I usually get a good signal from ABC, but had get a ladder out to physically move the dish. My reception was hovering on the brink of bad and normal. For the most part, it became watchable. I'm using a Winegard Square Shooter plugged into a Cable Distribution Amp. Thinking about getting a Channel Master pre-amp and removing the CBA. Any thoughts?

Any waivers being handed out by Fox in NY? I have Directv and would love the West coast feed of Fox by the football season. Anyone get one in NY from Fox? I know from this forum that CBS says no to everyone....but does Fox have the same response?

Just a follow up,my trees have filled in (all around ,many) and i still have good OTA reception in NYC area using a 4228

Can anyone provide any tips on how to ground my antenna? I'm using a Square Shooter and the coaxial is running from the antenna into my receiver. I'm going to add a Channel Master 7777 to improve my reception. I teeter between the low end of normal and mid-range normal. Only receiving ABC and FOX (which doesn't count for much).

Thanks in advance.

Hockey not in HD OTA 7-1?

It was not in HD a few mins ago but, is now.

Perhaps someone woke up and flipped the switch?

:)

Well...today is June 1st.

I know this has been asked repeatedly...but any new news?

How about a recap about the State of the OTA for the NYC Area?

How close are we to seeing the combiner being ready?

Any new information?

Right now...I get CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX and UPN.

I can't really get WB via WPIX....

So what happens when the combiner is up..

I should be able to get WPIX better....and UPN will be HD right...

Anything else to look forward to?

C'mon, anybody with inside info...spill it!

It would be great to hear from that engineer guy, sorry I forget your name, but I believe he works for NBC...

His name is George Thompson.

Tony

Shhhhh,
Dont say that too loud or my phone will start to ring again...lol.
The last I heard at a SMPTE meeting from one of the engineering vp's (who is probably running the project) is that they expected the combiner to be delivered about now and that antenna work was still being done in preparation. However, Leona blocked the move of a radio station that was needed for the hardware. Alternate location was being sought near that room.
I'll let you know if I hear anything else.
George

For those of you in the industry and interested in the latest in HD editing, register for the June SMPTE meeting here.
http://www.mte.com/nysmpte/meetings/mtg0406.htm
I recently completed the AVID Unity networking and administration course and find myself in graphics and ediing networking more and more.
GT

WNYW-DT is broadcasting in 720p tonight !!

This would be big news, because it would mean channel 5 is making the transition to HD. We will have to see it on Thursday to see if they were testing this format or they are going to be broadcasting in 720p from now on.

I have Cablevision and OTA and I am picking up WNYW-DT in 720p on both setups.


Scott

That's great news! Can't wait till football season starts!

Scott, how can you tell with your setup that's it's 720p? Both my OTA box and 4200HD are set to output 1080i, so I wouldn't notice the difference.

Anyway, this is pretty much in line with what they were saying about doing the switch over after sweeps. I wonder when we will see the first FOX hd broadcasts. Maybe the Casino reality show this summer?

In the initial setup of the 4200HD I have the 720p selected as an acceptable format. I then have the box set to variable so it outputs the channel in native format. It shows a flag at the bottom of the screen telling you what format it is in. Tonight it says "normal 720p" on channel 5.

OTA I have VOOM which has a variable setting to output in native format. It usually outputs WNYW-DT in 480p. Tonight it is outputting it in 720p for the first time.

Scott

Anyway, this is pretty much in line with what they were saying about doing the switch over after sweeps. I wonder when we will see the first FOX hd broadcasts. Maybe the Casino reality show this summer?

When are the sweeps?

Perhaps, we'll see North Shore in HD. FOX has been heavily promoting this show.

Originally posted by Scott G
WNYW-DT is broadcasting in 720p tonight !!

This would be big news, because it would mean channel 5 is making the transition to HD. We will have to see it on Thursday to see if they were testing this format or they are going to be broadcasting in 720p from now on.

I have Cablevision and OTA and I am picking up WNYW-DT in 720p on both setups.


Scott

Scott,
WNYW DT will remain at 720p from now on.

For the last several nights WNJN seems to be broadcasting carrier waves, but no pictures. I receive a signal at level 5 which is usually enough to get a good picture, but the screen is blank. Anybody else have similar reception?

WCBS-DT

Last night my signal went from 90s to less then 50s

This morning its back into the low 70s with some drop outs.

CBS was ALWAYS my strongest station. No matter what antenna I tried it came in the best and strongest by far.

A few weeks ago WNBC-DT went from upper 60s to 40-50 and unwatchable.

I get fox and abc in the 70s pretty solid.

Any idea what is going on with CBS and NBC for me? NBC has been 'out' for 3 weeks now and now it looks like CBS is going away too. Is my antenna or receiver faulty? I have a DirecTV HR10-250 with a Square Shooter Antenna and CM7777 preamp about 10 miles North West of White Plains.

When I complained about NBC three weeks ago here no one else spoke up so I am starting to wonder if it is just me.

Originally posted by MLM
For the last several nights WNJN seems to be broadcasting carrier waves, but no pictures. I receive a signal at level 5 which is usually enough to get a good picture, but the screen is blank. Anybody else have similar reception?

Yes, I see the same. No pictures on PBS-DT.

Originally posted by jcondon
WCBS-DT

Last night my signal went from 90s to less then 50s

This morning its back into the low 70s with some drop outs.

CBS was ALWAYS my strongest station. No matter what antenna I tried it came in the best and strongest by far.

A few weeks ago WNBC-DT went from upper 60s to 40-50 and unwatchable.

I get fox and abc in the 70s pretty solid.

Any idea what is going on with CBS and NBC for me? NBC has been 'out' for 3 weeks now and now it looks like CBS is going away too. Is my antenna or receiver faulty? I have a DirecTV HR10-250 with a Square Shooter Antenna and CM7777 preamp about 10 miles North West of White Plains.

When I complained about NBC three weeks ago here no one else spoke up so I am starting to wonder if it is just me.

I'm seeing the same problem. CBS has lowered its power. I'm able to lock it but I get pixelation from time to time. Lately, I've been using the DirecTV East Coast feed to watch a show I don't want to miss.

NBC is a problem for most people here. Very hard to lock this channel and if you do, you lose the other channels since NBC signal is not coming from the same direction as the other channels.

Originally posted by jcondon
A few weeks ago WNBC-DT went from upper 60s to 40-50 and unwatchable.



This is the same for me right near the Nassau/Suffolk borderline. I've received WNBC-DT fine ever since they went on air. Now it's either all breakups or no picture at all. This is true for all of my HD receivers

Oddly enough, the reception must have been pretty good this past Sunday night. My Tivo recorded "L&O: Criminal Intent" on 4-1 Sunday night. On Tuesday when I went to see whether I should just delete the recording, I was amazed to see that the picture was perfect. I watched it and it remained perfect throughout the entire show.

Thanks for the feed back on nbc and cbs. I wont waste my time climbing up on the roof and trying to get a better signal then.

I too also record mostly CBS-HD off of DirecTV too but, use it as my benchmark since I was getting 90 to 92. Figure as long as I get that its just the other stations working on their signal. But, when it went to pot I got a bit worried with all the crappy weather lately.

I also record both NBC-SD DirecTV and NBC-HD OTA on any shows that I wish to see if there is no conflict. Last 3 weeks other then the occasional program NBC-HD OTA has been unwatchable.

Originally posted by jcondon
I also record..NBC-HD OTA on any shows that I wish to see if there is no conflict. Last 3 weeks other then the occasional program NBC-HD OTA has been unwatchable.
How's that Winegard GS2000A working out for you?

Long story short the antenna jack is a bit loose. I was not able to get the antenna cable screwed on as tightly as I would like. I tried to open it and see if the wires needed to be re soldered but, it looked like the plastic tabs would just break off so I never got it open. One day when I have sometime I will look at it again and see if I can't get it open and secure the jack. Maybe with some epoxy or something. I am using the mast with my Square Shooter though.

The way I have it mounted and the way it points the back end of the GS2000a would be hanging over the chimney. So I could not really use it in my situation without some major hassles. I could put another chimney mount strap on towards the front of the chimney and that would probably clear just fine. Or I could move the satellite mount towards the front but, did not want to mess with the chimney straps / mount.

It was not getting a strong signal with it mounted where it would fit so I decided to try a Square Shooter with a store credit I had. It worked better but, not great. Turns out I had to move the antenna about 3 feet closer to the front of the house. All I had to do was loosen the mast and rotate it so the bend went towards the front of the house. Two trees were partially blocking the signal when the wind blew. CBS was strong enough that it didn't cut out but, the others would cut out.

I was able to get CBS and FOX and I think PAX. But, nothing for NBC or ABC. Some signal no lock. So I also added a CM7777 preamp. I was able to lock NBC for a couple weeks with a few drop outs per hour. ABC and Fox works pretty good with the setup I have now.


Thanks,
Jim

Loose connectors are a no no. Go up there immediately and tighten the fitting then wrap it in electrical tape for a good weather tight seal. Oxidation kills more antenna connections than about anything else. At UHF frequencies good conductors are vital.
Anyone else having similar problems, check your connectors. I can remember potting connections so that would not happen.
GT

I think you misunderstand. I did not use the antenna partially because of the loose connection. And partially because it would not work well were I could easily mount it. The antenna with the loose connection is in my garage awaiting repair. I just can not get it open without breaking the plastic tabs. Which I might have to do and then wrap case back closed with Duct Tape (Same color almost as the antenna). My current antenna was working great with all connections secure. Just NBC has faded and last night CBS. But, apparently it isn't just me.

I think my main problem is CBS lowered their power and NBC well who knows why all of a sudden I can not get much there but, maybe before the fall the combiner might be done. Or maybe DirecTV will add NBC in HD.

Over the summer I don't think I am missing much without NBC in HD. Or perhaps leaves have filled in even more (I don't think so) on the two trees that were causing me a problem initially. Which will probably clear itself in time (or close) for the Fall season anyway.

Originally posted by George Thompson
Loose connectors are a no no. Go up there immediately and tighten the fitting then wrap it in electrical tape for a good weather tight seal. Oxidation kills more antenna connections than about anything else. At UHF frequencies good conductors are vital.

GT

Originally posted by jcondon
Over the summer I don't think I am missing much without NBC in HD.
Except for the Olympics! I sure hope they have the combiner done by then.

Well I don't even watch the Olympics so I think I am safe. :)

If I can get it in HD I might check it out when there is nothing else on I want to watch.

For the last several nights WNJN seems to be broadcasting carrier waves, but no pictures. I receive a signal at level 5 which is usually enough to get a good picture, but the screen is blank. Anybody else have similar reception?

