have no complaints as I pick up over 50 channels including 11 in HD, all with no monthly fee.

Best of luck to you.

Trip -

While you're in the "correction" mood -
here are changes for NY DMA, Channel 39 - WNYN-LD.

You can add the following:

39.6 Azteca America
39.7 Infomercials
39.8 Infomercials
39.9 Infomercials

My aunt gets these stations, but since I moved the antenna to get Channel 11 better. These 39 channel is marginal and any bad weather it gets pixelated.

BUT there is nothing to watch except infomercials. Waste of a channel and my time.

Bizarre, I get everything as normal now but nothing for CBS. anyone know what is going on?

finally, a real ota only nyc thread! no more stupid mets schedules, please.

can anyone confirm if CBS-2 is broadcasting at normal strength. I get every sinle other channel at full strength, as per normal, but still nothing on CBS-2.

Just did a scan and WCBS-DT (33) appears to be coming in within its usual range of signal quality.

I did notice yesterday that the signal was lower. It's difficult to know what the cause might be - have a feeling its was atmospherics.

thanks Snell. for what it's worth, the signals that are coming in weakest for me are the channels that use the UHF-combiner on the ESB (2,4, and 9). I am getting 100% signal on 5,7,11,13, 31, etc....

I wonder if some work is/was being performed on the UHF-Combiner or if this is something specific to me (although I doubt it b\c I am getting all the other channels listed above at 100%). If anyone finds out any additional info, it would be most appreciated.

thanks Snell. for what it's worth, the signals that are coming in weakest for me are the channels that use the UHF-combiner on the ESB (2,4, and 9). I am getting 100% signal on 5,7,11,13, 31, etc....

I wonder if some work is/was being performed on the UHF-Combiner or if this is something specific to me (although I doubt it b\c I am getting all the other channels listed above at 100%). If anyone finds out any additional info, it would be most appreciated.

4 and 9 are also coming in within "normal" parameters, for me, that is.

100% for the other channels, WOW! I'll trade with you!!!!

I'm now receiving WNJU-DT (36) which disappeared from my set when the DTS on 4TS was brought on line.

It appears that the station has fired-up its interim facility on the ESB - 1141'/750kW -
using the unused Channel 47 antenna.

What an improvement!

Look forward to the station moving farther up to the Antenna Mast - 1443'/650kw.

Well, 36's signal has once again disappeared!

Let's hope the switch to ESB is imminent!

I was able to receive WEBR this morning on a RCA converter (Which is actually more sensitive than either HDTV I own). I received 3 channels from them, all pixilated and very weak about 25 miles north west of Manhattan. I did note that their HD 1 channel was airing a simulcast of WCBS TV. That brings up to 68 (counting main & subs) HDTV channels I've received at my house. All channels are not always receivable but the converter box allows me to add more channels via rescan without losing the ones already received at an earlier date.

"I did note that their HD 1 channel was airing a simulcast of WCBS TV."

Huh?

If so, grossly unethical and no less illegal!!!!

Are you sure?

If so, grossly unethical and no less illegal!!!!
Not if they have permission, that's what translator stations do.

A translator is owned by the parent television station!

WEBR is owned by: K Licensee, Inc. in Flushing, New York and is in no way connected to the owner of WCBS-DT, CBS Broadcasting Inc.

WCBS-DT has applied with the Commission for its own translator on Channel 22 out of
Plainview, NY.

If WEBR is in fact rebroadcasting the signal of WCBS-TV, the station is clearly doing so illegally!

A translator is owned by the parent television station!

Sorry, but you are wrong. More often than not, a translator is independently owned and operated.

First, this station is not a translator, it's a low power U showing Korean language programming.

In New York City, from what I can discern, all the translators (not to be confused with independent, low power stations) are owned by full power parent stations.

What you have in King George, VA may very well be different.

First, this station is not a translator, it's a low power U showing Korean language programming.

In New York City, from what I can discern, all the translators (not to be confused with independent, low power stations) are owned by full power parent stations.

What you have in King George, VA may very well be different.Can' a station (any station) rent a subchannel on another station (any other station) and run any programming whose rights it owns? Could it be that WCBS ownership has arranged to rent a subchannel on WEBR to carry WCBS to "fill-in" some reception holes??

Here in NY, we do have a "rental" of sub-channel. LATV, featuring Spanish language/music programming uses WPIX-DT's (Tribune Broadcasting) sub-channel.

This is quite common around the country. This how program services achieve clearances.

I will bet the ranch, or the penthouse, that in no way has WCBS arranged for WEBR to rebroadcast its signal. As I mentioned previously, WCBS wants its own translator on WLIW's tower in Plainview, NY, Channel 22 to service problem reception areas in southern Connecticut and on Long Island.

WEBR has an ERP of 0.315kW, and a Contour Range of 5 miles (if it's lucky) with a directional signal.

WCBS-DT has absolutely no need to "rent" a WEBR sub-channel!

It is kind of strange that any DTV station like 39 would be using 9 ch. 1primary 8subs
in order to load the air with ectronic junk, I use only 39-1,2 the primary has solid broad-
casting including real futbol, the 2nd is for monitoring purpose to see if they turned it to
real programs, the rest are edited out -left in outer space for you my friends.
I wonder if the paid TV-cable,satelites have option to Edit out unwanted subch. sin ce I have never ever had paid TV, (it takes away my freedom,forces me to watch TV to synchronize my time with TV time if I paid $$ for it). Apparently the first 2 digits 28-17 etc suggest that it could be OTA or paidTV somewhere in Calif. or Miami,Colo./Chicago/
LoneStar region, alo.

First, this station is not a translator, it's a low power U showing Korean language programming.

In New York City, from what I can discern, all the translators (not to be confused with independent, low power stations) are owned by full power parent stations.

What you have in King George, VA may very well be different.

OK, LPTV is a different service than translators are. Doesn't change the fact that translators are not necessarily owned by the originating station.

With the evolving understanding of how ATSC DTV works in broadcasting, you never know what arrangements might be in force. WEBR and WCBS may have a short-term arrangement to test how well a translator might work (charitable view) or WEBR is using WCBS's data to test their encoders without permission (evil view).

So I turned on channel 9.1 a few days ago (Jets game) and found my audio coming out of my front left speaker only. I hit display on my AVR, said 2.0 channels. This is the only audio source that this is happening - I have normal audio from every other TV channel, DVD, etc.
Is there a known problem with 9.1 in NYC? I'm in Flushing, Queens, BTW, around 9-10 mi from ESB.

Thanks

Does anyone understand what the DD Service Designation means from the FCC. The reason I ask is that it seems WMBC is strong tonight even with all this bad weather and was wondering if their construction permit for TS has something to do with it.

DD = DTS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distributed_transmission_system

- Trip

So I turned on channel 9.1 a few days ago (Jets game) and found my audio coming out of my front left speaker only. I hit display on my AVR, said 2.0 channels. This is the only audio source that this is happening - I have normal audio from every other TV channel, DVD, etc.

My TV "remembers" the last SAP setting for individual channels.

Sometimes, when the main audio is 5.1 surround, the SAP carries a plain stereo or even mono version of the English soundtrack.

Did you check the SAP setting on channel 9?

The OTA sounds good and relatively inexpensive; especially when compared to the cost of HT. My service is currently Cablevision and I am thinking about adding the OTA for local channels. The local channel to me means New York City channels despite of living in CT, 40 miles East (about) from downtown Manhattan.

I've checked the AntennaWeb (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx) site and it seems that only the public channels from Long Island, such as WLIW, WFTY, etc, are available as digital channels at my location. It didn't even show any channels from CT. I was looking for ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX from NYC and not some channel that I didn't even know existed. Does anyone know how accurate the AntennaWeb prediction for receiving digital channels?

It probably means nothing for digital broadcast, but I've used to receive the NYC channels OTA with analog signal. Did anyone had experience with receiving NYC digital channels in CT? Or anyone would guess if it is worth considering OTA in CT for NYC channels?
TIA...

Cr00zng

Antennaweb is known for being very conservative. Try putting your location into TVFool.com and you'll likely get a more accurate representation of available channels.

- Trip

Antennaweb is known for being very conservative. Try putting your location into TVFool.com and you'll likely get a more accurate representation of available channels.
- Trip
Thanks Trip...
The TVFool site shows that the ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC station towers are 33.1 miles from my location; it's probably the same tower.

The ERP for the tower, effective adjusted for terrain:

WABC: Max 11.690 kW, Effective Max 11.690 kW
WCBS: Max 284.000 kW, Effective Max 284.000 kW
WNBC: Max 200.200 kW, Effective Max 200.200 kW
WFOX: Max 500.000 kW, Effective Max 500.000 kW


Admittedly, I don't have much of a clue as to what ERP means just what it stands for, but it looks good. Since all NYC stations are in exactly the same direction, Azimuth: 227 degrees Compass: 240 degrees, a unidirectional antenna would work just fine. The only caveat is that I could pull in WFSB of Hartford as well, ERP: 1000.000 kW and effective ERP: 500.000 kW. The direction from my location is Azimuth: 38 degrees Compass: 51 degrees. Since the footbal season is about the start, watching NE Patriots in HD would be nice. My current cable package does not have HD for the WFSB, just regular programming.

Would an omnidirectional antenna be able to pull in the NYC and Hartford, CT channels as well, or I would need two antennas? My old antenna used receive FM radio signals as well. Will the HD antenna do the same?
TIA...

Cr00zng

You'll likely be unable to receive WFSB. It is on channel 33, the same channel used by WCBS. An omni directional antenna would likely result in an inability to watch either one. I recommend using a directional antenna aimed at New York.

