I live in Queens... about 13 miles from the tower and I get WPIX-HD. But the only way I can get it is if I put my antenna on my window facing manhattan... and I actually have to put the antenna outside on my window ledge. I live on the 5th floor of an apartment and I can see the Empire State Building from my window.

That's exactly what I do. Still get breakups though. I don't mind an occasional video breakup, but when it affects the audio is when it's a big deal. Don't want to miss anything. When it's bad, I use my tivo audio and sync it to the OTA video. Pain in the neck.

I am new to OTA (i now have Voom) always just had cable or D*..i am using a ch master 4228 in easten BERGEN co (below the palisades) i get signals ok right now 2-4-5-7 lock(no problrms) 9 ok 11- 80 percent ok no 13..My question is what happens to this kind of OTA when all the trees fill in??i live in a very wooded area..i have seen other rooftop OTA's but those were for the Older residents who never had cable or SAT...thanks

Oh i was told that for UHF OTA signals that you need for HDTV the signals bounce around thru etc trees..it's not as critical as a view of a satellite

I used to get WPIX perfectly, with a few breakups every now and then. Now though, forget it. Over the last three weeks it has been awful. Sometimes I get no signal at all and other times - like today - the signal is there, but the breakups are unbearable. And I have a rooftop antenna with a rotor. I don't know what the hell happened in the last three weeks, but they did it just in time for the Mets HD season. :(

Originally posted by sangs
I used to get WPIX perfectly, with a few breakups every now and then. Now though, forget it. Over the last three weeks it has been awful. Sometimes I get no signal at all and other times - like today - the signal is there, but the breakups are unbearable. And I have a rooftop antenna with a rotor. I don't know what the hell happened in the last three weeks, but they did it just in time for the Mets HD season. :(

The WPIX-DT signal is just too weak and too VHF for me. I can get all the other stations perfectly. WPIX-DT is just too weak. Met fans need that combiner, and need is soon.

Scott

Speaking as a Met fan, I'd rather have a major league pitching staff;)

Originally posted by wward
Yep saw the same thing did WPVI-DT have it in hd? On another note looks like Monday is going to be a pretty good tropo night.

Yup, WPVI-DT did have Mummy Returns in HD Saturday night. Looked beautiful.

Originally posted by ghostman
The Mets game on WPIX today was in beautiful 1080i. That one seemed to quietly slip by everyone.

Now if Yes could only get their installation at Yankee Stadium and a road truck done - the Yankees on WCBS paled in comparison.

If a tree falls in the forest but noone sees it, does it make a sound? :confused:

Again, how will the leaves coming in on the trees effect the CH 4228 for UHF HDTV?? getting strong signals now cbs -90...thanks

Originally posted by Robert Packman
Again, how will the leaves coming in on the trees effect the CH 4228 for UHF HDTV?? getting strong signals now cbs -90...thanks

Trees and foliage could cause you problems, everything from signal strength that bounces around a little to picture drop outs. Unfortunately it’s one of those wait and see things.

I have trees with some foliage on them that are about 50 - 60 feet away and unless the wind is blowing violently I don’t notice any issues.

Originally posted by little_blaine
If a tree falls in the forest but noone sees it, does it make a sound? :confused:

Yes.

Originally posted by wward
Trees and foliage could cause you problems, everything from signal strength that bounces around a little to picture drop outs. Unfortunately it’s one of those wait and see things.

I have trees with some foliage on them that are about 50 - 60 feet away and unless the wind is blowing violently I don’t notice any issues.

From my experience (which you can read about over in the Central NJ OTA thread) when the leaves came in it DID indeed affect my OTA reception last year....multipath is more pronounced when the leaves start growing in.

And, so far this year, on one of my OTA antennas (the one that is only about 5 feet above rooftop level) 4-1 out of NYC has seen a steady decrease in signal strength whereas back in December/January it was pretty high (93 on my E86 meter).......but I *think* the lower signal strength that I see now isn't really "lower".....it's just not as clean....due to the leaves/multipath.

I just ordered a DB8 from antennasdirect. I currently have the Stealth and Im getting cbs, Fox, UPN, and a pbs station in the on ch 50. I get abc most of the time but sometimes it drops out on me. Im getting abc with a 40 sig. Not high enough...sometimes the sig goes down to 25 and it starts dropping out. Voom is coming to the house on Thursday to run a single coax for the OTA ant rather than combining the 2 sigs in one coax. I hope this works.

Well i guess i am going to be screwed, lots of big tall oaks on my property,neighbors, towns etc i guess i will only be able to get locals oct-april?? any known antenna to get thru this in all my years out here, i never needed an antenna untill now(with VOOM) just had a dish or cable..wonder how people did it years ago..I have a CH 4228 and i dont live to far from NYC but bellow the "palisades cliffs" and TREES up the wazoo...thanks again

Originally posted by jaypb
From my experience (which you can read about over in the Central NJ OTA thread) when the leaves came in it DID indeed affect my OTA reception last year....multipath is more pronounced when the leaves start growing in.

And, so far this year, on one of my OTA antennas (the one that is only about 5 feet above rooftop level) 4-1 out of NYC has seen a steady decrease in signal strength whereas back in December/January it was pretty high (93 on my E86 meter).......but I *think* the lower signal strength that I see now isn't really "lower".....it's just not as clean....due to the leaves/multipath.

Hey its the tree doctor :) I thought about you when I wrote my reply thing is I could not remember the exact name of the South Jersey thread (the search engine leaves a lot to be desired) otherwise I would have sent him there for some great reading on trees, multipath and frustration.

Yes, so what are we supposed to do if there are trees around us?
Is OTA a dream when the leaves start growing?

Don't they make antennas that are powerful enough to reject multipath?

Originally posted by bjohn
Yes, so what are we supposed to do if there are trees around us?
Is OTA a dream when the leaves start growing?

Don't they make antennas that are powerful enough to reject multipath?

Well the antenna is only a part of the equation, high rejection rates etc... are important but the receiver plays a big part in the multipath game as well.

Thats why you will see folks on this board trying out different antenna/STB configurations to find out what works for their location

Having said that there is only so much technology can do, thing is with digital you either have enough of the signal at the antenna to work with and a sensitive enough receiver to work with the data stream coming in or you have nothing at all (no picture).

There is no such thing as ghosting or snow like with analog signals so to answer your question it’s really a matter of experimentation and patience.

Wward: would you say if you have good signal (locked) this winter/spring the leaves shouln't matter that much? i was told trees are not the propblem for OTA as they are for a direct line of sight for a DBS

Originally posted by Robert Packman
Wward: would you say if you have good signal (locked) this winter/spring the leaves shouln't matter that much? i was told trees are not the propblem for OTA as they are for a direct line of sight for a DBS

I have a tree DIRECTLY in front of my Off-air antenna, and I have never seen a drop off due to foliage. Some have. I wouldn't worry about it until it presents a problem (hopefully never).

Originally posted by dturturro
I have a tree DIRECTLY in front of my Off-air antenna, and I have never seen a drop off due to foliage. Some have. I wouldn't worry about it until it presents a problem (hopefully never).

Ditto that!

I rececently purchased a Two Family house In queens and hooked up the OTA Antenna that was left behind by previous owner. Station status is as follows- 2, (okay) 4(ghosting) 5(terible) 7,(okay) 9,(terible) and 11 (great) 13 (great). I did some searches here but couldn't find an answer to my question. How can I improve my weak signals? Suggestions pls.? Do I need a new antenna?
I tried to move my the antenna around with the no luck. My line of sight to NYC has a Junior High school approx. 4 blocks away, but I clearly can see the ESB from my roof- distance to NYC -approx. 10 miles.
If I purchase an HDTV tuner will the signal improve automatically?
Do i just need an AMP?
My cable run is approx. 30ft.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thx.
Great Site and Great Thread!!

Well I finally hooked up my double bowtie attena in the attic in my condo approx 45 miles from ESB. Last night 4/20/04 I recieved digital channels:
2, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 25 with no drop outs. I was very surprised with 7 since I never had a signal before. Now I just need 4 and would be a happy man. I am using the samsung 360

I'm surprised you can get WPIX with no dropouts from there and not get NBC. NBC is a little stronger.

rfjf,
First check to see that all the antenna elements are intact and not bent. Then check the cable. Is your antenna using flatline or coax cable? If it is flatline cable, I would replace it with a transformer and RG6u coax. In any event it is always a good idea to clean the contact areas with sandpaper and upon reconnecting, wrap securely with good electrical tape to prevent oxydation of connectors that will cause signal loss over time. Check connectors at both ends.
It wouldnt hurt to replace the cable if it looks old and worn out.
George

Are you using any sort of amp/pre-amp? How high is the antenna? That's great you can receive all that with a simple double bowtie.

Originally posted by skyhawk223
Are you using any sort of amp/pre-amp? How high is the antenna? That's great you can receive all that with a simple double bowtie.

No amp/pre-amp but am looking into it to keep the signal steady or increase it. I would say the antenna is 20 feet off the ground.

Is anyone having reception problems with WABC-DT today ? It is usually my strongest channel yet today I am getting total dropouts. The signal level is at 90 then it drops down to 0-10. It is unwatchable for me. It is not my antenna, because all my other channels are fine. Even WNBC-DT that is usually the weakest for me is fine. Can someone please check out WABC-DT for me, and see how your signal level is ?

Thanks,

Scott

Wow...


RFJF gets 13?

one of the feW?

Wabc is messed up today, same problem as you my signal jumps from 95 to 10 and the picture drops out

Originally posted by Scott G
Is anyone having reception problems with WABC-DT today ? It is usually my strongest channel yet today I am getting total dropouts. The signal level is at 90 then it drops down to 0-10. It is unwatchable for me. It is not my antenna, because all my other channels are fine. Even WNBC-DT that is usually the weakest for me is fine. Can someone please check out WABC-DT for me, and see how your signal level is ?

Thanks,

Scott

WABC-DT is totally down right now.

