Hartford, CT - OTA [Text View] - Page 16

Redux

01-14-06, 06:46 PM

I've read everything there is (not saying I absorbed it all), done the antenna selector websites and all. And done some experimenting. But now I'd very much like to be reassured with some real world experience specific to this area.

I'm located near the very Northwest tip of Wallingford. Top of a hill, but some trees, upper branches only, not real thick. Halstead did a free installation as part of a DTV/Tivo HD DVR deal for ota local HiDef stations. I thought I was going to get the Winegard GS-2200 amplified batwing but they put up some kind of generic small 2 bay UHF on a short stubby mast on the SOUTH side of the peak, pointed it North, and ran away fast. They didn't diplex onto the satellite coax, btw, which suprised me, they ran a new line for the ota.

As installed I got ABC 10 (from the Southwest, backdoor), FOX 31 NBC 35, all three strong and fairly stable (high 80s/low 90s signal). WB 12 and CBS 33 to the North read 0-25 and unstable. UPN 39 to the Southwest read 34-58, not violently unstable, but wouldn't lock in. I've never seen any sign of PBS, North or South (not broadcasting from what I read here). Glimmers of 55 (WGGB?) but I don't care about that.

I turned the antenna Northwestward to boost UPN 39 from the Southwest and succeeded, now fairly strong (68) and stable. The other three stations degraded to high 60s/low 70s but steady. Of course no leaves on the trees right now.

I would like to pick up WB 12 to the North (now strength 0-15 and swings continually) and CBS 33 to the North (now 0-20 and swings continually). I'd like to see PBS someday.

I'm pretty sure I can get everything I want with a 4 bay UHF pointed North. But the tiny stub of a mast they gave me is barely above roof peak (partly because it's mounted on the wrong side of the peak); they also left hardly any slack in the coax. I've got only about a foot above the roof peak to work with.

I'd be very appreciative of opinions as to whether buying a Winegard GS-2200 amplified batwing, which would mount nicely, pointed North, would get me WB 12 and CBS 33, with enough backdoor sensitivity to still get UPN 39 from the Southwest. Is the amplification apt to overload FOX or ABC, both of which were already very strong with the 2 bay pointed North? Particulary worried about overload on ABC since it's strong already on a UHF antenna. But the unamplified batwing GS-1100 is unlikely to get me CBS 33, I think. I also have to keep in mind that I've got upper braches of some trees, now bare of leaves, to see through in the Spring.

Or should I just get a mast extender of some kind, add a length of coax with a barrel connector, and go for a 4 bay UHF? I really don't want to go that way if the batwing has a good chance of success. I'm electronically handy but ham-handed and unconfident about physical, mechanical things like drilling holes (especially in things such as roofs that I like to keep the rain off me). Plus we get wind and ice up here and I might need guying if I go higher.

Another request for opinions if anybody's still with me: Halstead didn't ground the coax. No big deal, I can do it myself. But I could probably get them back here for free to do that and then ask for help about the short mast and lack of extra slack cable. Also, DTV (not Halstead) promised me a GS-2200 "or something equivalent to that" and I don't think this 2 bay meets that commitment. But I signed off on the work order (this was my third shot at getting them to show up for the install and I was just grateful to finally get it done at that point). Should I press these issues or just buy a new antenna and get on with my life?

Gregg Loewen

01-14-06, 07:59 PM

hi guys!

Just surfing by....

Madpoet, I have had NO EMAILS FROM YOU (that I am aware of).

Email:
gregg@lionav.com
gloewen@starband.net
gloewen@beeline-online.net
htflover@hotmail.com

and if no response
201 232 3380 (my mobile number)

I pride myself on my ability to respond to emails (always within 24 hours and usually within hours).

Now....off to watch the Pats kick some butt!!

Hope to hear from you soon!!

Gregg

madpoet

01-14-06, 08:04 PM

Hey Gregg, I submitted it on your website a few days ago. I'll email you offline :)

pmalve

01-15-06, 10:28 AM

Anyone know why Bridgeport PBS stopped broadcasting the Hd feed again?

PaulieORF

01-15-06, 10:32 AM

Anyone know why Bridgeport PBS stopped broadcasting the Hd feed again?

It's not just WEDW either. WEDN also has halted their HD transmission, just analog simulcast.

Last time this happened, it had something to do with WEDN (I think the HD transmission for WEDW originates from WEDN, then microwaved to Bridgeport) having an analog transmitter problem (channel 53) or something like that. Don't bother emailing CPTV, they never write back.

I know a guy at a cable company who could maybe shed some light on it. I think they may fill him in on what's going on with this stuff.

WHNB

01-15-06, 07:22 PM

Speaking of CPTV, I noticed that last evening (Saturday, January 14th), from at least about 7-8PM and possibly until sign-off time at midnight, analog Channel 24 was broadcasting a black screen over-the-air.

Has anyone recently had problems with the WTNH signal? I've always received it with a signal strength of 65-70% on my Dish Network 811 receiver and never had any picture issues. Since yesterday, however, I'm getting severe pixelation and dropouts, even though the signal strength is exactly the same. It's unwatchable in it's current state. I'm just trying to figure out if it's an issue with the signal or my receiver.

I receive WTNH-DT over-the-air in East Windsor with a Dish Network 811. The signal strength changes between 68-70%. I haven't noticed any recent severe pixelation, just occasional large blocks of lime-green pixels or rows of different color pixels on the same horizontal line.

I also haven't noticed any current on-going audio problems, but during the last few months of 2005 the audio would frequently drop out. These were not temporary "hiccups" as on other local digital channels; the digital Channel 8 audio would not come back on its own even though the video continued on as normal. I had to press the "Channel Up" or "Channel Down" key on the remote to leave WTNH-DT. When I returned to the channel a few seconds later, the audio would be restored.

An engineer at another local station posted awhile back that sometimes there is so much information in the PSIP stream accompanying a digital transmission that the stream can sometimes "choke" the audio/video and cause drop-outs and lip-sync issues. I wondered if that was what was happening with my reception of WTNH-DT.

I'm curious if your 811 has a "dislike" for WVIT-DT(NBC30). It takes longer for my receiver to lock onto this channel than any other, and, once it does lock on, the video will either freeze within a few minutes or the "Lost Signal" advisory will eventually be superimposed over a black screen. These lock-on problems occur even though the channel can register a signal strength of 87%. Thanks for any feedback.

swanek

01-16-06, 08:45 AM

I'm curious if your 811 has a "dislike" for WVIT-DT(NBC30). It takes longer for my receiver to lock onto this channel than any other, and, once it does lock on, the video will either freeze within a few minutes or the "Lost Signal" advisory will eventually be superimposed over a black screen. These lock-on problems occur even though the channel can register a signal strength of 87%. Thanks for any feedback.

For my WTNH problem I ended up tweaking the antenna in the attice a bit to get a couple % more signal (~70%), at the expense of a couple other stations' signals, but all seems stable now.

WVIT is my strongest signal (usually ~82%). I never have a problem locking in but I do get audio and video breakup once in a while. Strangely enough, it consistently does it during Law and Order shows when they have their break between scenes, play their trademark sound, and show a black screen with text. The signal always breaks up going from that screen into the next scene. Something to do with going from low data stream to high?

Otherwise WVIT is fine on my 811.

schmitter

01-16-06, 08:58 AM

When I was messing around trying to get 61 to come in, I moved my antenna to point more due west, which for me would get me a stronger signal. It didn't work, but formerly I had to have the thing pointed EXACTLY at WTNH to get that to come in at all. Surprise, 8 comes in fine. Now I just need PBS. I can get WGBY if I hook an apm to the antenna, but if I do that it exagerates the multipath from 8 and I can't get that. I am glad I had the OTA setup this weekend though. My cable box freaked out on my and was not displaying properly and once you have watched football in HD, it is tough to watch it any other way.

stumacdo

01-16-06, 09:27 AM

SMC17

01-16-06, 10:25 AM

For my WTNH problem I ended up tweaking the antenna in the attice a bit to get a couple % more signal (~70%), at the expense of a couple other stations' signals, but all seems stable now.

WVIT is my strongest signal (usually ~82%). I never have a problem locking in but I do get audio and video breakup once in a while. Strangely enough, it consistently does it during Law and Order shows when they have their break between scenes, play their trademark sound, and show a black screen with text. The signal always breaks up going from that screen into the next scene. Something to do with going from low data stream to high?

Otherwise WVIT is fine on my 811.

I've got the same problem with NBC and the Law and Order series. My setup is a dual tuner HTPC (Fusion 3 and Avermedia 180) using Windows MCE. I thought it might be the Nvidia DVD decoder but noone else seems to have the problem. Always in the breaks between scenes and it is annoying. No dropouts what so ever during the show itself just the black intro screens. If you identify the problems post it I'd be appreciative. What's your setup?

ckramer

01-16-06, 11:12 AM

Did anyone have any problems tuning in WTIC last night - specifically, 24 in HD OTA ? I couldn't get a reliable signal all day (including the NFL Playoffs), but was hoping that it would be fixed by 24. No luck. Just glad I TIVO'd a backup copy of the Satellite instead of counting on it OTA. For those of you who don't watch it, you're missing a great show.

I had some dropouts early in the Bears game that I attributed to the wind yesterday afternoon, because once it got dark and the wind died down my signal was pretty solid from about 5:30 on....

joehorn

01-16-06, 04:35 PM

stumacdo

01-17-06, 08:38 AM

I have been away from the forum for a while and I am trying to catch up.

Just a reminder, if there ever are any comments or questions about WFSB-DT, please use

wfsbengineering@wfsb.com

I hope WFSB-DT has been good for everyone. I know we have gotten ripped in here in the past.

Please send an email for comments, questions or issues. Someone from engineering WILL get back to you or respond to you issue

Thanks

:)

Welcome back ! It's always great to see engineers from the local stations checking in on this board. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I've been having a much easier time picking up WFSB here in Wallingford over the last few months. It was pretty touch-and-go in the summer/early Fall, but everything's been going good recently. Now, if we can just get an engineer from WTIC to check in on the board, we'd be all set.......

mnylen

01-17-06, 11:05 AM

RTracey

01-17-06, 12:16 PM

mnylen - I'm not sure what station "I" is, but from your location I imagine you should be able to get most or all of ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, UPN, & WB (assuming no hills or other obstructions in the way). Whether or not the picture is in HD depends on the station and the broadcast (not all shows are in HD). I would be sure to understand just what type of antenna D* says they are going to install for you - if it's just a clip-on that goes on the dish, don't expect much, if anything. Regarding a waiver, don't hold your breath - the only one you'll get is for NBC.

Ross

brewer4

01-17-06, 12:40 PM

I have D* scheduled to come on Thursday for HD upgrade. Antennaweb nowadays states (it changed a couple of weeks ago) that I only should get I and PBS in HD (I live in Marlborough paralell to Rt 2. Now if I cannot get any HD channels, will I have a reasonable good chance of getting any waivers through? I cannot see me dishing out all that money (even though I got a great deal) if I get no locals OTA. It seems D* will be rolling out MPG4 in Hartford during the 2nd qtr, but there will be no MPG4 DVR until mid summer...So unless I get good OTA channels, I should probably just wait out? Anyone one got the installer and had not OTA reception. What did you do?

I live in Marlborough on Saner Road. I get all HD locals. There is a catch however. I have 2 six foot double yagi's put together to get my UHF Hartford stuff. Cant get the Norwich PBS unless I rotate opposite direction.

I then have a separate VHF antenna on other side of house pointed to WTNH to get ABC. I then combine them to get all I need.

Key is, you can get your locals but you gotta do it right. Small outdoor aint gonna cut it. Forget the waivers. I was denied for everything even NBC since Springfield NBC turned me down.

MPEG4 via Directv are coming April from a very good source. I would wait unless you plan on putting a very good antenna configuration on your roof.

RTracey

01-17-06, 01:37 PM

Redux - if it were me, I would get a good 4 or 8 bay UHF antenna (CM 3021 or 4228) and try that out. If you need a pre-amp, try a CM7777. I don't know anything about the GS-2000, but it looks pretty gimicky to me - would be surprised if it does what you want it to. Keep in mind you may also need a rotor for your location. I would try the mast/height you have first and see if that works - true, height is your friend with OTA, but depending on your location, the thickness of the trees, etc., it might not be a problem for you. BTW, there's nothing wrong with separate coax for the OTA and the satellite - I know some people have had problems with the signals/diplexers/preamps, etc. when combining on the same line. The coax should be grounded, as should the antenna/mast. Just my two cents.....

Ross

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 02:33 PM

Hello All,
I am ready to take the plunge to the HD world! As soon as my Taxes come back, I am buying the Sanyo 28" with built in tuners from Walmart. I know this is not the place to explain my choice, but it is for my bedroom, and the price/size was right for me.
I know this TV will allow me to catch HDTV over the Air. I am able to use an outdoor solution if needed. I am enough of a geek to have the patience in tuning stations in. Where I would put this antenna Would have a nice southren exposure. I am one level up from our Dishnet dish. The Dish gets full signal (if that helps). I am very close to the water also, I think that may help. I have read many posts here, and found them to be very helpful.
When I lived in Groton, the Navy Base seemed to dampen any TV signals (analog) in the area. Now that I am past the base in New London, I hope that my efforts to tune in over the air (Digital) is easier. There are still a couple of things that I need help with. None of my friends, or family are into technology as I am, so I have no one locally to talk to.
I do have Dish, but I feel their HD Package is not worth my Money at this time. Right now I am only interested in getting the major networks over the air.
I did check that site that shows what may be avaible to me over the air, but I also saw some posts that state that their numbers are conservative. I know Pax, and PBS I can tune in with the fillings in my head! I have little need for them. ABC,CBS,NBC, and Fox are all I want. I need help in finding the right antenna for this TV. As I said before, Indoor/outdoor has little matter, nor does placement.
Back in the day, I used to use my Radio Shack Signal Amp (73 channel) with an UHF Antenna in groton, and got awesome results in the evening. Pointing South East. I used to get Channels from Philly! That was for analog though.
I am also a little confused by the Percentage of a digital signal. How much lock is required to have a nice picture? I know I am in a difficult area, so I don't expect perfection.
Also, I don't know if this is the correct thread, but perhaps I can be pointed in the right place. We have the Dishnet Receiver that allows 2 people to use the DVR, and indipendant tuners. I think it is the 522. I love it! My Problem is that I am TV #2. This means the box is not in my room. They use an amped-up Coax to get the signal to my room on channel 74. How good is this connection? Will I get more quality if I ran 50ft of S-Video, and RCA Sound? I want to be able to get the best low-def on this TV I can, as I cannot think of my life without the DVR!
I guess that is all I have so far. Thank you very much for reading! I look forward to your thoughts.
Seeth AKA Mark

Redux

01-17-06, 02:39 PM

try the mast/height you have firstThanks, Ross.

The mast DirecTV installed is far too short for an 8 bay or even a 4; as is I can only clamp on an antenna that has about a foot of vertical to it.

The fact that I already get 4 channels from a tiny 2 bay UHF leads me to believe I have a very good location. Giving up on the idea of getting WSFB (I think from what I read the signal just isn't there), I'm going to hope the GS-1100 (going with the unamplified batwing to avoid overloading WTNH) gives me just a little more VHF sensitivity needed to add a fifth station, WB, and I'll live with that.

Not willing to do a rotor because I'm all Tivo all the time, never watch anything live.

RTracey

01-17-06, 03:27 PM

Thanks, Ross.

The mast DirecTV installed is far too short for an 8 bay or even a 4; as is I can only clamp on an antenna that has about a foot of vertical to it.

