Hi all. I have had my HD via OTA and DTV since September, but have bee out of service for 6 weeks while we rennovate the house. After coming back on-line last week, I have noticed that ABC has joined us again! Great!

I have a professionally installed rooftop antennae, Powered Preamp, a remote controlled rotor and a Sony HD300 receiver.

Here is my problem. SOMETIMES, not consistantly, I am having trouble with reception. When this happens, the signal fluctuated between 0 and about 95 (and everything in between). I have been watching mainly CBS and ABC when this happens. Rotating the antennae doesn't change anything (except make the signal go away completely if facing the opposite direction).

What could possibly make the signal change so rapidly and go from 0 to 95 within a second? This didn't use to happen back 6 weeks ago before I ripped everything out. The only changes in installation is the addition of a Panamax 5300 Power Conditioner which the antennae IS running through. Could it be causing the problem?

Thanks,
Keith

I'm in Bayside about 11.5 miles from the Empire State Building and have been using an old broken roof antenna I found on the house I moved into about 5 years ago. I receive WNBC, WABC, WPIX and WNYW just fine but have a lot of breakup on WCBS. With an amplifier (RS In-Line), the signal goes repeatedly from 80% to zero. Without the amplifier, it goes from 60% to zero, though sometimes it works better this way. However, I need the amp for all the other stations. (WCBS seemed to work more consistently in September when I started to receive digital OTA. The amp was necessary then to get anything. Was it at lower power then?)

I've tried reorienting the antenna with no success. As WCBS is high power, I think, I attribute this to reflections and think I should replace my old (not so directional) antenna with a relatively small but highly directional one. Is that likely the right move?

My question is whether I need an antenna that is good for VHF as well as UHF for digital OTA, or will a UHF antenna be enough? I'm a bit confused as to what frequencies are being used by the DT stations. Do I understand correctly from George's post that I need only a UHF antenna to receive ALL the digital stations? That's all that interest me for OTA broadcasting.

Any recommendations for a good highly directional antenna would be appreciated. I'll certainly try to get one up before the SuperBowl on CBS.

Thanks.

HELP---OTA advice needed

I'm located in Chelsea at 9th Ave & 22nd St, in a North facing apt.

Using a Zenith HDV420 and a Ratshak DBT I'm able to pick up CBS,FOX,UPN(9) and all 3
subchannels of WNET (PBS), which all come in fine. I also have a Silver Sensor.
However, I cannot pick up either NBC or ABC, no matter how I orient the antenna.

Any suggestions fellas?
Thanks in advance and Seasons Greetings,
larry

What is going on with WNBC-DT today ? My signal is dropping out like crazy. I get a signal and a picture and then my signal drops out to zero signal strength and then drops back in. Is anyone else having trouble getting WNBC-DT today ?

Scott

anyone in the bergen co area getting WB off air?

i live in bergenfield and i cannot get WB or PBS. I get ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS.

I get all the same minus NBC which i cant get at least not with my indoor antenna :(

AH, at last can join this thread! :)

I just hooked up my new Zenith HDV420 receiver to my new TV last night. It's great and easy to use.

About 17-20 miles west of Manhattan in Little Falls, I get a strong and untattered signal on ABC and CBS.

UPN, FOX nd NBC all tend to poop out at the same time. Their signals were too weak during the day yesterday, but peaked yesterday evening.

My old analog antenna ampdoesn't do squat. It only make things worse. From reading here, I gather that it is the signal and not my antenna of equipment.

I'm still trying to figure out what channels are where.

Originally posted by HDugan
I'm still trying to figure out what channels are where.

CBS- NTSC 2
HDTV 56 @ ESB

NBC- NTSC 4
HDTV 28 @ GE bldg (low power)

FOX- NTSC 5
HDTV 44 @ ESB (.2 is also UPN)

ABC- NTSC 7
HDTV 45 @ 4TS

WPIX- NTSC 11
HDTV 12 (operating on an STA on VHF at low power from ESB)

i happen to put my silver sensor antenna in the worst possible location... my basement! but i dont have any other choice. i hooked up my SS with a channel master titan 2 preamp and it has improved my signals. im curious if anyone with an outdoor antenna living in bergen co can somewhat get PBS, WB, and UPN. do these channels really have weak signal power or what?

Originally posted by trumpace
HELP---OTA advice needed

I'm located in Chelsea at 9th Ave & 22nd St, in a North facing apt.

Using a Zenith HDV420 and a Ratshak DBT I'm able to pick up CBS,FOX,UPN(9) and all 3
subchannels of WNET (PBS), which all come in fine. I also have a Silver Sensor.
However, I cannot pick up either NBC or ABC, no matter how I orient the antenna.

Any suggestions fellas?
Thanks in advance and Seasons Greetings,
larry

CBS, FOX, UPN an PBS are broadcasting from the ESB.
NBC is broadcasting from Rockefeller Center (the GE Building)
ABC is broadcasting from the Conde Naste building in Times Square.

At your short distance, the angle that the signal is coming in to your antenna from the different sources is probably too much and you're getting some multipath. From where you are, you've probably got a 20-25 degree difference from the ESB to the Conde Naste.

If you look straight up 9th Avenue, Conde Naste should be about 10 degrees to your right in Times Square. Point it there and see if you get ABC. Another 7 or so degrees to the right will be Rockefeller Center and NBC, and finally, about 25 degrees from looking straight up 9th Avenue should be the ESB.

This is all theoretical, since I live 50 miles away and have lived by the point and pray philosophy, but I'd like to see if it works for you.

I am posing this question one more time. I need some help before fooling around with my antenna. I am getting channels 2, 5 and 7 perfectly. I always get WNBC-DT at low power, but it is useable. Since yesterday morning I am getting an acceptable signal but it is dropping out constantly on WNBC-DT. The signal goes from about 50% to zero constantly. It seems to be going up and down. Has anyone had any problems with WNBC-DT since Sunday ? Has anyone noticed any signal drop or wild signal swings ?

Any help would be most appreciated.

Scott

WNBC-DT was steady for me just outside NYC. My DST-3000 showed 58% -65%. Yesterday I had problems with FOX. I have a indoor Silver Sensor that I have to tweak every couple of days. What type of antenna do you have?

Yeah, I have the Channel Master Stealth, which I am thinking of upgrading. It is very inconsistent.

Scott

SELDENPAT:

Thanks for your help. Orienting the double bow-tie makes no difference at all. I get all the ESB
stations plus PBS, but no ABC or NBC.
With the Silver Sensor in what Al Bundy of Married With Children calls the "Fox antenna position",
I'm able to get ABC, but weakly. This apparently comes in on a multipath since the Sensor is not pointed in the direction where the transmitter should be. I'm located with a line of sight to the ESB and the PBS building, but the Conde Nast and the GE buildings are blocked by higher structures.
BTW, I'm on the 14th floor.

anyone have any clue when PIX plans to go over to UHF..i'm debating whether its worth it to get a decent VHF antenna and the pre amps needed to pull it in or just wait it out if its not gonne be much longer thill they are on UHF

trumpace

Try tilting your Silver Sensor back on its rear with the tip facing straight up and then face the antenna in the multipath direction you were speaking of. See if that works.

I can currently get WCBS-DT 56 with good signal
and with few breakups from Brewster, NY 10509

Fox comes in, but with frequent breakups.
ABC and NBC don't come in at all, I think their
power levels are too low to reach me.

A check of available OTA channels on antennaweb
for my current address does not list WCBS-DT as being
available, but it does list WCBS analog/Ch 2 VHF.

I understand it's currently winter so I could have trouble
with reception come spring.

I'm using a ChannelMaster 4228 UHF antenna with 7778 preamp
and 25 db distribution amp on a 10' tripod-mounted pole on my roof.

Should I reasonably expect to be able to receive WABC, WNBC,
WNYW, WPIX, WNET when/if the ESB Combiner is put in next spring?

Originally posted by berniec
anyone have any clue when PIX plans to go over to UHF..i'm debating whether its worth it to get a decent VHF antenna and the pre amps needed to pull it in or just wait it out if its not gonne be much longer thill they are on UHF

Rumors are saying March. I believe that they are paricipating in the ESB Combiner, which will combine all the NYC DTV channels to a single antenna on the Empire State Building.