Perhaps someone in the area could suggest a specific model that works best in the area.

- Trip

Cr00zng - post your zipcode, I can likely help

Well, as of right now, 8:34 a.m., Monday morning, I'm receiving a decent signal from WNJU (36).

Don't know if this means that the station has finally gotten the interim 750 kW facility on ESB going, or - as in the past, when the West Orange stick goes dark, I then can receive the DTS signal from 4TS.

With me when the West Orange site goes dark I can't receive squat from the 4TS site.

Last Sunday at night ch.47Telemundo was off the air, no broadcast, nada. I double
check with ch.36, it always transfers automatically into 47-1, but last night it stayed at
36-1 with No Signal dialog box.
Today for brief time I checked it, for 480i most beautiful sharp PQ. In case you wanted to know many shows have English subtitles, the new shows for 12hearts all have cc3ors2, I usually turn it on midway thru after the strip'se,pole dancing of beach bunnies. Decisiones are really good,alo.

I am now getting channel 47 RF 36 the same way I get channels 2, 5, 7, 9 and 13. In the low to high 60's to low 70's. When it was on West Orange I was getting it in the 90's. I still get that cruddy WFME in the mid 90's. This is what still don't get. Channel 47 is watchable but even with there over 700 kw of power I still don't get is as when it was in New Jersey three times the difference with less power. It still just boggles my mind.

What makes you think your "90's" reception of WNJU was due to the West Orange transmitter and not 4TS? The answer is, you don't!!!!

The 750kW facility on ESB in only at 1141', the lower portion of the Mooring Mast, and is meant only as a temporary set up until the new non-directional, 650kW/1443', transmitter with an antenna near the top of the Antenna Mast is ready.

Speaking of WNJU, a few days ago they were doing stretch-o-vision on some of their local programs and promos.

Speaking of WNJU, a few days ago they were doing stretch-o-vision on some of their local programs and promos.

Say it ain't so. I HATE stretch-o-vision. I have a 16:9 widescreen TV and I want to see programs at their correct aspect radio's. If it is 4:3 then I want pillar bars not short fat oval faces and circles. :mad:

You know, a lot of this gear runs on Windows, and it's well known to sometimes reset and come back up in strange modes.

Just because you saw stretch-o-vision doesn't mean it's here to stay or even intentional.

- Trip

Well this was the first time I'd ever seen it happen and as I said, it was only on a couple of local programs and promos. It never touched anything on the network. It could very well have been a glitch somewhere. We'll continue to watch.

The other day I have connected only outdoor roof Ant. to the box, 3.2mileTVFool to
ESB, it gave max. signal strength uninterupted high pitch other boxes would read at 100%, for most ch,lost Ion31- and 39 gained 50-1.2.3

Cr00zng - post your zipcode, I can likely help
Thanks in advance Hancox...

My ZIP code is 06906, but according to tvfool.com website, it's fat chance in hell I can receive the Hartford (WFSB) CBS station at my location. The NYC channels would be OK.

Since my primary reason was to get the Hartford channel, I've got to find another primary reason. Is the OTA PQ that much better when compared to Cablevision's HD? I understand that the cable gives me compressed HD pictures and the OTA PQ is better, just don't know if the magnitude of difference would be worth for it. Keep in mind that I am not planning to discontinue my cable service that include Internet and phone service as well.

The antenna should pickup radio signals, AM and FM as well. At least my previous antenna that I've taken down already was able to do that. I don't see why the new antenna wouldn't do it as well. Anyone can confirm either way?

My choice of antenna is DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna (http://antennasdirect.com/DB8_HD_Antenna.html):

http://antennasdirect.com/images/DB8-large2.jpg

The antenna will be on the top of my house.
TIA...

Cr00zng

Croozng

Don't plan on the DB8 bringing in AM or FM (well, maybe a little).

Also, channels 7, 11, & 13 will be weak with it.

Croozng
Don't plan on the DB8 bringing in AM or FM (well, maybe a little).
Also, channels 7, 11, & 13 will be weak with it.
Thanks...
So, it's no radio signals and some of the channels will be weak. Do you have a suggestion for an antenna that would be better than the DB8? Maybe the directional antenna would be better? I don't know...
TIA...

Cr00zng

Thanks in advance Hancox...

My ZIP code is 06906, but according to tvfool.com website, it's fat chance in hell I can receive the Hartford (WFSB) CBS station at my location. The NYC channels would be OK.

Since my primary reason was to get the Hartford channel, I've got to find another primary reason. Is the OTA PQ that much better when compared to Cablevision's HD? I understand that the cable gives me compressed HD pictures and the OTA PQ is better, just don't know if the magnitude of difference would be worth for it. Keep in mind that I am not planning to discontinue my cable service that include Internet and phone service as well.

The antenna should pickup radio signals, AM and FM as well. At least my previous antenna that I've taken down already was able to do that. I don't see why the new antenna wouldn't do it as well. Anyone can confirm either way?

My choice of antenna is DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna (http://antennasdirect.com/DB8_HD_Antenna.html):

http://antennasdirect.com/images/DB8-large2.jpg

The antenna will be on the top of my house.
TIA...

Cr00zng


In order:

1) WFSB is a very hard get from nearly anywhere in Fairfield County, much less Stamford. I'm at elevation (600' +) in Monroe, and can't get a sniff of it. Their transmitter location isn't conducive to our area getting it.

2) From what I've seen/read about CVC's HD, I would think it's NOT worth it for the OTA networks, strictly as a replacement. Most of the compression seen on those systems is on cable-only networks, not the broadcast ones.

3) AM and FM won't be helped all that much here, not worth it for that purpose.

4) As for the DB8 - it's a great UHF antenna, but doesn't pick up high VHF that well (my brother-in-law has one, and was a "victim" of a similar switch to channel 7 by a Boston station). It will serve you well for 14 and above, but 7 is asking a lot of any UHF antenna.

If it were me, I'd suggest a Winegard HD 8200U , or similar, to get VHF, UHF, and FM. AM is best served by a long wire, if not something more exotic. Either way - it's not going to come from the same solution.

Good luck!

last night we had a harvest moon, it was affecting tv reception to say the least, did anybody notice fox 5 rf 44, go off the air by midnight. also there was alot skip, i was getting reception of wedw rf 49 pbs station from bridigeport ct. with indoor antenna, im on ground floor of a house.

Lately ch.68Telefutura combo of 41Univision late night are off of the air, and as
'nycdigital09' has said fox5 also is off the air, while the second stream of 9 runs, I suppose that they ran high electricity bill, maybe Nielsen has something to do with it.

More than likely there was extensive work being done on the ESB's Antenna Mast.

With the need of stations staying on the air and tourists using the Observation Decks, work can only be done between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Therefore, that's when stations go dark!

The CM 4228 is considered a UHF antenna and I am getting VHF 7 just fine from 30 miles out. I can also get VHF PBS 8 (58.1). I am also now getting PBS 13 with some break up.

It has a CM 7777 preamp attached and is roof mounted.

Lots of things impact reception but I am proof that some one not close to NY City can get VHF TV with an antenna that is regarded as a UHF antenna!

Channel Master has replaced the CM 4228 with the CM 4228HD which specifically claims: Reception Range High VHF: Channels 7 thru 13 up to 45 miles.

is wnjb channel 8 out of new brunswick ever going to move to 4 times square or are they staying in nj . i can't receive any of their stations even with roof top antenna too much multi path to negotiate. 51.1 breaks up alot even with 7775 preamp attached to a uhf yagi. fortunate i can get wedw 49.1 out of ct.

WNJB, channel 8 has canceled its plans to move to the Conde Nast Building, 4TS!

In order:

1) WFSB is a very hard get from nearly anywhere in Fairfield County, much less Stamford. I'm at elevation (600' +) in Monroe, and can't get a sniff of it. Their transmitter location isn't conducive to our area getting it.

2) From what I've seen/read about CVC's HD, I would think it's NOT worth it for the OTA networks, strictly as a replacement. Most of the compression seen on those systems is on cable-only networks, not the broadcast ones.

3) AM and FM won't be helped all that much here, not worth it for that purpose.

4) As for the DB8 - it's a great UHF antenna, but doesn't pick up high VHF that well (my brother-in-law has one, and was a "victim" of a similar switch to channel 7 by a Boston station). It will serve you well for 14 and above, but 7 is asking a lot of any UHF antenna.

If it were me, I'd suggest a Winegard HD 8200U , or similar, to get VHF, UHF, and FM. AM is best served by a long wire, if not something more exotic. Either way - it's not going to come from the same solution.

Good luck!
Thanks Hancox...

I am at elevation ~100 feet, it even puts in to question getting the NYC channels. To the direction of the NYC stations, there's a rather large hill about 200 feet from my house at about the same hight. With the roof antenna, I could probably receive the NYC channels, but there's no underlying reason to do so. Especially when I can get the same broadcast with my cable that I didn't intend to cancel anyway.

The antenna that you've suggested is huge, about 14'x10', I'll probably end up putting an FM antenna in to the attic and be done with it. I may try OTA in the future if I move, but not where I live now.
Thanks for your help,

Cr00zng

what happpned to channel 11, it's been hit or miss for over a month now. Comes in sometimes and always breaks up while 7 has been no go since switch over mostly. 7 has been nothing also, been on and off for few weeks but went dead same time 11 started to act funny.

11's reception for me has been consistent since the transition.

It was OK for a few month after i played with my antenna but 11 been crazy since July and what is going on with Fox tonight. Channel 5 and 5-1 are dead but both are OK on channel 9 and 9-1. This is the first time channel 5 which has been the strongest station has gone dead for me, nothing the meter reads 0. Seams to have started after 6 PM.

