Hartford, CT - OTA [Text View] - Page 23

jake14mw

10-22-07, 12:32 PM

Hey all, not been here in a while. My brother is looking at going to Direct TV due to the increased HD. He's in Fairfield county and according to the D* web site, he would get NY locals only - no CT locals. That doesn't make sense to me given I'm in Middlesex county and get both, except for ABC NY.

Can anyone in Fairfield county with D* tell me what you get for locals, including HD and SD? I think he should get NY in HD and CT in SD. I know this is the OTA thread, but I didn't see anywhere else to post this Q. Thanks

Well, I don't live in Fairfield County, but I can tell you that CT locals are not available in that county through DirecTV. Fairfield is part of the NY DMA that does not receive CT locals.

CHDinCT

10-23-07, 04:48 PM

Well, I don't live in Fairfield County, but I can tell you that CT locals are not available in that county through DirecTV. Fairfield is part of the NY DMA that does not receive CT locals.

Hey, thanks for answering. That surprises me. I think we're better off in the Hartford/New Haven DMA where we get CT locals in HD (except ABC) and NY locals in SD (except ABC). Hmm, I see a pattern there - damn LIN.

raoul5788

10-23-07, 06:02 PM

Hey, thanks for answering. That surprises me. I think we're better off in the Hartford/New Haven DMA where we get CT locals in HD (except ABC) and NY locals in SD (except ABC). Hmm, I see a pattern there - damn LIN.

Definitely we are better off! I think this is the only region of the country that gets six region sports networks.

jake14mw

10-24-07, 10:03 AM

Hey, thanks for answering. That surprises me. I think we're better off in the Hartford/New Haven DMA where we get CT locals in HD (except ABC) and NY locals in SD (except ABC). Hmm, I see a pattern there - damn LIN.

Yes, I agree, but actually, if you are in Hartford County, you get no outside locals, just CT through DirecTV. I think Whindham county gets some Boston locals. I just wish that the NY locals included HD!

jake14mw

10-24-07, 10:07 AM

Definitely we are better off! I think this is the only region of the country that gets six region sports networks.

What are the 6? I know I get YES, NESN, MSG, FOX SportsNY. I guess even being a sports fan, I don't watch them much.

KML-224

10-24-07, 10:18 AM

Is it Comcast SportsNet, formerly FOX Sports New England?

raoul5788

10-24-07, 12:51 PM

What are the 6? I know I get YES, NESN, MSG, FOX SportsNY. I guess even being a sports fan, I don't watch them much.

Comcast NE, formerly Fox Sport NE, MSG, YES, NESN, Fox Sport NY, and SNY.

mrperple

10-24-07, 01:00 PM

Go too http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx and put your address in then post the info here so we can help.

Ed..;)
yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 63° 3.8 31
* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 65° 3.7 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 63° 3.8 12
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 44° 8.6 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 63° 3.8 45
* yellow - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 45° 8.7 46
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 32° 30.3 11
* blue - uhf WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS SPRINGFIELD MA 31° 41.5 58
* blue - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 205° 17.2 10
* violet - uhf WGGB-DT 40.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD MA 31° 41.5 55

here is the info for my address. not sure why I can't get WTIC. Im closer to that tower than any other? I'm thinking my TERK 55 is a piece if s*&#t. Any suggestions on a good antenna?

raoul5788

10-24-07, 02:25 PM

yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 63° 3.8 31
* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 65° 3.7 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 63° 3.8 12
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 44° 8.6 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 63° 3.8 45
* yellow - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 45° 8.7 46
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 32° 30.3 11
* blue - uhf WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS SPRINGFIELD MA 31° 41.5 58
* blue - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 205° 17.2 10
* violet - uhf WGGB-DT 40.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD MA 31° 41.5 55

here is the info for my address. not sure why I can't get WTIC. Im closer to that tower than any other? I'm thinking my TERK 55 is a piece if s*&#t. Any suggestions on a good antenna?

The Channel Master 4228 is what I use. I get excellent reception here in Cheshire. I don't know where you are, but it would likely be the best choice for you. You may need to combine a VHF antenna with it.

mrperple

10-24-07, 03:57 PM

The Channel Master 4228 is what I use. I get excellent reception here in Cheshire. I don't know where you are, but it would likely be the best choice for you. You may need to combine a VHF antenna with it.
I'm in Bristol which is not to far from you. So I should get good reception if you do.

raoul5788

10-24-07, 04:20 PM

I'm in Bristol which is not to far from you. So I should get good reception if you do.

Assuming no terrain issues, you should be fine. Have you checked this website? It gives good information on what size antenna you need. www.antennaweb.org.

Skyeclad

10-24-07, 04:39 PM

Hey guys, is it me or does WEDH out of Bridgeport have a crappy signal? I'm in Trumbull so I should be getting this signal very well and all I see at times are digital tearing, pausing and stuttering. Well I still have Charter Cable so I tuned it in using my cable box and guess what, I see lots of tearing and stuttering on their feed as well. What gives?

vmaxed

10-25-07, 07:20 AM

A little help would be much appriciated. I have a terk 55 I can't seem to be able to get WTIC(61) and WTNH(8). I have the antenna hooked directly to my TV (sony SXRD KDS-50A200). Should I try a different antenna or maybe try to hook it up to my E* 622. If I need to get a different antenna what is a good one to get? I live in the Forestville section of Bristol and if I need to get anouther antenna I would prefer not to get something that is really big and have to install on top of my roof. thanks in advance.

yellow - uhf WTIC-DT 31.1 FOX HARTFORD CT 63° 3.8 31
* yellow - uhf WVIT-DT 30.1 NBC NEW BRITAIN CT 65° 3.7 35
* yellow - vhf WTXX-DT 20.1 CW WATERBURY CT 63° 3.8 12
* yellow - uhf WFSB-DT 3.1 CBS HARTFORD CT 44° 8.6 33
* yellow - uhf WEDH-DT 45 PBS HARTFORD CT 63° 3.8 45
* yellow - uhf WUVN-DT 18.1 UNI HARTFORD CT 45° 8.7 46
* red - vhf WWLP-DT 22.1 NBC SPRINGFIELD MA 32° 30.3 11
* blue - uhf WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS SPRINGFIELD MA 31° 41.5 58
* blue - vhf WTNH-DT 10.1 ABC NEW HAVEN CT 205° 17.2 10
* violet - uhf WGGB-DT 40.1 ABC SPRINGFIELD MA 31° 41.5 55

here is the info for my address. not sure why I can't get WTIC. Im closer to that tower than any other? I'm thinking my TERK 55 is a piece if s*&#t. Any suggestions on a good antenna?

If you want to get WGBY-DT 57.1 / WTNH-DT 10.1 you need to put a antenna on your roof.You might not need a rotor if you point the antenna at WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS SPRINGFIELD MA 31° you should get WTNH-DT 10.1 205° from the back side with a strong signal.

I would use a Channel Master CM 4228 http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ANC4228

Or a Antennas Direct DB8 http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&PROD=AD-DB8

I have a DB8 pointed at WGBY-DT 57.1 and get WTNH-DT 10.1 from the back side at 90% on my E* 622 and 211.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/enorton/Pics/P1020852.jpg

Ed..;)

raoul5788

10-25-07, 07:57 AM

If you want to get WGBY-DT 57.1 / WTNH-DT 10.1 you need to put a antenna on your roof.You might not need a rotor if you point the antenna at WGBY-DT 57.1 PBS SPRINGFIELD MA 31° you should get WTNH-DT 10.1 205° from the back side with a strong signal.

I would use a Channel Master CM 4228 http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ANC4228

Or a Antennas Direct DB8 http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&PROD=AD-DB8

I have a DB8 pointed at WGBY-DT 57.1 and get WTNH-DT 10.1 from the back side at 90% on my E* 622 and 211.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/enorton/Pics/P1020852.jpg

Ed..;)

You must be just close enough to pick up Springfield. I can't here in Cheshire, but using a CM 4228, I pick up the Hartford and New Haven stations the same way you do, pointing the antenna north and getting the others from the back side.

vmaxed

10-25-07, 12:03 PM

Yea..Springfield is 37 miles from me in Unionville :D

Ed...:)

KML-224

10-25-07, 09:45 PM

I don't get a trace of Springfield, analog or digital, here in New Britain's south end. :(

mrperple

10-26-07, 01:20 AM

Thanks for the help guys. Looks like I'm getting a new antenna.

stumacdo

10-26-07, 01:57 PM

You never should have sold me that Channel Master, you know!

Ha - you're right !!! Goes to show what I get for agreeing with my wife that our new siding meant no more antennas....... That CM4228 is definitely the real deal when it comes to picking up OTA.

Chucka

10-26-07, 04:33 PM

Is WTHN-TV even on the air? Today was my first experience with OTA having a new Samsung receiver and a Lacross antenna. I am in Shelton, CT (Zip 06484). I am having no problem getting WCTX-DT and even WVIT-DT but there is not even a weak signal on the meter for WTNH-HD at a distance of 11.8 miles and co located with WCTX-DT. (Afternoon of October 26th).

I had only skeptical hope in receiving WFSB-DT and as expected, no signal.

I have not yet installed the antenna but took it outside and moved it around the porch. Eventually it will be at least 6 feet higher than these test positions. My only disappointment is with WTNH-DT which I expected to receive with ease.

But I am suspicious that they may have not even been transmitting. Does anyone have any knowledge of this?

Chucka

KML-224

10-26-07, 05:00 PM

Say Chucka, are you receiving WTIC-DT (FOX) or WTXX-DT (CW) either?

Chucka

10-26-07, 05:59 PM

No - But my goal is to get the New Haven stations so my wife will let me go to satellite as they think Shelton is in New York, but we NEVER watch New York stations. I did not have much tome to play around with the receiver and antenna and eventually this will be elevated when mounted on the house, so at this time it is only WTNH-DT that I am worried about.

I also have the option of sending this Lacross antenna back if I give up but unfortunately I will not be able to continue with this project for a couple of weeks.

Any insight into OTA reception in Shelton or the immediate area would be appreciated.

Chucka

n1uva

10-26-07, 06:29 PM

Chucka- WTNH looks good from Bristol, CT. I have a TVIX 4100 with tuner and a Samsung h260f. I also have a Vizio LCD with integrated tuner that does NOT pickup WTNH seems to be a psip issue or something. I am using a Channelmaster 4228. WTNH is on VHF channel 10 what antenna are you using? First post on the forum but I have been on here for years and just got my OTA setup.

jackmd

10-26-07, 08:52 PM

[QUOTE=Chucka;12025139

Any insight into OTA reception in Shelton or the immediate area would be appreciated.

Chucka[/QUOTE]

I live in Shelton in the south end off RT 110. I get WTNH-DT with rabbit ears.. :confused: I also have an antenna in the attic so I can get WVIT-DT.

WTHN is VHF. Is your antenna VHF or only UHF.

Jack

vmaxed

10-28-07, 07:44 PM

I am going to go to Directv from Dish and I would like to know how are the HR20 & H20 receivers.Do they have good OTA reception.

Thanks.....Ed

raoul5788

10-28-07, 10:39 PM

I am going to go to Directv from Dish and I would like to know how are the HR20 & H20 receivers.Do they have good OTA reception.

Thanks.....Ed

I have an HR20-700. It has good ota results. The H20-600 is the best of the bunch with excellent ota reception. I can't speak to the HR20-100 or the H20-100.

vmaxed

10-29-07, 06:58 PM

Skyeclad

10-31-07, 09:20 AM

raoul5788

10-31-07, 10:10 AM

Any experiences similar to what I'm describing with WEDH?

You are actually talking about WEDW. WEDH is not ota yet. It is on cable systems.

RTracey

10-31-07, 11:46 AM

I am getting it installed by Orbitech in Plainville. They had a hard time finding two HR20 DVR's. They said they found them out of state and are on there way.Maybe I will have a install this week.

Thanks...Ed :)

Ed - just be sure they're giving you an HR20, and not an HR21. The HR21 came out recently, and it apparently has no OTA capability.

Ross

vmaxed

10-31-07, 04:46 PM

Ross

That's why they said they had to go out of state to get the HR20's.

Ed...;)

Skyeclad

10-31-07, 05:06 PM

You are actually talking about WEDW. WEDH is not ota yet. It is on cable systems.

Oh, my bad, you're right. Still, is the constant corruption a known issue. I've seen this on my OTA signal as well as my cable connection.

jzareski

11-01-07, 11:51 PM

Any experiences similar to what I'm describing with WEDH?

WEDW DT Bridgeport (Trumbull / Shelton)

It was noted that there is an intermittent equipment path problem between the interconnected CPTV ComSite Farmington, Naugatuck and Trumbull microwave relay sites.

CPTV Technicians are aware of the problem and Charter has been very helpful in notifying CPTV of outages in attempt to isolate the issue.

vmaxed

11-03-07, 12:10 PM

The install by Orbitech went good.I have two HR20-100S :D

Ed..;)

jake14mw

11-05-07, 09:27 AM

DirecTV customers, In order to get ESPNU, we need to order the SportsPack, right? How much is that per month? I might consider getting it for the UConn football game next week and the two basketball games this week. I can't get to DirecTV's site at work.

raoul5788

11-05-07, 10:10 AM

Falcon_77

11-05-07, 03:57 PM

I will be heading back to Mystic for a week in December. I am planning to pick up my OTA project where I left off, though the reception landscape may be very different with no leaves on most trees (I was last there in July).

I will be ordering a CM4228 for delivery by the time I get there, but my main concern is what pre-amp will work best. I have had good luck with the CM7777 in CA, but in Mystic there are ION stations in the way of both Hartford and Providence. With these unwanted stations at only ~15 miles and with the target stations at ~50 miles, I'm wondering if reception is possible before overload.

Does anyone have any experience in the Mystic area with antennas and pre-amps? As I'm only there for a week, it doesn't leave much margin for error, unless I can find a local store that sells the supplies I need.

Thank you,

ctdish

11-05-07, 09:29 PM

Where will you be in Mystic? Reception is possible but difficult and at some locations, some channels will not come in. Where I am Providence is much more reliable than Hartford. I have used an AP4700 preamp and did better with the Research Communications LNA . I use a channel 17 notch filter after the preamp because I got overloading in a distribution amp. See here for a report on signals here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/printthread.php?t=695589&pp=60&page=3
John

Falcon_77

11-05-07, 10:23 PM

Thank you for your reply.

The location is on Mason's Island. When I was there in July, I had better luck getting stations from New York than Hartford, but I suspect some tropo ducts were up then. WLIW had the strongest signal of all for a while, then it disappeared completely.

Analog channel 6 came in the best, followed by 10 & 12 with the rabbit ear/loop combo in the attic. Getting anything from Connecticut (except WHPX 26 and WEDN 53) was a joke. Even WTNH 8 was un-watchable for the most part.

Is your report on the signals in a link within that link? I tried it, but it said that it was not found or archived.

Thanks again,

ctdish

11-06-07, 09:52 AM

Sorry I grabbed the wrong link. Try this http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8279292#post8279292
John

Falcon_77

11-06-07, 08:37 PM

Thanks for the link. This is great stuff. It makes me nostalgic for my days in the engineering lab, which is the last time I used a spectrum analyzer.

