I think the channel 45 approval was for 2009 after the analog shutdown. PBS is still waiting for the interum time period.
John

If ch 45 has been approved for WEDH, where does that leave WEDN which is already broadcasting on 45? WEDN carries the PBS HD feed. :confused:

If ch 45 has been approved for WEDH, where does that leave WEDN which is already broadcasting on 45? WEDN carries the PBS HD feed. :confused:

According to this website, they are switching to digital channel 9.
http://www.necrat.com/dtv.html

The FCC approved Channel 45 for CPTV about two weeks ago.

Arnold,

That's great news!

Does that expedite WHNB's estimate for WEDH-DT or does summer 2007 sound right?

For two weeks I lost WFSB-DT today it's back...Missed alot of shows...

Thanks for those that replyed to my question.

Now each receiver receives 3.1 again :)

Arnold,

That's great news!

Does that expedite WHNB's estimate for WEDH-DT or does summer 2007 sound right?

Unless there is another unexpected delay, Spring '07 should see all the Rattlesnake DTV's operating on their permanent facilities.

Unless there is another unexpected delay, Spring '07 should see all the Rattlesnake DTV's operating on their permanent facilities.

That sounds great.....finally!

In Hartford/Simsbury, can I get local HD stations via Comcast with a QAM tuner like MyHD 130 (and without Comcast cable box)? Thanks (I did try to search for an answer)

In Hartford/Simsbury, can I get local HD stations via Comcast with a QAM tuner like MyHD 130 (and without Comcast cable box)? Thanks (I did try to search for an answer)

Try asking in the local Comcast thread, you will likely have better luck.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=585963&highlight=comcast

WTICDT - No OTA signal yet again. I didn't really want to watch the Giants loose again anyway! Unbelievable.

its actually going ti be the Pats and Bears.

its actually going ti be the Pats and Bears.

Yeah - I see that now. Fox NY, which I get in SD, is showing NYG vs Tenn. Just assumed WTIC was showing the same game. Are you picking up WTICDT OTA? I show zero signal strength on my H20. Just seems WTIC pays no attention to their OTA DT broadcast. I seriously doubt it has anything to do with the antenna upgrade as zero signal is different than reduced signal, which I've also seen from time to time. WTIC can go from perfect to nothing at any time of day or night, usually when I'm most interested in watching something. If this doesn't clear up with the final antenna installation, I'll be writing the FCC. I'm being forced to get cable just cause WTIC is incompetent!

Chris - not sure if it's of much help to you right now, but I'm picking up WTIC-DT without any problem. Only been watching it intermittently over the last few weeks, but haven't noticed any reception issues.

Ross

Chris - not sure if it's of much help to you right now, but I'm picking up WTIC-DT without any problem. Only been watching it intermittently over the last few weeks, but haven't noticed any reception issues.

Ross

Checked back around 7:00 PM and saw it was back on the air, but with noticeable breakups in the picture. I really would like to know if I'm the only one that has this issue. Doesn't make sense when the signal meter reads zero. If they've severely reduced power, than there would have to be a lot of us OTA subs that loose the signal, not just me. I'm in Killingworth. WTICDT comes in between 70% - 80% on my H20 went it's working, so I'm not in a fringe area to begin with.

Chris,
It almost certain that WTIC DT is not off the air or even changing their power level during the periods of time that you are unable to receive them. If they further lowered power other people would see it. They are not at their final max power right now as construction work is going on at the transmitter site.
The signal or apparent signal level changes you experience are due to propagation changes. I see the level of many stations go up and down by 10 or more dB as the weather changes although a particular type of weather does not always cause good or bad propagation. Very good distant propagation can also be bad for digital TV as most channels are shared with analog stations within a hundred miles. When the distant one gets strong the local digital is unreceivable. John

Chris,
It almost certain that WTIC DT is not off the air or even changing their power level during the periods of time that you are unable to receive them. If they further lowered power other people would see it. They are not at their final max power right now as construction work is going on at the transmitter site.
The signal or apparent signal level changes you experience are due to propagation changes. I see the level of many stations go up and down by 10 or more dB as the weather changes although a particular type of weather does not always cause good or bad propagation. Very good distant propagation can also be bad for digital TV as most channels are shared with analog stations within a hundred miles. When the distant one gets strong the local digital is unreceivable. John

Approx 8:37 - Zero signal strength from WTICDT. How's yours?

Approx 8:37 - Zero signal strength from WTICDT. How's yours?
In Prospect, I'm getting a full signal reading on WTIC-DT.

Are you aware that WTIC-DT is currently mapping to 31-3, and not to channel 61-1? Just checking, you never know.

In Prospect, I'm getting a full signal reading on WTIC-DT.

Are you aware that WTIC-DT is currently mapping to 31-3, and not to channel 61-1? Just checking, you never know.

It's coming in strong for me here in Cheshire. PaulieORF, mine is showing up at 61-1 on my LG3200a.

Hmm... Must just be my tuner that's mapping it differently. Anyone else seeing 31-3 and not 61-1?

61-1 on an HR20-250

Ross

ok, I have a question. hope someone can help.

I recently upgraded to DiercTV HD service. I got an indoor off-air antenna to pick up the OTA signal. so far, I can get 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 20-1, 20-2, 30-1, 30-2, and 61-1 no problem. I get nothing HD wise for WTNH, channel 59, or any of the PBS stations. I've moved the antenna all over the room with no change. Is it my antenna or is something going on with their side? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Probably antenna/location issue. In Manchester I can get WTNH, but the antenna has to pointed pretty much exactly at the transmitter. The antenna I have to use to get WTNH is a midsized outdoor style I bought at Lowes. It is a Channelmaster something or other. When I am set up to get WTNH I get no PBS, for that I have to rotate my antenna to Springfield and put an inline amp on the line. When I do that it overdrives WFSB and WTXX so they don't come in.

that's what I was guessing. I'm in Middletown, so i figured, being in between HTFD\NH I would be able to get everything. I'm guessing an outdoor antenna is the way to go?

that's what I was guessing. I'm in Middletown, so i figured, being in between HTFD\NH I would be able to get everything. I'm guessing an outdoor antenna is the way to go?

Check www.antennaweb.org to see where exactly to point your antenna. An outside one is better than inside, of course. PBS isn't broadcasting digitally yet from Hartford.

I'm in New Britain's south end and get next to nothing from Avon Mountain, thanks to Walnut Hill and Walnut Hill Park being in the same direction (I'm at the bottom of that hill). I can only get WFSB-DT via a QAM cable tuner hookup. With the indoor antenna, I get decent results from WTNH, WTXX, WVIT, WCTX and WTIC. WHPX is so-so and I occasionally get WPXQ-DT (I) from the Providence market. The sound on "69-1" (actually 17-1) is better than WHPX's is!

By the way, any update on WEDH-TV analog channel 24 and Rattlesnake Mountain? :confused:

WTIC is the hardest station for me to pull in. 5 degrees on my 4228/7777 set up is enough to loose the signal. Also my tuner receives it on 31.3 (Sony KD34XBR960).

Anyone notice WVIT drop last night maybe around 6:00ish? They are always a rock solid 98% for me and nothing last night for a while. Both 30.1 & 30.2 affected. By 7:00pm all was normal.

I live in Wallingford, CT and was wondering if anyone (within my area) has had any luck pulling in WCBS (the NY affilate for CBS)

I'm thinking about switching from Directv to Dish (i currently receive both WFSB & WCBS with Directv so I'm able to watch the Jets on Sundays when they're playing alongside the Patriots. I was just informed by Dish that they will not be offering me WCBS, only WFSB. The rep suggested I get an antenna and try to pick up the signal that way.

Has anyone had any luck?

I live in Wallingford, CT and was wondering if anyone (within my area) has had any luck pulling in WCBS (the NY affilate for CBS)

I'm thinking about switching from Directv to Dish (i currently receive both WFSB & WCBS with Directv so I'm able to watch the Jets on Sundays when they're playing alongside the Patriots. I was just informed by Dish that they will not be offering me WCBS, only WFSB. The rep suggested I get an antenna and try to pick up the signal that way.

Has anyone had any luck?
I think you may be too far east to get it. But I do not know for sure. I know that even some people in Fairfield County have trouble picking up NYC locals.

If the weather is good tomorrow, the WTIC-TV (analog) antenna is coming down and is being replaced by the candelabra. The tower is now fully rigged with the 'gin pole', and new feedlines have been installed up the tower. As the crew passes near live antennas, power will have to be shut down briefly to allow them to safely pass.

If the top of the tower is obscured by fog, things will once again revert to a "weather hold". :(

I live in Wallingford, CT and was wondering if anyone (within my area) has had any luck pulling in WCBS (the NY affilate for CBS)I'm in your area but pretty high up on a hill. Many, many years ago I had a medium-long-distance VHF antenna with good front-to-back-rejection and got WCBS very well (at least by my standards at the time).

In New Haven county, WCBS is a "signicantly-viewed" station, which is why DirecTV carries it. Are significantly-viewed stations in Dish's plans? I thought it was a requirement but I'm not really up on these things.

DirecTV is a horror, and going downhill fast, but still better than anything else around. Think twice about jumping ship, if you can hold your nose against the stink.

This may not be the right section to list this in but... since I'm in a hurry, what the hell?

I'm thinking about switching from Directv to Comcast. I live in CT and have been told that cable companies range from excellent to poor throughout the country. Does anyone have any insight into how comcast here in CT stacks up?

jpsalerno, you have to tell us where in CT you are. Comcast consists of different areas in the state that have different equipment and different stations that they provide. I had them for a brief period of time a while back, and I think they were above average as far as cable companies go.

jpsalerno, looking back some posts, I see that you are in Wallingford. I don't know about thier service there. Why are you looking to swith from DirecTV?

Ok... you guys have to help me out. I just got an hdtv antenna from radio shack and plugged it in. the stations come in "ok" but some of them are snowy. How the hell is this thing going to display HD quality? lol i mean... if analog broadcasts are coming in like this how are the hd going to look?

I can't wait until later tonight (assuming there are some hd broadcasts to be had) so I can see if it looks any better. If not... this puppy's goin back home.

If you have any snow you are not looking at a digital channel. Either you have not set up the receiver correctly or you have too weak a signal. The stations broadcast digital pretty much 24/7.
John

I'm in your area but pretty high up on a hill. Many, many years ago I had a medium-long-distance VHF antenna with good front-to-back-rejection and got WCBS very well (at least by my standards at the time).

In New Haven county, WCBS is a "signicantly-viewed" station, which is why DirecTV carries it. Are significantly-viewed stations in Dish's plans? I thought it was a requirement but I'm not really up on these things.

DirecTV is a horror, and going downhill fast, but still better than anything else around. Think twice about jumping ship, if you can hold your nose against the stink.

Why do you say it's a horror? The only reason I considered (notice the tense) switching from Directv to Cable or Dish was because I got an hdtv and needed new equipment anyway. Since I have the directv tivo (which I love) I wanted to make sure I was replacing it with the best possible dvr I could find (within my price range that is) since directv and dish offered to give me their respective models for free (assuming they're basically equal in every way) I went with dish. Dish said they'd be here today (by the time they came (2 hours late) I went to work) so that didn't work out well. In hindsight, it's probably a blessing in disguise. I currently get multiple affilates for the various networks with directv. by accident, I found out that I'd only get the hartford/newhaven channels. why is this a problem? as a jets fan, I've grown accustomed to watching wcbs (if the patriots are playing at the same time as the jets). Dish apparently doesn't allow this so that to me is a deal breaker.

So now I have to wait 3 weeks for directv to come out here and install everything. That's the reason I got the hd antenna....

I must've done something wrong because so far, all I'm getting are snowy broadcasts of whatever the networks have on now. granted it's quarter of 7 so maybe there are no hd programs to be had. (even though someone just mentioned that they broadcast digital signal 24/7) so.... i'm not sure what's going on. by the time primetime comes around, it'll hopefully be clear (pardon the pun)

Why do you say it's a horror? The only reason I considered (notice the tense) switching from Directv to Cable or Dish was because I got an hdtv and needed new equipment anyway. Since I have the directv tivo (which I love) I wanted to make sure I was replacing it with the best possible dvr I could find (within my price range that is) since directv and dish offered to give me their respective models for free (assuming they're basically equal in every way) I went with dish. Dish said they'd be here today (by the time they came (2 hours late) I went to work) so that didn't work out well. In hindsight, it's probably a blessing in disguise. I currently get multiple affilates for the various networks with directv. by accident, I found out that I'd only get the hartford/newhaven channels. why is this a problem? as a jets fan, I've grown accustomed to watching wcbs (if the patriots are playing at the same time as the jets). Dish apparently doesn't allow this so that to me is a deal breaker.

So now I have to wait 3 weeks for directv to come out here and install everything. That's the reason I got the hd antenna....

I must've done something wrong because so far, all I'm getting are snowy broadcasts of whatever the networks have on now. granted it's quarter of 7 so maybe there are no hd programs to be had. (even though someone just mentioned that they broadcast digital signal 24/7) so.... i'm not sure what's going on. by the time primetime comes around, it'll hopefully be clear (pardon the pun)


What tuner are you using to tune in the ota digital broadcasts? It sounds like you are not setting it up correctly, if all you are getting is analog (snowy) channels.