I did have some success in getting WPIX-DT, but not good enough to get a stable signal:
1) Tune your TV to the ANALOG version of Channel 13 (which is 1 VHF Channel away from 12). You can also try Channel 11.
2) Take your VHF Rabbit ears (Mine was a powered radio shack rabbit-ear set purchase for about $30) and push the antennas ALMOST ALL THE WAY in (to the almost shortest setting) and adjust until the Channel 13 picture looks watchable.

Now see if you can get a DTV signal on the HDTV receiver. You SHOULD be able to pickup at least a low quality signal, and maybe even luckier to get a signal. Tune using the signal monitor on your HTDV receiver and cross your fingers. My antenna is in my attic which I believe helps.

I recently switch to a Silver Sensor, which is a UHF only. All my UHF-DTV channels boosted in strength, but I have completely lost WPIX. (it was unwatchable for me anyways).

I got a quote for a antenna installer to install a roof annenna with rotor. It came out to about $700 total, and since there was NO guarantee that I would even GET WPIX when I was done, I passed. I get almost perfect WNBC,WABC,WCBS at there lowered strenths today- using an inside antenna. Based on that I am waiting for the combiner. It should make then all perfect!

DvnoMutt

What is your distance from the ESB?? I would have thought that you would be able to receive the channels with your current setup.

I'm about 25 miles from the ESB and I receive the digital channels for CBS, NBC, ABC, UPN, WPIX and a New Jersy PBS (52). I have a ChannelMaster 4248 with a 7777 preamp and 9521A rotator. ( I/m sure I could get additional stations I just haven't had the time to search with the rotator. All the above stations are on the same antenna alignment.

My signal goes directly to my HDTV tuner (Mitsubishi Promise Module). I would try to run the signal bypassing the distribution amp. That may be the problem.
The ChannelMaster 7777 has somewhat higher gain versus the 7778 (26 db vs 23 db) and lower noise (2.0 db vs 2.2 db). I don't know whether or not that would be a significant difference.

Berniec:

I'm receiving WPIX without any problems with a UHF only antenna (ChannelMaster 4248) and ChannelMaster preamp (7777) 25 miles from the ESB. If and when the stations return to their original VHF stations I will simply add a VHF antenna to my current setup.

Hey peeps, WABC-DT dropping & freezing here like crazy. Any one else experiencing this. This sucks right before the game and a packed house.

fmonkey-

Yeah, me too. The signal fluctuates between 0 and 60% and it' doesn't lock in. First time this has happened to me since WABC-DT started broadcasting from Conde Nast.

Left a voice mail on their main number (212.456.1000) complaining about the sporatic signal strength. If someone has a direct line to engineering, please post.

Thanks man, glad some one else is receiving this nonsense also (assuring me its not my equipment). I think it happened one other time before. They have perfect timing over there, I mean pick the day time when the soaps are on to pull this crap. Hope they are aware of this, I'm noticing the drops more frequently now. peace

fmonkey-

aww man, im gonna have to watch monday nite football on analog cable.. BOOOO!:mad:

I'm having trouble with WABCDT also. Are they doing some work with the antenna or something?

Yuk, You mean I got to free style some ota analog? Oh this is terrible:(

f

Anyone having this problem via cableor is it just OTA?

Signal on TWC is fine. They get it via fiber anyway.

Lucky *******s those TWC folks:)..I feel helpless 21 min. to game time & that dreaded analog is going to be our only resort:( ..I know, I'm spoiled..but feel robbed

fmonkey-

same in garen city...abc all over the place

Hempstead here....OTA for ABC-DT won't lock...signal all over the place....using Dish6000.

Okay people. It's been confirmed that someone did something that is causing this. Start calling.

no ABC OTA signal in Jersey City, right across the NY Harbor.

Sux.

No Monday Night Football on ABC here in Hazlet, NJ:mad:

Tony

I called the # TAKKL, thanks bud.. got transfered all over the place, ended up at "the audience information vm. I left a message. Does a direct line exist?

f

No ABC HD in Hackensack. Looks like Im relegated to the dreaded SD signal. Bad timing. I agree, why couldnt this happen during "soap time".

No signal here, picture comes in and out every 2-5 minutes, and I get it unmapped, not on 7-1

Yup same crappy voicemail. Asked operator to transfer to broadcast engineering, but no one picked up, and she would not give me the direct number (policy). anyway, tonight, highdef MNF is dead, for OTA customers. Major let-down tonight. Switching to NBC for Vegas.

The mapping on my mits's tuner is completely off, the id shows 4 ch 7.01's with a Spanish networks prg. got to re-scan after the game. peace out

fmonkey-

any info? theories?

A lot of reports around the US about MNF. It does not make sense.

I usually get a 100 signal on WABC-DT here in Staten Island but can't lock it in at all tonight. Someone is asleep at the switch over there.

I'm having the same problem. The signal stength is all over the place. I decided to get ABC from WTNH tonight until WABC gets fixed.

WABC-DT is now of the air. The signal was jumping all over the place but now it is a flat 0. Hopefully that means they have found the problem and are working to fix it. What timing!!

reminds me of an overly dramatic, really bad dying scene.

Checked at 5;30am....still no 7-1.....

Still nothing here in Jersey. Does anybody know what the problem ABC is having?

Tony

Originally posted by UroDoc
DvnoMutt


.... If and when the stations return to their original VHF stations I will simply add a VHF antenna to my current setup.

That would be never. ALL channels are moving the UHF band in the transition to ATSC (HDTV). The Government really wants to shutdown the VHF spectrum and auction it off for lots of money.
The channel "designator" is just technical magic. WABC displays a "7.1" in your channel lineup but it does not, nor will it ever, broadcast from the VHF channel 7 spectrum.

Originally posted by mishagray
That would be never. ALL channels are moving the UHF band in the transition to ATSC (HDTV). The Government really wants to shutdown the VHF spectrum and auction it off for lots of money.
This is not accurate. It is the upper UHF band (52 to 69?) that will be going away. Vhf channels 7 to 13 are definitely staying. I do not think a final decision on 2 to 6 has been made.

SELDENPAT & WWARD

Thanks again for your help.
I discarded the DBT in favor of the Silver Sensor because the former is not directional enough.
Following your advice, rotating the Silver Sensor I was finally able to pick up ABC, but on an
iffy inconsistant basis. From this forum I learned that ABC seemed to be having transmission
problems, so that may have accounted for the problems I was having,
However I had absolutely no luck in picking up NBC.
I read somewhere that WNYE-DT (25) transmits from the ESB. Is this true?
I get a line-of-sight shot at the ESB and am still not able to pick it up.

Originally posted by Ed Barclay
This is not accurate. It is the upper UHF band (52 to 69?) that will be going away. Vhf channels 7 to 13 are definitely staying. I do not think a final decision on 2 to 6 has been made.

Really? I didn't realize that.
So does this mean that we may have ATSC broadcasts in the VHF spectrum in the future? It seems to me that all the ATSC allocations have been in the UHF spectrum. Or is this just because UHF offers a larger signal footprint? Not sure about that.

Just spoke to Kurt Hanson, head of Engineering at WABC and he said they were having problems with the transmitter last night and finally had to shut it down. He expects to be back on the air by this evening.

Hanson's the man who would know. Any other speculation or "inside" information in this thread about the shutdown would be unreliable.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I read somewhere that WNYE-DT (25) transmits from the ESB. Is this true?
I get a line-of-sight shot at the ESB and am still not able to pick it up.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

trumpace

Yes WNYE-DT should be broadcasting they are on channel 24.

Originally posted by wward
Yes WNYE-DT should be broadcasting they are on channel 24. To the best of my knowledge, WNYE-DT has not been on the air for over two years. They were broadcasting from Brooklyn at that time.

Ed Barclay

You are probably right I know prior to 9/11 they were broadcasting I figured they may still be now, but at low power. i can only receive the analog channel.

What is going on with WABC-DT ? They just came back on the air and their signal is bouncing all over the place again. My signal is going up and down and the picture is freezing and pixelizing and unwatchable. It is just like last night. How is everyone else's WABC-DT ?

Scott

Tell them. Call (212) 456-1000 and ask for Kurt Hanson.

If this thing is not fixed by the time Line of Fire comes I'll be really pissed.

ABC is unstable here too

What a disaster WABC-DT has become. After them turning it off for nearly an entire day you would think they would have fixed it. Right now it is unwatchable. The signal is bouncing up and down so much it is just freezing constantly.

Scott

Good thing I kept that monster RS pointed towards CT...Was able to see the Raiders get spanked in all the HD Glory last night!