I had heard about the differences in NTSC vs. ATSC signals and why a flat response is important for digital. It has become pretty obvious all of a sudden. It is appears doubtful that a CM4228 will be enough for High-VHF, so I probably would need separates at some point.

It looks like you are on the North side of the 95 and at a higher elevation. I compared TV Fool plots between your (estimated) location and mine. The RI stations are about 10dBm lower for my location from what I can tell.

I have attached the TV Fool plot if it helps, along with a couple pictures of the analog reception I received with the rabbit ear/loop combo in July (10 and 12 from Providence).

As respects the notch filter, do you only need it for 17? I am worried about 34, 26 & 69 as well. It seems that any one of them could overload a CM7777.

ctdish

11-07-07, 12:11 AM

Your description of my location sounds right. I am higher but I have found locations on the coast do better than expected. I get overloading from 26 and 34 when aimed at them but Hartford reception is not a good as Providence so I mostly aim at Providence. Surprising 69 is not very strong here. When you get to CT look at channel 64 analog out of Providence if you can get a picture that is a little snowy or better you will probably get WJAR DT and WLNE DT.
John

Skyeclad

11-07-07, 01:09 PM

WEDW DT Bridgeport (Trumbull / Shelton)

It was noted that there is an intermittent equipment path problem between the interconnected CPTV ComSite Farmington, Naugatuck and Trumbull microwave relay sites.

CPTV Technicians are aware of the problem and Charter has been very helpful in notifying CPTV of outages in attempt to isolate the issue.

Thanks for the reply. I noted these problems with Charter but also in the OTA transmission which I assume would also be effected by microwave relay site issues. I sent an e-mail to CPTV a couple of days ago but they haven't responded. Until then, this is the only channel that I can get 1080i public TV and it's too corrupted to really be enjoyable.

Unfortunately, WLIW seems to be SD only, WNET-HD is too far and weak for my Trumbull location w. CM4228.

Falcon_77

11-08-07, 02:26 AM

When you get to CT look at channel 64 analog out of Providence if you can get a picture that is a little snowy or better you will probably get WJAR DT and WLNE DT.
John

Hopefully it was just due from the cheap rabbit ear/loop combo, but I didn't save a pic of channel 64, which probably meant I never saw anything on it. Looking at the pic for 69, even that is very poor. Maybe VHF 13 out of Providence will be the only real prospect. Perhaps a good portion of the UHF problem came from leaves as I was able to get WFTY 67 out of Long Island, which is a water path, during a ducting event. The land UHF reception really wasn't good to anywhere.

Reading further into some of your other posts, it sounds like you have quite a rig with quad 4248's and a super low noise pre-amp. It makes me think that a single antenna in the attic just won't be up to the job, even with the most modern tuners, at least for UHF.

Well, it should certainly be an interesting change in December, but it remains to be seen if I can get more than a few digital channels.

ctdish

11-08-07, 10:57 AM

I also have a single UHF antenna on the roof with a Radioshack Preamp for backup. It can get most of the Providence UHF digital channels except FOX most of the time. I also get no UHF from Providence here with rabbit ears.
John

Falcon_77

11-08-07, 08:07 PM

Are there any stores local to the Mystic area that sell TV antennas and/or related parts? I will probably have the antenna(s) shipped there for my arrival, but I'm sure that more parts will be needed.

Also, where is a good place to get a notch filter? I'm assuming that these are a special order/online item only. I have heard that Tin Lee Electronics is good, but I don't want to have to deal with Canadian shipping.

What notch filter do you use for 17?

ctdish

11-08-07, 10:32 PM

New London has Jan Electronics who may have some antennas. Lots of Radioshacks around also Home Depot. You can drive to http://www.starkelectronic.com in about an hour and a half.
I got my filter from Tin Lee. Since they are made in Canada under NAFTA there is no import tax.
John

woodsmith

11-22-07, 07:53 AM

Has anyone else lost WSFB CBS - 3.1,3.2,3.3 in the New Haven area? Found out this am. Happy Thanksgiving Jeff

DGerard

11-22-07, 08:22 AM

Yup. Although the signal strength is ok for WFSB, there is no picture at all on either channel up here in New Hartford. Enjoy your turkey!

raoul5788

11-22-07, 08:28 AM

The problem is with WFSB. They are out on Directv, also.

woodsmith

11-22-07, 08:45 AM

Thanks, the signal is at 87 yet no picture. Thanks for the confirmation. It has been fine in the past. What is station WtXX? I now receive that. Jeff

raoul5788

11-22-07, 09:49 AM

Thanks, the signal is at 87 yet no picture. Thanks for the confirmation. It has been fine in the past. What is station WtXX? I now receive that. Jeff

WTXX is channel 20, channel 12 digital. BTW, they will be going back to 20 eventually.

CKNA

11-22-07, 01:00 PM

Has anyone else lost WSFB CBS - 3.1,3.2,3.3 in the New Haven area? Found out this am. Happy Thanksgiving Jeff

What are you using to watch it? D* receiver?. There is no picture on my D* receivers, but my other tuners receive it fine. Must be somethiong wrong with PSIP data.

Falcon_77

11-24-07, 01:18 AM

I ended up ordering a notch filter for channels 17 and 26 from Tin Lee. I won't be addressing 34 and 69 for the local ion stations, but I understand that 69 probably won't be an issue. I don't really expect to get anything from Hartford until analog shutdown, but I had the dual channel made with the future in mind.

I am considering using a 91XG instead of a CM4228. I have heard that the bow-ties, such as the CM4228 don't tame tree mutlipath very well and we have a bunch of trees around. Would a 91XG be a better choice?

KML-224

12-05-07, 03:22 PM

So...where has everyobdy been? I've noticed that WFSB's Eyewitness News Now service, channel 33-3 ("3-3") is now showing up on Comcast here in New Britain on 89-3 (QAM tuner). Also, any update on WEDH-DT at all?

DGerard

12-05-07, 03:37 PM

I can't get any digital OTA PBS TV at all here in New Hartford. And channel 59-01 and 59-02 haven't been coming in for weeks now. OTOH, I can get a pretty good picture on 08-01, and a signal on 08-02, but no picture other than a black screen.

KML-224

12-05-07, 05:19 PM

There is nothing on 10-2 ("8-2") for me in New Britain either.

raoul5788

12-05-07, 07:03 PM

WTNH is not using their subchannels for weather any more. Check WCTX for the radar. It's 39.2.

buyerchoice

12-06-07, 03:51 AM

I am considering using a 91XG instead of a CM4228. I have heard that the bow-ties, such as the CM4228 don't tame tree multipath very well and we have a bunch of trees around. Would a 91XG be a better choice?

I will try to help. The channels I was going for were these.

3.1 on frequency 33 - WFSB
8.1 on frequency 10 - WTNH
20.1 on frequency 12 - WTXX
30.1 on frequecny 35 - WVIT
59.1 on frequency 39 - WCTX
61.1 on frequency 31 - WTIC
Channel 24 analog PBS until they fire up the digital version.

The problem here is that 8.1 is on frequency 10 and 20.1 is on frequency 12. That is hard for a UHF antenna to pick up. Therefore I went by the charts in the link below. The gain on the Channel master 4228 falls off quickly below frequency 20 so I choose the Winegard PR-8800. E on the chart.

I considered the 91XG but it has lower gain in the lower frequencies where I thought I would need it. So far everything seems to be working fine. The signal meter reads about 90 on 3.1, 100 on 8.1, 93 on 20.1, 98 on 30.1, 88 on 59.1 and 87 on 61.1. Channel 24 PBS analog comes in strong with no ghosts or fuzziness but the meter does not read out for analog stations. Since it is in exactly the same direction as 20.1, 30.1 and 61.1, I believe it is just as strong as those stations. No complaints at all.

I also have woods close by and from time to time the picture breaks up for a second or two but mostly I am good. I do however wonder if the 91XG would have worked better. Hope the graphs help you. If you try the 91XG try to write back how it worked for you.

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

raoul5788

12-06-07, 10:22 AM

I will try to help. The channels I was going for were these.

3.1 on frequency 33 - WFSB
8.1 on frequency 10 - WTNH
20.1 on frequency 12 - WTXX
30.1 on frequecny 35 - WVIT
59.1 on frequency 39 - WCTX
61.1 on frequency 31 - WTIC
Channel 24 analog PBS until they fire up the digital version.

The problem here is that 8.1 is on frequency 10 and 20.1 is on frequency 12. That is hard for a UHF antenna to pick up. Therefore I went by the charts in the link below. The gain on the Channel master 4228 falls off quickly below frequency 20 so I choose the Winegard PR-8800. E on the chart.

I considered the 91XG but it has lower gain in the lower frequencies where I thought I would need it. So far everything seems to be working fine. The signal meter reads about 90 on 3.1, 100 on 8.1, 93 on 20.1, 98 on 30.1, 88 on 59.1 and 87 on 61.1. Channel 24 PBS analog comes in strong with no ghosts or fuzziness but the meter does not read out for analog stations. Since it is in exactly the same direction as 20.1, 30.1 and 61.1, I believe it is just as strong as those stations. No complaints at all.

I also have woods close by and from time to time the picture breaks up for a second or two but mostly I am good. I do however wonder if the 91XG would have worked better. Hope the graphs help you. If you try the 91XG try to write back how it worked for you.

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html

I don't know where you are in CT, but here in Cheshire my CM 4228 works great. I point the dish at Rattlesnake Mtn and pick up WTNH and WCTX from the back, virtually perfectly. You mention you are near the woods. I understand that they can cause a lot of multipath. I have many trees about 100 ft south of my house, but have no issues, again with the 4228. YMMV

buyerchoice

12-07-07, 08:17 AM

I don't know where you are in CT, but here in Cheshire my CM 4228 works great. I point the dish at Rattlesnake Mtn and pick up WTNH and WCTX from the back, virtually perfectly. You mention you are near the woods. I understand that they can cause a lot of multipath. I have many trees about 100 ft south of my house, but have no issues, again with the 4228. YMMV

I am in Thomaston. I put the antenna on a rotor and found that the signal was nearly identical off the back with the PR-8800. Apparently bow tie antennas have poor rejection off the back, because you have the same result. I mentioned the charts because they show that for channel 8.1 the PR-8800 has about 8 dbi more gain than the CM4228. Gain for 20.1 too, by about 4 dbi, which is on frequency 12. I thought I might need that extra gain because I have kind of an odd situation. I have a TIVO series 3 High Definition digital video recorder. Therefore, I needed an antenna that was not too directional so that I could leave the antenna pointed in one direction. That way, no matter which channel the TIVO went to record, the signal would be good. No rotor turning with unattended recording with TIVO.

According to Antennaweb, from my coordinates channel 3.1 is at 81 degrees, channels 20.1, 30.1, 60.1 and 24 analog are at 99 degrees and 8.1 and 59.1 are at 173 degrees.

What I have found is that with the antenna pointed at approximately 131 degrees all the stations come in with the signal meter reading between 88 and 100 so this has worked out pretty well.

raoul5788

12-07-07, 04:23 PM

I am in Thomaston. I put the antenna on a rotor and found that the signal was nearly identical off the back with the PR-8800. Apparently bow tie antennas have poor rejection off the back, because you have the same result. I mentioned the charts because they show that for channel 8.1 the PR-8800 has about 8 dbi more gain than the CM4228. Gain for 20.1 too, by about 4 dbi, which is on frequency 12. I thought I might need that extra gain because I have kind of an odd situation. I have a TIVO series 3 High Definition digital video recorder. Therefore, I needed an antenna that was not too directional so that I could leave the antenna pointed in one direction. That way, no matter which channel the TIVO went to record, the signal would be good. No rotor turning with unattended recording with TIVO.

According to Antennaweb, from my coordinates channel 3.1 is at 81 degrees, channels 20.1, 30.1, 60.1 and 24 analog are at 99 degrees and 8.1 and 59.1 are at 173 degrees.

What I have found is that with the antenna pointed at approximately 131 degrees all the stations come in with the signal meter reading between 88 and 100 so this has worked out pretty well.

Glad it works well for you. Thomaston is a difficult area to get good signals. BTW, WTXX, channel 12 digital, will be going to digital 20 at some point, I'm not sure when.

buyerchoice

12-08-07, 02:06 AM

Glad it works well for you. Thomaston is a difficult area to get good signals. BTW, WTXX, channel 12 digital, will be going to digital 20 at some point, I'm not sure when.

Yes, large parts of Thomaston are in a deep valley. Luckily I am at nearly the highest point on a area surrounding the valley. At 1,042 feet above sea level. Most of the transmitting antennas are 1,200 to 1,450 feet above sea level. My uncle lives in the valley, can only get one channel so he has cable.

Falcon_77

12-09-07, 12:46 AM

If you try the 91XG try to write back how it worked for you.

Thank you for the help. It turns out in my case that VHF is a breeze. UHF, however, is going to take a much more serious look than a 91XG in the attic. Here are my results, when pointing the antennas towards Hartford, using a CM7777 pre-amp. I am using a Fusion USB 5 as I blew it on the OnAir GT shipment and had to use the fusion as an emergency backup.

YA-1713 (VHF):
10 (8.1) WTNH/ABC - 91%- 24.8dB
12 (20.1) WTXX/CW - N/S

91XG (UHF):
31 (61.1) WTIC/FOX - N/S (very bad analog)
33 (3.1) WFSB/CBS - N/S
34 (26.1) WHPX/ION - 100% - 33.3dB (max reading I've seen on the Fusion)
35 (30.1) WVIT/NBC - 22% - 6.1dB (analog was bad)
39 (59.1) WCTX/MyN - N/S (bad analog)
45 (53.1) WEDN/PBS - 97% - 26.3dB

Pointing towards Providence yielded:

YA-1713 (VHF):
13 (12.1) WPRI/CBS - 82% - 22.4dB

91XG (UHF):
17 (69.1) WPXQ/ION - 100% - 33.3dB
No digital UHF signal on any other stations, but the high SNR for WPXQ makes me doubt overload. WSBE/PBS RI was very noticably absent. I almost could get analog WLWC however.

I didn't end up using the notch filter, which was also shipped to limbo. However, I don't think I reached overload on the ION stations anyway. The results w/o the per-amp were considerably worse.

I need more UHF gain, so I will probably have to take it to the roof in the future. Just about every setup I tried yielded at lease the 2 ION stations and the local CPTV station (incl. the YA-1713 only). Why did it have to be two ION stations... :(

I wish I had ordered the CM4228 for CT instead. The 91XG comes in a small box, but it was the most difficult assembly for an antenna that I have endured. The CM4228 came assembled and was a breeze to install (in CA). I wonder if I can return the 91XG (Solid Signal). If not, it was expensive lesson.

At least I should get the Patriots tomorrow on CBS-HD... :)

I think my days of doubting VHF-High for digital may be over (the LA area doesn't have any right now, so this was my first test of them). UHF there has a great boost with a ~6000' antenna farm. The limitations of UHF here are very apparent.

ctdish

12-10-07, 08:04 AM

Did you get analog 36 or 64 when aimed at Provednce?
John

Falcon_77

12-10-07, 03:04 PM

Did you get analog 36 or 64 when aimed at Provednce?
John

I haven't been able to get a whisper of these two. I am getting most of the Analog UHF stations out of Hartford (though I wouldn't call them watchable), but 36 and 64 have been non-existent, except for rare interference in the snow.