The fact that I already get 4 channels from a tiny 2 bay UHF leads me to believe I have a very good location. Giving up on the idea of getting WSFB (I think from what I read the signal just isn't there), I'm going to hope the GS-1100 (going with the unamplified batwing to avoid overloading WTNH) gives me just a little more VHF sensitivity needed to add a fifth station, WB, and I'll live with that.

Not willing to do a rotor because I'm all Tivo all the time, never watch anything live.

-depending on how much mast is actually attached to the house, you might be able to go about 5 feet above the roof/eave line without guying it. I understand about the Tivo; personally, I don't have the patience for a rotor. Good luck, and let us know how the GS-1100 works for you.

Ross

RTracey

01-17-06, 03:48 PM

Seeth,

I'm in East Lyme - I have a SquareShooter 1000 for the UHF stations (pointed mid-way between New Haven and Hartford) and a ch 12 VHF yagi (it's smaller than a ch 10, and works fine) pointed at New Haven for WTNH. They're joined in a CM7777 preamp, which then runs as a separate line to my D* receiver. A CM4228 will work fine instead of the SS1000, but you may find it's directional enough that you need a rotor - that's the main reason I went with the overpriced SS-1000. You may be able to get the antennas from Jan Electronics in NL, or possibly from the Lowes in Waterford when it opens. I don't completely understand your setup from the receiver to your TV, so I'll let someone else comment on that.

Ross

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 04:55 PM

Ross,
Thank you for your reply. We are practically Neighbors! I'm just outside of Waterford, by Blockbuster.
You actually answered another question I forgot to ask; Will I need a VHF? It seems I will.
I was thinking of buying at Radio S**t, and I forgot about Jan's! I'm very close to them too. They have a fine reputation, and they do carry top shelf stuff.
I won't really need a rotor, as I can reach out my window, and change it myself! My bedroom is on the 3rd floor, and my window gives me access to a nice area of the roof. I was going to work it with a compass, and mark the best spots for each channel.
I will check into the system you use. Price may be an issue, because the TV is a good chunk of change. I can always start with one piece at a time. I'd Start on the UHF Side. VHS is crucial though, as WTNH has Lost!
I might not been clear enough on how my Dishnet box works. The box has 2 tuners, and can work on two TV's at once. They call My Roomy TV1, and I am TV2. The physical box is in Kristy's room, and has to be TV1. She is hooked up via RCA. Since I am TV2, there is a Coax that travels from her room, outside to my room. I have a UHF remote, to enable me to operate the box from the distance.
This Box can also be used on one TV as PIP. TV2 would be used in the same room, so they did provide RCA's S-Video, etc on the back of the box. I could use these outputs to my TV instead of the Coax. It would be almost 50ft to reach my TV this way. I doing my best, but this even malkes little sense to me as I write it!
I guess my question is, will the coax line method they use give me as good a pic as say an Svideo connection that traveled 50 feet?
My other option for watching HD is to Play them on my Phillips Divx player, however I do not know how many scan lines it gives, and if my TV will upsample. I'm still researching those issues, as I know that this is not the specific place for DVD/Divx talk. Does anyone know a good place for this info though? This site is massive!
Thank you again, your info is very helpful! Happy Watchin!!!!!!

WHNB

01-17-06, 06:06 PM

I am also a little confused by the Percentage of a digital signal. How much lock is required to have a nice picture?

This percentage, and how it is measured, differs among the brands of tuners on the market (Sony, Samsung, LG, etc.). The built-in over-the-air tuner in my Dish Network receiver needs a signal strength of at least 67% for the channel to be watchable. Slightly below this point, the picture will be broken up into many pixels or freeze, and the audio will continually drop out. Below about 61% there is no reception at all, and the signal strength meter will default to 49% (a black screen). The meter shows only one other percentage below 49%, and that is 0%.
An ideal picture is in the 76-93% range. (I haven't seen it go any higher).

The built-in tuner in the Sanyo TV that you plan to buy will most likely measure signal strength differently than the Dish receiver and it will have different thresholds for decent reception. (It also might not offer any percentages at all, like some set-top box OTA tuners).

In my location, my receiver cannot get any reception of the channel where you live, WHPX-DT in New London. Distance, station transmitting power, terrain, and the type of antenna that I have are all factors. These same factors will determine what digital channels your future TV's tuner will be able to lock on.

In reference to the "I" channel mentioned in an above post, the PAX network recently renamed itself "I", standing for "Independent Channel". So antennaweb.org apparently means that a Marlborough viewer can receive WHPX, the "I" affiliated station from New London (analog Channel 26).

Cable70

01-17-06, 06:57 PM

Hey Seeth,
I think you will do good where you are, I have a Channel Master 4228 and no-name amp
jusst down the hill from you off Willits Ave.
No roter just pointed at the hartford stations(292 degrees)and get WTIC, WVIT, WTNH,
WEDN, WHPX just fine. WFSB is there sometimes but I was suprised I got it at all in this
part of the state.
WEDN (PBS) was switching to th PBS HD feed in the evening but they havn't been doing
that, it is just a upcoverted version of thier SD analog.
"I" or PAX has no HD, they are running I think 4 or 5 streams(sub-channels) of infomercials
and religeous programing.
Go see the guys at Jans, they usually have the Channelmaster suff in stock and really
nice to deal with.
The CM 4228 and a CM 7777 pre-amp is a good setup and what I have used at my house
near the Mohegan Sun, I am not using the 4228 right now because I am mainly trying
to get a better signal from WTNH HD that is on Ch10 VHF and am looking for a good VHF
only with a great front to back ratio because I am close enough to Providence that the
analog Ch 10 from there is picked up on the back side of the antenna and interferes
with the WTNH signal that I want.
I think you will do good there and good luck !

You may get WCTX DT also Ch 59, wich is on 39, I don't know what they have
for HD.

swanek

01-17-06, 06:58 PM

You actually answered another question I forgot to ask; Will I need a VHF? It seems I will.
You may not need a separate VHF for WTNH. It's a pretty strong signal. I get a decent signal from 25 miles away with my DB-8 (similar to CM4228). And that's with my antenna is pointed directly at the Hartford towers which is ~40 degrees off WTNH. However, I don't get WTXX which is a higher VHF channel (12 vs. 10) and directly in line with my antenna.

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 07:48 PM

WHNB,
Thank you very much for your reply. I guess you can tell, I never watched 26 enough to know about their change!
I'm not sure yet as to the tuner. I hear good things, so I hope it will have some sort of measure. Thank you for putting it in terms easier to understand.
Mark

Chris0381

01-17-06, 07:55 PM

Hi Everyone

Im in Middletown,CT on a 3rd story condo overlooking Ragged MT and Hartford Area. I can get WGBY-DT (57) and WGGB-DT (40) but not WEDH-DT. Is WEDH-DT only available via a paid service such as digital cable etc ?

Thanks

Chris

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 08:03 PM

Cable70,
Hi How are ya? Very cool to get reply from a person in the same hood. Your reply has me very optimistic!
I will have to go to Jan's! Even if it means saving up for the right stuff. before I joined today, I was going to use my old Cable/2-73 amp from Realistic. It is a very old one that outputs to two. It leaks, but it did good work in its day. I was also looking at the $24.99 UFO Radio Shack U-75R. Even though it boasts 75 miles, I just never believe their hype. If I'm in it for the price of the TV, I might as well do it right.
I've Looked up the Channel Master 7777, it is very nice! The CM 4228 that was suggested to me looks promising too! I can crank it myself from the window, and signal loss should be low, as the run of cable won't exceed 10 feet.
I now have to deal with waiting 10 more days before I get this bad boy in my room! I only found one in the area, so I slapped it on lay-away.
Thank you again, I hope to see ya again.
Mark

RTracey

01-17-06, 08:07 PM

Seeth - I'm still not sure I'm getting this correctly - if your TV has a tuner in it (according to your first post), why not run the coax from the antenna(s) directly to your TV and bypass the Dishnet receiver (I presume your TV has more than input)? Or are you trying to distribute the OTA signal to Kristy as well? I'm afraid I have no idea what the signal loss is in an S-video cable vs coax over 50 ft.

Since Cable70 is able to get WTNH with the CM4228 and lives closer to you than I, I would be inclined to try that alone first before buying the yagi - getting OTA to work properly depends a lot on your location and some trial and error. You very likely will need the preamp though. If the CM4228 works alone, great - I must admit to being a bit envious, 'cause I'm closer to the transmitters than Cable70 is (an probably higher as well), but couldn't get the CM4228 alone to work for UHF and WTNH.

Ross

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 08:15 PM

Swanek,
Thank you for the advice! WTNH does have great stuff, and I'd hate to leave it out. I don't watch too many of the smaller networks. I don't watch too much TV, but When I see what I want to see, I want to see it the best I can! I also love movies, and want Progressive scan. My Phillips 32" TV served me well for 8 years, and still going. I've outgrown it though.
This whole started because I got a new puter with a 19inch LCD. Regular Dish looks so good on it, as well as the movies. I want Widescreen!
Thank you again, I hope to see you again.
Mark

Cable70

01-17-06, 08:24 PM

Hey Cris0381,
WEDH is not transmitting DT yet, WEDN is on 45 from Norwich/Bozrah to your East.
I believe WEDH will be on Ch 32.
Hope it helps !

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 08:30 PM

Rtracey,
The TV does have a tuner. I would have my Dish on an AV-In (this is why I might need the long cord, or use an A/B switch for coax. The Antenna will go from my window to the back of the TV. Kristy is not interested in HDTV, this is why The TV will be in my room. I want the best possible picture from the Dish, though I know it is a SD box.
I understand your envy, I have had that for years waiting to be able to afford to see HDTV! I feel years behind. I'm still ahead of alot of people though.
Sorry If I confussed you.
Mark

Cable70

01-17-06, 08:51 PM

Seeth,
Nice to meet ya, you will need an amp for WTNH or the Hartford stations.
From what you say I think you mean Ch 2 - Ch 73 cable amp.
That would help for sure up to about Ch 22 UHF. It is more likely to be 2 -78 cable
channels wich would be good to about Ch 28 UHF.
You would be better off with something that has a full VHF/UHF passband and a
FM trap to keep the amp fom getting overloaded.

Seeth Ransom

01-17-06, 09:19 PM

Cable,
Nice to meet you too, thanx!
I think that is the Amp I have. I thought it was for cable, and broadcast. I see I am wrong. No worries! I'm gonna call Jan's in the morning for some prices.
I put a lot of time picking the right TV (the only thing missing is HDMI, but I'll deal) for me. I should not be cheap now! Even if I have to wait a little bit of time. I still have a wealth of DVD's that will look fantastic! I can explore some of the other features too. Next month, I should have some cash to get started! I'm glad I took the time to write today, because I would have made more work for myself if I did it my way.
Thank you again, I'll keep writing as I get the TV, and set it up.
Mark

Chris0381

01-17-06, 10:02 PM

That helps immensly Cable70. Just what I needed confirming. WEDH-DT 32 is still in the works but ther is PBS coming from the Norwich tower which is too far or out of my line sight for an indoor antenna.

Much thanks

Chris

RTracey

01-17-06, 10:25 PM

No need to apologize Mark - sounds like you have most of your questions answered, so have fun - and don't hesitate to ask more questions if necessary!

Ross

A lot of new members in the forum today - welcome to all!

Cable70

01-17-06, 10:34 PM

RTracey,
Are you able to recieve WFSB DT at yout location ?

Seeth Ransom

01-18-06, 09:15 AM

Ross,
Thanks! I did get some awesome info! I'm more excited now than before! Jan's Should be open soon, and I'm going to get some prices. If it were not so windy, I'd walk down town (one car home).
Since I am almost considered in an attic of this house, I think the height will bring me good fortune. Hearing from Cable, and Tracey leads me to belive that I don't live in a bad area for HD. We are in an area where it is important to get sensitive equipment though. I did purchase an inline amp for my Dishnet coax, just for grins. They were under $10 on eBay, same specs as the $35 RS model. It may give slightly better performance.
Thank you too for your help. I do have more questions (DIVX, and DVD-Recorder stuff), but I'll ask them in the correct forum. A This site is killer, I wish I found it earlier.
I have to go, I actually have to work today, as our eBay store is almost empty again!
Take care (everyone), I'll check in soon.
Mark

RTracey

01-18-06, 09:30 AM

RTracey,
Are you able to recieve WFSB DT at yout location ?

nah, I get the very rare blip just to tease me, but that's it. I even tried putting the CM4228 back up, pointed right at the transmitter, but nada. Haven't tried this for a while, but adjacent channel interference from PAX (or "I") has something to do with it - if I wait until after midnight for PAX to go off the air, WFSB comes in.

Ross

mnylen

01-18-06, 09:56 AM

Well, I ended cancelling the install of the HD Upgrade with D* and thus not take the "good" deal. Upon researching I would most likely not be able to get good reception OTA HD with one antenna in my specific location (Thanks Brewer4). I had a hard time dishing out money for realistically only be able to watch D* HD package. Hartford will roll out their locals in April of this year (the CSR confirmed this), but I still will be SOL to record MPG4 since the DVR will not be out until this summer (CSR said June/July)... Did anyone suspend their account with D* and tried Comcast, and if so, what reason did D* accept for the account suspension?

CHDinCT

01-18-06, 12:57 PM

You may not need a separate VHF for WTNH. It's a pretty strong signal. I get a decent signal from 25 miles away with my DB-8 (similar to CM4228). And that's with my antenna is pointed directly at the Hartford towers which is ~40 degrees off WTNH. However, I don't get WTXX which is a higher VHF channel (12 vs. 10) and directly in line with my antenna.

I'm in Killingworth and can confirm that you can pick up WTNH-DT (ch 10) with the CM 4228. I've got mine pointed at the Hartford stations and with the CM7777 pre amp, WTNH-DT comes in at 93%. If I actually pointed the antenna at WTNH-DT it might overload. I realize Killingworth is maybe 20 miles closer than New London to WTNH-DT, but I'd try a single antenna first.

deconvolver

01-18-06, 02:07 PM

Hello All,
...
I know this TV will allow me to catch HDTV over the Air. I am able to use an outdoor solution if needed. I am enough of a geek to have the patience in tuning stations in. Where I would put this antenna Would have a nice southren exposure. I am one level up from our Dishnet dish. The Dish gets full signal (if that helps). I am very close to the water also, I think that may help. I have read many posts here, and found them to be very helpful.
When I lived in Groton, the Navy Base seemed to dampen any TV signals (analog) in the area. Now that I am past the base in New London, I hope that my efforts to tune in over the air (Digital) is easier. There are still a couple of things that I need help with. None of my friends, or family are into technology as I am, so I have no one locally to talk to.
I do have Dish, but I feel their HD Package is not worth my Money at this time. Right now I am only interested in getting the major networks over the air.
I did check that site that shows what may be avaible to me over the air, but I also saw some posts that state that their numbers are conservative. I know Pax, and PBS I can tune in with the fillings in my head! I have little need for them. ABC,CBS,NBC, and Fox are all I want. I need help in finding the right antenna for this TV. As I said before, Indoor/outdoor has little matter, nor does placement.
Back in the day, I used to use my Radio Shack Signal Amp (73 channel) with an UHF Antenna in groton, and got awesome results in the evening. Pointing South East. I used to get Channels from Philly! That was for analog though.
I am also a little confused by the Percentage of a digital signal. How much lock is required to have a nice picture? I know I am in a difficult area, so I don't expect perfection.
Also, I don't know if this is the correct thread, but perhaps I can be pointed in the right place. We have the Dishnet Receiver that allows 2 people to use the DVR, and indipendant tuners. I think it is the 522. I love it! My Problem is that I am TV #2. This means the box is not in my room. They use an amped-up Coax to get the signal to my room on channel 74. How good is this connection? Will I get more quality if I ran 50ft of S-Video, and RCA Sound? I want to be able to get the best low-def on this TV I can, as I cannot think of my life without the DVR!
I guess that is all I have so far. Thank you very much for reading! I look forward to your thoughts.
Seeth AKA Mark
Hi Seeth,
I have a couple of comments on your set up. I would recommend getting a higher gain antenna than something like a squareshooter. The CM-4221 and 4228 are good choices for UHF- I would recommend trying the 4221 first. For WTNH you may need a VHF-high antenna to successfully reject channel 10 providence. One good thing about a separate VHF antenna is you can point it to New Haven while the UHF is pointed at Hartford. For a pre-amp the 7777 is great *if* it doesn't overload. I think you may have an issue with PAX (which may be in your line of sight to Rattlesnake Mountain) overloading it though, in which case a lower gain pre-amp would be a better choice. Weingard has several good models with less gain that I mentioned in this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6904558#post6904558

An s-video cable should give you a better image than an RF modulator output- it will be sharper and avoid dot crawl around brightly colored objects. Here is a source for a low priced cable:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10207&cs_id=1020701&p_id=104&seq=1&format=2
Good luck, antenna height is one of the most important factors for TV reception so with your 3rd story location you have a chance to do pretty well.