Channel Master has replaced the CM 4228 with the CM 4228HD which specifically claims: Reception Range High VHF: Channels 7 thru 13 up to 45 miles.

Channel Master CM-4228HD Outdoor 8-bay HDTV/UHF Antenna, Suburban Rated, Large Directional, Designed and tested to bring you high quality HDTV and UHF reception. Reception Range High VHF Channels 7 thru 13 up to 45 miles, Reception Range UHF Channels 14 thru 69 up to 60 miles.

If VHF HI is limited in range much less than UHF then why did 7, 11 and 13 move back to VHF, seams a bone head move to me.

Ehhh… is everyone missing 5.1 FOX today or is it just me? I can't re-program it in or anything. Anyone else? Anyone know what's going on?

...Reception Range High VHF Channels 7 thru 13 up to 45 miles, Reception Range UHF Channels 14 thru 69 up to 60 miles.

If VHF HI is limited in range much less than UHF then why did 7, 11 and 13 move back to VHF, seams a bone head move to me.

VHF is not limited in range, that antenna is limited in VHF reception.
As LenL stated earlier, the 4228 is a UHF antenna design that will also receive VHF - to a point. This has always been the case, but with the revised design (4228HD) the mfgr has decided to capitalize on the VHF performance by including it in the specs.

VHF supposedly carries much further on a lower power transmission than does a UHF signal. (Although you'd never know it considering all the problems with 7, 11 & 13 on this thread!) So the reason for the move is a lower electric bill!:D

Ehhh… is everyone missing 5.1 FOX today or is it just me? I can't re-program it in or anything. Anyone else? Anyone know what's going on?


I'm having the same problem, I thought it was my TV. Anyone else not see 5.1? or 5.2 for that matter?

damn! I spent hours tinkering with the antenna tonight, both 5 and 9 are dead for me. Turns out, I'm not the only one...

damn! I spent hours tinkering with the antenna tonight, both 5 and 9 are dead for me. Turns out, I'm not the only one...

As of 9AM, I'm getting them fine. 5.1 still my strongest signal from day 1, and 9.1 still the same at 50%

What irks me is that I get 2 at a 100% while 4, 7 and 11 linger around 75% or so.

What irks me is that I get 2 at a 100% while 4, 7 and 11 linger around 75% or so.

Funny, its the opposite for me. 2,4,11 cuts out. 7 is
ok.

Yup!

l lost it for a few hours yesterday evening too! Not sure if it was due to atmospheric issues or work being done but it was definitely gone for me. It is back this AM!

The thing is that on my TV I was getting channel 5 in the mid 80's but the physical channel said 44 but the virtual channel said N/A which it says that if it can't lock in a signal. I checked it at 11 PM and it was fine again. Getting it back in the mid 70's again. Have not checked it today but it should be fine.

Mine would intermittenly show signal in 70s but no video, signal in 60s with video or no signal at all. weird.

What irks me is that I get 2 at a 100% while 4, 7 and 11 linger around 75% or so.

"Irks" you????

Many, including me, would give so much to be so blessed!

I don't understand your complaint.

Does a reading of 75% prevent you from receiving a steady, quality signal?

Mine would intermittenly show signal in 70s but no video, signal in 60s with video or no signal at all. weird.

at sunday 6:41 Pm 5 is back but breaks up a lot. The single is as strong as ever so something is going on at their broadcast antenna.

Don't discount atmospherics for altering your reception!

I haven't noticed any change in my reception of the station.

Ugh... 31 was coming in nice and strong, now it peaks at 30% but lingers around 20%. No picture, no sound.

you need to rescan your box to get fox5, in my case i have the zenith dt9001 digital box (veru good btw) i edited or deleted channel 5.1. there is 5.1 does not come in and 5.1 that works great.
i

"Irks" you????

Many, including me, would give so much to be so blessed!

I don't understand your complaint.

Does a reading of 75% prevent you from receiving a steady, quality signal?

Ya my aunt feels blessed. She gets every station with 77% or better NO BREAK UPs except channel 39 which is all INFOMERCIALS. When I installed the new dtvpal she was breaking up on channel 11. SO I moved the antenna. to a different wall. She now 11 is up to 85% and 39 went to under 60% with breakups. So I said it is either 11 or 39. No contest 11 stayed.

She was wondering why the HSN is not on digital where we are. Only analog. I guess it is out of range? She likes HSN.

Now she wonders how she ever watched analog.

I am really happy for her.

HSN is not yet operating digitally.

- Trip

HSN is not yet operating digitally.

- Trip

soon? Wonder why not. They make alot of money. Off the TV

Guys,

I have looked thru this and other threads as well as trying google but I cannot find a definitive answer. I am hoping someone here can help. I literally want to cut out cable(Comcast) and go solely OTA. I had done it a few years ago when VOOM went bust but when I had the roof done the existing antenna was torn down and discarded. Each tv has a dedicated HTPC to use as both tuner and dvr as well as connecting to a 5tb raid box for movies, pics, and music. I am trying to find out the best outdoor antenna for my situation. I live in Port Reading in Middlesex county and have no large buildings near me. I definitely need the major stations and the secondary stations would be a plus if possible. Antenneweb results are shown below.

yellow vhf WNET-DT 13.1 PBS NEWARK, NJ 60° 17.9 13
yellow uhf WMBC-DT 63.1 IND NEWTON, NJ 18° 20.4 18
yellow uhf WPXN-DT 31.1 ION NEW YORK, NY 60° 17.9 31
yellow vhf WNJB-DT 8.1 PBS NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 58° 18.3 8
yellow vhf WABC-DT 7.1 ABC NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.1 7
yellow uhf WCBS-DT 2.1 CBS NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 33
yellow uhf WNJU-DT 47.1 TEL LINDEN, NJ 60° 17.9 36
yellow uhf WNBC-DT 4.1 NBC NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 28
yellow uhf WXTV-DT 41.1 UNI PATERSON, NJ 60° 17.9 40
yellow uhf WWOR-DT 9.1 MNT SECAUCUS, NJ 60° 17.9 38
yellow uhf WFUT-DT 68.1 TFA NEWARK, NJ 60° 17.9 30
yellow vhf WPIX-DT 11.1 CW NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 11
yellow uhf WNYW-DT 5.1 FOX NEW YORK, NY 60° 17.9 44
green uhf WNJN-DT 51.1 PBS MONTCLAIR, NJ 18° 20.4 51
red uhf WFME-DT 66.1 REL WEST MILFORD, NJ 9° 15.1 29
red uhf WPXO-LP 34 ION EAST ORANGE, NJ 11° 16.0 34
red uhf WNYE-DT 25.1 IND NEW YORK, NY 72° 15.9 24
red uhf WSAH-DT 43.1 SAH BRIDGEPORT, CT 60° 17.9 42
blue uhf WMBQ-CA 46 MNT MANHATTAN, NY 61° 18.0 46
violet uhf WEBR-CA 17 IND MANHATTAN, NY 60° 17.9 17
violet uhf WNJT-DT 43.1 PBS TRENTON, NJ 243° 30.9 43

I appreciate any insight on this.

Sorry, can't help you with an antenna recommendation, but what I can do for you is to heartily suggest that you don't walk, but run quickly away from antennaweb.

The information is incredibly old and out of date.

For example, WNET, WPXN and WABC all broadcast from the Empire State Building and antennaweb shows different locations. The site is absurd!

You would be better served by using tvfool.com

Start off with good information and then the antenna choice.

Anyone seeing signal on 32 or 35?

- Trip

soon? Wonder why not. They make alot of money. Off the TV

hsn does make money off OTA but most of money comes from cable and satellite. they know how viewers see them by having different 800 ordering numbers. someone on fios would see a different 800 order phone number than someone watching on directv and another 800 number on OTA.

Anyone seeing signal on 32 or 35?

- Trip

Yes, 32 and 35 - analogue, same programming.

Alright, thanks. They filed license apps for digital signals on 32 and 35 yesterday.

- Trip

Sorry, can't help you with an antenna recommendation, but what I can do for you is to heartily suggest that you don't walk, but run quickly away from antennaweb.

The information is incredibly old and out of date.

For example, WNET, WPXN and WABC all broadcast from the Empire State Building and antennaweb shows different locations. The site is absurd!

You would be better served my using tvfool.com

Start off with good information and then the antenna choice.

DITTO!!!

And on top of that they're overly pessimistic in their predictions, and don't even show you half of what you may have access to!

I honestly think it's a fix, just so everyone gives up & goes for pay TV. (Just like the lowered power constraints.)

Post your TV Fool to start.

Yes, 32 and 35 - analogue, same programming.

What type of programing?

