Pmalve, what kind of antenna are you using in Bethlehem?

Originally posted by GeorgeC
Pmalve, what kind of antenna are you using in Bethlehem?

Channel Master 3671 with rotor and Channel Master 7777 preamp on a 15 foot pole on top of single story house. I am in a little bit of a valley for the Hartford stations. Good line of sight for New Haven and New York city stations. Am thinking of adding 5 feet to pole to see if WTIC and WTXX can be received with less dropouts, although I might wait till spring because once leaves fall off trees signal is solid. Maybe they will put up new transmitters in the spring if WEDH ever gets there plans straight.

Does anyone know at what power the Digital stations in CT are broadcasting right now?

Which ones besides WFSB are not at full power?

Trying to figure out if I am going to need to put an Antenna Farm up on the roof ...

I get WTNH, WTXX, WCTX reliably. WFSB, WTIC, and WGBY (springfield) are spotty.

Thanks.

What are you using for an antenna? And how does WVIT-DT come in?

I ran across this explanation of how stations receive and transmit Dolby Digital 5.1 signals, and thought that I would pass it along: 4 networks and 4 different methods of handling 5.1 audio.

http://www.dolby.com/professional/tvaudio/NABfootage.html

cgorra,

Sorry I forgot to include WVIT in my receive reliably station list.

I just recently put up a Channel Master Stealthtenna with amp. I was hopeful that I would be able to get all the stations once they went to full power without using a rotor.

I have tried several radio shack antennas prior to this. I tried the UHF only antenna which provided the best signal strength, but it is very directional and I couldn't pick up WCTX since it is in the opposite direction from the hartford stations.

I really don't want to put up a rotor. I would rather a stationary antenna... easier to deal with overall.

If you aren't willing to go with a decent antenna and a rotor, then you will get what you get: The StealthAntenna is a piece of junk!

cgorra,

Its a shame I wasted my time answering you the first time, but I hoped you might actually have some useful knowledge.

I have put up three antennas in my attempt to get HDTV OTA. Yes I could put a barn door 150 feet off my roof with a rotor and get stations from OHIO.

Yes I have looked at the Channel Master 4228 and others recommended by many. I choose the Stealth because it is less directional and doesn't look like an eye sore. Some of us care about more than just getting the channel...

I like most people would like to be able to get digital television without all of the hassles. As was "promised" when this very long and drawn out journey to digital television began many years ago. It shouldn't be this difficult.

Be my guest and put up whatever you want on your dwelling. I'm glad you're not my neighbor.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program

Is there somebody else out there who might be able to answer my original question about the broadcasting strength of CT stations?

I have found a multitude of sources, but they seem to contradict.

Thanks.

The FCC website will have all the information that you need and is located here:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/tvq.html

Look, Loden, no one cares for the appearance of his home more than I do, but if you are going to complain about HDTV reception, then you better be prepared to either use a proper antenna or hope your cable TV company offers what you want. There is no magic bullet for TV reception: it's the same formula that has been around for over 50 years: A proper TV antenna mounted on the roof and aimed at the transmitters. Anything less than that will not suffice. Gimmick antennas DO NOT WORK, and the StealthAntenna is a gimmick antenna. You live in an area where TV stations lie in two opposite directions, and no one antenna will pull them all properly without a rotator...end of story.

cgorra,

You might want to actually read my original post. I was not complaining... I asked for information on the power stations were broadcasting at so I could determine what I wanted to do.

I didn't ask for your advice.


rmcgirr83,

Thank you for actually answering my original request. I had already looked at the FCC TV Query data, but I found the data confusing at best. For example:

WVIT has three records for their digital station.

1) DS - Special Temporary Authority (digital) - 205 kW ERP
2) DT - Digital television station - Application - 250 kW ERP
3) DT - Digital television station - Mod of Construction Permit - 200 kW ERP

Does this mean they are broadcasting at 205 kW ERP now and and have applied for the right to broadcast at 250 kW ERP?

WFSB's records seam to indicate they are broadcasting at 20 kW ERP now and will be eventually be broadcasting at 1000 kW ERP?

It also was not clear whether stations might be broadcasting below their approved ERP due to equipment issues etc. Would this be reflected in the FCC data?

The difference between 200 or 250 is not what matters.

Yes WFSB is licensed for 1000 kW, hopefully, soon

The FCC data show what they are licensed for be it temporary or permanent

I would think that, IMHO, you would do very well with a good, solid, antenna with a preamp...I know it works for me. :)

Have to go check my football pool.

From the FCC web site, reading other posts and the observed signal strength here. I think CT stations power and height is as follows. Note at moderate and long distances height is more important than power.
WFSB DT 20 Kw 343 meters amsl now, promised soon 500 Kw 376 m amsl, later 1Meg. 376 m amsl
WTIC DT 470 Kw 386 m amsl now,later 425Kw 501 m amsl
WVIT DT 205 Kw 532 m amsl now, later 250Kw 532 m amsl
WTNH DT 20.5 Kw 440 m amsl
WCTX DT 140 Kw 399 m amsl

Well, Loden, now that you know the power of the stations, and have heard the same thing form several people, you'll quickly learn that YOU NEED A DECENT ANTENNA, or cable TV if you want all of the stations clearly. Geesh, it isn't rocket science! And as for your attitude, well, maybe a decent HDTV picture would serve to calm you down a notch!

FYI,

If you can get all of your HDTV OTA stations with 2 discrete antenna positions, you DON'T need a rotor to receive a proper HDTV signal.

You just need an HDTV tuner that has more than one Coax input that is switch selectable, like the AccessDTV Hi-Def Tuner card with the latest software.

Here's how I do it (my two positions are "South West" and "North West"):

(1) Buy two antennas. For example, for UHF stations you may be able to get away with two Silver Sensons ($40.00 each) and put them up in your attic. FYI, the AccessDTV card ships with a Silver Sensor if you order the bundle.

(2) Run separate coax lines back for each antenna. I plug "South West" into tuner jack #1 and "North West" into tuner jack #2.

(3) In the AccessDTV setup software, assign each digital TV station to the appropriate jack. For me, the Springfield,MA channels go to "North West" jack and the Hartford, CT channels go to "South West" jack.

(4) Aim your antennas for optimum reception.

(5) Enjoy.

I have two antennas on my roof (one pointing at 218 and the other at 0 per the compass), they are then combined before the preamp. One line from the preamp into the house cable distribution and viola...get them all with the exception of WFSB.

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
I have two antennas on my roof (one pointing at 218 and the other at 0 per the compass), they are then combined before the preamp. One line from the preamp into the house cable distribution and viola...get them all with the exception of WFSB.

Have you tried pointing both antennas in the same direction? I'm trying to find out if you can combine antenna outputs in order to pull in weaker signals.

Is Fox football in HD now? I was flicking through the channels and WTIC has the redskins game on and it looks really good. I thought they just did enhanced for widescreen. Also they are in Dolby Digital now. Does this mean that the new shows will be HD now?

It looks to me like Fox still has a few bugs to work out. I'm watching the Giants game and there have been quite a few minor glitches and the sound is very low compared to most of the other stations (no big deal with that; it can be solved by turning up the volume but if you're a knucklehead like me you will get your ears blasted if you change the channel without lowering the sound first). Of course I 'm not sure if the source of the low sound level is Fox, WTIC or Comcast.
Actually, I am assuming that the game I'm watching is really in HD. For all I know it could be a SD widescreen broadcast and in a way I hope it is because to my eyes the picture quality is not as good as either CBS or ABC/ESPN HD football.

Originally posted by docbone
It looks to me like Fox still has a few bugs to work out. I'm watching the Giants game and there have been quite a few minor glitches and the sound is very low compared to most of the other stations (no big deal with that; it can be solved by turning up the volume but if you're a knucklehead like me you will get your ears blasted if you change the channel without lowering the sound first). Of course I 'm not sure if the source of the low sound level is Fox, WTIC or Comcast.
Actually, I am assuming that the game I'm watching is really in HD. For all I know it could be a SD widescreen broadcast and in a way I hope it is because to my eyes the picture quality is not as good as either CBS or ABC/ESPN HD football.

I caught the game OTA in NY and I noticed the glitches and low volume as well. I checked the resolution on my HR10-250 and it reported that the broadcast was, in fact, 720P. After watching the Jets in 480i I noticed the PQ for the Giants game was definately HD.

I concur.

Viewing WTIC on an AccessDTV tuner card for football games. TS stream info reports 1280x720 and the sound output is much lower than other stations.

Originally posted by dturturro
Have you tried pointing both antennas in the same direction? I'm trying to find out if you can combine antenna outputs in order to pull in weaker signals.

You would most likely encounter multipath problems with this setup, unless your antenna positions are EXACTLY the same distance from the transmitter, AND your coax cable lengths are EXACTLY the same.

A simple approach to a multi antenna setup is an A/B switch. Hook the NW antenna to A, the SW antenna to be, and select based on what channel you want to watch.

Originally posted by dturturro
Have you tried pointing both antennas in the same direction? I'm trying to find out if you can combine antenna outputs in order to pull in weaker signals.

Whoops,

Re-read my post, let me clarify.

I have an RS VU-190 that is pointed at 285 and a wineguard Square Shooter pointed at 0.