Originally posted by rfjf
I rececently purchased a Two Family house In queens and hooked up the OTA Antenna that was left behind by previous owner. Station status is as follows- 2, (okay) 4(ghosting) 5(terible) 7,(okay) 9,(terible) and 11 (great) 13 (great). I did some searches here but couldn't find an answer to my question. How can I improve my weak signals? Suggestions pls.? Do I need a new antenna?
I tried to move my the antenna around with the no luck. My line of sight to NYC has a Junior High school approx. 4 blocks away, but I clearly can see the ESB from my roof- distance to NYC -approx. 10 miles.
If I purchase an HDTV tuner will the signal improve automatically?
Do i just need an AMP?
My cable run is approx. 30ft.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thx.
Great Site and Great Thread!!

Your testing is being done with analog channels. If you want to receive digital channels, you can use the same antenna (if it picks up UHF) but with a HDTV tuner.

I noticed last week that NBC started transmitting the DPL flag, but over the past few days the sound has been terrible. Has anyone else noticed this?

I know when I watch Jay leno, I can hear all the snap-crackle-pops.
It sounds horrible.
Don't know about other shows..

Originally posted by KenA
I noticed last week that NBC started transmitting the DPL flag, but over the past few days the sound has been terrible. Has anyone else noticed this?

I noticed it last night while trying to watch The West Wing. It was so horrible that I watched the SD version via DirecTV instead. I don't watch much NBC so I wasn't sure if it was my equipment or their signals. Glad it's them and not me.

What is the "DPL flag?"

I've noticed the same sound problem on WNBC-DT for the last few days on both my cable and OTA feeds. Seems to be only during HD shows.

s2silber, DPL = Dolby Pro Logic

The sound on Leno seemed to be back to normal tonight.

As posted in another thread, the Advanced Technology Group at NBC is experimenting with DPL on WNBC-DT for the whole network.
GT

Is WABC=DT doing something to their signal this AM? I'm experiencing what others talked about a few days ago........fluctuating signal strength from 100 to 0 and back up and down again constantly.

Occurring on both of my OTA setups.....6:30 am.

Originally posted by George Thompson
As posted in another thread, the Advanced Technology Group at NBC is experimenting with DPL on WNBC-DT for the whole network.
GT
I didn't see the other thread. Search comes up empty. Can you post a link? Thanks.

kind of a newbie here- but what is with all the experimenting and drop outs? Is this par for the course with Digital Tv or is this all because of the lack of permanent broadcast facilities?

When can we expect to get Digital TV as reliable as Analog? WHen the combiner is done? WHen the freedom Tower is built? When ever the analog airwaves are given back? When?

I just bought my HD display at Christmas and should have my HD Tivo in a couple of weeks, I'm wondering if I dont need to tell it just to record every thing from the D* SD channels and only use it for HD OTA when i can be there to actually watch and make sure the OTA feed is actually working correctly.

Ken, here is the thread from the HDTV Programing forum.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=387385&highlight=american+dreams
An engineer from NBC Advanced Technology group logged in with his first post.

Michael, experimentation is done to standardize on equipment and processing. The audio experimentation should have no effect on signal strength and thus not cause drop outs. That is another matter since WNBC-DT is on the GE building and only running about 10K ERP.
I don't know how long it will take for Digital TV to be as reliable as NTSC. Ever since the computer industry got involved with standards there have been too many of them...lol. Ever build your own PC? Well thats what Digital TV is all about. Hundreds of different pieces of equipment and variations on how they get connected. Software upgrades, compatibility issues galore. Windows NT, 2000, XP, with just as many versions of Linux or Unix all trying to talk to one another.
So just because a combiner allows a half dozen stations to share an antenna at ESB does not mean DTV becomes as reliable as NTSC. Freedom tower either. Maybe the signal strength will be better but not DTV, don't confuse the two.
Sorry, I cant help you with your Tivo issue.
George

thanks for the reply.

So sounds like the issues are more complex then just the lack of permanent transmitters.

Not the answer I was wanting to hear, but at least i have some information. Thanks.

I'm not too concerned about the experimentation like NBC is doing now with DPL- its more of the experiments or tweaks or glitches that cause ABC to go completely down in the middle of primetime (post from 4/21).


I guess i'll start out adventurous with the Tivo and OTA and see how many times I get bit in the rear for trusting the OTA signals.

Thanks for the link, GT. That is an excellent thread. Nice to see an engineer from NBC and a sound mixer from Technicolor jump in and share some info. One of the great things about this forum. I'm looking formward to good things from NBC.

BTW, ER looked and sounded pretty good last night, except for occasional sound dropouts. Didn't appear to affect the PQ, though.

Every once in a while I scan for new OTA channels and this morning I locked into 30-1 (100%) which remaps to 31-1. It looks like WPXN-DT is now on the air. Does anyone know if they plan on any HD programming?

I see it too.
Thanks for the update.

Originally posted by dm145
Every once in a while I scan for new OTA channels and this morning I locked into 30-1 (100%) which remaps to 31-1. It looks like WPXN-DT is now on the air. Does anyone know if they plan on any HD programming?

FYI this was already discussed in this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=391983&highlight=WPXNDT

Are other markets having the same difficulties? Low power, experiments, plans for a combiner? I'm not moving, but am wondering if our area has average/typical problems. Does anyone browse threads for other cities? I have not but might if I find the time.

Originally posted by wward
FYI this was already discussed in this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=391983&highlight=WPXNDT

This thread is out of control being 90 pages.
I did a search on this thread for WPXN and came up with nothing.
Sorry to bother you.

Originally posted by dm145
This thread is out of control being 90 pages.
I did a search on this thread for WPXN and came up with nothing.
Sorry to bother you.

No bother at all :) try and use an entire borad search next time, sometimes it will yeild better results.

All -

Anyone experiencing reception problems with CBS 2-1 last night and this morning?

I Saw the signal go down quite low last night before 8pm primetime, but stabilized in time for Cold Case -- this morning I'm not getting a picture again....

Aaron

Originally posted by aaron.s
All -

Anyone experiencing reception problems with CBS 2-1 last night and this morning?

I Saw the signal go down quite low last night before 8pm primetime, but stabilized in time for Cold Case -- this morning I'm not getting a picture again....

Aaron

yes, I had trouble in the afternoon with golf and again with 60 minutes so I switched to ch. 80 on D* for Cold Case which had its usual annoying sound problems.

using a RCA amplified indoor antenna with a Hughes E86 receiver.

Are we close enough to June to ask if the combiner is on schedule? Seems to me no matter what I do...Im not going to get WPIX without a combiner.

Last word I got from one of the engineers involved was "two to four months." That makes the June target date still possible, but leaves room for some delay. The combiner's being built, but they also have to finish all the wiring, construction, etc. at the Empire State Building.

Hi folks,
Question on the combiner, is it all new equipment, or are we moving everyone to one of the existing antennas/transmitters/etc. The reason I ask, is I get Fox perfectly, ABC sorta, and CBS not really... Wondering which of those stations the combiner will follow...
Thx,
-Shaown

I can't wait for the combiner ! :mad:

WNBC-DT has lowered its signal once again. I can't barely lock the station any longer. CBS, FOX and ABC come in crystal clear.

PIX ? Forgetaboutit. :o

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
I can't wait for the combiner ! :mad:

WNBC-DT has lowered its signal once again. I can't barely lock the station any longer. CBS, FOX and ABC come in crystal clear.

PIX ? Forgetaboutit. :o

Are you sure they lowered their signal?
Try tweaking your antenna. I have a indoor that I need to move slightly every couple of days.

Well, I can pull in all the channels right up through WPIX, then I have nothing. None of the PBS channels come through for me, and definitely not the LI or NJ channels. I would probably have to put my antenna on a rotary or something to get those channels in. If the 'combiner' will allow me to get all of the NY PBS channels, I would be ecstatic. If it only let me finally pick up WNET, I'd be more than satisfied. It's too bad they won't re-broadcast the NJ and LI metro area channels as well such as WLIW, WLNY, and WNJN.

Right now i get CBS at 85%...and thats the strongest sig that I get. I hope the combiner makes every ch as strong as CBS is right now. NBC is very spotty for me right now. WPIX isnt even on my radar. And WNET ....not enough for a picture.

Originally posted by vinnyv07
Right now i get CBS at 85%...and thats the strongest sig that I get. I hope the combiner makes every ch as strong as CBS is right now. NBC is very spotty for me right now. WPIX isnt even on my radar. And WNET ....not enough for a picture.
WNET's antenna is directional, pointing north from their transmitter location. If you're south of it or too far off to the sides, I don't think you can expect much, if you can expect much from 2.66kW on channel 61 in the first place.

Their antenna pattern:
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/antenna_plot.asp?id=309EBAFCAC13D55E&r=5897C2353193C701&b=8F40AC52592506EF&a=43233F91999DBD2D&d=0

Their transmitter location:
http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen/map.gif?lon=-73.998889&lat=40.753056&iwd=750&iht=750&mlon=-73.998889&mlat=40.753056&msym=smalldot&mlabel=WNETDT&on=majroads,streets,water,miscell,counties,places,railroad,C ITIES&off=GRID,shorelin,cen_blkg,censusb,con_dist,indian,msa,tract s&ht=0.2%20&wid=0.2

Originally posted by s2silber
Last word I got from one of the engineers involved was "two to four months." That makes the June target date still possible, but leaves room for some delay. The combiner's being built, but they also have to finish all the wiring, construction, etc. at the Empire State Building.

I can't even begin to tell you how long we've heard this story. I've frankly given up on this whole thing.

That doesnt sound too promising. I would really like to see some of WPIX's Met games in HD.
By the way, is there anyone that has a site that will tell you all of our digital ch's transmitting power?

Someone over at radio-info.com is reporting that W38CL Bronx, which is moving to channel 3 with 0.75 kW, will be a digital-only translator. Anyone with a combo VHF/UHF antenna between Manhattan and JFK, could you keep an eye out for this one, either analog or digital?

http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen/gif?lon=-73.981111&lat=40.746111&iwd=750&iht=750&mark=-73.981111,40.746111,bluestar,W38CL_BROOKLYN_NY&on=water,miscell,counties,places,CITIES,&off=streets,GRID,shorelin&ht=0.5&wid=0.5

There's a map of the transmitter site, and below here is the directional pattern.