There's a downloadable brochure that has some good pictures of candelabra antenna installations in Washington state and in Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee. The company is Electronics Research Inc. (I don't know what firm is doing the project on Rattlesnake Mountain, but one post mentioned that the crew is from Canada.)

Here's the link to the pdf brochure "Broadcast Towers and Specialty Structures" that you can view with Adobe. Check out pages 3, 4, 7, and 11. Pages 7 and 11 have close-up views of candelabras:

http://www.eriinc.com/products/btss/0104001A.pdf

I finally figured it out (didn't set it up correctly) and... wow!! what a picture!

will the hd channels from directv look as good as the OTA broadcasts?

Also, while all the other major networks come in fine, Fox out of hartford is practically non-existent. anyone know why?

I finally figured it out (didn't set it up correctly) and... wow!! what a picture!

will the hd channels from directv look as good as the OTA broadcasts?

Also, while all the other major networks come in fine, Fox out of hartford is practically non-existent. anyone know why?
My only sample of the bit-starved D* HD broadcasts is by seeing what BestBuy is demoing at their stores. Their demo (which is reported to be made from direcTV) looks like cr@p compared to my over the air signals. The demo had massive macro-blocking artifacts on anything that moved at all, on my set I see some slight problems with compression noise on NBC, ABC and CBS which is probably caused by their sub-channels stealing bandwidth but it is much much less than what I saw at BB. The HD Fox and evening PBS shows have very few artifacts. If you read achase's posts above you will see that they are doing construction work on the tower that has Fox WTIC's antenna on the side, they may have turned down the power when you checked the signal. Next spring WTIC (Fox), WEDH (PBS) and WTXX (CW) should have their antennas at the top of the tower which should make them easy to get.

I finally figured it out (didn't set it up correctly) and... wow!! what a picture!

will the hd channels from directv look as good as the OTA broadcasts?

Also, while all the other major networks come in fine, Fox out of hartford is practically non-existent. anyone know why?

D* just started broadcasting WTIC-DT. Woo Hoo! House and 24 in HD, psyche.

Anyway, jpsalerno, D* will not be providing us with WCBS in HD, or, at least, not anytime soon. I'm at a loss to explain why they provide us with the SD feeds of significantly viewed distant channels, but not the HD feeds. I also think you will need a large directional antenna and some serious altitude in order to try and pull in WCBS-DT OTA from Wallingford. A friend of mine is in Middletown on top of a hill and pulls some stations in from NYC with a 4 Bay Bowtie UHF antenna. I'm not sure if he gets WCBS-DT.

Additionally, since CBS can't pony up the money to broadcast all NFL games in HD, you may be getting all a CT-based Jet fan can with D* as it sits now without subscribing to Sunday Ticket. I recommend the MPEG-4 upgrade through D* so you can be better prepared for the future, but it's no big deal if you're able to get most CT stations OTA.

I'm not overly concerned with receiving the HD broadcast of WCBS. I simply want to make sure I continue to receive WCBS. Fortuneatly, I was able to pull the plug on the dish install after learning I'd only get WFSB (not both like i currently get with Directv) When I mentioned this was the reason I was bailing on the install to Dish, they insisted that (starting december 1st) all cable and sat providers will be subject to this and no longer be able to provide people with "distant networks". I asked multiple people at directv and they all promised that I would continue to receive WCBS with them. (hense the reason I'm sticking with them... or at least, not going to dish)

My only other option would be cable. I know that comcast provides both wcbs and wfsb to wallingford subscribers so that would be an option. thing is, i'm just not sure about the overall quality... not to mention the motorolla 6412 hd dvr. with as much information that's on this internet of ours, i was hard pressed to find anything helpful with regard to those 2 key factors. If anyone has any insight to provide, it would be much appreciated.

Anyone watch the James Taylor special last night (WED) on WGBY 57-1? It looked less than great to me. I saw smearing (lag?) in the video and the audio was pretty flat. I don't think there were many high frequencies. There was programming on 57-2. Other off air channels fine.

I switched from off air to there analog on cable and the audio was much better. Video typical for analog.
Just wondering if they are having problems and was looking for someone else to also see this before I try to contact them.

Anybody have a suggestion for hiring a professional antenna installer for Fairfield County, Bridgeport area? I would prefer someone who is technically proficient in achieving a signal not just someone willing to get up on a roof to bolt down some antenna that I think will work in my area.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[QUOTE=Skyeclad]Anybody have a suggestion for hiring a professional antenna installer for Fairfield County, Bridgeport area? I would prefer someone who is technically proficient in achieving a signal not just someone willing to get up on a roof to bolt down some antenna that I think will work in my area.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Are you installing the antenna on the roof? Unless you are mechanically enept, or afraid of heights, it is an easy job. A chimney mount is probably the least invasive, just a couple of straps around the chimney. A foot mount is easy, too. It has a few bolts into the roof with sealant applied to the holes. Running the coax is also easy.

Are you installing the antenna on the roof? Unless you are mechanically enept, or afraid of heights, it is an easy job. A chimney mount is probably the least invasive, just a couple of straps around the chimney. A foot mount is easy, too. It has a few bolts into the roof with sealant applied to the holes. Running the coax is also easy.

Yes, I want to install an antenna on the roof. As for my reasons, I'm only partially inept but I think I could pull off the actual mounting. On the other hand, I am afraid of falling off the roof, it's the getting back on the ladder part that gets me. :eek:

However, I think I was hoping to get someone who would be familiar with my area, provide the best solution and willing to try different antenna's to get the best signal, provide the necessary amplifier to ensure that all of my current coax outlets get good signal, etc. I believe that this installation for a professional is probably pretty simple and shouldn't really cost an arm and a leg so it would be worth it to me. You know, not falling off the roof and all. That's another reason why I don't want just an antenna mounter/handyman. I want someone who knows a lot more about this stuff than me and can provide the best solution for my needs.

Yes, I want to install an antenna on the roof. As for my reasons, I'm only partially inept but I think I could pull off the actual mounting. On the other hand, I am afraid of falling off the roof, it's the getting back on the ladder part that gets me. :eek:

However, I think I was hoping to get someone who would be familiar with my area, provide the best solution and willing to try different antenna's to get the best signal, provide the necessary amplifier to ensure that all of my current coax outlets get good signal, etc. I believe that this installation for a professional is probably pretty simple and shouldn't really cost an arm and a leg so it would be worth it to me. You know, not falling off the roof and all. That's another reason why I don't want just an antenna mounter/handyman. I want someone who knows a lot more about this stuff than me and can provide the best solution for my needs.

All good points. Falling off of a roof would probably suck. Where are you located? I have a Channel Master 4228 on my roof that picks up all of the locals from here in Cheshire. It's a UHF antenna, but picks up WTNHDT which is really channel 10, WTXXDT, which is digital channel 12, and WEDYDT from New Haven, which is digital channel 6. I have a rotor on it. The install was no problem. How many tv's do you want to feed? If just two, you may not need any amplification.

All good points. Falling off of a roof would probably suck. Where are you located? I have a Channel Master 4228 on my roof that picks up all of the locals from here in Cheshire. It's a UHF antenna, but picks up WTNHDT which is really channel 10, WTXXDT, which is digital channel 12, and WEDYDT from New Haven, which is digital channel 6. I have a rotor on it. The install was no problem. How many tv's do you want to feed? If just two, you may not need any amplification.

I live in Trumbull which is at the end of Fairfield County, so I am about 18-32 miles from every transmitter. I actually think that the CT transmitters don't transmit in my direction. However, using a cheap rabbit ear antenna, I am able to receive intermittent reception from several HD digital channels including CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX(WEDW, WLNY, WNTH, WCTX). I was very surprised to see as much as I did with just a cheap indoor antenna to be honest. It wasn't very watchable, except for Fox but the fact that I can see it all makes me think a quality rooftop will allow me to dump cable and stick it to the man!

I would like to feed up to 6 TV's and I do use an amp for my cable feed so I figured I would need an amp for antenna reception too.

Do you record any of these HD feeds to a HTPC?

Doesn't the cost of buying a rooftop antenna (not to mention the cost to pay someone to install it) sort of defeat the purpose of getting "free" hdtv?

I recently bought a $10 set of rabbit ears (to hold me over till directv comes and installs the new dish) and am reasonably happy. reception is surprisingly good. The only channel I don't get is the local fox (but I hear they've been down so it's not due to the antenna) For me, i doubt I'd get much more with a rooftop. If i were in an area where I'd NEED a rooftop in order to essentially get what I get now, I'd definitely think twice since the overall costs involved (factoring in the time it takes) will probably reach $200

Chances are, if you have a tv that's even capable of receiving hd signals, you're the type of person that wants the best of the best. my question to you would be, why spend thousands on an hdtv and then shortchange yourself by only going with a rooftop antenna? Granted, local channels (whether they come from the air or over cable/sat) are going to be the same. But what about the others? You're missing out on the various movie channels, discovery, espn, etc. that list will only grow over the years... unfortuneatly, by only having an antenna, you'll always be limited to local channels and thus you won't be getting the most content for your expensive tv.

but hey... do what you want! i'm just trying to put another angle out there to think about. I suppose if the ONLY channels you ever watch anyway are local network channels.. it makes sense.

I live in Trumbull which is at the end of Fairfield County, so I am about 18-32 miles from every transmitter. I actually think that the CT transmitters don't transmit in my direction. However, using a cheap rabbit ear antenna, I am able to receive intermittent reception from several HD digital channels including CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX(WEDW, WLNY, WNTH, WCTX). I was very surprised to see as much as I did with just a cheap indoor antenna to be honest. It wasn't very watchable, except for Fox but the fact that I can see it all makes me think a quality rooftop will allow me to dump cable and stick it to the man!

I would like to feed up to 6 TV's and I do use an amp for my cable feed so I figured I would need an amp for antenna reception too.

Do you record any of these HD feeds to a HTPC?

According to www.antennaweb.org, you are very close to the PBS transmitter, but that's the only close one. You would need a large directional antenna and amp to get much more than that one station. The Channel Master 4228 would probably be your best choice. It costs around $55, not installed, of course. If you are a Directv customer, you would get all of the NY locals in standard definition and the big four in hd. Is that an option?

I'm not overly concerned with receiving the HD broadcast of WCBS. I simply want to make sure I continue to receive WCBS. Fortuneatly, I was able to pull the plug on the dish install after learning I'd only get WFSB (not both like i currently get with Directv) When I mentioned this was the reason I was bailing on the install to Dish, they insisted that (starting december 1st) all cable and sat providers will be subject to this and no longer be able to provide people with "distant networks". I asked multiple people at directv and they all promised that I would continue to receive WCBS with them. (hense the reason I'm sticking with them... or at least, not going to dish)

My only other option would be cable. I know that comcast provides both wcbs and wfsb to wallingford subscribers so that would be an option. thing is, i'm just not sure about the overall quality... not to mention the motorolla 6412 hd dvr. with as much information that's on this internet of ours, i was hard pressed to find anything helpful with regard to those 2 key factors. If anyone has any insight to provide, it would be much appreciated.

jp,

The receipt of NY SD locals via D* has nothing to do with Distant Network Service. D* and Comcast are providing these stations for parts (all?) of CT under what the FCC calls "significantly viewed" stations. Essentially, these stations are in an adjacent market and are viewed by a significant number of people in the CT DMA.

I'm not sure how that's measured or if it is based on the fact that the NY stations can be received OTA in many parts of CT. Either way, you should not loose them due to changes to the DNS rules. Why DISH doesn't provide them, I don't know. Why DISH doesn't provide any CT digital locals (last I checked), or YES, I also don't know. While they have a lot of national HD stations (including the VOOM channels) they don't seem to be as competitive in the CT DMA when it comes to locals and RSNs - big reasons I won't consider switching to them.

Doesn't the cost of buying a rooftop antenna (not to mention the cost to pay someone to install it) sort of defeat the purpose of getting "free" hdtv?


Chances are, if you have a tv that's even capable of receiving hd signals, you're the type of person that wants the best of the best. my question to you would be, why spend thousands on an hdtv and then shortchange yourself by only going with a rooftop antenna?

but hey... do what you want! i'm just trying to put another angle out there to think about. I suppose if the ONLY channels you ever watch anyway are local network channels.. it makes sense.

Thanks for this perspective but I think we're more of alike mind than you think. My cable bill sans the cable modem is $80 per month or $960 a year, so there's a considerable budget to play with if I can cancel cable. The quality of the HD channels currently aren't that great. I get lots of sound dropouts and occasional freezes. Then there's the expanded and premium movies/shows. Well, I just don't watch many movies because I have an HD-DVD player and a Netflix account and this has superior quality over HBOHD. Any other critical shows can be rented on DVD or obtained in any number of ways. So provided OTA HD has decent quality, I think this choice makes sense for me.

According to www.antennaweb.org, you are very close to the PBS transmitter, but that's the only close one. You would need a large directional antenna and amp to get much more than that one station. The Channel Master 4228 would probably be your best choice. It costs around $55, not installed, of course. If you are a Directv customer, you would get all of the NY locals in standard definition and the big four in hd. Is that an option?