Based on little things happening like this, I may keep it there until the Freedom Tower is the home for the locals!

What's the deal with WOR (UPN) when the combiner is complete?
Will they be broadcasting again on 38, or are they going to remain a sub of 44?

Well, has anybody called WABC to tell them how their signal is behaving? If you don't then you have no right to complain.

Ok here in Brooklyn for WABC-DT, no drops. Unfortunately I now lost WNBC-DT:( What is going on, this is like a catch 22? One comes back, I loose the other. All the while I'm just sitting here and the weather is fine:)

fmonkey-

Originally posted by feloniousmonkey
Ok here in Brooklyn for WABC-DT, no drops. Unfortunately I now lost WNBC-DT:( What is going on, this is like a catch 22? One comes back, I loose the other. All the while I'm just sitting here and the weather is fine:)

fmonkey-

WABC-DT seems to have settled down here, too. I am getting zero on WNBC-DT. They are flatlined for me. It looks like they are off the air.

Scott

I guess I spoke to soon. WABC-DT seems to have a steady signal now, but the picture is pixelizing and the sound is dropping in and out during the news. Something is still wrong there.

Scott

Boy, that's good to know, about WNBC.

I just put up a Channel Master 4308 and everything is coming in strong and clear here in Bayside, except that WNBC is at zero. Used to be my most reliable, along with WNYW. Checked here and it seems to be off the air. Whew!

What a great thread.

Any word on when WPIX moves to Ch. 33?

Originally posted by MLM
Boy, that's good to know, about WNBC.

I just put up a Channel Master 4308 and everything is coming in strong and clear here in Bayside, except that WNBC is at zero. Used to be my most reliable, along with WNYW. Checked here and it seems to be off the air. Whew!

What a great thread.

Any word on when WPIX moves to Ch. 33?

How is your WABC-DT ? My signal is now steady but the picture is pixelizing and the sound is totally garbled.

Scott

ooops, there goes WABC-DT, DROPPING, FREEZING. Speak of the devil, I lost the WB also, since yesterday that I noticed:(hope they get there act together just a bit enough to squeeze in the HD Log. im afraid to re-scan fearing I will loose another ch. Some ride:(

fmonkey-

Originally posted by MLM
Boy, that's good to know, about WNBC.

Checked here and it seems to be off the air. Whew!

What a great thread.

Any word on when WPIX moves to Ch. 33?

my ABC signal is 100% now, but there is no picture and audio is skipping like a broken CD. :mad: BOOOOO!!

update: for any one tweeking, re-scanned mits. Receiving: CBS-DT, WNBC,WNYW,Sub WOR,7.01 &.02 WABC and The WB. All ch. look great! Bring on the Logg!!

fmonkey-:D

Originally posted by feloniousmonkey
update: for any one tweeking, re-scanned mits. Receiving: CBS-DT, WNBC,WNYW,Sub WOR,7.01 &.02 WABC and The WB. All ch. look great! Bring on the Logg!!

fmonkey-:D

You mean to tell me WABC-DT is not pixelizing and garblesd sound for you. If that is the case you are the only one I have heard of not having a problem with WABC-DT. The signal strength is strong, but the pixelizing and freezing is making it unwatchable.

Scott

I spoke to soon, it is:( wah, wah..I thought it was fixed-but the WB looks good:)oh well

f

still pixelizing and freezing

Terrible. WABC-DT has become unwatchable.

Scott

Here on S.I. I'm getting ABC at a signal of 74 instead of 84-85. Yesterday evening and earlier today it was unwatchable. Why the drop in signal strength ?

Still not getting ABC here in Brooklyn

Originally posted by John Tuohy
Still not getting ABC here in Brooklyn

Not only is WABC not working properly, but there was some sort of a power outage here in Central NJ.....so not only couldn't I watch WABC-DT...but I couldn't log on to find out about it till now!

:mad:

WABC-DT seems to work for about 10 minutes (it is working properly as I am writing this) and then it seems to revert and have pixelization.

Scott

i finally got ABC back. im getting perfect picture. :D

Originally posted by Raiden915
i finally got ABC back. im getting perfect picture. :D

I hope it lasts. I had it back for about 10 minutes at 9:30 and it reverted back. It seems to be working now. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Scott

Im in Wayne NJ and I only had the Fox(UPN Crappy feed) and CBS HDTV. Last weekend I discovered I had ABC at 100% then on monday 0%. I just checked and it is back at %100 I hope it stays for the playoffs.


Gary Pranzo

still a few dropouts this am .....better than last nite..

Originally posted by Scott G
How is your WABC-DT ? My signal is now steady but the picture is pixelizing and the sound is totally garbled.

Scott Talk about unhappy coincidences. I put up a new antenna myself yesterday on my 1 story chimney. Then I go to turn it on in the late afternoon and no WNBC, formerly my most reliable station. First thought, the antenna is not working. Every other station is perfect except that since the antenna is UHF only, no WPIX. No surprise--I'll have to do without 'till they revert back to Ch. 33.

Dial up AVS to find, to my relief, WNBC is off the air. Relax.

Wait 'till prime time and WABC is pixellating like crazy. Go to roof and try a few angles. No relief. Problem with the new antenna? Dial up AVS and everyone's having problems with WABC. Put on new "Winged Migration" DVD and come back in 90 minutes and . . . . everything's perfect. WCBS which gave me the most trouble before is still pristine.

All my reception readings with this dimunitive CM 4308 (recommended for me at LNL) are higher than ever before. Bliss. Will it last? Stay tuned. This may be all the antenna anyone within 15 miles of downtown may need. We'll see.

Is there anybody getting smallville in NYC? I am dying to see it in HD.

I just got VOOM and only 2 & 7 (CBS & ABC) work. The VOOM thread is reporting that the VOOM receiver has issues. I am considering getting a separate receiver for OTA. As Smallville would be a major factor in my decision I want to know if anybody is getting it.

Thanks,
Cap

Sigh. I don't know what has become of our OTA situation here in the NYC area. WNBC-DT is now off the air completely again, and WABC-DT has the same pixelizing and freezing and sound problems again. Obviously, both of our rediscovered local HD channels now have some major problems that have been going on for the past few days. I certainly hope they are fixed soon.

Scott

Coincidentally, or not, this seemed to happen right after the best reception day ever for me I was actually able to get NBC-DT perfectly clear for a half hour 50+ miles out. Monday 7:00 - 7:30 PM. It was probably some Tropo, but did ABC and NBC try to up the juice on Monday and then fry their transmitters?

MLM

You can still pick up WPIX (12) on a UHF only antenna. I'm using a CM 4248 with CM 7777 amp and I receive WPIX with no problems in Westbury, LI (25 miles from the ESB)

Hello everyone. I am new to the site, just got an 811 with DISH and using a Silver Sensor antenna to receive programming from NYC. I have been following the events of OTA in NYC in the post 9/11 world. First off, I think the engineers need to be comended for their incredibly hard work in getting these signals back on the air from locations that are certainly not ideal to broadcast HDTV. However, in my first few days as an active HDTV viewer, I am disappointed to see that drop-outs and power problems are in abundance at the transmitter locations. I do not want to be insensitive towards anyone on this board but being that we are 2+ years after 9/11, isn't it time that a true broadcast tower/facility is constructed. I understand that a combiner will allow for the OTA signals to broadcast from ESB but is anyone else on this board actually in favor of perhaps a 2000 ft tower strictly for television? I certainly know I am as it would become an in your face to terrorists all around the world. While, I will never forget 9/11 and I doubt anyone will, I believe enough time has passed to demonstrate that no one will change our way of life. For many television viewers in New York City, OTA signals of both analog and digital were a way of life. By not constructing new facilities, we have essentially let the terrorists win.

I do not want to be insensitive towards anyone on this board but being that we are 2+ years after 9/11, isn't it time that a true broadcast tower/facility is constructed.

New York/New Jersey was suppose to put one up in Bayonne, NJ but I haven't heard anything in a long time. Anyone here have more information on this?

Tony

The Bayonne project is basically a bust. I was told the major problem being opposition from the people that live there and some concerns from the FAA among other things.

I guess the concern being possible interference with aircraft that fly in the general area of the tower.

The Bayonne tower project is dead. The combiner at ESB is supposed to be the temporary site until Freedom Tower goes up at the old WTC site.