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/polarplot?temp=64609&rotate=0.00&p0=0.042&p10=0.027&p20=0.060&p30=0.130&p40=0.157&p50=0.141&p60=0.138&p70=0.203&p80=0.363&p90=0.553&p100=0.727&p110=0.871&p120=0.966&p130=1.000&p140=0.966&p150=0.871&p160=0.727&p170=0.553&p180=0.363&p190=0.203&p200=0.138&p210=0.141&p220=0.157&p230=0.130&p240=0.060&p250=0.027&p260=0.042&p270=0.088&p280=0.117&p290=0.134&p300=0.143&p310=0.145&p320=0.143&p330=0.134&p340=0.117&p350=0.088&p360=0.042&

I'd be interested to see if they go digital-only, and if so, what they put on it.

- Trip

Originally posted by vinnyv07
That doesnt sound too promising. I would really like to see some of WPIX's Met games in HD.
By the way, is there anyone that has a site that will tell you all of our digital ch's transmitting power?

I receive WPIX-DT and I have yet to see a Met game in HD. All I've seen so far is upconverted Video. Certainly not what I was hoping for:(

Home games only.

Are any of you guys getting problems on the local FOX channel WNYW. I live in stamford, CT and am usually able to get a 40-50% signal on that channel but tonight its gone down to 0-13%. Let me know if any of you are also recognizing a signal decrease.
-Mike

curious about sports.

What happens if the Mets are someplace else that has HD. Do they act like grownups and share the HD camera's or is it going to be another couple of years till we get away games in HD because all the visitor gear will get upgraded later? It might be 20 years till the Brewers have HD for the visiting team.

(I am amazed how many camera's there are in Yankee stadium now- I remeber as a kid there were 3- maybe 5. Now i see like 15 or 20 and i'm not even sure i see them all)

So far, even when the Mets have been in a stadium that has HD cameras their local NY broadcast is in SD. Their road production crew doesn't have HD cameras yet.

This should be changing soon. The Padres seem to be broadcasting all their games in HD now, so they must have a traveling HD crew.

This Sunday's Mets game vs. the Padres is going to be carried on INHD, but it will probably be blacked out in NY.

Originally posted by beavis
So far, even when the Mets have been in a stadium that has HD cameras their local NY broadcast is in SD. Their road production crew doesn't have HD cameras yet.

This should be changing soon. The Padres seem to be broadcasting all their games in HD now, so they must have a traveling HD crew.

This Sunday's Mets game vs. the Padres is going to be carried on INHD, but it will probably be blacked out in NY.

I will just say that I don't believe you...Please explain how you know that things "should be changing soon".

Originally posted by dm145
Are you sure they lowered their signal?
Try tweaking your antenna. I have a indoor that I need to move slightly every couple of days.

They either lowered or changed frequency. I was able to find some signal in the other side of the room. :mad:
I don't need to move my antenna for ABC, FOX or CBS for NBC, OTOH :o

Does anyone know how to prompt CBS to update their PSIP to reflect DST? Oh well, off by an hour now, I guess in another 6 months we'll be back on schedule, +- a few minutes. It's too bad the broadcasters don't seem to take PSIP seriously.

Hi. I live in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Right now, I get CBS, ABC, NBC, UNI, FOX.
When the new combiner is on-line, where will it be located from the current location my antenna is pointed?

Will I have to probably move my antenna to get the channels I would like to watch?

Also, WWOR will be on the combiner, correct?

Thanks
SMA

The combiner is where CBS, FOX, and WPIX are currently located. WWOR will be there too, on its own channel.

I don't think CBS, WNYW (Fox) and WPIX are currently located on the combiner. They're all at the Empire State Building, but with their own transmitters at different locations up there.

I meant geographically.

so I probably wont have to change my antenna's orientation? The only channels I care about are NBC, ABC, UPN? I will be getting CBS over DirecTV and will soon get FOX (they are rumored to go on the bird this summer)

Originally posted by compuz1
so I probably wont have to change my antenna's orientation? The only channels I care about are NBC, ABC, UPN? I will be getting CBS over DirecTV and will soon get FOX (they are rumored to go on the bird this summer)

I prefer the CBS-HD presentation on OTA over DirecTV's. The PQ quality is slightly better.

All -

Just got my HD Tivo (DirecTV) and I swear that OTA CBS-HD's power level has gone down recently -- I get low signal strengths at times and then high for a while.... I can't understand it. I don't this it's multipath because then you would think that it would fluctuate wildly all the time. Granted I didn't seem to have these problems at all with my Samsung SIR-TS160 -- but even that has now been moved to the bedroom and is showing lower strengths.

As an example -- last night no problems -- watched and recorded CSI. Today (durint the day) I can't even lock on with signal strengths in the teens.

Whats going on?

Aaron

I'm only about 10 blocks from WCBS-DT and my signal flucuates, too. But that's mostly from multipath in NYC's canyons and a north-facing location. (Rely mostly on cable rather than OTA.)

Just speculation, but perhaps increasing densities of tree foliage is creating problems for more distant viewers. Station engineer Lee Wood posted a good explanation a few years back if anyone wants to search for it. -- John

Originally posted by aaron.s
All -

Just got my HD Tivo (DirecTV) and I swear that OTA CBS-HD's power level has gone down recently -- I get low signal strengths at times and then high for a while.... I can't understand it. I don't this it's multipath because then you would think that it would fluctuate wildly all the time. Granted I didn't seem to have these problems at all with my Samsung SIR-TS160 -- but even that has now been moved to the bedroom and is showing lower strengths.

As an example -- last night no problems -- watched and recorded CSI. Today (durint the day) I can't even lock on with signal strengths in the teens.

Whats going on?

Aaron

I have the same problem on the same channel with the same receiver. I now use CBS-Phil it's so bad.

Originally posted by aaron.s
Just got my HD Tivo (DirecTV) and I swear that OTA CBS-HD's power level has gone down recently -- I get low signal strengths at times and then high for a while.... I can't understand it. I don't this it's multipath because then you would think that it would fluctuate wildly all the time. Granted I didn't seem to have these problems at all with my Samsung SIR-TS160 -- but even that has now been moved to the bedroom and is showing lower strengths.

As an example -- last night no problems -- watched and recorded CSI. Today (durint the day) I can't even lock on with signal strengths in the teens.

Whats going on? WCBS-DT and WPIX-DT have been going off the air for 4 or 5 hours each night for the last 3 nights. I don't know what they're doing, but they must be doing something, and perhaps that's causing WCBS-DT to run at lower power than usual. Though as one of the only stations basically at full power and other stations running well below 10% of WCBS-DT, I wouldn't expect you'd notice. ;)

Could all these anomalies be due to the large amount of work being done on the mast in connection with the combiner?

Even if a specific channel is not assigned to the combiner, for workers' safety, I know that power has to be lowered for any and all transmissions emanating from the location.

This is a possible and logical answer to why signal strength has recently been so erratic.

Gary

Doug -

For me now - it's been totaly erratic -- signal level goes down for a while into the teens, so the HD-Tivo losses the lock, then it will come back for a little while.

It's been too low for most of the day for me now -- but last night it was rock solid while I watched CSI. Thats why I'm guessing they are doing something vs. a response I got back about the folliage coming in now and causing problems.

Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I don't want to record things off CBS on DirecTV because I definately notice it is a softer picture than OTA.

Aaron

PS - can I do the "mod" you did to your CM4228 on my CM4221??


Originally posted by dswallow
WCBS-DT and WPIX-DT have been going off the air for 4 or 5 hours each night for the last 3 nights. I don't know what they're doing, but they must be doing something, and perhaps that's causing WCBS-DT to run at lower power than usual. Though as one of the only stations basically at full power and other stations running well below 10% of WCBS-DT, I wouldn't expect you'd notice. ;)

Originally posted by aaron.s
PS - can I do the "mod" you did to your CM4228 on my CM4221??
No: http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=1918498#post1918498

Thanks Doug!

Aaron

For the last week to 10 days I've been having trouble with ABC. Picture goes in and out. Before then it was perfect. CBS, NBC, and FOX are still perfect. WPIX awaits UHF broadcast.

My UHF antenna (CM 4308) is on the chimney of a cape in Bayside. Could it be that the trees now have leaves?

I haven't yet played with antenna orientation.

Last night I moved my HR10-250 into the entertainment center. Took me about 20 mins to figure out that CBS either went off the air or lowered their signal strength inbetween my move. I thought for sure I screwed up a connection or something. Also good to know that CBS might not be at full strength. I am only getting 60s for them now. Just like I get for Fox and ABC. I expected CBS to be stronger reading this forum. Not sure if I should try a new antenna or just wait it out or what. Is high 60s enough signal? Seems to fade during the day but, I have only had it setup for about 18 hours

Originally posted by dswallow
WCBS-DT and WPIX-DT have been going off the air for 4 or 5 hours each night for the last 3 nights. I don't know what they're doing, but they must be doing something, and perhaps that's causing WCBS-DT to run at lower power than usual. Though as one of the only stations basically at full power and other stations running well below 10% of WCBS-DT, I wouldn't expect you'd notice. ;)

I haven't had any problems with the major network signals for about 2 months or more
.
CBS i get over 90% all evening. (don't know about day, since i'm not here)
I think they STOP broadcasting after the letterman show, i get 0%
Everything else comes in fine for me.

The problems some are having could be from antenna orientation or foilage.

Originally posted by jcondon
Last night I moved my HR10-250 into the entertainment center. Took me about 20 mins to figure out that CBS either went off the air or lowered their signal strength inbetween my move. I thought for sure I screwed up a connection or something. Also good to know that CBS might not be at full strength. I am only getting 60s for them now. Just like I get for Fox and ABC. I expected CBS to be stronger reading this forum. Not sure if I should try a new antenna or just wait it out or what. Is high 60s enough signal? Seems to fade during the day but, I have only had it setup for about 18 hours

WCBS-DT is off the air due to maintenance at that time of the night.