I was able to get 47%/12.7dB of WVIT-DT 35, when pointing 1/3 of the 91XG towards Hartford, but adding gain (the 2nd and 3rd boom) dropped it to 32/8.8dB.

Attached are a two analog pictures of the latest results. These are outside from the balcony facing toward Hartford with the 91XG into the CM7777. It seems that there's evidence of overload. Perhaps the CM7777 wasn't the ticket. I appear to be getting overloaded by 26 regardless of where I point the antenna.

It looks like Providence just isn't going to happen for UHF. Hartford looks like it will be doable, but perhaps not until 2009, unless I secure an amp less prone to OL or more notch filters.

I also attached a pic of WCTX w/o the Pre-Amp. WTIC and WVIT about vanished w/o it.

Thanks again for your help.

ctdish

12-10-07, 04:42 PM

WCTX is in New haven pretty much west of you. It is collocated with WTNH.
CT TV is not at all like California TV as far as transmitter height and intervening terrain.
John

Falcon_77

12-10-07, 09:00 PM

WCTX is in New haven pretty much west of you. It is collocated with WTNH.
CT TV is not at all like California TV as far as transmitter height and intervening terrain.
John

Yes, it looks like my path to New Haven is cleaner than both the Hartford and Providence sites. WTNH-DT came in quite well on VHF and was ok on analog.

Ir probably doesn't help that there's a house across the street, looking towards Hartford. The same house is not in the way of WTNH/WCTX. Though this makes me wonder why I haven't seen any indication of WCTX-DT.

I have attached a pic of WTIC for further info, but looking at its result along with that of WVIT, doesn't give me much hope for the current landscape (with analog & digital).

Perhaps I was too optimistic about the prospects for reception here and should put it on the shelf for now, at least for UHF. In the LA area, Mt. Wilson, at ~5600' + tower height, certainly makes things easier...

Dominic26

12-10-07, 09:27 PM

I haven't been able to get a whisper of these two. I am getting most of the Analog UHF stations out of Hartford (though I wouldn't call them watchable), but 36 and 64 have been non-existent, except for rare interference in the snow.

I was able to get 47%/12.7dB of WVIT-DT 35, when pointing 1/3 of the 91XG towards Hartford, but adding gain (the 2nd and 3rd boom) dropped it to 32/8.8dB.

Attached are a two analog pictures of the latest results. These are outside from the balcony facing toward Hartford with the 91XG into the CM7777. It seems that there's evidence of overload. Perhaps the CM7777 wasn't the ticket. I appear to be getting overloaded by 26 regardless of where I point the antenna.

It looks like Providence just isn't going to happen for UHF. Hartford looks like it will be doable, but perhaps not until 2009, unless I secure an amp less prone to OL or more notch filters.

I also attached a pic of WCTX w/o the Pre-Amp. WTIC and WVIT about vanished w/o it.

Thanks again for your help.

Mike,

I am still waiting for that filter to ship from Solid Signal. To date, here in Westerly, my analogs, Provicdence and Hartford for the most part look like how you got analog 59 with the pre-amp. WSBE is slightly better. I am still holding out that filtering out 69.1 (UHF 17) will solve my problem. If not, I am in trouble as I have NO hair to pull out. :)

John, I don't think you heard yet, but upon Mike's advice I removed the CM 3044 dist amp. Even though there is no picture yet digital signal strength jumped to from zero to about 30-31 for Providence locals. Haven't tried Hartford's yet. I will also post this on the Providence list.

BTW. The FCC is worthless. They over regulate where they should not and do not where they should. To prevent overload, it should be required that ALL stations in a specific market, or direction have the transmitters near each other to prevent this type of situation. I know of people 20 miles due East of me in North Kingstown who get digital locals from Providence & Boston because 69.1 (17) does NOT interfere. I am willing to bet that along the CT/RI border, North of this transmitter people get Providence, Hartford and Boston locals. Can someone out there confirm or dispute this! Two Ion station and a PBS are not going to cut it.

Dominic

Falcon_77

12-11-07, 05:12 PM

mdodge

12-11-07, 07:42 PM

I did some more 91XG tests today on the balcony and through a window for Providence as there is no balcony on that side of the house. These are the best results observed with the Fusion, with a 14-19 notch filter and the 7777 behind it.

Towards New Haven:

WCTX-DT (39): 22%/6.1dB

Towards Long Island:

WFTY-DT (23): 73%/19.9dB (no dropouts) - WFTY Analog 67 is very poor, so this came as a surprise.
WLNY-DT (57): 35%/9.6dB
WLIW-DT or WLWC-DT? (22): 18%/5.0dB (lowest possible reading); Analog channel 21 almost came in, so I'm guessing this is WLIW.

Towards Providence:

WLWC-DT (22): 22%/6.1dB

I still need to test WLWC pointing straight at it.

There is still no Signal or 0/0 for WNAC-TV/DT, WJAR-DT, WLNE-DT, WSBE-TV/DT.

It seems that in my area that UHF signals above channel 35 have a hard time getting here, especially from the Providence side. I think only VHF is realistic in that direction for me. In general, however, UHF channels in the 20's seem to be more effective. WEDH 24 out of Hartford is almost always present regardless of which way I point the antenna.

Permit me to jump in here. Having been on Mason's Island a few times in my life, I became curious as to your difficulty in receiving the Providence DTV signals there. Incidently, they are all located NE of Providence in Rehoboth, MA.

Attached is a real quick plot of the LOS signal from WJAR/WLNE/WSBE. In the broadcast trade we call this situation by its technical term; NFW (No Friggin' Way). I didn't plot it in my microwave software so earth curvature isn't shown (it makes it worse) and the tower heights (which makes it better).

Let me know if you need a good cry and I'll run a plot for you for WFSB-DT and WTIC-DT.

BTW: WEDH-24 is at the top of the tower, about 43' horizontally from WTIC-61. 61 is about +3 dB (2x) the power than 24. It's nice to hear that you can receive it there.:D

Falcon_77

12-11-07, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the plot! I've been trying to find a program to do this. I've been advised of Radio Mobile, but I haven't sat down to figure it out yet. That plot is... scary! :eek:

Yes, I would like to see the plot to WTIC and WFSB, if you have time.

I've pretty much given up on Providence, as respects UHF. Before this most recent visit, I thought that -108.0dBm to WJAR (from TV Fool) meant that there was some hope.... I guess not.

WFSB looks to be hopeless (compared to WTIC), but at least I can get WPRI for CBS, thanks to VHF-High.

I saw WHPX today near Lowe's in Waterford. It was a majestic sight, the twin towers, but then I remembered the troubles they have given me... :mad:

For my next trip, I will concentrate on Hartford UHF, but WHPX-DT 34 will remain a problem until '09 I suspect. I thought that adjacents weren't permitted in a donut region (what was it, 14-70 miles)?

At this point, I have to decide if I'm going to ship back the 91XG. I think I'd rather deal with a CM4228 next time.

Thanks again for your input.

KML-224

12-12-07, 04:53 PM

Sometimes, I get WPXQ-DT better than WHPX-DT here in New Britain. With an old set of telescoping rods resting on the back of the TV, WEDN-DT is so-so with an occasional dropout. I get Rattlesnake Mountain fine but get little or anything from Avon Mountain, despite WFSB-DT running about a million watts visual ERP. (Thanks Walnut Hill! NOT!)

malopat

12-16-07, 11:03 AM

raoul5788

12-16-07, 11:29 AM

I have noticed all of the comments on what appears to be reception of local HD channels with local antennas as opposed to satellite or cable. I have AT&T Dish satellite. I subscribed mto their HD package and there are no local stations offered. If I go to the national Dish site they indicate they are available. I call my local AT&T and they indicate they are not available. My son gets HD on local channels through Comcast Cable. Is this because the locals are not yet offering HD coverage. It's very confusing and I cannot get any explanation. Some of the HD channels offered by Dish are great but much of it is crap. I would be interested in hearing any comments.

Dish simply does not offer local hd channels at this time. You can get them from Directv, and virtually all cable companies. Being a Directv customer, I would suggest that you switch! You may be able to get them with an ota antenna. Does your Dish receiver have an ota tuner in it for the local hd channels? BTW, the Dish website does not show locals as available in hd.

DGerard

12-16-07, 12:07 PM

raoul5788

12-16-07, 12:14 PM

A couple of questions:

High up here in New Hartford, using Dish network and an old big antenna in the attic for my OTA locals. I get channel 30-01 and 30-02 great, all the time. Now that the leaves are off the trees, I get channel 8-01 and 8-02 (though just a black screen) from New Haven. Channel 61-01 is great as well. I can find NO digital signal for any public TV, including channel 24, yet they are on neighboring towers. Is this due to their output? Also, in good weather, I can't get anything on 59-01 or 59-02, but in these recent snowstorms, the live radar comes in fine on 59-02. It seems like they ramp up the power during bad weather?

Channel 24 is not digital, not yet anyway. Who knows exactly how long it will be. I think they are the only PBS station in the country not broadcasting a digital signal. Channel 59 is not as strong as channel 8. As far as the bad weather reception, who knows? Maybe the poor conditions actually help your reception somehow.

DGerard

12-16-07, 11:10 PM

Channel 24 is not digital, not yet anyway. Who knows exactly how long it will be. I think they are the only PBS station in the country not broadcasting a digital signal. Channel 59 is not as strong as channel 8. As far as the bad weather reception, who knows? Maybe the poor conditions actually help your reception somehow.

Thanks. I have been looking for an HD PBS, but I see now that there is none. Why channel 59 is good in bad weather is a mystery.

100/40

12-17-07, 03:31 PM

DGerard, have you tried Springfield? Just south of Hartford I get WGBY, Ch 57 (PBS) with no problem. Ch 40 and 22 are good as well.

DGerard

12-17-07, 05:35 PM

raoul5788

12-17-07, 05:39 PM

To get Springfield stations, I'd have to reorient my antenna too many degrees and would make it exceptionally difficult to be able to get my other stations, so that wouldn't work. Are any of those channels you mention doing HD broadcasts?

All of the Springfield channels are showing hd when it is there IIRC. You may want to consider a Channel Master 4228 and a rotor. From your place you may also need an signal amplifier.

100/40

12-17-07, 07:18 PM

DGerard, I think you have to find a way to turn your antenna. TV transmissions are directional so you need some control. Mine is manual, open the window, grab mast, turn. Works for me, and I think you can do much better if you can turn that guy, especially if you are HIGH UP in New Hartford. Side note, CH 57 runs 4 channels daytime, and two at night. HD when available.

RTracey

12-17-07, 07:48 PM

I have noticed all of the comments on what appears to be reception of local HD channels with local antennas as opposed to satellite or cable. I have AT&T Dish satellite. I subscribed mto their HD package and there are no local stations offered. If I go to the national Dish site they indicate they are available. I call my local AT&T and they indicate they are not available. My son gets HD on local channels through Comcast Cable. Is this because the locals are not yet offering HD coverage. It's very confusing and I cannot get any explanation. Some of the HD channels offered by Dish are great but much of it is crap. I would be interested in hearing any comments.

Chip's right about D*, but note that they do not currently offer either PBS or ABC (WTNH) in HD. Available now are CBS, NBC and FOX.

Ross

raoul5788

12-17-07, 08:23 PM

Chip's right about D*, but note that they do not currently offer either PBS or ABC (WTNH) in HD. Available now are CBS, NBC and FOX.

Ross

Good point, I forgot about that. I get WTNH in hd ota and WEDH hd by cable.

stumacdo

12-18-07, 03:16 PM

Hi all,

I sold my beloved CM4228 and Winegard antennas to a fellow forum member due to comments from my significant other that revolved around ".....you're not putting those butt-ugly antennas back up on our roof since we just finished re-siding the house......". Oh well, you know how that can go :rolleyes:

I'm thinking about trying to sneak a small (keyword small) external VHF antenna somewhere on my house. I just need a reliable way to pick up 8 and 20. Again, keyword is small - as in, close to undetectable if I stash it somewhere on my roof near my chimney.

Anybody have any good ideas ? I'm currently using a RatShack Internal Antenna to pick up 8 ok, but want to try for 20 as well. Thanks in advance.

raoul5788

12-18-07, 05:25 PM

stumacdo

12-19-07, 10:44 AM

Stumacdo
Were you aware that WTXX is going to be digital 20 instead of 12? Here is a link to the info:http://www.necrat.com/dtv.html

Nope - I've been away from the boards for a while so I didn't know. I wonder then if I should get a small external VHF/UHF antenna. I was looking at solidsignal.com and I saw a small outside VHF/UHF antenna - but it was a Terk model which I've found to be pretty useless in the past. I just can't get away with something as big as the CM4228.

schmitter

12-19-07, 02:24 PM

Can you put a big antenna in your attic? That's what I have done and it works great. I have aluminum siding, so I had to keep it in the middle so I don't try and point it through the siding.

vmaxed

12-22-07, 08:32 AM

Nope - I've been away from the boards for a while so I didn't know. I wonder then if I should get a small external VHF/UHF antenna. I was looking at solidsignal.com and I saw a small outside VHF/UHF antenna - but it was a Terk model which I've found to be pretty useless in the past. I just can't get away with something as big as the CM4228.

How about a DB2 or DB4.....;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/enorton/Pics/DB2.jpg

Ed..:)

mdodge

12-22-07, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the plot! I've been trying to find a program to do this. I've been advised of Radio Mobile, but I haven't sat down to figure it out yet. That plot is... scary! :eek:

Yes, I would like to see the plot to WTIC and WFSB, if you have time.

Attached are the plots to WFSB and WEDH (WTIC). I tried attaching a topo of the paths (WEDH/WTIC/WVIT, WFSB and WJAR+) but I can't seem to get the size down to <500kb.

The path to Farmington (WEDH/WTIC/WVIT) looks encouraging although the obstruction closer to Mason Island could be a bit of a problem.

Good luck.:D

ctdish

12-22-07, 03:43 PM

mdodge

12-22-07, 04:25 PM

Marc,
Is the path to Hartford really that much better than the earlier one you posted to Providence? The Providence antennas are at about 1050 ft above sea level though the straight connecting line only goes to ground level. The WJAR tower is much lower than the WEDH tower but the intervening terrain is also much lower. I haven't heard that any of the Hartford digital stations are on the top of the tower yet, but hopefully that will change soon. Also WVIT is on an adjacent lower tower. They aren't moving are they?
I not far from Falcon_77 just north of 95's exit 89 at 220 ft above sea level. WVIT-DT and WJAR-DT are about the same signal strength here, but Hartford reception is difficult because of ch 26 and 34 interference.
John

John

Hi, John

I didn't do a real path plot for WJAR (I'll do one later after a nap). That previous plot you saw was flat earth without the towers. The two plots today were done with a differant program and were with earth curvature added in to the terrain heights and the towers.