Same here!

I gave up on pbs out of nj. They rarely broadcast and when they do it does not match the guide.

It could be worse. WLIW (21) in Long Island gave up on HD broadcasts on their digital channel.

Originally posted by s236
Same here!
Just curious what channel number are you referring to? I have not seen any problems with NJN digital. I watch 52-1 (digital 43).

Just curious, did anyone else out there start swearing when ABC-HD (7-1) switched from HD to 4:3 SD at the start of OVERTIME in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night?? I couldn't believe it... I got a brief station logo screen after the last intermission commercials ended, and then when they went back to live coverage, it was no longer in HD. Aaaargh!

At least it's better than the way they messed up Game 4 (ABC, not Tampa Bay!).. one can only hope they get their act more together for tomorrow night's Game 6.

(btw, I am in western Suffolk, and NONE of Game 4 came OTA in HD for me... boy was I irked...)

The 720p hockey coverage PQ isn't that great anyway. At least the hockey wasn't. MNF looks much better.

Originally posted by Islaine
Just curious, did anyone else out there start swearing when ABC-HD (7-1) switched from HD to 4:3 SD at the start of OVERTIME in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night?? I couldn't believe it... I got a brief station logo screen after the last intermission commercials ended, and then when they went back to live coverage, it was no longer in HD. Aaaargh!

At least it's better than the way they messed up Game 4 (ABC, not Tampa Bay!).. one can only hope they get their act more together for tomorrow night's Game 6.

(btw, I am in western Suffolk, and NONE of Game 4 came OTA in HD for me... boy was I irked...)
I freaked out, too. It took them 20 minutes to flip the switch back to HD. Fortunately, they switched in time to catch the exciting finish.

Originally posted by wward
Just curious what channel number are you referring to? I have not seen any problems with NJN digital. I watch 52-1 (digital 43).

52-1 ?

We get it at 50-5 here in Northern NJ.

WNJT from Trenton is 52-1 (UHF 43).
WNJN from Montclair is 50-1 ,etc. (UHF 51).

Not sure was 55-5 is...

Originally posted by trekkerj
WNJT from Trenton is 52-1 (UHF 43).
WNJN from Montclair is 50-1 ,etc. (UHF 51).

Not sure was 55-5 is...

55 is WLIW from Long Island.

WLIW is 22. (21-1)

Originally posted by trekkerj
WLIW is 22. (21-1)
Oops ment to say WLNY out of Long Island.

Was I the only one who didn't get WPIX-DT tonight? I TiVo'ed the game hoping to finally enjoy an HD Mets telecast and I see Ch. 11 had a Searching for Signal message. At least I didn't have to suffer through the loss!

This whole OTA HDTV thing is very frustrating. I purchased Winegard SquareShooter and mounted it last week. The results were pretty poor until I plugged into a Cable Distribution amp. ABC was still poor. So, I changed the angle of the dish and ABC was great. I purchased a Channel Master 7777 and figured this would be the final piece. I modified the angle of the dish at the same time (which might have been a mistake). I'm getting FOX at GOOD. NBC is now showing up in the NORMAL range -- good because this was a tough station for me. ABC goes from GOOD to NORMAL to BAD. It was solid GOOD until I took my ladder down. Now, it's all over the place...jumping between BAD and GOOD. I'm sure my setup is somewhat to blame, but do the stations change the amount of signal being sent?

Originally posted by cmeinck
This whole OTA HDTV thing is very frustrating. I agree with you somewhat there cmeinck in that this can get very frustrating but I think also alot has to do with the signal strength being sent out. That is why I am not even bothering to get an amplifier until the combiner project is completed to see if I even need one. The only station for me that is not coming in at all is NBC which I don't care about until the Olympics.

It sorta reminds me of that Mel Brooks movie "High Anxiety". The scene where Brooks' assistant is trying to carry his trunk to the car - "I got it..... I got it......{thud}.....I don't got it.";)

Did anyone notice ch 4 was especially bad today for the Belmont..i know it's weak but i usually LOCK today was horrible

It was shaky via Cable also, so it wasn't a transmission problem.

Originally posted by trekkerj
It was shaky via Cable also, so it wasn't a transmission problem.

i ended up watching on cable(SD) as well as OTA hd..the HD was loosing signal and freezing (very low signal) where cable had some breakups on a few hand held cameras ..but the ch 4 OTA was real bad

Today, in my most recent trip to the roof, I installed a Channel Master 7777. ABC's signal is jumping all over the place. I'm not sure if my Square Shooter is facing the wrong way or the preamp is not a good idea. I'm toying with the idea of an antennuator. Any ideas?

Before this, I had a straight line from the SS inside to a VCR Cable Distribution Amp. ABC was solid for me. Not sure if the weather has anyting to do w/ it?

Originally posted by Robert Packman
Did anyone notice ch 4 was especially bad today for the Belmont..i know it's weak but i usually LOCK today was horrible Must be a NJ problem, because it was perfect in NE Queens. Maybe because we're closer to Belmont.:)

Originally posted by Robert Packman
Did anyone notice ch 4 was especially bad today for the Belmont..i know it's weak but i usually LOCK today was horrible I too am waiting for the combiner project to get up and running. By any chance does anyone know at what degree most channel be firing at, ie. 312 degree?

Nobody I know in my area in Great Kills Staten Island can get NBC, WPIX or WNET. I gave up watching those ch's until they up their power.

once the combiner is up, i hope nbc decided to do fear factor in HD. a lot of eye candy on that show. and it's even entertaining :)

Originally posted by trekkerj
WNJT from Trenton is 52-1 (UHF 43).
WNJN from Montclair is 50-1 ,etc. (UHF 51).

Not sure was 55-5 is...

Sorry, I meant 50-5

An ABC-HD OTA related question: I noticed during the "commentator" scenes in last night's Cup Finals game, that the video and audio were slightly but annoyingly out of sync (lips start moving a second or two before the audio comes in). Curiously, this only happened when the ESPN studio commentators were tied in, not when the on-site, at-arena, commentators were speaking. Is this sort of thing due to the local ABC affiliate not properly synching the audio and video feeds?

I've often noticed the same thing during programs viewed on my Dish Network sources (both SD and HD) but it seems to be totally random there. Funny but it never happened with my old 300-series Dish receiver, only now since I got the 811 receiver for HD.... duh...

Originally posted by dturturro
Was I the only one who didn't get WPIX-DT tonight? I TiVo'ed the game hoping to finally enjoy an HD Mets telecast and I see Ch. 11 had a Searching for Signal message. At least I didn't have to suffer through the loss!

You weren't the only one. I couldn't get it yesterday either. It was there, but I couldn't lock on it at all. Pissed me off a bit.

Originally posted by cmeinck
Today, in my most recent trip to the roof, I installed a Channel Master 7777. ABC's signal is jumping all over the place. I'm not sure if my Square Shooter is facing the wrong way or the preamp is not a good idea. I'm toying with the idea of an antennuator. Any ideas?

Before this, I had a straight line from the SS inside to a VCR Cable Distribution Amp. ABC was solid for me. Not sure if the weather has anyting to do w/ it?

The preamp is being overloaded by other signals. Preamps generally do not work well in metro areas. I'm not sure of your location but I bet that's the problem. I can't use a preamp either or I get the same results as you.
Phil

I still can't get it today either .. :(

Originally posted by sangs
You weren't the only one. I couldn't get it yesterday either. It was there, but I couldn't lock on it at all. Pissed me off a bit.

Originally posted by ilkevinli
I still can't get it today either .. :(

I was able to receive Sunday's game, with a few minor dropouts. When's that combiner gonna be ready? Will NBC & PIX finally broadcast at full power?

Originally posted by dturturro
I was able to receive Sunday's game, with a few minor dropouts. When's that combiner gonna be ready? Will NBC & PIX finally broadcast at full power?

....I'm quite certain that the only technologically related question 2nd to "When will high speed EZPass hit the Tri-State roadways?" is "WTF will the combiner be completed?!?!?!"

:D

Originally posted by dturturro
Will NBC & PIX finally broadcast at full power?
That's the plan, but only time will tell.

The real plan is Land on Mars, World Peace, finish the combiner

Originally posted by Anthony in NYC
The real plan is Land on Mars, World Peace, finish the combiner

To me, that STILL sounds a bit optimistic. ;)

Originally posted by Calabs
To me, that STILL sounds a bit optimistic. ;)

LOL

Why dont we all go to the Empire state building with signs and picket until we can get our combiner ;)

Anyone with me....

I think we'd have better luck lobbying NASA to get us on the spaceship to Mars!!! :eek:

Can a combiner be made of legos?

I built one out of tongue depressors, but the cicadas ate it.

I believe they are working on renaming the project from the "Combiner" to the "Delayer".

YMMV..........
:mad:

>>Why dont we all go to the Empire state building with signs and picket until we can get our combiner

i walked by twice today and didn't see you :)
i guess you were on 34th
maybe you saw me - i was staring up at the antenna and muttering

I love the jokes...but its kind of sad that its so hopeless. I have just given up on it. I dont expect it anymore. Now that June is here...there is no doubt in my mind that the month will come and go and the combiner will be no closer to becoming a reality. :(

Kidding aside I fully expect the freedom tower to be complete before the combiner project ever takes off making the combiner a moot point.

These conversations remind me of the fiasco that was going on with WCAU (NBC in Philly). Anyone that was more than 5 miles from the tower would have a problem getting it. Sept-03 turned into Nov, turned into Jan-04...............and so on. Eventually they upped their power and everyone's happy in the Philly area. :cool:

The combiner will happen...................it just seems like an eternity when you are counting the days, and there is no end in sight. :(

However; whoever said patience is a virtue, didn't have to wait for more High Definition TV!!!!!!! :eek:

Originally posted by Calabs
These conversations remind me of the fiasco that was going on with WCAU (NBC in Philly). Anyone that was more than 5 miles from the tower would have a problem getting it. Sept-03 turned into Nov, turned into Jan-04...............and so on. Eventually they upped their power and everyone's happy in the Philly area. :cool:

The combiner will happen...................it just seems like an eternity when you are counting the days, and there is no end in sight. :(

However; whoever said patience is a virtue, didn't have to wait for more High Definition TV!!!!!!! :eek:

Very much so with regards to the Philly comparison (as most Central NJ residents still lurking on this thread can attest to). I haven't looked back with either of my antennas for more than 10 minutes at a clip since ABC/NBC went live out of NYC. But I'm still panging to see a Mets game in HD....although I'm not a Mets fan. And I do miss the ocassional UPN movie in HD from Philly.....but I can live now that NBC/ABC are a go out of NYC.