Guys,

I have looked thru this and other threads as well as trying google but I cannot find a definitive answer. I am hoping someone here can help. I literally want to cut out cable(Comcast) and go solely OTA. I had done it a few years ago when VOOM went bust but when I had the roof done the existing antenna was torn down and discarded. Each tv has a dedicated HTPC to use as both tuner and dvr as well as connecting to a 5tb raid box for movies, pics, and music. I am trying to find out the best outdoor antenna for my situation. I live in Port Reading in Middlesex county and have no large buildings near me. I definitely need the major stations and the secondary stations would be a plus if possible. Antenneweb results are shown below.

yellow vhf WNET-DT 13.1 PBS NEWARK, NJ 60° 17.9 13
yellow uhf WMBC-DT 63.1 IND NEWTON, NJ 18° 20.4 18
yellow uhf WPXN-DT 31.1 ION NEW YORK, NY 60° 17.9 31
yellow vhf WNJB-DT 8.1 PBS NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 58° 18.3 8
yellow vhf WABC-DT 7.1 ABC NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.1 7
yellow uhf WCBS-DT 2.1 CBS NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 33
yellow uhf WNJU-DT 47.1 TEL LINDEN, NJ 60° 17.9 36
yellow uhf WNBC-DT 4.1 NBC NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 28
yellow uhf WXTV-DT 41.1 UNI PATERSON, NJ 60° 17.9 40
yellow uhf WWOR-DT 9.1 MNT SECAUCUS, NJ 60° 17.9 38
yellow uhf WFUT-DT 68.1 TFA NEWARK, NJ 60° 17.9 30
yellow vhf WPIX-DT 11.1 CW NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 11
yellow uhf WNYW-DT 5.1 FOX NEW YORK, NY 60° 17.9 44
green uhf WNJN-DT 51.1 PBS MONTCLAIR, NJ 18° 20.4 51
red uhf WFME-DT 66.1 REL WEST MILFORD, NJ 9° 15.1 29
red uhf WPXO-LP 34 ION EAST ORANGE, NJ 11° 16.0 34
red uhf WNYE-DT 25.1 IND NEW YORK, NY 72° 15.9 24
red uhf WSAH-DT 43.1 SAH BRIDGEPORT, CT 60° 17.9 42
blue uhf WMBQ-CA 46 MNT MANHATTAN, NY 61° 18.0 46
violet uhf WEBR-CA 17 IND MANHATTAN, NY 60° 17.9 17
violet uhf WNJT-DT 43.1 PBS TRENTON, NJ 243° 30.9 43

I appreciate any insight on this.

What is a raid box ?

Guys,

I have looked thru this and other threads as well as trying google but I cannot find a definitive answer. I am hoping someone here can help. I literally want to cut out cable(Comcast) and go solely OTA. I had done it a few years ago when VOOM went bust but when I had the roof done the existing antenna was torn down and discarded. Each tv has a dedicated HTPC to use as both tuner and dvr as well as connecting to a 5tb raid box for movies, pics, and music. I am trying to find out the best outdoor antenna for my situation. I live in Port Reading in Middlesex county and have no large buildings near me. I definitely need the major stations and the secondary stations would be a plus if possible. Antenneweb results are shown below.

yellow vhf WNET-DT 13.1 PBS NEWARK, NJ 60° 17.9 13
yellow uhf WMBC-DT 63.1 IND NEWTON, NJ 18° 20.4 18
yellow uhf WPXN-DT 31.1 ION NEW YORK, NY 60° 17.9 31
yellow vhf WNJB-DT 8.1 PBS NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 58° 18.3 8
yellow vhf WABC-DT 7.1 ABC NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.1 7
yellow uhf WCBS-DT 2.1 CBS NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 33
yellow uhf WNJU-DT 47.1 TEL LINDEN, NJ 60° 17.9 36
yellow uhf WNBC-DT 4.1 NBC NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 28
yellow uhf WXTV-DT 41.1 UNI PATERSON, NJ 60° 17.9 40
yellow uhf WWOR-DT 9.1 MNT SECAUCUS, NJ 60° 17.9 38
yellow uhf WFUT-DT 68.1 TFA NEWARK, NJ 60° 17.9 30
yellow vhf WPIX-DT 11.1 CW NEW YORK, NY 63° 15.2 11
yellow uhf WNYW-DT 5.1 FOX NEW YORK, NY 60° 17.9 44
green uhf WNJN-DT 51.1 PBS MONTCLAIR, NJ 18° 20.4 51
red uhf WFME-DT 66.1 REL WEST MILFORD, NJ 9° 15.1 29
red uhf WPXO-LP 34 ION EAST ORANGE, NJ 11° 16.0 34
red uhf WNYE-DT 25.1 IND NEW YORK, NY 72° 15.9 24
red uhf WSAH-DT 43.1 SAH BRIDGEPORT, CT 60° 17.9 42
blue uhf WMBQ-CA 46 MNT MANHATTAN, NY 61° 18.0 46
violet uhf WEBR-CA 17 IND MANHATTAN, NY 60° 17.9 17
violet uhf WNJT-DT 43.1 PBS TRENTON, NJ 243° 30.9 43

I appreciate any insight on this.

Here is the Best indoor antenna list and I am sure someone here can provide an outdoor list.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779

What type of programing?

It appears to be Public Access programming.

By the way, I had mentioned that the programming on 32 and 35 is identical.

The only difference is that there's no audio on Channel 35!

It appears to be Public Access programming.

By the way, I had mentioned that the programming on 32 and 35 is identical.

The only difference is that there's no audio on Channel 35!

Public access as in Infomercials or as in channel 13 type programing. Coffee hasn't kicked in yet

Neither - Infomercials or 13 are really Public Access.

Public Access is where if you want to talk about issues or special interests, be a psychic, sing songs, etc., that's what it is.

Literally, giving the public access to television!

Neither - Infomercials or 13 are really Public Access.

Public Access is where if you want to talk about issues or special interests, be a psychic, sing songs, etc., that's what it is.

Literally, giving the public access to television!

Oh ya we used to call those STUPID SoapBox shows. In England/London there is one park where every Sunday or once a month. I forget. You bring your own Soapbox and can preach what you like. For example if SnellKrell didn't return my water hose I can preach a hate for SnellKrell

But do it on any other day. You get arrested

It's Hyde Park - Speaker's Corner!

What happened with the OTA channels in NYC recently? I used to get strong signals - ranging from 70 to 100% on my Tivo - for pretty much every station until about two weeks ago. Then, about 10 days ago, signal strength plummeted across the board. The change literally happened overnight. Now, opening a window next to my antenna is the the only way to get signal strengths that are in the ballpark of where I used to get them with the window shut. Was there a change to the transmitters recently? And did some stations move their transmitters to a different location?

Atmospherics are doing there thing!

Signals go down or off many evenings/mornings between 1 a.m. and 5 to allow extensive
work to be done on the antenna mast.

The only major station change has been WNJU (Channel 36) using an interim facility on the ESB, replacing the station's DTS signals from West Orange, NJ and 4TS.

If all your stations did it at once, is it possible something in your antenna failed?

- Trip

I doubt it's antenna failure, my antenna is just $10 unamplified rabbit ears, there's literally nothing that could fail. I also swapped in a Terk amplified antenna and the result is the same, the signal strengths are dramatically reduced from where they were a short time ago.

I also have a hard time believing it's atmospheric variation. The drop is too dramatic and has lasted too long. The reduced signal strengths aren't just during the overnight hours (I have noticed Fox 5 would shut off completely on some nights), it's 24/7 now. And has been going on for 10 days now. Surely if it's weather, there would have been some fluctuation in the signal strengths during the last week and a half. But it seems to have settled at these reduced levels across the board. That's why I wonder if work has been done on the tower recently that dramatically reduced or changed the transmitters (I think all the major broadcast stations are on the Empire State Building, correct me if I'm wrong).

Rabbit ears?

Does it have a UHF loop or other element for this band?

Yes, there is a UHF loop. These rabbit ears was the antenna that was providing 70-100% signal strengths on all channels - CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, CW, UPN, PBS 13, etc. with my Tivo. I'd say ABC, CW and PBS were my strongest signals, they were hitting 97-100%. CBS and NBC were the slightly lower in the 80s and Fox was the weakest in the upper 60% range but still rock solid, no breakup at all. It was great, there was no reason for me to get an expensive antenna because the rabbit ears were providing excellent, stable reception. That's why the recent drop has been so noticeable to me. Now, the only way I can get any channel in the 70% range is to open a window. If the window is closed, lower 60% is the max and there is a lot of fluctuation and dips, which of course produces pixellation and audio drops.

The reason I mentioned atmospherics is that over the past few weeks, I've experienced
some wide variations in reception.

Specifically, channel 7, which had been borderline - at times 40 - 50% is now hitting 70%+. Channel 28, today has been breaking up!

Channel 13 all of a sudden is my strongest Hi-V.

It just keeps changing!

Well, what do you know. I just had two OTA recordings finish up moment ago so now that the Tivo is free, I tested the signal strength meter again. It looks like the signal strengths have returned to their former high levels even with the window shut! I literally tested this last night around this time as well as several other times earlier this week and always found dramatically reduced levels.

I guess atmospheric conditions does seem the most plausible cause. I wouldn't have thought an altered atmospheric state would have lasted as long as 10 days but I guess so. BTW, the Tivo seems to have an excellent tuner. The tuner in my TV, which is a first generation Sony HDTV CRT that's 8 or 9 years old, is quite poor at picking up signals, even with an amplified, directional antenna. Tuners have improved tremendously since then, as the Tivo makes clear.

Thanks for your feedback!

Enjoy it while it lasts!

The only major station change has been WNJU (Channel 36) using an interim facility on the ESB, replacing the station's DTS signals from West Orange, NJ and 4TS.

The thing is that WNJU use to be my strongest channel when it was in West Orange. Now that it is on the ESB, higher up with more power and closer it is much weaker. It keeps breaking up for a second and dips in the high 50's. Makes no sense how something closer is weaker than something further away.

Well oddly enough I was able to receive WNYE for the first time today from 35 miles out with an RCA ANT525 UHF/VHF/FM indoor antenna. Other than that still no 7, 11, 13, WFME, WPXN, WNJU, Fox 5 or NJN.

Lots of luck with an indoor antenna from that far out and your location!

I am about 5 or 6 miles closer than you in Randolph with a CM4228 and CM 7777 preamp on my chimney outside and I can get (including sub channels):

2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 25.1 68.1 with little to no break up. Usually showing 80-90% signal.