I had originally setup the wineguard with the CM 7777 preamp. The signal strength for WVIT and WTIC would run in the high 60's off my 6000u from E*. Couldn't pick up WTNH at all with the wineguard. Could get WEDN from Norwich but that would require me to turn the winegaurd ~75 degrees from max lock on WVIT.

So happened to be in the mall and went to Radio Shack, the I picked up the VU-190 and the tripod for ~$100. It's mounted ~5' from the wineguard. The CM 7777 module is mounted on the mast for the wineguard. Ran RG-6 from the RS and wineguard into a combiner then from that into the combined input on the CM 7777. RG-6 from that down into the basement where it goes into the powered part of the CM 7777. Out from that into the main hookup for the cable runs that were already in the house.

Took some time to get both aligned (thanks be to my wife staring at the 6000u meter while I talk to her on the two-ways we have for skiing ;)). I did try to point them in the same direction and the signal went lower on the 6000u.

Now I have the wineguard pointing at 0 and the RS pointing at ~285. Lost WVIT and WTIC (earlier in this thread) but went back up on the roof (got my wife back on the two-way) and a simple realign brought all the channels I had before back.

Now I get:

WEDN 95%
WVIT 78%
WTIC 76%
WTNH 98%
WCTX ~62%
WTXX ~58%
(the 6000u has a difficult time below 50%, I get a lot of drop outs on both CTX and TXX, but it locks for a while at times)
WHPX (local PAX station) 85% (its not part of the station selections as we don't watch "Popiel instant blah, blah")

I tried getting the springfield station and got nowhere. Also tried to get the RI stations as well and the same...zilch.

I think that this is pretty remarkable considering I am surrounded by trees with the closest being ~60' from the antennas, and pointed right into them.

Luck-o-Irish?

Wonder if the UCONN women will be HD via PBS on EDN (A guy can hope can't he)? That would be cool!!

Just my experiences and YMMV.

I live in Wallingford Connecticut and was wondering if anyone else lives in the area and had to make the choice between, DirectTV, Dish and Comcast.

And what choice they made and why.

I'm finnally building my Home theater and will have my tv in two weeks and need to decide what service to use. I currently have Direct TV without any HD stuff for my 27 inch TVs.

I will soon have a 65 inch HD widescreen TV and want to see what experiences other people in my area have had.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

Daddytig, I also live in Wallingford. DirecTV does not offer much for HDTV in the stuff I was mostly interested in (NFL).

I have a roof antenna with a rotor on my house (along with DirecTV). I get all the locals as well as the NBC affiliate out of Springfield. A lot of programs in prime time are in HDTV now, as well as the football games. The Giants - Philly game this weekend was great to watch.

Since Wallingford is located fairly central, I have the antenna pointed north. I am pulling in all the stations around Hartford, as well as as WTNH and WCTX from the back of the antenna. I haven't had much need to actually rotate the antenna, but if more stations come on-line (New London) I probably have to do so to pull them in, too.

Pat

And as for your attitude, well, maybe a decent HDTV picture would serve to calm you down a notch!

cgorra,

I apologize for being pissy. You're probably right that a a decent HDTV picture for all of my local CT stations would serve to calm me a bit.

I have been patiently waiting for the stations here in CT to get their act together and get on the air at strength. Along the way I have invested a frustrating amount of time, energy and money on getting those signals. Until recently there have not been any options for getting HD locals other than OTA. I started this process in April of 2000.

I recently "upgraded" my HD receiver to the HD Tivo so I could start recording what content that was actually out there. My previous HD receiver had two OTA inputs, so I was able to connect two antennas in different directions and get the majority of stations... WFSB and WGBY being the most difficult to get. The HD Tivo has only one OTA input which has forced me to change my antenna configuration.

Generally speaking high gain antennas are fairly directional and therefore make it impossible for me to use a single antenna and get all stations (as you have pointed out). I do not want a rotor because I do not want to have to coordinate the rotor position with the recordings I might have scheduled up to 14 days in advance on the HD Tivo. This would detract greatly from the "pick to record" and "forget about it" nature of the Tivo.

So, I am looking to build an antenna configuration that allows me to get the stations without needing a rotor. I understood I was "compromising" with the "piece of junk" Stealthtenna, but I was hoping that I could achieve a compromise between directionality and gain. I was also hoping that when the stations finally got on the air at strength that I would be ok. I did not pick the Stealthtenna on a whim. Reviews and other peoples experiences have been fairly good... not to mention the fact that it is not an eyesore.

Short of trial and error I do not know how to pick an antenna that will achieve what I would like to do. I have considered using antenna couplers (e.g jointenna from channel master) to combine multiple antennas, but this will be complicated as well... two stations are southwest of my home (WTNH VHF ch10 and WTCX UHF Ch39) and the rest are north.

Do you or any one else have a recommendation for an antenna or antenna configuration that might work for my situation?

Originally posted by schmitter
You would most likely encounter multipath problems with this setup, unless your antenna positions are EXACTLY the same distance from the transmitter, AND your coax cable lengths are EXACTLY the same.

A simple approach to a multi antenna setup is an A/B switch. Hook the NW antenna to A, the SW antenna to be, and select based on what channel you want to watch.

OK, assuming the antennas are mounted on the same mast and you use dual cable (to ensure the cables are the same legnth) would the signals combine to pull in weaker signals?

Originally posted by schmitter
You would most likely encounter multipath problems with this setup, unless your antenna positions are EXACTLY the same distance from the transmitter, AND your coax cable lengths are EXACTLY the same.

A simple approach to a multi antenna setup is an A/B switch. Hook the NW antenna to A, the SW antenna to be, and select based on what channel you want to watch.

OK, assuming the antennas are on the same mast and the cable lengths are the same, would the antennas combine power?

Hey WTIC-DT, thanks for the great HD football yesterday, it looked great. WFSB-DT, thanks for the black screen with No Signal at the bottom.

As for CT stations "getting their digital act together", with the exception of CPTV and WFSB-DT, we are VERY fortunate here in CT to have the depth and breadth of HDTV broadcasting that we do. We can't help the fact that the transmitters lie in several different directions, but the CT stations in general put out very good HDTV signals, and don't require much of an antenna system to get good reception. If your are adverse to using a rotator, then a couple of small all-channel antennas aimed at the proper transmitters should suffice. They can be easily coupled using an A/B switch. But since a Channel Master 9521a is also remote-controlled, and can be macro-programmed into any decent remote control, I still think that it makes sense to use a rotator and a medium-fringe antenna for best results in Wallingford. A Wade-Delhi VU933SR with the optional VU8PZ powerzoom is ideal for your location, and can be bought at Signal Electronic Supply in West Hartford

Jeffrey, as I stated from my previous post, I do have a Channel Master roof antenna with a rotor. It is pointed north (Compass direction 0 degrees). I can pick us WTNH and WFSB from the rear of the antenna, and also WFSB, WTXX, WVIT and Fox 61 without the need for rotation.

Wallingford is close enough to the New Haven station transmitters to pick them up fairly easily. I would give one antenna with a rotor a shot first. You might find out that you will not have the need to actually rotate the antenna.

Originally posted by dturturro
OK, assuming the antennas are on the same mast and the cable lengths are the same, would the antennas combine power?

Yes, the power would be increased by 3.5db if you used a 2-way as a combiner.

One thing to remember is that the "singal strength" reported by the meter is more of a signal QUALITY reading. Using a cable TV meter, if I hit the back of the box with a quality signal at -4 db, the meter will read into the good or best, if I hit the box with a signal with multipath or noise, but 13 db, the box reports poor and has frequent dropouts.

Originally posted by Beaker1024
Good news for the Comcast SA Explorer STB users in CT (atleast New London County)

... I have not looked through the rest of the guide lineup to see if they added the NFL network (being a SD channel it could be at any number not around the HD channels so I will have to report back later if I find that one.

Yes, the NFL Network is up on Comcast - channel 265 in the Hartford area.

Andy

Originally posted by PatG25
Daddytig, I also live in Wallingford. DirecTV does not offer much for HDTV in the stuff I was mostly interested in (NFL).

Pat

I don't understand this quote. Directv is offering about 5 or 6 games per week in HD.

Originally posted by Vuce
I don't understand this quote. Directv is offering about 5 or 6 games per week in HD.

I'd assume that maybe he's talking about getting the local NFL teams in HD. It is not possible to get these games in HD through NFL Sunday Ticket because they are blacked out.

Originally posted by Beaker1024
Just recently (maybe a month now) I have been getting a HD channel that is something like somewhere between 182 (CBS HD) and 190 (PBS HD) which is something like TNABC HD. I can not figure out what this channel is really about and why I got this as an added on HD channel... I could have the ABC part wrong but it's something like TN***HD or so where the *** is likely one of the major three national networks. I am sure of that part as it has a symbol of one of the big three but airs different material than the normal network channel. From the little I have seen it the channel seems to be a news network offshoot.

I receive this channel OTA via ABC network affiliate WTNH-DT (Channel 8, New Haven), which splits its digital stream into two sub-channels. One sub-channel shows what analog Channel 8 is showing, but in a digital (and sometimes high definition) format. The other sub-channel, which is broadcast in standard digital (not hi-def), shows "ABC News Now."