Hey jaypb

I guess you have given up on ABC/NBC out of Philly? I actually have a ridiculous time trying to get NBC out of NY and ABC comes in only when the planets are aligned in perfect order.

I get WCAU-DT and WPVI-DT without a hitch of course I hade to do some futzing around with my antennas but it was worth it.

Hi All... DirecTv just installed my HDTV Receiver, new Dish, and OTA Antenna.

My OTA channels are terrible.. I'm really new to the scene, so I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly before I spend more $$$.

OK... they installed a WINEGUARD round antenna. I think it's this model

MS-1000 (http://www.winegard.com/offair/urban.htm)

All the locals are crappy.. I'm in Nassu County. I have a crystal clear view of the western sky with NO TREES..

Is this model an adequate antenna??? Perhaps I just need an adjustment?

Any help would be great...

Thanks
Rob

Rob, I'm just southeast of you and I get the big four fine (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX) and get WPIX with occasional dropouts. I have a Radio Shack UHF/VHF antenna mounted on my roof with a 7777 preamp. BTW, you may want to check into Cablevision. I have both Cable and Dish and I have a nice variety of HD stations. Cablevision carries MSG-HD, FSNY-HD, HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, Cinemax-HD, Starz-HD, INHD, CBS-HD, NBC-HD, Fox-ED, ESPN-HD, PBS-HD, Bravo-HD. Now that they have Disney owned ESPN-HD, it shouldn't be long before ABC-HD comes along.

Thanks Ken,

I actually grew up in Pequa... my entire family still lives there...

I've been reading alot since I initially posted.. I'm not 100% sure that the DTV tech scanned for digital channels.. I think I'm only viewing analouge.

Tonight, when I get home, I'm going to play with the receiver.

If it's still bad.. I may look into replacing that antenna or adding a pre-amp.

Also.. I'd love to add Cablevision to the mix.. But.. $$$ is an issue.. Just bought the house.. so..we're not looking to add to our bills...I think I'll wait and see if the NHL has a lock out. If not, I may get cable so I can watch the Isles in HD. I hear hockey is amazing in HDTV.

Originally posted by goisles1
OK... they installed a WINEGUARD round antenna. I think it's this model

MS-1000 (http://www.winegard.com/offair/urban.htm)

All the locals are crappy.. I'm in Nassu County. I have a crystal clear view of the western sky with NO TREES..

Is this model an adequate antenna??? Perhaps I just need an adjustment?


Did you take a look at the range chart (http://www.winegard.com/offair/chartselector.htm) on the Winegard site? It probably comes down to whether they gave you the MS-1000 (non-amplified) or MS-2000 (amplified). The 2000, which has a 30 mile UHF range, should be good enough for you. However, the 1000 only has a 15 mile UHF range which is not sufficient. Unless they gave you paperwork when they did the install, I don't know how you can tell which one you have.

I have the box in my garage... I'll check it when I get home...

I figured it was the MS-1000 as I didn;t need to provide him with any power..

Originally posted by goisles1
Thanks Ken,

I actually grew up in Pequa... my entire family still lives there...

I've been reading alot since I initially posted.. I'm not 100% sure that the DTV tech scanned for digital channels.. I think I'm only viewing analouge.
That is a definite possibility. I know my Dish guy didn't do it, so I had to do it myself. If you're seeing any kind of snow, than its analog. Digital doesn't have snow, just pixilation and dropout. Trust me, you'd know the difference.
Originally posted by goisles1
Tonight, when I get home, I'm going to play with the receiver.

If it's still bad.. I may look into replacing that antenna or adding a pre-amp.

Also.. I'd love to add Cablevision to the mix.. But.. $$$ is an issue.. Just bought the house.. so..we're not looking to add to our bills...I think I'll wait and see if the NHL has a lock out. If not, I may get cable so I can watch the Isles in HD. I hear hockey is amazing in HDTV.
Actually, Cablevision doesn't charge extra for HD. You just need the family package for about $45 to get all HD accept for the movie channels, which come with each package. Well worth it if you ask me. Hockey in HD is truly awesome, but MSG and FSNY only broadcast home games in HD. Doesn't help me since I have season tickets to the Isles :). I do get to see them in HD when they're in Jersey or at MSG, though.

Anyway, if you still have problems with your antenna after re-scanning, let me know. I've been tweaking mine for almost three years to maximize my reception. Be sure to check antennaweb.org for direction.

I'm just east of both you guys and was able to finally nail down my OTA this weekend. I'm using a Winegard SquareShooter with a ChannelMaster 7777. If you're getting signal, it might be matter of redirecting your dish and possibly adding a pre-amp. I had all kinds of problems, but this was due to faulty cables. I wasn't able to get much with the straight antenna, so I think the preamp will make a big difference in your case.

Does the Family Package offer you MSG and FOX Sports? I unfortunately do not have an Isles Season Tix plan, so when (and that's a big when) hockey comes around, I might dance with the Cablevision devil for $45 if it means INHD, MSG and FOX. As it is, they are coming this weekend to install a cable modem and optimum voice.

And yes, hockey in HD is amazing. Game 7 on ABC HD was awesome. Game 6 would have been awesome save for a faulty coaxial cable.

Good luck.
Chris

I might dance with the Cablevision devil for $45 if it means INHD, MSG and FOX. As it is, they are coming this weekend to install a cable modem and optimum voice.

Nice.. I'm in the same boat.. We just moved into the house and I ordered the Optonline and Opt Voice... I'm really impressed with the VoIP service. The deal is amazing..$35 a month flat. No other charges.. And, The quality is really good. I had no problems wiring up my Tivos either.

OK.. Now here's my current situation..

As I thought, the Installer only searched off AIR channels. So, After playing with the set-up of the receiver I was able to SCAN for Digital.

It located 9 channels. I was able to view most of them last night, some better then others. But, this morning, none were coming in. I just got the Searching for Signal msg.

I may look into getting the pre-amp.. I see most people go with the CM7777. Does this need to be near the antenna, or can I connect it anywhere in the stream, like near my entertainment center?

A preamp is mostly useless connected anywhere but immedately at the antenna. You're just amplifying a signal that's suffered loss and/or noise placing it anywhere else.

Well-placed sources at the YES Network say production of home Yankee games in High Definition will begin on June 25th, if all goes as planned. And which carriers will show the games in HD? Cablevision, TimeWarner, etc. "How about DirecTV," I asked? "No word on that. Suggest you call their executive offices."

Okay, sports fans, here are a couple of numbers:

1-310-964-6598, or 1-310-964-1031.

Let us know what you're told.

Originally posted by goisles1
Nice.. I'm in the same boat.. We just moved into the house and I ordered the Optonline and Opt Voice... I'm really impressed with the VoIP service. The deal is amazing..$35 a month flat. No other charges.. And, The quality is really good. I had no problems wiring up my Tivos either.


Not to take this thread too off topic, I looked into opt voice but went with Vonage instead. It's $5 cheaper, allowed me to transfer my phone number, and had a few more features. I fed it into my patch panel last night now all the phone jacks in the house are running of it. The ReplayTV has no trouble dialing out either.

I may end up ordering cable for the local channels also. The signal is just too weak for us in southwestern CT. I want to see the Olympics in HD, and if the combiner isn't finished by then I'm going to have to get cable (iO).

Cablevision, really? I'm shocked. That would rock. Rock, I say!!!! Fingers crossed.

Originally posted by s2silber
Well-placed sources at the YES Network say production of home Yankee games in High Definition will begin on June 25th, if all goes as planned. That's great!:) Now let's hope Directv picks that up!

Yuh gotta' call.

Can we keep the discussion on topic please. This is an over-the-air thread.

Thanks.

ohh, please :) Yes in HD would be super !!

s2silber, when you listed the cable companies, we're you saying that your source confirmed those 2? I'm not sure if that's what you we're trying to say. I just find it hard to believe Cablevision would be in after all the history with YES.

This topic is for OTA in the NYC area only. Please take off-topic discussion to other appropriate topics.

Oh man... All my locals came in last night (without any preamp).. I watched the 1st half of the NBA finals.. What a difference...

I am a little worried about the signal strength.. But, from what I've read, you either get the picture or don't. So, even though I have a 45% signal strength, I'm getting the signal.

Should I be looking to add that pre-amp still?

Last night i rescanned my channels on my MyHD Card and it turned up 10 new subchannels on channel 29. Has anyone else been able to receive these channels? They are evidently from NJ and on subchannel 2 there should be a note that the channel is testing and to call a # to tell them where you are watching from. Give them a call to give them the heads up. I am unable to receive a stable signal from the channel now due to my distance from it but it was at a stable 28% last night. Hopefully some of you can help me out to figure what this channel is. Thanks in advance.
P.S. I am also using a pre-amp with my antenna so that may help some of you.
-Mike

Originally posted by mortega31686
Last night i rescanned my channels on my MyHD Card and it turned up 10 new subchannels on channel 29. Has anyone else been able to receive these channels? They are evidently from NJ and on subchannel 2 there should be a note that the channel is testing and to call a # to tell them where you are watching from. Give them a call to give them the heads up. I am unable to receive a stable signal from the channel now due to my distance from it but it was at a stable 28% last night. Hopefully some of you can help me out to figure what this channel is. Thanks in advance.
P.S. I am also using a pre-amp with my antenna so that may help some of you.
-Mike

WFME-DT. It broadcasts at 2 kW from the WNJN-TV/DT site in New Jersey. They have an analog station on 66 but it's only at 24 kW--I think the digital station has better coverage.

- Trip

I'm in s.w. Suffolk (VERY south, only a few blocks from the bay) and I'm intrigued by the different antennas you other LI'ers have (btw, love your name, goisles1 !) I have the Dish Network 811 receiver and for OTA, my local TV repair/install guy ended up putting a Yagi MXU47 antenna on the roof. Admittedly he did try a smaller version of the same type but couldn't get any signals stronger than 50-60% (in other words, useless). With the bigger model, I can get all the locals usually in the mid to high 70s; although ABC tends to come in the strongest at 83%.

No preamp.

I'd read up on the various ChannelMasters and the Square Shooters but my TV guy said that the Yagi antenna would work fine. So far, he's been right....

If my next-door neighbor didn't have a VERY tall tree on the other side of his house, I'd have a clear shot westward. Because the antenna was installed in late March, I was worried that once the tree leafed out it would mess up my signals, but (knock LOTS of wood!!!) it hasn't seemed to. I'm assuming, though, that if that tree should ever be removed, my signal strength would be better.