Seeth Ransom

01-18-06, 02:55 PM

John,
Thank you for your advice. I just ordered the cable from the site suggested. They are the same price as a 6' would be at wally world! I picked the 50ft S-vid, with the RCA sound molded on.
I will look into those antennas too. Jan's does not carry Channel Master anymore. They have a cm7774, I think it is. It is only good for UHF. They also told me they don't stock antenna suited for my needs. I will have to look online. I will check out your suggestions! Thanx again!
Mark

ctdish

01-18-06, 03:37 PM

Mark,
Stark Electronics in MA carries a large selection of antennas, I agree with John's advice for a higher gain antenna. New London is probably a difficult location for TV receiption. I think an outside antenna on a rotator would give the best chance of success. Good luck John

Chris0381

01-18-06, 04:19 PM

SNIP
"I'm in Killingworth and can confirm that you can pick up WTNH-DT (ch 10) with the CM 4228. I've got mine pointed at the Hartford stations and with the CM7777 pre amp, WTNH-DT comes in at 93%."

Im in Middletown and get WTNH 10 with a DB-2 on my porch strength 74 just in the green also UPN 59

Seeth Ransom

01-18-06, 06:18 PM

Ctdish,
Thank you for the lead! I do want the high gain too, though I have a good feeling it won't be too bad. Luckily, I view my TV mostly at night. I have always found this to be the best time of day to pull anything in. Even if I am not around for the HD show, I can get a decent copy on DVD+RW. I'll just have to remember to point the antenna(s) to the right place first.
I love a challenge, and I love to tweak. This whole thing will be fun!
Mark

Seeth Ransom

01-19-06, 08:37 PM

Hi All!
I was reading on other parts of the forum that the TV I wanted no longer appears on the Walmart page. I did not want to risk losing this model! I called around, and just came back from Groton. It is on Layaway!!! They had pne left, and other stores did not know when they would have them again.
There is better news! They had another Rollback, so the Price of the TV is only $459!! When they asked me if I wanted the 2 year extended warrenty for $28.88, I was like "Hell Yeah!"! This cost, with the tax is just slightly more than the original price! I can't wait!!!!
I've also found some low cost items on eBay that meets your suggestions for tuning in the Digital Channels. I'm watching them now. I hope to have everything by next Friday, wish me luck!
Thank you again all of you, and the leaders that keep this BB running! The advice has been priceless!
Mark

docbone

01-20-06, 02:36 AM

Next time someone asks if you want the extended warranty, you should yell "Hell no!" They are almost universally a waste of money. With something electronic like a TV, if it's going to go bad, it is more likely to go during the factory warranty period or well after the extended warranty has run out.

Seeth Ransom

01-20-06, 07:40 AM

Doc,
Normally I'd agree, but this is Walmart :)
Mark

Chris0381

01-20-06, 07:41 AM

Did WTNH 10 digital 8 vitrual pump up there signal. I'm getting it from my antenna on the opposite side of the condo now. Looks like the signal has become very solid.

schmitter

01-20-06, 09:24 AM

I don't know if the strength is any more, but I also moved my antenna and am still able to get it. Previously if I didn't have it in EXACLTLY the right orentation it wouldn't come in at all.

deconvolver

01-20-06, 09:32 AM

A couple of months ago my RadioShack Accurian tuner in the basement was working fine but I noticed recently that my family wasn't using it anymore. When I tried to switch channels it would lock up whenever I tried to change from WVIT. I managed to successfully trigger a complete re-scan by cycling the power with the antenna disconnected then re-connected. When I cycled through the stations it got stuck again once it received WVIT. I discovered I can get it off of channel 30-1 by cycling power and changing the station before a picture appears on 30 but my wife will never put up with having to do that; so right now I have removed 30 from the channel list. I wonder if there has been some change to WVIT's PSIP that this box can't handle. Has anyone else had an issue with WVIT?

Chris0381

01-20-06, 03:41 PM

I had an issue with 61.1. My box would not cycle past it. I had to do a rescan and that fixed the problem but it was a few weeks ago when 61.1 was having PSIP problems. Can you lock in (add) the other number (not the virtual channel).

And yes the PSIP problems stations occur affect different STB's in different ways.

pauldow

01-20-06, 11:28 PM

Chris0381

01-21-06, 01:01 PM

I got 3-3 also on a update scan with a black screen. Looks like a multicast coming soon (another weather channel maybe).

NickyCT

01-21-06, 03:00 PM

caeguy

01-21-06, 03:36 PM

NickyCT

01-21-06, 05:44 PM

The info I got from Cox said that they were having equipment problems.

CPTV were having trouble with their equipment or Cox because I have Comcast

Chris0381

01-21-06, 08:02 PM

Even a show is in HD, it doesnt mean its HD quality like the football we see. Fox does this a lot and I think they all do. Its hit or miss. Its all dependent on how the video was made, compressed, and fed to us. At least its digital.

deconvolver

01-21-06, 09:10 PM

Does anybody know if CPTV is broadcast in HD ?
My TV show that it's 1080i but the show don't look like it's in HD.
But on late friday night I just happen to turn it on and two show back to back was in HD.
Are they still in the eperiental stage ? Couple show tha I saw at my parents house
came out in HD (they picked up WGBY from Mass) and the same show on CPTV was not in HD.
When CPTV broadcasts in HD or widescreen from the PBS-HD feed there are no black bars on the sides of my TV and the program is different than the analog channel. That was the way CPTV was broadcasting in the evenings after 6PM for much of the fall but lately they have only been upconverting their SD feed. The last thing I noticed that was true HD was a bizarre "The Nightingale" christmas special.

caeguy

01-21-06, 09:21 PM

CPTV were having trouble with their equipment or Cox because I have Comcast

CPTV

Seems to be better. I caught a cooking show that was HD tonight.

deconvolver

01-21-06, 10:00 PM

CPTV

Seems to be better. I caught a cooking show that was HD tonight.
Yep, I just checked and they are HD right now.

madpoet

01-22-06, 08:46 AM

j_sunne

01-22-06, 02:49 PM

CraigD

01-22-06, 03:57 PM

Weird OTA issue for me... I put my antenna up at the new place a month ago and all was fine. Got a nice clean signal on all the standard stations, and I was happy. Starting last Wednesday or Thursday I'm seeing really weird behavior. I'm getting wild swings between 0 and 80+ signal strength on EVERY station. If it was just 1 I'd assume I had some multipath issues going on, but it's on all of them. Tried repointing my antenna but it's not going away. I'm wondering if maybe my CM7777 amp is going bad or soemthing, because litterally nothing changed. I've checked all the connectors I could reach and they all look good still. I used some good quality weatherproof connectors out on the antenna, but to reach the ones on the amp I have to take the antenna down :(. Anyone have any other ideas?

I was on my roof yesterday (beat the snow) tightening up my connections on my antenna as the recent wind storms had loosened up the pole holding my CM 4228. I can now get all the channels I used to with a better signal strength. Hope that holds it until spring as I'm not sure I will be able to get on the roof again this winter. Maybe the wind messed with your antenna. Good luck.

On a separate note:

Quote:

"I've used the Fusion II and III, as well as the MyHD120 and 130. I prefer the MyHD line but if you want it integrated with MCE then yes, the Fusion is a decent choice. I haven't been super happy with their software support but when you get it working and leave it alone it works pretty well. Problem is that, unless something has changed, MCE doesn't support QAM scheduling and recording. So you will be doing a lot of that manually if you want QAM.

__________________
-Madpoet"

Thanks for the recommendation...I went with the Elgato EyeTV 500 for the Mac. They had refurbs with their newly released eyetv 2 software included. It doesn't arrive until Tuesday. I'll let you know how it goes...thanks again.

madpoet

01-22-06, 05:22 PM

No problem, I use my Mac only for firewire stuff so I'm not as sure about them ;).

I removed my amp using a stepstool on my roof (now THAT was fun). I now am rock steady on my signal levels, so it's got to have been the amp. I did lose a couple fringe stations, but oh well.

ctdish

01-22-06, 05:28 PM

Madpoet,
I have seen several antenna preamps that have turned into oscillators. It's too bad more of them don't have a gain in the 10 to 15 dB range as they would be more stable. You could try a different amp or even try the one you have again by connecting a 6 dB attenuator right at the preamp output. Radio Shack's attenuators pass DC. John

CHDinCT

01-22-06, 06:19 PM

Hopefully this hasn't been mentioned before (this thread is huge.) I see that I'm geting something at position 3-3 from WFSB. It's just a black screen for now, but I was wondering if there's something coming soon, or are they just playing?

I've seen 3-3 in my program guide since I hooked up OTA HD two plus years ago. I've never seen anything on it. In fact, I've deleted it from my favorites list. I'm not sure there is any plan at this point for WFSB to use it.

On a related matter, why does WFSB simulcast their analog (non-HD) signal on digital 3-2? Takes bandwith away from their HD signal, though that looks pretty good most of the time. I suppose there could be someone out their looking for a digital signal that doesn't have an HD capable TV.

pmalve

01-22-06, 06:53 PM

I've seen 3-3 in my program guide since I hooked up OTA HD two plus years ago. I've never seen anything on it. In fact, I've deleted it from my favorites list. I'm not sure there is any plan at this point for WFSB to use it.

On a related matter, why does WFSB simulcast their analog (non-HD) signal on digital 3-2? Takes bandwith away from their HD signal, though that looks pretty good most of the time. I suppose there could be someone out their looking for a digital signal that doesn't have an HD capable TV.

3-2 is the low power channel from springfield. Actually was good to have. When they had Billy Graham in 3-1 3-2 showed the CBS newtwork shows.

tase2

01-22-06, 06:56 PM

Chris0381

01-22-06, 07:33 PM

Any words of wisdom for me?

Hi there.

If you haven't already try the DB-2 from antennas direct or the Radio Shack double bow tie antenna ($15) ordered from their web site and solder a BALUN onto it. I'de do the RS antenna first since its just as good as the DB-2 and is $20 delivered. The silver sensor may work also but the jury is convinced on the RS antenna.

carlosolaechea

01-22-06, 08:59 PM

Anybody knows anything about Adelphia in Norwich CT. carrying ABC HD on time for the superbowl. It's taking to long for the two to came to an agreement

j_sunne

01-22-06, 11:37 PM

3-2 is the low power channel from springfield. Actually was good to have. When they had Billy Graham in 3-1 3-2 showed the CBS newtwork shows.

After Letterman, 3-2 carries The Late Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson rather than Entertainment Tonight.

NickyCT

01-23-06, 10:16 AM

stumacdo

01-23-06, 12:49 PM

I read most of the last 10 pages and since there was not one mention of D* waivers, I'm going to assume that it is a dead issue. Living in a condo in Wallingford where there is not 1 outdoor antenna, it seems unlikely that is an option for me. I have all the indoor equip avail. and still nothing but channel 8 & 59. I received my WVIT waiver. I have pleaded with WFSB to no avail.

Any words of wisdom for me?

Hi Tase,

Always good to see fellow residents of Wallingford on the board. As far as waivers go, you're out of luck. Because WVIT is not locally owned & operated, you can indeed get the waiver. The rest of the channels are locally owned & operated, so you're looking at OTA as your best bet. I've had pretty good luck with a CM4228 and a VHF Yagi pointing in opposite directions. Can get 8, 30, 3 & 61 pretty reliably. No luck with WB or UPN. Without a rotor, you may end up in the same boat.

sgbroimp

01-23-06, 01:06 PM

I live in Clinton and get 5 HD stations (CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS) free on Comcast expanded basic cable. If I put up the best antenna around (maybe with an amp), anyone know what else I might be able to get?

RTracey

01-23-06, 01:43 PM

tase2 - fyi, the FCC has said a condo HOA can't legally prevent you from putting up an outdoor antenna.

Ross

tase2

01-23-06, 05:01 PM

tase2 - fyi, the FCC has said a condo HOA can't legally prevent you from putting up an outdoor antenna.

Ross
I understand that, but being as there is over 150 units, and not 1 antenna, I would not like to start the riot.

RTracey

01-24-06, 09:50 AM

I understand that, but being as there is over 150 units, and not 1 antenna, I would not like to start the riot.

understandable

rmcgirr83

01-24-06, 10:21 AM

I understand that, but being as there is over 150 units, and not 1 antenna, I would not like to start the riot.

Fark that I'll do it if Ross is to much of a weiner. :P

BTW, good morning Mr. Tracey. :)

Ruthless Dog

01-24-06, 11:20 AM

Ruthless Dog

01-24-06, 11:21 AM

I just bought a Samsung SIR T-451 last night. I tried to hook it up before 24 started. I have Comacast analog cable and i live in new britain. I thought i should be able to pick up some HD content over the cable as i used to when i worked a t CC in newington. I couldnt pick up ANY HD at all. anyone know if its my tuner or comcast? is OTA the only way to get HD without paying for comcast digital around here? any help would be great. thanks in advance.

rmcgirr83

01-24-06, 11:30 AM

HD can only be received via digital...analog aint getting it done.

deconvolver

01-24-06, 11:44 AM

I jsut bought a Samsung SIR T-451 last night. I tried to hook it up before 24 started. I have Comacast analog cable and i live in new britain. I thought i should be able to pick up some HD content over the cable as i used to when i worked a t CC in newington. I couldnt pick up ANY HD at all. anyone know if its my tuner or comcast? is OTA the only way to get HD without paying for comcast digital? any help would be great.
I am guessing that Samsung tuner is digital cable ready (has a QAM tuner) right? Then Comcast probably puts a filter on your drop if you only get basic analog cable. You need whatever tier of service gets rid of the filter- that might be the digital service.

Ruthless Dog

01-24-06, 11:51 AM

sp1dey

01-24-06, 03:42 PM

NickyCT

01-24-06, 10:54 PM

Anyone read the news about the WB and UPN merger... new channel will be CW this fall. From the press release it looks like (correct me if I'm wrong) channel 20 (owned by Tribune) will become the CW affiliate and the current UPN will become independent.