I am wondering if anyone is having problems locking onto a signal for NBC HDTV OTA? My signal comes on and than goes off constantly and Im not having any problems with any of the other HDTV signals. Ive tried altering the position of my antenna and that doesnt seem to make any difference. I live in Northern NJ about 10 miles from the city. Very frustrating. Anyone else experiencing this? Thanks!

i live a little farther north and i get it ok but it's one of the weaker ones(signal strentgh#'s)

I tried moving my Ant around a bit...Im in Staten Island and I still cant get enough of a sig for NBC. Cbs has been fine for me with sigs in the upper 70's to low 80's. I have been having trouble with ABC , going to try and tweek the Ant today.

I am wondering if anyone is having problems locking onto a signal for NBC HDTV OTA?

I am. I was able to lock it without problems. Now in order to lock it, I have to go to the other side of the room. I can't wait for this combiner project !:mad:

to bergen county people: i live in bergenfield and i get NBC at 78% using an indoor silver serpent with a preamp. mines run pretty smooth

this is for NJ peeps or anyone else that gets the PBS feed in monclair. Is anyone getting sick of that hi-def NJ show they always put up every nite? Im tuning in everynite hoping to see a new show, but i see that same program again. anyone know whats goin on in monclair?

Originally posted by Raiden915
this is for NJ peeps or anyone else that gets the PBS feed in monclair. Is anyone getting sick of that hi-def NJ show they always put up every nite? Im tuning in everynite hoping to see a new show, but i see that same program again. anyone know whats goin on in monclair?

Agreed. The New Jersey tour loop used to be an eye candy when I got my HD set but now I'm sick of it. No programming on that channel whatsoever.

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
Agreed. The New Jersey tour loop used to be an eye candy when I got my HD set but now I'm sick of it. No programming on that channel whatsoever.

Ditto. Good on occasion for impressing guests, but I'd rather have PBS kids around the clock... let the kids watch clifford and dragon tales before bedtime. Here's a thought: Clifford the Big Red Dog in HD!

Originally posted by Raiden915
to bergen county people: i live in bergenfield and i get NBC at 78% using an indoor silver serpent with a preamp. mines run pretty smooth
guess the pre amp really makes the difference ,i was told no pre-amp because you can over mod your signals(if you get them ok)NBC for me is @40% but so far a steady picture..CBS 89%

hey packman, try the channel master 7775 preamp (UHF only). its made of high quality parts. if anything bad happens to ur picture, then just return it. without it i would be getting NBC around 30%. thats because my antenna is hooked up in my basement!

anybody here do any sidework installing rooftop antennas? believe it or not, i haven't been successful in finding anyone. about to try the yellowpages again.

From Fybush.Com:

(One more downstate TV note: the former W38CL in the Bronx has filed for a license to cover for its new facilities on channel 3. Craig Fox's LPTV has apparently gone digital-only on this plum channel, nestled between the WCBS-TV and WNBC analog facilities on the VHF dial.)

Is there anyone that can keep an eye open for this and see what kind of programming will be here?

- Trip

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
Agreed. The New Jersey tour loop used to be an eye candy when I got my HD set but now I'm sick of it. No programming on that channel whatsoever.

The PBS organization has given us OTA folks in the NY metro area a raw deal, IMO. They own the PBS HD Channel, which has terrific programming and wonderful PQ. Their press release boasts that it is available from local PBS stations that have transitioned to digital broadcasting. And yet, WNET can be received by only a "handful" of people, WNJN apparently is just doing the HD loop, and WLIW, which was broadcasting this glorious channel for a few months, has inexplicably dropped it entirely.

There is no PBS HD Channel in the nation's #1 television market unless you want to pay the money each month to subscribe to cable.

What's wrong with this picture (or lack thereof)?

If anyone has the inside scoop behind this sorry state of affairs, please post. Numerous communications to WLIW, for example, are responded to with a canned message that offers no answer to the simply-stated question, "why?" It just states the obvious, that they are no longer broadcasting the PBS HD Channel.

Thanks,

jezebel
:confused:

What Jezebel said!!!

It is Monday nite and I have lost 4-1 NBC HD completely. Fortunately, I am watching a very poor movie, 10.5, so no big loss, but I would like to find out what is going on. I still receive all other HD channels (Fox, CBS, ABC, etc.) I have a rotating Channel Master on the roof but it doesnt seem to matter which way I rotate it, still no signal. Is anyone else experiencing this type of problem?

thats odd, im getting NBC HD just fine here.

Originally posted by vinnyv07
Are we close enough to June to ask if the combiner is on schedule? I am now hearing that you might have to add about 3 months.

In reference to a New Jersey antenna installer, try SkyDigital.Com.

Andy

Also in reference to a NJ antenna installer, try Ricsan Radio & TV Service in Clark or Colonia, can't remember which one installed mine a couple of years ago.

Freedom tower breaks ground July 4 with a completion date of 2009. With any luck it will be ready before the combiner.

Originally posted by Bogney Baux
I am now hearing that you might have to add about 3 months.

Where can you find information about this combiner project ?

Thxs!!!! Do you have experience with them?????

Originally posted by abater
In reference to a New Jersey antenna installer, try SkyDigital.Com.

Andy

thxs, i found them. i will check them out.

Originally posted by jap
Also in reference to a NJ antenna installer, try Ricsan Radio & TV Service in Clark or Colonia, can't remember which one installed mine a couple of years ago.

Originally posted by seaford
Freedom tower breaks ground July 4 with a completion date of 2009. With any luck it will be ready before the combiner.

Man, aint that the truth!! This 'combiner project' is a joke. I've read how this thing was being made almost TWO YEARS ago. I honestly don't believe anything I read on this 'project'.

Originally posted by Ken Ross
Man, aint that the truth!! This 'combiner project' is a joke. I've read how this thing was being made almost TWO YEARS ago. I honestly don't believe anything I read on this 'project'. 5 years to build the Freedom Tower, or are they referring to the whole project? I thought the World Trade Center only took about 2 years.

Originally posted by Bogney Baux
I am now hearing that you might have to add about 3 months.

Three more months for the combiner.....great. I have no idea why it takes so long to do things in one of the largest, greatest city in the world. Why....cant we just build something on time. Why are the Jets in Giant Stadium? Why are roads falling apart when New Jersey has nice roads? Why can we never do anything on time? Why?

Originally posted by vinnyv07
I have no idea why it takes so long to do things in one of the largest, greatest city in the world.

It is no advantage being large, or even "great." It is almost always more difficult, and certainly more expensive, to do something in a crowded, vertical city like New York.

Originally posted by rgrossman
It is no advantage being large, or even "great." It is almost always more difficult, and certainly more expensive, to do something in a crowded, vertical city like New York.
Its all about the money. You really think they're going to push a project that will just help them lose $$$ for a few years? Why do you think they all have temp antennas up now? This combiner is a joke.

Originally posted by Bogney Baux
I am now hearing that you might have to add about 3 months.

Is this from a reliable source?

And as we can see from the resulting follow-up postings...there is a lot of hate and discontent and disappointment if we really have to wait another three months or so.

I think if we all pooled the money we're spending trying to get these NYC stations in reliably we could probably buy our own combiner, install it and rent it to the stations before they'll ever get this thing up and operating on their own.

I've spoken to engineering contacts at all four network affiliates, and while no one want to go out on a limb, here's the general consensus:

Late June's a possibility if all goes well (does it ever?); in time for the fall season is a safe bet; anything in between is altogether possible.

Thank You s2silber. Good to hear that. So.....the latest we would have to wait is Sept. Actually any news is good news. The thing that depresses me so is the lack of news on the whole combiner project. It IS important to alot of people. The powers at be should realize that. Why take the time to broadcast in HD? I mean WPIX...why even have HD when around 10% of the people in the NY/NJ area cant pull in the sig? Why bother? Even NBC as lame as they are with their HD (Friends last show not in HD?) is a difficult sig for me to pull in. And its not only me....I talk to alot of people in my area that cant pull NBC in. The combiner does matter and it is important. NY deserves to pull in digital locals without having to pay cable top dollar to have access to them. We should get a petition together or email whoever we have to email....flood their computers!!!! We should be heard instead of staying quite. Just who is in charge of building the combiner? Even if its just emails sent to a group of people.....the more interest that is shown the better. Who knows, we might even be able to get someone's attention.

Well I had a bit of a breakthrough this morning. Since I got my rooftop antenna a couple of years ago, I've had it run through a Winegard DA-1009 amp. For a while, I picked up everything with no problem, then I started having problems getting FOX, WPIX and UPN. Constant breakups from all of them. CBS, ABC and NBC haven't given me any issues. So this morning I decided to disconnect my amp and voila, FOX, WPIX and UPN started coming in with no problem! Don't ask why I never thought to do it earlier. Live and learn I guess.

Is the combiner project going to make all the stations broadcast at the same power?

I have had experiences where amplifier's, pre-amps complicate the signal and are not necessary in most cases. It is just overkill. I would recc. to any person just starting out, get the best antenna the tallest mast you can safely install and the best coaxial cable. Then tweek it to get the best possible results. IMO. Peace

fmonkey-

Originally posted by sangs
Well I had a bit of a breakthrough this morning. Since I got my rooftop antenna a couple of years ago, I've had it run through a Winegard DA-1009 amp. For a while, I picked up everything with no problem, then I started having problems getting FOX, WPIX and UPN. Constant breakups from all of them. CBS, ABC and NBC haven't given me any issues. So this morning I decided to disconnect my amp and voila, FOX, WPIX and UPN started coming in with no problem! Don't ask why I never thought to do it earlier. Live and learn I guess.

Originally posted by slocko
Is the combiner project going to make all the stations broadcast at the same power?
Not quite, but within ~2db of each other, not noticeable. Guess who runs the most power? The antenna should cover 85% of WTC map.
GT

I give up. PBS?

Originally posted by slocko
I give up. PBS?
How about CBS? It is their antenna, afterall.

Who owns an antenna has absolutely nothing to do with it.

It all comes down to those wonderful folks in Washington, the F.C.C.

It dictates ERP - Effective Radiated Power to each and every station.

This is dependent upon channel allocation, height, signal pattern, etc. The lower the channel allocation, the less power is needed to reach the same audience.

So when we judge the "power" of a channel on the Empire State, all of the above must be taken into account.

Gary

Only in theory Gary. Frequency/power allocation only applies if on individual antenna. This combiner/antenna combination cannot handle full allocated power from each station. You would have a meltdown.
GT

No one talked about full-power.