"ABC News Now" appears to be a promotional vehicle for the network's news division. It frequently repeats segments from "20/20", "Good Morning America", and other ABC news programs. Commercials seem to be all national, promoting ABC network entertainment programming.

After sampling this channel for very brief periods since Channel 8 began broadcasting it, my opinion is that the bandwidth would be better utilized if "ABC News Now" were deleted and the digital stream devoted entirely to maximizing picture quality on a single channel WTNH-DT.

I am not interested in getting the Sunday Ticket package from DirecTV. I am already paying close to $100 for the service, and get pissed off when they want more money for additional services, such as the HDTV package.

The quote I was refering to had to do with the local reception of games. I am interested in the Giants and Patriots, and can get them fine with my OTA reception. In addition, receiving the local channels in HDTV is a plus.

I did some reconfiguring in my attic last night and made some interesting discoveries. First, I have two amps hooked up, one 15db gain that that feeds an 11db gain with two outputs. One feeds the STB, one feeds a cable TV meter. Knowing that ideally I would like to hit the box with a steady signal, somewhere in the range of -10dbmv to +10dbmv, I try and make this happen. After the amps, if I move the antenna around I get WTIC and WTXX at +22 to +25. A little hot, but the STB doesn't seem to care. Good for me. WTNH and WFSB both come in about the +10 range.

Now I was getting a lot of drop outs, especially on WTNH. This is bad for football. Now I had done a nice job of hanging a power strip to feed the two amps, and had the amps mounted to a roof joist all pretty and what not, all my fittings were tight and everthing looked really cool. To get WTNH at all, I had to point the antenna in the general direction of the power strip and amps. I took the power strip down and set it on the floor and my dropouts went away. Sweet.

Now I have WTNH, WFSB, WTXX, WVIT, WTIC, all without having to rotate the antenna. If I do rotate the antenna, I can also pick up WWLP, WGGB, WGBY, and a couple of others I can't remember off the top of my head.

So the point of this story is that if you just keep trying different stuff, you might just find that magic combination that works for you. I had to move the antenna over about 5 feet in the attic to get away from the siding and go through the roof instead, but that made great gains for me.

That ABC News Now channel (SD) is on ch194 on Comcast in the Hartford area.

Any news on the latest date on when WFSB is boosting power?

Originally posted by GeorgeC
Any news on the latest date on when WFSB is boosting power?


The fifth of never.

Originally posted by Satman69
The fifth of never.

...in the year of our lord, 20525. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
...in the year of our lord, 20525. :rolleyes:

You mean, in the year 2525, if man is still alive, if woman can survive.........

Originally posted by GeorgeC
Any news on the latest date on when WFSB is boosting power?

I'm being optimistic and saying January 25, 2005. The day after the last CBS NFL game of the season.;) Thank god they don't have the Super Bowl this year.

Originally posted by jake14mw
Thank god they don't have the Super Bowl this year.

No Sh*T!!!

Hopefully, though we will still get wardrobe malfunctions. :D

On a note basically unrelated to the WFSB power issue, can someone please explain why only Fox is now shown in wide screen on Comcast in Hartford on the digital channel when airing SD programming? The other networks are shown in wide screen only when Hi-def programming is on.

Thanks.

BGM

Originally posted by BGMurphy2003
On a note basically unrelated to the WFSB power issue, can someone please explain why only Fox is now shown in wide screen on Comcast in Hartford on the digital channel when airing SD programming? The other networks are shown in wide screen only when Hi-def programming is on.

Thanks.

BGM

Funny you say that. I'm in branford and noticed the exact same thing. Friends reruns in high def? I don't think so.

Originally posted by BGMurphy2003
On a note basically unrelated to the WFSB power issue, can someone please explain why only Fox is now shown in wide screen on Comcast in Hartford on the digital channel when airing SD programming? The other networks are shown in wide screen only when Hi-def programming is on.

Thanks.

BGM

When you say widescreen I assume you mean the SD picture stretched wide to fit the 16x9 screen? ESPN-HD used to do this too for SD. Very unpopular. If you have a 4x3 format HD set, it is nice though because then you get full screen 4x3 unstretched.

Correct. While I know it was unpopular, I don't like the side bars (whether gray or black) doing damage to my plasma screen. Is this something the local station or Comcast controls, because I am unable to change the other network viewing format on my Comcast service.

Thanks.


BGM

I believe this is controlled by the local station, not by Comcast. WTIC does it and so does CPTV. All the others show 4x3 programming with side bars.

As I posted a couple of days ago, I am in Watertown, CT. After fighting with Litchfield Cablevision and being essentially told they will not be adding CBS, FOX, or ABC to their HD lineup and won't be carrying ESPN College Gameplan, I decided to make the move to D* and pick up locals OTA until next year when those new satellites go up.

So, I ended up buying a Terk 44 to try and pick up OTA. Big mistake. Could only get 30-1 (NBC). So last night I went and bought an 80" VHF/UHF Antenna from Radioshack with a line amplifier (because the run was a bit long). I have it just sitting on top of the rafters in my attic (no mast) and surprise I picked up NBC, ABC, and FOX (no CBS but that should change if and when their storied antenna goes up).

I have 2 questions before I permanently run the line down to my TV. First, should I have gotten a different and perhaps cheaper/better antenna? It works now but perhaps a bowtie like the CM 4228 might work better (will it do VHF?). Also, I have a couple of diplexers (I believe they're called). Will those work in reverse? That is, can I run my satellite and antenna line to it and one combined line to the cable outlet and then another diplex to split it at the satellite box?

Sorry if this seems confusing and thanks for any advice.

You will have to use a satelite combiner. the dish feed will have to pass voltage, the antenna feed should not.

Here is some additional info:

If your going to combine OTA antenna feed to your SAT feed using the same cable you will need SAT Diplexers (they are not splitters) that allow the voltage to be carried through the splitters. You will have a problem with your OTA Antenna booster if you do this. Voltage is only allowed on one of the two feeds with standard Diplexers. You will also lose significant signal strength if you diplex the signal.

The best case is to run a new cable - I know this is not always a possibility. I would also bring back the RS Booster & get a good one, I went through 4 different variations of RS models before getting a Channel Master 7777 and now I've got no issues.

Oh yea, and a Bow Tie antenna is UHF only, and won't work for ABC & WTXX in our area.

I received an E-mail yesterday from COX saying the DVR now has the capability to record a show while watching another. Havent tried it yet, I will post once I have. I never had a TIVO or anything similar and I am extremely happy with what COX gave me. It definitely has made my viewing alot better and I can see a difference in the picture quality. (Why? I have no idea, but it does.) Now I just need to have the rest of the local HD stations. (ABC,FOX)

I received an E-mail yesterday from COX saying the DVR now has the capability to record a show while watching another. Haven't tried it yet, I will post once I have. I never had a TIVO or anything similar and I am extremely happy with what COX gave me. It definitely has made my viewing alot better and I can see a difference in the picture quality. (Why? I have no idea, but it does.) Now I just need to have the rest of the local HD stations. (ABC,FOX)

Thanks for the quick replies.

Running a new cable isn't an option unfortunately.

From what you've said though could I run my satellite and OTA cable into a diplexer, then use a CM 7777 booster, then hook it to the cable that ends at the cable outlet? From there I would use another diplexer to split it back into Sat and OTA.

Or would I be better off using the booster on the OTA after I use the diplexer to split it from the cable outlet?

Also, sounds like the VHF/UHF 80" antenna from RS is ok. Anyone suggest a better one for our area?

Thanks.

Signal Electronics sells Wineguard antenna's - the ones I have & they work much better than the RS.

Don't believe you can use a diplexer and a booster. You would need to run voltage for the booster and the SAT feed over the same line, not sure that can be done. Never tried it personally.

From most reports I've seen, either Wineguard or ChannelMaster antennas work better that Radio Shack. The one good thing about RS is they will take returns.

I installed a CM 4228 for a friend in Waterbury and it picked up WTNH fine because they have a strong signal and are higher on the VHF band. Couldn't get WTXX. Their signal isn't that strong and even with my VHF antenna it is hard to get, so maybe when they boost their signal next year the 4228 will work for that too. I strongly recommend running seperate coax for ota. Can it be snaked threw the wall?

Originally posted by Such
Don't believe you can use a diplexer and a booster. You would need to run voltage for the booster and the SAT feed over the same line, not sure that can be done. Never tried it personally.

Such is right; I've tried using the CM 7777 amp with a CM SAT/ANT diplexer and it didn't work; ended up running a separate cable for the antenna as recommended.

If you want to describe why a second cable doesn't appear to be an option for you, maybe someone could offer a solution.

WFSB news: the new digital antenna was installed today (9/15/04). I don't know how much related work (connecting transmission lines, etc) still remains to be done but at least that major step is now out of the way.

I am in Danbury. Do I have a better chance of getting the NYC HDTV stations or the Connecticut ones? I was planning on getting a 4228 and the 7777 pre-amp.