I noted the earlier discussion re:Cablevision but the reason I got the OTA antenna in the first place is that I didn't want to have to go that route. I pay Optonline for their monopoly on cable modem service but I'm be d****'d if I'm going to pay them for HD as well! (besides, they own the Blueshirts)

Anyone having problems with WABC tonight? Getting breakups even with my preamp, which has never happened before.

Originally posted by trekkerj
Anyone having problems with WABC tonight? Getting breakups even with my preamp, which has never happened before. Yep I had to switch over to WPVI-DT to watch the game.

This may have been covered before, but PAX coming out of NYC shows a very high SS on my receiver (~75%). However, the picture is unwatchable with pixelation and sound cutouts. Very strange!!! I get all other NYC stations fine (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and UPN). Anyone else seeing this? :confused:

I had no problems with ABC including the Pistons beating the Fakers! I've had problems with NBC this weekend, but that's par for the course.

I'm having the same problem with PAX.

Originally posted by Calabs
This may have been covered before, but PAX coming out of NYC shows a very high SS on my receiver (~75%). However, the picture is unwatchable with pixelation and sound cutouts. Very strange!!! I get all other NYC stations fine (CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX and UPN). Anyone else seeing this? :confused:

Originally posted by trekkerj
Anyone having problems with WABC tonight? Getting breakups even with my preamp, which has never happened before.

Watched the game without problems with indoor Silver Sensor in the basement from Passaic.

I have been having problems locking onto 7-1 here in Little Falls, NJ for the last couple of days. Signal used to be in the strong area on my SAT-520, but now is spotty at best with breakups and no signal 1/2 the time. All the others are fine except for 4-1 that has always been weak. Checked the
antenna aim and connections- all are ok. Maybe 7-1 is doing some type of antenna or transmitter work?

Wayne

Originally posted by goisles1
Oh man... All my locals came in last night (without any preamp).. I watched the 1st half of the NBA finals.. What a difference...

I am a little worried about the signal strength.. But, from what I've read, you either get the picture or don't. So, even though I have a 45% signal strength, I'm getting the signal.

Should I be looking to add that pre-amp still?
Signal strength can be misleading. Each STB uses a different scale. If you're getting a lot of dropouts, you may want to add a preamp. Oddly enough, a preamp can do more harm than good if your close to the transmitters (which you're not really). Multipath can wreak havok on a preamp.

Worries about DT28 should be eased. A big wig at NBC just informed me that DT28 would be juiced up later this summer with it's move from the GE building to the Empire State Building.

They are making the effort to complete the task before the Olympics.

Harry
Admin at http://www.hdtvforum.com
A Great Source for Daily HDTV News

A big wig at NBC just informed me that DT28 would be juiced up later this summer with it's move from the GE building to the Empire State Building.

Nice :D

Same direction as the other channels. I should be able to lock NBC without
moving the antenna :cool:

Originally posted by HDugan
Worries about DT28 should be eased. A big wig at NBC just informed me that DT28 would be juiced up later this summer with it's move from the GE building to the Empire State Building.

They are making the effort to complete the task before the Olympics.

Harry
Admin at http://www.hdtvforum.com
A Great Source for Daily HDTV News

Does he mean a separate move to the ESB outside of the combiner is being planned for 28? If they're talking about the combiner, then we already knew it.

Or, could they possibly put WNJU-DT 36 on the air and temporarilyy trade digitals on 28 and 36 so that they have the permanent WNJU transmitter installed and ready for when the combiner goes in and WNBC can get their own signal?

- Trip

He means the combiner project. WNJU was (is) always an alternative, but the combiner shoud be ready by then. I'll see if I can find out anything more at the HD edit show this evening.
GT

Originally posted by George Thompson
He means the combiner project. WNJU was (is) always an alternative, but the combiner shoud be ready by then. I'll see if I can find out anything more at the HD edit show this evening.
GT

"but the combiner shoud be ready by then"
When is then?

Originally posted by dm145
"but the combiner shoud be ready by then"
When is then?

THIS is the quandry that hath become the NYC digital OTA mini-series! It should be the battle cry of the digital masses!!!

It should also be the official tagline for all Combiner merchandise (there will be merchandise.......right ?!?!?!)

;)

Any merchandise will invariably be delayed in production...

Originally posted by HDugan
Worries about DT28 should be eased. A big wig at NBC just informed me that DT28 would be juiced up later this summer with it's move from the GE building to the Empire State Building.

They are making the effort to complete the task before the Olympics.



What's not stated is that the Olympics that are being referred to is the 2012 games!

I noticed WNYW-DT seems to be off the air. Has been for a while today. Anyone know why? I wonder if it's combiner related work? Or perhaps work on the stations HD equipment prepping for the fall.

Originally posted by trekkerj
I noticed WNYW-DT seems to be off the air. Has been for a while today. Anyone know why? I wonder if it's combiner related work? Or perhaps work on the stations HD equipment prepping for the fall.

I was thinking the latter.

Originally posted by trekkerj
I wonder if it's combiner related work? It is unlikely to be combiner related since WNYW-DT will not be on the combiner. They have their own antenna at Empire.

Has absolutely nothing to do with the combiner. Due to the heavy rain that has been occurring during the evening some may be experiencing lowered or no signal strength.

Originally posted by wward
Has absolutely nothing to do with the combiner. Due to the heavy rain that has been occurring during the evening some may be experiencing lowered or no signal strength.

It's 7am and it's still down.......or at least down now. I didn't check last night.......just this AM while tooling around.

Also noticed I'm receiving 3-1 (26) KYW CBS out of Philly on both antennas while facing NYC.

Is it a nice Tropo day on the Hepburn index ?!?!? :D

Originally posted by wward
Has absolutely nothing to do with the combiner. Due to the heavy rain that has been occurring during the evening some may be experiencing lowered or no signal strength.

I have WNYW-DT on Cablevision and it is off the air, too. They must be having some kind of problem.

Scott

Anyone know if Dodgers home games are in HD?

If the Dodgers have home games available in HD, maybe FOX is finishing the HD conversion in NYC for Saturday's Yankees/Dodgers game.

Well...it's wishful thinking anyways....

The Dodger-Yankee game on Sunday is on ESPN-HD, but we digress. :)

Originally posted by trekkerj
The Dodger-Yankee game on Sunday is on ESPN-HD, but we digress. :)

Really? I'll be checking that out on Sunday nite. :D

Originally posted by chrisb3
Really? I'll be checking that out on Sunday nite. :D
The ESPN-HD coverage of the Dodgers-Yankees game is likely to be blacked out in New York in deference to the YES Network's telecast of the game. That means no Yankees in HD. :(

No, there is no YES telecast, this is an ESPN game only.

The ESPN-HD coverage of the Dodgers-Yankees game in likely to be blacked out in New York in deference to the YES Network's telecast.

It should be on in NYC as the ESPN Sunday Night Game is a national exclusive for the network. Under their deal with MLB, their game on Sunday is the only one on.

YES netowrk is not showing the game on Sunday.

Originally posted by s2silber
The ESPN-HD coverage of the Dodgers-Yankees game is likely to be blacked out in New York in deference to the YES Network's telecast of the game. That means no Yankees in HD. :(

With all due respect, this in inaccurate. The Sunday Night games are ESPN's. YES will NOT be doing a broadcast! This will be the first Yankee game that I have been able to watch in HD!

OOPS...Missed trekkerj's and chrisb3's response...what they said!

I gladly stand corrected. Looking forward to seeing the Yankees for the first time in HD.

Hopefully, the first time of many. ;) Now, back to our regularly scheduled topic.

Originally posted by trekkerj
The Dodger-Yankee game on Sunday is on ESPN-HD, but we digress. :) Please don't digress. This is an OTA ONLY thread. Can you take this cable talk to the NYC Cable thread(s) please?

Originally posted by Scott G
I have WNYW-DT on Cablevision and it is off the air, too. They must be having some kind of problem.

Scott They were not doing anything related to the combiner

Are you sure? I mean that thing should be up any day now right?
Originally posted by wward
They were not doing anything related to the combiner

Originally posted by chrisb3
Anyone know if Dodgers home games are in HD?

If the Dodgers have home games available in HD, maybe FOX is finishing the HD conversion in NYC for Saturday's Yankees/Dodgers game.

Well...it's wishful thinking anyways....

WNYW is ready for HD since they are already transmitting at 720p.
I doubt the game would be in EDTV. It wasn't last week.

Broadcasting in 720p isn't the only thing keeping WNYW from being finished with it's upgrades. Something called a splicer needs to be installed if it hasn't already, to be able to use the technology that fox is using for it's HD.

WNYW is ready for HD since they are already transmitting at 720p. I doubt the game would be in EDTV. It wasn't last week.

okies. I had turned on the game on FOX a couple Saturdays ago and the game looked like it was in 4:3.

I see WNYW was broadcasting in 720p, however the other day the put out North Shore (which was AWFUL!) in FOX Widescreen. This didn't appear to be HD. It looked like ED to me. I may be wrong. Did anyone else notice this (and are you willing to cop to watching this terrible show?!)?

Everything is upconverted to 720p.

5-1 is still down?

Looks that way from here.

5-1 is still down here too. I and I get a decent signal most of the time for them.


Originally posted by s2silber
Looks that way from here.

5-1, 5-2 down here from Queens also...

yeppers. 5-1, 5-2 is a no go.

it would be nice to find out why.

5-1 and 5-2 are definitely off the air completely. I get them on Cablevision and the channel is completely blank. It would be nice for some from WNYW to at least let us know if there is a problem and if and when it will be fixed.

Scott

My guess is splicer work. Fridays are usually the day for major system changes. At least they are where I work.

Originally posted by KenA
My guess is splicer work. Fridays are usually the day for major system changes. At least they are where I work. They have been out since Thursday night...

The word from a support tech that updates a CV mailing list sez that FOX is having a problem in NYC. It should be back up somewhere between today (Saturday) and Monday at the latest.

Originally posted by sting0r
Are you sure? I mean that thing should be up any day now right? Positive from what I am told the the digital signal will be off air for about a week.

I'm wondering if anyone in the Livingston/Short Hills area (Hi, Claude) has had any luck with WPIX-DT? As I've reported before, while I can pick up several of the Philly stations reliably with my 90" Wineguard UHF w/rotor and CM amp on the roof, I've always had trouble with the NY stations. Comcast here in Essex County has a bunch of the locals in HD, but alas no WPIX and therefore no NY Mets.

