I take out DVDs of movies and Tv series from the library all the time once the reuns come on.

Wish I was so lucky, my local free public library charges $1.50 each for DVDs.

One of the earlier comments on the spectrum analysis charts that I posted came from ProjectSHO89:

I was kind of hoping he would chime in on my request to elaborate on that comment, but he hasn't. Now, I'm wondering about a nearby FM radio station - it's transmitting about 100 watts, but it's just a few blocks away - that has previously wreaked havoc upon my reception of an adjacent FM channel. (The offender is WYGG; the desirable adjacent station is WBGO. If you want to look at FM Fool (www.fmfool.com), I'm in the eastern section of the 07756 area code.

The Channel Master 7777 preamp that I'm using has an FM trap, which is enabled, but I could only guess that I had it tuned right - all that I had to go on was the signal strength digital bar graph on an audiophile grade separate FM tuner, and that graph wasn't granular enough for me to really be sure that I had the best settings on the FM trap. Now that I have the spectrum analyzer, which covers the FM band as well, I'm going to revisit that adjustment this weekend.

But here's a question to ponder in the meantime: could an FM broadcast overload a preamp in such a manner as to cause this intermodulation distortion which ProjectSHO89 spoke of?

I've been meaning to respond to this as best I can, but I don't feel like I know enough about it to come up with a reliable answer. I wanted to give a lengthier answer, which is most of what's taken so long, but I never really came up with anything.

The problem with a lot of these FM traps is that they try to protect channel 6, which means a signal on 88.5 might not be getting attenuated as much as it could be. I could see that causing a problem, but if it was, I would think that you'd see more issues with WABC since it would fall on the second harmonic of the 88.5 signal.

I don't know what impact it would have on intermod.

- Trip

Wish I was so lucky, my local free public library charges $1.50 each for DVDs.


In Randolph my library charges $0 for New realeases but you only have 1 day and after that there is a charge of $1 a day. For everything else you have 14 days.

I remember hearing 1080i but I can't find a source for that. I guess we'll find out in about 29 hours.

- Trip

Confirmed. I watched the switch as it happened a few seconds after midnight.

It's great I get all the Spanish channels OTA, but can no longer get WABC and WPIX since the move to VHF! :rolleyes:

Which feeds are now in 1080i/5.1? I know 41-1 and 68-1 are supposed to, how about 67-1? I hope the subchannels remained in 480i.

Thanks. =)

- Trip

Which feeds are now in 1080i/5.1? I know 41-1 and 68-1 are supposed to, how about 67-1? I hope the subchannels remained in 480i.

Thanks. =)

- Trip

Before I left, I checked and it seemed the subchannels for 41 and 68 were still in 480i.

Hey, sorry if this is a topic that has been discussed already but…is anyone else experiencing poor quality reception this week? Anyone know what's happening that's causing it? CBS, NBC and a couple of others are dropping out a lot the last week, kinda stinks. Just curious.

Thanks,
Pete

No problems here - Upper East Side, Manhattan.

In fact, NBC has better SNR % readings than usual!

I just updated that web page that I put together of screen shots from my spectrum analyzer. I added a bunch of stations that I didn't measure previously, and I also took a look at some FM radio issues that I think might be affecting my TV reception. The last four images on the second page go into that story. See:

http://www.jimrothe.com/hdtv_ota/attic/index.html

I just updated that web page that I put together of screen shots from my spectrum analyzer. I added a bunch of stations that I didn't measure previously, and I also took a look at some FM radio issues that I think might be affecting my TV reception. The last four images on the second page go into that story. See:

http://www.jimrothe.com/hdtv_ota/attic/index.html

Would you mind sharing some more details about the attic installation?

Notably, how were you able to fit the 168 inch boom of the Winegard HD7698P into what is typically small attic space? Do you have much in the way of heat/air ducts up there that could compromise reception? And what technique did you use to aim it toward ESB?

Also since I'm not familiar with the topography of the Ocean Grove area, what factors influence the 1-Edge path for W-ennnnn-BC and WWOR (it'll always be WOR-TV to me) since they are sited with the others on ESB?

Thanks for posting the information and making the screen captures available for all of us.

Hey, sorry if this is a topic that has been discussed already but…is anyone else experiencing poor quality reception this week? Anyone know what's happening that's causing it? CBS, NBC and a couple of others are dropping out a lot the last week, kinda stinks. Just curious.

Thanks,
Pete

While I'm not anywhere near you CBS and NBC have become my problem stations too. CBS used to be one of my best too. I don't have any explanation for either of us. I am using 2 antennas both of which are UHF and out doors and I seem to get 7.1 VHF better on both of them than 2.1 or 4.1.

Would you mind sharing some more details about the attic installation?

Notably, how were you able to fit the 168 inch boom of the Winegard HD7698P into what is typically small attic space?

That antenna boom comes shipped in two (three?) pieces, so it was easy enough to get up there. This particular attic runs north/south, and is about 20 ft wide at the bottom, and maybe about 5 ft high at the crest of the roof. The antenna "looks" through the gable towards Empire. The house had been re-roofed twice before I bought it, so there are three layers of shingles "shielding" (or adding to the multipath) on either side of the antenna.

Do you have much in the way of heat/air ducts up there that could compromise reception?

No heating/cooling ducts. HW Baseboard/radiator heat and window A/Cs as needed.

Aside from the aforementioned roofing shingles, there are some 120v lines under the attic floor. I haven't had the house long enough to know where they all are, but the antenna is about 30 inches off that floor so hum from the residential power lines doesn't seem to be an issue. I actually moved in after the digital transition, so I can't tell you how much of an issue that was with analog reception.

In front of the house, by the street, there are residential power, phone and cable TV lines about 25 ft in front and right in the line of sight for the antenna's view of Empire.

And what technique did you use to aim it toward ESB?

Ten dollars at any camping store will get you a cheap compass. Trial and error helped me find a sweet spot in a northern orientation where I could receive both WNJN and WLIW.

Also since I'm not familiar with the topography of the Ocean Grove area, what factors influence the 1-Edge path for W-ennnnn-BC and WWOR (it'll always be WOR-TV to me) since they are sited with the others on ESB?

Ocean Grove is a coastal community, and I'm exactly a half-mile from the beach. My house sits about 20 or 25 ft above sea level, and the attic is about another 20 or 25 ft above ground level. It's dead-flat down here, but "The Highlands" (Atlantic Highlands) has some hilly terrain about 10 or 12 miles to the north. As for WNBC and WWOR, I'm going to guess that they're both sitting pretty low on the tower. There are a few taller (20 or 30 story) apartment buildings in Asbury Park just to my north that are having some unknown contribution to multipath.

Thanks for posting the information and making the screen captures available for all of us.

As has been said before, this won't have much relevance to others outside of this immediate area, but it's the most precise data that I've seen anyone provide, and may factor into some signal strength and signal quality comparisons.

WXTV (Univision) and WFUT/WFTY (Telefutura) go HD on Monday at 12:01am . . . Also according to the article, there won't be any HD programming until the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day. . . .

Not entirely accurate ... Tuesday night, an evening soap opera called "Vecinos" ("Neighbors") was presented in 16:9 1080i on Telefutura Channel 68.1.

While I'm not anywhere near you CBS and NBC have become my problem stations too. CBS used to be one of my best too. I don't have any explanation for either of us. I am using 2 antennas both of which are UHF and out doors and I seem to get 7.1 VHF better on both of them than 2.1 or 4.1.
Hi Len, thanks for the info. I guess they must be doing something at the ESB. Hopefully it will be over very soon. CBS has been one of the best channels that I receive too, except when it goes down to about half strength and I loose most of it at 1 AM (a Lot).

You mentioned that you are using 2 antenna's. Do you do that with an ordinary splitter or do you need something else in order to do that? I've been wanting to try this so I can start getting 21.1, 21.2 and 21.3 WLIW again.

Thanks,
Pete

Will digital TV ever get over it's growing pains :confused:. In my kitchen just bought a Sylvania 19" HDTV which can't get 7,11 or 13 hooked to a Monoprice antenna. Tried a Phillips not amplified antenna from Target but same thing so returned it. On the other hand my Winguard SS3000 is doing fine in my bedroom with one exception. If i turn it to the Northwest i can get everything but 11, but if i turn it southwest i get everything but 7, :eek: go figure. If i point it straight i can't get 7 or 11 :confused: very strange. I could have the east and west confused but north and south are right :o. I'm only 13 miles from NY near Belmont Race track and still have trouble so when will ABC bust it's power along with 11 which is the lowest power station i can get coming in at 16.

While I'm not anywhere near you CBS and NBC have become my problem stations too. CBS used to be one of my best too. I don't have any explanation for either of us. I am using 2 antennas both of which are UHF and out doors and I seem to get 7.1 VHF better on both of them than 2.1 or 4.1.

I'm sure the weather has played a part in the poor reception this past week of the Nov 30 - Dec 4.

Hi Len, thanks for the info. I guess they must be doing something at the ESB. Hopefully it will be over very soon. CBS has been one of the best channels that I receive too, except when it goes down to about half strength and I loose most of it at 1 AM (a Lot).

You mentioned that you are using 2 antenna's. Do you do that with an ordinary splitter or do you need something else in order to do that? I've been wanting to try this so I can start getting 21.1, 21.2 and 21.3 WLIW again.

Thanks,
Pete

I have a CM4228 and CM7777 preamp mounted outside on my chimney. Then I found a small UHF bowtie lying around and also mounted that with a CM7777 preamp lower down on the chimney. Each antenna feeds separately. One into my PalDVR with HDMI to TV and the Other as a coax feed into TV. I also send the CM4228 to 2 upstairs TVs.

I was combining them at one point with a splitter in reverse but 2.1 and 4.1 have become so bad that I had to stop that. It seems I get 2.1 and 4.1 better with the UHF bowtie and all the other channels better with the CM4228. Go figure.

I also just completed a home built (calling it LENHD) with the help of AKAhooper and just did a small test and it looks to be as good or better than the CM4228 and UHF bowtie without the preamp.

time is 8 am. Anyone confirm?

I rarely can get this station since the transition.

My TV, per usual, is receiving a low grade signal, one that's not strong enough for actual reception.

" time is 8 am. Anyone confirm? "
Yes, the ION31-1 had some issues, but what I found funny was that the other subch. were running regualar programming, the 31-3 movie channel was doing its re-
peats of Harry Crumb (Candy comedy) then Heat(Al+ deNirro),alo.

"I also just completed a home built (calling it LENHD) with the help of AKAhooper "
Please, please don't tell me your LENHD is patent pending, is it?

time is 8 am. Anyone confirm?

Saturday 12/12/09 8AM. I get 31.1 good, but not the subs. So I don't know what is going on. Kids miss QUBO.

Saturday 12/12/09 8AM. I get 31.1 good, but not the subs. So I don't know what is going on. Kids miss QUBO.

Same here. Also weak signal on UHF 36 (47.1) below reception threshold.

Same here. Also weak signal on UHF 36 (47.1).

36 is having a problem.

On one tuner (DirecTV OTA) - nothing!

TV tuner - very low SNR%, too low to provide reception!!!!

I have a CM4228 and CM7777 preamp mounted outside on my chimney. Then I found a small UHF bowtie lying around and also mounted that with a CM7777 preamp lower down on the chimney. Each antenna feeds separately. One into my PalDVR with HDMI to TV and the Other as a coax feed into TV. I also send the CM4228 to 2 upstairs TVs.

I was combining them at one point with a splitter in reverse but 2.1 and 4.1 have become so bad that I had to stop that. It seems I get 2.1 and 4.1 better with the UHF bowtie and all the other channels better with the CM4228. Go figure.


Not surprised. I get pretty good reception with my bowtie 25 miles out from NYC, pictured here.

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

Same here, AM only 31-1 with pixelation the 3subs good signal NoVideo/Audio, at noon
everything back to normal for all 4 of 31-IOn. good signal PQ no pixelation.
But 47/36 was gone,yesterday too

Wondering if anyone uses TVGOS for any devices? I have a DVR Pal and it seems WABC since yesterday hasn't been showing up with TVGOS data. I know users of the PAL in other cities are also having issues with ABC data.

Is anyone that uses TVGOS for a device other then the DVR Pal getting WABC data?

To those who know - My pc Monitor has shrunk, about 2 inch wide strip of color display from top to bottom shows, the rest on each side black. 1997 model, the controls at bottom work only within the lightened 2inch wide strip. From your experience - is it
garbage? Is there a way to restore It ? Somehow to demagnetize? What you think?

While I'm not anywhere near you CBS and NBC have become my problem stations too. CBS used to be one of my best too. I don't have any explanation for either of us. I am using 2 antennas both of which are UHF and out doors and I seem to get 7.1 VHF better on both of them than 2.1 or 4.1.

CBS is coming in fine, but NBC has been dead for a while now. I even tried reorienting my antenna, but nothing. Anyone have good info on if NBC is doing anything with its signal?

I remember seeing announcement on ion 31.1 few days back, that their signal is gonna improve significantly probably meaning that their doing work on headend, its probably going HD :)

31.1 went HD a while ago!

Same here, AM only 31-1 with pixelation the 3subs good signal NoVideo/Audio, at noon
everything back to normal for all 4 of 31-IOn. good signal PQ no pixelation.
But 47/36 was gone,yesterday too

Same story again this morning with Ion. It was perfect last night but pretty weak again this morning. (All my other stations are coming in full strength per usual so its nothing to do with me or my antenna.)

For the last couple of days, Telemundo (47.1) has been coming in at about 80% signal, but it is a black screen with no sound. Now, the same is happening with 34.1, which has a signal strength of 100%, but no audio or video. This also happens often to 17-3 (which usually broadcasts a color bar test pattern).