Well, for about $65.00, you can add a rotator to your antenna and try for both cities! For the moment, I would put my money on the Hartford stations, since the digital combiner atop the Empire State Building isn't functional. I would guess that you will have an easier time with WCBS-DT than WFSB-DT, since WFSB-DT isn't high power yet. I would think that WVIT-DT will come in better than WNBC-DT. WTIC-DT and WNYW-DT are probably about the same: WTNH-DT should be easier to get than WABC-DT, but you will need a Channel 10 yagi to pull WTNH-DT: WABC-DT might be available from your 4228. WCTX-DT: yes, WWOR-DT: simulcast with WNYW-DT, no HDTV on WWOR-DT yet. WPIX-DT and WNET-DT: No way; both are low power: WTXX-DT is a possibility, but again, you would need either an all-channel antenna, or a high-band VHF yagi to get DTV channel 12. If you are going to try a 4228, consider getting a VHF broadband antenna like a Wade-Delhi VIP-305 AND a 4228, and use a Channel Master Titan 7777 for VHF as well as UHF reception. In combination with a rotator, just about everything should be at your disposal.

Interesting post about the NYC Digital Stations. Does anyone know the plans for the digital NYC stations? I live in Wallingford, have a rotor attached to my rooftop antenna. Would I be able to get them once they are on-line at full power?

That's a very good question about what's available in Wallingford. How do analog NYC stations come in at your house? If you don't see any signal at all, then chances are that the terrain won't allow you to get digital stations from NYC. If you can add a channel manually to your digital tuner, try entering channel 56, and rotate your antenna towards NYC. 56 is the RF channel for WCBS-DT. WCBS-DT is considered the easiest channel to get from NYC. You may need to jockey your antenna around a bit, but if it comes in, then try for WNYW-DT, the second easiest station to get, which is on channel 44. If you have success, then WNBC-DT is on Channel 28, and WABC-DT is on channel 45. WWOR is temporarily broadcast on a sub-channel from WNYW-DT, and there is no HDTV to be had there yet. WPIX-DT is temproarily on channel 12, but is so low in transmitting power that you couldn't get it 10 miles from the transmitter: they are slated to go to channel 33 eventually, but then they will share a channel with WFSB-DT, so I wouldn't expect to get them, either. WNET-DT is on very low power on channel 61, so forget about them!

If you can add a channel manually to your digital tuner, try entering channel 56, and rotate your antenna towards NYC. 56 is the RF channel for WCBS-DT. WCBS-DT is considered the easiest channel to get from NYC.

WCBS might be the strongest rated power but I get WNYW and WABC easier. There antenna might be directional. Don't think you have chance from Wallingford to get digital NY channels. From Danbury I think New Haven will be the easiest to receive. Next I would guess NYC. I think Hartford is going to be tougher because Danbury is a lot lower elevation. You have to get over the hills in Watertown. There was someone quite a few pages back that was from Newtown that was trying different setups and had a hard time getting Hartford. WVIT is the only Hartford station right now broadcasting at full power. WFSB should be shortly. WTIC and WTXX are on temporary antenna's about half way down tower. There is supposed to be a combined antenna for them and PBS from Hartford hopefully next year that is going to be near the top of tower if not on top. Here in Bethlehem which is probobly about 25 miles closer and higher elevation than Danbury WTXX is tough to get. After leaves fall off it locks in solidly as do all CT channels. Hope this helps you.

Maybe they are planning on turning it on Monday with the start of the new season.

Originally posted by pmalve
Maybe they are planning on turning it on Monday with the start of the new season.

YEH right, just like a pig may fly out of my ass too

Thank you everyone. I will try those suggestions.

Originally posted by cliff1371
YEH right, just like a pig may fly out of my ass too

Careful what you wish for...you have seen "Bruce Almighty" right?

WFSB on monday.....pipe dream.

Anybody else not getting the Sox in HD on Comcast ch 381? It wasn't there last night either. WTF.

(Later that night) It finally showed up in the 5th or 6th inning.

Originally posted by pmalve
Maybe they are planning on turning it on Monday with the start of the new season.

From the message board on WFSB's website on the 9th when they had their last antenna update:

"After the digital antenna is in place, a new 3 ton analog transmitter will be installed on top of it. After both antennas are physically installed it will take approximately another 10 days to finish making cable connections, verify signal patterns and bring both transmitters up to full power. "

Don't forget, that 10 days is in WFSB time.

Docbone, you seem to have some kind of inside info, do you know whether the analog transmitter has been installed?

You are correct docbone. Both the analog and digital antennas have been placed on the tower. Most of the transmission line has been run up the tower. Now the task is to measure the right lengths of transmission line to "plumb" the antennas to the runs up the tower. This is being done as we speak. The analog and digital trasmitters are all set and ready to go. Now the vendors for the digital transmitter and the antenna just have to certify the work that has been done in the correct fashion. No time frame has been given but the assumption is within the next week to 10 days.

More to come..........

What was that now about pigs flying?

:)

I don't believe they are installing a new analog transmitter, just a new antenna. The reason for this is that the old antenna was top mounted on the tower and if they had left it, the new digital antenna would have to have been mounted lower. So they took down the old analog antenna, put up a new one which was designed so that the new digital antenna could sit on top of it and the digital antenna's transmission line could pass through it. Then they installed the new digital antenna on top. BTW, all this heavy new stuff required that the existing tower be structurally reinforced. (Because their towers are newer and much taller, these are things WVIT and WTIC did not have to deal with to nearly the extent WFSB did.)
Channel 3 (i.e. analog WFSB) has been operating at 1/2 power since 8/5 when this construction began. Since the transmitter is the same one they have already had in service and thus it probably needs less in the way of testing and adjustment (not to mention that there are far more analog viewers than digital ones), I suspect the analog signal will be brought back up to full power before the digital signal increases.

Wtic-dt

Any body know what's going on with the digital side of FOX 61? Right now there's no signal (or was no signal an hour ago). Somtimes when there is a signal my set won't lock on to it even though they're very stong in my area? Any info?

Thanks

Warren

Originally posted by joehorn
What was that now about pigs flying?

:)

C'mon Joe...you know we're all just die hard HD fans that want our CBS OTA from as far away as Stonington, CT.

So, according to you we should see WFSB transmitting at full power by Oct 1, 2004 at the latest? That would be nice. :)

Originally posted by slbubba
Wtic-dt

Any body know what's going on with the digital side of FOX 61? Right now there's no signal (or was no signal an hour ago). Somtimes when there is a signal my set won't lock on to it even though they're very stong in my area? Any info?

Had the same problem, but it's fine now. This sort of stuff seems to happen intermittently with WTIC-DT.

While we're on the topic, anyone else in SE CT having a problem picking up WEDN-DT (PBS) from Norwich? Haven't been getting a signal from them since last weekend. Thanks.

While we're on the topic, anyone else in SE CT having a problem picking up WEDN-DT (PBS) from Norwich? Haven't been getting a signal from them since last weekend. Thanks.

Bridgeport PBS has been down about 2 weeks also.

Hi Ross,

No signal here either...they better not mess up my enjoyment of the UConn women this year!! Saw your wife the other day after soccer...so how's the engineer at EDN. From what I can tell he sounds like a regular Einstein? :rolleyes:

Not sure if women will be on the digital signal as usually at 7pm they were shutting off subchannels and showing PBSHD. I have emailed them quite a few times but they do not respond. I understand Hartford isn't going to beon until next year sometime but you would think they could straighten out the 2 channels they have on.(Norwich and Bridgerport) I want to cancel my lifeline cable subscription once WFSB goes full power but I might have to wait until March. Wish Voom receiver had a analog and digital module available.

Hey Rich,

All I know is these guys don't regularly monitor their own transmitters, and he doesn't return phone calls. Assured me he would send someone out to check the transmitter, but as I send this, still nada.

Now WTIC-DT seems to be off the air again; wonder if the storms did something or just more quirky behaviour from them.

Ross

Are you getting WVIT-DT? I'm not getting either and think the storms may have something to do with it....might have to go back up on the roof. :confused:.

I'm still not getting WTIC. WVIT is coming in though. This is Sun. morning. Hope I can get WTIC back for football.

The digital signal is back on for WEDW from Bridgeport but Voom receiver won't add it on scan. Signal is 99, must be something missing from stream. Anyone else able to get picture now. Also WFSB's digital signal was off the air late Saturday night. Wonder if they are working on wiring. Can only hope. No signal on WTIC here either, WVIT is fine.

What is the phone number to call to get WTIC back up in time to watch the Giants?

Argh yes please -- someone call WTIC tell them to flip the switch :) or post the number.

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
Are you getting WVIT-DT? I'm not getting either and think the storms may have something to do with it....might have to go back up on the roof. :confused:.

I'm getting WVIT-DT; still no WTIC-DT or WEDN-DT.

WTIC-DT was off the air all day today 9/19/2004: no signal of any kind here in West Hartford. BTW: Why no HDTV on either the Emmy's or "Titanic" tonight? What's up with that?

WTIC-DT being off yesterday was a real bummer. I get the NFLST on DirecTV and yet I still had to watch it in SD. The HD channel on the dish is shut off to force you to watch it on local HD, but local HD is out...

Yes, Titanic should have been HD. I have not watched this movie since it came out in the Theater. The DVD is not even Anamorphic. For a director that takes such pride in his movies, he surly does not give a crap on what they do with it after he is done. The Abyss is another one of his movies that is no anamorphic as well as True Lies.