7.1, 50.1 I can get with some occasional breakup. Usually 70-80% signal.

9.1, 11.1, 13.1, 33.1, 58.1 I can get but with annoying breakup and often drop outs. Usually 50-65% signal.

A new broadcast channel has just appeared on my set:

11.3 "Estrlla" ("estrella" is "star" in Spanish).

It wasn't there yesterday.

It's showing ribald comedy sketches in Spanish that seem to be Mexican in origin.

In the lower right-hand corner is a logo that seems to be star-shaped and uses the same colors as the "Azteca" logo that can be seen on channel 39-1. Azteca is a Mexican channel, maybe this is too.

A new broadcast channel has just appeared on my set:

11.3 "Estrlla" ("estrella" is "star" in Spanish).

It wasn't there yesterday.

It's showing ribald comedy sketches in Spanish that seem to be Mexican in origin.

In the lower right-hand corner is a logo that seems to be star-shaped and uses the same colors as the "Azteca" logo that can be seen on channel 39-1. Azteca is a Mexican channel, maybe this is too.

We get it too and hope they start with English speaking stations. Since we can not speak Spanish. If they use up all of WPIX 11 subchannels that means less or no English stations.

I keep wondering what the deal is with WPIX getting Estrella. I thought this was why Liberman bought WASA-LD 25, was to put Estrella TV on it.

- Trip

Tribune Broadcasting is in such financial trouble, its stations will take dollars, pesos -
whatever!

I keep wondering what the deal is with WPIX getting Estrella. I thought this was why Liberman bought WASA-LD 25, was to put Estrella TV on it.

- Trip

We get more spanish stations now then English . LOL and the CC 3 is not showing english subtitles at all. Could be the box we have does not work right? I put it to CC3 and nothing

Now that WPIX is carrying Estrella TV, does that mean the owner will let the station authorization lapse?

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/340293-Estrella_Takes_Manhattan.php

The article is also notable for what is not mentioned: Is LATV going away October 1st?

Now that WPIX is carrying Estrella TV, does that mean the owner will let the station authorization lapse?

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/340293-Estrella_Takes_Manhattan.php

The article is also notable for what is not mentioned: Is LATV going away October 1st?

I still do not know why there is not one 24/7 movie station. With Ads

The one thing that I liked when they added LATV last year was that it was bi-lingual (actually it was majority English speaking). They even had a show that made fun of some of the Spanish language shows that were out there, but then they slowly shifted to another all-Spanish channel. Basically becoming somewhat of what they used to make fun of.

I saw the same "Jack Lalane Powerjuicer" infommercial in spanish being broadcast on 9 different channels (including sub-channels of course) this morning. What a waste of bandwith. I wish the FCC would force channels to offer half-decent programming.

I saw the same "Jack Lalane Powerjuicer" infommercial in spanish being broadcast on 9 different channels (including sub-channels of course) this morning. What a waste of bandwith. I wish the FCC would force channels to offer half-decent programming.

Man I hate anti-juicers lol

"I wish the FCC would force channels to offer half-decent programming."

Do you really want the government to determine what programming is decent or not?

Good point Snell. I wouldn't want them to tinker with "The Jerry Springer Show" or any of the other quality shows currently on the air.

Even though I have problems getting channel 11 just what we need, another cruddy 480i channel taking up bandwidth and making the main 1080i channel look worse.

Even though I have problems getting channel 11 just what we need, another cruddy 480i channel taking up bandwidth and making the main 1080i channel look worse.

I only care about WPIX for 2 reasons this year:

1) Giants vs Denver game Thanksgiving night simulcast from NFLNetwork

2) Jet vs Bills game the next week ( Thu night ) simulcast from NFL Network

There was also a time they had some good Met games, but not this year obviously.

What i found interesting was several weeks ago NBC was airing a prime time football game and moved all the regular programing to the sub channel. This way if you didn't care about the football you could still see their regular lineup. Stupid CBS should have done that Monday night when the US open ran over, who cares about tennis.

What i found interesting was several weeks ago NBC was airing a prime time football game and moved all the regular programing to the sub channel. This way if you didn't care about the football you could still see their regular lineup. Stupid CBS should have done that Monday night when the US open ran over, who cares about tennis.

Are you talking about a nationally televised game or a locally produced game?
I remember the Giants were on Ch4, but it was only a locally televised preseason game shown only in NYC, so it made sense to shift the regular prime time schedule to the subchannel.
The US Open on the other hand is a nationally televised event.

What i found interesting was several weeks ago NBC was airing a prime time football game and moved all the regular programing to the sub channel. This way if you didn't care about the football you could still see their regular lineup. Stupid CBS should have done that Monday night when the US open ran over, who cares about tennis.

Correct me if I'm wrong, CBS OTA doesn't have sub channels like NBC does.

CBS chose to not have any because they didn't want to deteriorate the picture quality of their main signals for subchannels. Explains why they got the best picture out of any NYC OTA station.

CBS chose to not have any because they didn't want to deteriorate the picture quality of their main signals for subchannels. Explains why they got the best picture out of any NYC OTA station.

That is a lame A_ _ excuse and total bull fritters. NBC has sub channels and their HD feed is same quality as CBS as with all the other stations using their sub channels. CBS is just to cheap or doesn't have anything worth broadcasting right now but I'm guessing by the end of next year they will be using all 5 sub stations like everyone else. I'm sure PBS increased their revenues using all 5 channels and rest will follow just going to take time for everyone to get into the grove.

CBS chose to not have any because they didn't want to deteriorate the picture quality of their main signals for subchannels. Explains why they got the best picture out of any NYC OTA station.

You're absolutely right!!!

Anyone with a discerning eye or with a knowledge of the allocation of bandwidth agrees with you.

If some cannot see or understand the diminution of quality when subchannels are used, so be it - they are blissful!

CBS is just to cheap or doesn't have anything worth broadcasting right now but I'm guessing by the end of next year they will be using all 5 sub stations like everyone else.

First, there's no limit to the amount of subchannels a station can have. WFME in New Jersey has 10 (yes, I said ten) though most of them are audio only.

2nd, it's not gonna happen as far as the CBS O&O's are concerned.

First, there's no limit to the amount of subchannels a station can have. WFME in New Jersey has 10 (yes, I said ten) though most of them are audio only.

2nd, it's not gonna happen as far as the CBS O&O's are concerned.

why would audio only be broadcasted on TV, them don't count. I have only seen 4 sub channels using video so far. CBS is like any other company who only cares about $$$$. When they see the others raking it in using subs they will follow. Remember it's early in something that is here to stay and it will have growing pains for awhile.

That is a lame A_ _ excuse and total bull fritters. NBC has sub channels and their HD feed is same quality as CBS as with all the other stations using their sub channels. CBS is just to cheap or doesn't have anything worth broadcasting right now but I'm guessing by the end of next year they will be using all 5 sub stations like everyone else. I'm sure PBS increased their revenues using all 5 channels and rest will follow just going to take time for everyone to get into the grove.

Horribly horribly wrong, at least on the "same quality" bit. Seriously, you're in the wrong forum if you think you're right on this one - it's night and day, especially for sports!

"I have only seen 4 sub channels using video so far."

Take a look at Channel 39.

39.1 - 39.9, all 9 channels with video!

That is a lame A_ _ excuse and total bull fritters. NBC has sub channels and their HD feed is same quality as CBS as with all the other stations using their sub channels.

Unfortunately, the laws of physics disagree with your assertion here. There is a fixed amount of bandwidth available (19.393 Mbps), and the more of it is diverted for subchannels, the less is available for the main HD. The lower the available bitrate, the fewer bits are assigned to the HD. The fewer bits assigned, the more it starts to look like YouTube and less like HD.

On how large a television set are you watching that you observe no difference in quality? I watch on very small screens and find it hard to observe PQ problems in many cases that others see very well on large TVs, though one of my local stations is just so over-compressed that it is obvious even on the smallest screen. (Every transition dissolves into a mess of blocks.)

Now, of course, as encoders improve, it's possible to maintain the same level of quality while decreasing bitrates slightly, but since CBS has newer encoders as well, I'm betting the NBC encoder is not probably that much superior to the CBS encoder if it is any better at all. By the same token, instead of decreasing bitrates, as encoders improve, those extra bits can be fed back into the HD to provide even better quality than was had in the first place.

I do not expect to see CBS utilize subchannels, though I would not be surprised to see them utilize Mobile DTV when that becomes available.

- Trip

I'm using a 19" Emerson and no i don't see any difference between them at all. You are crazy if you don't think "MONEY" will be the deciding factor in the end when it come to sub channel usage. Like i said this is new unexplored terrain and just needs time to work out all the factors. I don't get channel 39 on Long Island and I'm 14 miles form the city. Having troubles with 7 and 11 but 13 is fine as long no planes or storms roll by. I received 7 for a short time but now nothing and 11 just went off 2 months ago.

Consider the age of the population, eye sight decreases over time and most will not have the sharpness to see the little differences use of a few sub channels might have on HD feed. Like i said when this was planned year ago, High Definition TV, low definition eyes.

"I'm using a 19" Emerson"

Quod erat demonstrandum!

I'm using a 19" Emerson

Wow! Like this one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7811111#ProductDetail


Amazing! I've never seen a contrast ratio like that!

"I'm using a 19" Emerson"

Quod erat demonstrandum!

++++++++++

I notice that TVfool.com is reporting a pending FCC application for WNET (13) that will result in a 2-3dB drop in power at Poughkeepsie. Does anyone know any details? Is this for real or just a TVfool glitch?