Caught it on the news at 6 today. They were talking about creating 5th network or something like that. I think it won't happen till september.
Well, Hopefully we'll get more HD programs from them when they merged.
I can never get good signal from UPN anyway. I hope they'll broadcast from WB location once they become CW.

deconvolver

01-25-06, 08:44 AM

Whether or not its QAM ready is cloudy. A Samsung Tech guy said its not. But it has STD, HRC and IRC available to scan in the menu. I thought that local HD could be seen over analog cable. Maybe I'm wrong. We used to watch HD MNF over regular old cable in the store i used to work in. If that's the case, any consensus what the best hardware to use around here? i live in new briatin. Where should i point and antenna if i put one outside? this is all really bugging me. I bought a nice sony hdtv monitor, my xbox 360 is pumping out 1080i, and i cant watch an EFFing tv show or god forbid the super bowl. *sigh*
The manual should say it's digital cable ready with QAM if it really is. In New Britain it should be easy to get the OTA stations. Go to www.antennaweb.org and follow the choose an antenna link. It will suggest an antenna and tell you the compas direction to each station. The ABC station is VHF from New Haven, NBC and Fox are UHF from Rattlesnake Mountain and CBS is UHF from Avon Mountain. The easiest way to get all of those is using an outdoor combination antenna with a rotor but you might find a way to point a small antenna so it gets all the stations without re-pointing.

CHDinCT

01-25-06, 11:05 AM

Caught it on the news at 6 today. They were talking about creating 5th network or something like that. I think it won't happen till september.
Well, Hopefully we'll get more HD programs from them when they merged.
I can never get good signal from UPN anyway. I hope they'll broadcast from WB location once they become CW.

Afraid not. WTIC (Tribune Owned) stated on last night's news that the WB 20 would be the CW station in CT. Not good for me either as I don't get this channel OTA, but do pick up UPN.

caeguy

01-25-06, 12:02 PM

I'm not sure why it's so difficult for me to pick up 20. I was hoping that UPN would be the new CW as I get good signal strength from that channel.

RTracey

01-25-06, 12:04 PM

Afraid not. WTIC (Tribune Owned) stated on last night's news that the WB 20 would be the CW station in CT. Not good for me either as I don't get this channel OTA, but do pick up UPN.

crap - I can't get WB either, but do get UPN.

BTW, good morning Mr. Tracey.

Good morning to you too Mr McGirr - glad to see you're still lurking around. ;)

brewer4

01-25-06, 12:23 PM

crap - I can't get WB either, but do get UPN.

Same here! I can get WB if I rotate the antenna but that knocks out WTNH ABC and thats not really an option is it?

Chris0381

01-25-06, 12:48 PM

Donjoy

01-25-06, 08:14 PM

Seeth Ransom

01-25-06, 09:18 PM

Hi All!
I have not forgot you all. Less than 48 hours till I get my TV!!!!!! I can't wait to let you all know what I can pull in. Wish me luck!
Mark

raoul5788

01-25-06, 10:27 PM

Hello new from Enfield,
I have a 942 from dish that has a built in tuner for OTA
i receive
cbs hartford 85%
nbc springfield 75%
abc new haven 66 %
fox hartford 81%
NBC west hartford 76%
Cannot seems to get any PBS from Hartford in digital but get a great analog picture on channel 24
The same is true with UPN good analog on channel 59
and WB channel 20
Im using rotor antenna on roof pointing south toward hartford goes from 300 ohms onto house chanonging to 75 ohms for 5o ft to receiver
Anyone know why i would receive a strong analog signal for UPN WB anf PBS but cant seem to get a digital signal?
Ty
P.s
Great site with alot of insight when I started my HD experience
Looking forward to upgrading to the new dish 622 in feb 06

WEDH is analog only, no digital signal yet. You might be able to pick up the
digital signal from WEDN out of Norwich. WCTX and WTXX are digital. You
should be able to receive WTXX, but WCTX is broadcast from Hamden and
is not a very strong signal. Have you checked antennaweb.org to find the
correct orientation for your antenna? You should use only 75 ohm (coaxial)
wire, no 300 ohm.

NickyCT

01-25-06, 11:57 PM

....Hello new from Enfield,
Cannot seems to get any PBS from Hartford in digital but get a great analog picture on channel 24

Forget about CPTV. You live in Enfield you should be able to get WGBY from Mass with no problem just keep playing with the antenna. My parents can pick up WGBY from mass if I rotate the antenna to the right direction and they live in East hartford. You might even get ABC, NBC from mass too.
WGBY broadcast more HD programs than CPTV.

Chris0381

01-26-06, 08:54 AM

Hi there Donjoy

I get WGBY 57 1 thru 4 here in Middletown 30 miles south of you so you should get it well. They have real nice nice programs on. I get them at 65%. And this is with an indoor RS bowtie antenna but its up in my 4th floor loft. I cant get 22 out of Springfield though.

WEDH 24 CPTV is only digital if you subscrbe to one of the cable services I think but they have a digital antenna in Norwich which is too far for us.

Donjoy

01-26-06, 09:28 AM

The rotor on my antenna is not functional threw out the dial along time ago so antenna is stuck facing south towards hartford hopefully this spring i can turn the antenna manually and it turns in the gear box up there to try and recieve channel 8 better, if not is there an inexpensive way to boost the signal slightly higher along the coaxial run
From the antenna down into the house i have 300 ohm heavy duty wire then transfer to coaxial for the run to the other side of the house to reciever about 40 to 50 ft can I put something at that point(the step down to 75 ohms) to boost the signal.
Also its winter right now about 70 ft from antenna is a 60 ft oak tree with leaves to come out will this hurt the signal
How does weather effect signal like wind
Ty Don

NickyCT

01-26-06, 11:29 AM

....WEDH 24 CPTV is only digital if you subscribe to one of the cable services I think but they have a digital antenna in Norwich which is too far for us.

Yeah, WEDH don't have that many Hidef programs. They only show it late at night.
I work second shift when I come home sometimes I would catch some of the programs in Full HD. For some strange reason my SONY-DVR picked up all the digital channels. I can't get OTA digital signal from WEDH though only analog.

pauldow

01-26-06, 12:12 PM

Did anybody pick up 3-3 ? nothing is ever on but I was just wondering if they're planning on broadcasting something in the future like weather or something like we don't have enough already from 30-2 and 8-2

I just figured out what I would like to see put on 3-3. News graphics. Nothing else. Move the graphics off of the regular video channel. Today there was an electrical fire at a local school, and they ran a crawl over and over again. After I see it once, it's no longer 'News.' On Price is Right they were spinning the big oval to see who gets in the Showcase. ;)

Other days there's a small snowfall, and we lose 1/2 of the screen to tell us the same 4 facilities that have a late opening over and over again.

Chris0381

01-26-06, 06:49 PM

Well Donjoy. A cheap option for you would be to buy a RS bowtie antenna $20 delivered from their website and use a good quality A/B switch box and you should be able to pull in some more stations. Thats if you dont want to put up another outdoor antenna at this time. IMO 57.1 thru 57.4 blows away CPTV 24. And you may get a few other nice stations.

cheneyp

01-26-06, 10:48 PM

Yeah, WEDH don't have that many Hidef programs. They only show it late at night.
I work second shift when I come home sometimes I would catch some of the programs in Full HD. For some strange reason my SONY-DVR picked up all the digital channels. I can't get OTA digital signal from WEDH though only analog.

Nicky - do you have one of those HD DVRs from Sony? If so, how do you like it?

NickyCT

01-27-06, 10:45 AM

Nicky - do you have one of those HD DVRs from Sony? If so, how do you like it?

Yes, I have Sony DHG-HDD500 and I absolutely loving it. Recorded picture came out looking exactly like it was broadcast with Dolby digital 5.1
I bought mine through Amazon.com (I got my gift card from them)which link me to
J&R music world. I paid $679.00 which is far cheaper than Bestbuy and circuit city. I think they both charge $1000.00 at that time. See, I work on night and I missed a lot of HD shows that I wanted to see. Now I can see them all.
There's a forum in here about Sony DHG-HDD500 just do the search. there's a lot of poeple in here that can answer all the questions that you might have.
This unit will make me hold out on buying Either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray recorder for awhile. I won't buy either one until they become dirt cheap like DVD players.

One thing I really like about this unit is that I don't have tapes or disc (From DVD recorder) laying around any more. I just delete when I'm done watching it.
With my unit I can record HD programs up to 60 hrs which I don't think I'll reach that high.

cheneyp

01-27-06, 11:06 AM

Nicky - thanks for the input. Looking to decide if I should pay Comcast about $30/month to get their HD DVR (I currently only have expanded basic so I have other upgrades to get just to qualify for the DVR) or get a standalone one like the Sony. Of course, I only can record the locals on the Sony but the only thing I miss on the Comcast package is ESPNHD.

I'll check the other forum as well. Thanks.

pmalve

01-27-06, 11:55 AM

I think WB's antenna is located on a mountain that borders waterbury and prospect so you'll have to have some pathway to that area. One of the reasons I bought a switch box and 2 antennas was for 20 UPN and WTNH. WB is a strong signal since I get it well here in Cromwell/Middletown border thats in the shadow of Chauncey peak in Meriden.

Only the analog tower is in Waterbury. Digital antenna is on the tower on Rattlesnake Mountain with WTIC. It also is the lowest on the tower so when they put up new antenna, hopefully this year, everyone should have a much better signal.

Chris0381

01-27-06, 02:31 PM

NickyCT

01-27-06, 04:53 PM

I was wondering why WB came in so strong here. Now I know. I just hope in the future all the stations increase their power signal transmission. I am really enjoying this. When my antenna is tuned to channels 61 and 30 I seem to get multipath though with WB-20 for some reason.

From what I read. WB, and ABC transmit at VHF mode . Fox and NBC transmit at UHF mode. Doesn't UHF signal can go farther than VHF ? correct me if I'm wrong since I'm not a tech.

Chris0381

01-27-06, 06:14 PM

Just did a TV scan today and picked up 2 new analog stations I never got before. Looks like WHCT channel 38 and T (Telemundo) channel 50 out of Hartford. Both are Spanish I believe. But heck its nice to get more stations. Oh wow live soccer Sunday USA vs Norway 5 pm En VIVO!!!!!!!!! I'm hoping it is but some reason I seeing Telemundo advertised on 28 not 50 on a TV website and via FCC data but the T symbol is there on 50. Oh well we'll find out soon enough.

These 2 stations must have just increased their signal strength.

deconvolver

01-27-06, 09:54 PM

From what I read. WB, and ABC transmit at VHF mode . Fox and NBC transmit at UHF mode. Doesn't UHF signal can go farther than VHF ? correct me if I'm wrong since I'm not a tech.
You've got that backwards, VHF goes further than UHF. UHF stations are alloted much more power though so if you are in their line of sight (the higher the station's antenna the further the line of sight reaches) you can usually receive them fairly easily; plus a directional UHF antenna is smaller than a VHF one.

NickyCT

01-28-06, 02:08 AM

You've got that backwards, VHF goes further than UHF. UHF stations are alloted much more power though so if you are in their line of sight (the higher the station's antenna the further the line of sight reaches) you can usually receive them fairly easily; plus a directional UHF antenna is smaller than a VHF one.

Well, I was really curious about this UHF and VHF thing so I asked one of the Tech at work. To sum up what he explained to me that to get good signal from VHF (Very high frequency) it's best to have antenna pointing directly at the broadcast tower.
UHF Which stands for Ultra high frequency transmit at higher frequency that's why we only need little bow tie or rabbit ear antenna to receive the signal but the signal tend to bounce back and forth alot that's why with analog signal you tend to get lots of ghost lines.
With either frequency at digital you will not get any ghost lines. It's either you crystal clear picture when you get the signal or you won't get any picture at all if the signal is weak unlike analog you will still get the picture with weak signal but the picture will be snowy and ghostly.

This is what I found on the net http://kb.wayne.edu/index.php?article=472
VHF stands for Very High Frequency. The television broadcast range between 30 and 300 MHz on channels 2-13. On the FM radio band it's between channels 6 and 7 (88-108MHz). UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency. It's the television broadcast range between 300 and 3000 MHz on channels 14-83.

cgorra

01-28-06, 10:04 AM

deconvolver

01-28-06, 10:37 AM

Well, I was really curious about this UHF and VHF thing so I asked one of the Tech at work. To sum up what he explained to me that to get good signal from VHF (Very high frequency) it's best to have antenna pointing directly at the broadcast tower.
UHF Which stands for Ultra high frequency transmit at higher frequency that's why we only need little bow tie or rabbit ear antenna to receive the signal but the signal tend to bounce back and forth alot that's why with analog signal you tend to get lots of ghost lines.
With either frequency at digital you will not get any ghost lines. It's either you crystal clear picture when you get the signal or you won't get any picture at all if the signal is weak unlike analog you will still get the picture with weak signal but the picture will be snowy and ghostly.

This is what I found on the net http://kb.wayne.edu/index.php?article=472
VHF stands for Very High Frequency. The television broadcast range between 30 and 300 MHz on channels 2-13. On the FM radio band it's between channels 6 and 7 (88-108MHz). UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency. It's the television broadcast range between 300 and 3000 MHz on channels 14-83.
The directionality of an antenna depends on its size measured in wavelengths, the more directional the antenna the more exact the pointing needs to be. Since very directional VHF antennas are large it is more common that a UHF antenna would require precise aiming. For TV the VHF low band (channels 2-6) is 54-72Mhz & 76-88Mhz; the VHF-high band (channels 7-13) is 174-216Mhz; and the UHF TV band is currently channels 14-69 (the higher ones were dropped a long time ago) 470-806Mhz but will be reduced to channels 14-51 or 470-698Mhz after the digital transition is complete. The wavelength in meters is 300/f with f in MHz so UHF channel 35 has a half meter wavelength, VHF channel 11 has a 1.5 meter wavelength and VHF channel 4 has a 4.5 meter wavelength. In TV antennas rabbit ears normally are used as a VHF dipole and bow-ties are used for UHF. With a big outdoor VHF-UHF combo antenna the arrow shaped part in the front (corner reflector-Yagi) is for UHF while the bigger elements behind it (log-periodic, sometimes with Vs in echelon) is the VHF antenna. UHF does not ghost more than VHF and since directional UHF antennas are a more manageable size and directionality helps to eliminate ghosts, ghosts are most problematic for the VHF-low band. Electrical interference is also much worse for low frequencies- especially VHF-low. The tech at work was right though that digital TV usually either has a perfect picture or none. Bad multipath (which is the cause of ghosts for analog) especially with more delay than the receiver is designed to compensate for can still cause D-TV to fail; it just won't be obvious what the cause of the lost signal is.

ctdish

01-28-06, 11:51 AM

Many people in Southeastern CT have issues picking up WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT because of the strong signal that WHPX-DT puts out. Proplr in Groton, Mystic, Ledyard and other places east of the Thames River especially have issues because WHPX-DT's signal is adjacent to WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT's signal on channel 34 . After some experimentation, I have found that a Channel 34 notch filter will often make the difference between seeing WFSB-DT and WVIT-DT and not seeing it. TinLee company in Toronto will make a channel 34 notch filter for you for about $75.00 that can be antenna mounted, before the preamplifier, that should effectively reduce channel 34's signal to a level that will allow your tuner to pick up channels 33 and 35. Here is the link: The contact name is Philip. http://www.tinlee.com
Do you know anyone who has actually tried one? They have between 20 and 6 dB loss on the on channels 33 and 35 so if the signal is not very strong the desired channel might get attenuated too much. Also the slope across the channel mmight be a problem for some tunners.
I live in Mystic and have pretty much given up trying to watch Hartford or New Haven digital because of interference. (I use Providence) I get some preamp overload fron channel 26 when aimed at Hartford and have considered getting a channel 26 filter from Tinlee. I get channel 34 about 50% of the time and 33 never, unless ch 34 is off air. I have a Yinlee channel 17 notch which became necessary last summer when that channel went on the air. It works well. John

cgorra

01-28-06, 12:05 PM

Do you know anyone who has actually tried one? They have between 20 and 6 dB loss on the on channels 33 and 35 so if the signal is not very strong the desired channel might get attenuated too much. Also the slope across the channel mmight be a problem for some tunners.
I live in Mystic and have pretty much given up trying to watch Hartford or New Haven digital because of interference. (I use Providence) I get some preamp overload fron channel 26 when aimed at Hartford and have considered getting a channel 26 filter from Tinlee. I get channel 34 about 50% of the time and 33 never, unless ch 34 is off air. I have a Yinlee channel 17 notch which became necessary last summer when that channel went on the air. It works well. John

What Philip proposed to do was to use a notch filter centered on the middle of the channel 34 carrier: He believes that he can use a notch filter centered on the middle of the frequency that is down about 40 DB. He believes that it will pull the edges of the 6 Mhz signal down about 8-9 db with only about a -1-2 db on the adjacent channel. Given the parameters of the ATSC selectivity requirements, this should probably be all that's required to solve the problem. Makes sense: I want to try it at my father's house in New London. He does not have to aim his antenna through the WHPX tower in order to see the Hartford transmitters. He can see WVIT-DT without much problem, but has real issues with WFSB-DT.. Maybe I am grasping at straws here, but there has to be SOME solution here!

ctdish

01-28-06, 12:29 PM

At you farther's house you might want to also try an ch 26 notch. Even though he does not have to aim directly at WHPX, he's a lot closer tham I am.
When I bought the ch 17 filter I think I also talked to Philip. You should make sure he knows that channel 34 is a digital channel, (also 33 and 35) that does not have a real carrier. Here is a spectrum analyzer shot of channels 30 to 35. The frequency is inverted. 30 is analog with a strong carriers for the picture and sound. The digital channels 31 33 34 and 35 are almsot flat with no guard frequencies to speak of. This makes filtering difficult.
What kind of antenna does he use in New London and how well does FOX come in? John

cgorra

01-28-06, 04:51 PM

Believe it or not, I am using a Radio Shack 15-624 for the moment, until I can get the 4228 and a Titan 7777 up on the roof. We are using a 30" Philips HDTV with built-in ATSC tuner, and right now, we can get WVIT-DT, WEDN-DT and WHPX-DT off-the-air, with WCTX-DT peeking in once in a while. He's down near Ocean Beach in New London, and has a clear shot to the west and northwest. No preamp to overload just yet...LOL He has EastConn cable TV, but their QAM HDTV looks pretty bad, from what I can see using the built-in-tuner, and no WTNH-DT for the moment, so the we have to do something by Super Bowl time, or I'll just get him to come up to West Hartford, since I can get everything beautifully OTA.