If anyone could clarify the status of WPIX (i.e., current channel assignement (12?), power, or even potential pick-up by Comcast) and offer any suggestions, I would appreciate it. A search of this thread has not helped.

Alan S.
Lively Livingston, NJ

FOX IS BACK!!!

and it looks like they're actually transmitting in HD.
Nice.

Originally posted by bjohn
FOX IS BACK!!!

and it looks like they're actually transmitting in HD.
Nice. Really is the Yankee game on?

Originally posted by patrickpiteo
Really is the Yankee game on? Its up but the signal is all over the place. From what I can see the game is not HD.

Originally posted by wward
Its up but the signal is all over the place. From what I can see the game is not HD. Also 5-2 has video but a test tone playing. Looks like they are doing testing so who knows if the signal will stay up.

Ok, it's not HD.
just widescreen.

But I guess everything is in widescreen now.
even the commercials.

It's not even true widescreen. It's stretched 4:3 and looks AWFUL!:mad:

Originally posted by dturturro
It's not even true widescreen. It's stretched 4:3 and looks AWFUL!:mad:

I hope they don't leave it in stretch mode. Not good.:mad:

Originally posted by dm145
I hope they don't leave it in stretch mode. Not good.:mad:

It looks terrible. Everyone looks short and fat.

Nooooo! We finally got ESPN-HD to stop doing this! What are they thinking?!!!

looks real badddd...

Originally posted by Scott G
It looks terrible. Everyone looks short and fat.

Fox 5 here in New York did this crap once a year ago....(stretching all 4:3 material) then we complained here---and then they reverted back.

If they want to fill the screen with 4:3 material--then do it right like how WPIX does it...zoom and crop a bit.

Come on FOX5--what the heck are you guys thinking???

Originally posted by Scott G
It looks terrible. Everyone looks short and fat.

Fox 5 here in New York did this crap once a year ago....(stretching all 4:3 material) then we complained here---and then they reverted back.

If they want to fill the screen with 4:3 material--then do it right like how WPIX does it...zoom and crop a bit.

Come on FOX5--what the heck are you guys thinking???

Originally posted by dturturro
I see WNYW was broadcasting in 720p, however the other day the put out North Shore (which was AWFUL!) in FOX Widescreen. This didn't appear to be HD. It looked like ED to me. I may be wrong. Did anyone else notice this (and are you willing to cop to watching this terrible show?!)?

I watched it too thinking it was Hi-def. It was wide screen allright but it looked blurry so i cleaned my glasses which of course made it worse. Then I tried changing picture size, no help. Very disappointing picture but outcome of the game was correct.

Originally posted by dturturro
I see WNYW was broadcasting in 720p, however the other day the put out North Shore (which was AWFUL!) in FOX Widescreen. This didn't appear to be HD. It looked like ED to me. I may be wrong. Did anyone else notice this (and are you willing to cop to watching this terrible show?!)?

Oh I also know that FOX has Hi-def because the lead in for the baseball games with Jeanie Zelesco(whatever) and her male partner(whatever his name is)come in Hi-def but when the game comes on, it doesn't.

Oh I also know that FOX has Hi-def because the lead in for the baseball games with Jeanie Zelesco(whatever) and her male partner(whatever his name is)come in Hi-def but when the game comes on, it doesn't.

I agree. I was watching Good Day NY on 5-1 this morning and it looked like it was in some kind of HD.

Guys, Fox will not go HD until August. Right now they are upconverting to 720p in preperation for the HD transition. Its a good upconvert, but its not HD. They are also stretching SD, which is a really bad idea.

They are also stretching shows that are normally 16:9 widescreen to begin with. Fox Widescreen is gone.

How would you do that? Does that mean that on a 16:9 program you'd have to change the image from "Standard" to "Shrink" to get it back to the original 16:9 aspect ration? If so, that's ridiculous.:confused:

Originally posted by trekkerj
They are also stretching shows that are normally 16:9 widescreen to begin with. Fox Widescreen is gone.

I have no idea what are you talking about.

Jut because something may be ridiculous does not by itself place it out of the realm of things that station engineers and management will do.

Perhaps this is what was meant....
I used to get baseball and football games from WNYW-DT in letterbox format, i.e. 16:9 aspect ratio with black bars on all four sides. Now, I am getting baseball in widescreen which fills the entire screen. Does not look like true 720p, though. Instead, looks like 480p up-converted to 720p.

I may add, for example:
Oliver Beene use to be be 480p (16:9) filled screen without stretching.
Last night it was stretched and distorted. (Short and fat people)

Originally posted by s2silber
Well-placed sources at the YES Network say production of home Yankee games in High Definition will begin on June 25th, if all goes as planned. And which carriers will show the games in HD? Cablevision, TimeWarner, etc. "How about DirecTV," I asked? "No word on that. Suggest you call their executive offices."

Okay, sports fans, here are a couple of numbers:

1-310-964-6598, or 1-310-964-1031.

Let us know what you're told.

Yeah they're gonna be in hi-def June 25th cause the game is gonna broadcast over the WB which broadcasts they're home games for the Mets in Hi-Def. But then again it might not happen cause it's a Yankee stadium and not Shea. We'll see

Originally posted by dm145
I may add, for example:
Oliver Beene use to be be 480p (16:9) filled screen without stretching.
Last night it was stretched and distorted. (Short and fat people)

What I meant is that programs that are normally "Fox Widescreen High Resolution, yada, yada" are now simply the 4:3 version stretched out just like the rest of the programming is. I don't think they are back up to normal yet. Otherwise, they are just doing something wrong.

tstatguy112

When you quote a response, you can enter your comments below the quote. I see you are posting another reply instead.

Apologies - I know this is what search is for but at 105 pages...!

Currently a TWC HD subscriber but toying with a switch to DirecTV, combined with OTA for locals of course. I'm not dissatisfied with TWC, but they're expensive, their HD transition is glacial, I'd like an HDTiVo, and they dropped TechTV.

Anyway, I have direct line of sight to the Empire State Building (within a mile), but the Conde Nast building (always thought it was Bertelsmann but anyway, I know the one people mean - 4 Times Square, with the Saturn V on its roof) is blocked, as is GE. So two questions if anyone can help me:

1. I read that digital signals are supposed to be much more forgiving than analogue. If I can point an antenna in the direction of the ESB, is it likely I'd get other channels as well?

2. What channels broadcast from the Empire State Building anyway? Is there a complete list?

Thanks!

Alex

Alex, if I had a means to use DirecTV and an interest in HD, I'd definitely go for VOOM's service, which has a new STB with a built-in OTA tuner. Suspect, with a ESB line of site, you'd get other mid-town H/DTV stations, perhaps even WNET-DT (61 UHF?) at about 38th near the Hudson R. but very weak and beamed torward Newark. At times, depending on location and highly variable multipath reflections, you can tune in reflections, although they're often erratic. Analog gives you severe ghosting in Manhattan's canyons; digital glitches result in blank screens or macroblocking. Believe WCBS-DT is the only real HD from ESB. I can tune it, from a north-facing site about 6 blocks north of 33rd St., by pointing my book-size Silver Sensor antenna at a neaby building and tuning reflections, so don't limit tuning attempts at line of site. RCN cable is an alternative in some buildings, with 3 more HDs (2 HDNets and ESPN-HD) than TWC until they expand HD-accessible bandwidth by dropping about 13 'Metro' analog channels and requiring digital boxes for those getting Metro with analog-only boxes (see TWC NYC local thread). -- John

Originally posted by trekkerj
What I meant is that programs that are normally "Fox Widescreen High Resolution, yada, yada" are now simply the 4:3 version stretched out just like the rest of the programming is. I don't think they are back up to normal yet. Otherwise, they are just doing something wrong.

I'd say very wrong.

I agree they definately are stretching even the fox widescreen shows. Tonight both north shore and the casino looked much worse than last week. Has anybody tried calling them to find out whats going on?? I dont view this as a good sign with fox hd not to far around the corner.

Mike

Originally posted by njfoses
I dont view this as a good sign with fox hd not to far around the corner.
I would not be overly concerned. They apparently had some sort of major failure that kept them off the air for two days. Give them some time to recover completely.

Originally posted by John Mason
Alex, if I had a means to use DirecTV and an interest in HD, I'd definitely go for VOOM's service, which has a new STB with a built-in OTA tuner. Suspect, with a ESB line of site, you'd get other mid-town H/DTV stations, perhaps even WNET-DT (61 UHF?) at about 38th near the Hudson R. but very weak and beamed torward Newark. At times, depending on location and highly variable multipath reflections, you can tune in reflections, although they're often erratic. Analog gives you severe ghosting in Manhattan's canyons; digital glitches result in blank screens or macroblocking. Believe WCBS-DT is the only real HD from ESB. I can tune it, from a north-facing site about 6 blocks north of 33rd St., by pointing my book-size Silver Sensor antenna at a neaby building and tuning reflections, so don't limit tuning attempts at line of site. RCN cable is an alternative in some buildings, with 3 more HDs (2 HDNets and ESPN-HD) than TWC until they expand HD-accessible bandwidth by dropping about 13 'Metro' analog channels and requiring digital boxes for those getting Metro with analog-only boxes (see TWC NYC local thread). -- John

Thanks John. Voom is interesting, but it's the TiVo/HD combo that has me looking towards DirecTV. Doing a bit more digging it seems the plan is to get all the major channels broadcasting from the ESB; it's probably wiser for me to wait. My building is actually wired for DirecTV as the alternative to TWC - no RCN. But I'm a Brit so ESPN is of almost no interest, and HDNet doesn't look particularly compelling - more eye-candy TV like PBS and Discovery HD I can't imagine ever watching. But WPIX - that's another matter!

For anyone who wants to let WNYW-DT know about their horrible stretched picture please contact them here either with a FAX or phone call :

Vice President of Engineering for WNYW and WWOR: Al Shjarback
Director of Engineering for WNYW and WWOR: Edward Harris

Vice President of Operations and Engineering: Greg Franchuk

212-452-3631
212-452-3969 Fax

Has anyone noticed 5-2 (WWOR) PQ since FOX went stretched ? It has gotten better.

Originally posted by PDPnNJ
Has anyone noticed 5-2 (WWOR) PQ since FOX went streched ? It has gotten better.

Yes, I did notice that, too.

Scott

I just called the number listed above and spoke to someone who said "they are working on the problem and it should be solved soon".

I guess we'll see.

On Sunday, I reinstalled MyHD. Now NBC, which used to get a steady 20%-25% (which was stable enough to only glitch once or twice an hour) is now just gone.