I definitely want to go the OTA route since I'm currently a cable subscriber who pays way too much and watches mostly network HD and HD DVD movies. Ultimately, I would like to go with OTA-HD and a HTPC PVR solution.

Now with a directional antenna, would I need a rotor control as well? Are these controls automated so that should I switch to channel 55, the rotor could be signaled to change degrees? Are omni-directional antennas not a viable solution? I'm just thinking that if I have a PVR changing channels, would the rotor assembly work.

Hmm... never really looked at it that way. I suppose I can see your point now.

I definitely want to go the OTA route since I'm currently a cable subscriber who pays way too much and watches mostly network HD and HD DVD movies. Ultimately, I would like to go with OTA-HD and a HTPC PVR solution.

Now with a directional antenna, would I need a rotor control as well? Are these controls automated so that should I switch to channel 55, the rotor could be signaled to change degrees? Are omni-directional antennas not a viable solution? I'm just thinking that if I have a PVR changing channels, would the rotor assembly work.

Depending on the different directions of the signals you are trying to pick up, you may need a rotor. Here in Cheshire, I am virtually exactly between the WTNH/WCTX towers and the WFSB/WVIT towers. With the Channel Master 4228 antenna pointed north, I can still pick up WTNHDT and WCTXDT to the south with no dropouts. When I do move the antenna, the remote (!) for the rotor is easy to use, because you can program the channel number instead of the direction. I enter 8, and it goes to 216 degrees. I guess if you set up a macro with your remote, you could program it along with the tuner information. I don't know how you could set it up with a dvr.

D* just started broadcasting WTIC-DT. Woo Hoo! House and 24 in HD, psyche.

Do you mean with the new dish and MPEG4 receiver? Fox HD is not showing up on my HR10-250.

Ross

Do you mean with the new dish and MPEG4 receiver? Fox HD is not showing up on my HR10-250.

Ross

It won't show on your HR10-250 because the local hd channels are in mpeg4. Your dvr only does mpeg2. You need either the HR20-700 dvr or H20 non dvr receiver.

thanks Chip - I realize the HR10-250 is an MPEG2 receiver. I have a waiver for NBC HD from NY in MPEG2 and I've heard rumours of some who were successful getting a waiver for FOX HD. I can't tell from Will_Morr's post whether something changed and he got a waiver for FOX, or he's getting the HD locals with the new MPEG4 gear (which as I understand it, still doesn't include ABC).

Ross

thanks Chip - I realize the HR10-250 is an MPEG2 receiver. I have a waiver for NBC HD from NY in MPEG2 and I've heard rumours of some who were successful getting a waiver for FOX HD. I can't tell from Will_Morr's post whether something changed and he got a waiver for FOX, or he's getting the HD locals with the new MPEG4 gear (which as I understand it, still doesn't include ABC).

Ross

WTIC DT is in mpeg4 now on D*, but not WTNH DT, of course.

thanks Chip.

Ross

thanks Chip.

Ross

You are very welcome.

You need either the HR20-700 dvr or H20 non dvr receiver.

And you need the new AT9 5 LNB dish or the new slimline 5 LNB dish. The old 3 LNB dish won't pick up the new satellites spot beaming MPEG-4 feeds.

The top of the big antenna on Rattlesnake looked a little different this morning. Below the single existing antenna, there seemed to be three horizontal pieces. They did not appear big enough to be antennae, but there was definitely something there that wasn't there last time I looked up.

does anyone in ct know what's going on with the signals from fox 61 & nbc 30? they came in fine last night (ditgital signal in the 60's) then hardly nothing today. i live just north of springfield and get wfsb just fine but those two have been spotty lately. i heard work was being done on a tower in farmington i believe, but do their signals come from the same one. thanks in advance if anyone has an idea whats going on.

They're working on WTIC's antenna, so that's probably what you're experiencing. I'm picking up WTIC-DT fine right now, and haven't experienced any evening viewing problems. However, others have, so there may be some atmospheric issues going on as well.

Ross

And you need the new AT9 5 LNB dish or the new slimline 5 LNB dish. The old 3 LNB dish won't pick up the new satellites spot beaming MPEG-4 feeds.

yup, understood Chris, thanks.

Ross

The top of the big antenna on Rattlesnake looked a little different this morning. Below the single existing antenna, there seemed to be three horizontal pieces. They did not appear big enough to be antennae, but there was definitely something there that wasn't there last time I looked up.


Here's why:


http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/CH.%2061%20Antenna%20-%202.jpg


http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/CH.%2061%20Antenna.jpg

What are we actually looking at in the second picture?

Over at DBSTalk they are reporting that DirecTV's HR20 HD DVR has had it's OTA tuners enabled. It is not enabled here on the East Coast yet. It will be a rollout over an unspecified time from West to East. Sounds like it might be enabled here in about a week, maybe.

This is big deal for me becuase OTA reception on my HR10-250 Tivo is not reliable, especially now that the leaves are off the trees. DirecTV now has WTIC-DT, WFSB-DT, and WVIT-DT available over the Dish, and only the HR20 can receive those. So if I get an HR20, I can shift my antenna to focus on WTNH-DT and I will be able to record all of the major networks in HD.

The other issue is that the OTA tuner in the HR20 is supposed to be better than the one in the HR10. Now, being the cheapskate that I am, the only question is how much will it cost me to have them come out and give me the HR20 with the new dish? Does anyone know if there is a wait to get them around here?

What are we actually looking at in the second picture?

The name of the file is CH_20_antenna. Is that correct Arnold?

I'm not sure if it was the angle in which I was looking at the mountain, but the three new pieces looked nowhere near as big as the antenna that sits vertically on top of the tower. The size of these things is just incredible.

Now, being the cheapskate that I am, the only question is how much will it cost me to have them come out and give me the HR20 with the new dish? Does anyone know if there is a wait to get them around here?

I spoke with them today and it is $99 for the 5LNB dish and H20 receiver, with a $19.95 handling charge (they ship the equipment directly to the address on the account). Each receiver thereafter is another $99. Not sure if there is an install wait around here. Oh, and they will lock you in with a 2 yr agreement.

The name of the file is CH_20_antenna. Is that correct Arnold?

I'm not sure if it was the angle in which I was looking at the mountain, but the three new pieces looked nowhere near as big as the antenna that sits vertically on top of the tower. The size of these things is just incredible.

No, the name of the file is actually CH. 61 Antenna.

The pictures are of the 1984 Harris TWS antenna coming down off the top of the tower. The first is in mid air, and the second is when it touched the ground.

They are changing out the guy wires at the top of the tower now in preparation to remove the top section of the tower and then replace it with the candelabra. The WTIC Harris antenna will then be placed on the new candelabra where it will be joined by the WEDH analog antenna now, and the WTIC-DT, WTXX-DT, and WEDH-DT antennas in the Spring.

What you see on the top of the tower now is a "gin pole" - essentially a movable crane that assembles/disassembles the tower.

Thanks for the info Arnold. Great stuff.

I spoke with them today and it is $99 for the 5LNB dish and H20 receiver, with a $19.95 handling charge (they ship the equipment directly to the address on the account). Each receiver thereafter is another $99. Not sure if there is an install wait around here. Oh, and they will lock you in with a 2 yr agreement.

That is for the H20, and not the HR20, the DVR? I can't do without a DVR. If that's what you are looking for, you should be able to get that for free, or maybe just the shipping fee. The normal price they will quote for the HR20 is $299, and with some negotiation, many people get them for $99. Some people do get even the HR20 for free. That's what I'm looking for, but I recently negotiated some credits for other things so I don't think I'll be able to get them down to free.

By the way everyone, if you have not gotten a DVR yet from whatever company you have your TV with, I would strongly recommend it. It is well worth any fee that you are charged. Watch what you want to watch when you want to watch.

Thanks for the info Arnold. Great stuff.

THIS photo says it all.

It was taken yesterday from the temporary top of the tower (approximately 1,270 feet above the ground). In the photo, you are looking at the old top section (with the CH. 61 antenna mount) being lowered to the ground. The Channel 61 antenna you saw in the previous photos is on the ground at the 10:00 position. The gin pole is the yellow object attached to the tower.

http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Dec. 7th Tower Pix.jpg

That is for the H20, and not the HR20, the DVR? I can't do without a DVR. If that's what you are looking for, you should be able to get that for free, or maybe just the shipping fee. The normal price they will quote for the HR20 is $299, and with some negotiation, many people get them for $99. Some people do get even the HR20 for free. That's what I'm looking for, but I recently negotiated some credits for other things so I don't think I'll be able to get them down to free.

By the way everyone, if you have not gotten a DVR yet from whatever company you have your TV with, I would strongly recommend it. It is well worth any fee that you are charged. Watch what you want to watch when you want to watch.

Jake,

I just ordered the new HR20 and 5 LNB dish for $199. I picked up the H20 back in February and received the $99 rebate on it; net cost of $0. As a result of getting the rebate on the H20, I couldn't get them down to $99 on the HR20. Be warned however, there is a waiting list to actually get the HR20. You can call and get on the list and they'll call you when it's available. This get's you on the clock so to speak but you can cancel when they call you to set up the installation.

Oh, and the H20, which I'm pretty sure has the same OTA tuner as the HR20, is better than my old Samsung T-160. I think you'll see an improvement in reception with it..

Jake,

I just ordered the new HR20 and 5 LNB dish for $199. I picked up the H20 back in February and received the $99 rebate on it; net cost of $0. As a result of getting the rebate on the H20, I couldn't get them down to $99 on the HR20. Be warned however, there is a waiting list to actually get the HR20. You can call and get on the list and they'll call you when it's available. This get's you on the clock so to speak but you can cancel when they call you to set up the installation.

Oh, and the H20, which I'm pretty sure has the same OTA tuner as the HR20, is better than my old Samsung T-160. I think you'll see an improvement in reception with it..

The H20-600 does have an excellent tuner in it, made by LG. The H20-100 is not as good. I don't know who makes the tuner in the HR20. I asked Earl at avsforum.com about it. He is the resident guru on the HR20. Apparently he was a beta tester for it. He didn't know who makes the tuner in it.

That is for the H20, and not the HR20, the DVR? I can't do without a DVR. If that's what you are looking for, you should be able to get that for free, or maybe just the shipping fee. The normal price they will quote for the HR20 is $299, and with some negotiation, many people get them for $99. Some people do get even the HR20 for free. That's what I'm looking for, but I recently negotiated some credits for other things so I don't think I'll be able to get them down to free.

Yes Jake, my bad, that was for the H20, not HR20. I'm going to call D* retention to see if I can get the H20 for free. My issue is that I need two. Still using my SIR-TS360. As for recorders, I'm sure they are nice but my mindset has always been - if something is important enough I'll watch it when it airs. If I'm not watching it then it wasn't that important. That is my opinion, of course, which I'm sure many will disagree with.

Yes Jake, my bad, that was for the H20, not HR20. I'm going to call D* retention to see if I can get the H20 for free. My issue is that I need two. Still using my SIR-TS360. As for recorders, I'm sure they are nice but my mindset has always been - if something is important enough I'll watch it when it airs. If I'm not watching it then it wasn't that important. That is my opinion, of course, which I'm sure many will disagree with.

My H20 is a -600 model. Very good ATSC tuner. I'd be disappointed if the HR20 ATSC tuner was not as good. We'll see once I get it.

And you need the new AT9 5 LNB dish or the new slimline 5 LNB dish. The old 3 LNB dish won't pick up the new satellites spot beaming MPEG-4 feeds.

I am looking at upgrading my system. I am using an old Spaun commerical quality multiswitch that accepts 4 satellite cables and am wondering if I would need to replace it. I have a dish that was convertable to 3 LNB but never installed the C kit. If I recall that option would have only required 4 cables connected to the dish

With the 5 LNB dish, how many cables are connected to the dish?

If I upgrade to the 5 LNB dish to use an HD receiver/DVR, will the new dish require me to replace my other SD tuners?

Thanks

Bob

I am looking at upgrading my system. I am using an old Spaun commerical quality multiswitch that accepts 4 satellite cables and am wondering if I would need to replace it. I have a dish that was convertable to 3 LNB but never installed the C kit. If I recall that option would have only required 4 cables connected to the dish

With the 5 LNB dish, how many cables are connected to the dish?

If I upgrade to the 5 LNB dish to use an HD receiver/DVR, will the new dish require me to replace my other SD tuners?

Thanks

Bob

You would have to replace the Spaun switch with a Zinwell 6x8, the only one that works with the AT9.

I believe there are four outputs from the built in mulitswitch on the AT9.

You can use your old receivers with the AT9.

Thanks. When I had the dish installed I think it had a built in multiswitch that needed to be removed so the Spaun would work. The reason I bought the Spaun was that people were reporting problems with passive switches (powered by tuner voltage).

If I go though DirecTV, will they supply the Zinwell or something else?
What's this likely to cost? (HD DVR, new dish, multiswitch)?

Also, do you know what's up with leasing? I see this in ads. Up to now, I have owned all the equipment. Is HD equipment not owned by the customer?