Seeth Ransom

01-29-06, 03:06 AM

Hi All!
I brought home my Sanyo 28inch Friday. I tried Paul's TV, and Jan's. Neither place had any CM that would work with what I needed. Our Lowe's opened this weekend, but no CM there, yet. Not being able to wait, I went to Radio Shack. I picked up their U75R, and their $60.00 Preamp. I figured I could order the CM, and return these later on. I know many people hate RS, and what they make (market). Most of the time I will agree. This time though, I gotta eat a little crow. I am actually suprised at what I am pulling in! This is my first attemp to do anything HD.
So far, Withoult the Pre-amp, I got 69.1-4, 53.1-6, 26.1-4, 23.1, and 17.1-4. Not that great a selection. 53 Took my breath away! Wow! I understand the hype now!!
With the Pre-amp, I got much better results! I get 31.1 Fox, 30.1 NBC, 59.1 UPN, 45.1 PBS, 55 WLNY (IND), 35 ?, 44.1-2 So far infomercials, 7.1 WABC, 2.1 WCBS, and 41.1 Telemundo.
My TV appears to show the channel as long as half the bar shows up. I'm sure that is just this TV's way of displaying the signal. I am pretty impressed. I may just stick with this for a little while. I got every network I wanted, and then some! My goal was to get UHF major networks, but also got some VHF. All of this in New London! I'll still tweak a bit more. I want to see how many RI stations I may get. I know I have a few NY's, and CT's. I can't wait for the Simpsons!!
I really want to thank everyone for your help, and guidance on what to expect. Your info let me know now is the time to hop on the HD train!
Seeth AKA Mark

ctdish

01-29-06, 12:00 PM

Seeth aka Mark,
Welcome to the world of digital TV. You are lucky to receive NY city. Don't be surprised if it does not last. It is probably ducting. The Long Island stations 23 and 55 are more likely to be permanent.
Reported channels 17 and 69 are the same signal actually on channel 17 and remapping to 69. The same is true for 53 and 45, which is on 45 and remapps to 53. A VHF high band antenna will most likely get you WTNH, ABC out of New Haven. John

RTracey

01-29-06, 05:44 PM

deconvolver

01-29-06, 08:57 PM

What Philip proposed to do was to use a notch filter centered on the middle of the channel 34 carrier: He believes that he can use a notch filter centered on the middle of the frequency that is down about 40 DB. He believes that it will pull the edges of the 6 Mhz signal down about 8-9 db with only about a -1-2 db on the adjacent channel. Given the parameters of the ATSC selectivity requirements, this should probably be all that's required to solve the problem. Makes sense: I want to try it at my father's house in New London. He does not have to aim his antenna through the WHPX tower in order to see the Hartford transmitters. He can see WVIT-DT without much problem, but has real issues with WFSB-DT.. Maybe I am grasping at straws here, but there has to be SOME solution here!
The first thing that I would do is get rid of the local NTSC channels. Especially when using a CM 7777 pre-amp that overloads easily getting rid of all local analog channels that are not near digital ones seems like a good first step. If you have some angle difference between New London and Hartford like I do you can then point the antenna to minimize 34. I don't have any test equipment at home so I use my Sony TV's AGC level as a signal estimator, using that seems to indicate that the local NTSC channels 26, 53 and 69 are very strong for me.

ctdish

01-29-06, 10:41 PM

John,
If you can turn the antenna East, take a look at channel 17 digital. It is very strong here.
John

RTracey

01-30-06, 07:50 PM

Rickjan

01-30-06, 08:32 PM

Donjoy

01-30-06, 09:01 PM

Yes, No channel 8 67% strenght no picture also channel 3 not in surround or high def on King of Queens and next show they are repeats but the new show Courting Alex is new hopefully it will be in high def
Anyone else?

RTracey

01-30-06, 09:24 PM

Rickjan, Donjoy - thanks for the info After doing a re-scan, I'm finding WTNH on 10-3 also, with no schedule info showing in the guide, so it looks like their PSIP is screwed up. Called them back - guy I spoke to in Engineering said it would have to wait until tomorrow when the person who handles these problems comes in to work.

Ross

Juiced46

01-30-06, 10:06 PM

Is anyone having a problem getting HD on CBS with comcast tonight? All my HD channels are working except for CBS

Donjoy

01-30-06, 10:07 PM

Hey no channel 3 wtsb in high def all night
Who can we contact when this happens is there a list of engineering dept for each local channel?

Donjoy

01-30-06, 10:07 PM

Oops wfsb I meant

smeck

01-30-06, 10:13 PM

I called the news dept. and tried to get them to connect me to engineering but to no avail. They did call down to their master control and said they were having problems. I sometimes call during business hours and complain to their chief engineer if a problem persists. 728-3333 is their main number after business hours connect to their news dept to complain. Maybe if more people called they would take the problem more seriously.

cheneyp

01-30-06, 10:17 PM

No channel 8-1 here tonite. I am receiving it on QAM cable. Also, no CBS HD on 3-1 or QAM cable - 480i only.

smeck

01-30-06, 10:24 PM

Their was no CBS hi-def over air either?

cheneyp

01-30-06, 10:37 PM

Their was no CBS hi-def over air either?

Not from WFSB......

Donjoy

01-31-06, 08:20 AM

Yes no hd, sound was pro logic also.

Donjoy

01-31-06, 10:31 AM

Hmm still no channel 8.01 says 68% but no pic searching for signal
also did a digital search and now receiving channel 20.1 at 67 % very cool not sure how much HD is on channel

cheneyp

01-31-06, 10:44 AM

Hmm still no channel 8.01 says 68% but no pic searching for signal
also did a digital search and now receiving channel 20.1 at 67 % very cool not sure how much HD is on channel

This is WB20. I think that they have a number of HD shows...Gilmore Girls, Smallville, etc.

Donjoy

01-31-06, 12:34 PM

Does anyone know if Survivor will be in HD this year on CBS Hartford?

brewer4

01-31-06, 01:02 PM

Anyone having problems with WTNH right now? According to my HR10-250, I'm getting a strong signal, the but no picture or sound (receiver says searching for signal). I called WTNH, but they said everything is fine on their end. No problems with other CT OTA stations.

Ross

I am having similar issues with my Media Center. The channel does not show despite 100% signal meter. When I run the channel from the DVico too (HDTV Fusion PC Capture Card), it can find the channel but no Pip information that its WTNH. There is something seriously wrong with the signal WTNH is sending out. I should have checked for forum here first since I kept reinstalling drivers and configurations since I thought the issue was on my side.

Donjoy

01-31-06, 01:05 PM

no channel 8 digital what can i do to get itsays 67-70 5 stength but no pic not locked how do i get 10.1?

raoul5788

01-31-06, 01:08 PM

It's not working here in Cheshire, either. :(

brewer4

01-31-06, 01:17 PM

I just called WTNH 203.784.8888 and ask for Engineering. I got transfered to Angelo Machi and left a message. I will post something if I hear anything. Others might want to call so they get the message. Hopefully he is out fixing the issue and not taking a nap. This is a very important channel to me especially with Lost and Super Bowl coming up.

Donjoy

01-31-06, 01:44 PM

talking to Angelo Channel 8) as we speak, I heard him talk to someone on a walkie talkie telling then to check the hd on channel 8 because some people had phoned in about it, lets see what happens now

RTracey

01-31-06, 02:00 PM

no channel 8 digital what can i do to get itsays 67-70 5 stength but no pic not locked how do i get 10.1?

Donjoy - there seem to be a few us calling WTNH, but if they don't fix this soon, you may be able to manually enter 10-1 in your tuner, or try a re-scan - the re-scan is what pulled it up on mine. Of course, once they fix the issue, you may have re-scan a second time.

Ross

Donjoy

01-31-06, 02:04 PM

Hmm, Did recan with my dish 942 same channels came up. Cant seem to put in 10 .1 just 10

Donjoy

01-31-06, 02:07 PM

Anyone using a Dish 942 OTA any help would be great
TY

brewer4

01-31-06, 02:31 PM

Looks like WTNH-DT on 8-1 is back on my Media Server. Thanks Angelo and others that called in. Whew. This would not have been good on Super Bowl Sunday.

brewer4

01-31-06, 04:57 PM

NickyCT

01-31-06, 06:58 PM

I also posted an email to WTNH. An interesting response is that they said they dont have to broadcast digital at all until 2009. I thought that all major broadcasters had to be doing digital by Summer 2005 or faced penalties. I would like to send a message back with the exact FCC ruiling that states they have to be broadcasting digital as well.

I posted similar question in here awhile ago and someone said that only major network required to broadcast in Digital (Doesn't mean that it has to be in HD) by the end of 2006 and I think they have to turn off the analog by 2009.

If you read the news lately they predict that we should see big jump in sales of HD TV set in 2006.
It's like chicken and egg thing. Poeple don't want to buy the HD-TV yet because there's not enough shows in HD and in the same token the network don't want to produce more shows yet due to not enough audiences.

If their prediction is right and there's more demand for HD programs then they'll start producing them more.
Most network already showing HD programs between 8:00PM and 11:00 PM anyway on weekday and some late talk shows are also in HD.

harlenm

01-31-06, 09:41 PM

Any news on why WFSB has no HD?

Watching via Telemedia cable in Shelton. The telemedia thread doesn't have much info on FSB and since it seems to be a statewide problem, figure this is a better forum to find out info.

cheneyp

01-31-06, 10:26 PM

State of the Union Address was in HD on Comcast QAM cable. Did not check OTA - both are now showing SD. Last night neither was showing HD.

Seeth Ransom

02-01-06, 10:23 AM

CTDish,
Thank you! MY TV has a great picture, and a receptive tuner. Sadly, the Component inputs arer bad. Next month Sanyo will debut a 30inch, and it will be about the same price. This comes from a manager for Sanyo.
Back to topic: I do consistantly get NYC Stations. I did have to take down the antenna, as I don't have the right stuff to mount it, and my budget is about shot! Am I allowed to ask if you have used stuff to sell, eg mast, trpod. Since you are close, I thought I'd ask. If it is against the rules in this forum, then no problem, I'll not ask again.
Right now, I have my antenna inside mounted to a concrete tamper thingy. The useful channels I get are 30, 61, and 59. That will give me a nice olympics! I'm hooked on the clairity! I'm also glad my HDTV Search led me to this site. There are loads of great people here!
Mark

Benihana2

02-01-06, 12:45 PM

I noticed that some here have found contact numbers for ABC - WTNH. Does anyone have numbers for CBS - WFSB? I wasn't getting any HD last night either (through both my Comcast box and OTA). If it still isn't working tonight, I'm going to start getting concerned. UConn is on at 1PM Saturday!!

Thanks - I'll be sure to make a few calls if anyone is able to find contact info.

harlenm

02-01-06, 01:28 PM

jake14mw

02-01-06, 02:09 PM

Also, if you email wfsbengineering@wfsb.com, they usually answer.

Benihana2

02-01-06, 02:35 PM

Thanks for the replies - I will send an email to that address, and will also try to call at 5:00. I'll post any replies.

Has anyone heard back from the station on their HDTV problem yet?

harlenm

02-01-06, 03:12 PM

I just emailed them a little while ago.

Benihana2

02-01-06, 04:04 PM

CT Raider

02-01-06, 05:42 PM

harlenm

02-01-06, 06:48 PM

How far away from the broadcast towers are you? Are there any tall hills are mountains between you and the towers?

ctdish

02-01-06, 07:39 PM

CT Raider,
It is likely you are suffering from interference and or preamp overload. Do you see channel 10 (analog) from Providence when aiming at New Haven? If you can, try seeing what happens with the preamp removed or maybe get a lower gain preamp. I am in Mystic and found RI to be more reliable that CT stations because of the interference. However even for RI I need to get a notch filter to prevent amp overload from channel 17. John

deconvolver

02-01-06, 08:25 PM

Hey all,

I've been lurking for a while picking up the info I needed. Most everyone has been informative. :rolleyes:

Now I could use some help as I know you are all good at.

In November I picked up the new Sony SXRD 60" and switched my regular DirecTVio service to HD. :D

WTNH (ABC) is the ONLY network channel to NOT grant me a waiver! :mad:

I put up a new Channel Master 3671, a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp along with at rotor on top a 23' mast (with guy wires) on top of my roof (single story) and still cannot pull in any MAJOR (digital) network from CT (just the PBS - Norwich and Ind - New London). I get better reception from RI but only 1 digital signal (another Ind).

I have a small mountain to the West and a couple of trees and water to the East. BUT the direction I have to point the antenna to pick up ABC HD in RI is a clear shot.

I've tried using my TV's and DirecTVio's tuner. I don't even get a small blip on the signal meter on the DirecTVio. (I tried tuning in to the HD feed of Good Morning America on frequency 49 yesterday (RI channel 6)).