We probably will not enjoy full-power until Freedom Tower comes on-line.

Even with the shared situation, which is the case of the combiner, the commision has already authorized the amount of power that each station can eminate - and this allocation is also based upon channel number, physical positioning on the antenna, signal pattern, etc.

Gary (Less Than Full-Power)

I just hope WNBC-DT will be broadcasting at some decent modicum of power at least by the time of the Olympics. Either that, or sign an O&O carriage deal with DirecTV by then.

So what's the latest on when the so-called 'combiner' is set to go live?

Originally posted by GoldenBoy
So what's the latest on when the so-called 'combiner' is set to go live?

Probably june 2011!!!

I have had a Sony HD-100 for a while and I used to get WNBC in with fairly good signal strength. However, I have not watched anything in HD on NBC in a while

I just installed an HD-TiVo yesterday and I noticed it did not get any signal for WNBC. My first thought was that the HD-TiVo had a problem, so I plugged back in my HD-100 and still had the same problem. Good news is I do not think it is a TiVo problem, bad news is what happened to the signal?

I live in Tenafly (under10 miles to the ESB) and I have a large roof top Radio Shack antenna that gets in the 90-100 range on all the other NY stations, so I'm at bit confused at what is going on with WNBC.

Jeff

Jeff -

When I got my HD Tivo I lost NBC also.... had to add a pre-amp to my Channelmaster 4221 to get it back..... My previous receiver (Samsung SIR-TS160) was still able to pull in NBC without the pre-amp but now I have one and am getting higher strengths accross the board.

I live in Yonkers

Aaron

Originally posted by JeffPatt
I have had a Sony HD-100 for a while and I used to get WNBC in with fairly good signal strength. However, I have not watched anything in HD on NBC in a while

I just installed an HD-TiVo yesterday and I noticed it did not get any signal for WNBC. My first thought was that the HD-TiVo had a problem, so I plugged back in my HD-100 and still had the same problem. Good news is I do not think it is a TiVo problem, bad news is what happened to the signal?

I live in Tenafly (under10 miles to the ESB) and I have a large roof top Radio Shack antenna that gets in the 90-100 range on all the other NY stations, so I'm at bit confused at what is going on with WNBC.

Jeff

Can you recommend a good pre-amp?

Originally posted by JeffPatt
Can you recommend a good pre-amp? Channel Master 7777 here (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=Amplifiers&PROD=ANC7777) .

Anybody know what happened with NBC? I never got a signal until today. Now I'm getting a 62 signal.

Originally posted by crownman6
Anybody know what happened with NBC? I never got a signal until today. Now I'm getting a 62 signal. Could be atmospheric conditions. It will probably be gone tomorrow.

Combiner update. Sources close to the project at another station say they expect delivery sometime at the end of the month. However, the FM station that was suppost to move to make way for the package was stalled by the lady that manages the building. Now a new location (in the building) has to be found and made ready. Your guess is as good as mine when that will happen.
Antenna work still goes on during overnights. That would account for signals disappearing in the middle of the night. Transmitters must be manned and locked down.
GT

Thanks, George for the update. Your participation on this forum is very much appreciated, as one of the few reliable sources for updates. If I understand you correctly, this new location for the FM station can hold up the transfer of DTV stations to the ESB. If this is true, couldn't the owner of the new location hold the project hostage indefinitely? I just hope it's complete before the Olympics.

It's Leona that didnt want the FM station moved, (she manages the building). A different location for the combiner (in the immediate area) needs to be found.

Wow! You're right, Helmsley (http://www.who2.com/leonahelmsley.html) owns the lease on the ESB. And I thought women were supposed to be more level headed, less inclined to having power trips... :rolleyes:

I finally went HD with a HR10-250 Tivo from DirecTV. The OTA is my problem. I live in Matawan, NJ 07747 (Monmouth County). I can get ABC, FOX and CBS with signal strength of 65-71 using my existing attic VHF/UHF antenna. What do I need to get HD NBC, WOR (UPN) and WPIX (WB). UPN for example is about 5-13 signal strength.

Should I upgrade the existing attic antenna or would a pre-amp be a better way to start? Is it a must to use a dedicated UHF antenna or can I stick with a combo?

Thanks
Gary

Gary,
I see you are at the edge of the City Grade contour for WNBC-DT. If you need to stay with a hidden attic antenna I would add a preamp. Adding a fringe or deep fringe antenna in your attic sort of negates its purpose. The best solution is to put the antenna up on the roof where it belongs....lol.
GT

I got quoted about $200 for a rooftop installation, including labor plus antenna.

I am going to hold off because last night I tried the amplified version of the megawave set top antenna and it pulled in NBC with breakups.

I didn't have time to play with it since my wife took over the tv. I'll try tonight.

http://www.megawave.com/mtv1.htm


Originally posted by Gary Quiring
I finally went HD with a HR10-250 Tivo from DirecTV. The OTA is my problem. I live in Matawan, NJ 07747 (Monmouth County). I can get ABC, FOX and CBS with signal strength of 65-71 using my existing attic VHF/UHF antenna. What do I need to get HD NBC, WOR (UPN) and WPIX (WB). UPN for example is about 5-13 signal strength.

Should I upgrade the existing attic antenna or would a pre-amp be a better way to start? Is it a must to use a dedicated UHF antenna or can I stick with a combo?

Thanks
Gary

Never seen anything like that megawave Ant...looks interesting. 30 day money back ...I might try it and see what happens. Im having major trouble pulling in NBC in Staten Island...I tried DB8 on the roof and that was no better than the Amplified Stealth...which is up there now.

Gary - I live a little bit due south of you in Ocean Twsp. and receive NBC fine (60-70) as well as ABC, CBS and FOX (90-100). I am using a Winegard HD9095P and Channel Master Preamp with an attic install. I had tried Winegard's largest combo antenna to pick up WPIX but it seemed to compromise the UHF strength. The dedicated UHF antenna suits me fine until the combiner is ready to go. If you need a recommendation for a local installer let me know.

Originally posted by George Thompson
Combiner update. Sources close to the project at another station say they expect delivery sometime at the end of the month. However, the FM station that was suppost to move to make way for the package was stalled by the lady that manages the building. Now a new location (in the building) has to be found and made ready. Your guess is as good as mine when that will happen.
GT

Ah yes, delay #2,432. Anybody 'really' think this thing will ever come off. This is rapidly becoming the biggest joke in broadcast history. Unreal.

Well it seems several Vice Presidents of Engineering for several stations are going through the motions of completing the work on this project so you can watch OTA HDTV. This is the "project from hell" as one of them described it. Even so, they plan on seeing it through. I've seen worse.
The consortium now has the task of designing the Freedom Tower raceways through the building in the coming months. Another fun project.
Attend a few SMPTE or IEEE meetings and question the guys yourself.
GT

i guess it must have been a coincidence with whatever nbc was doing last night. it's gone today. bummer.

it is a great antenna with a tiny footprint. i pull in cbs,fox,abc, and others with no problems.

Originally posted by slocko
I got quoted about $200 for a rooftop installation, including labor plus antenna.

I am going to hold off because last night I tried the amplified version of the megawave set top antenna and it pulled in NBC with breakups.

I didn't have time to play with it since my wife took over the tv. I'll try tonight.

http://www.megawave.com/mtv1.htm

Originally posted by Ken Ross
Ah yes, delay #2,432. Anybody 'really' think this thing will ever come off. This is rapidly becoming the biggest joke in broadcast history. Unreal.

I hear ya Ken. Unfortunately if this had been an analog tower, it would have been built and online in less than 3 months.

Digital still has a long way to go.

I still expect to see the freedom tower complete before the combiner project.

Upon reading the threads about an FM station in the way of the combiner project at Empire , I read on another newsgroup that WCBSFM has been put out of the Empire State Building and is now transmitting from the Viacom building on Broadway. Could this be related to the space problem and it is now solved?????Anyone know about this???

Originally posted by WalterK
Upon reading the threads about an FM station in the way of the combiner project at Empire , I read on another newsgroup that WCBSFM has been put out of the Empire State Building and is now transmitting from the Viacom building on Broadway. Could this be related to the space problem and it is now solved?????Anyone know about this???
Links? Reference?

It was mentioned on Allan Sniffens NYRMB today.

Originally posted by George Thompson
Gary,
I see you are at the edge of the City Grade contour for WNBC-DT. If you need to stay with a hidden attic antenna I would add a preamp.
GT
I installed a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp and improved the signal strenth to 91 for ABC and CBS. No joy on NBC, it bounces from 10-55. The WB (WPIX) same story. It's a pogo stick. I also tried a silver sensor antenna and overall the signal strenth was slighty less for all channels.

Sorry Gary, it looks like attic locations are marginal at best.

Here is a look at some info from last November at ESB that folks will find interesting.
http://www.fybush.com/site-031120.html
GT

Here is the link to Allan Sniffen's message board with the thread.

http://www.musicradio77.com/wwwboard/messages/234076.html

Originally posted by KenA
Links? Reference?

Originally posted by Gary Quiring
I installed a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp and improved the signal strenth to 91 for ABC and CBS. No joy on NBC, it bounces from 10-55. The WB (WPIX) same story. It's a pogo stick. I also tried a silver sensor antenna and overall the signal strenth was slighty less for all channels.
Hey Gary, what was your sig on ABC before installing the CH 7777? Mine bounces around 45 to 50 down to 35.....with the wind and everything blowing the leaves.

Originally posted by vinnyv07
Hey Gary, what was your sig on ABC before installing the CH 7777? Mine bounces around 45 to 50 down to 35.....with the wind and everything blowing the leaves. ABC was in low 80's before the pre-amp. It was easy to install so I am happy with it. I just wish I could get NBC.

Im in SI, NY....near NJ and i cant get NBC for nothing....the most i get is a 20 sig. I think i would have to build a tower to get it. NBC should be ashamed of themselves. It doesnt seem that they care about HD. Not even the friends finale was in HD...they are horriable. If some of these PBS stations and Spanish stations could put up a digital sig for all of us to get , NBC being a major network with the olympics coming up should be able to up their power so all of us could get some sort of signal. They should be ashamed and I hope their ratings drop to 0.