WFSB-3 is about 75' higher than WJAR-10 but there is more terrain height looking at Avon Mtn. WEDH-24 has about 900' more height than WFSB-3.

WVIT is next door to WTIC/WEDH on a tower that is about 200' shorter. They are not moving the transmitter but are building a new studio behind the existing one. You are correct; none of the Hartford DTVs are at the top of the tower. WEDH-DT's antenna is at the top but, unfortunately, does not have the transmitter. Stay tuned; maybe achase will be making some kind of an announcement in the next couple months about antennas.:D

mdodge

12-22-07, 06:20 PM

richwood

12-23-07, 09:32 AM

I have a Samsung SIR-T451 OTA receiver. It's fed by a ChannelMaster 8 bay UHF antenna and a Radio Shack VHF (for WWLP, Springfield). The receiver indicates a full pin on all channels.

WFSB-DT1 has erratic audio consistently. Local spots will often alternate. Audio on one, no audio on another in the same break. Occasionally there's audio on local news with silence during some spots. There's no audio at all on any network feeds. No audio on syndicated shows.

WFSB-DT2 and DT3 are fine.

All other stations in the area are fine.

The problem exists regardless of the audio output I use. I've tried optical, coax and component. I've tried Dolby Digital and PCM setting on the reciever. Same problem. I've tried two AV receivers. Both exhibit the same problem.

Any ideas on what the problem might be?

Since DirecTV carries local channels in SD only I have no access to CBS HD programming. I'm waiting for a waiver for DirecTV's WCBS HD channel but would rather OTA WFSB.

Rich
richwood@pobox.com

raoul5788

12-23-07, 10:44 AM

schmitter

12-26-07, 09:50 AM

Can you change the output on your OTA reciever? Is the audio going to the TV or to another audio reciever?

Falcon_77

12-29-07, 11:05 AM

Attached are the plots to WFSB and WEDH (WTIC). I tried attaching a topo of the paths (WEDH/WTIC/WVIT, WFSB and WJAR+) but I can't seem to get the size down to <500kb.

The path to Farmington (WEDH/WTIC/WVIT) looks encouraging although the obstruction closer to Mason Island could be a bit of a problem.

Good luck.:D

Thank you for the additional plots. As I suspected, the path to WFSB is far more suspect than to WTIC. However, I was able to receive WEDH 24 (Analog) fairly well, which surprised me.

It's too bad that I didn't get the 26 notch filter in place for my most recent visit, but having channel 34 in the away as well was making it even more difficult.

How did PAX/ION get away with putting towers so far away from the main sites?

Looking at the WJAR plot makes it pretty clear why it doesn't appear to exist. At least I can get VHF WPRI-DT 13 looking in that direction; VHF being far more forgiving over terrain.

At this point, I will probably add a 2nd VHF antenna, pointing towards New Haven and combine that using a joiner for channel 10.

As for UHF, I may not have much hope until 2009. Getting a notch filter for 34 seems pointless as it has adjacents on both sides.

However, during my next summer trip I may have some luck DX'ing the NY stations.

Thanks again for all the help!

mdodge

12-29-07, 06:44 PM

How did PAX/ION get away with putting towers so far away from the main sites?

I don't know which Pax station you are referring to.

WPXQ-69's City of License is Block Island and WHPX-26's City of License is New London so the studios have to be located within a certain distance of the CL ( FCC § 73.1125 Station main studio location). Therefore the transmitters are located "near" the studios. (Although, most of our - CPBi - transmitters do not have a local studio)

In WPXQ's case, though, if they erected their tower on the island it would probably tip the island over.:D Also, they have to cover their City of License, 25.1 miles away. And, who knows where their studio is located now. Originally, it went on the air in 1986 as WOST (Ocean State Television). It became a Pax O&O around the early 90's.

WHPX wasn't a Pax station, either, when they went on the air in 1986 - WTWS-26 was owned by R & R Media. It was a Pax O&O on and off starting around 1994'ish.

That's enough for the History lesson for now.

raoul5788

12-29-07, 06:59 PM

Mike
Do you know the latest on CPTV's plans for WEDH dt?

hancox

12-31-07, 01:05 PM

In WPXQ's case, though, if they erected their tower on the island it would probably tip the island over.:D

LOL! Thanks for your continued input here, Mike.

WHNB

12-31-07, 08:34 PM

In a report released today, the FCC granted another extension to WTIC-TV (FOX61). The station's six-month construction permit that it received back in July was going to expire on January 18, 2008. Their new deadline to have their digital antenna turned on at the top of the tower is May 18, 2008. A station failing to meet its construction deadline may now be subject to license revocation procedures.

The report noted that WTXX (CW20) wants the FCC to reconsider the denial of Channel 20's use-or-lose waivers. The Commission will address this in a separate proceeding. WTXX-DT may be allowed a reduced service requirement because it is not an ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX affiliate in markets 1-100.

Area stations that are listed in the document as being ready for full digital operation on February 18, 2009 are WSAH (Bridgeport), WFSB, WVIT, WTNH, WCTX, WEDY, WEDN, WUVN, and Springfield's WWLP.

May 18, 2008 is the deadline for stations to have their digital operations built if they have a construction permit now and are on the same channel pre- and post-analog shut-off.

August 18, 2008 is the deadline for stations that currently do not have a construction permit, and will use the same channel pre- and post-analog transition.

February 17, 2009 is the deadline for stations whose pre- and post-channel number is different and they have a unique technical challenge.

Some stations will even be allowed to delay their digital operations until February 18, 2010.

I did not see WEDH-DT(CPTV, Channel 24), WGBY-DT(Springfield's PBS, Channel 57), and WGGB-DT(Springfield's ABC and FOX, Channels 40-1 & 40-2) mentioned in any of the footnotes or tables.

raoul5788

12-31-07, 08:49 PM

Falcon_77

01-04-08, 03:31 PM

WPXQ-69's City of License is Block Island and WHPX-26's City of License is New London so the studios have to be located within a certain distance of the CL ( FCC § 73.1125 Station main studio location). Therefore the transmitters are located "near" the studios. (Although, most of our - CPBi - transmitters do not have a local studio)

In WPXQ's case, though, if they erected their tower on the island it would probably tip the island over.:D Also, they have to cover their City of License, 25.1 miles away. And, who knows where their studio is located now. Originally, it went on the air in 1986 as WOST (Ocean State Television). It became a Pax O&O around the early 90's.

WHPX wasn't a Pax station, either, when they went on the air in 1986 - WTWS-26 was owned by R & R Media. It was a Pax O&O on and off starting around 1994'ish.

Yes, these are the ones I am referring to for SE CT and SW RI. Thank you for the info.

I can understand that a tower needs to be located close to the city of license. However, do these stations even have local studios anymore? I did not see any local content on them during my recent trips. Also, the content was nearly identical as far as I could tell. Since they are only 22 miles apart, this makes the situation even more ridiculous.

I saw this news item as re ION, but I don't know how it might affect their broadcasting.

Commission OKs transfer of ION Media licenses from Paxson to CIG Media (http://broadcastengineering.com/news/commission_oks_ion_transfer/)

Also, what is the distance requirement for the studios? Here in the LA area, we have two Orange County stations on Mt. Wilson as well, but it is about 40 miles away. Doesn't co-location make sense elsewhere?

Thanks,

mdodge

01-06-08, 04:47 PM

Yes, these are the ones I am referring to for SE CT and SW RI. Thank you for the info.

I can understand that a tower needs to be located close to the city of license. However, do these stations even have local studios anymore? (1) I did not see any local content on them during my recent trips. Also, the content was nearly identical as far as I could tell. (2) Since they are only 22 miles apart, this makes the situation even more ridiculous.

(3) I saw this news item as re ION, but I don't know how it might affect their broadcasting.

Commission OKs transfer of ION Media licenses from Paxson to CIG Media (http://broadcastengineering.com/news/commission_oks_ion_transfer/)

(4) Also, what is the distance requirement for the studios? Here in the LA area, we have two Orange County stations on Mt. Wilson as well, but it is about 40 miles away. Doesn't co-location make sense elsewhere?

Thanks,

(1) All stations, now-a-days, take satellite feeds for almost all programming. It may be tape/server delayed but, it is still distributed via satellite.

Local content on commercial stations lately is driven by the News Department. Other than PA type programs there is little local programming generated. We don't have a "News Dept.". But, we do (occasionally) National productions. Most are done outside - Barney, for example.

So, the need for a local studio for ION doesn't exist. Run a cable from the sat receiver to the transmitter and your done.

(2) Join the club. I don't understand it either. But, that's ION's decision. I haven't talked to anyone from Pax/ION in New London in years (the engineer that built New London came from CPTV). I was in a class at Comark/Thales/Tompson once with an engineer from the Florida ION system but we didn't talk Corp. policy.

(3) See also:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-233A2.pdf

(4) I gave the link to the requirement for the studio location in my last post. We have waivers so that we have only one studio location for all our TV and FM stations. I'm sure they have waivers also, and I'll bet their reason is "to serve the public interest from a higher altitude". Must be a dozen TV stations up there plus FM. Great location.

Added link: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/13nov20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/octqtr/pdf/47cfr73.1125.pdf

Let me know the next time you're on the "right" coast and maybe we can drag John out from in front of his TV set and visit the local outlet (WEDN).

Marc

ctdish

01-07-08, 12:29 PM

Falcon_77

01-08-08, 11:56 AM

Let me know the next time you're on the "right" coast and maybe we can drag John out from in front of his TV set and visit the local outlet (WEDN).

Sounds good. Hopefully, I will be back again in May or sometime over the summer.

I'm planning to test an HDP-269 pre-amp next time. It seems that the CM7777 just isn't going to work in Mystic for the near future.

Thanks again for the additional info.

AreBee

01-13-08, 10:27 AM

raoul5788

01-13-08, 10:29 AM

I can't find the Doppler on 59-2 or 8-2. I'm wondering if it's a glitch with by DirecTV receiver (HR20-700).

8-2 gives me a blank screen although the info says it's channel 8's weather channel. 59-2 says "channel not available".

Is the doppler up?

The HR20 will only show what is in their database. It will not scan for ota channels. Do you have another tuner to check?

AreBee

01-14-08, 02:20 PM

The HR20 will only show what is in their database. It will not scan for ota channels. Do you have another tuner to check?

I'll check the tuner in my Mits. Any way we can alert D* about the change to their database?

ckramer

02-04-08, 01:17 PM

Anyone else having trouble with WTNH 8-1?? I'm getting no signal at all through my Dish Vip 622 or directly to my TV....

raoul5788

02-04-08, 01:39 PM

Anyone else having trouble with WTNH 8-1?? I'm getting no signal at all through my Dish Vip 622 or directly to my TV....

It's working fine for me with my Directv HR20-700.

buyerchoice

02-04-08, 11:47 PM

Anyone else having trouble with WTNH 8-1?? I'm getting no signal at all through my Dish Vip 622 or directly to my TV....

Are you sure it is only on that one channel?

Falcon_77

02-13-08, 01:31 PM

raoul5788

02-13-08, 01:44 PM

KML-224

02-13-08, 02:01 PM

I often wondered how WEDY-TV channel 65 analog never actually put out a usuable signal to begin with? Even on those few nights a year when I would pick up faint UHF signals from the NYC metro and even Philadelphia, I never once got a hint of WEDY. Hell, I even got channel 65 from Vineland, NJ one night, but not WEDY.

Cable70

02-13-08, 07:25 PM

Has anyone heard anything about WEDN nightly HD programing not bieng on ?

Falcon_77

02-13-08, 08:06 PM

From my Mystic location, I never saw a hint of WEDY 6, but then, WLNE 6 is pretty strong, even w/o a VHF-Low antenna. So, until WLNE shuts off its analog channel 6, I'm assuming it is hopeless from Mystic. I'm wondering if WEDY can even be received from New Haven, assuming it is even active.

From what I've read about low powered DTV stations on Low-VHF, however, it would seem that the prospects for reception aren't good.

Is WEDN still turning off at 11pm? When they move to VHF 9, I hope that can "afford" to keep it on 24 hrs., or at least until midnight.

Cable70

02-14-08, 12:36 PM

I thought WEDN was on till midnight and back on at 6am, if I can stay awake I'll check it tonight.

mdodge

02-16-08, 10:36 AM

Is WEDY-DT currently broadcasting on 6? If so, I'm curious to see if anyone can receive it and what it took to receive it.

As it is listed as the lowest powered Low-VHF DTV station (0.4kW) after the transition, I'm questioning the effectiveness of this station on channel 6, since it appears to be there already.

Thank you,

WEDY-65 died of old age back in the summer of '06 and was replaced by WEDY-DT/6 that July/August. It went on the air for testing and then was shut off to await the license. Still waiting. It is only designed to cover the Greater New Haven area.

I'm not aware of any problems with HD programing on WEDN-DT/45. If anyone has, please let me know. I think the HD feed starts around 7:00 PM. Sign-off is 12:00 AM.

Falcon_77

02-16-08, 11:53 AM

Thanks, Marc.

I will look for WEDY's FCC Form 387 to see if it has any more info. These all need to be posted by the 18th, right?

mdodge

02-17-08, 09:00 AM

Thanks, Marc.

I will look for WEDY's FCC Form 387 to see if it has any more info. These all need to be posted by the 18th, right?

Mike:

Actually, I don't know what to expect from the FCC before 2009. I've moved on to other projects unrelated to TV (we're installing 3 HD-FM transmitters before the summer - WPKT-FM, WNPR-FM & WEDW-FM)

John:

If you're around Saturday (22nd) night, tune in to WEDN-DT. Basketball might be in HD.:D

raoul5788

02-17-08, 09:44 AM

Mike:

Actually, I don't know what to expect from the FCC before 2009. I've moved on to other projects unrelated to TV (we're installing 3 HD-FM transmitters before the summer - WPKT-FM, WNPR-FM & WEDW-FM)

John:

If you're around Saturday (22nd) night, tune in to WEDN-DT. Basketball might be in HD.:D

Do you mean the 23rd? I assume it will be hd on WEDH-DT, also.

rothfusz

02-17-08, 02:22 PM

Hey all,

First post in a new area. I'm hopping mad right now. Does anyone have contact info for WTIC/Thames Valley Communication beyond there normal office hours phone. Fox currently is displaying the equivalent of the blue screen of death for HD channel. The non- HD channel (6) is working however, Channel 106 (HD) is not it displays "This channel will be available shortly."

Any thoughts, suggestions, please let me know.

This is my Super Bowl, sine I was out to sea for the Patriots losing and will be rather irate if they can't get it fixed by race time. The other HD channels are working.

Thanks,

Scott

CKNA

02-17-08, 02:47 PM

mdodge

02-17-08, 05:50 PM

Do you mean the 23rd? I assume it will be hd on WEDH-DT, also.

I knew I should have take my shoes off to count. :rolleyes:

Should appear on all CPTV-DTV channels (including DTV cable)

Cable70

02-18-08, 11:52 PM

WEDY-65 died of old age back in the summer of '06 and was replaced by WEDY-DT/6 that July/August. It went on the air for testing and then was shut off to await the license. Still waiting. It is only designed to cover the Greater New Haven area.