I am also considering series 3 Tivo dual cable card. Unfortunately, Comcast infrastructure is or was poor in my area (Marlborough). I went to satellite 5 years ago to get away from it.

I am trying to weigh the cost and benefits of DirecTV upgrade versus Tivo/Comcast. Any comments on the quality of Comcast versus DirecTV are appeciated.

Thanks

Bob

Thanks. When I had the dish installed I think it had a built in multiswitch that needed to be removed so the Spaun would work. The reason I bought the Spaun was that people were reporting problems with passive switches (powered by tuner voltage).

If I go though DirecTV, will they supply the Zinwell or something else?
What's this likely to cost? (HD DVR, new dish, multiswitch)?

Also, do you know what's up with leasing? I see this in ads. Up to now, I have owned all the equipment. Is HD equipment not owned by the customer?

I am also considering series 3 Tivo dual cable card. Unfortunately, Comcast infrastructure is or was poor in my area (Marlborough). I went to satellite 5 years ago to get away from it.

I am trying to weigh the cost and benefits of DirecTV upgrade versus Tivo/Comcast. Any comments on the quality of Comcast versus DirecTV are appeciated.

Thanks

Bob


I can't speak to Comcast's quality, they aren't here in Cheshire.

Directv should supply you with a mulitswitch if needed for your installation.

I think you can still buy their equipment, but not for the discounted price
they will give you when you lease.

You may get the whole setup for free, although it's more likely you will pay
something, as much as $299 depending on your customer status and the
csr you get when you call.

Thanks Chip!

Thanks Chip!

Glad to help.

THIS photo says it all.

It was taken yesterday from the temporary top of the tower (approximately 1,270 feet above the ground). In the photo, you are looking at the old top section (with the CH. 61 antenna mount) being lowered to the ground. The Channel 61 antenna you saw in the previous photos is on the ground at the 10:00 position. The gin pole is the yellow object attached to the tower.

http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Dec. 7th Tower Pix.jpg

Just came across this! Arnold, on behalf of the group thanks for climbing up to just take this shot for us. Definitely member of the year material.

No, the name of the file is actually CH. 61 Antenna.

The pictures are of the 1984 Harris TWS antenna coming down off the top of the tower. The first is in mid air, and the second is when it touched the ground.

They are changing out the guy wires at the top of the tower now in preparation to remove the top section of the tower and then replace it with the candelabra. The WTIC Harris antenna will then be placed on the new candelabra where it will be joined by the WEDH analog antenna now, and the WTIC-DT, WTXX-DT, and WEDH-DT antennas in the Spring.

What you see on the top of the tower now is a "gin pole" - essentially a movable crane that assembles/disassembles the tower.

Thanks very much for your so official internal photo information that is so encouraging! We are in Oxford CT still cannot get WTIC-HD signal. Is that mean we will get in the next spring?

Thanks again!

Thanks very much for your so official internal photo information that is so encouraging! We are in Oxford CT still cannot get WTIC-HD signal. Is that mean we will get in the next spring?

Thanks again!

Absolutely - It should ROAR in!

THIS photo says it all.

It was taken yesterday from the temporary top of the tower (approximately 1,270 feet above the ground). In the photo, you are looking at the old top section (with the CH. 61 antenna mount) being lowered to the ground. The Channel 61 antenna you saw in the previous photos is on the ground at the 10:00 position. The gin pole is the yellow object attached to the tower.

http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Dec. 7th Tower Pix.jpg


The picture alone could make you dizzy.

AWESOME!

... As for recorders, I'm sure they are nice but my mindset has always been - if something is important enough I'll watch it when it airs. If I'm not watching it then it wasn't that important. That is my opinion, of course, which I'm sure many will disagree with.

I know exactly what you mean. That was my thinking until I got one. I originally only bought my first DirecTivo years ago because you could sell them for a profit on e-bay. Well, I liked it so much that it never got to e-bay.

The great thing is, you set it to record anything you think you MIGHT like. Then, if you choose to watch it, you do. If not, you just let other things record in it's place. Things I would never watch if I didn't Tivo them:

-Letterman - too late
-Leno - too late, and usually, too dull
-Ebert and Roeper - on at some strange time, and I'm not interested in many of the movies they review.
-Awards shows - There are usually a handfull of awards/performances, I'll be interested in. There's no way I'd sit in front of the TV for 3 hours waiting for them.

For all of these, I watch when I have the time, or if I hear something interesting was on them. Never watch the whole show, but they are sometimes worth 15 minutes.

On any show that I watch now except some live sports, I do not waste time with commercials, period. There is also never an issue about choosing between two things that are on at the same time.

Family time comes first in our household, something on TV never, ever interferes, it can always be paused or watched later. I am a big UConn and NFL fan, but I watch them whenever I want. Many times I'll pick up a UConn game in progress after the kids go to bed, and catch up to live just before it ends.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The main point is to be able to watch whetever TV you want, when you want, no matter how much or how little that is.

I would go without HD before I went without a DVR, it's that engrained in me now. The funny thing is, it's engrained in the whole family. My wife, who originally thought that it was an unnecessary toy, growls now if we get stuck watching something live and can't FF through a commercial. My 6 year old couldn't understand why Pokemon "wasn't on now" at our friends house. I would really suggest that anyone who has not tried one tp give it a try.

While digital recording is definitely a major convienence factor in using a DVR, the ability to pause and replay live TV is a huge reason why I could never give it up.

The ability to make your own instant replays while watching a sporting event, or scroll back because you didn't hear/understand what someone said in a show is so important to me and my family.

I agree wholeheartedly with jake14mw who said "I would go without HD before I went without a DVR". I had an HD set and my Dish 522 receiver for 1 1/2 years before AT&T/SBC/Dish would let me upgrade to the Vip622. I could have had a non-DVR HD receiver, but I couldn't give up the DVR.....

No 20-1 today. I CAN'T WATCH MY HUSKIES!!!!

For some reason 20-2 (Tube) is fine. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Just came across this! Arnold, on behalf of the group thanks for climbing up to just take this shot for us. Definitely member of the year material.

Arnold, does your sister know you were on the tower? :eek: (Had to be Doug. Certainly not Dave or Joe. :D )

Arnold, does your sister know you were on the tower? :eek: (Had to be Doug. Certainly not Dave or Joe. :D )

Actually, I was thinking about this the other day. It has to be close to 20 years since I've been to the top of the tower. With all the RF there now, I thought it would be wise to get through the "fathering" years first :confused: !!!

Here is a batch of fun photos from the Rattlesnake Mountain Tower Project:


An aerial shot of Fifty Cent's house in Farmington, CT!
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Fifty_Cent_House.jpg


The new DTV and CH. 24 antennas
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/New_Antennas.jpg


VERY FEW people ever get to see this label!!!
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Antenna_Label.jpg


The Channel 30 antenna from above!
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Tower_&_CH._30_in_Background.jpg

The REAL heros of this project:
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Tower_Crew-1.jpg
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Tower_Crew-2.jpg
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Tower_Crew-3.jpg
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Tower_Crew-4.jpg
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Tower_Crew-5.jpg

A few quick things:

1) Arnold, any chance that because of this fantastic weather that tower work will be done earlier than anticipated? As far as HD goes, will this work benefit the WTXX-DT signal as well, or just WTIC-DT?

2) Did anyone else notice that the Giants HD game was blacked out on ST Superfan? This is the first local HD game that I have seen blacked out this year. Not good for people like me with bad antenna situations!

3) For anyone like me who casually DVRs Saturday Night Live, check out Saturday's show. I only watched the first 20 minutes so far, but what I saw was hilarious. I'm not a fan of Justin Timberlake's music, but the guy is talented.

A few quick things:

1) Arnold, any chance that because of this fantastic weather that tower work will be done earlier than anticipated? As far as HD goes, will this work benefit the WTXX-DT signal as well, or just WTIC-DT?

Unfortunately, what causes the beautiful weather on the ground causes high winds at the 2,000'+ (above sea level) height. The tower crew had to cancel work numerous times this past week because of 40 - 50 MPH winds at the top.

I'm sure you can appreciate how difficult it is to do even simple tasks at that height. It becomes an absolute nightmare when you are trying to swing huge steel beams into place and the wire rope starts going horizontal, while the workers try to hang on!!!

Believe me, no one would like to see these stations start operating any quicker than me...could it have something to do with the fact they don't start to pay rent until they are operational??? :mad:

WTIC-DT and WTXX-DT are awaiting delivery of their [permanent, high power] antennas which won't occur until the Spring. Until then, the DTV signals won't change. WEDH-DT has a FCC issue still to resolve.:eek:

Arnold,

Great pictures! Whos the camera man?

Arnold,

Great pictures! Whos the camera man?

One of the tower crew.

The pic of 50 Cent's place is amazing! Also, that last of the five pics of the crew nearly made me dizzy. BTW, is there a red beacon atop your tower right now? I swear I'm seeing that after sunset from the Wal-Mart parking lot in Newington. :)

The pic of 50 Cent's place is amazing! Also, that last of the five pics of the crew nearly made me dizzy. BTW, is there a red beacon atop your tower right now? I swear I'm seeing that after sunset from the Wal-Mart parking lot in Newington. :)

Yes, with the Channel 61 antenna down (which used to hold the top strobe) a temporary red beacon is in it's place. BTW, the tower crew left today for the holidays so there will be no further tower work until January 8th.... :(


In the meantime, here's a picture of the front driveway at 'Fifty's house:

http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/Fifty_House_Driveway.jpg

From back on Nov 13 The FCC approved Channel 45 for CPTV about two weeks ago.

I'm a bit behind in reading here.

Isn't their Norwich station WEDN-DT using Channel 45 right now?

I don't know how all those waves work, but is any interference with WUVN-DT on 46 a problem? Are today's digital TVs able to select the signals better than the old analog ones?

I would hate to have Oddball (Donald Sutherland) come back and have to tell people "Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves?"
[obscure Kelly's Heroes reference.]

pretty intense

From back on Nov 3

I'm a bit behind in reading here.

Isn't their Norwich station WEDN-DT using Channel 45 right now?

I don't know how all those waves work, but is any interference with WUVN-DT on 46 a problem? Are today's digital TVs able to select the signals better than the old analog ones?

I would hate to have Oddball (Donald Sutherland) come back and have to tell people "Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves?"
[obscure Kelly's Heroes reference.]

WEDN DT is supposed to switch to channel 9 when WEDH DT goes to 45.

Here is a batch of fun photos from the Rattlesnake Mountain Tower Project:

You couldn't pay me a million bucks to climb that tower, harness or not. :eek:

Great shots! :D

One of the tower crew.Dave gave Cal a CD today full of pictures from the project, AMAZING.

Some of them get me dizy just looking at them! I can imagine being up that hanging by a few harnesses.

MyTV9 just popped up in my D* guide as OTA channel 9-1. HD signal coming in loud and strong in Killingworth. Couldn't pull in a blip prior to tonight. Did they turn on full power? Nice surprise, though I can't say I watch much on MyTV9

MyTV9 just popped up in my D* guide as OTA channel 9-1. HD signal coming in loud and strong in Killingworth. Couldn't pull in a blip prior to tonight. Did they turn on full power? Nice surprise, though I can't say I watch much on MyTV9

OK, I guess I'm loosing it, My9 use to come in as channel 59-1, though not as strong. Told you I don't watch much on My9. Anway, looks like it remapped to 9-1 with improved signal strength.

Why would it map as "9"? That's their cable positioner. Analog is 59 and digital is 39.

Why would it map as "9"? That's their cable positioner. Analog is 59 and digital is 39.

They have been advertising themselves as MY9 since the changeover. I guess they want to be thought of as the same as NY's channel 9.

Does anyone know if Channel 3 still broadcasts the Springfield CBS, WSHM on the 3-2 subchannel? I am asking because of the NCAA tournament (yeah, I know it's waaaay early, I'm just a nut.) Last year they had to show the same game on 3-2 that they did on analog 3 many times because of WSHM. Back in March they said they were in the process of changing that.

By the way, in case anyone is interested and hasn't heard, ALL of the NCAA tournament games will be produced in HD this year.

Does anyone know if Channel 3 still broadcasts the Springfield CBS, WSHM on the 3-2 subchannel? I am asking because of the NCAA tournament (yeah, I know it's waaaay early, I'm just a nut.) Last year they had to show the same game on 3-2 that they did on analog 3 many times because of WSHM. Back in March they said they were in the process of changing that.

By the way, in case anyone is interested and hasn't heard, ALL of the NCAA tournament games will be produced in HD this year.

Yes, WSHM is on 3-2.

That will go very nice with my march madness renewal on D*. :)

Yes, WSHM is on 3-2.

Can anyone explain to me why this is? Is this just so that people in Mass can pick up a digital version of WSHM OTA? Or does this need to be broadcast on the subchannel in order to deliver it to Cable Systems? Are there plans to make this station entirely it's own, with it's own Channel number? What is different about what is broadcast on WSHM vs. WFSB? Are there inserts for Springfield local commercials? Thanks for any light anyone can shed on WSHM for me.