Is anyone else havng problems with OTA NBC or is this just my problem? The reception just bombed out without my moving the antenna and now I can't get anything stable no matter how much I fiddle with the Silver Sensor. It's so bad that I started thinking maybe NBC dropped the signal strength to save money during summer rerun season.

Originally posted by Hanson
On Sunday, I reinstalled MyHD. Now NBC, which used to get a steady 20%-25% (which was stable enough to only glitch once or twice an hour) is now just gone.

Is anyone else havng problems with OTA NBC or is this just my problem? The reception just bombed out without my moving the antenna and now I can't get anything stable no matter how much I fiddle with the Silver Sensor. It's so bad that I started thinking maybe NBC dropped the signal strength to save money during summer rerun season.

Last night I couldn't get a lock on NBC either, so it wasn't just you. Usually it comes in great.

I believe WNYW is using the analog feed and upconverting it to their digital feed. While watching a show last night, the network logo showed FOX 5 instead of FOX44 which is shown when transmitting directly from their digital feed. I wonder if they are working on the splicer. Hopefully, this will be solved before the All-Star Game ! :mad:

I live on Riverside Drive and have a direct TV sat dish outside my window but I dont get HD OTA stations from DTV and I need to know the best antenna to get the OTA , it would help if it could mount on my dish as there is not much room and the roof is off limits

daryey, Silver Sensor antennas (UHF only) are the size of a small book and might mount on or near the D* dish. They're a narrow-reception design, created to minimize side reflections (multipath), so being able to point the SS at the Empire State Building and mid-town would probably work best. Ordered mine in the mail a few years ago but believe some big electronics stores now have them. -- John

thanks will try that, I have Direc TV they state that Owned and Operated HD local stations are carried like CBS aren't both NBC and ABC also O&O? so shouldnt I get them form DTV?

lastly I imagine I would need to run a cable from the antennae to the HD rcvr or could I just run it to the multi switch that I plug my DTV cables into?

Originally posted by daryey
I have Direc TV they state that Owned and Operated HD local stations are carried like CBS aren't both NBC and ABC also O&O? so shouldnt I get them form DTV?
If you happen to live in a city that has a CBS O&O station, your are able to get WCBS or KCBS depending on your location. Only CBS is allowing this. Fox is supposed to have a similar situation by the fall.

I happend to notice this morning WNYW-DT (channel 5.1) is back to normal. They are once again using the 4:3 screen. Thank goodness the awful stretching is over.

Scott

I have Direc TV they state that Owned and Operated HD local stations are carried like CBS aren't both NBC and ABC also O&O? so shouldnt I get them form DTV?

When DirecTV gets the contract done with NBC and ABC, you should be able to get them. In the meantime, only CBS is part of the HD offering from DirecTV. FOX is coming to the DirecTV lineup soon.



lastly I imagine I would need to run a cable from the antennae to the HD rcvr or could I just run it to the multi switch that I plug my DTV cables into?

You can do that (make sure to plug into the 'antenna' input on the multiswitch)
but you also need a diplexer at the other end. Keep in mind, Silver Sensor is an indoor antenna. No need to place it next to your existing DirecTV dish.

Originally posted by Scott G
I happend to notice this morning WNYW-DT (channel 5.1) is back to normal. They are once again using the 4:3 screen. Thank goodness the awful stretching is over.

Scott

Great news :D
Did you notice if they are broadcasting as Channel 44 DT or Channel 5 ?
You can tell by watching the network bug.

Thansk for the info so Silver sensor sits on top of my TV or next to the window where the dish is?? I lve in an apt the TV is in the same room that the has the window where the dish is mounted, where should I place and point the antennae?

I'd try to point the Silver Sensor, or any antenna, at the Empire State Building/midtown (other broadcast sites). Might be necessary to extend the coax length to reach your receiver antenna input. You might get N.J. or other stations, too, so you'd either have to shift the antenna for those, or investigate models with very wide reception (unlike the S.S). The S.S. has a small slip-on plastic stand, but that could be left off and the S.S. could be clamped or screwed to the D* mounting base if you want to tinker. Some use their S.S. outside. Believe I'd put a glob of sealant on the coax/antenna joint to minimize water/oxidation with such a mounting. -- John

Originally posted by daryey
Thansk for the info so Silver sensor sits on top of my TV or next to the window where the dish is?? I lve in an apt the TV is in the same room that the has the window where the dish is mounted, where should I place and point the antennae?

They are still just rebroadcasting FOX5, not DT-44.

Originally posted by daryey
Thansk for the info so Silver sensor sits on top of my TV or next to the window where the dish is?? I lve in an apt the TV is in the same room that the has the window where the dish is mounted, where should I place and point the antennae?

The Silver Sensor (like all antennae) is very sensitive to the things surrounding it. Probably the worst place for an antenna is on top of a TV set (even though rabbit ears usually end up here). I've got my SS on top of a tall book shelf, which works pretty well, but when I walk near it I often lose signal. Keep it away from other metal objects (like a window guard or lamp). I also notice a diminished signal if it's too close to the wall. that can make it difficult to find a spot that's "inconspicuous."

WNBC DT (28) is running very low power. Until they match the other network owned stations, viewers beyond 20 miles, or so, won't see much. I don't know what they're thinking. For openers, senior execs like the CEO's of NBC and GE, both live in suburban CT, beyond the reach of their own programming.

In fairness to WNBC, they really can't pump out any more power from the GE Building than they're already doing. From what I understand from one of the engineers over there, it's something about the risk of frying all the tourists down in Rockefeller Plaza.

Originally posted by Scott G
I happend to notice this morning WNYW-DT (channel 5.1) is back to normal. They are once again using the 4:3 screen. Thank goodness the awful stretching is over.
Scott Last night they were back to their normal wide screen.

If that's the case, they should have used another location. Channel 7 returned it's HD signal to the air a couple of months earlier, and it had adequate power from the get go. This isn't some affiliate. It is the key originating station of the NBC network, in the nation's largest market. The call sign is W-NBC. Many of us spend time and money on HDTV, only to find out stations are off the air for hours at a time, or on reduced power, or not watching P-SIP levels, which will defeat the average STB.

Originally posted by deelmakur
WNBC DT (28) is running very low power. Until they match the other network owned stations, viewers beyond 20 miles, or so, won't see much. I don't know what they're thinking. For openers, senior execs like the CEO's of NBC and GE, both live in suburban CT, beyond the reach of their own programming.

The main signal lobe is centered for Fairfield.... within the projected grade A signal strength. Any more power would fry the Rainbow room and the observation deck when it is remodeled and opened.
GT

George, I'm in New Canaan, on high ground, using an elaborate, amplified system, with home runs to the 2 HDTV sets. One is using the Samsung 160 DirecTV box, the other a Sony 200. Signal strength averages 30%, but in short bursts. Not enough to grab signal. Conversely, 2, 5 (9), 7 all deliver fine. Have never even gotten a sniff of 11. There have been rumors of a power inrease on 28, but what you are describing would preclude that without a site change. Putting the stick on their own building would suggest they did it on the cheap, since there are better locations. What kind of message does that send to the affiliates?

What you have told is an outright lie! It's proposterous!

Here are some facts:

The G.E. Building's 70 stories have a height, from sidewalk to roof of 850 feet. WNBC-DT's channel allocation is the lowest of WCBS, WABC, WNYW -
if all things were equal, the lower the channel allocation the less power is needed and allowed by the FCC.

The Conde Nast Building (4 Times Square) the home of many digital stations, all radiating more power than the sorrowful WNBC-DT, is 809 feet tall from the sidewalk to the roof (This excludes the transimission mast).

The truth is that G.E. has been reluctant to spend the money, put out the effort for establishment of a first-rate antenna site and the power to make it work properly. This company is waiting for the combiner on ESB, and possibly to see what will happen with the Freedom Tower.

The irony of all of this is that NBC has been so backward and reluctant to embrace high definition - when the network was established by RCA and guided to technological brilliance and risk-taking by Brig. General David Sarnoff - who must be rolling in his grave.

G.E. should be ashamed!

Gary Press

In mentioning that higher power on the roof of the G.E. Building would be injurious to people in the Rainbow Room and/or the observation area seems strange to me!

At the Empire State Building, the 102nd Floor observation area was open to the public until 1998. After that time, and until the current work on the combiner was started, it was used for private functions, parties, etc.

With the tremendous amount of stations located at the Empire State Building eminating a comparitively huge amounts of radiationfrom the main mast and other transmission antennae, no one got "fried" or even glowed warmly.

I truly believe that G.E. has found a very convenient way to tell us that the company is protecting the public. I don't believe it!

Gary Press

Sorry, I don't argue with half truths and uninformed naysayers. I probably shouldnt even respond, period.

anyone get 29-00 signals? is it family radio?
There's about 10 channels being broadcast 29-01 - 10

I get little or no signal. and the 49% bug with the 811.


BTW, PAX is still having the same pixelation problems with a 70% signal.
I guess no one cares?

Originally posted by bjohn
anyone get 29-00 signals? is it family radio?
There's about 10 channels being broadcast 29-01 - 10

I get little or no signal. and the 49% bug with the 811.


BTW, PAX is still having the same pixelation problems with a 70% signal.
I guess no one cares? Are you referring to WTXF-DT ?? If so I do not see any additional sub channels.

I was in the FM business, involved with 103.5, when it was directional on the Trade Tower. Because of its directionality, it could not go on the master, and instead used a woeful, single bay on a short pole. Since it was next to a tourist walkway, the PA gave us big grief about radiation, some of which (the grief) came from OSHA, and other governmental oversight types. We resisted, and the PA unilaterally installed some useless shield underneath it. Normally I would have complained, but it actually reversed a lot of the directionality, and put signal over Jersey, where it wasn't supposed to be, so we kept our mouths shut. My point is, that deal about radiation may be coming from elsewhere, but one thing seems obvious. There is apparently no feeling at NBC that they should be competitive in the NYC HD arena.

Originally posted by wward
Are you referring to WTXF-DT ?? If so I do not see any additional sub channels.

29-01 FAMIL
29-02 INFO
29-03 WFME
29-04 KEAR
29-05 FRI#1
29-06 FRI#2
29-07 FRI#3
29-08 TAIWA
29-09 FUTUR
29-10 FUTUR

Can't really see any of them, but these are the channels.

Originally posted by bjohn
29-01 FAMIL
29-02 INFO
29-03 WFME
29-04 KEAR
29-05 FRI#1
29-06 FRI#2
29-07 FRI#3
29-08 TAIWA
29-09 FUTUR
29-10 FUTUR

Can't really see any of them, but these are the channels. Sorry Not sure what it is you are seeing. Even more bizarre is that WFME is assigned UHF channel 66 out of Milford NJ.