I'm not aware of any problems with HD programing on WEDN-DT/45. If anyone has, please let me know. I think the HD feed starts around 7:00 PM. Sign-off is 12:00 AM.

Hey mdodge,
I have not seen the National HD (7pm-12am) feed in about a week now.
The regular CPTV progaming has been there.
Thanks,

Keith

mdodge

02-19-08, 07:51 PM

Hey mdodge,
I have not seen the National HD (7pm-12am) feed in about a week now.
The regular CPTV progaming has been there.
Thanks,

Keith

First a few caveats:
1. I don't watch television.
2. I can't receive any of our stations OTA (not carried on our cable system, either)
3. I'm seldom in the studio to hear what's going on with programming.

Your best bet is to contact viewer services:
viewerservices@cptv.org

If you don't get the answer from them, PM me and I'll see what I can do. I do remember hearing something about PBS doing away with what you have been used to seeing and duplicating their NPS SD feed. (might have picked that up recently in the Boston OTA forum - don't remember)

And I think we are going to be airing more of our "stuff" in HD. Almost all of our local programming for the past 3+ years has been recorded as HD but edited as SD.

Cable70

02-20-08, 10:21 AM

Thankyou !

jzareski

02-22-08, 11:43 AM

Hey mdodge,
I have not seen the National HD (7pm-12am) feed in about a week now.
The regular CPTV progaming has been there.
Thanks,

Keith

FYI,

A little history...

CPTV SD1 came on line in September 2004. CPTV HD started as a 24/7 PBS HD pass through, then later on became a CPTV SD1 SD 4:3 upconverted to HD 14:9 simulcast from 7 AM to 6 PM, then at 6 PM to 7 AM a PBS HD 16:9pass through with the CPTV bug...The two programming streams were divided between two different master control equipment paths, SD and HD.

About two weeks ago, all CPTV SD1 and CPTV HD programming material are being derived from the CPTV HD master control equipment path. If a program is legacy SD 4:3, it is automatically upconverted to HD 14:9. If it is HD 16:9 it passes through.

The analog one sees on a SD 4:3 TV by OTA and or CableTV is a HD 14:9 down convert back to SD 4:3 in a modified letterbox (much smaller black bars on top / bottom).

The digital one sees on a HD 16:9 TV by OTA and or CableTV is a HD 16:9 for true HD programs, HD 14:9 for legacy SD 4:3 programs and HD 14:9 modified letterbox (black bars left, right, top and bottom) for legacy SD 4:3 letterbox programs.

Now what happed to all the PBS HD programming?

PBS is in the process of changing the existing PBS HD Channel (DT2A) to a HD National Program Service (NPS). Beginning in October 2007, PBS began simulcasting the NPS primetime content on the HD Channel whether it originated in native HD or needed to be upconverted to HD, adding one night at a time. At the end of October, PBS began with Monday nights, adding upconverted content to the HD primetime content already on the PBS HD Channel. Reported as of January 1, 2008, PBS added Wednesday nights, and anticipated as of March 18, 2008, PBS will begin simulcasting Tuesday nights' NPS content on the HD Channel.

PBS indicated that after approximately every 1-2 months, PBS is adding another night. It is anticipated that before fall 2008, all 6 NPS primetime nights will be simulcast on DT2A, regardless of their native format.

Right now the two available PBS HD satellite feeds (DT2A “NPS” & DT3A “Newshour-HD”) and the CPTV programming schedule aline on only a few times during the week. The CPTV delay HD server recording equipment is almost ready for prime time when the schedules are not in alinement.

During the pass two weeks, CPTV has been testing the waters, selecting the HD programs that are on the HD satellite at the time that they aline with CPTV's programming schedule.

On Wednesday, the CPTV HD studio aired pledge the first time in HD. That was a test in preparation for the UConn Women’s Basketball HD game on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

Work continues on both the programming aspects of adding more HD program content and the necessary equipment to deliver it.

Cable70

02-22-08, 03:13 PM

Thanks Z.,
Now all I have to do is get the giude information on the cable boxes to match the programing ......LOL.

WHNB

02-23-08, 03:57 PM

For those of us in northern Connecticut whose PBS digital is only available over-the-air through Springfield's WGBY, they will begin passing through "The NewsHour" in HD maybe by mid-summer. It will happen when PBS turns off its multicasting and sends its affiliates just one programming stream as it makes the transition to an all HD network (as 'Z' was mentioning).

While watching analog CPTV Channel 24 at the beginning of the week, I noticed that they had changed their lower right-hand corner logo bug to a very tiny and unobtrusive size. But last night I saw that the logo was changed to a now bigger size and was placed on top of an opaque colored oval that blocked out any text or picture behind it. The tiny logo was good while it lasted.

Last summer some of us were wondering on this forum if Channel 3 would begin doing their news in HD once they completed the move from Broadcast House in Hartford to their new studios in Rocky Hill. Last week there was a press release from Panasonic on two broadcast industry websites (broadcasting&cable.com and tvnewsday.com) that announced that Meredith Broadcasting Group would be buying Panasonic HD cameras for their thirteen stations over the next two years. WFSB and WSHM (CBS3, Springfield) will eventually receive Panasonic P2 HD gear for electronic newsgathering. The release said that several unnamed Meredith stations will also buy Panasonic HD studio cameras.

Only a handful of stations currently transmit HD from out in the field because SprintNextel will not complete its analog-to-digital conversion of microwave transmission for TV news operations until maybe August of 2009.

I don't know if it's just my TV, but I've noticed for the past few months that Channel 3's sidebars are not as wide as those on all the other stations during 4:3 local programs. WFSB seems to be able to nearly fill up the 16:9 screen with a picture that is not stretched or distorted, leaving only very thin pillar bars at the sides. This is only during local programs like Eyewitness News. When they pass through CBS network shows that are in 4:3, the sidebars are as wide as on other channels.

jzareski

02-23-08, 04:28 PM

Watch UConn Women's Basketball in HD, now on CPTV.

deconvolver

02-23-08, 06:44 PM

jzareski

02-23-08, 08:30 PM

jzareski

02-24-08, 02:08 AM

Just finished watching the game. The game picture looked OK, some compression artifacts and the resolution didn't wow me, so it wasn't pristine HD; but still a huge improvement over what the games usually look like. There were frequent very brief (<1 second) audio drop outs during the game but they were short enough to not be too distracting. The audio problem might have been caused by my receiver, an HR20-700, having to deal with the severe multipath to my antenna but I didn't see any of the video blocking that a signal drop out usually causes. During the pledge breaks the picture was excellent and I didn't notice any audio drop-outs but then I muted most of the breaks anyway.

This was CPTV's first locally produced HD sporting event, a first for a Connecticut broadcaster. Learn by doing...and we did...more to come...

WEDN DT 53-1 Norwich serves South Eastern Connecticut. CPTV HD Encoders currently use the maximum bit rate and resolution they provide for video and audio, the same as provided by PBS. CPTV is not currently multicasting as does WFSB & WVIT.

There was an issue with one of the announcer's remote microphone / line that was corrected.

Much of what I suspect you saw may have been a result of some of the fastest action (compared to some of the men's games) with long lenses, affecting the debth of field, against a backfield of multitude of fans. But the Senior tribute line up getting their framed jerseys should have been a knock-out. At least what I viewed off WEDH 24-1 on Comcast was.

The same CPTV HD feeds CableTV, where, as it has been noted with all OTA broadcasters, they tend to share bandwidth, limiting ones bandwidth. That should be changing, do to new FCC rules.

The weekly productions will begin to air in HD.

New UConn HD / SD Gampel encoding equipment for next year is already on order.

raoul5788

02-24-08, 09:15 AM

This was CPTV's first locally produced HD sporting event, a first for a Connecticut broadcaster. Learn by doing...and we did...more to come...

WEDN DT 53-1 Norwich serves South Eastern Connecticut. CPTV HD Encoders currently use the maximum bit rate and resolution they provide for video and audio, the same as provided by PBS. CPTV is not currently multicasting as does WFSB & WVIT.

There was an issue with one of the announcer's remote microphone / line that was corrected.

Much of what I suspect you saw may have been a result of some of the fastest action (compared to some of the men's games) with long lenses, affecting the debth of field, against a backfield of multitude of fans. But the Senior tribute line up getting their framed jerseys should have been a knock-out. At least what I viewed off WEDH 24-1 on Comcast was.

The same CPTV HD feeds CableTV, where, as it has been noted with all OTA broadcasters, they tend to share bandwidth, limiting ones bandwidth. That should be changing, do to new FCC rules.

The weekly productions will begin to air in HD.

New UConn HD / SD Gampel encoding equipment for next year is already on order.

Are you saying all of the men's and women's games from Gampel will be produced in hd? Will the local channels carry it in hd? That is good news if true!

mdodge

02-26-08, 11:46 AM

Are you saying all of the men's and women's games from Gampel will be produced in hd? Will the local channels carry it in hd? That is good news if true!

Permit me to jump in here.

Z is referring to CPTV productions at UConn only.

Because HD costs almost double for the rented remote truck, it remains to be seen how many games next year will be shot in HD. I would imagine it would also be based on viewer reaction to this past HD game. That translates into positive letters, emails and - you guessed it - $$.;)

jzareski

03-02-08, 12:41 AM

[QUOTE=WHNB;13201269]For those of us in northern Connecticut whose PBS digital is only available over-the-air through Springfield's WGBY, they will begin passing through "The NewsHour" in HD maybe by mid-summer. It will happen when PBS turns off its multicasting and sends its affiliates just one programming stream as it makes the transition to an all HD network (as 'Z' was mentioning).

The long awaited and much anticipated WEDH 24-1 (DT-45) Hartford & WEDN 53-1 (DT-9) Norwich - July 2008, OTA...the sooner the better...we'll see..

Falcon_77

03-02-08, 03:52 PM

The long awaited and much anticipated WEDH 24-1 (DT-45) Hartford & WEDN 53-1 (DT-9) Norwich - July 2008, OTA...the sooner the better...we'll see..

The form 387's are showing an August 1st date, but let's hope it happens. They didn't include much info on these:

WEDH:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231869&formid=387&fac_num=13602

I must have missed it at some point, but WEDH analog 24 was moved to Rattlesnake Mountain last summer? Looking at TV Fool, it still has it in West Hartford, but my good results for WEDH from Mystic in December would seem to confirm the move. I am hopeful that the DTV signal on 45 will be almost as good, despite being a higher frequency.

WEDN:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231871&formid=387&fac_num=13607

WEDN has filed a CP noting lower power than was allotted in Appendix B/transition table, at 1.25kW vs. 3.2kW on 9.

Is there a chance that WFSB will ever relocate to RS Mtn? Getting it in Mystic is almost impossible with the W. Hartford location.

mdodge

03-02-08, 04:36 PM

Mike:

Actually, I don't know what to expect from the FCC before 2009. I've moved on to other projects unrelated to TV . . .
:D

Update:

Mike,

The FCC 387's are all in.

WEDW-DT/49 Bridgeport - Flash cut 2/19/09 *
WEDH-DT/45 Hartford - On the air by 8/1/08 *
WEDN-DT/9 Norwich - On the air by 8/1/08 *
WEDY-DT/6 New Haven - Awaiting FCC action

* Approved

That's good news for everyone except those of us who will have to get all this done by the deadlines.

Marc

Falcon_77

03-02-08, 05:00 PM

Thanks, Marc.

Also, I had been under the impression that WTIC was already operating at full post-transition parameters. Per their 387 filing, this is not the case.

WTIC is currently operating a side-mount antenna, at 470kW, but only at 287m HAAT, instead of the 506m allotment. This probably explains why I was closer to receiving WVIT than WTIC during my last visit. WVIT has filed that they are operating their post-transition facility (250kW, 434m).

The exhibit below notes that the old tower has been reinforced. I had thought a new tower had been constructed. Can someone clarify? Thanks.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=620033

I hope I'm reading it right that they will eventually be moving to the top mount position.

Mike

mdodge

03-02-08, 05:04 PM

The form 387's are showing an August 1st date, but let's hope it happens. They didn't include much info on these:

WEDH:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231869&formid=387&fac_num=13602

I must have missed it at some point, but WEDH analog 24 was moved to Rattlesnake Mountain last summer? Looking at TV Fool, it still has it in West Hartford, but my good results for WEDH from Mystic in December would seem to confirm the move. I am hopeful that the DTV signal on 45 will be almost as good, despite being a higher frequency.

WEDN:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231871&formid=387&fac_num=13607

WEDN has filed a CP noting lower power than was allotted in Appendix B/transition table, at 1.25kW vs. 3.2kW on 9.

Is there a chance that WFSB will ever relocate to RS Mtn? Getting it in Mystic is almost impossible with the W. Hartford location.

Mike,

You sent this in while I was composing my last response (I'm slow).

WEDH-24/DT45:

We did indeed move and according to John, there is a good signal in Mystic. The 45-DT antenna was installed at the same time on the same pylon at the top of the tower. When the analog transmitter was being installed, all systems were installed with the expectation that a second (DT) transmitter would come along. I would expect the transmitter to be ordered "any day now".

Your 45-DT signal, I expect, will equal or better the analog signal.

WEDN-DT:

The FCC, as usual, rewrote the interference rules after the original application was filed and is in forcing the later rule. It will not effect, at all, the coverage in E. CT but will reduce the max contour a little.

The DT-9 transmitter, I expect, will be ordered "any day now" as well because one of the FCC conditions is that there be a simultaneous switch of the two channels

WFSB:

Sorry, can't comment. That's a Merideth question.

Hope that helps.

Marc

mdodge

03-02-08, 05:13 PM

Falcon_77

03-02-08, 05:17 PM

Your 45-DT signal, I expect, will equal or better the analog signal.

Great. Thanks for the info, Marc. I will look forward to it.

WEDN should probably remain relatively easy to receive at my location, even with the switch to upper VHF. I'm planning on switching the 91XG for a CM4228 during my next visit. The YA1713 will remain pointed towards Providence.

Edit: Looks like we are posting at the same time. I should have waited before posting again. :D

I remember seeing some RSM pics. I will have to revisit those.

Thanks again,

Mike

WHNB

03-02-08, 08:30 PM

The long awaited and much anticipated WEDH 24-1 (DT-45) Hartford & WEDN 53-1 (DT-9) Norwich - July 2008, OTA...the sooner the better...we'll see..

Many thanks for all the updates with regard to Connecticut Public Television, and congratulations on beating the commercial stations with the start of local high definition programs. As a viewer who does not subscribe to cable and relies solely on off-air locals (and Netflix DVD rentals), I've never seen CPTV-HD and it won't really "exist" for me until it is available over-the-air in Greater Hartford. The summer launch date is welcomed news.

Is there a chance that WFSB will ever relocate to RS Mtn? Getting it in Mystic is almost impossible with the W. Hartford location.

If my memory serves, all the Connecticut TV stations were invited to be on the Channel 61 tower, which is the tallest in the area, or on the planned 2,349-foot new tower that was scrubbed due to zoning disputes. I suspect the main reason that some stations declined is that they owned their towers and the land beneath outright, and did not want to pay several thousand dollars in monthly rent, even if it meant that they could transmit from a higher point. I'm guessing that Channel 3 will stay on Avon/Talcott Mountain. Before they mounted their digital antenna at the top, WFSB did want to increase their tower's height, but local town zoning boards would not allow it.