That will go very nice with my march madness renewal on D*. :)

Gags, how did that March Madness package work out for you last year? In another thread, Brewer4 said that he had the package, but it was a waste because 1) some HD games were blacked out because WFSB was airing the same game on Analog 3, but a different game was being shown on 3-1 in HD, and 2) the Mega March Madness feeds were not constant on one game, so many times they would switch to the same game that was being shown locally, defeating the whole purpose of the package.

What did you think?

Can anyone explain to me why this is? Is this just so that people in Mass can pick up a digital version of WSHM OTA? Or does this need to be broadcast on the subchannel in order to deliver it to Cable Systems? Are there plans to make this station entirely it's own, with it's own Channel number? What is different about what is broadcast on WSHM vs. WFSB? Are there inserts for Springfield local commercials? Thanks for any light anyone can shed on WSHM for me.

I don't know all of the whys, but the primetime schedule is the same. During the day it is mostly the same. 3-1 is hd when available, 3-2 is always sd.

Gags, how did that March Madness package work out for you last year? In another thread, Brewer4 said that he had the package, but it was a waste because 1) some HD games were blacked out because WFSB was airing the same game on Analog 3, but a different game was being shown on 3-1 in HD, and 2) the Mega March Madness feeds were not constant on one game, so many times they would switch to the same game that was being shown locally, defeating the whole purpose of the package.

What did you think?

Jake,I can't really remember any specifics, but there may have been a couple minor problems that brewer pointed out. I stress minor however. I've noticed the early round games get shuffled a bit, but nothing that would have me not renew for the next year. With all games in HD this year just makes it better.

Jake,I can't really remember any specifics, but there may have been a couple minor problems that brewer pointed out. I stress minor however. I've noticed the early round games get shuffled a bit, but nothing that would have me not renew for the next year. With all games in HD this year just makes it better.

Ultimately the March Madness package does work. What I found is the game lock in the early rounds wasnt as locked as it should be and the were times when analog 3 was not the same as 3-1 HD so it caused the other HD game on March Madness Package to get blocked. It frustrated me and caused me to not consider the package worth the money. For me the multi-casting configuration with WFSB became good enough and did not warrant the premium for the March Madness package. If D* and CBS did away with the blackout rules, I WOULD recommend the package.

Here is a batch of fun photos from the Rattlesnake Mountain Tower Project:

The new DTV and CH. 24 antennas
http://users.ntplx.net/~achase/New_Antennas.jpg

Arnold:

A minor correction on your caption, if I may. What we are looking at are the two pieces of the antenna pylon.

And further info (if anyone is interested): The left "pipe" is the lower half of the pylon (18,000 lbs) where the yet to be delivered DT antenna will mount. The right side is the upper portion (10,000 lbs) that has the analog antenna (orange) already mounted to it. The pads on the top of the analog pylon will accept the top strobe beacon when finished.

Arnold:

A minor correction on your caption, if I may. What we are looking at are the two pieces of the antenna pylon.

And further info (if anyone is interested): The left "pipe" is the lower half of the pylon (18,000 lbs) where the yet to be delivered DT antenna will mount. The right side is the upper portion (10,000 lbs) that has the analog antenna (orange) already mounted to it. The pads on the top of the analog pylon will accept the top strobe beacon when finished.

How can I argue with that???

I should have been more careful with my 'generic' caption! :D :D :D

First of all, I'm in Cheshire

I recently purchased an HDTV with built in HD tuner. After I hooked in the cable (not digital) I discovered I could pick up certain HD channels OTA but they glitch. I bought a philips antenna that does uhf, vhf, fm and hdtv with 32db amp.

I had to unhook the cable to hook up the antenna because the antenna has a coax connection and the tv only has one. Now I can't get any HD channels that I was getting, albeit glitchy. I moved the antenna to several different locations in the room and different positions/height adjustments, etc.....no luck.

Is there any hope?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

First of all, I'm in Cheshire

I recently purchased an HDTV with built in HD tuner. After I hooked in the cable (not digital) I discovered I could pick up certain HD channels OTA but they glitch. I bought a philips antenna that does uhf, vhf, fm and hdtv with 32db amp.

I had to unhook the cable to hook up the antenna because the antenna has a coax connection and the tv only has one. Now I can't get any HD channels that I was getting, albeit glitchy. I moved the antenna to several different locations in the room and different positions/height adjustments, etc.....no luck.

Is there any hope?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome!
I am in Cheshire, also.
You have found out that you can get some hd channels from Cox by using the QAM tuner in your television. However, for some reason, PBS and WFSB are not always present. When they are, they are glitchy, as you say. Anyone here have the Cox hd box? Do you have any issues with reception?
As far as ota reception, you should use an outdoor antenna, as you will get much better results. What antenna are you using now? You may find that it works better without the amp. Try it and see. Most of the stations are at 30 degrees, with WTNH and WCTX at about 210. I use a Channel Master 4228 on the roof, pointed at 30 degrees. I usually do not have to turn it around to get WTNH and WCTX.

Thanks for the response Chip.

I just bought an indoor antenna. It's a Philips. The model number is MANT310. Like I said, I plugged it in with the coax and none of the channels come up.

Surprisingly, I can get NFL HD and the NBC's, CBS's, ABC's, etc....but as I said they are glitchy and pixels bounce intermittently.

I thought adding an antenna would solve it. Are you saying I have to go with a roof install?

Thanks for the response Chip.

I just bought an indoor antenna. It's a Philips. The model number is MANT310. Like I said, I plugged it in with the coax and none of the channels come up.

Surprisingly, I can get NFL HD and the NBC's, CBS's, ABC's, etc....but as I said they are glitchy and pixels bounce intermittently.

I thought adding an antenna would solve it. Are you saying I have to go with a roof install?

Wierd, I can't get NFL HD on my QAM tuner. Good for you! Actually, ABC HD isn't there, but NBC, FOX, CBS, and the CW are.

Most people find the Silver Sensor to be the best indoor antenna.

A roof antenna is the best way to go, as far as getting the strongest signal. You might try moving your antenna to a window that faces north, where most of the stations broadcast from. Good luck!

Thanks for the response Chip.

I just bought an indoor antenna. It's a Philips. The model number is MANT310. Like I said, I plugged it in with the coax and none of the channels come up.

Surprisingly, I can get NFL HD and the NBC's, CBS's, ABC's, etc....but as I said they are glitchy and pixels bounce intermittently.

I thought adding an antenna would solve it. Are you saying I have to go with a roof install?

Just a stab in the dark, but did you enable the OTA tuner in your TV when you plugged in the antenna? Did you scan for digital stations?
Try manually adding channel 10.1, this is channel 8 and it should have very strong signal when you turn your antenna in the southerly direction.
I am also in Cheshire and using attic antenna to receive the OTA signal.
Max

Just a stab in the dark, but did you enable the OTA tuner in your TV when you plugged in the antenna? Did you scan for digital stations?
Try manually adding channel 10.1, this is channel 8 and it should have very strong signal when you turn your antenna in the southerly direction.
I am also in Cheshire and using attic antenna to receive the OTA signal.
Max

Good point, Max. I never thought of that!

"glitchy" HD channels from Cable with a TV with a built in QAM tuner are the result of a couple of possibilities.

1. poor signal level.
2. poor signal QUALITY.
3. ingress picked up directly from the TV.

Thanks guys all good points.

Not knowing too much here, I read that a QAM tuner is different than an ATSC/NTSC combo tuner. That's all my tv has. Does this make a difference? I understand some TVs can come with both.

Just a stab in the dark, but did you enable the OTA tuner in your TV when you plugged in the antenna? Did you scan for digital stations?
Try manually adding channel 10.1, this is channel 8 and it should have very strong signal when you turn your antenna in the southerly direction.
I am also in Cheshire and using attic antenna to receive the OTA signal.
Max

I didn't see an option in the tv for this. I don't have digital cable in the room with the hdtv yet. I just plugged in the cable from the wall to the coax input on the tv. no box, nothing. In the tv's menu, the input source choices only have "tuner" (besides composite, component, hdmi, vga, vga composite). I set it to tuner to use the cable and left it there when I unhooked the cable and hooked up the antenna.

duh I found it. told you I was a newb. It's working now, getting a bunch of channels. Thanks guys. I went back in and did an auto add....must have missed it the first time...

Thankfully, my Sanyo 26" LCD HDTV has two coaxial cable inputs [VHF/UHF/CATV and DIGITAL IN]. Here in New Britain's south end, I get very little with rabbit ears. A roof antenna won't help my case because I'm at the bottom of Walnut Hill, which is in the same directions as Avon Mountain (and people have already sent me maps which prove my point). As expected, my best results were with WVIT and WTIC before the tower work. WTXX is/was only there because of the distance. WTNH and WCTX are usually pretty good. WFSB, despite the 1 million watt signal on channel 33 is virtually non-existant. WUVN is never stable enough to use. WHPX is decent and I even get WPXQ-DT (I) channel 17 (A 69) from Block Island, RI if the antenna is in the right direction.

As for cable, my digital tuner is of the QAM variety. I get 3-1 (CBS), 8-1 (ABC), 20-1 (CW), 20-2 (The Tube), 30-1 (NBC), 30-2 (NBC Weather Plus), 61-1 (FOX) and PBS-HD at night (Connecticut Public Television during the day in that annoying 14:9 ratio). Other than the occasional broken movie feed, I really get nothing else.

Thanks guys all good points.

Not knowing too much here, I read that a QAM tuner is different than an ATSC/NTSC combo tuner. That's all my tv has. Does this make a difference? I understand some TVs can come with both.


If your TV only has ATSC/NTSC capabilities, it will not decode the QAM signals from the cable company, it will only decode Over The Air signals.

If your TV only has ATSC/NTSC capabilities, it will not decode the QAM signals from the cable company, it will only decode Over The Air signals.

Just to chime in here:

NTSC tuner = over the air analog transmission
ATSC tuner = over the air digital transmission
QAM tuner = cable company digital transmission
and then the satellite feed, that uses a few different HD specific modulations.

bottom line, you need to have a specific tuner for your source. Of course if you are using external box, then it has the tuner and your TV is just a monitor.

Max
p.s. glad you figured it out

Any chance we'll be lucky enough to lose "Tube," "Weather Negative," and WFSB sub channels in 2007?!?!?

The Milwaukee affiliate running theTube is dropping it 1/1/07 because of new FCC requirements for educational programming.

If your station broadcasts additional free DTV streams, the Commission now will require you to air additional core programming. One-sixth of an entire week of programming is 28 hours. For each stream broadcast for free from 1 to 28 hours per week, stations will be obliged to program an additional half hour of core programming. For example, if you broadcast an additional 60 hours of free programming on a DTV stream, the Commission will require one and a half hours of additional core programming. If you air a multicast stream around the clock, you will be required to air an additional three hours of required core programming. If you have two free full-time multicast streams, six additional hours of core programming will be required. - http://www.wilmerhale.com/publications/whPubsDetail.aspx?publication=3525

Having relocated from West Hartford to New London in the past few months, I have found that digital TV is a lot more of a struggle here in New London than it was in West Hartford: The local cable TV company (Metrocast) has recently taken over the ancient and creaky Eastern Connecticut Cable company, and is trying hard to improve service and availability of channels, but is still well behind the other carriers in CT. WTNH-DT and WTXX-DT are still not available on the Metrocast system, and their PBS feed comes from WEDN-DT in Norwich, which turns it's transmitter off at 11:00PM each night, depriving us of some very good (and good looking) PBS broadcasting.

OTA reception in New London has also been a struggle, just as it was in the analog days. New London is 45 miles from the Hartford and New Haven transmitters, and about 55 miles from the Providence transmitters. I bought a Philips Silver Sensor just to see what would come in at my houe in the south of New London, and only managed to see WEDN-DT from Norwich, WHPX-DT from New London, and the PAX transmitter from Rhode Island: no other major networks. I started experimenting with other antennas, and had good success with the Antennasdirect XG91 and XG43, both used with the Antennasdirect UHF preamp. I was able to get a good and steady WVIT-DT, WCTX-DT and WTIC-DT with the XG43, but am still unable to pick up WFSB-DT. I am going to have to experiment with a VHF solution, since I can't pick up either WTNH-DT or WTXX-DT with either UHF antenna.

I'm convinced that OTA is possible in New London, but it requires roof-mounting a deep-fringe antenna with a rotator and a preamp to get it reliably. I have discovered a cache of old antenna equipment at Jan Electronics in New London, and will try to see if anything there will accomplish my quest for WTNH-DT and WCTX-DT. I am not holding out a lot of hope for WFSB-DT, however...

Doesn't anything happen when you point your antenna towards the northwest? I'm in New Britain and get the occasional signal of WPXQ-DT (I) on digital 17 when aiming for WHPX-DT (I) channel 34. You may also have problems with WTIC-DT and WTXX-DT due to the transmitter work on the WTIC tower.

I tried to watch the ball drop in HD on channel 8 last night, but couldn't get it to come in. I check the signal meter and got no signal at all. I check again this morning and I seem to have normal signal strength, but still no picture. It is almost like they are broadcasting a carrier, but no info on it. I was hping to watch the Rose Bowl parade in HD today. Anyone else having problems?