UHF 29

I get a whiff of a signal but, no where near enough to lock on. I am just outside of White Plains.

Originally posted by bjohn
29-01 FAMIL
29-02 INFO
29-03 WFME
29-04 KEAR
29-05 FRI#1
29-06 FRI#2
29-07 FRI#3
29-08 TAIWA
29-09 FUTUR
29-10 FUTUR

Can't really see any of them, but these are the channels.

It's WFME-DT from near the WNJM-DT tower site. Only the first two had anything on them when I visited, with the other 8 being blank.

The first one must rebroadcast the analog (I could get the digital but not the analog of WFME).

The second one just said "WFME-DT is doing tests" blah blah blah.

- Trip

Sorry for asking this as it has probably been answered a few times on this forum. i have been reading for 2 days, and still couldn't find a simple answer to my problem.

I only watch maybe an hour or so of TV a day, and I am planning to get the samsung 160 or the E86 OTA receiver. (It's not that I am cheap, just that I don't want to spend too much considering my DLP gets turn on maybe once every 2 days only)

I live on the 4th floor of a 7 storage building in NYC, I don't have any building blocking my immediate 180 degree line-of-sight.

Would someone be kind enough to tell me what kind of antenna I should get for this sort of situation? Do I have to stick the antenna on the roof of the building to get all HD signal or out the window (esthetically) would be good enough? Any brand/model number would be much appreciated.

re:sephiroth

You can always try several indoor antennas, and see which one works best. They cost between 20 -75 dollars. I use a 35 dollar Silver Sensor (UHF only) from outside the city and it works fine. You may want to start with an UHF/VHF to see if you can grab WPIX-DT (VHF).

Originally posted by Gary Press

The truth is that G.E. has been reluctant to spend the money, put out the effort for establishment of a first-rate antenna site and the power to make it work properly. This company is waiting for the combiner on ESB, and possibly to see what will happen with the Freedom Tower.

The irony of all of this is that NBC has been so backward and reluctant to embrace high definition - when the network was established by RCA and guided to technological brilliance and risk-taking by Brig. General David Sarnoff - who must be rolling in his grave.

G.E. should be ashamed!

Gary Press
I agree with this statement....this is the ch that is showing the olympics this year? You know what...they have had enough time to get their act together. If the NBC building is too low to up the power than they should have by now found a spot somewhere that is higher. This NYC!!! They are a major network. They should be ashamed. Some PBS stations have higher power and a better set up than NBC. I will not watch anything on NBC...I know it doesnt make a difference. But Im not wathcing....I dont care if the olympics are on or its the last ch on the dial. They stink. Im so angry and I have tried so hard to set up different Ant's on my rooftop...why should I watch NBC. Currently Im picking up CBS....Fox...UPN...ABC...all with a good enough sig to watch without dropouts....NBC...no signal....Im not watching.
And leno could go sit on a frog for all I care...Im not watching him either!!!!

Originally posted by vinnyv07
Im not watching.
And leno could go sit on a frog for all I care...Im not watching him either!!!!
Nice to see we are all having a rational discussion like adults and that it's not regressing to childish name-calling and tantrums. :D

I am not sure what all the fuss is about. I get NBC-DT perfectly from Astoria, Queens with a cheap Radio Shack roof antenna (UHF/VHF) pointed in the direction of ESB (of course, it;s probably less than 2 miles line of sight, so I could probably get CBS-DT with a piece of tinfoil as an antenna). But we *really* want to get PBS in HD and so far this ain't happenin'.

My only recent problems with the NYC channels were FOX going stretch (which I could compensate for with my STB's zoom setting, were there actually anything to watch on Fox), and all of the variations of Channel 11 went off the air for a while last week but came back. I kind of like what they (WB 11) do with widescreen - it's clearly zoomed and/or stretched, but I have not found it objectionable.

Does anyone have an update on the combiner project? And just to confirm, will PBS be part of that project? With the combiner, will it then be possible for most people in the NYC area to get PBS in HD without cable??

Later,

-Chris

p.s. I don't like Leno either (I wish Letterman would get his act together and go HD) but the Tonight Show does look phenomenal in HD.

Can anyone explain why so many of you have had trouble getting WNBC in NYC, while here in E. Brunswick NJ some 45 miles away from the tower, I've NEVER had a problem with reception? Signal strength is alway around 75%. (George - I promise I won't bite your head off if you respond!) :D

Same here. NBC stable and clear in Bayside.

Originally posted by Calabs
Can anyone explain why so many of you have had trouble getting WNBC in NYC, while here in E. Brunswick NJ some 45 miles away from the tower, I've NEVER had a problem with reception? Signal strength is alway around 75%. (George - I promise I won't bite your head off if you respond!) :D

Ditto. I had one bad day last week, but it was during the storm. Otherwise, NBC has been pretty much perfect for me here as well.

Originally posted by Calabs
Can anyone explain why so many of you have had trouble getting WNBC in NYC, while here in E. Brunswick NJ some 45 miles away from the tower, I've NEVER had a problem with reception? Signal strength is alway around 75%. (George - I promise I won't bite your head off if you respond!) :D Well I guess the obvious and non-technical answer is it really depends on where you are. Calabs I am in Freehold not too far from you and I have never been able to pickup WNBC-DT. No biggie as I can receive WCAU-DT out of Philly.

I recall Mr. Thompson posting a map a while back http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2940616#post2940616 (scroll to the bottom) that shows the approximate coverage area for WNBC-DT.

However like all signal reception there are many variables involved such as distance from the transmitter, obstructions in your area, height of the receiving antenna, ERP from the transmitter and transmitting signal pattern.

Originally posted by Calabs
Can anyone explain why so many of you have had trouble getting WNBC in NYC, while here in E. Brunswick NJ some 45 miles away from the tower, I've NEVER had a problem with reception? Signal strength is alway around 75%. (George - I promise I won't bite your head off if you respond!) :D

I don't know. But I'm convinced that WNBC has done something in the last month or so that has reduced the signal strength. From the day that WNBC went live on the Conde Nast building, I've had absolutely no problem receiving it.

About a month ago, the signal dropped significantly. I can sometimes pick it up on my HD Tivo receiver, but usually with a lot of digital breakups. My Hughes HTL-HD just shows "no signal" for WNBC-DT all of the time.

I'm pretty much on the borderline of the map that George provided last year, so any reduction in signal strength would probably affect me before most other people.

For reference purposes: WABC and WCBS have consistenly been rock steady for me. FOX and WNBC have never been watchable. I get the occasional lock, but that's all. Bergen County NJ.

Originally posted by Bill Broderick
I don't know. From the day that WNBC went live on the Conde Nast building, I've had absolutely no problem receiving it.
WNBC-DT broadcasts from the GE building on top of 30 Rock Plaza.

Originally posted by wward
Well I guess the obvious and non-technical answer is it really depends on where you are. Calabs I am in Freehold not too far from you and I have never been able to pickup WNBC-DT. No biggie as I can receive WCAU-DT out of Philly.

I recall Mr. Thompson posting a map a while back http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2940616#post2940616 (scroll to the bottom) that shows the approximate coverage area for WNBC-DT.

However like all signal reception there are many variables involved such as distance from the transmitter, obstructions in your area, height of the receiving antenna, ERP from the transmitter and transmitting signal pattern.

Thanks wward - I recall seeing that map, but couldn't remember where to find it. If the "resize to 5" is a ballpark area, I'm covered, but you're not. It doesn't go that far south. That MIGHT explain it. I've never turned my antenna around to Philly since WCAU increased their power, as NBC "has been beddy, beddy, good to me"! ;)

Now if only the WB would come through, I'd be very happy. :D

Originally posted by Calabs
Thanks wward - I recall seeing that map, but couldn't remember where to find it. If the "resize to 5" is a ballpark area, I'm covered, but you're not. It doesn't go that far south. That MIGHT explain it. I've never turned my antenna around to Philly since WCAU increased their power, as NBC "has been beddy, beddy, good to me"! ;)

Now if only the WB would come through, I'd be very happy. :D Yeah I remember being on the fringe of the signal. Now as for WB well..... good luck there.

I remember hearing that their signal is quite directional (in addition to low power) and aimed at norhern NJ.

Originally posted by wward
Yeah I remember being on the fringe of the signal. Now as for WB well..... good luck there.

I remember hearing that their signal is quite directional (in addition to low power) and aimed at norhern NJ.

Yeah, that and I've got a UHF only antenna! I know some have been able to pick it up with UHF as it's on channel 12, but I got squat!!! Now that's why I want th combiner to come online sooner rather than later.

Thanks for finding the Yahoo map. I am looking at a detailed map showing elevations and, unfortunately Freehold is in a big shadow in fringe area that extends east to Asbury Park on the south end of coverage.
Remember, WNBC-DT is only running 10K ERP from the GE building. The intent (big guess) was only to get a signal on while ESB (or another location) was under construction. I guess everyone capitulated (I dont know for sure) and the combiner space is under construction. I'll let you know more when I run into knowledgeable engineers at industry functions. Until then, hang in there. Please have faith that everyone wants to get on the air with a reliable signal.
GT

Originally posted by George Thompson
Thanks for finding the Yahoo map. I am looking at a detailed map showing elevations and, unfortunately Freehold is in a big shadow in fringe area that extends east to Asbury Park on the south end of coverage.
Remember, WNBC-DT is only running 10K ERP from the GE building. The intent (big guess) was only to get a signal on while ESB (or another location) was under construction. I guess everyone capitulated (I dont know for sure) and the combiner space is under construction. I'll let you know more when I run into knowledgeable engineers at industry functions. Until then, hang in there. Please have faith that everyone wants to get on the air with a reliable signal.
GT Oh I'm sure that the GE building was never intended to be a permanent solution (or primary transmitter site) for WNBC-DT as is the same for the other broadcasters who put up transmission facilities where it was feasible (for what ever the reasons) until the combiner is finished or alternate site is completed.

Trust me I know how these things work. I didn’t realize that the ERP was 10k that certainly explains my situation. Anyway any updates on the combiner are much appreciated and likewise if I hear of anything worth mentioning.

Originally posted by deelmakur
George, I'm in New Canaan, on high ground, using an elaborate, amplified system, with home runs to the 2 HDTV sets. One is using the Samsung 160 DirecTV box, the other a Sony 200. Signal strength averages 30%, but in short bursts. Not enough to grab signal.