Originally posted by UroDoc
MLM

You can still pick up WPIX (12) on a UHF only antenna. I'm using a CM 4248 with CM 7777 amp and I receive WPIX with no problems in Westbury, LI (25 miles from the ESB) Yes I am aware that it can be done with the 4248, but not, evidently, with the 4308.

But being so close to the transmitters (11.5 mi.), my problems were evidently due to multipath and the folks at LNL suggested that the off beam rejection of the CM yagi was superior to the 4248 (which I was willing to buy) or the smaller 4221. They chat with loads of installers and I followed their suggestion. So far I have no reason to regret.

Fact is, I never watched anything on WPIX except baseball, and by the time the season next year is under way Channel 33 may be back. In a pinch I can install my old antenna under the new one.

I do get the WB on 12.01 in brooklyn w/ a dual band antenna. I am lucky to have very little obstruction:) The baseball games in the summer looked great, small-ville looks real good too. I'm glad to have another 1080i ch. Hoping for PBS & WOR to b'cast in the *New York City Area*-merry x-mas..

fmonkey-

What's with WNBC-DT? It is off the air.

I get no signal on nbc and very weak on abc.

I have not been receiving WNBC-DT, channel 28, since Christmas morn.
I guess they're experiencing problems.

Originally posted by harican
I have not been receiving WNBC-DT, channel 28, since Christmas morn.
I guess they're experiencing problems.

Because I was up wrapping presents and remember!

Originally posted by dm145
I get no signal on nbc and very weak on abc.

As of 12:30 pm ABC-DT is fine for me (100 on my E86) and NBC-DT is pulling a big fat ZERO!

i get no NBC either. im getting perfect reception from ABC suprisingly

I am dead here for NBC-DT also:( but ABC is fine. Could NBC-DT be testing? or they don't realize the fact that they are not b'casting a DT ch.


fmonkey-

Originally posted by feloniousmonkey
I am dead here for NBC-DT also:( but ABC is fine. Could NBC-DT be testing? or they don't realize the fact that they are not b'casting a DT ch.


fmonkey-

Funny thing is, ABC had it "right" today. I have a _HOUSE_ full of people. I have been showing off my TV's since they got here. Was easy to show them CBS DT....albeit they were showing Rugrats in SD. Then I showed them Fox's signal....again in SD. But ABC....had mostly HD programming _ALL _ afternoon. What better advertising is there than ACTUALLY seeing HD at someone's house???

And NBC is not even on the air. Had a nice time explaining that one....lol...:p

I've only had my HDTV for a month now and when I first got it I had CBS, NBC, ABC and PBS HD channels but lately my OTA channels are either on or off! Yesterday ABC and NBC were playing the on off dance and now NBC is out:confused: Is this common?

Tony

This isn't common, & hopefully it will never be like this again and it really sucks! The last couple of weeks these channels have been flaking out. What about the Lakers, on ABC-DT isn't this supposed to be in HD?

fmonkey-

Originally posted by s236
I've only had my HDTV for a month now and when I first got it I had CBS, NBC, ABC and PBS HD channels but lately my OTA channels are either on or off! Yesterday ABC and NBC were playing the on off dance and now NBC is out:confused: Is this common?

Tony

What about the Lakers, on ABC-DT isn't this supposed to be in HD?

I can understand ABC not being able handle both games in HD but none on Christmas day is shameful!

Tony

NBC problem must be with their transmitter.Comcast carriage is okay.

I wish WNBC-DT could make some sort of announcement, or at least have an engineer inform us as to what the problem and prognosis of this is. This is quite ridiculous for a major channel like this to be completely off the air for going on the third day now. I would at least like to know what is happening.

Scott

ABC and NBC have both shown that it is not a priority to have DTV OTA. It took ABC two years to go live again, and only then did NBC slap an antenna up. Now they are both having problems, NBC obviously is worse.

SELDENPAT & WWARD

Thanks to you two I've been able to make significant progress in picking up NY digital stations from here in Chelsea. Perhaps others may profit from my discoveries, if you haven't figured it out long before I did.

First, I replaced my Ratshak DBT with a Silver Sensor and found a significant improvement in directionality. For the first time I was able to pisk up WABC-DT, but only sporadically. I had
trouble in getting sound and the antenna position was quite critcal.

On a hunch, I replaced my Zenith HDV420 with my old Samsung SIR T150 and lo, WABC-DT
came iin audio and all. I found with this receiver that the antenna position was not as critical.

I am still not able to pick up WNBC-DT, but, according to other posters, that may be due to them being off the air.

Now, with the Silver Senso and the Samsung I receive CBS, FOX, ABC, UPN,WB and 3 subchannels of WNET. My screen also shows a fourth channel (13-111) but I receive neither sound nor picture there. Anyone know what the latter is?

Thanks again, guys, and a Happy New Year to all.

Larry

Doesn't that guy George Thompson work for NBC? Maybe he knows whats going on. Also did anyone try to call NBC to find out????

GT works for CBS. I've had no luck finding a phone number for WNBC.

Larry

I'm glad I could be of some assistance to you. It looks like the Samsung receiver was able to handle multipath a bit better than the Zenith? Who would have thunk it.

Have a good new year as well.

GT does work for NBC, not CBS. Maybe he'll chime in here later.

Well, I hate to be a pessimist here, but NBC has been off for about 3 days now. Something major has to be wrong.

Scott

I just spoke to someone in Engineering at WNBC and he told me that the transmitter is off and it's not expected to be back on until next week because the guy in charge of it is on vacation. :mad: He had no details as to why it's turned off.

Such a first class operation! :rolleyes:

Well, I don't know how long it will stay on, but WNBC-DT is on right now as I am writing this.

Scott

Originally posted by vruiz
GT does work for NBC, not CBS. Maybe he'll chime in here later.
Oops. My bad.

Yeah, lo and behold, that guy came back from vacation real quick!

Is it at all conceivable that no one in engineering pays much attention to whether or not the signal is going out unless someone calls and complains? I can't imagine that would be the case, but it is interesting that after vruiz gets through, the signal reappears... When I worked at WNET years ago there was ALWAYS an OTA set on, but maybe the DTV is a second thought at NBC?

I agree with you, who cares about the 3 guys jonesing for some HD. We are the minoroty right now. IMO all they care as that the people are watching there sponsors advertising on analog tv-the majority rules. When I spoke to an engineer from another network, he said he has *no idea whats going on outside* I'm getting WNBC-DT right now & glad they corrected it but again its not 100% its pixaling right now also:( Its ridiculous we cant even contact this network, any way *I* cant seem to find an email or a # for WNBC-DT

fmonkey-

Originally posted by Swisher
Is it at all conceivable that no one in engineering pays much attention to whether or not the signal is going out unless someone calls and complains? I can't imagine that would be the case, but it is interesting that after vruiz gets through, the signal reappears... When I worked at WNET years ago there was ALWAYS an OTA set on, but maybe the DTV is a second thought at NBC?

I have an email (sent to me in confidence). I will try to find out what is (was) going on.

im getting NBC too, but im getting pretty weak signals no matter which way i move my antenna. pictures are very choppy. usually i get NBC around 75-80% with my silver sensor.

WNBC-DT DOA here once again:(They are probably having serious issues-cool Trekkerj, let us know. peace


fmonkey-

I just spoke to someone in Engineering at WNBC and he told me that the transmitter is off and it's not expected to be back on until next week because the guy in charge of it is on vacation.

This is a joke right? So if this guy drops dead on vacation (hypothetical) and takes his secret on how to turn the HD switch to the grave with him does this mean we'll never see NBC in HD?

Anyway no NBC-DT here in Central Jersey as of 4:42 pm.

Tony

Had WNBC-DT earlier, now nothing.

This just a total disregard for the digital crowd by WNBC-DT. Boy, if that analog signal was down they would be scrambling to get it back on. WNBC-DT has been a disaster since Tuesday night. They really don't care about people that want the digital signal at all. I, for one, am not watching any NBC programming (including news) until WNBC-DT returns full time. I will watch ABC and CBS. At least those networks care about keeping their digital channel on the air.

Scott

No NBC DT as of 7:30 PM EST.

This seems to be NBC's attitude towards digitial broadcasting in general. The O&O in Philly is just as bad.

I just lost my sound on WPIXDT. My signal meter reads 69% and the picture is fine. I tried rescanning my channels, but still no sound at all. Anyone else having this problem?

It's a WB HD problem. Try the 2nd audio (Spanish) and it's like a Kung Phoo movie.

Anybody have an e-mail address to contact NBC-DT?