What am I overlooking? :confused:
You are almost sure to overload a 7777 from Preston if you point your antenna East without something blocking channels 17 and 69. I have a hill to my East and even with my antenna pointing towards Hartford I had some overload problems with my system until I notched out 69. You may need to use less pre-amp gain plus a notch filter on both 17 and 69 to reliably receive stations from RI. If your TV is like mine (I have a Sony E50A10) it will show the AGC level on the diagnostics page when tuning a digital signal. I trick it into also metering analog signals by doing a full rescan with no antenna connected to clear out all stations then manually tuning the channel I want to measure with .1 appended to it after re-connecting the antenna. So, with no channels in the channel memory I tune 26.1, 53.1 and 69.1 and go to the diagnostics screen to get the AGC level of the local analog channels (no picture appears when doing this of course since the TV is trying to tune the analog signal with the digital tuner). To measure the digital equivalents you would use 34.1, 45.1, and 17.1 which will give you a picture and the diagnostics screen will show signal quality along with the AGC value. Any AGC reading on my TV of less than 33 with the preamplifier in the system is an extremely strong signal which could cause problems. ( The stronger the signal the lower the AGC reading).

deconvolver

02-01-06, 08:48 PM

John,
If you can turn the antenna East, take a look at channel 17 digital. It is very strong here.
John
I have a hill to my East which helps reduce the WPXQ signal but it is still strong. I had problems with the NTSC signal on 69 overloading my amp so I have notched it. Using the AGC measuring method in my recent post the NTSC signal on 69 was stronger than the ATSC one on 17 when I pointed my antenna towards the stations I want to receive (which are in Hartford for the UHF antenna and New Haven for the VHF-high one). The analog picture from 69 sometimes would also flip to an inverted (negative) picture which also suggested to me that it was overloading- so that is why I got the filter for it. Right now with the antenna pointed West my AGC readings from the local digital channels (WHPX-DT, WEDN-DT, WPXQ-DT) are all about the same at 33. I tweaked my rotor to minimize these local signals which seemed to optimize my ability to get the major Hartford stations without re-pointing the antenna. I will probably try adding filter(s) between the pre-amp and my distribution amp to help get rid of 26 (analog) 53 (analog) and maybe 17 (digital) to help make the antenna pointing less finicky.

CT Raider

02-02-06, 10:00 AM

How far away from the broadcast towers are you? Are there any tall hills are mountains between you and the towers?

I have a small mountain to the West and a couple of trees and water to the East. BUT the direction I have to point the antenna to pick up ABC HD in RI is a clear shot.

WHPX 26 i NEW LONDON CT 259° 12.4 26
WHPX-DT 26.1 i NEW LONDON CT 259° 12.4 34
WEDN 53 PBS NORWICH CT 295° 9.8 53
WEDN-DT 53.1 PBS NORWICH CT 295° 9.8 45
WPXQ-DT 69.1 i PROVIDENCE RI TBD 88° 18.9 17
WSBE 36 PBS PROVIDENCE RI 65° 33.9 36
WLNE 6 ABC NEW BEDFORD MA 94° 41.6 6
WTIC 61 FOX HARTFORD CT 303° 46.2 61
WTNH 8 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 279° 50.4 8
WTXX 20 WB WATERBURY CT 287° 53.6 20
WUNI 27 UNI WORCESTER MA 28° 59.7 27
WYDN 48 DAY WORCESTER MA 19° 56.1 48
WVIT 30 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 303° 46.2 30
WPRI 12 CBS PROVIDENCE RI 68° 44.7 12
WPXQ 69 i PROVIDENCE RI 104° 10.2 69
WJAR 10 NBC PROVIDENCE RI 69° 44.1 10
WFSB 3 CBS HARTFORD CT 309° 46.7 3
WCTX 59 UPN NEW HAVEN CT 279° 50.4 59
WNAC 64 FOX PROVIDENCE RI 68° 43.9 64

CT Raider

02-02-06, 11:37 AM

Do you see channel 10 (analog) from Providence when aiming at New Haven? If you can, try seeing what happens with the preamp removed or maybe get a lower gain preamp. John

With the antenna pointed to New Haven I do see a snowy analog 10 from Prov.

If I remove the power to the pre-amp I get a very snowy sort of able to make out the picture analog 10 from Prov.

At this time in the day there is no HD feed from ABC (if that means anything at this point).

RTracey

02-02-06, 12:03 PM

WTNH (ABC) is the ONLY network channel to NOT grant me a waiver! :mad:

CT Raider - WFSB-DT (CBS) granted you a waiver for D*? How did you manage that?

Ross

CT Raider

02-02-06, 12:17 PM

If your TV is like mine (I have a Sony E50A10) it will show the AGC level on the diagnostics page when tuning a digital signal. I trick it into also metering analog signals by doing a full rescan with no antenna connected to clear out all stations then manually tuning the channel I want to measure with .1 appended to it after re-connecting the antenna. So, with no channels in the channel memory I tune 26.1, 53.1 and 69.1 and go to the diagnostics screen to get the AGC level of the local analog channels (no picture appears when doing this of course since the TV is trying to tune the analog signal with the digital tuner). To measure the digital equivalents you would use 34.1, 45.1, and 17.1 which will give you a picture and the diagnostics screen will show signal quality along with the AGC value. Any AGC reading on my TV of less than 33 with the preamplifier in the system is an extremely strong signal which could cause problems. ( The stronger the signal the lower the AGC reading).

I don't have a diagnostics page. :(

The only thing I have to measure signal strength is on the DirecTVio box.

I do get the New London HD feeds up in the high 80's for signal strenth. I haven't checked the channel 17 from RI strength yet.

The sad thing really about this is the amount of time and money I have spent on just trying to get the SuperBowl in HD. That and Lost.

I'd just might as well download Lost in HD and watch it on my 24" Dell LCD. :)

CT Raider

02-02-06, 12:24 PM

CT Raider - WFSB-DT (CBS) granted you a waiver for D*? How did you manage that?

Ross

I can only venture to guess.

I signed up with DirecTV over 10 years ago. I did all the same work I have done recently regarding the antenna stuff. I got the same analog reception then as I do now. Snowy crap. :mad:

So at that time I had to write and request the waivers myself. I received waiver for all the networks no problems. DirecTV then gave me the East and Westcoast feed of all the networks. :)

When I switched to HD with DirecTV they requested the waivers for me and within a day NBC, CBS and Fox all came back with approval. :D
Except for ABC! :mad:

ctdish

02-02-06, 01:04 PM

CT Raider,
The snowy picture on channel 10 will cause WTNH-DT to be unreceivable at your location as WTNH-DT is on the same channel. You could try to turn the antenna +-20 deg. and see if you can make WPRI turn completely to snow. Then try the digital receiver on WTNH and see what you get.
Your best bet is channel 49 WLNE from Providence. Channel 64 is broadcasts from a location very close to to 49. It is the analog FOX broadcast from Providence so adjust your antenna for the best picture on 64 and that should be your best shot at getting ABC and NBC from Providence. If you still get no signal, preamp overload needs to be suspected. You are probably getting a very strong signal from WPXQ on channels 17 and 69 overloading the preamp. The solution is a lower gain preamp and or notch filters for those channels. You could also try it without a preamp but one may be needed. Unfortunately, just removing the power from the preamp does not remove it from the line; it just becomes a big attenuator, so to do the test the preamp needs to be physically removed. John

stumacdo

02-02-06, 03:25 PM

I can only venture to guess.

I signed up with DirecTV over 10 years ago. I did all the same work I have done recently regarding the antenna stuff. I got the same analog reception then as I do now. Snowy crap. :mad:

So at that time I had to write and request the waivers myself. I received waiver for all the networks no problems. DirecTV then gave me the East and Westcoast feed of all the networks. :)

When I switched to HD with DirecTV they requested the waivers for me and within a day NBC, CBS and Fox all came back with approval. :D
Except for ABC! :mad:

Wow. I'm absolutely baffled by this as most of us on the thread who also have D* have all requested waivers and are only ever granted WVIT (Channel 30). I haven't heard of anybody who's been granted a waiver for any other channel. Wonder if something's changed and if we should try request waivers again ???

ctdish

02-02-06, 03:41 PM

I have a CBS waver and am in Mystic. I don't know if it came from Hartford, Providence, or both, Maybe it has to do with how far you are from the transmitters. John

jake14mw

02-02-06, 04:28 PM

I think the waivers do depend on where you are. I just recently got the usual denials with the only waiver being NBC.

Benihana2,

This Saturday's UConn game is not in HD on CBS.

deconvolver

02-02-06, 06:33 PM

I don't have a diagnostics page. :(
...

I just checked the manual for your TV online and it does have a diagnostics screen.
From the manual pages 101 and 102 it is at:
Menu->Applications Settings->Diagnostics.
The applications settings is the menu at the bottom that looks like a checkerboard. If you want to use this the way I described you will need to temporarily move the antenna connection from the Tivo to the antenna input on the TV. If you don't get the strong Providence stations with a correctly aimed antenna then I think you can just assume that WPXQ is overloading your pre-amp without doing the measurement though.

[PS] The new Sony TVs have very good tuners so you might receive channels with it that the Tivo can't get.

Benihana2

02-03-06, 08:46 AM

Benihana2,

This Saturday's UConn game is not in HD on CBS.
Jake,

Are you sure? I'm on tvlistings.com right now, and it's showing Connecticut at Indiana with the HD symbol. What listings are you using?

apaulct

02-03-06, 09:16 AM

From cbs.sportsline.com ... "Connecticut @ Indiana (National; HDTV)"

CBS Sports Schedule (http://cbs.sportsline.com/cbssports/schedules/page/collegebasketball)

RTracey

02-03-06, 09:40 AM

Wow. I'm absolutely baffled by this as most of us on the thread who also have D* have all requested waivers and are only ever granted WVIT (Channel 30). I haven't heard of anybody who's been granted a waiver for any other channel. Wonder if something's changed and if we should try request waivers again ???

Add me to the baffled list. I must be right on the border of some imaginary line if John has a waiver in Mystic and I can't get one in Niantic. :(

CT Raider

02-03-06, 10:58 AM

I just checked the manual for your TV online and it does have a diagnostics screen.

Sorry, my fault for not being more descriptive.

The diagnostics line is greyed out every time I check for it.

However upon trying some of your suggestions right now the TV located some HD feeds. I then went to check the diagnostics and it was available.

My results are as follows.

I had unplugged the power to the pre-amp, attached the antenna cable to the TV directly and did a search. It found 4 digital channels. While watching the HD feed 69.1 from Providence I brought up diagnostics screen. I decided to plug in the pre-amp and I lost the signal completely.

I guess my next step tonight is to check for frequency 49 (6.1) ABC out of Providence. Would you concur? Then maybe add the filter for channel 17 and 69.

deconvolver

02-03-06, 11:12 AM

Sorry, my fault for not being more descriptive.

The diagnostics line is greyed out every time I check for it.

However upon trying some of your suggestions right now the TV located some HD feeds. I then went to check the diagnostics and it was available.

My results are as follows.

I had unplugged the power to the pre-amp, attached the antenna cable to the TV directly and did a search. It found 4 digital channels. While watching the HD feed 69.1 from Providence I brought up diagnostics screen. I decided to plug in the pre-amp and I lost the signal completely.

I guess my next step tonight is to check for frequency 49 (6.1) ABC out of Providence. Would you concur? Then maybe add the filter for channel 17 and 69.
When you unplug the power to the pre-amp it doesn't just stop amplifying, it reduces the signal by a huge amount like ctdish mentioned. If you lost the signal on 69.1 when you plugged in the amp then you definitely have an overload condition. You will get kind of wet if you go on the roof now (yesterday would have been a better time) but removing the pre-amp completely may be worth a try.

CT Raider

02-03-06, 11:26 AM

When you unplug the power to the pre-amp it doesn't just stop amplifying, it reduces the signal by a huge amount like ctdish mentioned. If you lost the signal on 69.1 when you plugged in the amp then you definitely have an overload condition. You will get kind of wet if you go on the roof now (yesterday would have been a better time) but removing the pre-amp completely may be worth a try.

What about an attenuator so I don't have to go outside?

CT Raider

02-03-06, 11:47 AM

My antenna just came down onto my roof. :( :( :(

Hope it didn't put a hole in it. I gotta check it right now since it's not raining at this moment. :eek:

ctdish

02-03-06, 11:52 AM

CT Raider

02-03-06, 12:11 PM

I agree John to try with no preamp at all is the cheapest thin to try first. Can you get any picture on channel 64 analog? Even if it is pretty snowy you should still be able to get channel 49 digital. Also Radioshack made a preamp I had luck with that was a model 15-1108. Not sure if they still have it, but it has only 10 dB of gain at the antenna so it's much harder to ovwerload it. The preamp you have now has too much gain and even a filter might not save it. John

My previous post

Never mind for now
My antenna just came down onto my roof. :eek:

Hope it didn't put a hole in it. I gotta check it right now since it's not raining at this moment. :(

Just got off the roof before it downpoured. No hole in roof. :)

I'll post a couple of before and after pics in just a little bit.

CT Raider

02-03-06, 01:03 PM

ctdish

02-03-06, 01:13 PM

CT Raider

02-03-06, 01:23 PM

The tripod type doesn't matter much, but make sure the mast is guyed in all directions. I use nylon rope. The galvanized steel guys rust out and break in a couple of years. You could try doing some testing with a short mast so it is easier to try preamp and filter combinations with the antenna more accessible. John

I used the galvanized steel guy wire but it had a nylon coating. I might go with an extendable antenna mast again. I could start out with it in the collapsed position trying out the different equipment then raise it after.

deconvolver

02-03-06, 07:26 PM

Here is a link to view the before and after.

Antenna came down, Oh Crap (http://users.adelphia.net/~ctraider75/index.htm) :eek:

The 1 1/2 in mast bent at the clamp.

I could only put up 3 guy wires and the wind usually comes from the direction I couldn't use a guy wire on.

Now that the mast is down :( I won't mind changing the pre-amp so much. I think I am going to mount the mast on a tripod at the other end of the house that has a more clear shot of RI. Then I could also install 4 guy wires to secure the thing. Any suggestions on a particular tripod?
That is a monster antenna. If you don't care about analog stations you could probably do just as well with a smaller arangement of a UHF antenna mounted several feet above a VHF-high antenna. Here are the two that I use that way:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=&PROD=PR9032
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=&PROD=YA1713
Winegard also makes a good low gain pre-amp:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?CAT=&PROD=ANWHDP269

pmalve

02-04-06, 08:09 AM

Here is a link to view the before and after.

Antenna came down, Oh Crap (http://users.adelphia.net/~ctraider75/index.htm) :eek:

The 1 1/2 in mast bent at the clamp.

I could only put up 3 guy wires and the wind usually comes from the direction I couldn't use a guy wire on.

Now that the mast is down :( I won't mind changing the pre-amp so much. I think I am going to mount the mast on a tripod at the other end of the house that has a more clear shot of RI. Then I could also install 4 guy wires to secure the thing. Any suggestions on a particular tripod?

I have the same antenna you do and say you must have it on a tripod with 4 guy wires. It blows pretty good in wind. I love the antenna as I can get New York City channels and I am 78 miles from transmitter. Gives me options when CT channnels screw up their HD as channel 3 did last week. Happens a lot with Fox so I watch WNYW if WTIC is screwed up. I also have the cm7777 preamp but dont have any trouble with overloaded signal.

Cable70

02-04-06, 12:52 PM

I used the galvanized steel guy wire but it had a nylon coating. I might go with an extendable antenna mast again. I could start out with it in the collapsed position trying out the different equipment then raise it after.

Hey Ct Raider,
I haven't had WTNH in a while and wanted to get it for the superbowl.
I am not far from you in Montville and just got off my roof.
Well I lucked out and found a old Channel Master 1510, it is a VHF cut
for Ch 10.
I spent most of the morning trying different combonations. I ended up
with just this anntena and a Channel Master 7777 with the FM trap
in and the switch for use of the separate UHF and VHF inputs in that
position and hooked the anntena into the VHF only input and a 75 ohm
terminator on the UHF only input.
I wouldn't say it is rock solid but I am happy with the results.

Hope It Hepls !

Tower Guy

02-04-06, 03:18 PM

Just got this email response from wfsbengineering -

Ben,

We found the problem and we are working to correct it. If we do not have it fixed, we will have a work around so HD programming will be delivered.