Thanks for the links to the FCC 387 Forms, which provided the latest DTV plans for area stations. For forum members who didn't read this new information on the FCC website, WTIC would like to begin full digital operations on February 17, 2009, partly because of windload drag from the weight at the top of the tower. According to station owner Tribune, the windloading limits have restricted the diameter of the transmission line that feeds both analog and digital WTIC. That in turn has necessitated that analog WTIC's power be cut in half, and power would have to be cut to 25% of the level for which it is licensed if Channel 61 had to turn on its top-mounted digital antenna by its current construction deadline, May 18th. Nevertheless, both WTIC and WTXX plan to install their new digital antennas on the candelabra by early summer. WTIC's antenna will be installed by helicopter to minimize the time that other antennas on the tower have to turn down their power. The new antennas for FOX 61 and CW 20 would be turned on by February 17, 2009.

With regard to Springfield's ABC and FOX affiliate, they plan to put up a temporary analog antenna lower on their Mount Tom tower by June and install a new digital antenna on the top by October, 2008. They will modify an existing transmitter and turn on the new DTV antenna by December 31, 2008.

Springfield's PBS station, also on Mount Tom, will take down their present analog antenna, mount a temporary analog antenna on the side, and put up a new digital antenna at the top by October, 2008. The temporary analog antenna will operate at a lower power level until it is switched off on February 17, 2009. The new digital antenna will be designed to operate on channel 22, the channel to which WGBY will move once their current digital channel 58 becomes obsolete, and is expected to go live on February 17th. (Channels 52-69 will go away after the analog shut-off.)

KML-224

03-03-08, 12:03 AM

Speaking of WTIC-DT, has anybody noticed that they're now stretching the local 4:3 content to 16:9 or close to it? I noticed that during Family Guy this evening. Is the same being done for WTXX-DT?

pmalve

03-03-08, 07:56 PM

Speaking of WTIC-DT, has anybody noticed that they're now stretching the local 4:3 content to 16:9 or close to it? I noticed that during Family Guy this evening. Is the same being done for WTXX-DT?

Wonder if they had something happen yesterday when they were off the air and they had to change some equipment that they were using. WTIC and WTXX have the worst picture when they aren't showing HD programming. The picture is much blurrier than the other networks. CPTV has the best picture for non HD programming in my opinion.

WHNB

03-03-08, 09:25 PM

I don't know why WTXX wastes channel 20-2 by showing on it the exact same thing that is on 20-1, only in the fun house mirror stretched mode. The full bandwidth could be devoted to 20-1 if they didn't multicast an inferior duplicate feed on the second subchannel.

When I checked both WTXX-DT and WTIC-DT at about 6:15 this evening, all the subchannels had the gray sidebars that are of the standard width for 4:3 programs.

I wonder if the graininess of their off-network reruns has something to do with the fact that nowadays stations record maybe a week's worth of episodes at a time off a pre-designated satellite feed from, say Warner Brothers. Going back a few years, they would have received the shows on pristine videotape that was delivered to the station from the distributor. Maybe something in the transmission path from their satellite dishes to their receivers to their recorders is introducing that video fuzz.

During their news, the criss-cross grid is noticeable from the left to the center of the screen. It is like having a window screen between your eyes and the TV.

KML-224

03-04-08, 02:24 PM

Yes, I noticed that the gray sidebars were back last night during the Connecticut Lottery drawings. As for clarity on a local SD picture, WFSB-DT seems to be the best for me here in New Britain, with no real difference with antenna or on my TV's QAM tuner (89-1).

jzareski

03-06-08, 01:10 AM

C1) The form 387's are showing an August 1st date, but let's hope it happens.

They didn't include much info on these:

WEDH:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231869&formid=387&fac_num=13602

Q1) I must have missed it at some point, but WEDH analog 24 was moved to Rattlesnake Mountain last summer? Looking at TV Fool, it still has it in West Hartford, but my good results for WEDH from Mystic in December would seem to confirm the move. I am hopeful that the DTV signal on 45 will be almost as good, despite being a higher frequency.

WEDN:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101231871&formid=387&fac_num=13607

Q2) WEDN has filed a CP noting lower power than was allotted in Appendix B/transition table, at 1.25kW vs. 3.2kW on 9.

Q3) Is there a chance that WFSB will ever relocate to RS Mtn? Getting it in Mystic is almost impossible with the W. Hartford location.

R1) August 1, 2008 is realistic. All attempts will be made to ASAP.

A1) Yes. During the afternoon on May 15, 2007, CPTV transitioned to WEDH Ch 24 ComSite, Farmington, CT. The Avon site was available as back-up until July 5, 2007, when decommissioning of the transmitter began.

WEDH DT-45 should be very good.

A2) Yes. Initially WEDN DT-9 Norwich 1.25 KW ERP with maximization application following later for <= 5 KW. After "analog" goes dark, a final determination will be made, as most broadcasters will be doing, but which may not change anything (remain at 1.25 KW ERP or increase to <= 5 KW ERP) for WEDN DT-9.

A3) IMOO, WFSB DT-33 (1 MW ERP) has invested in their Avon building, tower and site which they own, allowing them to be in complete control of their destiny. Unless their viewers prove otherwise by voting with their money, it's unlikely they will move. But their DT center of radiation is almost <600 feet below WEDH DT-45 (465 KW ERP).

Only real world population terrain mapping figures and field measurements will determine if either site has an advantage for an expected market.

CPTV choose the Farmington site. WFSB elected to remain at the Avon site.

Only over time and membership count (or commercial returns) will tell…

KML-224

03-06-08, 08:28 AM

Despite that 1 million watt visual signal, I still struggle to get WFSB-DT over the air here in New Britain's south end. Being near the bottom of Walnut Hill (in the same direction as Avon Mountain...north-northwest) wont help. A roof antenna in the attic made analog channel 3 a bit better for my grandmother when she was using it, but I don't see digital doing much better.

jake14mw

03-10-08, 12:02 PM

OK, time for my annual poll about WFSB's coverage of the NCAA tournament. As some of you know, WFSB over the past few years, has tried to show us different games on the subchannels of WFSB-DT, and even show different games between analog 3 and HD3. In the first two days of the tournament, there are up to 4 games going on at once.

Last year, however, CBS told them that they must show the same game on the HD channel that they did on the analog channel. Does WFSB still show the Springfield version of Channel 3 on 3.2?

If that's the case, and the rules still require them to show the same game on 3.1 that they do on 3, I guess that doesn't leave room for choice.

Different CBS affiliates across the country handle this different ways. Some don't multi-cast at all. Some don't show any HD, and instead show all four games on the subchannels. And others use some combination. How would you like them to do it?

WHNB

03-10-08, 09:21 PM

Does WFSB still show the Springfield version of Channel 3 on 3.2?

Yes, CBS3 Springfield continues to air on 3.2.

Continuous weather graphics are on channel 3.3, but on Saturday, March 15th at 11AM, channel 3.3 will show a Connecticut High School Basketball Championship game. According to on-air promos, WFSB and CPTV have jointly formed the Connecticut Sports Network, and the two stations plan to share broadcasts of high school-level athletic events.

More about this partnership between Channels 3 and 24 is at: http://www.ctsn.tv/

nheagle

03-13-08, 10:18 AM

received the following this morning:

Our Digital signal is still schedule to increase both in power and height, on May 4th we will be placing our antenna on the top of the tower and then as soon as we get the ok from the FCC we will turn it on. We are currently broadcasting through what will become our auxiliary antenna.

Paul R Brenner
Director of Engineering &
Broadcast Operations

Falcon_77

03-13-08, 11:33 AM

Falcon_77

03-13-08, 11:44 AM

R1) August 1, 2008 is realistic. All attempts will be made to ASAP.

jzareski, thank you for this info as well. I will look forward to these changes, but it may be a couple of trips before I can try them out in Mystic. I was hoping to return in May or July, but July is looking more probably at this point.

I am very optimistic about receiving WEDH-DT sometime after it launches, considering how well analog 24 comes in. 45 is a bit higher up the spectrum, but should still be workable, especially considering the favorable ratio from analog to digital power (465/1200 = 1:2.58) - at least as appears in the database). I generally go by a 1/10 ratio for analog equivalency, but understand even that ratio is favorable.

Mike

KML-224

03-13-08, 09:57 PM

Very interesting. Thank you for the update on WTIC. I had thought they weren't going to do this until next year as they didn't want to decrease the analog signal any further and couldn't operate both analog and digital at the top of the tower. I wonder how they are getting around this now.

Nice to know there's still gonna be work going on! I still have two questions though:

1- What is the present visual ERP of WTIC-TV analog chnnel 61? (They still come in exactly the same here in New Britain's south end like they always have.)

2- When WTXX-DT signs on from Rattlesnake Mountain with the channel 20 digital signal, what will happen with either the analog transmitter of 20 near Waterbury or the tower that transmitter is up on now? :confused:

AreBee

03-14-08, 08:37 PM

I am very excited to see a date for WEDH! Greta news.

Has anyone noticed audio problems with WTNH-DT. Weird things going on with tracks of the 5.1 missing even though my receiver is lit up as 5.1. Watching a recording of last night's Eli Stone there was a scene where people were at a concert and the singer's voice was inaudible. My wife claims his voice was clear as a bell on the bedroom TV through the TVs spekaers. Also saw some commercials completely silent (no complaints) and some missing different tracks (mostly center channel).

Falcon_77

03-14-08, 09:23 PM

1- What is the present visual ERP of WTIC-TV analog chnnel 61? (They still come in exactly the same here in New Britain's south end like they always have.)

2- When WTXX-DT signs on from Rattlesnake Mountain with the channel 20 digital signal, what will happen with either the analog transmitter of 20 near Waterbury or the tower that transmitter is up on now? :confused:

1) According to WTIC's Form 387 filing, they are running at half analog power, or 2500kW vs. 5000kW. With the recent news, who knows how long that will remain. Here is a link to an exhibit attached to their filing.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=620033

2) Well, I suppose it could be... torn down (seems to be a popular option), sold or left as a museum (to decay over several hundred years.) :D

TheMarq

03-19-08, 11:01 AM

DGerard

03-19-08, 05:41 PM

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/nbc-sell-miami-hartford-tv/story.aspx?guid={25C56432-591B-4A97-A4E0-F08C8E11B3B5}&siteid=yahoomy

What does this mean for us in the WVIT area?

schmitter

03-20-08, 08:32 AM

I loved it in 2006 when they had a game in HD on 3.1, and SD games on 3.2 and 3.3. The 3.3 PQ was pretty poor, but much better than nothing.

I was disappointed last year when they didn't multicast. I think the only time that the Springfield CBS game on 3.2 was different than 3.1 was when Holy Cross played.

Looks like if you live in RI you are in good shape...

http://www.wpri.com/Global/link.asp?L=304336

Patsfan123

03-20-08, 12:57 PM

Is anyone else getting terrible reception for 3.1 WFSB-DT? It can barely hold the signal when usually it comes in quite strong. I am a bit far away at UConn and facing the wrong direction, but usually I have no problems with this station.

Agnt86

03-21-08, 01:12 AM

What does this mean for us in the WVIT area?I have no idea whether this is a good thing or a bad thing.

Back in the day before DirecTV and Dish Network had many local networks on their satellites this would have been a terrible thing. A lot of people got NBC through their dishes because WVIT was an O&O and NBC didn't mind that you watched via another feed. With this change folks might have lost their waivers or new people would be unable to obtain one.

Now, I'm not so sure what the overall impact is.

AreBee

03-21-08, 09:29 AM

Agnt86

03-24-08, 07:17 PM

Does anyone know why WTNH isn't available in HD via DirecTV? Its the only one of the big 4 networks that isn't.

Heck, even the CW is :).

pmalve

03-24-08, 08:11 PM

Does anyone know why WTNH isn't available in HD via DirecTV? Its the only one of the big 4 networks that isn't.

Heck, even the CW is :).

WTNH and WCTX are owned by Lin broadcasting that want D to pay for signal. Charter cable here also doesn't have it. Comcast in Waterbury uses WABC instead. Think we might have to wait till next year when the analog signals go off. I get it with my antenna so it isn't a big deal to me. I'll be glad when D carries PBS in HD.

DGerard

03-24-08, 10:25 PM

WTNH and WCTX are owned by Lin broadcasting that want D to pay for signal. Charter cable here also doesn't have it. Comcast in Waterbury uses WABC instead. Think we might have to wait till next year when the analog signals go off. I get it with my antenna so it isn't a big deal to me. I'll be glad when D carries PBS in HD.

WTNH and WCTX are coming to DishTV in HD, most likely next month. In fact, all the local Hartford-Springfield HDs are finally coming to Dish network.
http://www.lintv.com/news/images/PDFs/news_releases/LIN%20TV%20and%20DISH%20Network%20Reach%20Retransmission%20A greement%20-%203-13-08.pdf

pmalve

03-25-08, 07:51 PM

WTNH and WCTX are coming to DishTV in HD, most likely next month. In fact, all the local Hartford-Springfield HDs are finally coming to Dish network.
http://www.lintv.com/news/images/PDFs/news_releases/LIN%20TV%20and%20DISH%20Network%20Reach%20Retransmission%20A greement%20-%203-13-08.pdf

I know dish made the agreement with lin but as of now Hartford New Haven Hd locals aren't on Dishes announced plans. There is a list of the locals they are planning to be putting up on Satelliteguys website.

ckramer

03-28-08, 09:50 AM

I know dish made the agreement with lin but as of now Hartford New Haven Hd locals aren't on Dishes announced plans. There is a list of the locals they are planning to be putting up on Satelliteguys website.Scott G. from SatGuys had this to say:

Any channel that was listed and that is not listed currently is due to a technical issue. (A technical issue that has NOTHING to do with the new satellite)

For example here in Connecticut we were listed, but were not on yesterdays list. From what I am hearing is because of last weeks LIN Broadcasting announcement Dish wants to launch the Connecticut HD locals with the LIN stations included. This means they need fiber from the channels going to the various uplink centers. In addition the uplink centers need to be wired and equipment put in place to rebroadcast those channels.

From what i am hearing that they hope to launch the missing markets ON TIME however some the factors of getting those channels on line are out of their hands, so they pulled them off the list incase there is a delay.

All areas announced on the Charlie Chat are on the Radar and WILL be on Dish Network this year.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/1277731-post89.html

hancox

03-28-08, 10:21 AM

One can only hope this also forces D*'s hand a bit - tired of LIN and D* not playing nice

DGerard

03-28-08, 10:24 AM

I read the same message. Dish will be carrying all locals now, HD and SD. This will be a great feature in the regions distant from New Haven where OTA coverage is spotty at best.

pauldow

03-28-08, 10:50 PM

apaulct

03-28-08, 11:07 PM

Do I have something messed up with my system, or is no one listening to the basketball games at CBS?