Does anyone know what could cause lack of video and audio while the signal strength is very good? Is this a transmission problem?

I remember seeing announcement on ion 31.1 few days back, that their signal is gonna improve significantly probably meaning that their doing work on headend, its probably going HD :)

Did Ion offer specifics as to timing? Also, what is a "headend"? I apologize in advance for my ignorance (I was unable to find an answer using google.)

"I also just completed a home built (calling it LENHD) with the help of AKAhooper "
Please, please don't tell me your LENHD is patent pending, is it?

No I just had to give it a name like some others do who build their own (MClapp). Sort of unique branding for a unique design but it is not going to be sold...unless when I get done testing it I find I have something special. Right now it sits in my garage until the weather greatly improves and I can mount it on my chimney for some testing. I had it outside briefly sitting on the grouind and the results were very good. It is no an indoor antenna although it could be put in an attic.

That was some bad atmospherics today.

At one time or another, I lost 27(54.1), 36(47.1), and 48(48.1) from my location. But they have all returned as of 7PM this evening.

Does anyone know when 34(34.1) will begin service on 4 in VHF-Lo? How about the power boost on WLIW-21?

LenL - since you consider the attic as reception area, I am sure you have additional space there, have you considered to put there sort of zone made of mirrors (or glass or plexi with the other side darkened, even aluminium) to reflect into the antena and to create additional electro magnetic fields of congested signals centered at/ directed into the Ant.?

LenL - since you consider the attic as reception area, I am sure you have additional space there, have you considered to put there sort of zone made of mirrors (or glass or plexi with the other side darkened, even aluminium) to reflect into the antena and to create additional electro magnetic fields of congested signals centered at/ directed into the Ant.?

I suppose the attic works for many people but for me given the terrain, and distance from ESB I would only mount it there as a last resort. My homebuilt antenna can be put in an attic but I will mount it outside.

I just got NBC back today. High 80s! Go figure.

For the last couple of days, Telemundo (47.1) has been coming in at about 80% signal, but it is a black screen with no sound. Now, the same is happening with 34.1, which has a signal strength of 100%, but no audio or video. This also happens often to 17-3 (which usually broadcasts a color bar test pattern).

Does anyone know what could cause lack of video and audio while the signal strength is very good? Is this a transmission problem?

Multipath.
Your measured signal level is the sum [desired signal]+[multipath] and, depending on the equalizer of your Rx, the multipath, depending on its nature, may or may not be attenuated. Either way it becomes destructive noise that throws your video & audio over the digital cliff.

...." no audio or video. This also happens often to 17-3 (which usually broadcasts a color bar test pattern)."
K Media MBC17-3 is listed as HD but it never broadcast, color bars.17-4 KRadio.
The GlobalChristianBroadcast 17-1 and Korean English subt.17-2 are SD

For the first time ever, I'm able to pull in WABC 7 and WNET 13 with a pair of rabbit ears being 35 miles from NYC. Still can't get WPIX or Fox 5 (Channel 44) though. Have they both boosted their signals any?

No!

Although 7 has applied for an increase in power - hasn't been granted yet, if ever!

...." no audio or video. This also happens often to 17-3 (which usually broadcasts a color bar test pattern)."
K Media MBC17-3 is listed as HD but it never broadcast, color bars.17-4 KRadio.
The GlobalChristianBroadcast 17-1 and Korean English subt.17-2 are SD

They're broadcasting a 17-4?

- Trip

No!

Although 7 has applied for an increase in power - hasn't been granted yet, if ever!

Probably never will either since WNJB won't be moving to 4TS.

Probably never will be since WNJB won't be moving to 4TS.

Bingo!

Now if RF45 was still available (is it BTW?) maybe, just maybe WABC would come to their senses and move back there... IF it's still available.

WABC, if it came to its senses to give up its mythical "7," could recapture it.

I'm pretty sure 45 is no longer available to WABC due to the presence of WLIG-CA seeking displacement from 26 to 45.

- Trip

They chopped off too many stations off UHF. Starting at channel 52 is pathetic. They should have started at channel 59 or 60. Because of this you have too many digital and low power analog stations crammed into many channel spots so if a station tries to move like WPVI in Philadelphia they can't and are stuck in low VHF.

Trip - 17-4is only radio/audio in korean but no sound.alo

The biggest thing that annoys me about digital is that one day a station can be strong and stable and then the next day without even touching or moving the antenna it is weak and a breakup mess. The offenders are RF's 11, 28, 30, 36 and 51.

They chopped off too many stations off UHF. Starting at channel 52 is pathetic. They should have started at channel 59 or 60. Because of this you have too many digital and low power analog stations crammed into many channel spots so if a station tries to move like WPVI in Philadelphia they can't and are stuck in low VHF.

And yet the FCC wants even more.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1192114

"Originally Posted by Ken H
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/11/2009

The National Association of Broadcasters is calling on stations to take their case directly to viewers for the value of their service, as the drumbeat in Washington for reclaiming broadcast spectrum grows louder by the day...

On the same day the NAB email went out, the FCC named its first Distinguished Scholar in Residence, Duke Law Professor Stuart Benjamin, to ponder spectrum and First Amendment issues. That pick had some broadcasters seeing red, given his writings suggesting, only partly in jest he says, that broadcasters should be regulated out of existence by any means necessary so that their spectrum could be given over to wireless broadband."


That Benjamin guy is a complete ass wanting to throw away the 70 year broadcasting industry just for useless wireless broadband so more teens can get on Facebook and Twitter while hitting people from behind in traffic. People like him think we should be dependant on the internet for absolutely everything and not having anything seperate from it. This moron is dangerous and yet the FCC chooses him...so much for being "guardians' of the spectrum.

They chopped off too many stations off UHF. Starting at channel 52 is pathetic. They should have started at channel 59 or 60. Because of this you have too many digital and low power analog stations crammed into many channel spots so if a station tries to move like WPVI in Philadelphia they can't and are stuck in low VHF.

they should get rid off low power stations, does anybody really watch their programming, so pathetic. just my opinion.

they should get rid off low power stations, does anybody really watch their programming, so pathetic. just my opinion.

You do realize that in some markets the LP stations are actually network affiliates? So, in those markets, someone does watch it. Also, there are actually more LP stations and translators than Full power stations.

In case you wanted to know,Ch.68-1 Telefutura is HD 1920x1080i at 30hz. the same as 47-1Telemundo.
68-2 Univision41 runs input 720x480i.
It's too much trouble to access 41,may loose other like 31ion, I suppose that in reverse way 41-1 Univ.would be HD and 41-2(Telefutura68-1) would be 720x480i.

Also the government is doing squat with channels 52 to 69. I can't believe HSN is still on the air in analog on channel 60 6 months after the transition. That tells me that it is a waste.

..." they should get rid off low power stations, does anybody really watch their programming, so pathetic. just my opinion."
Ch.34-1 CVwhatever is low power, but I am sure the haitians love to watch their Port-au-Prince 1hr. daily News, and the spanish antics wish I could understand, no cc3/CS2

Also the government is doing squat with channels 52 to 69. I can't believe HSN is still on the air in analog on channel 60 6 months after the transition. That tells me that it is a waste.


govt got billions on the spectrum from at&t and verizon. its them (not the govt) that will be doing something with that expensive spectrum. so its NOT a waste.

Ch.34-1 CV whatever is low power, but I am sure the haitians love to watch their Port-au-Prince 1hr. daily News, and the spanish antics wish I could understand, no cc3/CS2

Does 34-1 broadcast anything but infomercials? They used to have programming on from about 4pm to 10pm but for the past 2 weeks or so, it seems to be only infomercials.

Also their website has been down for a month or more....

Does 34-1 broadcast anything but infomercials? They used to have programming on from about 4pm to 10pm but for the past 2 weeks or so, it seems to be only infomercials.

Also their website has been down for a month or more....

Few weeks ago 34-1 had serious breakdown, yellow or pink screen only, it
seems that they are back to normal, in the mornings they used to run usually haitian News, at noon also news from Spain, as you said lot's of infomercials,
at night they had Infieles, but lately I didn't have time to see what they show. alo

Hey, did everyone else lose FOX-5 today?

Few weeks ago 34-1 had serious breakdown, yellow or pink screen only, it seems that they are back to normal, in the mornings they used to run usually haitian News, at noon also news from Spain, as you said lot's of infomercials, at night they had Infieles, but lately I didn't have time to see what they show. alo

What about that dumb show with Lucky the clown (El Show de Lucky) and the precocious kids that sing that "Happy Birthday, Cha, Cha, Cha" song.

Depressing that I can get 34-1, but I usually can't get 11-1. Sometimes I can't even get 7-1 or 13-1. :(

it's been 6 months since the switch and I wonder how much this reception problem bothers the ABC executives... do they consider it a minor loss in Viewership or a major blunder?

it seems that the FCC will neither grant them a power increase nor a second transmitter.... what's plan "c" for those unfortunate souls?

Did Ion offer specifics as to timing? Also, what is a "headend"? I apologize in advance for my ignorance (I was unable to find an answer using google.)

Anyone have any update as to timing of improving their reception? Someone mentioned that they remember hearing on an Ion broadcast that Ion plans on making improvements to their signal. Thanks.

Ion has upped its power using its auxiliary antenna on the ESB.

The planned major work, moving to the station's new digital antenna further up on the ESB's Antenna Mast is yet to be completed. It was supposed to have been operational this past August. The station had informed the FCC that it would miss that date - we're all still waiting. Once the transition took place, I lost my ability to receive the station!

Don't know if this is directly related to the problem, but Ion has been in receivership for a while - it declared bankruptcy. With all the OTA stations Ion owns, the financial strains of the transition must have been a tremendous financial burden.

Ion has upped its power using its auxiliary antenna on the ESB.

The planned major work, moving to the station's new digital antenna further up on the ESB's Antenna Mast is yet to be completed. It was supposed to have been operational this past August. The station had informed the FCC that it would miss that date - we're all still waiting. Once the transition took place, I lost my ability to receive the station!

Don't know if this is directly related to the problem, but Ion has been in receivership for a while - it declared bankruptcy. With all the OTA stations Ion owns, the financial strains of the transition must have been a tremendous financial strain.

thx for the info. I appreciate it. for some reason, after being reliable for months, my ion signal has gone mia the last few weeks while all my other signals have remained reliable. I wonder why this happened? (My daughter loves Qubo so that is why I care so much)

I got ION for about a week weak in the high 40's to low 50's with lots of breakup but since yesterday I lost it again. Back to the low 20's with only a black screen saying low signal.

Is it just me or are others not getting any PSIP info from the WNET-13 stations?

I'm using a DTV Pal DVR and since Thurs or Fri I get no information for the 3 stations.

I got ION for about a week weak in the high 40's to low 50's with lots of breakup but since yesterday I lost it again. Back to the low 20's with only a black screen saying low signal.

He was very friendly and told me that they are in the midst of "switching buildings" and currently are NOT broadcasting at full strength as a result. However, he said that by New Year's at the latest, ION will be broadcasting at full strength stronger than before. Great news for my children as they are missing watching Qubo.

"Switching Buildings"?????????????????

Huh?????

I look forward to once again being able to receive this station.

By the New Year would be great - that's just some 10 days!

Ion's petition to get out of bankruptcy was just denied by the court!

Any bets????

"Switching Buildings"?????????????????

Huh?????

I look forward to once again being able to receive this station.

By the New Year would be great - that's just some 10 days!

Ion's petition to get out of bankruptcy was just denied by the court!

Any bets????

Snell -

The gentleman I spoke to really seemed very confident. He said that they are merely "breaking down some equipment" and re-assembling it in a new building. He said they are actively working on it today. I have no reason to doubt him. (Of course, I also wouldn't be shocked-to-death if I turn on my TV on Jan 1 and am still unable to pick up ION. Although I am not a bankruptcy lawyer, I doubt that there is any direct connection between ION's bankruptcy petition and the work being done by them.

How does WPXN pay for its promised new transmission facility on the ESB?

It's been delayed since August! I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't a connection between Ion's financial difficulties and the delay in improving its signal.

I really do look forward to the station making improvements.

How does WPXN pay for its promised new transmission facility on the ESB?

It's been delayed since August! I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't a connection between Ion's financial difficulties and the delay in improving its signal.

I really do look forward to the station making improvements.

Snell -

I just saw the following press release from earlier this morning:


ION Media Networks Completes Financial Restructuring
Posted : Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:28:39 GMT
Author : ION Media Networks, Inc.
Category : Press Release
News Alerts by Email ( click here )
Press Release News | Home



NEW YORK - (Business Wire) ION Media Networks, Inc. ("ION"), owner and operator of the ION Television, qubo, and ION Life broadcast networks, today announced that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring. The company also announced that it has received all necessary approvals from the Federal Communications Commission for the ownership change pursuant to its plan of reorganization.

In a brief and seamless restructuring process, the company was able to eliminate over $2.7 billion in legacy debt and preferred stock claims. ION emerges debt-free and with equity growth funding from its owners, which include Avenue Capital, Black Diamond Capital, and Trilogy Capital as the three largest holders backing the company’s plan.

“We are pleased about completing our financial restructuring so smoothly and appreciate the support of our stakeholders and employees,” said Brandon Burgess, ION's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Emerging debt-free with $150 million in growth funding will allow us to further build our TV content brands, as well as develop the value of our digital spectrum and technology assets.”

ION has emerged from Chapter 11 under its Fourth Modified Joint Plan of Reorganization, which was confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on December 3, 2009.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to ION and Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor in connection with the restructuring.