Thanks, Tony

Sent an email to newstips@wnbc.com. Will post when I get response. Looks like it will be all CBS today.

So much for seeing the final eposides of Boomtown in HD.

I think you may get a little further if you try this email address programming@wnbc.com

Short of the engineering department the programming department may be able to forward your emails to the correct person(s) for answers.

Originally posted by kcn823
So much for seeing the final eposides of Boomtown in HD.

Tonight is the "swan song" for this series correct ?!?!?!

I remember reading something about it over on the programming forum last month.

Makes sense for NBC_DT to be down for this finale.

My wife is a _HUGE_ Boomtown fan....and the reason I BOUGHT a 2nd HD setup is so on nights like tonight she could watch her "stuff" in HD....and I could watch my, more important and more manly "stuff" in HD (hello ESPN-HD)

Amazing.........:p

I wonder if "the guy" in charge REALLY is on vacation.....that _WOULD_ make a lot of sense......;)

I think it is an absolute disgrace that a major channel like WNBC-DT in a major market like NYC could be down for such a long time. It just shows NBC's total disregard for the digital revolution. If the analog channel was down they would have been racing around to fix it. I am so frustrated by their total lack of interest in fixing WNBC-DT that I sent a complaint in to the FCC about WNBC. I don't know if it will help but you can e-mail the FCC here :

fccinfo@fcc.gov

It is networks like NBC that are the reason that the HDTV movement has gone so slow. If you remember WABC-DT had a problem during last week's MNF game and it went into Tuesday. They then fixed it right up. At least some of the networks care about HD and the digital crowd. Apparently, not NBC. I, personally, am not watching any NBC programming until the digital channel is fixed. Sorry for the rant, but this type of behavior is the reason we have had such a hard time getting all the HD programming we want.



Scott

Scott G,
I feel your pain. I've emailed WNBC twice today, no response so far. I would be enjoying Boomtown now, but instead watching FOX instead (not a bad game). Well, WNBC does not have my viewing interest either, until it's fixed.

Scott, I'm with you. I send an e-mail to NBC on this as well.

Yeah, you can call me pig headed on this one, but I won't even so much as watch NBC news. It is a disgrace that almost a week has gone by, and they have done nothing to fix it. At least if there was a major problem, and they were trying to fix it I would be more understanding. But the guy in charge is on vacation is just not acceptable to me. :mad:

Scott

Not to defend WNBC or its parent company (considering they are an O&O) but lets put things in perspective for a minute, Their analog signal is their bread and butter and yes if it were their analog signal that was down you better believe everyone would be jumping to attention to get things resolved.

Also they have just recently come on the air at very reduced power (compared to CBS and ABC) who is actually receiving this signal?

I for one can't and so cant many others on this board and I have news for you there are people in the industry in this market who until very recently didn’t even know WNBC-DT was back on the air.

My point is the viewer ship of WNBC's digital signal is so small compared to that of their analog signal they probably don’t deem this a major issue. Right now most but not all of the local stations view digital as a secondary service. especially considering the expense involved and the lack of ROI.

I am sure this attitude will change but it will take time. I think the closer we get to the shut down of the analog signals there will be a significant change in attitude.

But in the interim keep emailing and calling them until things are back up.

Okay, I heard from an NBC engineer and here is the situation with WNBC-DT. They had two simultaneous transmission failures with the transmitter. Since this is a temporary transmitter these problems are more serious than they would be with a permanent transmitter. If it was a permanent transmitter there would be more backup to take over, but in this case there is not much backup support to the temporary transmitter.

The first problem was a power supply problem to the transmitter. It was worked on Tuesday, Wednesday and Christmas morning and that is why we saw the channel on sporadically.

After they fixed the first problem they discovered a problem with the transmission line between the transmitter and the antenna. They have to thoroughly test the transmission line before turning the transmitter back on. If they turned it on and the transmission line was damaged the transmitter could be fried, and that would leave WNBC-DT off for weeks.

What I have been told is expect the channel back on this Monday. Now that I have heard the truth as to what is going on I feel much better about this. It was not as we have been told that the guy in charge is out of town so they are not working on it. I have been told they have been working on it, but must be cautious not to put it on until it is thoroughly tested so the transmitter is not permanently damaged.

I certainly feel a lot better about WNBC-DT now that I have heard the truth, and I know they are working on it.

Hopefully, if all goes well, we will get WNBC-DT back on Monday. :D

Scott

Good job Scott.

Not for nothing but why is it that someone who works at the station had incorrect info and gave it out as fact to a total stranger? There has to be a better way to get correct info like this out I dont pretend to know how to do this but it should not be this hard.

The other thing that is troublesome is why does it take this long to test a transmission line over there?

Scott, tell them while they are fixing it to boost the f@#$@# signal, so I can get it ;) I am on the borderline of getting lock on it...

Perhaps it is the boosting of the signal that caused the power failures. :(

Perhaps its not enough power that caused the power failures ;(

I'm still hoping against hope that they'll squeeze enough juice out of it to get me a signal in northern Westchester.

It's Christmas week, give them a break.

Anyone here watching the jets game It's supposedly in hd but its coming across in 4:3 with white side bars and it does not look like HD??

The Jets game is not supposed t0 be broadcast in HD.

they had an announcement right before the game saying this game as well as playoffs and super bowl will be broadcast in HD and to enjoy the game. Did anyone else catch that announcement?

Also on a side note does anyone know where I can find a list of channel numbers and station names for all nyc local channels both HD and SD???

Great Scott! for getting us some answers- At least they do care :) ..even a little bit. They worked on it *X-Mas day* Thats pretty good. peace

fmonkey-

Originally posted by dm145
It's Christmas week, give them a break.

evilal36

Try this link it is always updated with the current schedules for NFL HD games.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=300612

Also for a list of stations I recall someone putting together a very comprehensive list on this fourm about a month ago, just do a search for it.

Perhaps the needed power went to the big tree. :)

Originally posted by feloniousmonkey
Great Scott! for getting us some answers- At least they do care :) ..even a little bit. They worked on it *X-Mas day* Thats pretty good. peace

fmonkey-

Yes, when I heard the explanation I felt a lot better about the situation. They are working on it. Let's all hope that all goes well on Monday and it returns. :)

Scott

No ABC signal for me today. Is this just my tough luck, or are they not transmitting?

Yup. No WABC-DT, but WNBC-DT is on. Did WNBC-DT take WABC-DT's transmitter?

Yeah the peacock wooped up on the poor little mouse.

Is your WNBC-DT signal varying a little. Mine signal seems to be jumping around a little and leading to some pixelizing. How is everyone else's WNBC-DT signal strength and stability ?

Scott

I haven't looked since I'm at work, but if the transmitter just came back online, I'd give it some time before worrying about its strength, they probably need to fine tune it and slowly bring it back to the strength it was before.

Well, they are obviously working on the transmitter. It just went off the air for a few minutes and then came back on again.

Scott

I have been told the power and transmission problems with WNBC-DT is fixed. They are back on the air now, but you may see it go on and off this afternoon, because they are testing the transmitter out at different power levels.

Scott

Thanks,

Tried to search with no luck anyone know where the list can be found.

Ayal

Originally posted by wward
evilal36

Try this link it is always updated with the current schedules for NFL HD games.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=300612

Also for a list of stations I recall someone putting together a very comprehensive list on this fourm about a month ago, just do a search for it.

Doesn't much matter now, since the playoffs have started. All CBS games will be in HD, all ABC playoff games will also be in HD. And I imagine all Fox games will be in FOX widescreen. That's all you need to know. As for CBS's schedule, check cbs.sportsline.com (CBS Sports TV link)

I have been told WNBC-DT is back on at full power now. However, there is still a problem with the power supply. If the power lasts tonight the channel will stay on. If not it may not. Either way, I understand a new power supply is coming tommorrow and it will be replaced. So I would think it will be off the air sometime tommorrow again.

Scott

WABC-DT back on.

I think the power level on WNBC-DT dropped again. I am getting nothing more than a pixelized mess now. My signal level is way down.

Scott

Scott, Same here in Jersey.

Tony

still looking for a list of channels (name and number) anyone know where it is?

Originally posted by evilal36
still looking for a list of channels (name and number) anyone know where it is? http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=331964&

Anyone else not getting WABC-DT?

Sorry...just found this thread...and am brand new to NYC Hi-Def...it is taking me time to go through 58 pages of this thread....so sorry if I am asking what has been answered.