I just ordered a YA-1713 to pull in 7, 11, and 13 from NYC. I can get 11 and 13 with my existing antenna, but 7 has been MIA, so I'm hoping this new antenna will do a little better. If not, at least this will allow me to have antennas pointed at both NYC and Albany.

I seems to me that nobody has mentioned anything about the 3rd stream on wpix11
the 11-3 Estrilla all spanish no inglesCC, wacky lunatic game shows, lot of Infomercial
DT 704x480i same as 11-2Nocturninos

I seems to me that nobody has mentioned anything about the 3rd stream on wpix11
the 11-3 Estrilla all spanish no inglesCC, wacky lunatic game shows, lot of Infomercial
DT 704x480i same as 11-2Nocturninos

Well, it seems that you've been napping!

Go back to Post #10139 datedSeptember 14th,and since then there have been many points discussed.

I just read that TWC in NYC on 10/21/09 will add Univision (41) and Telefutura (68) in HD to its lineup.

As far as I know, these two stations are transmitting at 480i still.

Does that mean we should expect them to broadcast at 1080i?

[Cable operators are required to carry an HD version of local broadcasters when they broadcast in HD (not just digital 480i).]

Has anyone heard anything about these channels being broadcast in 1080i?

Sometime ago I alerted the readers to the finding that some indoor amplified TV antennas also act as transmitters that cause interference to TV, FM and others. I did not identify the culprits.
Last month the FCC cited one individual in LA for interference by such an antenna. See www.fcc.gov/eb/fieldnotices/2003/DOC-292933A1.html
The antenna was identified by the FCC as Philips Mant300, which is made of rabbit ears+loop+amplifier. You'll recognize that the same design is distributed by others.
So if you don't want the FCC in your home...

I notice that TVfool.com is reporting a pending FCC application for WNET (13) that will result in a 2-3dB drop in power at Poughkeepsie. Does anyone know any details? Is this for real or just a TVfool glitch?

It's probably the application for 1WTC when it gets rebuilt. I don't think it's anything that's finalized, just protection in case they ever decide to use it. There are similar filings for 2, 4, 7, and 11.

Does that mean we should expect them to broadcast at 1080i?

Has anyone heard anything about these channels being broadcast in 1080i?

Yes. Univision previously announced they would launch HD before next summer (I think). I don't remember the exact date.

- Trip

Great article that just appeared on My Yahoo page.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090918/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_dtv_woes

Told you low VHF and even high VHF was a mistake.

Also I am able to get channel 11 in the low 70's if I put my Terk HDTVa antenna really high up but then channel 7 is weaker. It seems at that position I can get some of the weak channels stronger but some of the strong channels I get now are weaker.

Channel 36 WNJU is basically unwatchable. They should have kept the transmitter running in West Orange while keeping the Empire State Building transmitter running too. The channel breaks up and fluctuates from the mid 60's down to the 20's to signal digits. I still don't get how it can be so weak when it was further away at less power it was much stronger.

They should have kept the transmitter running in West Orange while keeping the Empire State Building transmitter running too.

Thus destroying all reception for everyone but you. :D

- Trip

Telemundo is nuts about DTS. They need engineers who understand RF:D

I don't doubt the engineers at NBC understand RF, I think the prediction models are underestimating interference levels among various DTS transmitters.

- Trip

i just put my yagi uhf on the roof yesterday "wow" like sham wow lol. is the only thing i can say, i get most uhf channels in nyc market also connecticut and upstate stations. to my surprise all vhf channels are coming in really strong, . this is uhf yagi only. a rooftop antenna makes a world of difference :)

i just put my yagi uhf on the roof yesterday "wow" like sham wow lol. is the only thing i can say, i get most uhf channels in nyc market also connecticut and upstate stations. to my surprise all vhf channels are coming in really strong, . this is uhf yagi only. a rooftop antenna makes a world of difference :)

Cool, what upstate stations are you getting? Wondering if its because of atmospheric conditions or if its just good reception with your antenna.

im in queens i get pbs from conneticut 49.1 w/a strong signal 54.1-5 tbn from poughkeepsie also 48.1 rnn. no rotor i aim toward some building across from me they bounce the signal from conneticut good i got wtxx ch 20 from hartford tonight, is probably tropo

WTXX-DT (CW) channel 20 [digital 20] is licensed to Waterbury but has their transmitter on Rattlesnake Mountain in Farmington, CT, along US Route 6, a few miles west-southwest of downtown Hartford.

Did you, by chance, also get WEDH-DT (PBS) channel 24 [digital 45] of Hartford? They're the "parent" of WEDW-DT (PBS). They transmit from the same tower as WTXX-DT.

i did get it . years ago i had a radio shack uhf antenna u120 they dont make that model any more, i used to get all hartford stations fox61 upn59 wvit 30 clear. sometimes i got albany stations fox23.

klm i picked up 2 boston stations 1 springfield mass channel last night. it was very good night for tropo dx.

trip in va rabbitears reports wsah ch 43 moving to nyc location theyre still in connecticut is this gonna happen?

It's still an application. (It's the "APP" in DT-APP.) Until the FCC issues them a construction permit, absolutely nothing can change.

- Trip

Greetings. I'm very happy to have discovered this forum/thread. I've just begun my OTA experience in NYC. So far, things have been great.

I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping someone might answer.

1. Is anyone experiencing hiccups in CBS's broadcasts lately? I'm seeing flashes of previous frames. So over the course of one second, I'll see 30 frames, then frame 28 of the sequence flashes once. This happens primarily (but not always) on cuts, which leads me to believe it is something to do with their MPEG encoder. If it were my decoder/tuner, I feel like I'd be seeing the problem on other networks, but the other channels are just fine. Audio is unaffected.

2. I'm having a hard time tuning in WNYW, but everything else broadcast from the ESB comes in very strong. The rooftop antenna on my building was serviced in May. I'm in lower Brooklyn. Just wondering if there's some obvious reason for this... I'm able to pick up WNYW on WWOR's subchannel, but it's SD.

Thanks for any input!

Welcome!

My understanding concerning WNYW is that the station currently uses a side mounted antenna on the ESB. Depending on its orientation, side mounted antennas have caused reception problems to the east - and that includes Brooklyn.

The station has a Construction Permit for a new facility on the ESB, higher on the Antenna Mast - 424m. I hope that the new antenna will not be side mounted.

Other stations on the ESB - specifcally WCBS, WNBC and WWOR use specific antenna panels on the Southeast of the building to fill-in reception for Brooklyn and Queens.

Have not experienced the problems that you mentioned concerning WCBS.

Wow, that's exactly what I wanted to hear! I hope the new construction will fix my WNYW reception problem.

As far as my stuttering CBS goes, I suppose it must be something on my end that I need to troubleshoot.

Thanks for the info!

Wow, that's exactly what I wanted to hear! I hope the new construction will fix my WNYW reception problem.

As far as my stuttering CBS goes, I suppose it must be something on my end that I need to troubleshoot.

Thanks for the info!

Not sure what coax cable you use from the antenna to the tv/box I have found and so have many others that HDTV ready coax cable (cable made for HDTV) Have improved signal strength by 5 points or more. I picked some $7 to $14 cable from best buy. I do not find the more expensive ones any better

Not sure what coax cable you use from the antenna to the tv/box I have found and so have many others that HDTV rady coax cable (cable made for HDTV) Have improved signal strength by 5 points or more. I picked some $7 to $14 cable from best buy. I do not find the more expensive ones any better

Interesting... Any brand in particular?

It's still an application. (It's the "APP" in DT-APP.) Until the FCC issues them a construction permit, absolutely nothing can change.

- Trip

Out of blind curiousity, as I don't know, how long does these permits take for consideration/action? Years, I'd expect, but...anyone know more than me on the process?

Out of blind curiousity, as I don't know, how long does these permits take for consideration/action? Years, I'd expect, but...anyone know more than me on the process?

Actually, they're usually pretty quick with these "fixing reception during the transition" type of things. In this case, however, there are issues with regard to interference levels with WTXF-42 in Philly that are outstanding. No telling when the FCC will get around to dealing with it.

- Trip

Anyone had issues with 5.1 today? My HTPC was getting really crappy signal while recording Fringe at 9PM with macroblocks and choppy video.

WCBS has requested an increase in power from 284 kW to 426 kW on their current antenna.

- Trip

Great article that just appeared on My Yahoo page.
<--- skipped URL -->

Told you low VHF and even high VHF was a mistake.


I believe the student quoted in the article above is someone who has made a huge number of posts on this board ;-)

The statement regarding interference on low VHF was completely off. It is true that there is more interference on lower frequencies but it is irrelevant in this case. Interference is not the reason people have troubles with low or high-VHF. It is their unwillingness to use a REAL VHF antenna that is the problem. (I don't blame anyone, I wouldn't put a low-VHF Yagi on the roof either)

HDTVa is a log-periodic UHF antenna, but when it comes to VHF it is a simple folded shortened dipole (rabbit ears). Poor VHF performance is built-in and expected ...

I believe the student quoted in the article above is someone who has made a huge number of posts on this board ;-)

I wonder who that could be. ;)

The statement regarding interference on low VHF was completely off. It is true that there is more interference on lower frequencies but it is irrelevant in this case. Interference is not the reason people have troubles with low or high-VHF. It is their unwillingness to use a REAL VHF antenna that is the problem. (I don't blame anyone, I wouldn't put a low-VHF Yagi on the roof either)

I actually do have a low-VHF antenna for my actual low-VHF PBS station on the roof and it does actually suck. I promise. :)

Real antennas would help, but would not make low-VHF work acceptably. Dropping out due to thunderstorms 100 miles away, or having to choose between running a fan to keep cool and watching TV, or having reception destroyed by e-skip, all of these things are unacceptable. Not to mention all the little things like light switches and the microwave door and other things that cause drops. (Lost fragments of audio can be very annoying and make it impossible to understand.)