About ION Media Networks

ION Media Networks, Inc. owns and operates the nation’s largest broadcast television station group and ION Television, which reaches over 96 million U.S. television households via its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. It features popular TV series and movies from the award-winning libraries of CBS Television, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros., among others. Using its DTV spectrum capacity, the Company has launched new digital TV brands, including qubo, the nation’s only nationwide over-the-air kids network, and ION Life, a channel dedicated to active living and personal growth. It also has launched Open Mobile Ventures Corporation, a unit focused on the development of portable, mobile and out-of-home transmission technology using over-the-air digital television spectrum. For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by that Act. In addition, forward-looking statements may be made orally in the future by or on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terms such as “expects,” “should,” “may,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “will,” and other future tense and forward-looking terminology. There can be no assurance as to the actual results of the undertakings described herein. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



For ION Media Networks, Inc.
Abernathy MacGregor
Lex Suvanto / Adam Miller, 212-371-5999
lex@abmac.com
alm@abmac.com

Your information is later than mine.

I'm glad that Ion has this pall lifted.

I've been scratching my head about the delay in the station's authorized move to the ESB's Antenna Mast - 1302' with 349kW ERP.

When WPXN made the transition to digital 31 (from Channel 30), it elected to
use its analog antenna location on the Mooring Mast - 1181' with 100kW ERP.

It recently spent time and money to up the ERP to 180kW still using the interim facility at 1181' instead of migrating up to the Antenna Mast with
359kW.

The station has delayed the move - it was suppose to have happened last August. Why?????

My frustration is that I cannot receive the station since its "temporary" move to its lower location.

I hope all that you've heard from Ion is will occur by the New Year.

What I got ION for a week it was the first time I was able to receive it. I could not get it pre transition on RF 30 and not post transition on RF 31.

If they will move and boost power on new years would be great but as I learned with digital reception I am not hopeful I will still be able to get it.

On Friday,12/11 WYBE (Channel 35 RF) moved its antenna to a top mounted position on the tall "candelabra" tower in Roxborough (Philadelphia, PA) and increased its power to 450 kW ERP. Prior to the move, they were stationed on a sidemount antenna, transmitting at just 150kW ERP, barely getting out of the Market. I am in the southern-most county of the NY DMA in NJ and am now receiving them at a 94% signal level.

The new signal is circularly polarized. This is a good thing for (among other things) the up and coming Mobile DTV. If you are interested in more on this geeky polarization stuff pls paste the following link into your browser:

naob-advocacy.informz.net/naob-advocacy/archives/archive_548179.html


I see that there are a number of "in the know" OTA folks on the NY OTA site. If it's not too much trouble, and if you have the ability to steer your antenna toward the Philly antenna farm... I would like to ask you to a few questions regarding your OTA WYBE (Channel 35) signal:

What is your % signal level?
What is your zip code?
What OTA equipment (receiver and antenna) are you using?


My household's WYBE signal information is as follows:

Zip = 08512 (I'm about 45-50 miles from the transmitter)
Current Signal Level = 94%

My equipment is a Panasonic Viera Plasma HD TV with an ATSC tuner, a rooftop Wingard 9095P Yagi antenna with a Winegard AP-4700 preamp.

There's no need to get too techy... but would really appreciate your replying with whatever you can regarding your WYBE signal.

My name is Bob. I am a friend to this station (and other commercial and non-commercial / independent broadcasters). I can also be found at BroadcasterConsulting.com.

Thank you!

I've been scratching my head about the delay in the station's authorized move to the ESB's Antenna Mast - 1302' with 349kW ERP.

When WPXN made the transition to digital 31 (from Channel 30), it elected to
use its analog antenna location on the Mooring Mast - 1181' with 100kW ERP.


1302' would be 1.5' above the dome (mooring mast) relative to mean sea level and 50' higher relative to ground level.
There is no space for D31 antenna in either location.
Perhaps after the old analog antennas are removed...whenever that happens...

1302' would be 1.5' above the dome (mooring mast) relative to mean sea level and 50' higher relative to ground level.
There is no space for D31 antenna in either location.
Perhaps after the old analog antennas are removed...whenever that happens...

1302' (397 m) refers to the FCC's measurement of HAAT - Height Above Average Terrain which is clearly more than 1.5' above the Mooring Mast's dome.

Putting that aside, what makes no sense to me, is that the station's filing with the FCC speficies this height. But what I can't understand is that this is the exact location of WCBS's side-mounted antenna that is used as the UHF Combiner.

Additionally, WPXN's filing calls for a directional pattern - so, with my limited RF engineering knowledge, with the UHF Combiner's antenna being non-directional, the station could not become a part of this Combiner.

It's all spelled out and there as part of FCC public records!

I'm at a loss.

I've e-mailed the station with questions and no response yet. Hope their engineers are too busy because they're trying to improve the signal.

1302' (397 m) refers to the FCC's measurement of HAAT - Height Above Average Terrain which is clearly more than 1.5' above the Mooring Mast's dome.

Putting that aside, what makes no sense to me, is that the station's filing with the FCC speficies this height. But what I can't understand is that this is the exact location of WCBS's side-mounted antenna that is used as the UHF Combiner.

Additionally, WPXN's filing calls for a directional pattern - so, with my limited RF engineering knowledge, with the UHF Combiner's antenna being non-directional, the station could not become a part of this Combiner.

It's all spelled out and there as part of FCC public records!

I'm at a loss.

I've e-mailed the station with questions and no response yet. Hope their engineers are too busy because they're trying to improve the signal.

On 12/17/08 the FCC granted WPXN a construction permit for 349KW ERP from 397M AAT using directional mast mounted antennas having their radiation center at 395M above ground. The base elevation of Empire State Bldg. is 15.5M AMSL and overall height of Empire's transmitting mast is 443M above ground. Their application included a sketch.

That is what they hope for but this entire aperture is occupied by other antennas, VHF,UHF & FM. So don't expect D31 antenna above the dome in the near future, let alone by Xmas 2009

You forget that a lot of hardware from the analog days has been and will continue to be removed.

Additional stations have applied to move farther up the Antenna Mast some are -
WNYW, WWOR and WNJU.

To my knowledge all of the analog TV antennas are still on the mast. None removed.

Anyone else now getting Channel 64.1?

My aunt says it just came on for her.

I found this information:

WASA-LP is a low-power television station in Port Jervis, New York, serving the New York City market as an independent station on channel 64. WASA is owned by Venture Technologies Group, LLC. The station broadcasts its analog signal from its transmitter east of Lake Mohawk, New Jersey.

In April 2009 it was announced that it would sell this station to Liberman Broadcasting for $6 Million, making NYC the 6th market to be served by Liberman if the sale is approved by the Federal Communications Commission

I can NOT find this station on TVfool or on TV listings?

I was told they are showing music bands and also have a city picture on 64.2 with no sound.

Anyone else seeing this?

Was this station always on digital (and my aunt could not pick it up with the antenna) or is this station new for digital?



PS This station is in English.

If taken over by Liberman. Looks like more Spanish stations are coming

http://www.lbimedia.com/

Interesting, since Liberman owns Spanish-language Estrella TV...

- Trip

Interesting, since Liberman owns Spanish-language Estrella TV...

- Trip

Hey Trip, Happy Holidays to you and family.

Yes very interesting. I wonder if you guys in the know could find out if the acquisition was finalized? Only announced in April of this year.

Are you picking this station up? So far just music band from the 60's, 70's , 80's. Says my aunt.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

I'm not in the area yet, give me another week and a half. I'll be looking for it so I can add the listing to RabbitEars.

It was granted by the FCC in May. They've not yet closed the sale, though. They've filed two 90 day extensions (one in August and one in November). I assume Liberman wants the signal on the air before the deal is closed. Plus, isn't Estrella on a subchannel of WPIX now?

Any chance the programming is from The Cool TV?

- Trip

Merry Christmas to you as well.

I'm not in the area yet, give me another week and a half. I'll be looking for it so I can add the listing to RabbitEars.

It was granted by the FCC in May. They've not yet closed the sale, though. They've filed two 90 day extensions (one in August and one in November). I assume Liberman wants the signal on the air before the deal is closed. Plus, isn't Estrella on a subchannel of WPIX now?

Any chance the programming is from The Cool TV?

- Trip
I have not seen it yet. Just what my Aunt told me. What is The COOL TV?

My Aunt was happy it was an English station. Since she does not speak Spanish. I told her the format might/will change.

We are still waiting for a movie station. Still nothing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cool_TV

- Trip

"Plus, isn't Estrella on a subchannel of WPIX now?"


Si!

SiliconDust now sees WASA-LD.

- Trip

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cool_TV

- Trip

It could be. I will ask her to look to see how many hours a day it has music.

She was so excited to have a new station and in a language she could understand. Even though she does watch a Spanish Soap Opera. She says she understands the major points.

FYI- She has no problem with ION and never has. Funny how others here are having trouble with it.

I can see it. Signal strength same as WNBC. Currently PSIP is also (incorrectly) set to 25. Sub 1 is showing infomercials and Sub 2 is showing NYC scenery slideshow.

48.2 ceased showing CCTV-9 on December 21. It has been replaced by Arirang TV. According to the Arirang TV website, programming should have launched August 12 on 48.3

http://www.arirang.co.kr/prroom/2009_Arirang_DTV/introduction.asp?sys_lang=Eng

Arirang TV is the English Service of The Korea International Broadcasting Corporation based in Seoul, Republic of Korea (South Korea).

I can see it. Signal strength same as WNBC. Currently PSIP is also (incorrectly) set to 25. Sub 1 is showing infomercials and Sub 2 is showing NYC scenery slideshow.

Was it there before or a new digital station?

On Friday,12/11 WYBE (Channel 35 RF) moved its antenna to a top mounted position on the tall "candelabra" tower in Roxborough (Philadelphia, PA) and increased its power to 450 kW ERP. Prior to the move, they were stationed on a sidemount antenna, transmitting at just 150kW ERP, barely getting out of the Market. I am in the southern-most county of the NY DMA in NJ and am now receiving them at a 94% signal level.

The new signal is circularly polarized. This is a good thing for (among other things) the up and coming Mobile DTV. If you are interested in more on this geeky polarization stuff pls paste the following link into your browser:

naob-advocacy.informz.net/naob-advocacy/archives/archive_548179.html


I see that there are a number of "in the know" OTA folks on the NY OTA site. If it's not too much trouble, and if you have the ability to steer your antenna toward the Philly antenna farm... I would like to ask you to a few questions regarding your OTA WYBE (Channel 35) signal:

What is your % signal level?
What is your zip code?
What OTA equipment (receiver and antenna) are you using?


My household's WYBE signal information is as follows:

Zip = 08512 (I'm about 45-50 miles from the transmitter)
Current Signal Level = 94%

My equipment is a Panasonic Viera Plasma HD TV with an ATSC tuner, a rooftop Wingard 9095P Yagi antenna with a Winegard AP-4700 preamp.

There's no need to get too techy... but would really appreciate your replying with whatever you can regarding your WYBE signal.

My name is Bob. I am a friend to this station (and other commercial and non-commercial / independent broadcasters). I can also be found at BroadcasterConsulting.com.

Thank you!

My apartment is in mid-town Manhattan (area code 10019). I am receiving 35.3, 35.4, 35.5 and 35.6. I have a Sony Bravia TV and a Radio Shack indoor bow-tie antenna. I am on the 56th floor facing South. The signal strength peaks at 38 with no drop outs. For your information, I also receive 26.1 (KYW-TV) which peaks at 43. Since I am so high up, I think my situation is somewhat unique for mid-town Manhattan.

Wow! Do you receive any other out-of-market stations up there?

Wow! Do you receive any other out-of-market stations up there?

The only other out of market station I receive with some regularity is WCAU from Philadelphia on 34.3, 34.4 and 34.5. Before the transition, I also used to receive WPVI but since they moved to RF channel 6 there has been no sign of them.

I also can receive some stations in the New York market that I do not think people in Manhattan normally receive including WRNN on channel 48, WEDW on channel 49, WTBY on channel 54, WMBC on channel 63 and WFME on channel 66.

Receiving Philadelphia's WYBE - RF 35 - in Midtown Manhattan with a Bow tie antenna... WOW!!

Thank you for the info!!

That is what they hope for but this entire aperture is occupied by other antennas, VHF,UHF & FM. So don't expect D31 antenna above the dome in the near future, let alone by Xmas 2009

Is is possible to interleave different antennas? (From these photos that Scott Fybush has published it looks like multiple antennas share the same aperture on Empire's mast.)

How long does the FCC allow WPXN to install and activate their new antenna? Has WPXN released a date or is that conjecture or wishful thinking?

The only station I and still can only receive with that cruddy Radio Shack indoor bow-tie antenna is that cruddy WFME. Heck a paper clip with a string can probably receive WFME where I live.

Is is possible to interleave different antennas? (From these photos that Scott Fybush has published it looks like multiple antennas share the same aperture on Empire's mast.)

How long does the FCC allow WPXN to install and activate their new antenna? Has WPXN released a date or is that conjecture or wishful thinking?

Interleaving is not practical in this case because the mast above the dome is already at its mechanical load limit and interleaving would degrade the coverage of any existing active DTV or FM antenna at the location where WPXN would be interleaved. When some or all of the nonactive analog TV antennas are removed, mast capacity and aperture for a new WPXN antenna could become available. But as I noted earlier, so far none of the analog TV antennas have been removed from the mast above the dome.

I don't think the FCC will interfere with the status quo as long as WPXN tries to improve...I'm not aware of any date released or planned by WPXN [I'm not an insider]. My guess is that as far as going higher at ESB, it's not going to happen soon.