I lost my wfsb signal this afternoon. Could they be hooking up the new equipment or do I have a problem .

It's not just you, they are definately off the air with their digital transmitter right now. No idea, hopefully it is that they are hooking up the new transmitter................

They must be using new antenna as I am getting WFSB now with my antenna 10 degrees off from where I used to get it last winter before leaves grew in. First time I got it since spring. 88 on my signal meter .

Noticed, WTIC is back tonight. Hopefully they will have all the bugs worked out by this weekend's football programming.

OK I spoke to soon. WFSB only came in for about 45 minutes. Maybe I was getting it because of the weather or something. Got to watch Raymond and half of 31/2 men. Would of liked to watch CSI.

3-1 has been horrible lately. I'm one of the lucky ones who usually receives it pretty steadily. It's acting like a wind-blown analog signal. Losing color with the picture wavering a little. No pixellating, but it's doing something a DT station shouldn't do.

Sorry to change the subject a bit, but just wondering if there is any news of WTIC going higher on the mast and/or going to full power. I forget what their deal was, but whatever it was, I know they weren't finished with their transmission when it went online close to a year ago. I live in Milford and can get WVIT perfectly with my channel master rotated in varioius positions, so I guess it is a very strong signal. However, WTIC I rarely if ever pull it in. Thanks for the info.

scottte

Originally posted by paul172
Did you get your dvr from Cox. I just got mine and it will only record one channel at a time and you cannot watch another program unless you stop recording. It has two tuners but they do not work. The service man told me the 2 tuner funtion was not usable yet.

Called Cox yesterday, I specifically asked if the dual-tuner capability of the DCT6400 is functional in my town (Wethersfield, CT), and they put me on hold and confirmed that it is. I'm used to having 3 dual-tuner DIRECTV TiVo units (Hughes HDVR2s, with 120GB HDDs added). Replacing them with one unit will be a tough pill to swallow, since only one DCT6400 is currently allowed at one address (I was told). But HDTV and HDTV locals, without dealing with OTA antenna, and faster program guide, are appealing features to me, I'll know soon what the reality is.

So the risk is the Cox $50 install fee and one month bill (roughly $80). The install is scheduled for this Friday, Sep 24th 2004, we'll see how it goes (leaving TiVos in place for now).

More and more people will be making the decision you made as the demand for HD grows. By the time they start delivering HD locals next year, DirecTV better have an HD capable DVR for rent or under $200. Even if it's not a Tivo. They need to compete with cable.

Originally posted by scottte
Sorry to change the subject a bit, but just wondering if there is any news of WTIC going higher on the mast and/or going to full power. I forget what their deal was, but whatever it was, I know they weren't finished with their transmission when it went online close to a year ago. I live in Milford and can get WVIT perfectly with my channel master rotated in varioius positions, so I guess it is a very strong signal. However, WTIC I rarely if ever pull it in. Thanks for the info.

scottte

WTIC isn't upgrading antenna until next year sometime. They were suppose to use a combiner antenna with WTXX and WEDH. I think the problem this year was WEDH as they were trying to get their channel changed, something about interfering with FM stations I think. WVIT's antenna is mounted at the top of their tower right below analog antenna and I think it is higher power also. Can't you get WNYW from NYC in Milford? I usually get it here in Bethlehem, easier for me than WCBS. Milford is closer to NYC than I am.

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
Noticed, WTIC is back tonight. Hopefully they will have all the bugs worked out by this weekend's football programming.

You'll love this; I called WTIC yesterday to find out why they were off the air. They told me someone left some equipment at a repeater station uncovered, and guess what? Rain and electronics don't mix!

scottte, here's the quote from back in January from the owner of the broadcast tower where WTIC (FOX 61), WTXX (WB20), and WEDH (CPTV 24) will eventually be renting space at the top of the tower sometime in early 2005.

(WVIT (NBC 30) has their own separate tower that is located elsewhere on Rattlesnake Mountain and will not be one of the tenants on the other tower.)

QUOTE]Originally posted by achase
I got an update ... from the Rattlesnake Mountain transmission facility manager. WTIC-TV ... decided not to go with a temporary DTV antenna ..., and instead they will install a permanent antenna at a temporary (side mount) location until the candelabra is installed. Their temporary location will be at about the 800' level, which will place it about 300' HIGHER than WFSB's permanent location. Once the candelabra is built (about 12 months from now) WTIC will move their antenna up another 500+ feet to their permanent location. This will result in a transmission location 200' higher than WVIT's permanent location, and 800' higher than WFSB.

Even with a temporary transmission power level (about half of what it will ultimately be), I'll bet that WTIC's temporary signal will FAR out-distance WFSB's full power coverage.

A good predictor of the differences that we'll see can be estimated by comparing the existing WEDH analog signal (450' tower on Avon Mountain) against WVIT's analog signal (1,139' tower on Rattlesnake Mountain). In UHF, the saying is as true as ever: "Height IS Might!!!". [/QUOTE]

In the time since this quote was posted back in January, WTIC's antenna was installed on the side of the tower, and the candelabra is now apparently at least four or five months away from completion. An engineer at Fox 61 later posted that the station is at high power for now (but not maximum power). The power will increase not only for WTIC but also for WTXX when these two stations' antennas are put in their final position alongside the antenna for WEDH sometime next year.

WHNB,

Thanks, no big deal then, sounds like things will hopefully be in full force by 1/1/06. Hopefully 2005 is a big year for D* and over the air here in CT. Just have to sit back and try to enjoy (endure!) this long ride!!!!

scottte

I normally get plenty of signal on WFSB-DT, since I'm less than 4 miles from the transmitter: my signal quality meter on my LG tuner registers in the high-normal range witht the antenna aimed at the WFSB-transmitter, but I noticed this seekend that their signal quality improved and went solidly into the 'good' range on my tuner. Has anyone else had any improvement in the WFSB-DT signal? I wonder if they are testing their new equipment. WVIT-DT remains the best signal in my location, by quite a margin, followed by WTXX-DT. WTIC-DT seems pretty good when they are on the air (smirk) but I wish they'd stop stretching their picture on upconverted SD suff: their streching is terrible, and if I want something stretched, my equipment will do a better job of it than that!

Did WTIC go off again? Having trouble picking it up now.

Originally posted by cgorra
I normally get plenty of signal on WFSB-DT, since I'm less than 4 miles from the transmitter: my signal quality meter on my LG tuner registers in the high-normal range witht the antenna aimed at the WFSB-transmitter, but I noticed this seekend that their signal quality improved and went solidly into the 'good' range on my tuner. Has anyone else had any improvement in the WFSB-DT signal? I wonder if they are testing their new equipment. WVIT-DT remains the best signal in my location, by quite a margin, followed by WTXX-DT. WTIC-DT seems pretty good when they are on the air (smirk) but I wish they'd stop stretching their picture on upconverted SD suff: their streching is terrible, and if I want something stretched, my equipment will do a better job of it than that!

I wonder if they are using new antenna at low power because I get stronger signal than I used to although not steady enough to lock in all the time. The new antenna is higher on the tower than the old one, so even if they are using same power I think signal would travel farther. Hopefull the wait is almost over. Now we can start complaining about WTIC and WTXX upgrading their antenna. :)

I personally have no issue with WTIC-DT's reception, but I do with their reliability: I have never seen another station that is down so much of the time. It's interesting that WTXX-DT, run by the same people, never seems to have problems, but WTIC-DT is down for so much of the time. To their credit, though, their HD looks pretty good on their prime-time shows, and they have had DD 5.1 from the inception of their HDTV programming. By comparison, WFSB-DT has never been able to get their DD 5.1 right.

Is WTIC and WTXX antenna from the same place? I have no problem getting WTIC DT up here in western Mass with an 80 to 90 signal strength with a Silver Sensor but can't get WTXX at all. Will the new antenna help with WTXX's reception?

Originally posted by tinkererguy
Called Cox yesterday, I specifically asked if the dual-tuner capability of the DCT6400 is functional in my town (Wethersfield, CT), and they put me on hold and confirmed that it is. I'm used to having 3 dual-tuner DIRECTV TiVo units (Hughes HDVR2s, with 120GB HDDs added). Replacing them with one unit will be a tough pill to swallow, since only one DCT6400 is currently allowed at one address (I was told). But HDTV and HDTV locals, without dealing with OTA antenna, and faster program guide, are appealing features to me, I'll know soon what the reality is.

So the risk is the Cox $50 install fee and one month bill (roughly $80). The install is scheduled for this Friday, Sep 24th 2004, we'll see how it goes (leaving TiVos in place for now).

Had my 6412 installed yesterday in Manchester. The dual tuner functionality works, but the box has all sorts of issues. Lots of problems with pixelation depending on what you try and do. Also for reference, NBC and CBS (the only locals Cox gives us) are flagged 5C 0 (copy freely) while PBS, Discovery, the InHDs, and HBO/Showtime are 5C 1 (copy once). You can however still archive off on a JVC deck the shows that were on the hard drive SUPPOSEDLY. I have not tried it myself to see. Only works on the JVC decks since the Mits are not 5c compatible.