Did I miss it...or did someone say or give a timeline on when WPIX or the WB will move digital channels from #12 VHF to #33UHF ?

UPN and Enterprise will start in March 2004 ???

Is Fox-HD what it is now...or are they also looking to upgrade ??
Can not get them...not even a hint.

My ABC (located near the Verrazano Bridge)
has been on every evening since I started which was just before Christmas.

Right now all I get OTA is NBC as of yesterday...ABC...and CBS

No Fox...No WB....No PBS of any kind....No UPN

Are all these NYC digital channels just biding time until the Freedom Tower is built....or are they just having trouble finding a good location for their transmitters...I mean who should we blame here....if any...for it being 2004 and still with many issues.

The Technology ??
The Networks ??
The City ??
The Empire State Building ??
Blame No One....its just the way things start out ??

Hey Calabs...

Guess I went back to the darkside and re-upped with Comcast. ABC has been perfect. The quality has been every bit as good as OTA. It was always hit or miss with ABC OTA.

Archangel..Who to blame? Try the guys who flew a plane into the WTC.

Steve,

I fully realize that....and would never want to under-estimate the damage and loss that was done on that day.

But we are talking about 2 full years and almost 4 months....someone or something is clogging up the works....that timeframe is almost two thirds the building time they will allot for the new Freedom Towers.

Originally posted by Calabs
Anyone else not getting WABC-DT?

WABC-DT generally shuts their signal off during every weekday morning and afternoon. It generally comes back around 4:00pm. They say they are doing transmitter work during the day, but it has been going on for about two months already. I don't know why they need to shut it down every day, but they do except for holidays or bad weather days.

Scott

While we're waiting for WABC-DT to resume transmission, does anyone know the story about the 111 sub-channel of 13?

I used to get only 13-1, 13-2 and 13-3, but now I get those plus a 13-111 in the upper right had corner of the screen. All I get on 111 is the ID, no picture or sound. Anyone have a clue?

WABC-DT back on the air :)

fmonkey-

Okay, so I cannot wait any longer for cablevision to pickup the WNBC-DT and WABC-DT signals, as the NFL playoffs in HD are starting on ABC this week! I have to go out and get myself an indoor antenna and STB on Friday. Which one of you guys in southern/central Westchester can recommend a good antenna/STB? I am about 20 miles north of Manhattan.
Thanks much! Once connected I will let you all know how it goes...

get the zenith silver surfer antenna, people seem to be have good results with that indoor antenna. I think you can get it at best buy...

Is WNBC-DT back on the air or not? I get nothing on 28-1 from Eastern Nassau County.

WNBC-DT is on the air. WABC-DT was on momenteroly but now they shut down(edited:WABC-DT up again). msmith, if you get the silver sensor from radio shack they will give you your money back if it doesn't work out. I'm not sure of other dealers return policy. good luck

fmonkey-

Originally posted by LI-HDTV-Viewer
Is WNBC-DT back on the air or not? I get nothing on 28-1 from Eastern Nassau County. :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
if you get the silver sensor from radio shack they will give you your money back if it doesn't work out.

I'm not sure of other dealers return policy. good luck
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Radio Shack does not carry the Silver Sensor it can be purchased at Sears or Best Buy.

my bad, I could of sworn I saw it on there web

fmonkey-

Originally posted by wward
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------if you get the silver sensor from radio shack they will give you your money back if it doesn't work out. I'm not sure of other dealers return policy. good luck
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Radio Shack does not carry the Silver Sensor it can be purchased at Sears or Best Buy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!!

Thanks for a great 2003 and looking forward to lots of new HD channels for 2004!!!

Yes same here! It's good to be alive in an exciting time:) More HD for the new year. Good day. peace

fmonkey-

Originally posted by seldenpat
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!!!

Thanks for a great 2003 and looking forward to lots of new HD channels for 2004!!!

Happy New Year all! Is anybody here getting The WB on 75-1? And where is this station coming from? I did a scan this morning and for the first time I'm getting that station as well as WPIX-DT on 11-1 and 11-2. Picture is breaking up was better this morning.

Tony

I used to get the WB on 11.01,02 & 75.01 which *I* beleive is there nation wide ID so as you can get 75.01 any where in the U.S.A. Then I stopped getting it on those ch & received it on 12.01 .02.04.06. This has happened to me twice in the year the WB has been b'casting. If anything those guys are not consistent in my opinion but I don't really care on which digi ch they are at as long as I get them. peace out


fmonkey-

Originally posted by s236
Happy New Year all! Is anybody here getting The WB on 75-1? And where is this station coming from? I did a scan this morning and for the first time I'm getting that station as well as WPIX-DT on 11-1 and 11-2. Picture is breaking up was better this morning.

Tony

I can only get them at night (usually), and even then with lots of breakups. I'm just too far. I caught them for about 10 seconds this morning, they were showing the Rose parade in HD, which is interesting, because the analog station was showing Honeymooners.

Did something changed at ESB? I'm now getting 60% reception on WPIX-DT (no breakup or pixelation) and clear signal on analog WNET.

Did something changed at ESB? I'm now getting 60% reception on WPIX-DT (no breakup or pixelation) and clear signal on analog WNET.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nothing changed what you are probably seeing is due to atmospheric conditions.

TAKKL:

Please explain to this simple person just what you mean by "analog WNET."

Thanks.

he means VHF channel 13.

If that's what he really means, then what relevance does analog reception have to digital "HD OTA"?

Hey I didn’t see anyone mention how they liked the coverage of the playoffs on WABC-DT. I could only watch the first half of the first game. Then the audio and video dropouts started and the picture became unwatchable.

I finally had to switch over to DirecTv and watch the SD version of game from WABC. I switched back to OTA for the second game and it looked like WABC-DT was either off the air or there was a reduction in signal strength I couldn’t get anything.

WABC was running fine in my area and not a single drop out. the playoffs looked great!

Ups and downs....drop outs and pixelation....signal strength issues...it sounds to me like the local OTA digital are really dragging their feet on this whole issue....it can not be that difficult....where they have to make daily trips to Radio Shack for repair parts...maybe they are hoping that there will be some great announcement by DirecTV for the NY area and HD coverage...with that compiled with cable companies carrying the local NYC HD channels....and whatever this Voom or Zoom is....they figure that they only have to look like they are doing something....before someone else takes the effort and weight off their shoulders.

I forget what TV character said it...about his friend being cheap and not paying for a meal once in a while....

"He keeps on reaching in his pocket....but he never comes out with anything !!"

Originally posted by Raiden915
WABC was running fine in my area and not a single drop out. the playoffs looked great!

How were you picking up the signal OTA, Cable?

Not a single dropout for me either. Indoor antenna, OTA.

Started getting dropouts second half of the first game, so I switched to WTNH, which had a stronger signal. WABC wasn't bad though...maybe one brief flicker every 5 minutes. First game looked better than the second, imo.

Originally posted by seldenpat
Started getting dropouts second half of the first game, so I switched to WTNH, which had a stronger signal. WABC wasn't bad though...maybe one brief flicker every 5 minutes. First game looked better than the second, imo.

You’re lucky you could pick up another affiliate. The next closest one to me is WPVI-DT out of Philly and they are a little over 60 miles from me. I kept getting wild swings in signal level so it was also a bust. Not that I expected to pick it up (only during tropo events).

Sorry. Just getting back online...been enjoying the playoffs, halftime now. To further explain my situation with WPIX-DT, whenever reception is very poor, WNET-TV is completely fuzzy. Today, it's been crystal clear. If they made any changes at ESB, please stay with it and don't make any change.

It's probably just tropo from the rain, sorry... Whenever the weather is like this I get stations alot stronger. Who would think clouds help with reception...

sting0r,
Tropo is a good possibility. I was just wondering if others in Brooklyn are experiencing the same increase in reception.

It needs to rain more during Angel, then. (Sometimes I spend up to 45 minutes just trying to lock in on the signal. When it rains, it's MUCH easier).

Well, I was able to watch NBC for the first time today, I hope it rains more, so maybe I can catch Leno or something....

Did anything happen to CBS or Fox since I'm no longer able to pick these station up this weekend. (Yeah, just in time for the playoffs!) I'm just picking up NJN (51) only now. I live in Morristown, NJ (about 45 miles outside of the city) and used to pick up CBS w/ 80+ & Fox w/ 60+ signal strength and now nothing. Vanished into (ahem) thin air! Does anyone know of any problem or is it just me?