Thanks for Watching

WFSB Engineering

I don't know what that means exactly, but it's encouraging from my perspective since I'm only interested in having them fix it by Saturday's UConn game (I can't stand CSI - if we were talking about ABC on 'Lost' Wednesdays, though, I would be freaking out a good deal more... :p )

I beleive that WFSB receives the CBS HD signal at their transmitter and switches it without sending it to the studio. The problem could be the CBS receiving equipment, the remote HD/SD switcher, the control panel for the remote switcher, or the communications link that controls the switcher.

madpoet

02-06-06, 04:25 PM

CHDinCT

02-06-06, 05:41 PM

WFSB has been bouncing around like crazy for me lately. Not sure what the deal is. I get it locked in, and then a couple hours later it seems like it's swinging wildly between 0 and 70+. My amp is completely removed from the picture now, and I'm talking about calm clear days. Really bizzare behavior.

You might want to note if any planes are in the area when the signal degrades, particularly if it is momentary but repeats several times in a 2-4 minute window. I have noticed that this happens to me with WFSB when low flying planes are in the area. I think it's a multipath issue that clears up when the plane is far enough away.

madpoet

02-06-06, 06:30 PM

Interesting thought... I've got a pretty clean shot but I'll have to see. When the bouncing starts it is pretty bad.

schmitter

02-07-06, 08:22 AM

When I had my amp installed, I used to get that all the time when a big truck would drive by my house. Removing the amp resolved the issue.

stumacdo

02-07-06, 09:49 AM

WFSB has been bouncing around like crazy for me lately. Not sure what the deal is. I get it locked in, and then a couple hours later it seems like it's swinging wildly between 0 and 70+. My amp is completely removed from the picture now, and I'm talking about calm clear days. Really bizzare behavior.

I don't think you're alone - I've also been seeing the same problems with WFSB OTA the last few weeks. I believe a few pages back, one of the WFSB engineers was checking into the board and seemed like he was really open to helping out. I would shoot him an email and see if something's up.

sp1dey

02-07-06, 11:29 AM

When did WFSB add the 3hd logo? it's really annoying, given the CBS logo is also present during HD broadcasts.

cbagger01

02-07-06, 12:19 PM

I had occasional "hiccups" when watching WGGB-DT with an amplified antenna.

I turned the amplifier OFF and the hiccups went away and the S/N ratio for the station improved.

madpoet

02-07-06, 12:50 PM

My amp is gone, I'm purely on the antenna now. So it's not the amp ;). But it is still happening badly.

wittmer

02-07-06, 09:35 PM

Anyone getting 35-3? I get the 35-4 subchannel but nothing but a blank screen on 35-3. Same thing Monday night — analog Las Vegas was so disappointing.

bac2010

02-08-06, 12:23 PM

When did WFSB add the 3hd logo? it's really annoying, given the CBS logo is also present during HD broadcasts.

I noticed this last night. Very annoying. It is on even during commercials.

cheneyp

02-08-06, 03:28 PM

When did WFSB add the 3hd logo? it's really annoying, given the CBS logo is also present during HD broadcasts.

I've noticed this but I don't see both logos, just the 3HD logo

Seeth Ransom

02-09-06, 12:10 PM

Hi All,
I got it!! I added an attenuator to lower the wall of Pax. I also added RS $10 Rabbit ears, connected to the UHF (RS u75). My Pre-amp (RS) requires less power, which I believe lowers any noise.
The antenna is connected to a concrete stamper. This is on one tall stool, and one short. The Rabbit ear leads are connected right to the UHF antenna, but no elements touch. I secured the rabbit ears on the back of the UHF on the preamp housing (electrical tape). I put This Large "indoor antenna" (my roomy is more correct by calling it an abomination) in the corner of my 3rd floor office. In this one position I at last get channel 8 (which would not be seen before the rabbit ears), 30, 61, 59. Those are my most wached networks. I also get I/Pax, CPTV, and 23. Some tweaks to the preamp gain is sometimes needed for the UHF's. For now, I am leaving it where it is. It is a sweet spot.
It would be nice to get 3, and 20, though I don't view them much. I'm not sure this current set-up will do it. Since it is inside, it makes it tough. I am saving for a nice mast/tripod to move this set-up outdoors. I'll take a pic of how it looks now for all of you later. It will be sure to make you laugh. Atleast it works!
Thank you all for your help, this thread holds a wealth of info! This BBS is also huge. I am able to find a place for all diffent issues with HDTV.
I do have a few questions. I hear I can get Eastern cable for just basic networks, as well as an HDTV PVR for $20 monthly. Has anyone used this service, and what are your thoughts? I don't think they have channel 8. Can I get 8 OTA to record on the PVR? are there any low prive OTA PVR's I can get outright (or a link to the correct forum)? It is tough for me to catch the shows live sometimes.
Thanx again!
Seeth

KL71

02-14-06, 09:26 AM

:confused: Where I work in Newington, we have two HD-capable TVs hooked with amplified indoor antennas to show at least a little digital TV. All we can get consistently are WFSB-DT (channel 33) and WVIT-DT (channel 35). WTIC-DT (channel 31) is very intermittent, with a Panasonic 50" TV having better results than the 52" RCA TV sitting next to it. Both TVs are in a large tv wall running an in-house cable feed on them. We don't get any VHF signals whatsoever (3, 8, digital 10 or digital 12). Management won't allow us to do anything else with the antennas (and didn't want any antennas on the TVs in the first place).

I don't own anything capable of digital broadcasting at home in New Britain. My grandmother's Zenith TV downstairs is HD-capable but needs a set-top box or the right type of Comcast digital converter (which she doesn't have) to pass digital signals through.

budalb

02-18-06, 02:59 PM

Redux

02-20-06, 02:27 AM

Following up: The Channnel Master 4228 8 bay bowtie pointed north gets me everything reasonable except 39 (including VHF 10 [coathanger strength here] and 12). An antenna coupler gets me 39 with the 2 bay bowtie DTV (Halstead) left me, pointed SW. I'm going to substitute for the simple coupler a CM Join-tenna specifically for 39 to clean things up.

Also get ABC from Springfield, most of the time. only glimmers of Springfield PBS. No sign of Springfield 22, No CT PBS at all.

I tried to add a CM 7777 preamp but it only degrades, in combined VHF/UHF mode. In separate VHF/UFH mode it boosts the northern UHF signals somewhat, but not unexpectedly loses me channel 12. I think this may be a defective 7777 (in combined mode) and I'm looking into that.

In general I very much recommend the CM 4228 8 bay bowtie for this area, just a bit shy of picking up Springfield beyond ABC; but 39 is going to need some work.

caeguy

02-21-06, 08:20 AM

I've noticed this but I don't see both logos, just the 3HD logo

I just sent a email to WFSB to remove this logo. wfsb@wfsb.com. I suggest others do the same if this bothers you. The response was that they would pass it on to the managers. :rolleyes:

RTracey

02-21-06, 08:29 AM

Anyone else have a problem with WTNH last night/this morning (no picture or sound)? I figure their PSIP is messed up again like it was a couple of weeks ago, although they're not showing up on 10-1 either, which is where the signal ended up last time. Just spoke to Angelo in Engineering this morning, and he tells me he was watching WTNH OTA last night with no problem.

Ross

bac2010

02-21-06, 12:29 PM

When I went to the Big E last year, the Comcast guys in the Better Living Center said the Springfield area would be getting DVRs with much larger disks. He was talking 256gb! Anyone in the Hartford area have one of these? He said he could only speak about Mass and not Conn since they are different regions for Comcast.

AreBee

02-21-06, 12:36 PM

I live in Unionville, CT. I have managed to receive WFSB-DT, WVIT-DT, WTIC-DT, WUVN-DT from Farmington tower. I can also receive WGGB-DT from Springfield, MA, but not WGBY-DT. My Silver Sensor is aiming at Springfield. But unfortunately I failed to receive other channels. I am specially interested in PBS. My question is: Can I receive WGBY-DT from Springfield with an outdoor antenna, e.g. DB2? Do I need a bigger one? Will I receive channels from New Haven if I aim an outdoor antenna at Springfield?

Thanks

I'm sure you would get WGBY-DT with an outdoor antenna. I live up the street from you by the Soccer fields (Tunxis Mead) and I get every station you mentioned with my Winegard antenna and rotor plus WGBY-DT, WTNH-DT, WTXX-DT and WCTX-DT. My antenna is in my attic, so outdoors would only improve reception for you. Check out Signal Electronics @ 589 New Park Ave in West Hartford. I bought my entire set-up there. Antenna, mast, cabling and remote control rotor. They are great to deal with and very reasonably priced. Signal recently merged with Cumberland Electroics, so I'm not sure what name is on the sign.

Links to my antenna and rotor:

http://www.winegard.com/offair/pdf/pr-7015.pdf

http://starkelectronic.com/rotor.htm#rotor

stumacdo

02-21-06, 03:43 PM

WHNB

02-21-06, 07:17 PM

I just sent a email to WFSB to remove this logo. wfsb@wfsb.com. I suggest others do the same if this bothers you. The response was that they would pass it on to the managers. :rolleyes:

The "3HD" logo is visually unappealing, and should not be present when the CBS "eye" is there during network airtime. Thankfully it is completely out of the picture and over in the sidebar during 4:3 broadcasts. But leaving "3HD" on during 4:3 programs misinforms viewers who are new to HD by making them think standard digital is high definition.

budalb

02-21-06, 07:49 PM

I'm sure you would get WGBY-DT with an outdoor antenna. I live up the street from you by the Soccer fields (Tunxis Mead) and I get every station you mentioned with my Winegard antenna and rotor plus WGBY-DT, WTNH-DT, WTXX-DT and WCTX-DT. My antenna is in my attic, so outdoors would only improve reception for you. Check out Signal Electronics @ 589 New Park Ave in West Hartford. I bought my entire set-up there. Antenna, mast, cabling and remote control rotor. They are great to deal with and very reasonably priced. Signal recently merged with Cumberland Electroics, so I'm not sure what name is on the sign.

Thanks for your message. Did you ever try to receive channels from both Springfield and New Haven using one antenna? I just don't like antenna rotor which adds one more remote. Will two antenna pointing different directions work? How far should they be apart?

Thanks

Redux

02-21-06, 08:24 PM

Did you end up basically running the 4228 without the amp ? I live in the same area as you and am using the amp but my performacy definitely varies. Wondering if I should just remove the amp and try go direct. I live on the Wallingford / Cheshire border.Short answer: try the 4228 without the preamp; we've got some signals here too strong for the 7777 preamp and it's overloading.

I suspect that without preamp, and properly pointed, you'll get 10 (ABC 8 WTNH), 12 (WB 20 WTXX), 31 (Fox 61 WTIC), 35 (NBC 30 WVIT) and probably 33 (CBS WFSB) and maybe 55 (ABC 40 WGGB). Probably not 39 (UPN 59 WCTX).

You might also try internally switching the preamp to seperate UHF/VHF. Put a 75 ohm terminator on the VHF input. I expect you'll see significant overall signal improvement, but you'll lose 12 (WB 20 WTXX). Of course a separate cut VHF antenna specifically for 12 (if anybody still sells cuts) plugged into the preamp would solve that. But for 39 you'd need still another small antenna coupled.

Eliminating the preamp is not a great solution because a few of these channels need a little boost to stay steady through weather/Spring foliage/etc.

So my setup is a work in progress. Right now I'm without the amp and getting everything (including 39 from a second small antenna), but a couple channels only in the 60s readings (steady, not swinging), and ABC Springfield is in and out. I took the amp out because it seemed to overload when internally switched to combined UHF/VHF, though it didn't overload switched to separate UHF/VHF. Stark Electronics tells me it's definitely overload and a replacement 7777 amp would do the same. I'm still puzzled about why overload on _combined_ setting but not _separate_, but he seems to know what he's talking about.

Among other things I'm going to try is to put a UHF/VHF splitter right at the 4228, run seperate UHF and VHF lines into the 7777 amp (obviously switched to separate UHF/VHF) and see if the signal comes out clean.

j_sunne

02-21-06, 08:26 PM

Seems Fox can't get the HD thing working yet once again. American Idol is their blown out SD feed with a nice sharp Fox 61 logo in the corner.

stumacdo

02-22-06, 08:33 AM

Short answer: try the 4228 without the preamp; we've got some signals here too strong for the 7777 preamp and it's overloading.

I suspect that without preamp, and properly pointed, you'll get 10 (ABC 8 WTNH), 12 (WB 20 WTXX), 31 (Fox 61 WTIC), 35 (NBC 30 WVIT) and probably 33 (CBS WFSB) and maybe 55 (ABC 40 WGGB). Probably not 39 (UPN 59 WCTX).

I tried this last night for chuckles. Without the preamp using a CM4228 pointed in the general direction of Hartford, I was able to pick up Fox, NBC, CBS and WB. Believe it or not, the one channel that wouldn't come in was ABC (couldn't get a consistent signal). I've also got a VHF antenna on my roof that I'm currently using for ABC only. I've got a Jointenna currently on order for ABC that I should get shortly. I think my final solution will be to go CM4228 un-amplified with the Jointenna blocking ABC from the 4228 (since the ABC signal is flaky). I'll then join that signal with the VHF Yagi I have on the roof pointing towards New Haven. Voila, theoretically I should be good to go. Theoretically........

Redux

02-22-06, 10:09 AM

I think my final solution will be to go CM4228 un-amplified with the Jointenna blocking ABC from the 4228 (since the ABC signal is flaky). I'll then join that signal with the VHF Yagi I have on the roof pointing towards New Haven..While you're waiting for the Join-tenna (can take a couple of weeks) as long as you're in for chuckles you could try any old splitter/combiner you have lying around to merge your VHF and it just might work. There's not much coming in from the VHF that's going to screw up the UHF stations you already get though you may lose WB. It's even faintly possible that enough 39 (UPN 59 WCTX) might leak through from the VHF. Not a solution, just something that might be fun to try while you're waiting.

Edited to remove some incorrect description of the join-tenna.

AreBee

02-22-06, 12:35 PM

Thanks for your message. Did you ever try to receive channels from both Springfield and New Haven using one antenna? I just don't like antenna rotor which adds one more remote. Will two antenna pointing different directions work? How far should they be apart?

Thanks

Because CT and Springfield's transmitters are all over the place geographically, even aiming in two antennae in different directions may not be enough. That's why I picked a rotor. WTNH-DT and WGBY-DT are about 100 degrees apart on my rotor. So, I can't pick them both up in the same antenna position. In fact, I have different antenna positions for almost all my channels. I think WTIC-DT, WTXX-DT and WVIT-DT use the same position and WTNH-DT and WCTX-DT use the same position. WFSB-DT and WGBY-DT are both in different antenna positions. Often times, due to weather conditions, I will have to fine tune the position with the rotor. Without it, I'd be watching a lot of pixellization interruptions.

You also have WTNH-DT (Channel 10) and WTXX-DT (Channel 12) on the VHF spectrum and I picked a UHF/VHF combo antenna to contend with that. By the way, the rotor's remote can be integrated into a Universal remote very easily.

joehorn

02-23-06, 07:05 AM

I don't know if everyone already knows this but I found this on a trade website
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DirecTV Inc. announced the next two-dozen markets that will receive its local HD programming.

The direct-broadcast satellite provider said it will begin offering HD programming from the four primary broadcast networks -- ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC -- in the first of the 24 new markets in April.

Subscribers with the appropriate HD-receiving equipment who subscribe to a DirecTV programming package that includes local channels will receive both the standard-definition and HD signals at no extra monthly charge.

DirecTV currently offers standard-definition local channels in 141 markets and HD local channels in 12 markets: Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Detroit; Houston; Los Angeles; New York; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington, D.C.