Happy New Year Everyone -
Jestjuggle

I didn't get WTNH-DT on antenna or with my TVs QAM tuner last night. This morning, I made a scan and it passed over 88-3 (normally WTNH-DT) completely. I still got WCTX-DT (MY) with the antenna the same as usual. (I'm in New Britain.)

Just checked again and we are now receiving WTNH-DT in full strength. I swear that the engineers at the stations monitor this forum for problems. This is the second time that I know of that a local station has fixed a problem after a post here.

Now - off to wtch the parade in HD.

Enjoy!
Jestjuggle

This morning I turned on WTNH and found the hi-def channel off air. Called the News Dept. told them of the problem and asked them to call master control and make them aware of the problem. The problem was fixed within minutes. It would be nice if someone actually monitored the Hi-Def channels every once in awhile. Moral of the story if theirs a problem call and complain tell the person on the other end of the line to call master control and make them aware.

Ah! The beauty of LIN Broadcasting's Chicopee, MA master control room is grand, isn't it? Welll...NO!

so i listed what i have and what i was gonna do,i was going to get the samsung h360f plus the Audiovox® HDTVs Terk Slim Profile Outdoor HDTV Antenna
as well as the Audiovox® Terk HDTV Indoor Antenna which i do believe can work together...correct me if im mistaken. what do you think,im new t this i could use the help

there are my antenna web results. for digial only

* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 326° 2.4 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 237° 4.5 45
* yellow - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 331° 2.2 46
* yellow - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 22° 23.2 11
* lt green - uhf WGGB-DT 40.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD MA 24° 34.4 55
* red - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 237° 4.5 31
* red - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 235° 4.7 35
* red - uhf WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS SPRINGFIELD MA 24° 34.4 58
* red - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 237° 4.5 12

Good luck with WEDH-DT! They're not on the air yet! :)

Any chance we'll be lucky enough to lose "Tube," "Weather Negative," and WFSB sub channels in 2007?!?!?

Personally, I like the NBC weather. It beats just having a weather radar on all the time, and since the limited motion is only 1/2 the screen, it doesn't use much bandwidth.
I've been noticing the shows that have that stupid E/I bug on the screen, and have come to the conclusion that it's just a farce. I don't think the educational/instructional requirement will be too hard to meet. I can't find much educational value in a lot of those shows. This Week in Baseball qualifies, and that's just a 1/2hr ad for Major League Baseball, Inc. Another show I passed through recently was just some kids singing. They probably put some heartwarming lesson-learned at the end. I think South Park could easily qualify since Stan ends each show with "You know, I've learned something today..." Link to Book (http://www.amazon.com/South-Park-Philosophy-Something-Blackwell/dp/1405161604)

I tried to watch the ball drop in HD on channel 8 last night, but couldn't get it to come in. I check the signal meter and got no signal at all. I check again this morning and I seem to have normal signal strength, but still no picture. It is almost like they are broadcasting a carrier, but no info on it. I was hping to watch the Rose Bowl parade in HD today. Anyone else having problems?

Happy New Year Everyone -
Jestjuggle


My antenna is in the attic and I don't get HD Channel 8 when it rains. Get HD 3 and 30. Seems the rain kills their signal for me. Funny, because HD 8 has the strongest signal when it is clear out.

This morning I turned on WTNH and found the hi-def channel off air. Called the News Dept. told them of the problem and asked them to call master control and make them aware of the problem. The problem was fixed within minutes. It would be nice if someone actually monitored the Hi-Def channels every once in awhile. Moral of the story if theirs a problem call and complain tell the person on the other end of the line to call master control and make them aware.


I also called them at 7:00 am this morning. The Lin's news room even didn't aware of this. I found they fixed it in couple of minutes.

Well I did a recscan on my TVs QAM tuner this afternoon and WTNH-DT was indeed back as usual. Don't know about over-the-air though.

This morning I turned on WTNH and found the hi-def channel off air. Called the News Dept. told them of the problem and asked them to call master control and make them aware of the problem. The problem was fixed within minutes. It would be nice if someone actually monitored the Hi-Def channels every once in awhile. Moral of the story if theirs a problem call and complain tell the person on the other end of the line to call master control and make them aware.

It actually died Sunday night about 10 minutes into Extreme Makeover Home Edition. It's amazing that nobody seemed to be aware of the problem until you alerted them.

I have called the news number from WTIC and WFSB several times and they have done a decent job of passing the message to those who can fix problems.

I called ABC Sunday night and they claimed to have been aware of the issue, though nothing was done.


Personally, I like the NBC weather. It beats just having a weather radar on all the time, and since the limited motion is only 1/2 the screen, it doesn't use much bandwidth.
It actually uses a significant amount of bandwidth for a station running 1080i which really has no room to spare. NBC broadcasts have enough pixelation on their own trying to squeeze into 19Mbps, the loss of 3+ more renders all of their sports broadcasts and many of their action based shows unwatchable.

By the way, if you're preparing on recording the BCS championship don't count on WTIC. Tonight they just butchered the broadcast to tell us their news isn't on Fox. Ugh. Hopefully WFXT won't butcher it.

I watch it in HD and notice that the audio has been out of sync this week on the HD feed but seems right on SD. Before I start railing on WTNH, I just want to make sure it's not Comcast (I'm in Marlborough).

ABC has had the worst audio problems, missing dialogue tracks, etc... also, WTNH still seems to frequently miss "turning on" the HD...

I watch it in HD and notice that the audio has been out of sync this week on the HD feed but seems right on SD. Before I start railing on WTNH, I just want to make sure it's not Comcast (I'm in Marlborough).

ABC has had the worst audio problems, missing dialogue tracks, etc... also, WTNH still seems to frequently miss "turning on" the HD...

Yes, I have noticed this as well. It's gotten much worse over the past week. Last night we were watching Big Day and it was so bad we had to switched to SD. Wife could'nt take it. BTW, this is OTA reception so it's not your cable.

I watch it in HD and notice that the audio has been out of sync this week on the HD feed but seems right on SD. Before I start railing on WTNH, I just want to make sure it's not Comcast (I'm in Marlborough).

ABC has had the worst audio problems, missing dialogue tracks, etc... also, WTNH still seems to frequently miss "turning on" the HD...

It's not Comcast. Same issues OTA. Really getting tired of the rinky dink way most of the CT affiliates run their digital OTA operation.

Despite what another poster said about WVIT, I find their signal is the most stable, followed by WFSB. Makes sense for WVIT as it is owned and operated by NBC.

I posted a few times about the audio sync issues (see #3349 and a few later). WTNH is pathetic.

It's not Comcast. Same issues OTA. Really getting tired of the rinky dink way most of the CT affiliates run their digital OTA operation.

Despite what another poster said about WVIT, I find their signal is the most stable, followed by WFSB. Makes sense for WVIT as it is owned and operated by NBC.

Just to amplify what I say above, I could not hold a signal last night for WTIC. Signal strength was up and down. I decided to forgo the Orange Bowl game for some other available HD content. Too painful trying to watch most sporting events in SD on a big screen TV. And yes I realize WTIC's antenna is not at it's final, higher location. However, the signal was good for Monday and Tuesday's Bowl games.

Moving on...has the transmitter work resumed yet up on Rattlesnake Mountain with the WTIC-TV tower?

Moving on...has the transmitter work resumed yet up on Rattlesnake Mountain with the WTIC-TV tower?
And if Mr. Chase has more photos to share, I would look forward to viewing them. The pix he posted thus far were simply spectacular!!

I got a question for all of you.... I'm a college student down in hamden. Right now im around boston with digital cable from comcast with a nice selection of hd channels. In my bedroom I'm using an OTA antenna to recieve a few hd channels. I was wondering if i will be able to recieve cbs in hdtv on ota antenna when i move back down to hamden in a week, hoping i can watch the superbowl in hd.

I got a question for all of you.... I'm a college student down in hamden. Right now im around boston with digital cable from comcast with a nice selection of hd channels. In my bedroom I'm using an OTA antenna to recieve a few hd channels. I was wondering if i will be able to recieve cbs in hdtv on ota antenna when i move back down to hamden in a week, hoping i can watch the superbowl in hd.

You should be able to pick up WFSB-DT with no trouble from Hamden, unless Sleeping Giant blocks the signal. I assume you attend Quinnipiac, which is due south of SG, so you may have reception issues. Can you pick up the sd signals? That is a pretty good indication of how you can do with the hd signals. Good luck.

Well this is new, never tried in CT. I don't actually live at Quinnipiac, I'm a few miles away in an apartment complext on top of a very large hill, so I don't think Sleepy G will be in the way. Here at home im picking up the sd signals well.

Well this is new, never tried in CT. I don't actually live at Quinnipiac, I'm a few miles away in an apartment complext on top of a very large hill, so I don't think Sleepy G will be in the way. Here at home im picking up the sd signals well.

I am blocked by Sleeping Giant, being near Quinnipiac, but I am guessing you are on Shepard or top of Skiff and there all should be fine. In fact, a friend gets 3 (with a minimal roof antenna, although he is located at a much lower elevation in Spring Glen, just about on Whitney Ave.

Well this is new, never tried in CT. I don't actually live at Quinnipiac, I'm a few miles away in an apartment complext on top of a very large hill, so I don't think Sleepy G will be in the way. Here at home im picking up the sd signals well.

I'm a few miles south in East Rock, just over the New Haven border. I should get the same or worse reception here and my situation is:

WTNH 8 (ABC New Haven) You can get it with a coat hanger or loose wire.

WVIT 30 (NBC Hartford) See below

WFSB 3 (CBS Hartford) Both of these Hartford stations are viewable with a good antenna.

WTIC 61 (FOX Hartford) You can get it only with a good quality outside antenna pointed directly at Rattlesnake Mountain. But this should get a lot better in spring (thanks achase) hopefully to as good as NBC/CBS or better.

For an apartment building, I would guess that "good antenna" would mean at least a decent amplified indoor antenna (a lot of folks like the Silver Sensor). If you can actually place an antenna against a north wall, it would help.

If you're lucky enough you might even get away with a cheap amplified (see: Radio Shack) or even an a unamplified antenna (in a north-facing Window). But I wouldn't count on it.

I ended up with a simple outdoor antenna--but probably could have gotten away with amplified indoor if it hadn't been for FOX 61.

--Mark

i posted earlier but no responses,im in west hartford,on a hill or incline,and there are plenty of treees around me but nothing to bad, i ordered the samsung h260f external tuner and am trying to select a good antenna not a cheapo one but a nice high powered high quality outdoor antenna,any suggestions?

i posted earlier but no responses,im in west hartford,on a hill or incline,and there are plenty of treees around me but nothing to bad, i ordered the samsung h260f external tuner and am trying to select a good antenna not a cheapo one but a nice high powered high quality outdoor antenna,any suggestions?

I can't speak from personal experience, but I've been reading this Hartford Over-The-Air Forum since about 2002, and the outdoor antenna of choice for the best digital reception for many viewers seems to be the Channel Master model 4228. The forum poster 'cgorra', who used to live in West Hartford and is very knowledgeable about outdoor antennas, has recommended the 4228 many times to people who have posted here.

This is not a traditional long boom-style antenna, it's 39.5 inches square. It is a UHF antenna, but published tests and user experience confirm that it can pick up the three VHF digital channels in this area if distance isn't a problem: Channels 8 (VHF digital Channel 10), 20 (VHF digital Channel 12), and 22 (VHF digital Channel 11).

Warren Electronics sells it on-line for $46.51 + $16.75 shipping, but it is currently (Friday, 1/12/07) out-of-stock. Solid Signal has it on-line for $54.99 + a whopping $27.95 shipping fee. The mast is not included, but can be found at Radio Shack or Lowes.

Here is a picture on the Warren website:
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm

I was wondering where you bought your Samsung H260F external tuner. My searches on the web for digital TV tuners always come up as 'unavailable'. I had a Dish Network 811 receiver that could receive digital channels over-the-air with an arc-shaped antenna clipped to the dish. When I moved to a new apartment that doesn't allow satellite dishes or external aerials, my Dish receiver became inoperable, even as a tuner for OTA locals. I've had poor analog reception since July with an indoor antenna. Thanks in advance for any information on sources for digital external tuners.

4 WHNB. Circuit city sells Samsung 260f for $179. in stock @ Buckland Hills store.

I have a 32" Sharp Aquos LCD

Phillips PHDTV3 Indoor Antenna

Channel / Signal Strength
WFSB - 100
WWLP - 92
WTXX - 88
WUVN - 100
WVIT - 100
WTIC - 81
WGGB - 71

4 WHNB. Circuit city sells Samsung 260f for $179. in stock @ Buckland Hills store.

Thank you! I happened to notice while driving in Enfield yesterday that a Circuit City is opening in the Home Depot Plaza in the former Media Play building.

I live in Newtown, CT near the Monroe/Newtown town line. I recently purchased a Digital TV and did a channel search. I would like to report that I am receiving OTA via my CM Crossfire antenna (VHF/UHF), CM signal amplifier and CM rotor set-up the following digital channels: WTNH (8.1), WVIT (30.1), WSAH (43.1), WEDW (49.1), WLNY (55.1) and WCTX (59.1).