When the stereo signal is on I can barely hear the announcers. The crowd noise is loud along with the sneaker squeaks. The loudest sounds are the stupid moaning of the computer graphics and the clank of the ball off the rims.

When the game goes to mono, like when they change games, go to the studio commentary, or I switch to 3-2, the audio levels are fine.

With digital TV we can't listen to the radio broadcast while watching TV anymore because of the processing delays.

Sounds like you may be missing the center front channel. I am getting Dolby 5.1 from the venue. It goes to 2.0 stereo when the switch or go to the studio. The announcers are on the center front channel in 5.1, the game sounds are on the other channels. I am watching the WFSB-HD feed via Cox cable. No problems except Nova is getting blown out :(

DGerard

03-29-08, 07:58 AM

When the stereo signal is on I can barely hear the announcers. The crowd noise is loud along with the sneaker squeaks. The loudest sounds are the stupid moaning of the computer graphics and the clank of the ball off the rims.

I noted the same thing a while ago and, like the other poster said, it was due to my center channel on my surround system being set too low in volume. Try turning that up!

pauldow

03-29-08, 09:58 PM

Thanks. That appears to be the problem. There's a setting on my receiver for Dolby Pro Logic that was off.

These days we don't just have on/off switches for settings. We have to press the same button multiple times, or a combination of buttons in order to get the setting we want.

Cable70

04-02-08, 12:56 PM

Anyone having problems with freezing picture on WVIT-HD ?

stumacdo

04-04-08, 09:14 AM

Does anyone know why WTNH isn't available in HD via DirecTV? Its the only one of the big 4 networks that isn't.

Heck, even the CW is :).

Been away from the boards for a while, but when did we start getting the CW in HD via D* ? What channel is it on ? Thanks.

raoul5788

04-04-08, 10:12 AM

Been away from the boards for a while, but when did we start getting the CW in HD via D* ? What channel is it on ? Thanks.

Hey Stu, where have you been? WTXX hd is on channel 20, but you may need to change your favorites to get it.

stumacdo

04-06-08, 09:24 PM

Hey Stu, where have you been? WTXX hd is on channel 20, but you may need to change your favorites to get it.

hi Chip,

Got it - Thanks. I only watch 1 show on this channel (Supernatural), but it's good to know I can get it via D* versus antenna. Now, if we can just get ABC, we'll be all set.......

KML-224

04-06-08, 11:36 PM

Aren't you getting WTNH-DT on channel 10? Living in Wallingford, I can't see how you wouldn't get them. (?)

Also, WTXX-DT is on channel 12 until the switchover, not channel 20.

raoul5788

04-07-08, 07:48 PM

Aren't you getting WTNH-DT on channel 10? Living in Wallingford, I can't see how you wouldn't get them. (?)

Also, WTXX-DT is on channel 12 until the switchover, not channel 20.

We were talking about Directv now having WTXX in hd. That's why I said it's on channel 20. You are right about it leaving digital 12 and going back to 20.

bfogelstrom

04-07-08, 11:16 PM

WFSB-HD lost the 5.1 audio feed at 11:00pm during the championship game and no one has noticed 15 minutes later. The only sound is crowd noise which some may agrue is an improvement!

stumacdo

04-08-08, 08:10 AM

Aren't you getting WTNH-DT on channel 10? Living in Wallingford, I can't see how you wouldn't get them. (?)

Also, WTXX-DT is on channel 12 until the switchover, not channel 20.

Yep, I get WTNH via a little RS antenna. About a year ago I retired my CM4228 and Yagi VHF due to the "wife-aggravation factor". In a perfect world, I'd be able to retire my little RS antenna and pick up everything thru D*. Just not sure how long it will take Lin to finally sign up with D*.

kevin86

04-21-08, 05:22 PM

As a transplanted New Yorker living in the Farmington area, I'm looking for some help. Is there any feasible way of getting WNBC rather that WVIT? A big antenna? Thanks for any help.

raoul5788

04-21-08, 05:25 PM

DGerard

04-21-08, 06:59 PM

As a transplanted New Yorker living in the Farmington area, I'm looking for some help. Is there any feasible way of getting WNBC rather that WVIT? A big antenna? Thanks for any help.

It will never happen ota, not watchable anyway. When the analog feed is turned off next February, you definitely won't get it. If you are a Directv customer, you will get WNBC, and in hd if you get the hd package.

Actually, I've been unable to get any of the digital OTA channels from WVIT since late this morning. They confirmed this when I called them. Some work being done on the tower.

Dish Network is now uploading local channel HD content to 61.5 since 4/16 and should beam it down to the Hartford area in a week.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=126148&highlight=hartford

kevin86

04-21-08, 08:56 PM

Really? I didn't realize I would get WNBC. Would I also get WVIT?

raoul5788

04-21-08, 08:58 PM

Really? I didn't realize I would get WNBC. Would I also get WVIT?

Yes. You get WNBC because WVIT is owned by NBC, although I heard that WVIT is on the auction block.

pmreil

04-30-08, 05:13 PM

I am in Trumbull, CT and I just got a Vista MCE box with an ATSC tuner. Plugging my antenna directly into my TV I can receive WTNH 8.1 flawlessly but despite WTNH 8.1 showing full signal strength in MCE - when I tune to the channel in MCE, it says there is no tv signal. I have been searching through every forum I can find for a solution, and have tried manually adding 10.1 (and 8.2 - 8.5 and 10.2-10.5) and every one shows up blank with no tv signal - am I missing something? Thanks for the help!

deconvolver

05-01-08, 05:32 PM

The HTPC forum here might have an answer to your question: include what tuner hardware and software you are using.

ctdish

05-01-08, 08:11 PM

hancox

05-04-08, 08:11 AM

Could be messed up PSIP info - wouldn't be the first time for WTNH-DT

sisson_dog

05-04-08, 11:36 PM

pmreil,
Some tuners are not as sensitive as newer TV's so the tuner could be the problem. If you are saying that MCE is reporting a strong signal on WTNH-DT, it's possible MCE does not "like" something in the data. Possibly its scrambled station. A clue to see if it its a software problem would be to let us know if you can receive any digital channels at all.
John

I can back that up with my experience. My Samsung DLP TV has a great tuner that picks up many weak stations with no drop outs. My Sony HD DVR only finds the strongest channels in the area.

mdodge

05-06-08, 12:17 PM

Seen in Farmington yesterday:

ctdish

05-06-08, 01:31 PM

Marc,
Can you say which antennas are which in the WTXX picture? And the big question is when will signals be comming from these top antennas.
John

mdodge

05-06-08, 02:02 PM

Marc,
Can you say which antennas are which in the WTXX picture? And the big question is when will signals be comming from these top antennas.
John

John:

That photo is the WTXX-DT/20 antenna. I had to get back to the studio for a meeting while the WTIC-DT/31 antenna went up. It was placed on top of WTXX.

Don't know when they are planning on powering up. Probably soon.

Still looking good for August for WEDH-DT/45 (Hartford) and WEDN-DT/9 (Norwich).

Marc

Edit:
(Well, now that I think about it, I may have it backwards. Can't really remember which antenna was which - Old age. I'll check)

raoul5788

05-06-08, 02:10 PM

John:

That photo is the WTXX-DT/20 antenna. I had to get back to the studio for a meeting while the WTIC-DT/31 antenna went up. It was placed on top of WTXX.

Don't know when they are planning on powering up. Probably soon.

Still looking good for August for WEDH-DT/45 (Hartford) and WEDN-DT/9 (Norwich).

Marc

Excellent news about WEDH! Thanks Marc.

Falcon_77

05-06-08, 03:30 PM

Thanks for the pictures, Marc!

Perhaps I can drive by the area on my next trip (probably early July) to check out the progress in person.

I am optimistic about receiving WTIC, if they can get the new installation powered up by then. It's unfortunate that August is a tough month for me.

KML-224

05-06-08, 09:17 PM

Thanks for the update and the pics! :)

KML-224

05-07-08, 12:56 PM

Just to update here...I bought an Insignia brand digital set top converter (Model # NS-DXA1) from Best Buy on Wednesday morning. I put my old pair of telescoping VHF rods and have them resting against the back of my 26" Sanyo LCD HDTV. Yes, my TV is capable of digital and HDTV on it's own. I wanted to compare how the set-top box tuner acts against the one in the TV already. Also, my grandmother may need it for her TV in another location soon anyways. After the initial scan, you can have it do a rescan to pick up any additional channels and, best of all, you go to any channel directly to check for a signal. It will show a signal meter, while showing the signal as BAD ||||||||| GOOD at the bottom Lastly, as an example, if you enter "3", a menu will come up for any channel starting with that number (e.g. 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 30-1 and 30-2). Not a bad box so far. Here's what I got:

WFSB-DT Hartford > 3-1 (CBS), 3-2 (CBS 3 Springfield), 3-3 (Eyewitness News Now)
WTNH-DT New Haven > 8-1 (ABC)
WUVN-DT Hartford > 18-1 (UNI), 18-2 (WHTX), 18-3 (WUTH) *
WTXX-DT Waterbury > 20-1 (CW), 20-2 (WTXX) #
WVIT-DT New Britain > 30-1 (NBC), 30-2 (NBC Weather Plus)
WTIC-DT Hartford > 61-1 (FOX)

* WUVN 18-2 said "WHTX" but was showing the same thing as WUVN 18-1.
# WTXX 20-2 was showing the same thing as WTXX 20-1.

My first scan also picked up WHPX-DT (ION) from New London. This last scan did not. The box seemed to slow down near channel 39-1, like it was going to add WCTX-DT from New Haven. However, it just kept going.

Let me know if anybody else here has a similar box in use! :)

Trip in VA

05-07-08, 01:02 PM

I think it's the same box as the Zenith, just branded differently. If so, it should have an "EZ-Add" feature that might help you add the missing channels (WHPX and WCTX). At least, I hope that's what it does.

- Trip

KML-224

05-07-08, 02:37 PM

I should have noted that this Insignia box does NOT relay existing analog signals. Anyways, with a slight movement of those telescoping rods, I'm getting a very choppy WUVN-DT. However, I'm now getting a decent signal of WEDN-DT of Norwich [53-1 (PBS), while 53-2, 53-3 and 54-4 are all blank], WCTX-DT of New Haven [59-1 (MY), 59-2 (Storm Team 8 Doppler Radar)].

As for the EZ-Add feature? Yes, it does! :)

DGerard

05-07-08, 08:22 PM

As of today, Dish network is now carrying HD locals for WFSB, WTNH, and WVIT. The picture quality looks great, as good as the OTA looks. And now I can get WTNH in HD! I couldn't before becasue of poor signal strength. WTIC is not yet available, but has been uplinked for weeks so I'd expect it any day.

docbone

05-08-08, 02:30 AM

I have an older Hitachi 43UWX10B rear projection TV that has developed a convergence problem, which I made worse by attempting to do my own manual DCAM convergence adjustment. Now it's time to bring in a professional. Can somebody recommend a good repair shop in the West Hartford area? I can't tell from the Yellow Pages listings who is good and who isn't, so I'm hoping I can tap the expertise of the forum participants.

And I know I would probably be better off buying a new plasma or LCD but I can't commit that kind of money for a new TV at the moment, so I've resigned myself to spending the $300-350 it will probably cost to fix this one.

JOHN88

05-08-08, 08:25 AM

klm-224
I also have the Insignia. Since most Connecticut digital stations are high VHF or UHF you
might get better results with a UHF antenna such as the $3 bowtie antenna Radio Shack
sells. I get many stations in South Windsor doing so.

KML-224

05-08-08, 02:34 PM

Is it any better for you in South Windsor, having Rattlesnake Mountain to your southwest instead of the northwest? Also, do you have any luck with Springfield's digital signals up there? As for the bowtie antenna, I doubt it would work here. My TV has the traditional 75 ohm coaxial input for "regular" TV/CATV and another 75 ohm coaxial input marked "DIGITAL ANT IN". That's what I use for the TV's QAM tuner to get channels 3, 8, 20, 30 and 61 in digital and/or HD. The Insignia box is presently hooked to the "VIDEO 1" jacks on the back of the TV (Red/White/Yellow), since I won't likely have that box on the TV forever anyways.

It's funny how the search will hesitate on the channel if it thinks it may find something. This morning, it nearly stopped on digital channel 17, as if it was going to add WPXQ-DT (ION) from Block Island, RI. Also, the box didn't even find a hint of WHPX-DT (ION) from New London whatsoever. Usually, I'll at least get a little something from them.

JOHN88

05-08-08, 03:16 PM

KML-224
I do not know if my location relative to Rattlesnake helps or not. My elevation is 300 feet which is helpful ( almost line of sight). In addition to most CT
stations, I receive Springfield stations very well with the exception of PBS which I can
receive most of the time. I am using the Insignia on a regular analog TV. If I were to use the UHF antenna in my attic I would do even better. I use the attic antenna for a Sony 52xbr5 and Directv HD receiver. The Insignia
tuner appears to be a little better than my H100 Directv tuner(the "hot" running one), and my Sony tuner, although they both are quite good.

KML-224

05-08-08, 04:07 PM

I'm in New Britain's south end, near the bottom of Walnut Hill. It's the same hill with the major hospital on it (formerly known as New Britain General Hospital). Near that building is the peak of Walnut Hill park, with a pool of sorts and a WW-I monument. The foot of that monument, a bit over 500' ASL, is the highest point in the city. Naturally, it causes problems with any signal from Avon Mountain, whether it's analog or digital. The Insignia box tends to do better with WFSB-DT than my Sanyo TV does. WUVN-DT is still a bit choppy. However, that's still better than the near-zero my TV gets from them.

Thankfully, it looks like WEDH-DT (PBS) channel 45 will be up at Rattlesnake Mountain sometime this summer. Analog channel 24 comes in pretty decent here. I wish I could have said the same thing about all that time they were on Avon Mountain though. :(

WHNB

05-09-08, 04:02 PM

I have an older Hitachi rear projection TV...can somebody recommend a good repair shop in the West Hartford area?

Back in 2004 I had to find a factory-authorized TV repair shop to fix my new HDTV when it could no longer be turned on after a brief power failure (even though it had been plugged into a surge suppressor).

The shop that I used just happens to be in West Hartford, and they sent two repairmen out in a company van to my apartment on a Saturday. The repair was covered by warranty, so I cannot comment if their rates are reasonable. But the repairmen were professional and I've never had any problem with the TV since.

Today I checked WhitePages.com, and noticed that Hitachi is one of the brands that they service. They have carry-in or in-home service, and they are open on Saturdays. I believe that this company has existed for many years; I remember seeing their ads in The Hartford Courant's "TV Week" booklet as far back as the 1970s.

Roche Service Company
266 Park Rd.
West Hartford, CT 06119

860-236-3521

docbone

05-10-08, 04:17 AM

Thanks. I also asked a friend of mine who has been an engineer at both WFSB and WTNH and Roche is the name he came up with as well. And they were just a few blocks from my house. Apparently they have moved from Park Road in WH to the Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield. Doesn't really matter. The TV is too big for me to take to them, so they'll have to make a house call.