As the aunt did and as Pantrychef has said - Add on Scan will give you ch.64 LD Port Jervis, NY attached to 25. then
25-1 TBA WASA-LD/LP 704x480 at 30Hz Infomercials
25-2 '' ''' '''' Slideshow
25-3 WNYE1-25.1
25-4 '' .2
However the ch.64 becomes disengaged from 25 finding own slot at 64-1.2.; using iNet 1921 Access SSR conv. box.
Merry and blessed Christmas to all of you,alo.

Interleaving is not practical in this case because the mast above the dome is already at its mechanical load limit and interleaving would degrade the coverage of any existing active DTV or FM antenna at the location where WPXN would be interleaved. When some or all of the nonactive analog TV antennas are removed, mast capacity and aperture for a new WPXN antenna could become available. But as I noted earlier, so far none of the analog TV antennas have been removed from the mast above the dome.

I don't think the FCC will interfere with the status quo as long as WPXN tries to improve...I'm not aware of any date released or planned by WPXN [I'm not an insider]. My guess is that as far as going higher at ESB, it's not going to happen soon.

WPXN's granted application (12/17/08) to move to 397 m (HAAT) on the Antenna Mast clearly indicates in its Figure 1 illustration the presence of 2 side mounted antennas. As had been mentioned previously, this exact height is the location of the WCBS Combiner which also accommodates WNBC and WWOR. The WCBS Combiner uses only 1 side mounted antenna, the additional fill-in antennas to make up for a side mounted antenna's inability to truly provide an non-directional signal - the mast is in the way, are located well below at 310 m.

WPXN's 1/21/09 filing specifically mentions the dates of 2/18 - 8/18/09 as the period in which it would be using its existing analog auxiliary antenna. Obviously, the station is way behind in its move.

Other filings talk about the master antenna - which to me means the Combiner.

Is the station planning to add an additional side mounted antenna adjoining the current one at 377 m?

Will it become a new member of the UHF Combiner group?

I would think an additional side mounted antenna would be a further detriment to 33, 28 and 38's non-directional pattern.

WPXN's granted application calls for a directional pattern. In my limited knowledge, a combined antenna can't have 3 stations emitting a
non-directional and 1 transmitting a directional pattern.

This is all very strange and confusing.

The station still hasn't answered my questions.

Most importantly, I still can't receive WPXN!

WPXN's granted application calls for a directional pattern. In my limited knowledge, a combined antenna can't have 3 stations emitting a
non-directional and 1 transmitting a directional pattern.


Not quite. WPXN could reduce its power to 1/4 of authorized and then join WCBS, WNBC and WWOR on the common non-directional antenna. At that power they will protect the Hartford station.
I think this would be a reasonable interim solution. I think it would serve them better than staying 100 feet lower and on the side of ESB with undesired forced (by the building) directional pattern...

Just about all of my OTA stations were coming in at mid 80s or better. In fact except for a few that were mid 80's most were in the mid 90's or better. I even had a few hit 100%. I looked at the Tropo website and there was nothing abnormal about Wed.

So did anyone else experience great reception? Or was it just isolated to my CM4228 antenna and my house?

Not quite. WPXN could reduce its power to 1/4 of authorized and then join WCBS, WNBC and WWOR on the common non-directional antenna. At that power they will protect the Hartford station.
I think this would be a reasonable interim solution. I think it would serve them better than staying 100 feet lower and on the side of ESB with undesired forced (by the building) directional pattern...

ION appears to be back to normal (i.e., how it was a few weeks back). Only time will tell if this is permanent or or not. Maybe the multipath from Santa's sleigh is helping.

Channel 13 has been bad lately for me. I get it in high 50's to 60's but it keeps breaking up for a second. Very annoying trying to watch something with it breaking up for a second. You miss what they are going to say. During the summer I did not have this problem. I find that the high VHF band does that to much. The UHF channels don't have that problem.

So it looks like Santa brought us a New (kinda new) station on channel 64.1 64.2

Not really a movie channel we were hoping. Maybe in the new year?

I'm trying to adjust the reception to better pick up this new 64 station clearly. But what sort of programming is on it that might make it worth it?

64.1 - Infomercials

64.2 - Slide show of NYC scenes

Just what we all wanted and needed!

Where is the 64.1 stations broadcast from? Is it a LP station? Any idea what their future plans are for the stations?

The station's transmitter is located at the Conde Nast Building - known as 4TS.

I don't know about its future programming plans.

You could always call the station.

It must be a very low power station. I just scanned for new channels on my DTVPal DVR and it didn't find it. My outdoor antenna is pointed to NYC and I get all the other NY stations in the high 90's. I'm in northeast Middlesex County, NJ zip 07008.

15Kw ERP.

NOOB!

I just got 64 here in western nassau/queens line.

Anyone have any developments on WLIW? I'm sort of in the boat of commenters on this WLIW comments page:

(First post can not post URL)

If I futz around with a cheapo bow-tie rabbit ears combo I can get a shaky WLIW signal. Perhaps a better indoor antenna to alternate with my new Winegard up on the chimney will fix the problem.

One Saturday morning I actually did get a crystal clear WPXU (channel 12) signal. Didn't last long though. Perhaps it was some kind of test signal.

I also lost WNYZ not long ago, not that I really miss it. My Winegard has no VHF-lo elements. Is it still out there?

It must be a very low power station. I just scanned for new channels on my DTVPal DVR and it didn't find it. My outdoor antenna is pointed to NYC and I get all the other NY stations in the high 90's. I'm in northeast Middlesex County, NJ zip 07008.

I'm 30 miles west and I get it quite well for it being low power.

The station's [WXXX/64] transmitter is located at the Conde Nast Building - known as 4TS.


WASA/64 is licensed to Port Jervis. From 4TS, its 15 kW facility doesn't reach the community of license with a 51 dbU signal.

Could someone provide a refresher on service contour requirements for low-power television stations?

Could someone provide a refresher on service contour requirements for low-power television stations?

There aren't any.

- Trip

There aren't any [service contour requirements for the community of license for LPTV].


To what illogical extreme will the FCC permit this?

For instance could an low power station erect an antenna on ESB but use, say, Charlotte Court House, VA as its community of license?

To what illogical extreme will the FCC permit this?

For instance could an low power station erect an antenna on ESB but use, say, Charlotte Court House, VA as its community of license?

No!

But according to the FCC, Port Jervis, Orange County, New York, the "home" of WASA is a part of Nielsen's New York DMA and has the right to place its antenna on West 42nd Street in Manhattan.

If it were not a low-power station, it could demand carriage by cable and satellite services providing local stations' signals in the NY DMA.

To what illogical extreme will the FCC permit this?

For instance could an low power station erect an antenna on ESB but use, say, Charlotte Court House, VA as its community of license?

If the station started in Charlotte Court House and displaced itself over and over to the ESB, then yes. They can't just specify any city; when the application is first filed it has to cover the community of license, but once it seeks displacement, it doesn't matter anymore.

That is my understanding of the rules.

- Trip

If the [low power] station started in Charlotte Court House and displaced itself over and over to the ESB, then yes. They can't just specify any city; when the application is first filed it has to cover the community of license, but once it seeks displacement, it doesn't matter anymore.

That is my understanding of the rules.


That seems to be case here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth market. Just today KSFW/Gainesville, TX (200 watts on channel 2) filed to change the transmitter from far, far north of the market to a site in downtown Dallas with 300 watts which hasn't a whiff of chance of putting any signal over the community of license.

This squares with the incremental moves referred to by Trip since KSFW has gradually been moving ever close to the heart of the market.

What RF channel is 64 on. I don't care if I can get it since it is all infomercials. I hate infomercial channels. A big waste of space. Talking about infomercials I can't believe a major station like WCBS shows infomercials in the afternoon around 3 PM yesterday instead of football. Hello show that crud at 3 AM not 3 PM. Show football like you suppose to.

What RF channel is 64 on.

25.

Just letting everyone know I'm making my trip to New Jersey tomorrow. So I'll be able to collect some updated data soon! =)

- Trip

Bon Voyage!

Bon Voyage!

Thanks!

For anyone wondering, here's what TV Fool says for my grandparents' house. I put it at 15 feet because I think that's about how high up I'll be using the VHF bowtie on the second floor of the house.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d410586d63cf220

WASA-LD is not yet listed, but I hope to receive that one too.

- Trip

Well, the romance with ch.64 lasted way too long, just as the roman has said -I saw it, heard, and felt and got fed up and it's time to throw up -Edit out - DE-LE-TE.
The post office has junk mail-the pc Internet has spasm-the TV have infomercials and
ch.64-1 has musical bands of ION31 medical of Azteca39 etc.-2slideshow, one of the pix
underground of WTC, until I hear praises of some of you gentlemen, bye ,bye ch.64

Can't get it. Hovers in the 20's to 0's. I am glad that I can't get it. Another cruddy 480i Infomercial channel that I will never watch anyway.

What RF channel is 64 on. I don't care if I can get it since it is all infomercials. I hate infomercial channels. A big waste of space. Talking about infomercials I can't believe a major station like WCBS shows infomercials in the afternoon around 3 PM yesterday instead of football. Hello show that crud at 3 AM not 3 PM. Show football like you suppose to.

My aunt says they have Music bands on 64.1 and NYC skyline on 64.2 with no sound. Maybe preparing to have something soon on 64.2?

I can't believe a major station like WCBS shows infomercials in the afternoon around 3 PM yesterday instead of football. Hello show that crud at 3 AM not 3 PM. Show football like you suppose to.

They weren't allowed to show a game yesterday because the Giants were playing at home at the same time. Per NFL rules.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091229/ap_on_bi_ge/us_free_broadcasters_in_peril

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091229/ap_on_bi_ge/us_free_broadcasters_in_peril

Scary to say the least. TV was broadcast in the 1940's to bring information and news to the people. It was considered to be free. Now it loos like greed will stop what the FCC started in 1940

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091229/ap_on_bi_ge/us_free_broadcasters_in_peril

Am I correct in saying all of our NYC network broadcasters are network-owned flagship stations?

If broadcast networks eliminate their affiliates, then broadcasters in rural areas will start showing the farm report during prime time and a whole new generation of Uncle Floyds will crop up. But we'll still have our NYC OTA stations.

If the broadcast networks go a step further, however, and convert to cable-only networks, then we'll all be huddled around the flickering light of channels like 25-2.

From what I've read, the most likely network to convert to cable is NBC. (Fox and MyNetworkTV are apparently engaged in a battle with TWC over subscriber fees. We OTA-ers may be the only ones to see 5.1 and 9.1 starting 1/1/10.) I suppose the least likely networks to convert to cable are PBS, Telemundo and Univision.

First, your point about network-owned flagship stations - yes. ABC, CBS, Fox and nominally My NY DMA stations are owned by each parent network. The CW's NY station is owned by the Tribune company.

Broadcasters in rural areas will continue to buy syndicated programming - they already do that and would just buy more. In my opinion, there would be programming services available to them a form of "group" buying - a loser form of network affiliation than we know today.

"Convert to cable" - there are two prongs to this. One, totally abandoning OTA transmission. The second is what all broadcast networks will be adopting - changing the industry's business model - as with cable, two revenue streams - advertising and carriage fees paid by cable/satellite providers, and eventually the viewer.

This is what Fox is pushing right now with Time Warner Cable - CBS is also in the forefront with this concept. It's the future of traditional broadcast networks.

I can readily see Telemundo (owned by NBC Universal and more than likely will be transferred to Comcast) and Univision also migrating to the new business model.

PBS - that's another question.

Well, as long there still free radio, OTA-get rich quick Harvard educated schemers converted to cable, in the new year+ can kiss me you know where

Well, as long there still free radio, OTA-get rich quick Harvard educated schemers converted to cable, in the new year+ can kiss me you know where

Satellite Radio is not exactly saturating the market the way cable & satellite TV has. I imagine OTA radio is safe for now, especially since satellite radio is not doing well.

I lost channel 13 yesterday. Just a pixelated mess. I don't know what has been up with that channel lately. When I can get it gets alot of uncorrected errors (break ups). During the summer and fall channel 13 was stronger. Now actually Channel 11 has been stronger.

Also my mother got a 19" Samsung HDTV for another small bedroom right below my room on the second floor. She also bought the Terk HDTVi. She was hoping that she would be able to get all the channels but as usual channel 2, 5. 25, 47 and 68 come in okay about 4 to 5 bars. Channel 4 and 9 breaks up to no signal. Can't get 7, 11, 13, 31, 41. Then that nut-ball old geezer which is on there 90% of the time waste of space channel 66 comes in at 8 stinking bars. Unbelievable. I can get that station strong with a $1 antenna yet my mother is ticked that she can't get the NYC stations much closer. I told her that she needs a roof antenna. She will want to get one but my landlord my Grandmother said it can't be done because of the new windows that were put in and we can't drill no more holes in the windows.

not surprised that the Networks revenue is low. thei programming is bad. ppl are prolly getting saturated with Reality shows. that's what on tv most of the time.

Murdoch's claim that the high cost to make good programming is putting a dent on the networks profit doesnt make sense. all that reality stuff requires less investment since no one writes or directs anything. many times, it only takes a single camera to film it.

ppl are spending more time playing video games, browsing the 'net and watching shows online. therefore, there's less time for crappy network TV.

on the top of that, reception is a bitch....

I haven't done extensive testing yet, but I could not get the tilt out of 13's signal when I was collecting data on it before. It wasn't an awful looking tilt but still not flat like it should be. I'm not sure if it's on my end or on theirs, but if it is on theirs, that could be a source of some reception issues.

- Trip

This is becoming an emotional roller-coaster for my daughter who loves Qubo. I really hope they wrap up whatever "maintenance" they are doing soon

i tried to watch "Uncle Buck" on Ion Family last night but the signal was breaking once a minute -- even though my converter box was reporting a steady 95%.