I have not had any success getting a lock on WFSB (3.1), WTXX (20.1) or WTIC (61.1). I get WFSB and WTXX pretty well on SD and WTIC with some video noise on SD.

Any ideas on why I am not able to receive them in Newtown?

I live in Newtown, CT near the Monroe/Newtown town line. I recently purchased a Digital TV and did a channel search. I would like to report that I am receiving OTA via my CM Crossfire antenna (VHF/UHF), CM signal amplifier and CM rotor set-up the following digital channels: WTNH (8.1), WVIT (30.1), WSAH (43.1), WEDW (49.1), WLNY (55.1) and WCTX (59.1).

I have not had any success getting a lock on WFSB (3.1), WTXX (20.1) or WTIC (61.1). I get WFSB and WTXX pretty well on SD and WTIC with some video noise on SD.

Any ideas on why I am not able to receive them in Newtown?

You are a ways from the towers, considering the terrain. When the new antennas are up, which should be fairly soon, you may be able to get them then. Good luck!

I live in Newtown, CT near the Monroe/Newtown town line. I recently purchased a Digital TV and did a channel search. I would like to report that I am receiving OTA via my CM Crossfire antenna (VHF/UHF), CM signal amplifier and CM rotor set-up the following digital channels: WTNH (8.1), WVIT (30.1), WSAH (43.1), WEDW (49.1), WLNY (55.1) and WCTX (59.1).

I have not had any success getting a lock on WFSB (3.1), WTXX (20.1) or WTIC (61.1). I get WFSB and WTXX pretty well on SD and WTIC with some video noise on SD.

Any ideas on why I am not able to receive them in Newtown?


Hello Newtown....

I live up the street in Oxford. Up until today I was unable to receive WFSB (3.1) until today. I am using a Terk HDTVs in my attic. With the football on CBS today I gave it one more shot. All I did was rotate the antenna about 20 degrees upward using the same azimuth (around 50 degrees) and I am now getting about a 40% signal strength which is fine for getting the signal. I too get the channels you listed as well.

Hello Newtown....

I live up the street in Oxford. Up until today I was unable to receive WFSB (3.1) until today. I am using a Terk HDTVs in my attic. With the football on CBS today I gave it one more shot. All I did was rotate the antenna about 20 degrees upward using the same azimuth (around 50 degrees) and I am now getting about a 40% signal strength which is fine for getting the signal. I too get the channels you listed as well.

You will have MUCH better luck with a better antenna. I would suggest the Channel Master 4228.

Did WTIC pull this crap during the '04 MLB playoffs? Their bush league tactics are really pathetic. People tune into the NFL playoffs and BCS games to watch in HDTV not the damn lottery numbers or to see that the news they never wanted to watch isn't on because there's obviously a game on now. Thank goodness the SuperBowl is on CBS and I have a Boston based backup PVR as well for any show that runs through 10pm.

well i ordered it from circuit city on the 5th and i just got it today,as for the antenna i thank you for your lengthy response,for me personaly i would like to get a decent amount of channels not just my locals from hartford which dont require much of an antenna but possibly from farther out as well. but i am curious why that particular model of channel master? there are many models some that are bigger and claim to get much more in terms of distance. also why do i need a transformer? i was told that a decent high enough elevated antenna will do it just fine without amplification. also isn't the 4228 marketed as a deep-fringe unit it probably excels over flatland terrain.

I can't speak from personal experience, but I've been reading this Hartford Over-The-Air Forum since about 2002, and the outdoor antenna of choice for the best digital reception for many viewers seems to be the Channel Master model 4228. The forum poster 'cgorra', who used to live in West Hartford and is very knowledgeable about outdoor antennas, has recommended the 4228 many times to people who have posted here.

This is not a traditional long boom-style antenna, it's 39.5 inches square. It is a UHF antenna, but published tests and user experience confirm that it can pick up the low VHF digital channels in this area if distance isn't a problem: Channels 8 (VHF digital Channel 10), 20 (VHF digital Channel 12), and 22 (VHF digital Channel 11).

Warren Electronics sells it on-line for $46.51 + $16.75 shipping, but it is currently (Friday, 1/12/07) out-of-stock. Solid Signal has it on-line for $54.99 + a whopping $27.95 shipping fee. The mast is not included, but can be found at Radio Shack or Lowes.

Here is a picture on the Warren website:
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/4228.htm

I was wondering where you bought your Samsung H260F external tuner. My searches on the web for digital TV tuners always come up as 'unavailable'. I had a Dish Network 811 receiver that could receive digital channels over-the-air with an arc-shaped antenna clipped to the dish. When I moved to a new apartment that doesn't allow satellite dishes or external aerials, my Dish receiver became inoperable, even as a tuner for OTA locals. I've had poor analog reception since July with an indoor antenna. Thanks in advance for any information on sources for digital external tuners.

I live in Newtown, CT near the Monroe/Newtown town line. I recently purchased a Digital TV and did a channel search. I would like to report that I am receiving OTA via my CM Crossfire antenna (VHF/UHF), CM signal amplifier and CM rotor set-up the following digital channels: WTNH (8.1), WVIT (30.1), WSAH (43.1), WEDW (49.1), WLNY (55.1) and WCTX (59.1).

I have not had any success getting a lock on WFSB (3.1), WTXX (20.1) or WTIC (61.1). I get WFSB and WTXX pretty well on SD and WTIC with some video noise on SD.

Any ideas on why I am not able to receive them in Newtown?

I am in Brookfield and get 3.1, 3.2, 8.1, 8.2, 30.1, 30.2 I am also hoping to get 61 when it is up and running. I use the CM4228. I am just as far away if not further than Monroe and Oxford. If you are not behind any hills you should be able to get these channels with a 4228. Its a great antenna!

I am in Brookfield and get 3.1, 3.2, 8.1, 8.2, 30.1, 30.2 I am also hoping to get 61 when it is up and running. I use the CM4228. I am just as far away if not further than Monroe and Oxford. If you are not behind any hills you should be able to get these channels with a 4228. Its a great antenna!

Thanks for the feedback.

I was comparing the specs. on the CM 4228 and their Crossfire model #3671 and found that the 4228 (UHF) antenna claims a range of about 60 miles and their 3671 (VHF/UHF) antenna claims a range of 100 miles for VHF and 60+ miles for UHF. It would seem (by the specs.) that the Crossfire might be the better antenna if you have the space for it and you have a rotor (since it appears to be directional).

Is there additional information that the specs. don't highlight?

Thanks for the feedback.

I was comparing the specs. on the CM 4228 and their Crossfire model #3671 and found that the 4228 (UHF) antenna claims a range of about 60 miles and their 3671 (VHF/UHF) antenna claims a range of 100 miles for VHF and 60+ miles for UHF. It would seem (by the specs.) that the Crossfire might be the better antenna if you have the space for it and you have a rotor (since it appears to be directional).

Is there additional information that the specs. don't highlight?

Will I can't say much about the 3671. I'm sure it is a good antenna being a Channel master. What I can say is that the 4228 also picks up channel 8 in the VHF range for me. It is everything people say about. Just a great antenna. My 4228 is in the attic so it would do a lot better if it was up 10 feet over the roof. If it gets the channels I'm getting in the attic I bet it would be all the antenna you would need for UHF and as low as channel 8 VHF it is was up in the air.

Couldn't be happier with the 4228, but if you are looking for a bunch of VHF channels you may want to try something else. I only go for the HD channels in the UHF range.

...I would like to get a decent amount of channels not just my locals from hartford which don't require much of an antenna but possibly from farther out as well. but i am curious why that particular model of channel master? there are many models some that are bigger and claim to get much more in terms of distance. also why do i need a transformer? i was told that a decent high enough elevated antenna will do it just fine without amplification. also isn't the 4228 marketed as a deep-fringe unit it probably excels over flatland terrain.

I believe that when 'cgorra' lived in West Hartford, he had posted many pages back in this forum that he was able to receive all of the Springfield, Mass. TV channels, and possibly some stations further out. With experimentation, you might be able to pull in other channels within a 60-mile radius of your home in West Hartford. A Channel Master pre-amp and a mast rotator would most likely be needed due to the hills and the different locations of the broadcast towers.

As for why that particular model antenna, I think that it's partly because most of the TV stations are broadcasting the digital version of their channel on the UHF band, and this antenna is specifically designed for optimum UHF reception. (Though, as noted before, it is said to be able to pick up the three stations in the area that are sending out the digital version of their OTA feed on the VHF band.) The design of the 4228 is also reputed to minimize "drop-outs" - those lime-green and other color blocks or rows of pixels that can mar otherwise good reception. I had plenty of those video break-ups using the Terk antenna that was attached to my satellite dish.

The long boom-style antennas may be overkill for some viewers because the length part is for receiving the VHF band, and in the digital future it is the UHF band that the majority of stations will be using. But if your objective is to try to pull in far-away digital VHF channels, then the long boom-style antenna would be the better choice. I bought this kind of antenna a few years ago that had a rated VHF range of 210 miles, but being a renter I have not been able to use it yet. (It was half-price at a clearance sale.) The 210 mile range may be a little optimistic for Connecticut, with its mountains, hills, and trees.

I agree with you that the 4228 would probably perform even better over flat terrain. I've read about the distant stations that people are able to receive in the flat and relatively treeless Mid-West.

The transformer allows coaxial cable, instead of inferior flat wire, to be attached to the antenna. In the end, your choice of antenna will boil down to your own personal needs, preferences, the aggravation and aesthetic factors, and budget.

Anyone else lose WTIC hd?

Anyone else lose WTIC hd?
Yes, I did....

I Lost It! I Wanna Watch The Football Game!

Me too... :rolleyes:

Same here the signal is strong as all heck on my signal meter, but I've got nothing. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Makes me wish I had kept that lousy H20 D* receiver! At least I could watch in hd!

WTIC has done it again. NO SIGNAL on three receivers

Are we helpless? What can we do?

Makes me wish I had kept that lousy H20 D* receiver! At least I could watch in hd!

No you couldn't. Not coming in on the H20 or HR20 and 5LNB. Signal must really be FUBAR'd. Good old Fox or WTIC. PATHETIC!

No you couldn't. Not coming in on the H20 or HR20 and 5LNB. Signal must really be FUBAR'd. Good old Fox or WTIC. PATHETIC!

Not even the D* hd mpeg4 channel?

Of course there is no one there to answer their phones, either!

Just talked to someone at FOX61. There was a fire at some power plant in Hartford that caused some power surges. They're aware of the issue and say they have people working on it.....

Just talked to someone at FOX61. There was a fire at some power plant in Hartford that caused some power surges. They're aware of the issue and say they have people working on it.....

You have better luck than I do. I couldn't get anyone on the phone. Now the analog and digital signals are off the air! At least D* has WNYW to turn to!

You have better luck than I do. I couldn't get anyone on the phone. Now the analog and digital signals are off the air!
I've found that on the weekends you have to ask for the News dept. to talk to a person....

I've found that on the weekends you have to ask for the News dept. to talk to a person....

I couldn't get anyone to answer at all. How could I talk to the newsroom?

Just talked to someone at FOX61. There was a fire at some power plant in Hartford that caused some power surges. They're aware of the issue and say they have people working on it.....

Sounds like bs to me. Why would the hd signal go out first, then the analog one fifteen minutes later? Maybe so, but it sounds fishy to me.

Not even the D* hd mpeg4 channel?

Nope. I have OTA and both the H20 and HR20. No OTA or digital or analog Sat signal. Nada.

I couldn't get anyone to answer at all. How could I talk to the newsroom?
Sorry, I shouldn't have said 'ask'. One of the options from the recording is for the newsroom....

Sorry, I shouldn't have said 'ask'. One of the options from the recording is for the newsroom....

All I got was "if you know the number of your extention". I didn't know it!

God Bless Fox 5.. Even my D* WTIC signal is gone.

All I got was "if you know the number of your extention". I didn't know it!
Keep listening and you'll hear: "...for the News dept., press 4"

Keep listening and you'll hear: "...for the News dept., press 4"

I must not be patient enough to wait that long! ;)

I must not be patient enough to wait that long! ;)
I'm usually not either, but I want my football in HD!!!! :mad:

Looks like crap in SD... :mad:

If they don't fix this problem before 24 comes on there's gonna be hell to pay..

In case you are missing the Lottery numbers on WTIC they are

9-3-3-6-6-8-2-2-7-3

(W-E-D-O-N-T-C-A-R-E)

and the news will be on at 10pm if the game isn't still on.

In case you are missing the Lottery numbers on WTIC they are

9-3-3-6-6-8-2-2-7-3

(W-E-D-O-N-T-C-A-R-E)

and the news will be on at 10pm if the game isn't still on.

:D :D :D

BTW, how did you do that highlight thing?

Its back!! Woo hoo!!

Its back!! Woo hoo!!

It is?

Yes Terry Bradshaw is talkign to Sean Payton right now.

Yes Terry Bradshaw is talkign to Sean Payton right now.

I'm getting the sd signal, but not the hd. How about you?