To everyone in NYC:

I just received an e-mail from the Technical Director/Lead On-Line Editor at WPIX-TV. He told me to inform you all the following:


WPIX is anxiously awaiting the completion of the signal combiner at the Empire State Building. We are operating at reduced power awaiting construction completion.

wxone, I have not had any problems picking up CBS or FOX.

Anyone in the NYC market using a Sammy T-151???

I recently hooked one up for my parents and for some reason I can't figure out how to get the guide info to operate correctly for each channel. Is this normal? It states what each channel is (i.e. WNYW-DT, WNBC-DT, etc...) but only shows "DTV program" or "No info" when I hit the info button.

Is this a PSIP issue with this particular box ? Or is there some sort of hidden menu I'm missing ?!?!?

I figured I'd ask here first to see if it's "market related (i.e NYC digitals) or a STB issue.

Thanks

BTW---using a RS VU-170 rooftop antenna I'm able to receive 2-1, 4-1, 5-1:2, 7-1:2, 53-1 from the South Shore of Staten Island.

I had a lock on 51-1:4 from Montclair but lost it after a few hours. I was hoping to be able to pickup either WLIW-DT or WNET-DT from their location or even get a flicker on WPIX-DT. I'm probably going to throw a low noise pre-amp up there to see if it improves things!

I have that unit. So far, the only channels sending guide info, AFAIK are WCBS and WPIX.

trekkerj,

Gee, I was hoping it was a transmittal problem. Since you live next door to me it must be a reception problem. Weather is not going to favorable for any roof venture. I'll keep trying to rotate & search and hope for the best. thanks!

Regards,

Ron

Thanks! Send them an email back asking when the ETC is on that and if that work has already begun....

Originally posted by motjes2
To everyone in NYC:

I just received an e-mail from the Technical Director/Lead On-Line Editor at WPIX-TV. He told me to inform you all the following:

Originally posted by trekkerj
I have that unit. So far, the only channels sending guide info, AFAIK are WCBS and WPIX.

Thanks for pointing that out. I"ll have to check when I go back to their house to see if 2-1 does indeed provide accurate guide data.

I will say that the T-151's tuner seems to be more adept at pulling in stations than my D* Hughes E86 tuner does.

I picked the T-151 up on Ebay for $160 delivered. Not bad for simply trying to bring my parents into the 21st Century :p

Out here in Hauppauge LI (zip 11788) I can get cbs, fox, ABC out of CT, WLIW, and a few others but not ABC NY or NBC. The strange part is that ABC jumps around all day and then at midnight it locks on and comes in - for the last 2 nights it came in within 10 mins of midnight (I keep forgetting to check the exact time). My assumption is at this point is that there may be something running nearby that is causing interference and then maybe when a business shuts down they power off the equipment and the signal comes in clean. I guess it could be just weather, cooling, or something like tropo but to be that close to midnight twice in a row - Thoughts

DJM

Is anyone getting WNBC-DT this morning ? I seem to be getting no signal this morning on that channel.

Scott

I apologize if this is the wrong forum...

I live in Freehold, NJ and need to setup an antenna for OTA HD reception. According to AntennaWeb.org I'm 36 miles from NYC. I'm trying to avoid putting an antenna on my roof since i'm in a development and NO ONE has an antenna on their roof - so I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb (unless the antenna is a small one so I can put it on the side of the house)

At any rate, will any indoor antenna work at this distance (Zenith Silver Sensor) or most likely, I'll need to put an antenna in the Attic - therefore what should I get? I hear the RS 15-2160 seems to work good, or do I go with a larger behemoth pointed at NYC from the attic?

Any pointers and suggestions?

Originally posted by JGDiablo
I apologize if this is the wrong forum...

I live in Freehold, NJ and need to setup an antenna for OTA HD reception. According to AntennaWeb.org I'm 36 miles from NYC. I'm trying to avoid putting an antenna on my roof since i'm in a development and NO ONE has an antenna on their roof - so I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb (unless the antenna is a small one so I can put it on the side of the house)

At any rate, will any indoor antenna work at this distance (Zenith Silver Sensor) or most likely, I'll need to put an antenna in the Attic - therefore what should I get? I hear the RS 15-2160 seems to work good, or do I go with a larger behemoth pointed at NYC from the attic?

Any pointers and suggestions?

You may also want to post your request in the Central NJ OTA thread. There are several folks there that live in the Freehold area.

Hi, I am new to this forum and living in Brooklyn, NY. I have a MyHD 100 and Winegard HD7080P and trying to pickup signal for WABCDT but with no luck. I get WCBSDT, WNBCDT, WNYWDT, WPIXDT with no problem. Any suggestion on what I can do to get WABCDT.

Originally posted by rh2019
Hi, I am new to this forum and living in Brooklyn, NY. I have a MyHD 100 and Winegard HD7080P and trying to pickup signal for WABCDT but with no luck. I get WCBSDT, WNBCDT, WNYWDT, WPIXDT with no problem. Any suggestion on what I can do to get WABCDT.

You're probably in the ESB shadow. ABC-DT is being broadcast from the Conde Nast building in Times Sq. If the ESB is between you and it, you won't get a signal.

Is WABCDT planning to move to Empire State Building any time soon?

I'm in Brooklyn also and had a CM 4221 on a 5' mast. I had trouble with NBC & ABC. So I went to Radio Shack and bought a 10' to attach to the end of the 5'. As soon as I got it up all stations pegged at 100. Didn't even have to aim it.

Try that.
-Rob

Originally posted by rh2019
Is WABCDT planning to move to Empire State Building any time soon?
I doubt it. They have new facilities at Conte Nast, running full power. Why move?
GT

Any suggestion as to how I resolve this issue so I can receive signal for WABCDT?

Originally posted by JGDiablo
I apologize if this is the wrong forum...

I live in Freehold, NJ and need to setup an antenna for OTA HD reception. According to AntennaWeb.org I'm 36 miles from NYC. I'm trying to avoid putting an antenna on my roof since i'm in a development and NO ONE has an antenna on their roof - so I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb (unless the antenna is a small one so I can put it on the side of the house)

At any rate, will any indoor antenna work at this distance (Zenith Silver Sensor) or most likely, I'll need to put an antenna in the Attic - therefore what should I get? I hear the RS 15-2160 seems to work good, or do I go with a larger behemoth pointed at NYC from the attic?

Any pointers and suggestions?

I replied to your PM about suggestions let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Originally posted by rh2019
Any suggestion as to how I resolve this issue so I can receive signal for WABCDT?

Won't they move when the ESB combiner project comes through?

Originally posted by George Thompson
I doubt it. They have new facilities at Conte Nast, running full power. Why move?
GT I believe you are not correct on this . My understanding is that WABC-DT is part of the combiner project at the Empire State Building.

Originally posted by Ed Barclay
I believe you are not correct on this . My understanding is that WABC-DT is part of the combiner project at the Empire State Building.

Is there a way to confirm this? Is this the March 04 completion date that I kept hearing about?

Originally posted by rh2019
Is there a way to confirm this? Is this the March 04 completion date that I kept hearing about?

www.wabc.com reports that they are on top of 4 Times Square. If that helps

WABC-DT was a part of the combiner project. Everybody involved was sick of the way negations were conducted when CBS corporate parent got involved. You would have to confirm that WABC paid up for the combiner. Why would they spend all that money for a high power transmitter and rent comparable to ESB to relocate to 4 Times Square if they did not intend to stay there. Several reasons come to mind.
1. Politics, labor problems and uncooperative management at ESB make it a headache to do business there.
2. It is a high profile target for terrorists.
3. No body wants to work there. After 9/11, EOD's are reluctant to spend much time in the building.
I seriously doubt WABC-DT will be back. Just my opinion.....
GT

Originally posted by dcarpa
Out here in Hauppauge LI (zip 11788) I can get cbs, fox, ABC out of CT, WLIW, and a few others but not ABC NY or NBC. The strange part is that ABC jumps around all day and then at midnight it locks on and comes in - for the last 2 nights it came in within 10 mins of midnight (I keep forgetting to check the exact time). My assumption is at this point is that there may be something running nearby that is causing interference and then maybe when a business shuts down they power off the equipment and the signal comes in clean. I guess it could be just weather, cooling, or something like tropo but to be that close to midnight twice in a row - Thoughts

DJM
I am right next to you in Smithtown. I get ABC in the mid 60's consistently throughout the day.
Still no sign of NBC yet.
What kind of signal are you getting on CBS and FOX?