A friend of mine is reporting the same Pixelation problems with his dual tuner HD PVR from Cox. Not sure of the model. I think he said it was a Motorola.

Is there any estimate of when COX will get ABC-HD? I would love it for MNF, NYPD Blue, and Lost

Only works on the JVC decks since the Mits are not 5c compatible.

Mitsubishi decks are fully 5c compatible. There was a problem with Motorola software on their STB's that would not recognize Mits DVHS, but that has been fixed. As a matter of fact there is not or was not ever any DVHS HD recorder released that was not 5C compliant. This includes original Panasonic DVHS.

Originally posted by Vuce
Is WTIC and WTXX antenna from the same place? I have no problem getting WTIC DT up here in western Mass with an 80 to 90 signal strength with a Silver Sensor but can't get WTXX at all. Will the new antenna help with WTXX's reception?

Yes, WTIC and WTXX are on the same tower in Farmington. But WTXX's temporary side-mounted antenna is pointed southwest toward Waterbury, which is that station's city of license. (Before the station was acquired by Tribune Broadcasting, which also owns WTIC Television, WTXX's signal originated from a tower which I think was in Prospect.) Viewers who live in areas that are on the opposite side of WTXX-DT's directional antenna - north and east - may have a harder time locking onto the signal.

When WTXX moves to the top of the tower its antenna will broadcast a more omni-directional pattern. That new pattern coupled with the fact that it will be on the tallest tower in the area should increase its coverage.

My apologies CKNA... I always assumed the inability of the Mits decks to play DVHS titles was because they lacked 5c compliance. To be honest, I wish I had a Mits deck in stead of my 40k ;). Lord knows they are more reliable!

Originally posted by jake14mw
A friend of mine is reporting the same Pixelation problems with his dual tuner HD PVR from Cox. Not sure of the model. I think he said it was a Motorola.

Cox is only passing out the 6412 as a dual tuner box, so yes... it was the motorolla. There's a decent thread int he HDTV recorders forum about it as well.

I'm in Watertown and had been picking up Fox, NBC, and ABC fairly reliably with a radio shack 80" antenna in the attic with a RS bi-directional amplifier.

However, when I permanently installed the cable from the antenna to the TV it extended the run by about 30-40'. I figure I'm now running the cable about 120-150'. I no longer pick up Fox at all (although the analog Fox via antenna looks pretty good). I've put the amplifier up on the antenna unit and at about the halfway point with the same results. Should I use 2 amplifiers? Any thoughts on getting better reception for Fox (better antenna)?

Mounting outside isn't really an option unless it's small and unobtrusive. I don't have any trees or buildings blocking my LOS and I'm somewhat high up (just down the hill from Crystal Rock near Rt. 6). I don't want to order stuff that I can't return as it would just be a waste. I tried talking to Signal Electronic but they refused to accept returns if it didn't work; that's why I went with RS. I may try Lowe's if they have better stuff and I can return it.

Thanks.

You definitely need a better antenna if you want to get the CT HDTV stations where you are, including an outdoor antenna on a rotator and a preamplifier. There should be no reason to return antenna equipment if you do your homework, and I know that Signal Electronic Supply WILL exchange defective amplifiers and rotors: They're are not a lending library for those who are unschooled about antenna system design, however. It all depends on how important HDTV is to you: You obviously spent a lot of money on an HDTV set; why cripple it with a lousy antenna? If you really need to run 120' to 150' of coaxial cable, then you NEED an antenna-mounted preamplifier to overcome the substantial line losses that occur in the coaxial cable. I'm sorry, but there isn't any magic bullet here: you need a good fringe antenna. Neither Radio Shack nor Lowes will take back an antenna that has been opened, and their equipment is inferior to the products that Signal Electronics sells, so that shouldn't be an issue. If you really want to solve your problem, I will suggest the equipment that you need to do the job:

Antenna: A Channel Master Crossfire 3678, or a Wade-Delhi VU935SR w/ VU8PZ powerzoom attachment, or a Winegard HD7084p; all are good antennas that measure about 12' long, and are suitable for fringe-deep-fringe reception

Preamplifier: A Channel Master 0064DSB or a Winegard AP8700- high input preamp, suitable for use in strong signal areas, because of WTXX analog being so close to your location

Rotator: A Channel Master 9521a remote control rotator.

Mounting Equipment: dependent on your roof, but MUST be installed outdoors, preferably as high as possible.

If you are concerned about asthetics, consider that EVERY house in Connecticut had some sort of antenna on the roof before the advent of cable: There was no shame in having an antenna on your roof 30 years ago, and there is no shame now! Do it once, do it right, and sit back and enjoy free HDTV!

Thirty feet of cable equates to about 1.6dB of cable loss in 600Mhz range (CH 30's) and a little less than 1dB at 200Mhz (CH10). This small difference should not be the make or break for you. Did you use the same cable/brand of cable? I would recomend using a good quad shield RG6 cable. Be cautious when running it so that you don't get any pinches or nicks in it. Also you want to use clips designed for it or staples to hang it, but do not miss and smash the cable itself. The cable should just be supported by the clip/staple, not attched tightly to the beam. The goal is for the cable to retain its original round shape. Any varience can change its impedence and cause reflections which will thrash a digital signal.

Yes you can use two amplifiers if you need to, just be sure that they are good quality shielded amps, the ones I use are designed for cable, and are shielded to prevent OTA signals from getting in. I have the amps in the attic about 5 feet from the antenna. Try and keep the amps out of the line of sight of the antenna. My house has aluminum siding on the gable ends, so I had to move my antenna to the middle of the attic, so that pointing the antenna to the south would have the signal going through the roof and not the end wall.

Every situation is different, and putting your antenna outside is NOT A MUST. It might be for some, but if you were getting decent signal before re runing a wire, odds are you don't need to put the antenna outside now.

"Neither Radio Shack nor Lowes will take back an antenna that has been opened, and their equipment is inferior to the products that Signal Electronics sells, so that shouldn't be an issue. "

News to me (and Lowes). I bought the CM 3060 from Lowes about a month ago and tried it out using a temporary set up. The only additional station it brought in that I didn't already get was WVIT. With NBCHD via D*, this was not good enough to warrant keeping it. Point is, though, that I packed it back up and brought it back for a refund - no questions asked.

Originally posted by madpoet
My apologies CKNA... I always assumed the inability of the Mits decks to play DVHS titles was because they lacked 5c compliance. To be honest, I wish I had a Mits deck in stead of my 40k ;). Lord knows they are more reliable!

JVC decks are the only one's that play DTheater, but this is an extra encryption besides 5C.

First of all, no one will take back an antenna whose elements 'snap' into place: I ran a Radio Shack stores for years, and that was always our policy! As for the need for a rooftop antenna, I will stand by what I said about an outdoor antenna: anything less, particularly in a fringe area, of which Watertown qualifies, will ultimately be unsatisfactory. Manchester is NOT a fringe area, being less than 13 miles from the transmitters, and you may be able to get away with less antenna, but there is NO substitute for an outdoor antenna. I have installed TV and FM antennas professionally for over 30 years, all over Connecticut and elsewhere, and I am constantly amazed with the quality of reception that people are willing to accept, and most of them never even know how good a picture they can get just by using a decent antenna. Maybe you are willing to half-ass it, but why bother to spend all that money on a good HDTV set and settle for less than perfect reception?

cgorra,

Since you have installed all over in CT, do you have any advice for me in Milford on the shoreline. I am currently using a CM 4228 8 bow with a CM 777 pre amp with a rotator. I get WTNH, WVIT (perfectly) but cannot pull in WTIC at all. Do you think a different antenna would yield better results for me here on the shore line?? Thanks.

Scottte

Anyone having trouble receiving WTXX? I always used to get it, but now signal is 50 and not coming in. Also Crimsont, before I put up my CM antenna I bought a snap in antenna from RS, tried it and returned no questions asked. You might want to try a CM 7777 preamp with the setup you have now. From what I have read they are a much better preamp than RS. If you are on the hill near Crystal Rock and not too far down you probobly can get away with antenna in the attic as you have good line of sight to towers although you probobly need a rotor. I am a little west of you and a little farther north and I need rotor to lock in WCTX. I think when all channels have there permanent antennas and full power we probobly can point the antenna in the middle of Hartford and New Haven and get everythng ok. I do that now except that for WFSB I have to haveantenna aiming right at tower.

I really wish I could figure my issues out with NBC. With my antenna and amp (Wineguard 7084p and CM 7777) I should be burying the signal meter. Instead I can only assume I'm getting multipathing or something, given the wild fluctuations. Slight adjustments in the heading haven't fixed it. Raising my mast another 5' hasn't fixed it. Grrr.

I really think that you have too MUCH amplification for WVIT: You ought to be able to moisten your finger, stick it in the air and be able to get WVIT-DT in Manchester. I would suggest trying a variable attenuator in the line going to your tuner. If you are diplexing your signal on the same cable as your satellite dish, then try running a separate cable run, bypassing the diplexers. Radio Shack makes a very good variable attenuator Catalog #15-678 which will do the job nicely. It is very possible that you are the victim of cross-modulation, which is a form of overload distortion in an amplifier which creates spurious signals that can mess up reception: cross-modulation is easily seen in analog; it is seen as a herringbone pattern on the screen, and, when severe enough, will cause tearing of the picture, and programs appearing on multiple channels . On digital signals, it isn't as obvious, but can mimic the symptoms of multipathing, and can cause some digital signals to disappear completely.