DGerard

05-20-08, 12:04 PM

Falcon_77

05-28-08, 11:05 AM

For several days now I can receive 59-01 and 59-02 OTAs on my Dish 622 box. The signal strength has always been too low to get these reliably. I'm not complaining. It's nice to get the live Doppler image.

Are you still receiving WCTX? I don't see any filings for an increase. Where are you located?

Amy from Cox

05-29-08, 03:17 PM

Hi, I'm Amy from Cox Communications New England. I wanted to let you know that we have added Lifetime HD to our channel lineup (channel 719).

mrperple

05-30-08, 04:22 PM

Hi, I'm Amy from Cox Communications New England. I wanted to let you know that we have added Lifetime HD to our channel lineup (channel 719).

And what does that have to do w/ this thread?????????

caeguy

05-30-08, 06:26 PM

Hi, I'm Amy from Cox Communications New England. I wanted to let you know that we have added Lifetime HD to our channel lineup (channel 719).

Thanks Amy.

You should post this type of information here in the future.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=592183

DGerard

06-01-08, 07:03 AM

Are you still receiving WCTX? I don't see any filings for an increase. Where are you located?

I am still receiving WCTX as 59-00 on DishTV as well as 59-01 (same as 59-00) and 59-02 (live doppler weather with NOAA audio) as OTAs. Both OTA signals are strong enough now to receive them without dropouts. I'm located in New Hartford at 1060 feet.

Agnt86

06-05-08, 05:48 PM

Looks like Charter is the latest company to get into a tussle with LIN over WTNH/WCTX.

Link to article on WTNH.com (http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8384136)

sp1dey

06-11-08, 04:13 PM

In case anyone here doesn't know, WTNH Digital was lit up on DirecTV this morning.

luna5

06-12-08, 06:40 AM

Looks like a deal is in the works for WTNH and Charter:
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080611/20080611006203.html?.v=1

Now back to the OTA discussion.

deana4z

06-12-08, 01:09 PM

Hi guys,

I'm in the Newington area-- I have a new Sony XBR tv that allows me to get digital HD stations OTA without a satellite or cable provider, plus the OTA 1080i signal is not degraded (HD lite) as for example Comcast has admitted in the WSJ.

This week, 6/12/08, I see my OTA digital channel line up changed again!
Any of you in this situation?

It's a major pain in the a@@ ! For example ABC HD was 88.1, but it's now black. Same goes for FOX HD, NBC HD etc.

And I cannot for the life of me locate the new digital channel line up anywhere online.

I'd luv any help or suggestions.

Thx a lot! ;)

WHNB

06-12-08, 07:11 PM

I'm in the Newington area ... I have a new Sony XBR TV ... I see my OTA digital channel line up changed again!

For example ABC HD was 88.1, but it's now black. Same goes for FOX HD, NBC HD etc.

And I cannot for the life of me locate the new digital channel line up anywhere online.

ABC (WTNH, Channel 8 from New Haven) over-the-air is usually labelled as 8.1 or sometimes 10.1. If ABC-HD was labelled as 88.1 on your TV, I'm guessing that the channels are coming into your home not through an antenna, but rather through your cable system. The cable company can pass through to you local HD channels that are "in the clear" using QAM.

I see that the Newington area has Cox Cable, and there is another forum on this AVS website named "Hartford, CT - Cox". I just read some entries over there, and found that someone named Kevin is having the same problem as you - the channel line-up for the QAM channels keeps changing. Other people were doing auto-scans to find the new channel locations. (Press "Menu" on your remote control, locate the category "Set-Up" on the on-screen display, and then press "Auto-scan, Cable".) On May 16th, ABC-HD was on channel 126.1, but this has probably changed since then.

Maybe if you posted your question on that forum, someone can let you know where ABC and the other locals are located now. Here is the link:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14059824#post14059824

If you are not a cable subscriber, and you do have your XBR hooked up either to an indoor or outdoor antenna, I would press the "Menu" button on the remote and select "Auto-scan, Off-air", which is usually under the category "Set-up". This should cause the TV to automatically find all the local digital channels and place them in your line-up. I've had to do this lately because, for some unknown reason, WTIC-TV (FOX61) has disappeared from my Samsung receiver's master channel list twice in the last week. A rescan has been the only way that I can restore Channel 61.

I hope that either of these suggestions helps you.

100/40

06-12-08, 07:31 PM

I agree with the above. I don't believe you are on the OTA setup. Channels may go away for technical reasons, but they won't change channel assignments, for now..

bfogelstrom

06-14-08, 04:15 PM

15 Minutes into the US Open and WVIT still has not switched on the HD feed. C'mon guys - you're better than that!

WHNB

06-15-08, 02:55 PM

I just came across this on-line seven minute video of the helicopter installing Channel 61's new digital antenna on the candelabra on top of the tower on Rattlesnake Mountain. It was posted on YouTube by an employee of the station.

After this May 5th installation, I was expecting to see at least one post on this forum from someone in the far-flung corners of the state writing that they were now able to receive WTIC-TV in digital. That nobody commented makes me wonder if the Tribune lawyers were successful in persuading the FCC to let the station postpone turning on the top antenna until February, or if there is a normal period of testing that is required before the FCC allows Channel 61 to activate that antenna.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EACgYLdCkpk

nheagle

06-15-08, 05:02 PM

From a March 13 post:

News on WTIC DT

received the following this morning:

Quote:
Our Digital signal is still schedule to increase both in power and height, on May 4th we will be placing our antenna on the top of the tower and then as soon as we get the ok from the FCC we will turn it on. We are currently broadcasting through what will become our auxiliary antenna.

Paul R Brenner
Director of Engineering &
Broadcast Operations[/I]

ctdish

06-15-08, 06:31 PM

The antenna in the video looks like something large is going to bolt to the top of it.
John

deana4z

06-16-08, 11:10 AM

Thank you very much!

That's exactly right about QAM, just learned that, and the link you provided explains exactly what I was experiencing. Comcast changed the QAM channels earlier this month. I wish there were an easy way to get the new lineup without doing a new autoscan because this will clear all of my labeled and hidden channels.

I do have an OTA antenna connected but realized the QAM was the issue. Thanks again for your insight!!

ABC (WTNH, Channel 8 from New Haven) over-the-air is usually labelled as 8.1 or sometimes 10.1. If ABC-HD was labelled as 88.1 on your TV, I'm guessing that the channels are coming into your home not through an antenna, but rather through your cable system. The cable company can pass through to you local HD channels that are "in the clear" using QAM.

I see that the Newington area has Cox Cable, and there is another forum on this AVS website named "Hartford, CT - Cox". I just read some entries over there, and found that someone named Kevin is having the same problem as you - the channel line-up for the QAM channels keeps changing. Other people were doing auto-scans to find the new channel locations. (Press "Menu" on your remote control, locate the category "Set-Up" on the on-screen display, and then press "Auto-scan, Cable".) On May 16th, ABC-HD was on channel 126.1, but this has probably changed since then.

Maybe if you posted your question on that forum, someone can let you know where ABC and the other locals are located now. Here is the link:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14059824#post14059824

If you are not a cable subscriber, and you do have your XBR hooked up either to an indoor or outdoor antenna, I would press the "Menu" button on the remote and select "Auto-scan, Off-air", which is usually under the category "Set-up". This should cause the TV to automatically find all the local digital channels and place them in your line-up. I've had to do this lately because, for some unknown reason, WTIC-TV (FOX61) has disappeared from my Samsung receiver's master channel list twice in the last week. A rescan has been the only way that I can restore Channel 61.

I hope that either of these suggestions helps you.

Agnt86

06-17-08, 09:30 PM

In case anyone here doesn't know, WTNH Digital was lit up on DirecTV this morning.
Standard, HD, or both?

WTNH not being available via DirecTV is one of the reasons I've avoided switching.

camahoe

06-17-08, 09:56 PM

Standard, HD, or both?

WTNH not being available via DirecTV is one of the reasons I've avoided switching.

The SD version of WTNH had always been on D*, but as of last week, the HD version was added, due to the deal reached by LIN and D*.

Edit: WCTX is still not available in HD on D*, hopefully that will change soon.

KML-224

06-18-08, 02:08 PM

PaulieORF

06-18-08, 02:39 PM

The SD version of WTNH had always been on D*, but as of last week, the HD version was added, due to the deal reached by LIN and D*.

Edit: WCTX is still not available in HD on D*, hopefully that will change soon.

The station manager at WTNH said that DirecTV is not obligated to carry WCTX HD, and that it's an option to DirecTV. That makes me think it will be a good long time before you see it.

PaulieORF

06-18-08, 02:40 PM

For what it's worth: Did anybody notice that WTXX-DT (CW) was passing through the HD signal of the Yankees game from WWOR-DT/YES on Tuesday night? Have they done that with any Mets games they carried from WPIX-DT?

WTXX has been airing all Yankees games in HD this year, via the WWOR-DT broadcast. As far as the Mets games go from WPIX, they are not. I assume they are unable to get the feed from WPIX for whatever reason.

KML-224

06-18-08, 02:57 PM

Are they receiving that over-the-air or by satellite from WWOR-DT?

PaulieORF

06-18-08, 04:29 PM

Are they receiving that over-the-air or by satellite from WWOR-DT?

I doubt they are getting it over the air, as I would assume even a very large antenna on a tower in Waterbury would have problems receiving WWOR's digital signal. My bet is on satellite.

Falcon_77

06-23-08, 01:34 AM

The FCC has been busy accepting maximized filings over the past several days, but most especially tonight (this morning). Some of note, for post-transition operations, are:

WTIC/31 - req't to increase ERP to 495kW (vs. 380)
WEDN/9 - req't to increase ERP to 4.2kW (vs. 1.25)
WTXX/20 - req't to increase ERP to 470kW (vs. 52kW), but directional
WFSB/33 - req't to change to a non-directional antenna
WHPX/26 - req't to increase ERP to 470kW (vs. 95)

Also, for Providence, WPRI and WNAC have asked for 30kW. WNAC is also asking for a non-directional antenna, which should make it possible to receive at my parents' house in Mystic.

It remains to be seen how many of these will be accepted, however.

Also, WSAH/42 wants to move the the Empire State Building, while retaining Bridgeport as the City of License. According to their contour, it can be done, but doesn't that complicate DMA arrangements a bit, especially if it's the NYC market they are really seeking. Is WSAH already considered to be in the NYC DMA?

Trip in VA

06-23-08, 02:45 AM

Re: WSAH.

Yes.

- Trip

hancox

06-24-08, 01:16 PM

That's really odd. I've always wondered if CPTV would "pull a WRNN" and go for must carry in NYC, due to their Fairfield County transmitter :) (kidding)

KML-224

06-24-08, 02:25 PM

WTIC/31 - req't to increase ERP to 495kW (vs. 380)
WEDN/9 - req't to increase ERP to 4.2kW (vs. 1.25)
WTXX/20 - req't to increase ERP to 470kW (vs. 52kW), but directional
WFSB/33 - req't to change to a non-directional antenna
WHPX/26 - req't to increase ERP to 470kW (vs. 95)

I'm guessing that the WTIC-DT transmitter is now in place, noting the video of its placement up there being on youtube.com. Will WEDN-DT on channel 9 be directional to protect Manchester, NH and WMUR-TV? WTXX-DT is obvious already (Providence and WPRI-TV). How will WFSB-DT operate effectively with channel 33 being used in New York City? Are they nulling to the southwest now? Lastly, WHPX-DT hardly ever comes in here. Maybe this will remedy that?

Trip in VA

06-24-08, 05:30 PM

WEDN-DT will be directional enough to protect WTNH-DT on 10, but I don't think they need much more than that. The power's pretty low...

Your WHPX situation may be helped, but it'll be impossible to know until the station takes to the air at the increased power.

I don't quite know how WCBS and WFSB will live together. Both want to be non-directional at relatively large amounts of power. If it was me, I'd shuffle WCBS and WFTY around in order to reduce interference; maybe we'll see such an arrangement come up. (WCBS-DT to 23, WFTY-DT to 34)

- Trip

hancox

07-01-08, 09:47 AM

I think you mean WPIX (33), not WCBS (56).

The only reason I can see the FCC allotting 33 to both is WFSB's transmitter location. I'm actually a good test case in Monroe (56 miles, but LOS, from ESB, 38 miles from WFSB's tramsmitter).

I would need 328' clearance from ground level to get LOS to WFSB-DT, and that's at high enough elevation to get LOS to most of the NY transmitters. I'm guessing that the number of overlaps is minimal with these 2.

Falcon_77

07-01-08, 11:06 AM

WHPX-DT hardly ever comes in here.

This would be a nice problem to have in Mystic. With 2 ION stations booming in, it makes long-distance reception difficult to both Farmington and Providence. It would be nice to see WHPX move to RS Mountain, but that's probably just wishful thinking on my part. For cable must-carry, it doesn't matter that it is only 22 miles from WPXQ, they are in different DMA's.

Trip in VA

07-01-08, 11:43 AM

I think you mean WPIX (33), not WCBS (56).

I can't tell who you're talking to, I assume it's me. WCBS-DT is moving from 56 to 33 next year, that's why I said WCBS and not WPIX.

- Trip

hancox

07-06-08, 10:52 AM

I can't tell who you're talking to, I assume it's me. WCBS-DT is moving from 56 to 33 next year, that's why I said WCBS and not WPIX.

- Trip

Yep, and WHOOPS - you're right.

I may have to find those terrain maps again - WCBS-DT and WPIX-DT are not even in the same league for strength and coverage, and this is going to be VERY interesting on how they play on 33.

raoul5788

07-06-08, 11:53 AM

I just got an email from Jerry Franklin. Here it is:

CPTV has recently taken delivery on a DTV transmitter for the digital conversion of WEDH analog 24. The digital assignment will be Ch. 45. We are also expecting delivery of a digital transmitter within the next three weeks for WEDN, currently DTV 45 but will become DT 9. Construction has begun on WEDH DT 45. Since the FCC has stipulated that due to the channel change for WEDN (45 to 9) that WEDH DT 45 has to come on in Hartford only when DT 9 is able to go the air. Basically, 45 Hartford will come on when 9 Norwich is ready. It is a simultaneous sign for both stations per the FCC. We hopefully expect these stations to go on the air by the end of August early September.

This is good news!

hancox

07-06-08, 01:53 PM

Indeed. Would you believe I may opt for the hartford affiliate, over the one a few miles from my house? It gives too strong a signal for my DirecTV HR20-700

Falcon_77

07-08-08, 05:24 PM

Upon my return to Mystic, I was surprised to find that WTNH has an encrypted sub-channel. I don't remember that being the case in December. Does anyone know what happened here?

Also, WEDN does not appear to be carrying any sub-channels now. Is this by design or is it temporary until the move to 9?

I am now able to receive WVIT at night, with a 4228 that I added. It has also yielded some promising results for WTIC's STA, with typical readings of 6dB and as high as 12-13dB. When they move to the top of the tower, it should be relatively easy to receive. WVIT will probably become reliable when WHPX returns to 26 (I hope). Now, if WHPX could at least put WFSB on a sub-channel... WPRI has not come in yet this trip. It was ~18dB in December.

I haven't seen any tropo events from NYC of note (WLIW came in once) on this trip, but am hopeful to catch one before I leave.