It's not their fault. They are waiting for the combiner. I think it's nice they made an effort to use the space they had on GE and give us anything.

True very true...Im just venting ...I spent the day raising a 15ft mast with Ant on my roof in the heat. All to no avail ...no sig on NBC ...around 35 to 40ft up, still no sig. Im just angry. I'll get over it.

The loss of the WTC site, of course, wasn't NBC/GE's fault. The choice of erecting an ineffective antenna atop of the GE Building is their fault. GE is a "coop" owner of the space it uses in the building. General Electric could have found a way to move transmission to Empire State (as crowded as it is, others found a way) or to 4 Times Square. The irony is that RCA was at the forefront of broadcast technology - GE couldn't care less. Washington had to prod them into more HD programming - CBS had been so far ahead of them. Yes, viewers should vent - the airwaves belong to us - station owners are caretakers who must deal in the public's "interest, convenience and necessity." They owe it to us. NBC/GE should be ashamed of themselves for their puny attempt to satisfy their legal obligations. General Sarnoff, I'm sure, is rolling in his grave. GE, in so many ways, shows little corporate responsibility to the public.

Gary Press

If the combiner isnt ready on time...or somewhat on time...I wont even get the olympics in HD. And most people in my area are in the same boat as I am. No matter what installer comes to the house , you arent getting NBCDT. Sad.

Looking for help in selecting an OTA antenna. Just got my HD receiver from D*. I plugged in the $40 Silver Sensor and do not get any HD channels. I purchased a TERK 44 attachment for my dish from Radio Shack. The installer was supposed to attach to my dish, but did not. The moved my dish to a higher roof on my house, so I'd rather no up there (apparently, the receiver couldn't receive Sat B signals on the lower roof). That being said, I used to have no problems with A and C on the lower roof. So, I'm left w/ a TERK 44 (still in box), a non-working Silver Sensor and an anxious wife. I've seen lots mentioned about the Channel Master and the Squareshooter. I'm in Amityville. Any suggestions on which to buy and is there anywhere online that has info on how to mount antennas and what supplies I'll need. I assume I run the coaxial from the antenna straight to my receiver? Also, if I opt against the TERK, I can put the antenna on the lower roof. Anyone using the TERK and would that be my easiest route? Your responses are greatly appreciated.

Go over to LNL electronics (http://www.lnl.com) in Syosset. The guys there will help you with your antenna selection and mounting options. Generally, the higher you go the better when you are installing an antenna. You could try the lower roof, but you will get better results if you go higher.

If you decide the higher roof is best and want an installer call Mike @ A.B.S. Satelitte, at (631) 471-5174 or (516) 383-4277. He is reasonable and does good work. Tell Mike Adam from Huntington recommended him. Good luck!

Best regards, Adam Okula.

I second the recommendation for LNL in Syosset. I purchased my Channel Master 4248 and a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp from them.

This question may have already been answered in this thread but I haven't been able to locate it.

Exactly what has happened to the NBC signal?? Initially I received NBC with pixelation unless I rotated the antenna about 5-10 degrees from the CBS, Fox location at which point I had a good stable picture. About 3-4 weeks ago I received NO signal from the CBS/Fox antenna orientation but still received a stable picture if I rotated the antenna. For the last 2-3 weeks I am unable to receive any signal from NBC regardless of the antenna location!!

Have they just been turning DOWN their power???? I am only 25 miles from the ESB and I can receive all of the other channels (except WNET). I receive WPIX which is a reportedly weak signal but NOTHING from NBC which I previously received.

Originally posted by UroDoc
I second the recommendation for LNL in Syosset. I purchased my Channel Master 4248 and a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp from them.

This question may have already been answered in this thread but I haven't been able to locate it.

Exactly what has happened to the NBC signal?? Initially I received NBC with pixelation unless I rotated the antenna about 5-10 degrees from the CBS, Fox location at which point I had a good stable picture. About 3-4 weeks ago I received NO signal from the CBS/Fox antenna orientation but still received a stable picture if I rotated the antenna. For the last 2-3 weeks I am unable to receive any signal from NBC regardless of the antenna location!!

Have they just been turning DOWN their power???? I am only 25 miles from the ESB and I can receive all of the other channels (except WNET). I receive WPIX which is a reportedly weak signal but NOTHING from NBC which I previously received.

This is exactly what happened to me! I'm in Tenafly, which is only about 5 miles from the GWB. I used to get NBC in the 80-90s now nothing. I have shiffted the antenna and I can get NBC in the 40s, but the other stations degrade.

The strange thing is my friend also lives in Tenafly, but at a lower elevation. We both have the same Radio Shack antenna and Sony HD-100 receiver, however he gets all the stations including WNBC (signal in the high 80's). The only thing I can think of is I have a lot more higher trees surrounding my antenna, should that make a difference?

Also, if I'm only getting WNBC in the 10-20s, will a pre-amp make a difference?

Thanks,

Jeff

.Anyone notice the big bump up in signal strengths last night with the New York digital locals? WABC-DT was in the seventies for me it has never been at that level for me ever.

Even picked up WLIW-DT even though it doesn’t matter now with no HD content available anymore

Originally posted by wward
.Anyone notice the big bump up in signal strengths last night with the New York digital locals? WABC-DT was in the seventies for me it has never been at that level for me ever.

Even picked up WLIW-DT even though it doesn’t matter now with no HD content available anymore

I too noticed an increase in 7-1's SS on one of my CM4228's as well as 4-1 on the same antenna....both of which were usually somewhat skittish since the leaves came in. On that same antenna I also picked up 21-1....3. Yet the "higher" CM4228 I have feeding 2 other TV's facing in "roughly" the same direction didn't get a viable signal on 21-1:3.

Guess it just proves that antenna heights and placement WILL affect the signal you receive.....

Was it a good weekend for Tropo benefits.......as I haven't checked the Hepburn index in quite some time.

Can anyone recommend an antenna installer in northern Westchester? I'd like to get someone who specializes in OTA digital TV reception problems, rather than a satellite installer who may never have done OTA broadcast. Feel free to PM.

Originally posted by jaypb
I too noticed an increase in 7-1's SS on one of my CM4228's as well as 4-1 on the same antenna....both of which were usually somewhat skittish since the leaves came in. On that same antenna I also picked up 21-1....3. Yet the "higher" CM4228 I have feeding 2 other TV's facing in "roughly" the same direction didn't get a viable signal on 21-1:3.

Guess it just proves that antenna heights and placement WILL affect the signal you receive.....

Was it a good weekend for Tropo benefits.......as I haven't checked the Hepburn index in quite some time.

For me mostly Sunday into this morning was pretty decent. I also picked up a chnnel 53-1 not sure where its coming from its a Telefutura station.

Thursday & Fridays forecast looks pretty good. Tonights is ok.

Originally posted by wward
For me mostly Sunday into this morning was pretty decent. I also picked up a chnnel 53-1 not sure where its coming from its a Telefutura station.

Thursday & Fridays forecast looks pretty good. Tonights is ok.

Ah yes, I forgot about the Telefutura channel......I'm been receiving that one (along with the PAX channel) for a decent amount of time.....ironic that those 2 channels come in crystal clear and solid as a rock.....yet the flagship station of a certain unnamed Television network (*cough--Peacock*) is an issue for so many in the area..... :rolleyes:

Its strange for me. I get NBC in about 70-75 range, no problem, but i cant tune in wb11 at all, my signal is in the teens. BTW im on the queens\long island border

Originally posted by neo0285
Its strange for me. I get NBC in about 70-75 range, no problem, but i cant tune in wb11 at all, my signal is in the teens. BTW im on the queens\long island border

Same thing here for me. I am in western nassau county and cannot get a sniff of WPIX-DT. There is signal is much too weak, and much too VHF for me. I get all the other stations fine.

Scott

I am in western nassau county and cannot get a sniff of WPIX-DT.

What antenna are you using?

Originally posted by cmeinck
What antenna are you using?

Channel Master 4228 and a Winegard 8270 Preamp.

Scott

Who gets NBC-DT in the Monmouth County, NJ area and what is your antenna? My signal bounces from 15-35.

Did anyone else in the NJ area (Essex, Passaic counties specifically) have any issues with CBS last night? I noticed some minor breakups during the four comedies which I watched live, and then when I went to watch CSI Miami this morning on my HD Tivo, the breakups were awful. I know we were blanketed by a heavy, heavy mist last night, so I'm hoping that was the issue.

Originally posted by sangs
Did anyone else in the NJ area (Essex, Passaic counties specifically) have any issues with CBS last night? I noticed some minor breakups during the four comedies which I watched live, and then when I went to watch CSI Miami this morning on my HD Tivo, the breakups were awful. I know we were blanketed by a heavy, heavy mist last night, so I'm hoping that was the issue.

I'm in Middlesex and I had some dropouts that I noticed more during CSI:Miami then I did during the comedies....but I did see what I'd call "shmearing" of greens during Raymond. There were "Freezes" during CSI:.....but when I checked my signal strength RIGHT after seeing them my E86's had the signal at 100%.....so I don't know what was going on.

But, I have noticed this before on CBS's primetime programming....but I always attribute it to my STB more than anything else.

I have a simple stealth antenna, and i get all the channels strong including nbc at 75, but wpix is lost cause. I even put up a huge directional antenna, and my results were the same, so i put the stealth back up again, cause it is much smaller and better looking. That little stealth aint half bad.

Had problems with both CBS OTA and D* feed. About midway into CSI the D* feed went black for about 15-20 seconds, could have been longer. When it came back, it jumped and stuttered for at least 5 minutes resulting in audio going severely out of sync. OTA had frequent freezes and drops.

Very frustrating that I couldn't rely on the D* feed to back up the OTA.

Since Im completly lazy, and haven't kept up on things, does anyone have an update on the combiner? We still talking June or have they pushed it out again and now looking at November or something??

Thanks

Doug

depends...

which November are you talking about?
;)

seriosly- latest answer was sometime between june and september if i recall- was in the last page or 2.