Thanks for the advice and quick responses from everyone (special note to cgorra). Radio Shack actually did take the antenna back and I exchanged it to try out a much much larger one (in the attic) as well as a different amplifier radio shack had. I know RS quality is inferior but their return policy and quick access for me can't be beat.

Bottom line though is I now get all the channels I wanted (except for CBS which I should get once their tower is online). Thanks for the advice again!

Cgorra, thanks but I'm right behind some hills. I don't have a clear shot. I think it's multipathing because my signal levels swing wildly between 0 and the mid-80s. I am not diplexed, and I've tried it both amplified and unamplified. Same inability to receive it, and the max signal level goes way down. I'll look at the attenuator though to see if it can help at all.

Anyone watch the FOX game yesterday? I though it looked much better than the one two weeks ago (PQ was noticably better, not as soft more defined, 5.1 was excellent). Anyone else?

madpoet,

Do you have your antenna on a rotor?. If you do not, get one. Many times pointing the antenna away from transmitter may work better than pointing toward it.

I just moved to Ashford, CT (near Willington, Tolland, etc.) and I had a 97" UHF antenna tripod-mounted to the roof paired with a CM preamp and rotor. I'm also on one of, if not THE, highest hills in town. Less than 40 miles to both Hartford and Providence. And ALL I can pick up is PAX out of New London. Does that sound right? Anyone in this thread had any luck in Ashford or nearby? Or am I up schitte's creek thinking I'll get any HD up here? :) Thanks!

Originally posted by madpoet
Cgorra, thanks but I'm right behind some hills. I don't have a clear shot. I think it's multipathing because my signal levels swing wildly between 0 and the mid-80s. I am not diplexed, and I've tried it both amplified and unamplified. Same inability to receive it, and the max signal level goes way down. I'll look at the attenuator though to see if it can help at all.

Madpoet, you might have a better shot at WWLP for your NBC. Over in that part of town you might have a good shot at Springfield. Cox has WVIT-DT in their lineup if that helps any. Any QUAM tuner should do it for you.

Originally posted by cgorra
First of all, no one will take back an antenna whose elements 'snap' into place:

Already have taken back the VU-190 XR. Just was careful to not break the elements or the snaps.

Originally posted by schmitter
Madpoet, you might have a better shot at WWLP for your NBC. Over in that part of town you might have a good shot at Springfield. Cox has WVIT-DT in their lineup if that helps any. Any QUAM tuner should do it for you.

I have COX in Newington, and I also have a QUAM Tuner built into my Zenith HDTV, it was working great up until a few weeks ago... Now when I watch WVIT-DT via COX (Channell 112-3 I believe) it comes in fine for awhile, then after awhile it changed and I get WFSB for a few minutes, then the WFSB turns black and wite and the video goes in slow motion.

I am not sure if its a cox problem or a problem with the TV. I should note that the other QUAM channels come in fine, including INHD when its in unscrambled mode.

Do you know what kind of antenna you are using? If it is yagi-style antenna, you may have problems in a heavily forested area. I did an antenna for my ex-brother-in-law in Ashford, using a Channel Master 4228 and a Wade-Delhi VIP-305 in combinaton with a Channel Master 0264DSB amplifier and a Channel Master 9512 rotator a few years back, before HDTV, and he got everything from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Springfield, Worcester and Boston just beautifully. If you are up high, theye is probably another reason why you aren't getting anything. What kind of tuner are you using? and have you tried manually entering the stations into the tuner, then turning the antenna for your best signal? You should see WVIT-DT at the very least from Hartford (channel 35) and Providence should be easy for you ( WJAR-DT=51, WLNE-DT-48 and WPRI-DT=13) You will need a VHF antenna to get WTNH-DT (10), WWLP-DT (11) WTXX-DT (12)and WPRI-DT (13). Without a VHF antenna in your area, you won't see a lot of HDTV.

WLNE DT is on channel 49. John

cgorra - thanks for the response. To address your questions: I'm not positive, but I believe it is a Channel Master antenna. It is UHF only, since the installer said "all of the high def in Hartford and Providence - my best bets for reception - was UHF." The tuner is courtesy of VOOM. I write for HDTV ETC. Magazine, and I write the "HDTV Programming" section of the magazine. I'm going to start doing some programming "spotlights" and VOOM's original HD content is on my list of things to talk about. So, VOOM arranged for a complimentary installation through a local contractor. I know the amp is Channel Master (says so on the box and remote), but I forgot to ask the installer the brand of antenna. The rotor motor was D.O.A. so I'm waiting on a new one of those. But we manually spun it today, every 30 degrees, and told the VOOM receiver to scan for locals. NOTHING. Except PAX from New London.

I also have a Samsung OTA hd receiver, which I have yet to connect. That is on my list of things to do tonight. (of course, right now, my antenna is pointed at New Londn and the rotor is shot. Doh!)

I have to think, even if my elevation is the problem, I should be picking up SOMETHING from hartford or providence.

Any more thoughts or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

My apologies to CTdish: WLNE-DT IS in Channel 49, sorry...As for your VOOM receiver, I think that it explains a lot: VOOM receivers are NOT programmable for local stations by the user: they are mapped by VOOM only to receive one market at a time, hence your inability to get anything except Hartford, EXCEPT, they only gave you a UHF antenna, which won't get you half of the stations that you are looking for: NO ABC or WB from CT, NO CBS from Providence, NO NBC from Springfield

cgorra - when you say:
"...which won't get you half of the stations that you are looking for: NO ABC or WB from CT, NO CBS from Providence, NO NBC from Springfield"

Are you saying that these affiliates are broadcasting their HD over VHF? I thought most everyone was using UHF. Not so?

And re: the VOOM tuner, VOOM's new software download/update gives the box an "Installation Wizard" which allows you to scan for local channels, I am TOLD, wherever the dish is pointed. Is this download not all it's cracked up to be? Or is this update news to you? Because if you know about it, and you still stand by your statement, then I should take this matter up with my VOOM rep. Thanks!

Greg you are correct with the new software you should be able to receive any OTA digital channel no matter if its mapped by VOOM or not.

If you have any problems check the VOOM forums at SatelliteGuys.US someone can help you out. :)

Yes, there are at least 4 VHF-DT stations available to you in Ashford, channels 10,11,12,and 13. My experience with satellite installers is that most of them don't know ANYTHING about OTA reception, or the different locations. If your installer had run a 2150.com or antennaweb.org scan of your area, or had any knowledge of the area, he would have known about the VHF-DT stations. If you plan to remain an OTA viewer after your VOOM experience is over, you will need to rethink your antenna system.

Originally posted by Scott Greczkowski
I have COX in Newington, and I also have a QUAM Tuner built into my Zenith HDTV, it was working great up until a few weeks ago... Now when I watch WVIT-DT via COX (Channell 112-3 I believe) it comes in fine for awhile, then after awhile it changed and I get WFSB for a few minutes, then the WFSB turns black and wite and the video goes in slow motion.

I am not sure if its a cox problem or a problem with the TV. I should note that the other QUAM channels come in fine, including INHD when its in unscrambled mode.

It's the fault of the tuner. I have the same problem. The channels are fine when watching thru Cox STB. BTW, it is QAM not QUAM. C-QUAM is a form of modulation for AM stereo.

actually, my installer seemed to be a very knowledgable guy. I didn't speak with him enough to get a read on his OTA skills, but he DID bring an AntennaWeb printout to the instllation and they told me up front not to get my hopes up, because it said I would only receive PAX and some other useless channel because AntennaWeb said Ashford gets nothing. But I said I was up high and wanted to try anyway with a good antenna. He said that AntennaWeb is notoriously inaccurate in CT and I should have a good chance - once he saw my high location. Maybe AntennaWeb was right? Say it ain't so!! :)

When you say "rethink my antenna system" - what would you do differently? Besides the VOOM tuner of course. Can you give me a "best of" part list or YOUR suggested installation? Thanks!

I live in Mystic and can get Providence Digital channels OK and with less reliability Hartford. Both Hartford and Providence stations are about 50 miles fror me. Interference will probably prevent you from getting digital channel 10 New Haven and maybe 12 Hartford. You can get your distance from stations here: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx Give us a report on how you receive analog channels 30 and 61 from Hartford and analog channels 36 and 64 from Providence. I would think that you would have no trouble getting Hartford or Providence. Also from a look at Ashford on the map I would think Boston might be possible. John

ctdish - already been to antennaweb, thanks. distance-wise, I'm less than 50 miles from most of the high def around me. It's killing me that i'm not seeing more. I pray that it's just a lousy antenna or something like that. It is UHF-only, which I'm now realizing won't get me the VHF channels cgorra mentioned. All I really care about for high def is ABC and WB and FOX so I can watch Alias, Lost, Smallville and 24, respectively. The rest is icing on the cake! :-)

Originally posted by madpoet
Had my 6412 installed yesterday in Manchester. The dual tuner functionality works, but the box has all sorts of issues. Lots of problems with pixelation depending on what you try and do. Also for reference, NBC and CBS (the only locals Cox gives us) are flagged 5C 0 (copy freely) while PBS, Discovery, the InHDs, and HBO/Showtime are 5C 1 (copy once). You can however still archive off on a JVC deck the shows that were on the hard drive SUPPOSEDLY. I have not tried it myself to see. Only works on the JVC decks since the Mits are not 5c compatible.