I live in Brentwood. I get ABC both from the City and also from Connecticut and they both average 85 to 90% signal.
I got channel 11-1 and 11-2 WPIX last night and watched friends but this is rare, I hardly get channel 11-1 or 2 at all.
I got NBC 4-1 last night and watched Law and Order, a few breakups but that was it. The NBC signal was around 45%.
As for CBS and FOX I usually get them 95% and up. Those two channels are the most consistant and of course 21-1 WLIR?

Other channels I also get is:

59-1 Connecticut (UPN)
41-1 Spanish Station?
67-1 Telefutura?
68-1 Telefutura?
49-1 through 5 Connecticut (PBS)

Has anyone noticed a generally lower signal level the past couple of days. All of a sudden my signal strength has gone down about 15 % across the board and WNBC-DT does not come in at the lower signal strength. I can't figure out why my signal strength would drop across the board like this.

Any help would be appreciated.

Scott

Probably the cold temperatures. Copper has a way of constricting when it gets cold. Ever notice the length or droop of high tension cables when it gets cold? Well the same thing happens to your coax on a much smaller scale. Sometime retightening fittings will help.
GT

Originally posted by George Thompson
Probably the cold temperatures. Copper has a way of constricting when it gets cold. Ever notice the length or droop of high tension cables when it gets cold? Well the same thing happens to your coax on a much smaller scale. Sometime retightening fittings will help.
GT

Thanks, George. Does this mean when the weather gets warmer my signal levels should bump back up to normal ?

Thanks,

Scott

Originally posted by Scott G
Has anyone noticed a generally lower signal level the past couple of days. All of a sudden my signal strength has gone down about 15 % across the board and WNBC-DT does not come in at the lower signal strength. I can't figure out why my signal strength would drop across the board like this.

Any help would be appreciated.

Scott

Just the opposite. For the first time yesterday WNBC came in strong enough. I watched Law and Order in beautiful HD. It was still only in the 10-20% range, but my T150 locked in fine with very few breakups.

Originally posted by George Thompson
WABC-DT was a part of the combiner project. Everybody involved was sick of the way negations were conducted when CBS corporate parent got involved. You would have to confirm that WABC paid up for the combiner. Why would they spend all that money for a high power transmitter and rent comparable to ESB to relocate to 4 Times Square if they did not intend to stay there. Several reasons come to mind.
1. Politics, labor problems and uncooperative management at ESB make it a headache to do business there.
2. It is a high profile target for terrorists.
3. No body wants to work there. After 9/11, EOD's are reluctant to spend much time in the building.
I seriously doubt WABC-DT will be back. Just my opinion.....
GT

So does this mean even adding an amplifier to my antenna would not do any good.

Quote
I am right next to you in Smithtown. I get ABC in the mid 60's consistently throughout the day.
Still no sign of NBC yet.
What kind of signal are you getting on CBS and FOX?

In hauppauge I get CBS-NY 70%, fox 80%, ABC-CT 70%, WLIW 85% (and then the others - channels 23, 57, 49-1 to 49-5, 59 out of CT). I've recently relocated from upstate so I'm in a apt complex for now and have a amplified indoor ant that is in the window (not much else I can do). I get blips on NBC but never seen it lock. I get jumps on ABC from mid 40's to the mid 60's but during the day nothing constant that locks on, and then at night it sits at 65% with no fuss and everything is perfect. I use a panny OTA tu-dst52, and a Dish811 (OTA and DBS) on a panny HDTV.

Another funny thing - on my DISH811 I get a audio/video sync issue out of ABC CT that I don't get on the other channels and also don't get on ABC NY when I do get it. My Panny STB doesnt show this - I'm assuming it is from the upconversion of the ABC 720 to the 1080 on the 811 but then why not the NY station (I was planning on selling the panny OTA but not if the sync issue continues and this will be all that I can expect from ABC NY).

Originally posted by rh2019
So does this mean even adding an amplifier to my antenna would not do any good.
I dont think an amplifer will do you any good. You are already within citygrade coverage. You are probably blocked by some building(s). Your best bet is to reorient your antenna to pick up a reflected signal. Amplifiers mainly are used for fringe areas with low signal strength which is not your situation.
GT

Originally posted by Scott G
Thanks, George. Does this mean when the weather gets warmer my signal levels should bump back up to normal ?

Thanks,

Scott
From what you are saying that all signal strengths are down, you have to look at the common node which is the antenna and feedline. This is a common symtom of cold weather. I predict that when warmer temperatures prevail, so will your signal levels...lol.
GT

This is PRETTY HUGE!!

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040108/85448_1.html

from D* at CES

-Doug

Originally posted by dcarpa
Quote
I am right next to you in Smithtown. I get ABC in the mid 60's consistently throughout the day.
Still no sign of NBC yet.
What kind of signal are you getting on CBS and FOX?

In hauppauge I get CBS-NY 70%, fox 80%, ABC-CT 70%, WLIW 85% (and then the others - channels 23, 57, 49-1 to 49-5, 59 out of CT). I've recently relocated from upstate so I'm in a apt complex for now and have a amplified indoor ant that is in the window (not much else I can do). I get blips on NBC but never seen it lock. I get jumps on ABC from mid 40's to the mid 60's but during the day nothing constant that locks on, and then at night it sits at 65% with no fuss and everything is perfect. I use a panny OTA tu-dst52, and a Dish811 (OTA and DBS) on a panny HDTV.

Another funny thing - on my DISH811 I get a audio/video sync issue out of ABC CT that I don't get on the other channels and also don't get on ABC NY when I do get it. My Panny STB doesnt show this - I'm assuming it is from the upconversion of the ABC 720 to the 1080 on the 811 but then why not the NY station (I was planning on selling the panny OTA but not if the sync issue continues and this will be all that I can expect from ABC NY). Hmm, now that I checked today ABC is down about 10pts from last night. I will see if this is just a daytime issue like you are experiencing.

I am impressed at the signal strength that you are getting from an indoor antenna. I get upper 80's for CBS and FOX.

Originally posted by Paperboy2003
This is PRETTY HUGE!!

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040108/85448_1.html

from D* at CES

-Doug

The FOX rep mentions FOX widescreen migrating to FOX HD. Does this mean another 1080i network?!

Originally posted by dturturro
The FOX rep mentions FOX widescreen migrating to FOX HD. Does this mean another 1080i network?!

I believe they will be following in ABCs footsteps and broadcast in 720p.

Does anyone have any idea when CBS HD will be made available on DirecTV? A few days, or on Superbowl Sunday 2/1?

Any speculation when FOX HD would go live?

Does anyone know of anyone who can install a rotor for me on Long Island ? You can either answer me here or send me a PM.

Thanks,

Scott

"FOX's WIDESCREEN(TM) programming, which will migrate to FOX HD programming, will provide customers with a stunning widescreen view of FOX network programming including sports broadcasts

Stunning widescreen:rolleyes: CBS is stunning:cool:

tony

Anyone know if the NHL on ABC will be in HD??

I would love to see the Islanders pummel the Rangers in all its glory!!!!!!!!!!

( I had to do it!) :D

Mark

Originally posted by Scott G
Does anyone know of anyone who can install a rotor for me on Long Island ? You can either answer me here or send me a PM.

Thanks,

Scott

Scott,

Call Mike from A.B.S. Satellite he has installed my complete satellite & antenna farm for me. He's reliable, reasonable and does good work. And I'm #1 on his 921 waiting list! BUS #:631-471-5174 or CELL #:631-236-2359. Please feel free to mention my name.

Best regards, Adam Okula.

I'm in NE Queens and I don't know how long it will last, but this week CH 51 from the New Jersey Network has been coming in great. I believe 51 is the DT counterpart of WNJM CH 50 in Montclair. They're multicasting which I guess may compromise the HD portion but I'll take what I can get.

51-1 simulcast of the main analog program
51-4 another non hd program
51-5 PBS HDTV

Ken

Originally posted by CMR
Anyone know if the NHL on ABC will be in HD??

I would love to see the Islanders pummel the Rangers in all its glory!!!!!!!!!!

( I had to do it!) :D

Mark

Interesting prediction since the NYR won the first two match ups quite handily. But I doubt it will be in HD. We are lucky to get the NFL playoff games in HD. Hopefully we will see more sports on the networks in 2004.