I understand that the folks at WNBC are trying very hard to get it going at least in time to broadcast the Olympics in HD.

its currently 11:35PM and i was surfin thru the OVA channels and i was pleasently suprised to see something new! it was about sand dunes and it looked pretty cool. i was expecting that annoying touring nj program, but i hope they dont loop that sand dunes show. it seems that pbs hd will finally be back:) did anyone else see it?

Originally posted by Raiden915
its currently 11:35PM and i was surfin thru the OVA channels and i was pleasently suprised to see something new! it was about sand dunes and it looked pretty cool. i was expecting that annoying touring nj program, but i hope they dont loop that sand dunes show. it seems that pbs hd will finally be back:) did anyone else see it?


The NJN website has been pretty good with updating information about their high definition services.

I knew they would be back on 5/19/04 for quite a while.

http://www.njn.net/digital

Who gets NBC-DT in the Monmouth County, NJ area and what is your antenna? My signal bounces from 15-35.

Gary, I live in West Keansburg and I get NBC-DT no problem! I get all the DT channels out of NY: WCBS-DT, WNBC-DT, WNBC-SD, WNYW-DT, WWOR-DT, WABC-HD, WABC-SD, WPXN-DT, all NJN, 2 Spanish stations, WTBY and WLIB (SP) out of Long Island. The only channel I don't get is WPIX-DT. I have a CM 4228 in the attic and I live about 7 blocks from the bay where I can see the Manhattan skyline so my path is pretty direct.

Tony

I was pleasantly surprised to get the WNJN digital stations in Bayside this evening. Tried it after seeing the recent post. A few minor breakups, but nothing I can't live with. Didn't think I'd get it this far away with a CM3022 on a cape. Hope it stays that way.

NBC-DT comes in very well for me in Highlands. I get mid 80s for signal on my DH DirectTivo.

Originally posted by Greg G
NBC-DT comes in very well for me in Highlands. I get mid 80s for signal on my DH DirectTivo. I would guess because your are in the Highlands you have some elevation that helps receive the signal. What is your antenna setup?

Since Thursday night I have had much trouble with NBC. I was getting upper 50s low 60s with some small drop outs. Now I am lucky to get a semi stable 40.

Wed night I think I was actually getting low 70s.

I will wait a while before I climb up on my roof though. I seriously doubt my antenna moved or anything. Perhaps they lowered their power even more or something? Maybe the combiner will be done soon and that will put an end to my NBC problems. With most shows over till the fall its just not that big a priority to get NBC going again.

I am just North of White Plains, NY.


Originally posted by Gary Quiring
I would guess because your are in the Highlands you have some elevation that helps receive the signal. What is your antenna setup?

I don't really watch PAX but I can receive WPXN-DT Ch 30 very well in northeast Queens. The only problem is no audio. According to the station info on my DTC 100, all the other stations are using Dolby Digital but WPXN is not. I'm curious if anybody else is getting audio from WPXN-DT.

Thanks, Ken

Hi guys -

Thanks for all this wonderful information. I am moving to the 30th floor of a highrise on the Upper East Side, 70th and York, with decent south-west views. I have an indoor Silver Sensor and a Samsung TS160. Will I be able to pull in OTA HD channels to any effect? Will I need a preamp? I am including a picture of the view from my window -

Thanks!

Originally posted by ken34
I don't really watch PAX but I can receive WPXN-DT Ch 30 very well in northeast Queens. The only problem is no audio. According to the station info on my DTC 100, all the other stations are using Dolby Digital but WPXN is not. I'm curious if anybody else is getting audio from WPXN-DT.

Thanks, Ken

Call them (if you can) and ask what kind of audio they're using, and what kind of PSIP. Are they remapping to 31-1 on all receivers?

I say this because my PBS station had a similar problem when they first signed on in May 2003. They had video on 3-2, but the audio was in MPEG instead of ATSC/53 (that's what my Hauppauge WinTV-D told me anyway) and so the only tuner in the whole 80-mile coverage area that could get audio was my WinTV-D. All other tuners showed 3-2 with video but no audio.

After they started sending out PSIP in September 2003, it mapped to 15-1 as it should with audio.

- Trip

I get audio without any problems on PAX.

I find it surprising that PAX, and the 2 spanish stations are pretty par on HDTV with better than decent signals, but the major networks aren't!


Originally posted by ken34
I don't really watch PAX but I can receive WPXN-DT Ch 30 very well in northeast Queens. The only problem is no audio. According to the station info on my DTC 100, all the other stations are using Dolby Digital but WPXN is not. I'm curious if anybody else is getting audio from WPXN-DT.

Thanks, Ken

I am about 38 miles from the signals and decided to go with a Winegard Square Shooter. The decision appears to be a good one, since the D* installer left the mounts when he moved my dish to a higher location. I don't get much in terms of reception, but fed it into a TV Distribution amp (with FM Trap(. I bought it years ago to boost my cable reception. I'm able to get FOX, ABC, UPN, but I'm getting some dropout on ABC. When I click on the satellite meter, it seems to be fluctuating. I'm thinking that I need a preamp that is made for this sole purpose. Any suggestions? Is there something I can pick up at a local Radio Shack. I'd rather avoid the online retailers, since I might return it if it doesn't work. I'm hoping this will put over the top and give me solid normal reception. Thanks for all your help.

One more note... the coaxial didn't fit into the SquareShooter because it was too fat, so I have another coaxial running from the SS to a splitter and then running my 100 ft coaxial into the house. Could this be the cause?

Originally posted by Jonathann_K
Hi guys -

Thanks for all this wonderful information. I am moving to the 30th floor of a highrise on the Upper East Side, 70th and York, with decent south-west views. I have an indoor Silver Sensor and a Samsung TS160. Will I be able to pull in OTA HD channels to any effect? Will I need a preamp? I am including a picture of the view from my window -

Thanks!

Yes, I would think that at that height and distance you should have no problem getting everything from ESB and Times Square with a Silver Sensor.

Thanks all for the info on the NYC PAX Ch 30 and my audio problem. I usually leave the program guides turned off but I tried rescanning with the guides on and off and still no audio. I've had the DTC 100 for several years and never had this problem with all the stations that have come on here.

As I said, it doesn't really matter since I don't really watch PAX, but I still like to see things working right. My complaint has been made indirectly to WPXN and I'm told nothing will be done because nobody else is complaining. Either nobody else has the problem or nobody else is watching either.:D

Originally posted by ken34
I don't really watch PAX but I can receive WPXN-DT Ch 30 very well in northeast Queens. The only problem is no audio. According to the station info on my DTC 100, all the other stations are using Dolby Digital but WPXN is not. I'm curious if anybody else is getting audio from WPXN-DT.

Thanks, Ken
I don't have that problem here in Bayside. The audio is fine. Except there's nothing there I care to hear (or see).:)

Ken34,

I tuned into WPXN-DT using the Zenith HDR230 and I got audio. I pressed the button to display the program information banner and saw that there were multiple audio signals to choose from. (Two altogether; both labeled as English.) When I selected the second one, I got no audio. Any possibility that your receiver is tuning into the second audio signal?

Thanks all again regarding my audio problem with WPXN-DT. The DTC 100 allows audio selection for the optical output only. I'm using the left/right analog outputs. The DTC 100 was a pioneer ota receiver and I guess wants to see Dolby Digital audio. I guess the newer tuners can adapt to what the station is doing. All I know is I have no trouble with the other stations and never have. When I want something on PAX, not much, I'll just tune to Ch31.

Ken

you just need to select another audio option.

Do this by obtaining your info banner and clicking on the speaker icon, far button to the right. The audio name changes to English3 (Dolby Digital)and you now have sound.


The problem is when you first go to this channel the audio defaults to English2 (Stereo)

Is anyone else having audio problems with WNBC-DT tonight ??

Hello Harican,

Thanks. I tried your suggestion and I do get Dolby Digital audio but it sounds distorted. Also, when I switch channels, I'm back to where I started and have to select the audio all over. I guess there's a way to lock in that audio mode but it's useless if it's distorted. I guess WPXN is not using Dolby Digital as their main audio channel. Anyway, I've never had to do this before so it's interesting to learn something new about the DTC 100.

Ken

I have had problems since Thursday. I used to get 60s. Now lucky to lock at all.

Wed I think I was 70s for a short bit.

Originally posted by ilkevinli
Is anyone else having audio problems with WNBC-DT tonight ??

Originally posted by ilkevinli
Is anyone else having audio problems with WNBC-DT tonight ??

I was getting rythmic audio dropouts on my HDTivo. I just don't know if this was just the Tivo or something on NBC's end.

Anyone know the latest update on the combiner? I looked a few pages back, but didn't see anything. It's almost June, I hope they finally meet on of the target dates!!

May not be June, but I know they're working very hard to boost power on WNBC-DT for the Olympics.

When this combiner is finally done, will us about 45 miles out on long island still have to use these large aerials like the CM 4228 or will the stealth antennas work?

Any ideas??

Thanks

Philip

Since Thursday I can no longer get WNBC-DT I was getting 60s with some drop outs. Wed I think I was getting 70s actually but, since then it almost never locks and is very weak 0-40 most of the time. Anyone else experiencing this?

The other channels I get still come in fine. Just WNBC-DT all of a sudden.

I am 5 miles North West of White Plains using a Square Shooter with a CM7777 preamp. Get low 90s for WCBS and 80s for Fox and 70s for WABC. Get a few other channels like PAX as well.

Originally posted by s2silber
May not be June, but I know they're working very hard to boost power on WNBC-DT for the Olympics.

I thought the latest is that it would be done in june, not may. Either way, anyone have any update? Are they still working on it?

Originally posted by s2silber
May not be June, but I know they're working very hard to boost power on WNBC-DT for the Olympics.

Originally posted by sting0r
I thought the latest is that it would be done in june, not may. Either way, anyone have any update? Are they still working on it?

Re this combiner, in addition to not getting a good signal from NBC, I get nothing at all from WPIX (11.1). Will this be part of combiner?

Separate question, I seem to get SD for UPN on 5.2, on my HDTIVo. Is that all there is for UPN (Chan 9)? NO HD.