I'm only getting sd here in mass :mad:

OTA HD for me....

I'm getting the HD. During commercials I get a SD Fox logo banner thing and that's it no commercials, but it's back in HD when the game is on.

Finally back in ota hd here in Cheshire. They must have had a psip problem with their signal. My LG3200a wasn't displaying a picture, but I had a signal.

FOX61 have a PSIP problem?? Never!!! :rolleyes:

HD here now... :)

ok, hd back on now too up here :)

Thanks for the feedback.

I was comparing the specs. on the CM 4228 and their Crossfire model #3671 and found that the 4228 (UHF) antenna claims a range of about 60 miles and their 3671 (VHF/UHF) antenna claims a range of 100 miles for VHF and 60+ miles for UHF. It would seem (by the specs.) that the Crossfire might be the better antenna if you have the space for it and you have a rotor (since it appears to be directional).

Is there additional information that the specs. don't highlight?

I have the 3671 cross fire and love it. In Bethlehem I get Ct and some NYC channels.

The switch flipping screwup on WFSB during the 4th quarter of the Pat's game was yet another local issue. :( Never happened on WBZ, who also ran the game at full bandwidth like the rest of their programming.

The switch flipping screwup on WFSB during the 4th quarter of the Pat's game was yet another local issue. :( Never happened on WBZ, who also ran the game at full bandwidth like the rest of their programming.
From what I understand, it was an automated switch. It occurred at 8 pm when 60 Minutes was supposed to have started.....

From what I understand, it was an automated switch. It occurred at 8 pm when 60 Minutes was supposed to have started.....

I didn't notice the time, but it went back to hd soon after.

I can pick up a a few different type OTA antennas for next to nothing at a discount store (Job Lot) down the street. I'm just wondering what one would be the best bet for my situation. I have Directv. The choices RCA 3022, RCA dish "clamp on style",and RCA wing type ANT 706. If I had to go with the 706 or the 3022 I would set them up in my attic. I have a two storry home and the antennaweb info is below. Any help in this matter would be great. BTW, I get my locals through the STB here in Wethersfield. Why do I get the black bars on the side of the picture when watching them on my Panasonis 42" plasma?

DTV Antenna
Type Call Sign Channel Network City State Live
Date Compass
Orientation Miles
From Frequency
Assignment
* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 286° 8.5 35
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 287° 8.5 45
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 321° 8.9 33
* yellow - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 322° 8.7 46
* red - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 287° 8.5 31
* red - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 232° 23.9 10
* blue - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 10° 26.8 11
* violet - uhf WCTX-DT 59.1 MNT NEW HAVEN CT 232° 23.9 39

BTW, I get my locals through the STB here in Wethersfield. Why do I get the black bars on the side of the picture when watching them on my Panasonic 42" plasma?

That's simply known as pillarboxing, which is the vertical answer to the everyday letterboxing noe gets with a widescreen movie on an older TV. That's the best way to fit a 4:3 picture into the 16:9 widescreen without distorting it. You should also notice that during a network program in HDTV, most commercials are in standard defintion 4:3, which will result in the bars on the side. On my Sanyo 26" LCD HDTV, the sides fill in automatically when the HD broadcast resumes.

Since the bars are a product of the station, WFSB, WTNH and so forth, the TV thinks that it is seeing a 16:9 picture even though the sides are black or grey in the case of WTXX and Fox.

I have it facing south to get 10.1 abc signal strength 61-65 no drop outs abc but I am having drop outs on 3.1 cbs signal strength 82-89 :confused:

If I get a pre-amp will it help ? If so what should I get and where should I mount it.

* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 142° 3.9 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 139° 3.7 12
* yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 31
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 71° 5.2 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 45
* red - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 73° 5.4 46
* red - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 10
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 35° 26.0 11
* violet - uhf WCTX-DT 59.1 MNT NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 39



Thanks..Ed

Ed, I have a question for you on your OTA antenna set-up. I have a doubble coax comming into the house from the dish. Do you have the same and are connecting the antenna to that spare coax?


QUOTE=vmaxed]I have it facing south to get 10.1 abc signal strength 61-65 no drop outs abc but I am having drop outs on 3.1 cbs signal strength 82-89 :confused:

If I get a pre-amp will it help ? If so what should I get and where should I mount it.

* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 142° 3.9 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 139° 3.7 12
* yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 31
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 71° 5.2 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 45
* red - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 73° 5.4 46
* red - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 10
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 35° 26.0 11
* violet - uhf WCTX-DT 59.1 MNT NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 39



Thanks..Ed[/QUOTE]

High Gear..I ran a new RG6 coax.The dish is for HD on 61.5 one coax, I didn't diplex.

Ed..

I have it facing south to get 10.1 abc signal strength 61-65 no drop outs abc but I am having drop outs on 3.1 cbs signal strength 82-89 :confused:

If I get a pre-amp will it help ? If so what should I get and where should I mount it.

* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 142° 3.9 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 139° 3.7 12
* yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 31
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 71° 5.2 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 45
* red - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 73° 5.4 46
* red - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 10
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 35° 26.0 11
* violet - uhf WCTX-DT 59.1 MNT NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 39



Thanks..Ed

Ed - if you have the antenna pointing south, you're probably either picking up WFSB from the side/backside of the antenna (since you're so close to the transmitter), or you're picking up a reflected signal (multipath) - which is why you're getting drop outs, even with what appears to be a good signal strength. A pre-amp is not going to help in this situation, and will probably make things worse. You may very well need a rotor, so you can point the antenna at WFSB when needed, but I would try tweaking the direction of the antenna a bit first (a little more in the direction of the WFSB transmitter) to see if that works.

Ross

I have the antenna pointing south west now and now can get all these stations(no drop outs).I wasn't getting 22.1 before and I am now :confused: It must be coming in the back door... :D this little antenna works good for $39.



* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 142° 3.9 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 139° 3.7 12
* yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 139° 3.7 31
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 71° 5.2 33
* red - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 73° 5.4 46
* red - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 10
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 35° 26.0 11
* violet - uhf WCTX-DT 59.1 MNT NEW HAVEN CT 202° 21.8 39

Thanks....Ed

Good stuff Ed. :)

Ross

Anyone having issues with WFSB? I get a > 80% signal that drops to 0 every 10-20 seconds. No problems in WTIC or WVIT. Great signals on those stations.

I watched CSI thursday night with no dropouts...great picture all night.

Does the windy day affect the signal??

Does the windy day affect the signal??
Apparently it does for my location....its fine this morning...

Does anyone know if the work is done on rattlesnake mountain? I thought they were finishing in the spring, but my signal that is usually in the low 40's has been near 80 all weekend. Not that i'm complaining, I was just curious. I would love to change my season pass on my hr10-250 to get the shows in hd instead of sd.

Does anyone know if the work is done on rattlesnake mountain?

The tower crew was scheduled to return from their Christmas break to resume work on January 8th, but at this time they are mainly working on getting the Channel 61 and Channel 24 analog antennas situated on the top of the tower. Originally, the Channel 61 and Channel 20 digital antennas were to be moved to the top from their current side-mounted positions. The FCC had to first assign Channel 24 its new digital channel number and then CPTV's new digital antenna had to be built.

But a December post mentioned that (1)The FCC still hasn't finalized its decisions about CPTV, and, (2)WTIC and WTXX have placed orders for brand new digital antennas to be mounted up at the top. Those custom-build jobs are apparently taking place now, so it will still be months before the antennas are actually installed at the top. At that time it is hoped that the Channel 24 digital antenna will also be ready to be attached to the tower's candelabra.

Weather and FCC-permitting, and barring any unforeseen delaying events, it looks like the tower work won't be finished until sometime between Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September 2007). (I base this estimate on what I've read here in this forum.)

Your spike in signal strength may be just a temporary fluke.

OK, thanks for the info....I guess I can live with the live ota feed till it gets worked out. :cool:

Hello,
this weekend I gained a digital channel 59 but seem to lose digital channel 8 and 8.2 out of New Haven. Does anyone else have 8.1 and 8.2 with a signal strenght.? I'm using a 622 dish to recieve my OTA
TY

I am receiving 8.1/8.2 ABC New Haven 74*and 40.1 ABC Springfield,MA.72* on a 622 and a 211.

Ed... ;)

Hello,
this weekend I gained a digital channel 59 but seem to lose digital channel 8 and 8.2 out of New Haven. Does anyone else have 8.1 and 8.2 with a signal strenght.? I'm using a 622 dish to recieve my OTA
TY

What are you using for an antenna?

Ross

Believe it or not im using an old channel master from the early days when no cable was available recieve high 90 from most stations about 74 from 8 in new haven and 59.1 around 60-62 Is 59.1 out of new haven also?

Believe it or not im using an old channel master from the early days when no cable was available recieve high 90 from most stations about 74 from 8 in new haven and 59.1 around 60-62 Is 59.1 out of new haven also?

Yes, it is on the same tower as WTNH, on Gaylord Mountain.

Has anyone had any problems picking up WTIC 61.1 in the past few days?
I'm getting 100% signal strength but not any audio of video when looking at the channel. All I get is a blank screen.

I need to fix this before monday night or I'll be rioting, 24 needs to be in HD. :cool:

Don't know were you are,61.1 WTIC is fine in Unionville.
Ed... ;)

Has anyone had any problems picking up WTIC 61.1 in the past few days?
I'm getting 100% signal strength but not any audio of video when looking at the channel. All I get is a blank screen.

I need to fix this before monday night or I'll be rioting, 24 needs to be in HD. :cool:

I used to get this a lot too. I was beginning to believe it was a signal vs box compatability issues as no one else was reporting the same problem. I was using an H20 D* receiver at the time. I recently had the Slimline 5-LNB and HR20 installed and can now get WTICDT via satellite.

I used to get this a lot too. I was beginning to believe it was a signal vs box compatability issues as no one else was reporting the same problem. I was using an H20 D* receiver at the time. I recently had the Slimline 5-LNB and HR20 installed and can now get WTICDT via satellite.

I'm thinking of going the same route. How long did it take you to get it, and were you able to get a good deal from them?

I called the station and got voice mail back. They said they are shutting down the transmitter as needed when working on the tower - usually during the day. A part of their system may not have rebooted properly. Sometimes a set must have the channel readded.

If you can't receive the channel, calling them may help get it restored faster since they may assume it is working.

Bob

I called the station and got voice mail back. They said they are shutting down the transmitter as needed when working on the tower - usually during the day. A part of their system may not have rebooted properly. Sometimes a set must have the channel readded.

If you can't receive the channel, calling them may help get it restored faster since they may assume it is working.

Bob

The tower crew is actively working on the tower this week. Parts of the new candelabra have already been hoisted. If the weather holds (no winds above 15 MPH), the candelabra could be finished this week. Don't get TOO excited - the permanent digital antennas still won't be in until Spring. Give them a few more weeks and the analog feedlines will be finished, and Channels 24 and 61 should be honking again -

The tower crew is actively working on the tower this week. Parts of the new candelabra have already been hoisted. If the weather holds (no winds above 15 MPH), the candelabra could be finished this week. Don't get TOO excited - the permanent digital antennas still won't be in until Spring. Give them a few more weeks and the analog feedlines will be finished, and Channels 24 and 61 should be honking again -

I received an email from Gerry Franklin this week. He said that digital channel 45 has been approved by the FCC for WEDH and that they hope to be up and running by the end of the year. Do you have any more info on this Arnold?

I received an email from Gerry Franklin this week. He said that digital channel 45 has been approved by the FCC for WEDH and that they hope to be up and running by the end of the year. Do you have any more info on this Arnold?
No, but others here might.

Report from Newtown....

I was able to receive WTXX 20.1 and 20.2 for the first time on Friday night and Saturday morning. Perhaps the artic cold helped with the signal. The strength wasn't great (59%) but good enough to get a lock. Unfortunately by Sunday it was gone again. The distance and the terrain must be hurting me here. Maybe when all the construction is done and if they increase the power, it will come back this summer. Not holding my breath but I am still hopeful.

Just wondering if anyone else has a problem with Fox 61 OTA not re-mapping correctly? On my Samsung 4266 DLP sometimes it's on 31.3 and sometimes it's 61.1. My Sony DHG-250 HD DVR only receives 31.3. I've got a nice strong signal, so that can't be it. Maybe this will be fixed when their construction is finished.

And maybe they can figure out how to make their SD content look better than their analog station. HD looks great, but when primetime is over the SD programming seems to have an awful cross-hatch look to it. And get rid of the grey bars!!!

Doug - West Haven, CT

One more thing. I just got my DHG-250 HD DVR and wasn't expecting to get many digital channels with it's QAM tuner, but was very surprised. With no cable card, I get digital versions of a lot of the basic analog channels. Some of which look a good deal better than their analog equivalents. I also recive the HD locals, 'The Tube' (which isn't on the channel lineup), and ESPN classics. The digital channels have numbers like 123.18. However, there seems to be a void of digital replacements from about channel 30 - 70.

Anyone else with a QAM tuner getting other channels besides these with New Haven Comcast?

Doug

Did you get 61.1 in Newtown? since I am in Oxford, we should refere to each other about WTIC's effort.