- Trip

Real antennas would help, but would not make low-VHF work acceptably. Dropping out due to thunderstorms 100 miles away, or having to choose between running a fan to keep cool and watching TV, or having reception destroyed by e-skip, all of these things are unacceptable. Not to mention all the little things like light switches and the microwave door and other things that cause drops. (Lost fragments of audio can be very annoying and make it impossible to understand.)


I think you are a little bit overstating the impact of interference on low VHF

BTW, KJ4IEA, are you working 50Mhz? :-)

I think you are a little bit overstating the impact of interference on low VHF

I'm absolutely not. Until you've lived with it for 6 years, it can be hard to believe just how bad it is. Want to watch PBS over dinner? It drops every time the microwave door is opened and closed, hitting the light switch to get food from the pantry, turning on/off the light or fan over the stove, and completely vanishes if the blender is in use.

I can't watch PBS while my mom is vacuuming, and becomes very flaky if the washing machine or dryer (can't remember which) is running. When I was living in Roanoke, I could get the Poor Mountain UHFs in almost any position with any antenna, but WBRA required my VHF bowtie, and a specific position. And then, it vanished any time the microwave was running, or my fan was running, or the renter was using her sewing machine, or the renter was using her weed-whacker outside.

As much of a fan of digital as I am, every day I was home I watched PBS on analog until the analog was gone because the digital was too irritating, unless the program I wanted was on the 15-3 subchannel, in which case I usually got annoyed and gave up on it after a while.

My family aside from myself has given up on PBS since the transition.

BTW, KJ4IEA, are you working 50Mhz? :-)

My HT (Yaesu VX-7R) is capable of 6 meters but is just terrible at it, even though I have a 6/2/440 whip on it. I've made it work for 6m simplex with the radio club VP here at school, but it faded out after he drove only a few miles. I am not sure if something is wrong with my radio or what, because 2m, 220, and 440 are just fine but I've never managed to hit any of the 6m repeaters. I've never even heard them, even when said club VP keyed one and tested for me.

At this time, I only have an HT. I want to get something more powerful, but it's money I don't want to spend at this time.

- Trip

Man-made noise is significant factor in DTV reception of VHF but although it can be identified, it's not always the primary factor. A primary factor in lost reception and one that cannot be easily quantified or even identified is multipath. The noise bin that eventually kills reception includes processed multipath, FM harmonics, Rx distortion, man-made noise, sky noise, Tx noise and interference. But in DTV we don't know what % of the total is contributed by each factor. In analog you could tell..

so true vhf low is plague by any type of man made noise or interferences i know everytime I rev up the engine on my vehicle you would see dashes and lines over the tv screen were extremely fortunate that there isnt a low vhf channel in nyc digital spectrum.

Anyone had issues with 5.1 today? My HTPC was getting really crappy signal while recording Fringe at 9PM with macroblocks and choppy video.

Yeah, I did. I was watching Bones then Fringe. Breakups, freezes but I was still able to watch them

trip va i like to ask your perspective what would make more of dramatic difference on tv signal area from the transmitter point of view. 1 raising the height of antenna 2 raising the transmitter power. i would think raising the height of antenna would yield more gain, in area coverage throughout.

" Well, it seems that you've been napping! "
Well, indeed I did, I was reading it -previous comments- on my Yahoo e-mail going down, wondering what comments there might be to give me and to others good laugh, and I wasn't disappointed, thank you SnellKrell, good witty responds-remarks are wonderful medicine to weary ones,Alo.

Some guys had propblems with fact that the signal level fluctuated in 70' and no video on screen, I had the same with Fox5 but the conv.box gave me DialogBox saying
'Scrambled Video', now unless the signals zeros any pixelation on screen means to me
difficiencies in broadcast signal, don't blame the Ant. don't move it, it is the networks
or the stations to be blamed for breakage of signals, lately ch.17 suffers from this malady. Alo.

trip va i like to ask your perspective what would make more of dramatic difference on tv signal area from the transmitter point of view. 1 raising the height of antenna 2 raising the transmitter power. i would think raising the height of antenna would yield more gain, in area coverage throughout.Think of the transmitting antenna like the lamp in your bedroom. The lightbulb produces a circle of illumination around the base. If you raise the lamp upwards, the size of the circle increases. However, the brightness of the light lessens, unless you increase the wattage of the bulb.

Yeah, I did. I was watching Bones then Fringe. Breakups, freezes but I was still able to watch them

+1

experienced the same.

Not sure what coax cable you use from the antenna to the tv/box I have found and so have many others that HDTV ready coax cable (cable made for HDTV) Have improved signal strength by 5 points or more.

I have 350 feet of LMR-400 on a spool here, Wonder if this 50 ohm 1/2 inch coax would do better than RG6?

I have 350 feet of LMR-400 on a spool here, Wonder if this 50 ohm 1/2 inch coax would do better than RG6?

Not sure better ask a expert. I thought RG6 was the best coax

I have 350 feet of LMR-400 on a spool here, Wonder if this 50 ohm 1/2 inch coax would do better than RG6?

No! RG6 has impedance of 75ohm, and any modern antenna and TV set is matched to 75ohm impedance. You can not use a 50ohm cable without loosing signal strength

RG11 is the step-up from RG6 in terms of signal transmission capability for 75 ohm systems.

I only recommend or use it when signal losses that cannot be otherwise managed with amplification must be tightly controlled. Examples include cable runs that are extraordinarily long or where a pre-amp cannot be installed immediately at the antenna and a modest down-lead must be used. I've got a neighbor with a 45' tower that I installed the pre-amp at about 10' AGL with a 35' RG11 down-lead so that he can replace the pre-amp without hiring a bucket truck again. He doesn't like climbing ladders very much or towers at all... Best compromise I could come up with.

RG11 is the step-up from RG6 in terms of signal transmission capability for 75 ohm systems.

I only recommend or use it when signal losses that cannot be otherwise managed with amplification must be tightly controlled. Examples include cable runs that are extraordinarily long ......

Right, the difference between the two is only ~1dB/100 feet which is nothing for practical purposes unless you have a very very long cable.

Another option is quad-shielded RG6

trip va i like to ask your perspective what would make more of dramatic difference on tv signal area from the transmitter point of view. 1 raising the height of antenna 2 raising the transmitter power. i would think raising the height of antenna would yield more gain, in area coverage throughout.

Height is definitely more important than power. In fact, with digital, power is pretty unimportant overall, considering that SNR can make a much bigger difference.

Example: Local station WWCW-20 is only 53 miles away.
- At 186.3 kW, I always had trouble receiving the signal, and was told the low SNR was the reason.
- WSET-34 was at the same tower site, 17.9 kW, maxed out my meter.
- When WWCW replaced their antenna and signed back on at 135 kW, instant maxing out of signal due to vastly improved SNR.

- Trip

I have 350 feet of LMR-400 on a spool here, Wonder if this 50 ohm 1/2 inch coax would do better than RG6?

How did you come about obtaining the spool.

If there are any ham radio guys on line here they love to have it.

You can use use the coax for tv signals but you must match it to 75 ohms. The ham radio guys do it all the time when they build a long wire antenna that is at 300 ohms. I have seen the directions to do it. I do not know just where. All coax has the lowest loss when new. As moisture corrodes the shield & the foam breaks down then the loss goes up just like 300 ohm. Many ham radio guys still use 300 ohm because 300 ohm wire loss is really lower than coax. But a lot of of extra care is needed to mount the 300 ohm wire that the coax doesnot. If they still manufactured 300 ohm open wire it would be the best of all. But where do you get it today. It had the lowest loss of all. You can make it buying #12 bare solid copper wire. But you would have to cut pvc pipe into spacers & drill holes to build the 300 ohm open wire. But is great because the loss does not go up as it gets old. You could run the 300 ohm open wire from the antenna down to a good location to a preamp or amp. Then from the amp to the tv can be 75 ohm coax.

Wow! Like this one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7811111#ProductDetail


Amazing! I've never seen a contrast ratio like that!

yup, it was a gift 3 years ago and work pretty well. I was thinking of buying a bigger newer one like Sony or Samsung around 32" to 40" range since the prices are really dropping under $500 but not until i'm sure to get all the channels. Besides since i watch my Hockey games on line not much on regular TV calling for HD.

"i'm using a 19" emerson"

quod erat demonstrandum!

u !

you might want to consider a hd tv with sensitive tuner to pickup the ota signals, i would suggest a tv with lg tuner built in. i read that tuner is one best for ota tv. i have a samsung plasma tv the hd tuner is not as sensitive as my sony lcd .

How did you come about obtaining the spool.

If there are any ham radio guys on line here they love to have it.

You can use use the coax for tv signals but you must match it to 75 ohms. The ham radio guys do it all the time when they build a long wire antenna that is at 300 ohms. I have seen the directions to do it. I do not know just where. All coax has the lowest loss when new. As moisture corrodes the shield & the foam breaks down then the loss goes up just like 300 ohm. Many ham radio guys still use 300 ohm because 300 ohm wire loss is really lower than coax. But a lot of of extra care is needed to mount the 300 ohm wire that the coax doesnot. If they still manufactured 300 ohm open wire it would be the best of all. But where do you get it today. It had the lowest loss of all. You can make it buying #12 bare solid copper wire. But you would have to cut pvc pipe into spacers & drill holes to build the 300 ohm open wire. But is great because the loss does not go up as it gets old. You could run the 300 ohm open wire from the antenna down to a good location to a preamp or amp. Then from the amp to the tv can be 75 ohm coax.