Finally, not getting any source of HD for PBS. I am Northern Westchester (Armonk) any recommendations? I'm getting strong 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1

I pretty much gave up trying to get NBC. There seem to be large trees at the 30 degree orientation from my house and I can't get the antenna high enough on my own. Or maybe I am doing something wrong.

I went to TitanTV and it said the channel orientation was 30 degress. I also looked at the distribution diagram and it showed NBC about NE from my house. I point the squareshooter in that direction using a compass. I also played with the tilt but didn't see much difference.

What I don't understand is that my indoor antenna caught a whiff of NBC last week when they were adjusting the channel. Or maybe the wind was blowing outside? If NBC boosts the strength, would that help it penetrate the trees?

I am going to give up for now. If Direct hasn't added it to the lineup by the time the Apprentice begins, then I will bite the bullet and get an installer to put one on the roof. I think I can clear the trees from the roof.

I feel the same way slocko. I give up trying to get NBc. I think and hope that they will have the combiner done for the olympics and if not then the new fall season.

The combiner will increase the power of a few of the stations. CBS and Fox are already at full power at the ESB, so you should expect similar reception quality for all stations involved in the combiner project when (if) its completed. I believe the stations involved are WABC, WCBS, WNBC, WWOR, WPIX, WNYW, and PBS-13.

More specifically, since WCBS-DT is the "host" for the combiner, whatever signal strength you're currently receiving on Channel 56 should be pretty much the benchmark for the others that will be combined. The only difference should be natural variations linked to the broadcaster's frequency, e.g. Channel 28 vs. Channel 61.

Originally posted by KenA
I believe the stations involved are WABC, WCBS, WNBC, WWOR, WPIX, WNYW, and PBS-13. Correct except for WNYW, which has its own antenna at Empire and is not part of the combiner project.

Will WWOR then be in HD? Will they have their own channel / frequency instead of piggy backing on Fox?

Originally posted by Bogney Baux
Correct except for WNYW which has its own antenna at Empire and is not part of the combiner project.

Will WWOR then be in HD? Will they have their own channel / frequency instead of piggy backing on Fox?

I believe so.

Originally posted by jcondon
Will WWOR then be in HD? Will they have their own channel / frequency instead of piggy backing on Fox?

Actually, the FCC records show WWOR-DT has a 170 kW STA (that's about half of WCBS-DT if I recall correctly) but it's not on the air yet.

- Trip

Or about 16x the power of WNBC-DT.

Originally posted by Trip in VA
Actually, the FCC records show WWOR-DT has a 170 kW STA (that's about half of WCBS-DT if I recall correctly) but it's not on the air yet.

- Trip

Originally posted by jcondon
Will they have their own channel / frequency instead of piggy backing on Fox? WWOR-DT will be channel 38.

Thanks Ken. I have the HD Tivo and was having the same exact problem with the audio. Wanted to make sure it wasnt the equipment. :D Seems to be ok now.

Originally posted by Ken Ross
I was getting rythmic audio dropouts on my HDTivo. I just don't know if this was just the Tivo or something on NBC's end.

Originally posted by Ken Ross
I was getting rythmic audio dropouts on my HDTivo. I just don't know if this was just the Tivo or something on NBC's end.

I watched "L&O: Criminal Intent" last night, recorded from Sunday, on my HDTivo and apparently had the same problem Sunday. When I changed the receiver to use the analog signal, the audio was fine.

Sunday was really the only day since last Wednesday that I've been able to get a solid picture on WNBC-DT on my HDTivo. I don't think that it's the Tivo's problem because, when I tested, I couldn't get any picture at all using my Hughes HTL-HD. So actually, the HDTivo is working better than my standard HD receiver.

I get the NBC audio problem on my HiPix, Dish 6000, and Cablevision SA 4200HD, so I doubt its the HDTiVo. NBC has some problems with their digital audio feed.

I've seen multiple references to this "combiner" project. Is there a thread that describes more about it? Specifically, I'd really like to get Channel 13 (PBS) in HD. Would have liked to see Colonial House in HD, but it's not one of the channels I can get in HD from Astoria, Queens (around 2 miles line of sight from ESB). I'm getting NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and UPN fine in HD (Leno looks awesome on NBC as does CSI on CBS).

Will PBS be part of this project? And when will this combiner thingy be live? Anyone??

Thanks,

-Chris

CHRIS, the joke going around about channel 13 HD, six people living on the same street in Newark are the only ones getting 13 inHD. Don't hold your breath, they pulled the plug on WLIW HD about a month ago, don't send them any money.

the joke going around about channel 13 HD, six people living on the same street in Newark are the only ones getting 13 inHD. Don't hold your breath, they pulled the plug on WLIW HD about a month ago, don't send them any money.

Did anybody notice last night 5/25 that NJN-HD was not showing that "Tour NJ' Loop but a full schedule? I hope this continues because I was watching this travel show show that just looked stunning!

Tony

Originally posted by boylan13
I've seen multiple references to this "combiner" project. Is there a thread that describes more about it? Specifically, I'd really like to get Channel 13 (PBS) in HD. Would have liked to see Colonial House in HD, but it's not one of the channels I can get in HD from Astoria, Queens (around 2 miles line of sight from ESB). I'm getting NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and UPN fine in HD (Leno looks awesome on NBC as does CSI on CBS).

Will PBS be part of this project? And when will this combiner thingy be live? Anyone??


Here's a recent post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3790661#post3790661) from NBC engineer George Thompson here about the combiner antenna for the Empire State Building possibly arriving late this month. (Click search-this-thread above to locate his other posts.) NYC delays are notorious. This antenna, AFAIK, will integrate the scattered antenna sites for all of the major NYC HD stations, including WNET-DT (PBS). This station now beams a weak signal (61 UHF?) generally toward Newark, N.J. and very few receive it OTA.

Caught snippets of Colonial House over several days, and while it often looks very good, a post in the programming forum recently points out it's actually a widescreen SD program, upconverted to 1080i, not true 1080i. Found myself fooled by a similar PBS upconvert a few months back.
-- John

Originally posted by boylan13
I've seen multiple references to this "combiner" project. Is there a thread that describes more about it? Specifically, I'd really like to get Channel 13 (PBS) in HD. Would have liked to see Colonial House in HD, but it's not one of the channels I can get in HD from Astoria, Queens (around 2 miles line of sight from ESB). I'm getting NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and UPN fine in HD (Leno looks awesome on NBC as does CSI on CBS).

Will PBS be part of this project? And when will this combiner thingy be live? Anyone??

Thanks,

-Chris

Re UPN- You are getting it as HD? What is station code?

And FOX? Didn't know they had gone HD yet?

Originally posted by s236
Did anybody notice last night 5/25 that NJN-HD was not showing that "Tour NJ' Loop but a full schedule? I hope this continues because I was watching this travel show show that just looked stunning!

Tony

Yeah, I saw last night 'American Family'. Very nice presentation. You can find the schedule here (http://www.njn.net/digital/njn5schedule.html)

Originally posted by s2silber
And FOX? Didn't know they had gone HD yet?

They haven't. However, they present some shows in FOX-WideScreen (480p 16:9). FOX will go HD in the fall.

Originally posted by Rich11
Re UPN- You are getting it as HD? What is station code?

UPN (A.K.A WWOR) is not HD in our area. However, they can be seen under 5-2 with an OTA antenna.

was American Idol broadcast at 480p last night? i noticed there were no bars last night.

Originally posted by slocko
was American Idol broadcast at 480p last night? i noticed there were no bars last night.

Yes, it was.

As for the Combiner Project, I thought WABC was out of it since they put up their own HUGE antenna in Times Square...didn't have the patience for the mess at ESB. Are they moving back to ESB when that is ready? Didn't think they'd spend all that money for such a short time period.

Yes, they are moving back to the ESB. The Conde Nast tower will serve as their back-up and, I think, for radio broadcast.

Originally posted by slocko
was American Idol broadcast at 480p last night? i noticed there were no bars last night.

Yes, read all about it American Idol from the Kodak is in 16:9 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=405827)

Someone pointed out in another post that WNYW is going to be the East Feed for DirecTV when they add FOX. However, this will not occur until FOX goes HD. If WNYW going HD is dependent on the combiner being completed boy are there going to be some angry DirecTV Subscribers because it seems that the combiner is going nowhere

Anthony -

DirecTV's feed of WNYW (Fox-East) has nothing to do with the combiner or over-the-air transmission. DirecTV, same ownership/management as Fox, will get the signal directly from WNYW before it is sent to the ESB for transmission - this is the way DirecTV gets ABC, CBS, NBC and all the local New York channels.

Gary

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
UPN (A.K.A WWOR) is not HD in our area. However, they can be seen under 5-2 with an OTA antenna. It can be seen on 5-2, but is not HD. I watched Enterprise last week for the first time on 5-2, the picture quality was terrible.

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
Yeah, I saw last night 'American Family'. Very nice presentation. You can find the schedule here (http://www.njn.net/digital/njn5schedule.html)

Yes they just started that this past Monday. Interesting how now all five channels are being broadcast as opposed to just the two SD channels and the one HD channel like before.

Originally posted by Anthony in NYC
Someone pointed out in another post that WNYW is going to be the East Feed for DirecTV when they add FOX. However, this will not occur until FOX goes HD. If WNYW going HD is dependent on the combiner being completed boy are there going to be some angry DirecTV Subscribers because it seems that the combiner is going nowhere

All of the local stations that are carried on DirecTv as part of the local stations package send their signals (primarily via fiber) to DirecTv''s closest local receive facility, they can be found in major cities throughout the US.

From there DirecTv begins the process of bringing the local signal into your home. Point being that the combiner project, Freedom Tower etc.. has no bearing on distribution of network feeds be it HD or SD to DirecTv customers.

Originally posted by Gary Quiring
It can be seen on 5-2, but is not HD. I watched Enterprise last week for the first time on 5-2, the picture quality was terrible.

Didn't I say that ? :rolleyes:

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
Didn't I say that ? :rolleyes: OOPs I missed the 'NOT'.

Stanley cup finals on ABC. Looks pretty good with just a few drop outs.
My signal is jumping between 36 & 63 % NBC is hovering around 20% and channel 11 is non-existant. I usually get a good signal on 11 so go figure.
2 & 5 are the usual steady 77%.