I know everyone's rushing to delete WASA-LD, but I determined this afternoon that the station has a stat muxer for their two subchannels. The only reason I could see for them to do that and not get a much cheaper static bitrate encoder is if they're planning to add more subchannels.

So, either they splurged on a stat muxer they don't need, or infomercials and scenes of the city are not the end of the story.

- Trip

I told her that she needs a roof antenna. She will want to get one but my landlord my Grandmother said it can't be done because of the new windows that were put in and we can't drill no more holes in the windows.

You can use this kind of flat coaxial cable coupler to avoid drilling holes in wall to pass coax cable from outside (roof top, balcony, patio etc). I am using this to get the signals from my antenna from my balcony and passing it through the balcony door.
http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Flat-Coaxial-Cable-Window/dp/B001WAPIRW/ref=pd_cp_e_1
these are cheap too and and you can use the second one, in case you decide to install satellite dish or a second antenna.

May God bless you in New year, give you good health and protect you and members of your family every day all year long and beyond, may we hear from you the contribution and advice in this forum throughout the year to name few - Trip in VA, SnellKrell, keyboard21,DTVintermods, George Molnar, Broadcast Guy, reddice, jpru34, dvdchance, nordloewelabs, johnosolis, pm123, nyctveng, martianpete,pantrychef, LenL,
nycdigital09, Lexus, Delphin,Talking rat, Bob...,Systems 2000,Ramittinski,Ken H and all other more than 800 000 contributors to AVSForum, may Lord be with you all year long.
May God give good work to women, energy to make and care for children, to cook and clean to take care of the house, maybe even laundry, and last but not least to warm up bed of husband; May God the Lord be with you all the men and women and children to give good health, and to protect you all year long, Alo.

Thank you and the best to you and yours for the New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone. =)

- Trip

Thanks AloEuro for the kind wishes and God Bless you, too.

thanks, AloEuro! Happy New Year to all!

May God bless you in New year, give you good health and protect you and members of your family every day all year long and beyond, may we hear from you the contribution and advice in this forum throughout the year to name few - Trip in VA, SnellKrell, keyboard21,DTVintermods, George Molnar, Broadcast Guy, reddice, jpru34, dvdchance, nordloewelabs, johnosolis, pm123, nyctveng, martianpete,pantrychef, LenL,
nycdigital09, Lexus, Delphin,Talking rat, Bob...,Systems 2000,Ramittinski,Ken H and all other more than 800 000 contributors to AVSForum, may Lord be with you all year long.
May God give good work to women, energy to make and care for children, to cook and clean to take care of the house, maybe even laundry, and last but not least to warm up bed of husband; May God the Lord be with you all the men and women and children to give good health, and to protect you all year long, Alo.
you too

AloEuro and all
Happy & Healthy New Decade.
Let this decade give birth to a new class of DTV receivers that can intelligently discriminate against indoor multipath and thus put me out of business.

Scary to say the least. TV was broadcast in the 1940's to bring information and news to the people. It was considered to be free. Now it loos like greed will stop what the FCC started in 1940


What I find strange is when so many are losing jobs or have pay cut back you would think TV cable would be the first thing to cut off. But they are losing the house but do not dare cut off the TV cable.

Back in 1974 we had a shortage of gas. There was also a shortage of gas saving small cars. You had to get on a waiting list to order a Ford Pinto or A Chevrolet Vega. You would have thought that when gas went well over the record high of $1.75 a gal you would have seen a shortage of small gas saving cars late in Clinton’s 2nd term in 2000. Then when gas was at $4.00 a gal in 2008 a gas saving small car shortage would have happened for sure then. But it did not happen.

This is some thing I just do not understand

http://www.rabbitears.info/specan/nyc-bowtie/

Taken just now with my VHF bowtie sitting on top of a desk hutch. I did adjust the position to try to get the cleanest possible signal on each station.

- Trip

Then when gas was at $4.00 a gal in 2008 a gas saving small car shortage would have happened for sure then. But it did not happen.

Have you already forgotten how long the waiting list for a Prius was 18 months ago?

http://www.rabbitears.info/specan/nyc-bowtie/

Taken just now with my VHF bowtie sitting on top of a desk hutch. I did adjust the position to try to get the cleanest possible signal on each station.

- Trip

This is a vivid demo of adjacent channel interference among channels 28-29-30-31. Each is victimized to a different degree.

The spectra of each DTV channel actually spreads over 3 channels, Thus, channel 29 gets the transmitter noise of channels 28 and 30 in addition to its own transmitter's noise. Then there the cross modulation noise among the four cited channels...

I do have a question. Channel 11 shows what appears to be signal on channel 12 and this signal does not appear next to channel 13, possibly because the rotation of the antenna. If so, which channel 12?

There's nothing on 12. It's just noise from the computer next to the antenna that went away when I rotated the antenna. I thought the same thing when I saw it, so I moved the antenna around and the "signal" had no form to it and behaved like a noise source and not like a signal.

And I didn't see any interference between 28/29/30; they very clearly have gaps between them. (31's signal is AWFUL but I don't think that's anyone else's fault but their own.) I easily decoded all three of them two days ago without moving the antenna. I found a nice spot where WASA-LD decoded and then got all but one or two of the full-service stations in that spot, including all three of 28/29/30. If a station is using more than 6 MHz, either something is wrong, as the mask filter is supposed to chop off any emissions outside that band, or your receiver is overloading and you need an attenuator.

I'd love to put the antenna back in that spot where I had the good reception but the computer I'm using to take the pictures is a desktop and I don't have a USB-Serial adapter yet to be able to use it with a laptop.

- Trip

I just repositioned the antenna and changed the scale to get a weak signal from WEBR-CD 17 (it will not decode at that level). Also left a space for WNYN-LD 39 in case I can see it.

- Trip

And I didn't see any interference between 28/29/30;
- Trip
Thanks.
You can't "see" the XM and Tx interference from adjacent channels on a spectrum analyzer. It's buried in each channel. To "see" the interference you'll need to measure the channel's signal-noise ratio using modulation vector analyzer and turning the adjacent channels off and on.

This analyzer does do MER. I've watched it at home where I have adjacents on 17 and 18. Both max out. When 17 was off the air on Dec 26, I checked and 18 improved by less than 1.5 dB, and that's because the auto-correction in the exciter is weird.

- Trip

So what'a the MER of 28-29-30-31 compared with that of 33?

I haven't looked yet. I will have to do that later, but the multipath in here is vicious. The tuner is slightly worse than my old Zenith HDV420, and so I have to make it look pretty flat before it will decode.

If I had an outdoor antenna I could make use of, I would already have MER numbers.

- Trip

And I didn't see any interference between 28/29/30; they very clearly have gaps between them. (31's signal is AWFUL but I don't think that's anyone else's fault but their own.) I easily decoded all three of them two days ago without moving the antenna.
- Trip

Trip,

If the signal between channels 28/29/30/31 isn't interference, then what is it (especially 29)? Shouldn't there be signal separation, 'white space', at lower and upper ends of each channel?

Frank

Trip,

If the signal between channels 28/29/30/31 isn't interference, then what is it (especially 29)? Shouldn't there be signal separation, 'white space', at lower and upper ends of each channel?

Frank

The resolution on my analyzer is not that great. (It's a portable unit made for cable installers.) My local adjacents look like that as well but looking at a more expensive analyzer, you can see the gap between them. I suspect the same is true here.

Without moving my antenna for each station, I just checked the MER:

28: 32.3 dB
29: No decode (Multipath)
30: >36 dB
31: 30.8 dB

- Trip

The multipath of 28 & 33 should be the same as they originate from a common antenna and are close in frequency. So if 28's MER is smaller than 33's it would suggest AC interference from 29 into 28. Ultimately, you cannot accurately tell (even with a rooftop antenna) if there is adjacent channel interference unless you shut down the signal of the adjacent channel.

Ithink those MER you posted must be in error. The best TX has MER no higher than 32 dB. So at the Rx, excluding interference but including multipath, man-made noise and tuner/ant mismatch, the MER is usually at the low 20s.

33's MER is 31.4 dB.

Of course, like you said, you can't use absolute numbers to tell, either. I know that one of my local stations back at home is putting out an MER of 29 dB at the transmitter, so the number will never get any higher no matter what you do.

- Trip

Alright, I just optimized my antenna position to make WNBC-28 look as flat as possible. No further adjustments were made, so noise on VHF or multipath on UHF is not being compensated for. Here's what I have:

WABC-07: 31.1 dB
WPIX-11: No decode.
WNET-13: 25.0 dB
WMBC-18: No decode.
WNYE-24: >36 dB
WASA-25: 26.0 dB
WNBC-28: 31.9 dB
WFME-29: 26.7 dB
WFUT-30: >36 dB
WPXN-31: 31.1 dB
WCBS-33: 32.9 dB
WNJU-36: 31.6 dB
WWOR-38: No decode.
WXTV-40: No decode.
WNYW-44: 29.5 dB
WNJN-51: 27.4 dB

- Trip

I managed to get WCBS to show me >36 dB after much fidgeting, but I can't get anything above 32.4 dB for WNBC, leading me to believe that is the MER they're putting out and it won't get any higher. A perfectly flat signal on WFME won't get me above 29.3 dB.

- Trip

Unless the ch 33 Tx MER is higher than that of ch 28 you can assume, on a relative level, interference into 28 from 29 because multipath can be presumed not be a factor when comparing 28 and 33. But as I mentioned earlier, MERs higher than 32 have not been demonstrated at the output of high-power DTV transmitters.

Also, I'm not sure you can assert that the low MER (SNR) of 29 is due to "multipath" alone rather than a combination of multipath and adjacent channel interference from both sides.

Unless the ch 33 Tx MER is higher than that of ch 28 you can assume, on a relative level, interference into 28 from 29 because multipath can be presumed not be a factor when comparing 28 and 33. But as I mentioned earlier, MERs higher than 32 have not been demonstrated at the output of high-power DTV transmitters.

My local Fox station at home has an MER of 36 dB. (EVM is like 1.2 or something.) Confirmed by the transmitter engineer and by the engineer of a competitor who went to see, and that's the one with an adjacent channel. And if I adjust my antenna to point right at the mountain instead of off to the side a bit, I can see >36 dB with my analyzer at my home 79 miles out with the roof antenna.

Also, I'm not sure you can assert that the low MER (SNR) of 29 is due to "multipath" alone rather than a combination of multipath and adjacent channel interference from both sides.

I don't see any multipath on the WFME signal right now; I've got it as close to perfectly flat as I can. I got my 29 dB with a totally flat signal. I suspect that's what they're putting out at the transmitter.

- Trip

about the OTA free TV going paid TV means that the FCC would be helping to create
Monopoly of Paid TV, it seems to me such approach and behavior of FCC may constitute to have sufficient grounds for antitrust laws against the Networks of paid Cable - Direct TV and other satelite providers in collusion with FCC, with unforeseen consequences for FCC.

Have you already forgotten how long the waiting list for a Prius was 18 months ago?


I just would have thought that with the state of money now, tv cable would be having hard times & ota tv would be going strong because that is free.

If that did indeed had happened ota would not being going any where. But it seems that because of folks state of mind now, we have the risk of loss of the ota.

What's the deal with WEBR Ch 17.3 and 17.4 All i see are colored stripes and a black screen.
Also are there any plans to adding MORE Asian programing on DTV IN the NEW YORK AREA?????

Im not talking about cable because i dont have payed service.

Thanks in advance :o:o:o

What's the deal with WEBR Ch 17.3 and 17.4 All i see are colored stripes and a black screen.
Also are there any plans to adding MORE Asian programing on DTV IN the NEW YORK AREA?????

Im not talking about cable because i dont have payed service.

Thanks in advance :o:o:o

What kind of Asian programming were you looking for?

The following have full time Asian language programming:

17.1 - Korean
48.2 - Korean
63.2 - Korean
63.3 - Korean
63.5 - Chinese

The following have leased access Asian language programming (check schedule):

25.1 - Japanese
48.1 - Japanese
63.1 - Korean and Chinese

There have been many changes over the last several months. As such, I do not expect the lineup I have observed to remain constant.

Hope this helps. Cheers!

After dropping KBS World and going black for several weeks, WMBC is now carrying NTDTV on 63.5.

Despite what the programming guide indicates, audio and subtitles are in Chinese.

According to Wikipedia:

New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV) (traditional Chinese: 新唐人電視臺) is a Falun Gong-affiliated[1] Chinese language television broadcaster based in New York City, founded in 2001. The company's stated mission is "to foster mutual understanding between Chinese and Western societies" and promote multiculturalism, peace and compassion.

I know everyone's rushing to delete WASA-LD, but I determined this afternoon that the station has a stat muxer for their two subchannels. The only reason I could see for them to do that and not get a much cheaper static bitrate encoder is if they're planning to add more subchannels.

So, either they splurged on a stat muxer they don't need, or infomercials and scenes of the city are not the end of the story.

- Trip

How about WASA (or any station in the NY market) had a programming lineup similar to WNVC, with a smattering of viewpoints from around the world?

How about WASA (or any station in the NY market) had a programming lineup similar to WNVC, with a smattering of viewpoints from around the world?

I would expect that more from WNYE than from WASA-LD. WNVC is non-commercial, as is WNYE. I'm actually surprised that WNYE has not added MHz WorldView on a subchannel.

If anything, I'd expect to see something mirroring KSCI in Los Angeles on WASA-LD.

- Trip

I'm actually surprised that WNYE has not added MHz WorldView on a subchannel.