There still is ham radio? Is that radio still in the same room as a CB radio? Pick up the phone. International rates are cheap today. under 9 cents a minute.

hey I'm a Ham radio user at age 24.. I got my call sign last year.

I'm KJ4IEA, licensed 10 months ago.

- Trip

I'm KB1QXO

I'm KJ4IEA, licensed 10 months ago.

- Trip

thought all hamers were like dinosaurs

You thought incorrectly. :)

- Trip

Anyone having problems with channel 13?

On both my Magnavox H2160 and my Philips 3575 the channel 13 subs are mixed up.

13.1 is Kids, 13.2 is Spanish and 13.3 is PBS this change happened earlier in the week. I've re-scanned and they are still mixed up

the Tivo still has them correct: 31.1 PBS, 13.2 Kids and 13.3 Spanish.
I don't want to re scan the Tivo.

Any Idea whats up?

I just checked out the stations and everything is fine.

You thought incorrectly. :)

- Trip

Do you own a pinto or VW flower bus also

Nope, I don't own a vehicle. Just a bunch of DTV gear and my HT. :)

- Trip

whats up with the program guide on zenith dtt900 dt box the schedule is hour behind so is the clock. its it just me or everyone

" I can't watch PBS while my mom is vacuuming, and becomes very flaky if the washing machine or dryer is running. "
During analog era, every time the folks one floor above my head were vacuum cleaning, usually Sunday prime time, the noise was acceptable but the interference of
horizontal lines made some channels unwatchable, while others were so so, now at DTV
era they can vacuum clean any time, there is no sign of them on my TV, the digitals are
far superior.
The analog interference was strictly electric wiring deficiencies of old structures, I think that you young blood have mixed the antenna with electric wiring, though the Ant. may have also bearing on your coveted silly PBS.
Large full size window air conditioner in my building always blow off the fuse, some folks have extra-additional electric wiring for the AC.
Often with all appliances On one hand held hair dryer (used to be 1000W) would blow
off the fuse.
We do some time extend our blame on innocent things, don't we ? Alo.

The problem is most NY stations have returned to eastern standard time too early. Channels 5, 11, and 63 are the only ones still transmitting daylight time. Start on one of these channels then select the program guide and the times will be correct. We fall back to standard time on Nov 7.

thxs for heads up, this is best time of the year for sports fans, you got baseball playoffs coming up football is really clickin now, you got hockey starting, best is fox5 got the ny yanks for playoffs

The problem is most NY stations have returned to eastern standard time too early. Channels 5, 11, and 63 are the only ones still transmitting daylight time. Start on one of these channels then select the program guide and the times will be correct. We fall back to standard time on Nov 7.

Actually, daylight saving time will end at 2 AM on Sunday, November 1st.

best is fox5 got the ny yanks for playoffs

For the ALCS if they make it. The ALDS is on TBS.

For the ALCS if they make it. The ALDS is on TBS.

Isn't TBS suppose to simulcast it free on an OTA station like Fox5,My9,etc for the Yanks? I remember ESPN use to simulcast it on MY9 a few years back.

When TBS got a portion of the playoff series in 2007, it was reported that they were cable exclusive. Sure enough, when they Yankees were playing the Indians, none of the local stations were carrying the games. I doubt that'll change this go around.

The problem is most NY stations have returned to eastern standard time too early. Channels 5, 11, and 63 are the only ones still transmitting daylight time. Start on one of these channels then select the program guide and the times will be correct. We fall back to standard time on Nov 7.

I noticed the time was off too.

First I thought I missed the "Fall back" warnings. Then I thought my converter box was not setup properly - (it is set for "Auto" daylight savings time reconfiguration.

Plus I noticed that some channels were OK.

This all started last Sunday.

I can't believe that TV stations would broadcast the wrong time. It very unprofessional and I thought their equipment was up to date. Maybe the coin battery in their computers is dead. :-)

When TBS got a portion of the playoff series in 2007, it was reported that they were cable exclusive. Sure enough, when they Yankees were playing the Indians, none of the local stations were carrying the games. I doubt that'll change this go around.

the cable, dish & direct tv must have paid more money than the ota stations offered. They want to force folks to pay for it & they know they will get it from those who have those providers & not ota. If enough folks dropped the service they would not be getting as much money &Tbs would find out they were shooting the goose that lays the golden egg & would then put it on ota.

Does anyone know what these channels (13.102 and 13.103) are? Last night my DVD recorder (Panasonic DRM-EZ48V) stopped working after a couple of years of working fine. So today I bought a new one (of the same model). After I got the new one set up, I clicked through the channels, and after clicking those high-number WNET subchannels, the picture went out. I was able to reboot the recorder a couple of times to get the picture back, but when I tried to delete 13.102 from the recorder's channel list, it stopped working in the same way as the old one.

Does this make any sense to anyone? Does anyone know how I can get these recorders working again?

My Toshiba HDTV displays the OTA channels guide one hour behind. I can go into the TV setup and turn on the Daylight Savings Time but as soon as I turn the TV off and turn it back on it is set to off again.

I hate it when devices do that. I have a few that do that. You change the setting and then when you turn it off and back on again it is back to the stupid default setting again,

My Toshiba HDTV displays the OTA channels guide one hour behind. I can go into the TV setup and turn on the Daylight Savings Time but as soon as I turn the TV off and turn it back on it is set to off again.

I hate it when devices do that. I have a few that do that. You change the setting and then when you turn it off and back on again it is back to the stupid default setting again,

Your local station sending the DST data early. It's not the TV's fault.

anybody notice signal propogation last night, for some reason i was pickin up hartfford tv stations. i got nbc wvit 30 also pbs wedh ch 24 were coming really strong. it was kind of warm late evening.

trip, i noticed that wsah ch 43 from bridgeport is listed under nyc channel list as strongest signal. 1 the station still in bridgeport? 2 it was a viewable channel unitl they change programming to all paid programing (informercials 24/7) 3 that channel is a waste of airwaves.

trip, i noticed that wsah ch 43 from bridgeport is listed under nyc channel list as strongest signal.

Well, their proposed 990 kW signal has the largest range. It's somewhat misleading, but it's an automated list that's designed as a starting point for people trying to apply certain FCC rules.

1 the station still in bridgeport?

Yes.

2 it was a viewable channel unitl they change programming to all paid programing (informercials 24/7)

If you heard what I heard from the people at WSAH, you would understand exactly why they dropped RTV and why they were 100% correct to do so.

3 that channel is a waste of airwaves.

I'd like to see something useful multicast on it, even if the primary was left as infomercials. For example, WFSB could lease out a 43-3 for their current nightmare on 3-4.

- Trip

playing with the OTA again I just only hooked up my VHF at the time.. so far WABC, WPIX and WNET all work fine.

I have not kept up with this thread but I don't know if anything changed on the UHF side of things.

Actually, daylight saving time will end at 2 AM on Sunday, November 1st.

You are right, the first Sunday in November 2009 is the 1st. Maybe I was looking at the 2010 calendar?

BTW, WPXN Channel 31 also displays time correctly.

OK got my new Winegurd 3000 antenna and gave it a try. First thing i noticed is CBS,FOX single strengths have dropped a lot but the stations are watchable. I have the Wineguard on a table behind a fan right now while the Monoprice was near the top of my wall so I'm not to concerned about that. Got ABC back right away and as i held the antenna higher also got back 11 & 13 but lost it again when i put it back down. Figured i would move it around the wall, find the right spot and buy a floating shelf so it can rest on. Sad it can't be hooked to the wall but the shelf will look nice. What is that big plastic thing hooked to the antennas back, clear plastic with tape around it. How does that help? yes i know it's a bow design but don't see how it helped since the single should pass right through the clear plastic part.

Sunday afternoon I was watching football and changing channels. I noticed that 7.1 which is obviously high VHF (almost low) had a stronger signal than UHF 4.1 and 2.1 for me. It was registering solid in the mid to high 80s and the other channels were fluctuating greatly in the low 70's to mid 80's with some breakup. Fox 5.1 was a solid 91-93 as usual for me.

Just using a CM4228 UHF antenna and CM 7777 preamp.

Anyone else ssing this Sunday?

Channel 7 is my strongest high VHF channel. I noticed I can get channel 11 in the mid to high 50's if I extend one of the dipoles all the way up. Channel 7 still comes in good and channel 13 which sometimes gives me problems now comes in real good in the high 60's to low 70's.

Does anyone know if Channel 8 out of New Brunswick moved to proposed Times Square location?

Also, I've been trying to get WLIW 21 with no success. I am in Bergen County, NJ and get most of the NY/NJ channels.

no theyre not moving to 4 tsq theyre staying in nj. but you should get their signal pretty good, being on the other side of hudson. i being in queens cant get njn im blocked off by some treess and buildings. i'm hoping once the leafs are gone i can pick it up .

Does anyone know if Channel 8 out of New Brunswick moved to proposed Times Square location?

Also, I've been trying to get WLIW 21 with no success. I am in Bergen County, NJ and get most of the NY/NJ channels.

I sincerely doubt you'll manage to receive WLIW. I was sitting practically under Armstrong Tower in Alpine which has a significant height advantage and got WFTY and WLNY from Long Island but not WLIW, even though I should have had line of sight.

And as previously stated, WNJB is not moving to Times Square. Regardless, WNJN 50-1 should be available to you with the same programming.

- Trip