The 24 new HD markets will be: Baltimore; Birmingham, Ala.; Charlotte, N.C.; Cleveland; Columbus, Ohio; Denver; Fresno, Calif.; Hartford, Conn.; Indianapolis; Kansas City, Mo./Kan.; Miami; Milwaukee; Minneapolis; Nashville, Tenn.; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix; Pittsburgh; Raleigh, N.C.; Sacramento, Calif.; Salt Lake City; San Diego; Seattle; St. Louis; and West Palm Beach, Fla.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

again if there are ever any questions please feel free to email me

wfsbengineering@wfsb.com

As far as NCAA plans, WFSB plans to do the same as last year. Run 3 streams of games on our DT signal. We are still subject to what games are in HD by CBS. Of course we will not know the games we are going to show becasue of the brackets not being picked yet. Be assured that when UCONN is on, they will be in HD :)

More to come........

Thanks for watching!

WFSB Engineering

brewer4

02-23-06, 09:52 AM

Thanks Joe. I really liked the 3 channel broadcast last year for NCAA. So much, it made the NCAA March Madness package through Directv obsolete.

budalb

02-23-06, 06:01 PM

Because I can get WGGB-DT from Springfield and channels from Farmington using Silver Sensor, I should be able to get the same channels plus WGBY-DT with one UHF outdoor antenna. I should get VHF channels from New Haven if I add another VHF antenna. Some people even get VHF in the back direction with CM 4228. I will try this when spring (in consideration of leaves) comes.

It is very weird that I get similar or better signal from WGGB-DT if I point my Silver Sensor to Farmington tower which is normal to Springfield direction. BTW. I have aluminum siding and the antenna is in a wood-sided one story family room in the back of the main house. Does aluminum siding act as a reflector?

Because CT and Springfield's transmitters are all over the place geographically, even aiming in two antennae in different directions may not be enough. That's why I picked a rotor. WTNH-DT and WGBY-DT are about 100 degrees apart on my rotor. So, I can't pick them both up in the same antenna position. In fact, I have different antenna positions for almost all my channels. I think WTIC-DT, WTXX-DT and WVIT-DT use the same position and WTNH-DT and WCTX-DT use the same position. WFSB-DT and WGBY-DT are both in different antenna positions. Often times, due to weather conditions, I will have to fine tune the position with the rotor. Without it, I'd be watching a lot of pixellization interruptions.

You also have WTNH-DT (Channel 10) and WTXX-DT (Channel 12) on the VHF spectrum and I picked a UHF/VHF combo antenna to contend with that. By the way, the rotor's remote can be integrated into a Universal remote very easily.

caeguy

02-24-06, 07:42 AM

pmalve

02-24-06, 01:27 PM

I didn't see the 3HD logo last night. Is it gone for good? :)

\One can only hope

jake14mw

02-27-06, 11:35 PM

...
As far as NCAA plans, WFSB plans to do the same as last year. Run 3 streams of games on our DT signal. We are still subject to what games are in HD by CBS. Of course we will not know the games we are going to show becasue of the brackets not being picked yet. Be assured that when UCONN is on, they will be in HD :)

More to come........

Thanks for watching!

WFSB Engineering

Joe,

I went back through the posts here from last year, and I didn't see any mention of you guys doing 3 games on your DT signal. Are you sure that's what you did? Someone from WFSB posted here asking whether we wanted to see more games or full bandwith devoted to HD. The consensus was to have full quality HD. My vote would be to have an HD game on 3.1 another game on 3.2, and a different game on analog channel 3. Thanks.

jake14mw

02-27-06, 11:40 PM

Joe,

Also I notied a post about the PQ of last years games and I have noticed the same thing on some HD college games this year on WFSB. It is the same problem I am still seeing. From March last year:

************************
Hello33-3,

Thanks for the information. I have an a question about a technical problem that I have been seeing during games. What happens is that the picture becomes blurry and then gradually comes back in focus. The time from becoming blurry to being back in focus is around 3 seconds.

I noticed this, and then also noticed that somebody posted the same thing in the NCAA tourney thread in the programming forum. Many others confirm seeing the problem. Here is the link: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...316#post5367316

Somebody (CKNA) from CT who seems to know what he is talking about said this:

"I have seen but it is not a camera. It is an MPEG2 encoder at some stations. I believe it affects Harris Flexicoders. Some people may not see it as their station may use different encoder. ABC had the same problem couple years ago. To fix all they have to do is change one setting from auto to manual. I do not however, remember what this setting is called.

Maybe dr1394 can post what it is."

dr1394 replied:

"It's an adaptive pre-filter (on the Harris Flexicoder) that's set a little too
aggressively and switches out a little too slowly.

I believe Rory Boyce knows the correct settings.

Ron"

Of course I have no idea whether this diagnosis is correct, but can you comment on this problem at all? Do you folks use Harris Flexicoders?

************************

Can you comment on this?

jake14mw

03-03-06, 01:11 PM

3-2 is the low power channel from springfield. Actually was good to have. When they had Billy Graham in 3-1 3-2 showed the CBS newtwork shows.

Does anyone know if WFSB is still broadcasting the Springfield CBS on 3-2?

KML0224

03-03-06, 02:49 PM

jake14mw

03-03-06, 03:38 PM

I don't see why not. I have seen a spot for 33-3 ("3-3") on the digital TV set up at work that's been blank to this point. 33-2 ("3-2") was still the CBS 3 feed for Springfield. My question here is this: Will the game on the CBS 3 feed be different from what is shown on Hartford's channel 3?

That's exactly why I asked the question! It would be a wasted opportunity if they had to have the same game on 3-2 as they do on 3. I could see if UCONN or BC was on to have the game on both, but otherwise WFSB please give us different games so that we have a choice!

JDN, Cox-Meriden

03-03-06, 08:24 PM

Donjoy

03-04-06, 09:17 AM

carlosolaechea

03-04-06, 04:35 PM

pmalve

03-04-06, 06:46 PM

Do you know if the Dish Network will also offer HD local for the Hartford and New Heaven Area at the same time?

Don't think so. We haven't been mentioned on any of there announcements.

WHNB

03-05-06, 04:31 PM

Dish Network subscribers who live in Fairfield County, Connecticut are eligible to receive the New York City TV stations in high definition by satellite.

Dish successfully launched another satellite into orbit within the past month that may become operational around June/July. This new satellite will enable them to expand their HD local station offerings.

But as it took several years before Dish spotbeamed the Connecticut analog TV stations into this area, it may be awhile before the HD/digital versions are sent down here by a Dish satellite.

It is on the horizon. Many pages back in this forum I mentioned that I had heard on one of the monthly "chats" televised to Dish subscribers that the CEO stated that local stations wouldn't be spotbeamed in high definition "in his lifetime" because there "just isn't enough bandwidth". The progression of technology, and specifically the new compression method MPEG-4, have proven him wrong.

With both Dish and Direct, there is the question of the quality of a local station's picture when it is sent via a "middleman". Some subscribers to the satellite providers as well as the cable systems occasionally speak of "HD Lite", where the picture is less than acceptable because it has been "diluted" through compression. Many viewers that can receive local digital TV over-the-air believe that they are getting a better picture than what is sent by a middleman (satellite/cable). Plus, there are no monthly fees for locals when an antenna is used. Viewers who are far removed from the broadcast towers obviously can't always choose OTA.

Dish will e-mail you with the announcement of the launch of Hartford/New Haven HD locals (as well as other cities) if you enter your e-mail address at the bottom right of the Dish homepage. You'll receive e-mails that are aimed at investors and the press, but are for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on what's happening at the company. http://www.dishnetwork.com/

The main page of DBS Talk will also have the announcement of Dish's launch of the Hartford/New Haven market in HD when it happens. Scroll down the "Headlines" in the middle of the page. Right now on their homepage is news of the latest market to get HD locals via satellite: Denver, Colorado. http://www.dbstalk.com/

schmitter

03-06-06, 08:09 AM

So, I've installed a HDTV card in my computer. And I've been experimenting with rabbit ears. Using a program on the computer (dtvscan (it's a linux program)) I've gotten a signal strength of about 70-75% on WTNH (CH10)(surprisingly absent the last 2 days) and WVIT (35). I have picked up weaker signals on WFSB(33), WTIC(31) and a couple of others.

Now I'm looking to buy a better antenna. I live in an apartment (on the 12th floor, in downtown Meriden), but think I could put an outdoor antenna on my balcony. I hoping someone can recommend a reputable dealer that I can get good advice from before I buy. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jon - Meriden CT

Probably won't work for you but it won't really cost anything to try, but a lot of appartments had rooftop antennas installed and cables going to each appartment. Look around your apartment for a wall plate that may or may not look like a cable wall plate, I have seen a few that are still hooked up to an antenna system.

AreBee

03-06-06, 11:27 AM

KML0224

03-06-06, 01:19 PM

With all the excessive wind we saw over the last two weeks, WFSB-DT reception was horrible in Farmington at all times of the day. The UCONN-Nova game last Sunday afternoon was unwatchable and something my wife TiVo'd during primetime had to be tossed because it was so bad.

All other D-TV stations were fine during those windy periods.

:confused: How does wind affect UHF reception in the first place? Is it because the wind is stronger at higher levels (near the top of the transmitting towers) and is physically moving the transmitter around? Usually for me at home in New Britain and at work in Newington, it's virtually the same thing.

RTracey

03-06-06, 03:58 PM

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has noticed that channels 3 and 61 have been dropping in strength at night . Seems to me that they were in the high 80's to 90 then drop to around 74-75 at night with lots of drop outs. Do they lower their power sometimes. Wonder why such fluctuation on calm nights. I live in the Enfield area and get the following

channel 3 76%_ 92%
8 65%-68%
20 65%-67%
30 90%
22 90%
61 75%-90%
also get channel 24 and 59 analog not in digital HMM!

I am wondering if when the trees get on the trees will my signal drop dramatically, i am using a Antenna that was on my cape for years back to the day of the rotor good antenna but rotor is frozen I run a 300 ohms from antenna into basement then switch to 75 ohms for run to entertainment center a 942 dish with OTA tuner also split from 300 hms to stereos in house for better fm signal
Love this site thankyou for any imput

Most "signal strength" meters are really showing signal quality (signal to noise), so if yours is bouncing around that much (70%-90%) on ch 3 & 61, that probably explains the dropouts. Could be atmospherics, but you're close enough to Bradley that one possible explanation might be multipath from overflying aircraft. While it won't solve a multipath problem, you could improve your reception (less signal loss and less noise) by replacing the 300 ohm cable with RG6. And yes, if you have leaves between your antenna and the transmitter, chances are that will degrade your reception (although with 90% "signal strength", it may not be noticeable).

Ross

tase2

03-07-06, 05:21 PM

raoul5788

03-07-06, 06:27 PM

A co-worker told me that he talked a D* CSR last night and was told Hartford-New Haven will have their HD Locals in April. Is this true? Will he need the new 5 LNB Dish? I told him indeed he did, but CSR said no :confused:

Nothing is for sure with D* until after it happens. April sounds about right, though. He will definitely need the new 5 lnb dish for hd locals.

CHDinCT

03-07-06, 08:30 PM

So, I've installed a HDTV card in my computer. And I've been experimenting with rabbit ears. Using a program on the computer (dtvscan (it's a linux program)) I've gotten a signal strength of about 70-75% on WTNH (CH10)(surprisingly absent the last 2 days) and WVIT (35). I have picked up weaker signals on WFSB(33), WTIC(31) and a couple of others.

Now I'm looking to buy a better antenna. I live in an apartment (on the 12th floor, in downtown Meriden), but think I could put an outdoor antenna on my balcony. I hoping someone can recommend a reputable dealer that I can get good advice from before I buy. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jon - Meriden CT

Jon,

Try Signal Electronics in West hartford for some good advice and installer recommendations if you need that, but beware that all sales are final with most local antenna suppliers. Lowes and Radio Shack will do returns, however, but good luck on advice.

By the way, for any D* subs out there that are interested, I upgraded to the new H20 HD box in February and have experienced improved OTA signal strength. Drop outs are all but gone. I've only see occasional very brief drops on WFSB when the wind hits about 35 mph due to my CH 4228 moving a bit I assume.

Chris

jake14mw

03-07-06, 10:01 PM

carlosolaechea

03-07-06, 11:21 PM

Nothing is for sure with D* until after it happens. April sounds about right, though. He will definitely need the new 5 lnb dish for hd locals.
Help me out please! Are you talking about the dish Network offering HD Locals in April??

jake14mw

03-08-06, 07:25 AM

No, D* on these boards stands for DirecTV. Dish Network has announced no plans on providing locals for this area.

CHDinCT

03-08-06, 12:59 PM

Chris, you upgraded to the H20 from what? I went from a Zenith HD-SAT520 to an HDTivo, and my reception is now unreliable.

Upgraded from a Samsung T160 (can't remember the exact model number but usually referred to as the 160). OTA reception was notable improved. I don't have a DVR yet, but plan on getting the new MPEG-4 version from D* when it's offered, assuming no fatal flaws are reported.

Chris

JDN, Cox-Meriden

03-08-06, 05:37 PM

Probably won't work for you but it won't really cost anything to try, but a lot of appartments had rooftop antennas installed and cables going to each appartment. Look around your apartment for a wall plate that may or may not look like a cable wall plate, I have seen a few that are still hooked up to an antenna system.

Good idea. I know because I thought of that too :-). Unfortunately it must not be connected anymore. I can see the antennas on the roof but no signal on the wire.

Thanks,
Jon

JDN, Cox-Meriden

03-08-06, 05:52 PM

Jon,

Try Signal Electronics in West hartford for some good advice and installer recommendations if you need that, but beware that all sales are final with most local antenna suppliers. Lowes and Radio Shack will do returns, however, but good luck on advice.

Chris

I went there. But the person I talked to couldn't give me a lot of help. He did give me a Channel Master catalog (showed me the SMARTenna for apartment use) and a spec sheet for a Winegard SquareShooter. I did ask about the return policy.

I decided to experiment with my rabbit ears some more. After reading a guide on how to get the best from them I was able to get a signal strength of 65% or better on:
ABC WTNH 10
UPN WTXX 12
FOX WTIC 31
CBS WFSB 33
NBC WVIT 35
UPN WCTX 39

but not with the antenna in the same place. No matter what I do I can't get anything on either:
PBS WEDH 45
PBS WEDW 52

It would be nice to find one antenna, that I could keep in the same place that would give me all of the above. I'm not sure if anything (that would fit on my balcony) exists for that.

Thanks,
Jon

ckramer

03-08-06, 07:33 PM

I went there. But the person I talked to couldn't give me a lot of help. He did give me a Channel Master catalog (showed me the SMARTenna for apartment use) and a spec sheet for a Winegard SquareShooter. I did ask about the return policy.

I decided to experiment with my rabbit ears some more. After reading a guide on how to get the best from them I was able to get a signal strength of 65% or better on:
ABC WTNH 10
UPN WTXX 12
FOX WTIC 31
CBS WFSB 33
NBC WVIT 35
UPN WCTX 39

but not with the antenna in the same place. No matter what I do I can't get anything on either:
PBS WEDH 45
PBS WEDW 52

It would be nice to find one antenna, that I could keep in the same place that would give me all of the above. I'm not sure if anything (that would fit on my balcony) exists for that.

Thanks,
Jon

Jon,

You can forget about WEDH for now. Here is an earlier post from this thread:

Hi there Donjoy

I get WGBY 57 1 thru 4 here in Middletown 30 miles south of you so you should get it well. They have real nice nice programs on. I get them at 65%. And this is with an indoor RS bowtie antenna but its up in my 4th floor loft. I cant get 22 out of Springfield though.

WEDH 24 CPTV is only digital if you subscrbe to one of the cable services I think but they have a digital antenna in Norwich which is too far for us.