- Trip

Before the transition, WNYE would run regular crawls about them going 720p and adding more sub-channels and as you can see over 6 months later it hasn't happened.

about the OTA free TV going paid TV means that the FCC would be helping to create
Monopoly of Paid TV, it seems to me such approach and behavior of FCC may constitute to have sufficient grounds for antitrust laws against the Networks of paid Cable - Direct TV and other satelite providers in collusion with FCC, with unforeseen consequences for FCC.

what is this all about, can't remove broadcast tv. Besides the main tv stations are raking enough money in from ads and fox just got a bundle from time warner for thier stations, so sick of the money hungery world it's become.

Actually, the major broadcast networks have said that because of new technologies with people watching shows online through Hulu, people using DVRs and less people watching OTA and watching more with Cable/Satellite....there revenue has declined to the point where what Fox did will become the norm to make up for that supposed lost advertising revenue from lost OTA viewership. Only helps the FCC take away OTA altogether for mobile broadband all the more.

What kind of Asian programming were you looking for?

The following have full time Asian language programming:

17.1 - Korean
48.2 - Korean
63.2 - Korean
63.3 - Korean
63.5 - Chinese

The following have leased access Asian language programming (check schedule):

25.1 - Japanese
48.1 - Japanese
63.1 - Korean and Chinese

There have been many changes over the last several months. As such, I do not expect the lineup I have observed to remain constant.

Hope this helps. Cheers!

I was expecting New York to be like LA because LA has a crap load of Asian programing. SBS which im dying for them to bring over and Nhk world

Any way I get all those channels except 48.1 48.2 in fact i never even seen those channel what are the call letters?

:)Thanks in advance

Actually, the major broadcast networks have said that because of new technologies with people watching shows online through Hulu, people using DVRs and less people watching OTA and watching more with Cable/Satellite....there revenue has declined to the point where what Fox did will become the norm to make up for that supposed lost advertising revenue from lost OTA viewership. Only helps the FCC take away OTA altogether for mobile broadband all the more.

what revenue, it's broadcast tv. The stations are full of ads so that is load of crap. It's just more hungery money way to rip people off. Nothing on fox is worth watching anyway.

I was expecting New York to be like LA because LA has a crap load of Asian programing. SBS which im dying for them to bring over and Nhk world

Any way I get all those channels except 48.1 48.2 in fact i never even seen those channel what are the call letters?

:)Thanks in advance

Not sure what network is SBS.

NY will get as many Asian OTA channels as LA when the demographics are similar. Since OTA channels are supported solely from ads aired, sponsors will most likely support programs that let their message get to customers.

As I said, there have been many changes recently:

48.3 - No longer listed. Formerly FUN TV (Japanese Anime)
48.2 - Arirang TV (News and views with ROK viewpoint)
Formerly CCTV-9 (News and views from PRC viewpoint)
Formerly WTBY 54.1 (Christian)

63.3 - CGN-TV (formerly MBC America)
63.5 - NTDTV (formerly KBS World)

Channel 48 is WRNN-DT. They are currently broadcast from Upstate NY and reach some viewers in lower Westchester and North Jersey. According to FCC records, they are in the process of starting relay stations to offer coverage in the NYC area.

As for NHK, these foreign broadcasters will land here either via agreement with PBS or their Information Ministry budget.

Hope this helps!

I would expect that more from WNYE than from WASA-LD. WNVC is non-commercial, as is WNYE. I'm actually surprised that WNYE has not added MHz WorldView on a subchannel.

If anything, I'd expect to see something mirroring KSCI in Los Angeles on WASA-LD.

- Trip

Well it appears from KSCI that they have both CGNTV and MBC America instead of one over the other on WMBC.

While it helps to be non-commercial, I would not be surprised if the respective government is subsidizing the programming on 48.2 (formerly PRC, now ROK)...

Before the transition, WNYE would run regular crawls about them going 720p and adding more sub-channels and as you can see over 6 months later it hasn't happened.

It appears WNYE wants to share as much locally produced content over this outlet. The station is currently operated by the NYC media group, where the Wikipedia entry is an interesting read:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NYC_Media_Group
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arick_Wierson

I remember when those HD crawls were run Arick Wierson was still head. Since his departure, it would seem that HD may not be in the cards for the immediate future. But then what do I know.

Hope this helps. Cheers!

I finally got around to re-arranging my antenna set up here in Poughkeepsie. I now have the following three attic-mounted antennas:

Antennas direct C4 (UHF) – Aimed North toward Albany
Winegard YA-1713 (VHF-hi) – Aimed South toward NYC
Taco antenna (VHF) – Aimed North toward Albany

The VHF and UHF antennas are combined in a CM7777 pre-amp. I tested three configurations consisting of each VHF antenna connected separately and both connected via a 50/50 splitter. The results are as follows:


UHF (not affected by VHF connections):


Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRNN-48 70 50-85 consistent, strong signal
WTBY-27 60 50-70 consistent, strong signal
WTEN-26 65 55-70 consistent, strong signal
WCWN-43 0 0 (see below)
WMHT-34 80 70-90 Best Signal
WNJU-36 20 0-40 Fluctuates, drop outs every 1-5 min.

W42AE (analog) Good Picture, no snow


VHF (NYC-only):

Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRGB-6 0 0 No Signal
WXXA-7 0 0 No Signal
WNYT-12 15 15-30 Frequent drop outs (< 1min)
WABC-7 20 20-30 Consistent signal, few drop outs (>10 min)
WPIX-11 55 35-65 Few drop outs (>10 min)
WNET-13 45 35-55 Few drop outs (>10 min)

VHF (Albany-only):

Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRGB-6 15 0-20 Severe Pixellation, no audio
WXXA-7 0 0 No Signal
WNYT-12 40 30-45 Some Drop Outs (2-10 min)
WABC-7 0 0 No Signal
WPIX-11 0 0 No Signal
WNET-13 0 0 No Signal

VHF (NYC and Albany Combined):

Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRGB-6 10 0-20 Severe Pixellation, no audio
WXXA-7 0 0 No Signal
WNYT-12 30 20-35 Some Drop Outs (2-10 min)
WABC-7 0 0 No Signal
WPIX-11 50 35-65 Few drop outs (>10 min)
WNET-13 35 30-40 Some drop outs (5-10 min)

Note that I used to receive WCWN-43 at a weak, but watchable 30%, however around Thanksgiving the signal dropped to about 20% making it mostly unwatchable. This last week the signal completely disappeared regardless of how I position the UHF antenna.

For comparison, my TVFool profile is here:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dc201364e85e360

Finally, any suggestions about how to connect these various antennas would be appreciated. My current plan is to use an A-B switch so that I can easily switch between the Albany-only and NY-only configurations, but it would be nice not to need a switch. I doubt a jointenna would work, since I’m trying to combine a channel 12 on one antenna with 11 and 13 on the other and I understand that the Jointenna causes problems with adjacent channels. Also, I’m hoping WRGB will become watchable if the FCC ever grants their request for a power boost, so I’d want any solution to remain compatible with channel 6.

Would using a separate pre-amp for each antenna and then combining the two amplified signals with a splitter work? I would think that would do a little better than the “combined” test from above. Since the antennas are in the attic, it shouldn’t be a problem to get power for both pre-amps and combine the signals after the power insertion. Am I overlooking anything? In this case, I might need a Channel 7 jointenna to filter out any residual signal from WXXA-7 that would interfere with WABC-7.

(Note, I’m cross-posting on the Albany and NYC forums, since this is relevant to both)

Not sure what network is SBS.

NY will get as many Asian OTA channels as LA when the demographics are similar. Since OTA channels are supported solely from ads aired, sponsors will most likely support programs that let their message get to customers.

As I said, there have been many changes recently:

48.3 - No longer listed. Formerly FUN TV (Japanese Anime)
48.2 - Arirang TV (News and views with ROK viewpoint)
Formerly CCTV-9 (News and views from PRC viewpoint)
Formerly WTBY 54.1 (Christian)

63.3 - CGN-TV (formerly MBC America)
63.5 - NTDTV (formerly KBS World)

Channel 48 is WRNN-DT. They are currently broadcast from Upstate NY and reach some viewers in lower Westchester and North Jersey. According to FCC records, they are in the process of starting relay stations to offer coverage in the NYC area.

As for NHK, these foreign broadcasters will land here either via agreement with PBS or their Information Ministry budget.

Hope this helps!
SBS Is Korean channel they air in LA and South Korea

demographics? does CHINA town mean nothing to these people. LOL Anyway
To bad im dying to see Arirang TV i love that channel and hopefully NHK, world lands here soon.

Frankly speaking the only highlight to having DTV in NEW YORK is the Asian programming and free service. Other then that DTV is in New York is filled with paid programming and religious programming.
All those channels yet hardly any of them are being put good use.
Times like this i wish i lived in LA where all the good programing is.:):)

Well it appears from KSCI that they have both CGNTV and MBC America instead of one over the other on WMBC.

While it helps to be non-commercial, I would not be surprised if the respective government is subsidizing the programming on 48.2 (formerly PRC, now ROK)...

Commercial stations like WASA-LD are very unlikely to carry the non-commercial English-language foreign programming services that the MHz stations carry.

I suspect there is money to be made from airing Arirang, whereas France24 in English is likely not a big money maker.

- Trip

I finally got around to re-arranging my antenna set up here in Poughkeepsie. I now have the following three attic-mounted antennas:

Antennas direct C4 (UHF) – Aimed North toward Albany
Winegard YA-1713 (VHF-hi) – Aimed South toward NYC
Taco antenna (VHF) – Aimed North toward Albany

The VHF and UHF antennas are combined in a CM7777 pre-amp. I tested three configurations consisting of each VHF antenna connected separately and both connected via a 50/50 splitter. The results are as follows:


UHF (not affected by VHF connections):


Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRNN-48 70 50-85 consistent, strong signal
WTBY-27 60 50-70 consistent, strong signal
WTEN-26 65 55-70 consistent, strong signal
WCWN-43 0 0 (see below)
WMHT-34 80 70-90 Best Signal
WNJU-36 20 0-40 Fluctuates, drop outs every 1-5 min.

W42AE (analog) Good Picture, no snow


VHF (NYC-only):

Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRGB-6 0 0 No Signal
WXXA-7 0 0 No Signal
WNYT-12 15 15-30 Frequent drop outs (< 1min)
WABC-7 20 20-30 Consistent signal, few drop outs (>10 min)
WPIX-11 55 35-65 Few drop outs (>10 min)
WNET-13 45 35-55 Few drop outs (>10 min)

VHF (Albany-only):

Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRGB-6 15 0-20 Severe Pixellation, no audio
WXXA-7 0 0 No Signal
WNYT-12 40 30-45 Some Drop Outs (2-10 min)
WABC-7 0 0 No Signal
WPIX-11 0 0 No Signal
WNET-13 0 0 No Signal

VHF (NYC and Albany Combined):

Callsgn-RF Signal (%) Signal Range (%) Comments

WRGB-6 10 0-20 Severe Pixellation, no audio
WXXA-7 0 0 No Signal
WNYT-12 30 20-35 Some Drop Outs (2-10 min)
WABC-7 0 0 No Signal
WPIX-11 50 35-65 Few drop outs (>10 min)
WNET-13 35 30-40 Some drop outs (5-10 min)

Note that I used to receive WCWN-43 at a weak, but watchable 30%, however around Thanksgiving the signal dropped to about 20% making it mostly unwatchable. This last week the signal completely disappeared regardless of how I position the UHF antenna.

For comparison, my TVFool profile is here:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dc201364e85e360

Finally, any suggestions about how to connect these various antennas would be appreciated. My current plan is to use an A-B switch so that I can easily switch between the Albany-only and NY-only configurations, but it would be nice not to need a switch. I doubt a jointenna would work, since I’m trying to combine a channel 12 on one antenna with 11 and 13 on the other and I understand that the Jointenna causes problems with adjacent channels. Also, I’m hoping WRGB will become watchable if the FCC ever grants their request for a power boost, so I’d want any solution to remain compatible with channel 6.

Would using a separate pre-amp for each antenna and then combining the two amplified signals with a splitter work? I would think that would do a little better than the “combined” test from above. Since the antennas are in the attic, it shouldn’t be a problem to get power for both pre-amps and combine the signals after the power insertion. Am I overlooking anything? In this case, I might need a Channel 7 jointenna to filter out any residual signal from WXXA-7 that would interfere with WABC-7.

(Note, I’m cross-posting on the Albany and NYC forums, since this is relevant to both)

The 2 antennas being combined before the amp will weaken the signal because they will act as a load to each other. This can be solved by getting a single port indoor distribution amp like from K mart or a channel master amp 3042. You will need to run an ac extension cord to power it. I would try that first.

I had found on the web a few years ago a single channel trap. The tv cable used to use them a lot when hbo was on channel 2 to block out the hbo on ch 2 unless you paid for it.

A friend of mine was setting up an antenna 7 to 10 years ago like yours. Each antenna alone was good. But when hooked together 13 was messed up. He ordered a 13 trap & put it on the antenna that has not intended to get 13. After he put the trap in 13 was great. It seemed like the source was some thing like "microwave " of some thing. I do not remember now. But I did find it on the web.

Finally, any suggestions about how to connect these various antennas would be appreciated. My current plan is to use an A-B switch so that I can easily switch between the Albany-only and NY-only configurations, but it would be nice not to need a switch. I doubt a jointenna would work, since I’m trying to combine a channel 12 on one antenna with 11 and 13 on the other and I understand that the Jointenna causes problems with adjacent channels. Also, I’m hoping WRGB will become watchable if the FCC ever grants their request for a power boost, so I’d want any solution to remain compatible with channel 6.

Would using a separate pre-amp for each antenna and then combining the two amplified signals with a splitter work? I would think that would do a little better than the “combined” test from above. Since the antennas are in the attic, it shouldn’t be a problem to get power for both pre-amps and combine the signals after the power insertion. Am I overlooking anything? In this case, I might need a Channel 7 jointenna to filter out any residual signal from WXXA-7 that would interfere with WABC-7.