And I'm in Norwalk, 1/4 mile from the coast, also on an amplified system, with similar results. A friend in Stamford cannot get a signal either. I'd be surprised if anyone east of Portchester or Rye can get a useable signal for WNBC-DT.

I trust what George is saying about the power issues, but I'm confused. The ESB has an observation deck near many antennas, which are radiating a much more powerful signal than the GE building. With increased power levels at the GE building, are we talking about the radiation of the antenna "frying the observation deck", or are we talking about electronics, cabling, and circuits that will be fried because they can't handle the increased power loads?

WNBC-DT.....

On that map I am near the northern edge. For months I could get a decent signal with a few drop outs per hour. In the last 2 months it has gotten a lot worse. Sometimes I can not lock on at all. Other times it is just unwatchable. Signal strength is way down. Perhaps they have lowered their power or 'adjusted' their antenna. It was never a strong signal but, was a lot better in the past. WCBS-DT, WNYW-DT, and WABC-DT come in almost perfect all most of the time. Pax also comes in pretty well.

Originally posted by jcondon
WNBC-DT.....

On that map I am near the northern edge. For months I could get a decent signal with a few drop outs per hour. In the last 2 months it has gotten a lot worse. Sometimes I can not lock on at all. Other times it is just unwatchable. Signal strength is way down. Perhaps they have lowered their power or 'adjusted' their antenna. It was never a strong signal but, was a lot better in the past. WCBS-DT, WNYW-DT, and WABC-DT come in almost perfect all most of the time. Pax also comes in pretty well.

Do you have trees in your signal path? If so, it could be those confounded leaves rearing their ugly heads!

Originally posted by Chriš
I trust what George is saying about the power issues, but I'm confused. The ESB has an observation deck near many antennas, which are radiating a much more powerful signal than the GE building. With increased power levels at the GE building, are we talking about the radiation of the antenna "frying the observation deck", or are we talking about electronics, cabling, and circuits that will be fried because they can't handle the increased power loads?

There's no "frying" involved. There is no scientific proof that some exposure to electromagnetic radiation is harmful to humans. Observation decks are not places where people spend much time. The real issue is with prolonged exposure. There have been some studies showing that prolonged exposure to EM radiation can affect melatonin levels, but this doesn't lead to cancer. It can, however, affect the way your body fights carcinogens and cancer cells. Higher levels are obviously more detrimental. In the case of the GE building, it can affect people who live/work at the same level in neighboring buildings, since they are there for longer periods of time.

As for neighboring circuits, they can easily be shielded from EM radiation, so there is not much concern there.

Could be. There is one or two trees that were in my way before so I did move the antenna some. Perhaps when WNBC ups their signal or jumps on the Empire State building it will not be an issue.

One day NBC is ok the next bad. Doubt the leaves filled in much more in a day but, who knows.

Originally posted by Calabs
Do you have trees in your signal path? If so, it could be those confounded leaves rearing their ugly heads!

Originally posted by jcondon
Could be. There is one or two trees that were in my way before so I did move the antenna some. Perhaps when WNBC ups their signal or jumps on the Empire State building it will not be an issue.

One day NBC is ok the next bad. Doubt the leaves filled in much more in a day but, who knows.

Did you notice the signal drop before or after you moved the antenna? The only reason I posed the possibility of leaves was because you had indicated good signal for months, then it dropped off. :cool:

The original spot I picked for the antenna was no good. CBS and Fox was all I could get and they faded a lot with the wind. Took a few days for me to figure out it was a tree or two on the opposite side of the house on my neighbors yard. So I tried a different antenna in a different location (only about 6 feet away). I was then able to get get CBS and Fox with almost no drop outs. Later I added a distribution amp and was able to get ABC with some drop outs but, not too bad.

I decided to order a CM777 preamp. Got even better results with that and ABC (I got rid of the distribution amp). And now finally could get NBC 60s but, pretty solid some drop outs but, very watchable. It worked pretty well for about a month. Every so often now I will get 60s for NBC but, most of the time it is 40s and unwatchable. It was almost overnight. It went from 60s with lock to 40s or less with some lock. Two days tops. Right now I can not put up a bigger or taller antenna.

I have the Square shooter antenna, CM777 preamp and a DirecTV HR10-250 receiver. I have a direct cable run from the antenna to the preamp (about 25 feet) and another 35 feet or so to the receiver. Both cables are RG6. One is only a couple months old and the other a year or so. The older one is a Quad shielded cable and is all inside so it is not exposed to the weather.


Originally posted by Calabs
Did you notice the signal drop before or after you moved the antenna? The only reason I posed the possibility of leaves was because you had indicated good signal for months, then it dropped off. :cool:

Before I moved the antenna I could not get NBC. However I did not have the pre amp and I also changed the antenna. It worked well for about a month where it is now and I have not touched it prior to the problems with NBC. I just mentioned moving the antenna due to problems with trees since you mentioned it could be them damn leafy things causing my problem. :) I know that they did in the past and I did not move to far so perhaps that is all it is. For now I can not (or at least will not) move the antenna or put up a bigger one. I could move the antenna another 4 or 5 feet forward. More then that and I think I would have to either hirer a professional or buy a larger antenna. Or both. I am hoping when NBC moves and/or ups their signal that will be enough.

Originally posted by Calabs
Did you notice the signal drop before or after you moved the antenna? The only reason I posed the possibility of leaves was because you had indicated good signal for months, then it dropped off. :cool:

LOL, "Frying" is relative. I just wanted to convey that the stick that the antenna is on is not very tall and just on the roof compared to the mast height at ESB. The roof was not designed for a mast. The radiating element is much closer to working and visitor spaces at GE building.
RF levels are within EPA (alright OSHA) jurisdiction and are regulated, effects or not. I have spent years near transmitters myself and not sure if I have any effects. (Other than a slight twitch now and then and a sudden craving for a Glenlive or Glenfiddich on the rocks).
GT

Is anybody else getting picture and audio dropout on fox ny?? Tonight during both north shore and casino the screen would go blank along with no audio for a couple seconds. Would happen every 5 minutes or so which is very annoying. Im not viewing ota but via comcast and i know this was the thread people were discussing fox's recent problems. Dont mean to intrude just trying to find out if this is a comcast problem or is fox still having problems?? Thank you for your time!!

Mike

George Thompson,

First off I do want to thank you for your insights into this effort. I do believe everyone is working to complete this as soon as possible.

What I do not understand is why someone who is running this project does not level set everyones expectations and once a month issue a status report to the general public who is waiting for HDTV in the NYC area. All it would take is a status email once a month to keep everyone informed and stop all the questions. There must be someone who is running this effort. If we could get a name and contact this individual all this speculation could be set aside.

If what I'm suggesting is outrageous just let me know. I have found out in my life that sometimes these people are isolated and are not aware that so many people are waiting for information which they would be more than happy to share. Any idea who might be able to provide this info?

Again, thanks for all your help

Just wanted to let you guys know that last night FOX 5 had North Shore in widescreen. I'm not sure if it was a 480 upconvert or real HD. This picture wasn't stretched though as in previous weeks, it was true widescreen. As for the breakup problems, I didn't experience any while watching North Shore. Chris, I'm in Stamford, CT. You think you can tell me who your friend is here so we might be able to chat sometime about reception. I get a hint of a signal of WNBC here at like 11% or so.
-Mike

Originally posted by mortega31686
I'm not sure if it was a 480 upconvert or real HD.
Just an upconvert. Fox isn't HD yet. You'll be able to tell the difference when it is.

Originally posted by KenA
There have been some studies showing that prolonged exposure to EM radiation can affect melatonin levels, but this doesn't lead to cancer. It can, however, affect the way your body fights carcinogens and cancer cells.

KenA, I'm curious to know more about this. Do you have any links to credible sites with more information on detrimental effects of EM radiation?

I totally agree, perhaps you could try to contact the engineering depts at WPIX, NBC, etc... and ask them about how you can go about getting a status on the project. It might not get you anywhere, but you never know....

Originally posted by RoccoP
George Thompson,

First off I do want to thank you for your insights into this effort. I do believe everyone is working to complete this as soon as possible.

What I do not understand is why someone who is running this project does not level set everyones expectations and once a month issue a status report to the general public who is waiting for HDTV in the NYC area. All it would take is a status email once a month to keep everyone informed and stop all the questions. There must be someone who is running this effort. If we could get a name and contact this individual all this speculation could be set aside.

If what I'm suggesting is outrageous just let me know. I have found out in my life that sometimes these people are isolated and are not aware that so many people are waiting for information which they would be more than happy to share. Any idea who might be able to provide this info?

Again, thanks for all your help

Originally posted by Swisher
KenA, I'm curious to know more about this. Do you have any links to credible sites with more information on detrimental effects of EM radiation?
You have to be careful about the internet sites. Many just have political agendas. I'm working on my masters in electrical engineering, specializing in wireless communications and this comes up from time to time in class. I've read a bit in the library (remember that place?), but haven't really come across anything worth reading on the internet. It is very interesting material and even though GT is only concerned about FCC regs, its always a good idea to know about health hazards at the work place. Especially for those of us who work in NYC.

God bless Google. This site seems to be a good reference for written material on the topic. http://infoventures.com/emf/top/lit-rev.html Thanks for your input...and apologies to all for being off-topic.

Originally posted by KenA
You have to be careful about the internet sites. Many just have political agendas. I'm working on my masters in electrical engineering, specializing in wireless communications and this comes up from time to time in class. I've read a bit in the library (remember that place?), but haven't really come across anything worth reading on the internet. It is very interesting material and even though GT is only concerned about FCC regs, its always a good idea to know about health hazards at the work place. Especially for those of us who work in NYC. I'm by no means an expert on this subject but at the end of the day doesn’t RF & EM exposure only really become an issue when there is prolonged exposure at very high levels?

One of the buildings I work in is loaded with RF and computer equipment and I have been in and out of there thousands of times over the years

Christ I am more concerned about the microwave oven in my home and the Nextel phone I carry 24 seven/365 than broadcast equipment.

Originally posted by wward
Well I guess the obvious and non-technical answer is it really depends on where you are. Calabs I am in Freehold not too far from you and I have never been able to pickup WNBC-DT. No biggie as I can receive WCAU-DT out of Philly.


I am on the Manalapan/Milstone border and have never had a problem with WNBC-DT. It is usually rock solid. I could never reliably get WCAU-DT

WLIW is showing 22-01 (no HD though)
22-03 is gone.
but 22-01 and 02 are showing the same thing.

PAX 31-01 is finally normal, no more pixelation.