(Note, I’m cross-posting on the Albany and NYC forums, since this is relevant to both)


See my post 2860 on the Philadelphia OTA thread. Note that it is important that the coax feeds from each antenna to the combiner be the same length to avoid clashing out of phase signals. Also, my amplifiers are located after antennas are combined and then split for upstairs and downstairs.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17437911&highlight=#post17437911

My location between NYC and Phily may be better for a favorable outcome, but combining two antennas works well for me. Good luck!

Frank
WA2ISK

See my post 2860 on the Philadelphia OTA thread. Note that it is important that the coax feeds from each antenna to the combiner be the same length to avoid clashing out of phase signals. Also, my amplifiers are located after antennas are combined and then split for upstairs and downstairs.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17437911&highlight=#post17437911

My location between NYC and Phily may be better for a favorable outcome, but combining two antennas works well for me. Good luck!

Frank
WA2ISK
Frank, that works if antennas are aimed in the same direction. But, if aimed in different directions one antenna can receive a reflection whose path length causes destructive interference. Sadly, even professional installers merge together two antennas aimed in different directions resulting in reflection cancellations. This is especially bad if the reflections are dynamic in nature, or obscured or enhanced by vegetation. Using an A/B switch is the easiest practical solution. Alternately, viewers can install filter traps on the "wrong" antenna to eliminate destructive reflections, although much more costly.

Frank, that works if antennas are aimed in the same direction. But, if aimed in different directions one antenna can receive a reflection whose path length causes destructive interference. Sadly, even professional installers merge together two antennas aimed in different directions resulting in reflection cancellations. This is especially bad if the reflections are dynamic in nature, or obscured or enhanced by vegetation. Using an A/B switch is the easiest practical solution. Alternately, viewers can install filter traps on the "wrong" antenna to eliminate destructive reflections, although much more costly.

one more option, if your TVs have 2 or more aux inputs, is to add a second dtv tuner for the other antenna. Then you can select the port for the 2nd tuner with the remote for the other antenna & do not have to get up out of your chair like you would the switch the a/b switch to change antennas

one more option, if your TVs have 2 or more aux inputs, is to add a second dtv tuner for the other antenna. Then you can select the port for the 2nd tuner with the remote for the other antenna & do not have to get up out of your chair like you would the switch the a/b switch to change antennas

I have two antennas feeding my TV, one via my PALVR that in turn feeds the signal to the TV via HDMI the other antenna input goes directly to the TV via COAX. I just use the remote to switch.

So it definitely can be done many ways other than an A/B switch. Just depends on the video setup you have.

Frank, that works if antennas are aimed in the same direction. But, if aimed in different directions one antenna can receive a reflection whose path length causes destructive interference. Sadly, even professional installers merge together two antennas aimed in different directions resulting in reflection cancellations. This is especially bad if the reflections are dynamic in nature, or obscured or enhanced by vegetation. Using an A/B switch is the easiest practical solution. Alternately, viewers can install filter traps on the "wrong" antenna to eliminate destructive reflections, although much more costly.


also you can try this.

Since your antennas are in the attic, is to take a sheet of card board & cover one side of it with aluminum foil. Put the card board between the 2 antennas. That will block or weaken the signal getting to the wrong antenna. But I am not sure about how far the antenna should be from the card board. This is because the aluminum foil along with blocking the signal, it may reflect the signal into you want to the right antenna. If the signal is in phase it will add to your signal. If it is out of phase will mess it up. The good thing to this task is, it will not cost much. The bad part is you may bump you head on the roof. if the attic does not have a floor,Take care & do not miss the Ceiling Joist & fall though.

also you can try this.

Since your antennas are in the attic, is to take a sheet of card board & cover one side of it with aluminum foil. Put the card board between the 2 antennas. That will block or weaken the signal getting to the wrong antenna. But I am not sure about how far the antenna should be from the card board. This is because the aluminum foil along with blocking the signal, it may reflect the signal into you want to the right antenna. If the signal is in phase it will add to your signal. If it is out of phase will mess it up. The good thing to this task is, it will not cost much. The bad part is you may bump you head on the roof. if the attic does not have a floor,Take care & do not miss the Ceiling Joist & fall though.

Actually, the attic has plenty of space and a full floor, so it's not a problem to go up there and try things out. There would even be room for more vertical separation if not for a nearby A/C unit. I have tried other locations for the YA-1713 antenna including up to 20 feet away, but the current location appears to be a sweet spot for both antennas.

Finally, I find the interaction between the two antenna's quite interesting. Without the Taco antenna, I get the three major NYC VHFchannels on the YA-1713, but none of the Albany stations. When I add the Taco antenna pointed at Albany to the same mast, but without connecting it, I still receive the NYC stations at the same level, but I also get a weak WNYT-12. Presumably, this means the Taco is somehow either reflecting or retransmitting the WNYT-12 signal into the YA-1713. I'm a bit surprised that this doesn't degrade WABC-7, since I expect the same thing to happen with WXXA-7, but WABC-7 appears to be the same with and without the Taco.

Anyone have any contacts there? I have been trying to reach them to get an update on the status of the work they are doing on their antennas but have not had much luck. By way of reminder, they stated that they were doing major work on their antennas but that they expected it to be done by January 1, 2010.

Actually, the attic has plenty of space and a full floor, so it's not a problem to go up there and try things out. There would even be room for more vertical separation if not for a nearby A/C unit. I have tried other locations for the YA-1713 antenna including up to 20 feet away, but the current location appears to be a sweet spot for both antennas.

Finally, I find the interaction between the two antenna's quite interesting. Without the Taco antenna, I get the three major NYC VHFchannels on the YA-1713, but none of the Albany stations. When I add the Taco antenna pointed at Albany to the same mast, but without connecting it, I still receive the NYC stations at the same level, but I also get a weak WNYT-12. Presumably, this means the Taco is somehow either reflecting or retransmitting the WNYT-12 signal into the YA-1713. I'm a bit surprised that this doesn't degrade WABC-7, since I expect the same thing to happen with WXXA-7, but WABC-7 appears to be the same with and without the Taco.


I am sorry, I should have given more detail of that I had in mind.

I had in mind of the 2 antennas being separated horizontal with the aluminam card board in between the 2.

I am sorry, I should have given more detail of that I had in mind.

I had in mind of the 2 antennas being separated horizontal with the aluminam card board in between the 2.Adjacent antennas definitely interact with each other, and one rule of thumb is to separate them by "several wavelengths." That is open to interpretation, but for comparisons, one wavelength at ch.7 is 68", at ch.13 is 55", at ch.14 is 25", and at ch.51 is 17".)

Think of your antennas like binoculars. Ideally, the Albany one would see only Albany signals, and the NYC one would see only NYC signals.

But say a NYC signal travels beyond your location and strikes a reflector which bounces it back into your Albany antenna. Such a reflection can cause destructive interference, and knowing exactly where to place any tin foil/cardboard to block it would be pretty near impossible.

" 63.3 - CGN-TV (formerly MBC America) " ChristianGlobalNetwork formerly ch.46 Analog
broadcasts solid, reliable News on Korean 17-1 LD.
the 17-2 has korean programs many with English subt..some are serials others are quality programs
Also ADD on Scan gives strong 3-1 704x480i at 30Hz, signal Normal steady 40 no
fluctuation

Antennas...
This link should be helpful: http://www.osun.org/antenna+tv+reception-pdf.html

Im very curious as to what WASA my turn into but hopefully it dont turn into another
religious channel. We have enough of those in the New york area

DTVintermods Thank you for the link

AloEuro wish i had 3.1 channel you must have better signal

Unless you like religion, there's nothing on WBQM-LD 3 worth watching. It's just Cornerstone religion from WPCB in Pittsburgh.

- Trip

Unless you like religion, there's nothing on WBQM-LD 3 worth watching. It's just Cornerstone religion from WPCB in Pittsburgh.

- Trip

jAY lENO SHOW IS over what a shame. Feb

Appears maintenance work is over

As I posted in the Allotment thread, WNJB filed for a power increase last night and submitted an interference agreement. Here are the terms:

WNJB-8 will increase power immediately from 17.9 kW to 21.7 kW, then upon receipt of new equipment, will further increase to 40.8 kW.

WABC-7 will increase power immediately from 11 kW to 17 kW, then upon resolving other interference concerns, will further increase to 34 kW.

WGAL-8 (Lancaster PA) will increase power eventually from 14.1 kW to 32.2 kW.

We'll see what the FCC has to say.

- Trip

He was very friendly and told me that they are in the midst of "switching buildings" and currently are NOT broadcasting at full strength as a result. However, he said that by New Year's at the latest, ION will be broadcasting at full strength stronger than before. Great news for my children as they are missing watching Qubo.

I'm currently out of town and just hope that when I return, that I'll be able to receive 31. From the above, "...New Year's at the latest..."

The "switching buildings" scenario still makes no sense to me. The current location - the ESB is the same as what had been promised for last August -
high up on the ESB's Antenna Mast. What's with "switching buildings"?

I've tried to contact the station to get some answers - no response.

Hey guys, you're out of bankruptcy, spend some money, fix your signal as
you had promised - and be responsive to your audience, as small as it is!

So many viewers assume that things have been fixed because all of a sudden they receive a higher meter reading, when in reality - it's just an atmospheric variance.

I look forward to judge for myself on my return. Fingers are crossed.

I'm currently out of town and just hope that when I return, that I'll be able to receive 31. From the above, "...New Year's at the latest..."

The "switching buildings" scenario still makes no sense to me. The current location - the ESB is the same as what had been promised for last August -
high up on the ESB's Antenna Mast. What's with "switching buildings"?

I've tried to contact the station to get some answers - no response.

Hey guys, you're out of bankruptcy, spend some money, fix your signal as
you had promised - and be responsive to your audience, as small as it is!

So many viewers assume that things have been fixed because all of a sudden they receive a higher meter reading, when in reality - it's just an atmospheric variance.

I look forward to judge for myself on my return. Fingers are crossed.

I believe that increase in their power and staying at the present antenna location, too low on the face of ESB, will not help much. They need to get higher and eliminate the shielding to their signal by the ESB walls. As I mentioned earlier, their best hope for more eyeballs is go higher on the combiner antenna even if at a lower power.

I definitely thought WPXN's signal was the worst of the full-service stations I could reasonably expect to receive while I was in the area. In fact, I think WASA-LD was an easier catch.

- Trip

But, if you look at the station's filing to move up to the CBS Combiner's location, it clearly shows not one, but two side mounted antennas at that location.

It's all very strange.

Would 31 join the Combiner and/or replace the Combiner with 2 antennas?

No communication from anyone.

There's also adjacent channel interference between WFUT30 and WPXN-31 clearly evident in the spectrum plots you took

Still can't get channel 31. Some days it can be very pixelated but most of the time it is just a black screen. I knew nothing would happen January 1st.

There's also adjacent channel interference between WFUT30 and WPXN-31 clearly evident in the spectrum plots you took


That was Trip.

But thank you for putting me in such good company!

No, I'm pretty sure it was just lousy signal. I had no problems dealing with 28/29/30, nor with 24/25, nor with 39 barely viewable between 38 and 40 once I managed to get the strength up to a decodable level.

As long as the mask filter is properly functional, the entire signal should be constrained within the 6 MHz allotted. My analyzer's resolution is not great enough to show the gaps.

- Trip

But, if you look at the station's filing to move up to the CBS Combiner's location, it clearly shows not one, but two side mounted antennas at that location.

It's all very strange.

Would 31 join the Combiner and/or replace the Combiner with 2 antennas?

No communication from anyone.

The the second antenna is WNYE NTSC-24. That's why the WCBS antenna had to install its back fill antenna lower.

31 could join the WCBS omni antenna if they reduce the power enough to protect CC in CT.

31 could join the WCBS omni antenna if they reduce the power enough to protect CC in CT.

I bet they'd have a better signal even at reduced power if they did this.

- Trip

But, if you look at the station's filing to move up to the CBS Combiner's location, it clearly shows not one, but two side mounted antennas at that location.

It's all very strange.

Would 31 join the Combiner and/or replace the Combiner with 2 antennas?

No communication from anyone.

No, I'm pretty sure it was just lousy signal. I had no problems dealing with 28/29/30, nor with 24/25, nor with 39 barely viewable between 38 and 40 once I managed to get the strength up to a decodable level.

As long as the mask filter is properly functional, the entire signal should be constrained within the 6 MHz allotted. My analyzer's resolution is not great enough to show the gaps.

- Trip

Not so.
Even if the mask filter is as prescribed there would be 3 sources of adjacent channel interference:
a. Because the transmission of the two channels are not from a common antenna, their signal ratio at the Rx is not fixed and can exceed the FCC protection ratio.
b. There is always cross modulation between adjacent channels regardless of the mask filter.
c. The mask filter allows app -34dB of the main signal into adjacent channels

WPXN's rendering of its proposed installation at 397 m (HAAT) clearly shows two side mounted antennas. From the street looking at the ESB's Antenna Mast, WCBS's side mounted antenna is clearly visible mounted on the northwest. There is no additional side mounted hardware.

Do you mean that WNYE analogue 25's antenna was built as part of the mast and not side mounted?

WPXN's rendering of its proposed installation at 397 m (HAAT) clearly shows two side mounted antennas. From the street looking at the ESB's Antenna Mast, WCBS's side mounted antenna is clearly visible mounted on the northwest. There is no additional side mounted hardware.

Do you mean that WNYE analogue 25's antenna was built as part of the mast and not side mounted?

WNYE is side-mounted on the mast. Maybe WPXN plans is to side-mount in that area, especially after WNYE analog antenna is removed. I think WNYE DTV is now on 4T^2 (or in Brooklyn?)

Yes, WNYE digital is now located at 4TS.

So, is your thought that WPXN would join the WCBS Combiner and add another side mount. Would it be for itself (it's signal is stated to be directional for that location)
or would the station join a newly constituted Combiner using both side mounts.

The other stations have not requested that, as of yet.

Also, WPXN had told the Commission that its 397 m location would have been accomplished by this past August.

Again, not making much sense to me.

Bottom line, I still cannot receive the station. I did before they started using the lower, less desirable antenna location.

Well sometime this week WEBR Channel 17.4 finally started playing Korean music;the good kind.

SnellKrell: So, is your thought that WPXN would join the WCBS Combiner and add another side mount. Would it be for itself (it's signal is stated to be directional for that location) or would the station join a newly constituted Combiner using both side mounts.

DTVintermods:Once the WNYE analog antenna is removed then two options become available:
a. CBS moves its back fill antenna to that level and WPXN goes on the combiner omnidirectional antenna albeit at a lower power.
b. WPXN move its own directional antenna to where WNYE's old analog antenna is now. That may be problematic for WXPN need to reduce signal toward CT.
All considered, my view is that a. above is win-win for all

As I posted in the Allotment thread, WNJB filed for a power increase last night and submitted an interference agreement. Here are the terms:

WNJB-8 will increase power immediately from 17.9 kW to 21.7 kW, then upon receipt of new equipment, will further increase to 40.8 kW.

WABC-7 will increase power immediately from 11 kW to 17 kW, then upon resolving other interference concerns, will further increase to 34 kW.

WGAL-8 (Lancaster PA) will increase power eventually from 14.1 kW to 32.2 kW.

We'll see what the FCC has to say.

- Trip

I'll be interested to see what the FCC has to say. Here in Poughkeepsie, I'm pretty sure that interference from WABC is already preventing me from getting WXXA from Albany (I got a small signal on WXXA, until WABC boosted their power the first time. Now, I only receive WABC and nothing from WXXA).

When did WABC boost its power the first time?

Well, I was too kind to 3-1, I thought that perhaps they may have boosted their power, but it ain't so, the box puts it to memory then the same ol' same old story 0-15 0-15, the same I have on another conv.box giving LI 55-1 and NJ 50/52 to memory and 0signal.
!7-4 gives Korean and English music, but it is too expensive -the TV consumes more than 100W per hour.
ION31-31-3 seems to be giving some Charles Bronson - Death Wish movies, alo

When did WABC boost its power the first time?

Perhaps I'm mistaken, I had thought WABC boosted their power shortly after the DTV transition. Nevertheless, prior to the transition I could receive WXXA, however, since WABC switched to 7, I have only been able to receive WABC.

WABC as of 6/29 filed to raise its digital power from 11.69kW ERP to 27.0 kW.

And that request is yet to be approved.

The current request is for an intermediate step up to 17.0kW then ultimately to
34.0kw.

The station should have stayed on UHF, but ABC for more than 60 years has had an idiotic "fixation" to be on Channel 7.

When will channel 11 do something about their single. It has always been the weakest station and comes and goes depending on the wind, kind of the Marry Poppins of TV stations. Yeah 31 has been good but now it's failing a lot and always around the time i want to watch it, Thursday nights during the 2 hours of NCIS.

I've heard that 11 is working on it.

- Trip

To put the plight of the Hi-V channels in perspective consider these:
For analog TV the maximum power for UHF station was 5,000kW and for Hi-VHF 316kW. That is, for comparable reception Hi-Vs were at -12dB relative to UHFs.
For digital TV, the maximum power allowed UHF stations is 1,000kW. Since the laws of physics regarding propagation have not changed it follows that Hi-Vs should be allowed 63kW (-12db) to provide comparable service with 1,000kW UHFs.
In NYC, WNJU authorized power is 650kW. So the comparable power for WABC should be 41kW.
WABC is now transmitting at app 1/4 of what it needs to be, courtesy of the FCC.

WABC's own fault for fighting for and insisting upon retaining Channel 7.

I really think the audience would have been served better by maintaining Channel 45.

Adjacent antennas definitely interact with each other, and one rule of thumb is to separate them by "several wavelengths." That is open to interpretation, but for comparisons, one wavelength at ch.7 is 68", at ch.13 is 55", at ch.14 is 25", and at ch.51 is 17".)

Think of your antennas like binoculars. Ideally, the Albany one would see only Albany signals, and the NYC one would see only NYC signals.

But say a NYC signal travels beyond your location and strikes a reflector which bounces it back into your Albany antenna. Such a reflection can cause destructive interference, and knowing exactly where to place any tin foil/cardboard to block it would be pretty near impossible.

You misunderstood.

The aluminum is to block the WABC ch 7 direct signals from the ESB from going into the back of the antenna facing Albany. What I mean is that the direct signal from WABC from also hitting the aluminum foil & reelecting into the antenna facing the ESB but out of phase with the direct signal. From what I have read about antennas the reflector is to be .2 wave length away on a yagi. On a UHF the corner reflector is to be .25 wave length away.

In case your converter box like iNet / Tivax type has - 9pin Father PC port- read Manual before you use it, it says that it is only for software upgrade, Never ever connect it to PC hardware, unless you want your box to be burned inside - good for Sanitation dept.
fortunately I had 2.

When will channel 11 do something about their single. It has always been the weakest station and comes and goes depending on the wind, kind of the Marry Poppins of TV stations. Yeah 31 has been good but now it's failing a lot and always around the time i want to watch it, Thursday nights during the 2 hours of NCIS.

PIX,ABC needs to fix there signal. I think there's the weakest of the 5

Frank, that works if antennas are aimed in the same direction. But, if aimed in different directions one antenna can receive a reflection whose path length causes destructive interference. Sadly, even professional installers merge together two antennas aimed in different directions resulting in reflection cancellations. This is especially bad if the reflections are dynamic in nature, or obscured or enhanced by vegetation. Using an A/B switch is the easiest practical solution. Alternately, viewers can install filter traps on the "wrong" antenna to eliminate destructive reflections, although much more costly.

George,

Here is a little more detail to my story not mentioned in my Oct 28 post:

Before I began my two antenna project, I was initially so convinced that combining the two antennas (one pointed at NYC, the other at Phily) would not work that I tried to find if anyone sold a remote A/B switch to place in my attic, and that could be controlled downstairs in my house. I was not able to find any, so I ended up running the coax feeds from the two antennas into the rear wall of the bedroom closet that I access the attic from. Here I inserted a manual A/B switch, the output connected to a third coax back up to the attic, where it is spilt to feed the upstairs and downstairs. This worked just fine for all stations in both cities, but not very convenient if I wanted to switch between cities on TV's elsewhere in the house (but better than climbing up into the attic each time).

So this was when I replaced the A/B switch in the closet with a combiner/splitter. As I noted in the Oct 28 post, this worked pretty good for most stations in both cities, but not always all the time. It was at this point that someone on this website recommened that I make sure the feed lengths from both antennas to the combiner were the same length. I swaped one of the cables with a longer one so it matched the coax from the other antenna. The outcome was solid, strong, and consistent reception from all stations from both cities (except for ION for known reasons; both cities are on the same channel and I am equidistant between them).

So in this case I guess I just lucked out. Sounds like I got incorrect advice, but incorrect advice that seems to work in my case.

My personal observation working with antenna and feeds over the years is that it is not an exact science, and can hold surprises. Arrangements that should theorectically work sometimes don't, and arrangements that theorectically shouldn't, sometimes do.. The antennas are obeying the laws of physics, we just don't always understand what is going on. They can be very humbling. So it doesn't hurt to experiment, you never know.

Regards,

Frank
WA2ISK

what happened to channel 17.3 every time i dial the channel it goes to 17.4 instead??

I don't know the reason but all weekend the major stations and minor ones were pretty much coming in at 90 to 100 signal. This includes VHF stations.

I have not checked it out today.

Does anybody else having a problem with channel 68.1 since they went HD it seems the signal sort of skips or blanks out each 2 or 3 seconds, its very hard to watch a movie or sports event. Is anybody else experience this? If it is the station then they should be made aware, they're gonna show World Cup matches on this station during the summer. Soccer's most prestigious tournament :)

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been answered before, but I am debating canceling my TWC service and moving to OTA broadcast since I don't watch that much TV anymore.

I am a total newbie at this, so I have a couple of questions that I wanted to see if I could get answered:

What kind of antenna is required? I don't have access to the roof of my building, so something small and discreet that I can use inside is required, but I'm a bit confused as to whether NYC broadcasts are on UHF, VHF, or both.
I live in the garden level of a brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I know that being low down in a stone building like this would affect reception, but given that the broadcast is very closeby (Empire State Building, correct?), am I likely to be able to get a decent signal given that I don't have access to the roof?

what happened to channel 17.3 every time i dial the channel it goes to 17.4 instead??
Apparently, you do not have ch.17 in conv.box memory, punch in the number it puts you to nearest 1up

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been answered before, but I am debating canceling my TWC service and moving to OTA broadcast since I don't watch that much TV anymore.

I am a total newbie at this, so I have a couple of questions that I wanted to see if I could get answered:

What kind of antenna is required? I don't have access to the roof of my building, so something small and discreet that I can use inside is required, but I'm a bit confused as to whether NYC broadcasts are on UHF, VHF, or both.
I live in the garden level of a brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I know that being low down in a stone building like this would affect reception, but given that the broadcast is very closeby (Empire State Building, correct?), am I likely to be able to get a decent signal given that I don't have access to the roof?



Please go to tvfool.

http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=1

Plug in area and click the current database, only digital. Then click save image.

You can then attach the picture to your post or if too hard for you. Go to tinypic.com and upload image and then cut and paste the link that starts with [img] into your post.

This way people can see what signals you are getting and offer the correct advise.

I personally like the indoor/outdoor antenna Terk-55. It is a tall stick that I use in the corner behind furniture.

http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/reviews/Terk-TV-55-reviews_51.html

I also tried the C2 Clearstream. It was same results for me as the Terk, but the analog was better at that time.

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=C2&d=Antennas-Direct-C2-ClearStream2-Outdoor-Digital-HD-TV-Antenna-%28C2%29

Remember to shop for best prices online. The c2 is $100 at bestbuy and I paid $60 with no tax. The terk is about $60 on amazon.

In Queens with this setup I get 33 channels. Including sub stations.

GLTY

PS most stations are UHF but 3 (The major Stations) Are VHF. So you need an antenna to do both

Hi all,

Apologies if this has been answered before, but I am debating canceling my TWC service and moving to OTA broadcast since I don't watch that much TV anymore.

I am a total newbie at this, so I have a couple of questions that I wanted to see if I could get answered:

What kind of antenna is required? I don't have access to the roof of my building, so something small and discreet that I can use inside is required, but I'm a bit confused as to whether NYC broadcasts are on UHF, VHF, or both.
I live in the garden level of a brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I know that being low down in a stone building like this would affect reception, but given that the broadcast is very closeby (Empire State Building, correct?), am I likely to be able to get a decent signal given that I don't have access to the roof?


If you have a cheap set of rabbit ears or a bowtie antenna, test with that first close to a window. You might get lucky and pick up a lot of channels.

Here is the image from TVFool. My concern is that I'm basically at ground level since I live in the garden apartment, and being brownstone Brooklyn, there are plenty of stone structures around that may block the signal. On the other hand, I'm 5 miles from the transmitter, so there shouldn't be any lack of power. Thoughts? Also, do I need a VHF, or UHF antenna? Is there an antenna that can tune to both?

Here is the image from TVFool. My concern is that I'm basically at ground level since I live in the garden apartment, and being brownstone Brooklyn, there are plenty of stone structures around that may block the signal. On the other hand, I'm 5 miles from the transmitter, so there shouldn't be any lack of power. Thoughts? Also, do I need a VHF, or UHF antenna? Is there an antenna that can tune to both?

You should buy an antenna that can receive both High-VHF (Channels 7-13) and UHF. WABC (7), WPIX (11) and WNET (13) are all on High-VHF - the other major stations in the New York Metropolitan area use UHF.

Reception can be very tricky and frustrating. I would try, make sure you can return/exchange it, a Terk HDTVI - which is an unamplified indoor
VHF/UHF antenna.

Good luck!

So even being <5 miles from the transmitter, it still can be hard to get a signal? Yikes.

Any suggestions of places where I could buy such an antenna locally and be able to return it? I'd buy it online, except that returns would then be a bit trickier.

So even being <5 miles from the transmitter, it still can be hard to get a signal? Yikes.

Any suggestions of places where I could buy such an antenna locally and be able to return it? I'd buy it online, except that returns would then be a bit trickier.

It's not being located only 5 miles from transmitters, it's the lack of
Line-of-Sight to those locations - it's what's between your antenna and the transmitters, that's the problem.

Don't know about local places and return policies, but I would try crutchfield.com

Great service and return policy - check it out.

Gotcha. Yeah, there is no shortage of stuff in between me and the transmitter, that's for sure. Wish I had access to the roof, but unfortunately I do not.

Sorry for the bombardment of posts here... I just want to confirm that that Terk HDTVi is a good antenna and will work to receive the major stations here in New York: ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox.

Thanks!

So even being <5 miles from the transmitter, it still can be hard to get a signal? Yikes.

Any suggestions of places where I could buy such an antenna locally and be able to return it? I'd buy it online, except that returns would then be a bit trickier.

You could try a cheap antenna at Radio Shack. If it does not work, just return it.

Wherever you go to buy an antenna, in NYC, with so many buildings in the way, you will have to deal with multipath - that is, signals bouncing off buildings. Therefore, it's important to get a very directional antenna so you can home in on the best signals available.

That's why I suggested the Terk.