Here's a letter I wrote to Cox today, it basically lays out my concerns (but this definitely looks promising!)
=================

On 9/24/2004, I had the Motorola DCT6412 dual tuner hi-def DVR installed at my home with my existing cable RG6 wiring, which had been unused for 3 years). Overall, my experience using this unit heavily this weekend compares quite favorably with my 8 years-of-DIRECTV-service (with 2 dual-tuner TiVos for the last 2.5 years).

Menus are far faster, graphics and guide are terrific, remote control quite usable.

But I have 3 concerns, the first two being quite serious, and potential reasons I may end up cancelling Cox and keeping DIRECTV if they're not addressed in the near future.

-----------------------
1) I'm getting pretty bad pixelation on HDTV channels, what is an ETA on a update that may resolve this?

The installer even witnessed the breakups (1-3 per minute) on DiscoverHD 710.

At present, can't even show the HD channels to wife/kids, they'd tell me to send the unit back immediately if they saw it and not even give it another 25 days or so.

-----------------------
2) I'm told I can only have one DCT6412 at my residence at this time, that's not acceptable as I'm trying to replace 2 TiVos that I currently have (for household harmony and multiroom viewing).

a) When will I be allowed to have 2 at my address?
b) What new cabling/splitting will be required? I currently have an installer-provided-splitter at the DCT6412, with one feed going to the DCT6412, the other to the cablemodem.
c) can 2 DCT6412 units be used in the same room, with two different remote control codes or something (as TiVo allows)?

-----------------------
3) Can the remote be upgraded in some way (I see there are some connectors in the battery compartment)?

The remote control can't learn commands or macros, and isn't RF capable. I also attempted an IR to RF converter:
buedo.com Model=RR-X300
and it won't work at all with this remote (but works fine with 7 other pieces of AV gear I have).

-----------------------

Any answers to any of the above questions greatly appreciated, please feel free to call me anytime at (860)XXX-XXXX (cell phone), thank you!

Greg Robinson
First the rotator is important. Your UHF antenna may work on 13 Providence CBS, check out analog 12. Also possible is NBC 11 from Springfield.
Your best bet for ABC is on 51 out of Providence, Right now FOX is on 31 out of Hartford, but 54 is comming soon from Providence, There is no WB from Providence but Hartford is on 12 which may not be receivable due to the analog channel 12 from Providence. How is your analog UHF reception? John

Once I get the new rotor motor (next week i think) installed, i will check out the analog UHF reception. Right now, pointed at New London, I'm getting nothing - analog OR digital - besides PAX. Analog reception really doesn't matter to me, as what I really want is the digital OTA feeds of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB and UPN. But I suppose we all want that, no? :)

Originally posted by Greg Robinson
Once I get the new rotor motor (next week i think) installed, i will check out the analog UHF reception. Right now, pointed at New London, I'm getting nothing - analog OR digital - besides PAX. Analog reception really doesn't matter to me, as what I really want is the digital OTA feeds of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB and UPN. But I suppose we all want that, no? :)

Greg, when you get the new rotor you can manually adjust antenna with Voom receiver. You hit Voom button, then green button, scroll down to system settings, installation wizard, aim antenna. Then manually add digital channel numbers and turn antenna until you get best signal. After you get best signal, then scan for channels and save list. You will have to run scan for Hartford stations and then do it again when you turn antenna for Providence and then again for New Haven channels. Once you set it Voom receiver is pretty good now with the new software. I changed my dish to a 30" because 18" was very susceptible to rain fade when I first got it. I think they have improved that though. Don't hear many people complaining about it anymore.

thanks pmalve. what you describe sounds correct and what we've been trying (to not avail) to make work and find channels. but the rotor not working has certainly not helped the tuning bit. ;)

Finally, Comcast has turned on WTIC-DT on Channel 306 in the Hartford area: and it has once again disappeared!

Slightly off topic here, but, has anyone gotten a good deal through Comcast lately for new cable TV service? I have DirecTV, but trying to get Comcast Hi-speed internet, so I need cable to qualify for 19/month for 6 months. I know I can sign up for the locals only, but they charge a $25 install fee for that, and they would not let me get HD with only the locals package. I know others have gotten it done, but not sure how. It would be Comcast Middletown for me. I tried to get a local tel. # for Middletown office from information but the number they gave me didn't work.

I'm new to this so be gentle. I'm going to be buying my first HD capable unit soon and have begun to check for content.

I currently have Cox cable out of Southington. It appears that the Cox HD line-up is fairly limited when compared to other cable companies. Is this correct? Any idea when Cox may be expanding there line-up? What about the addition of HD-Net ?

Thanks
Scott

When the heck is FOX HD going to be on Cox? My Packers are playing and I can't watch them.

I was playing around with my antenna and rotor last night, and I got a better signal from WFSB-DT than I have ever gotten before: as far into the 'good' range as it would go: Has anyone else seen any improvement in their OTA signal: I wonder if they actually got everything wired up at the new transmitter?

I believe everything is up and wired at WFSB-DT but there is still some testing that remains to be conducted. If everything checks out they could be at full strength within the next week or so. (This is NOT an official announcement; it is just a guess on my part, based upon conversations I have had with some people at the station.)

I have DirecTV and will stay with them because of their Tivos, but I just signed up with Comcast in order to get Hi-speed internet for 19.99/month for 6 months, with a $130 rebate from Staples. I asked if they had an HD DVR and they said yes. So Thursday night they will be coming out to install an SA 8010 HD PVR. In my limited reading, I have read that this is one of the best Non-Tivo HD DVRs available. Heard it has dual tuners, and something like season pass recording. I THINK I read that it has a 1 hour live buffer as well, is that right? Do any Comcast subsribers have this box? I'd love some input as to how it is. Specific questions are:

1) Does it really have a 1 hour buffer?
2) What size hard drive does it come with?
3) Does it do PIP?

At least this will solve my problem of not having CBS Hi-Def. I will be cancelling the service after the first month once I get the internet service installed, so hopefully WFSB will be at hi power by then.

Hello,

I live in Burlington and am able to pull in CBS, NBC and Fox with pretty much a 93% signal on my HD-TiVo box. ABC is around 20 miles away and I get a 65% signal that gets flaky with rainy weather.

I'm wondering about the various output power they're using and what resolution they're using. Are they all at 100% power now?

CBS audio seems to always be 2 channel stereo? Does anyone know when/if they plan to go to DD5.1?

Thanks,

Frank

Originally posted by garberfc
Hello,

I live in Burlington and am able to pull in CBS, NBC and Fox with pretty much a 93% signal on my HD-TiVo box. ABC is around 20 miles away and I get a 65% signal that gets flaky with rainy weather.

I'm wondering about the various output power they're using and what resolution they're using. Are they all at 100% power now?

CBS audio seems to always be 2 channel stereo? Does anyone know when/if they plan to go to DD5.1?

Thanks,

Frank

If you do a thread search for 5.1 you'll see that WFSB-DT has made various attempts at DD 5.1 over the months and years, but can't seem to get it right. I know at one time there was some major lip synch issues with it, but can't tell you much firsthand since I can't receive it!

I'm sure someone else can recall it better and give you the last BS that someone heard from them about the issue.

I suppose stereo that works is better than 5.1 with lip sync issues. Hopefully they'll get everything squared away soon and we can begin to say that one of the other stations suck. :D

Originally posted by jake14mw
If you do a thread search for 5.1 you'll see that WFSB-DT has made various attempts at DD 5.1 over the months and years, but can't seem to get it right. I know at one time there was some major lip synch issues with it, but can't tell you much firsthand since I can't receive it!

I'm sure someone else can recall it better and give you the last BS that someone heard from them about the issue.
I was just wondering if it was me/my setup or the transmission.

The 2 channel stereo is crystal clear...

and at least the 2 channe laudio is good now: it used to be just awful!

Got word from their engineer yesterday that they have been simulating full load on their digital transmitter all week. Their analog transmitter is back up to full power. There is some FCC reg that keeps them from firing up the transmitter until they complete one week of testing. That ends this weekend I beleive & it is their intent to flip the switch sometime this weekend (or early next week) - unless they get complaints of interference from hospitals/police/fire or something like that. Optimistic this time that they will be turning on their 1MW transmitter in the next week!

As for the DD5.1, they have finally given up with the Motorola 5.1 gear they have & Motorola convinced them they need to upgrade it, equipment has been ordered.

Their engineer said he was planning to post something here, so you may see more details soon.

Originally posted by Such
Got word from their engineer yesterday that they have been simulating full load on their digital transmitter all week. Their analog transmitter is back up to full power. There is some FCC reg that keeps them from firing up the transmitter until they complete one week of testing. That ends this weekend I beleive & it is their intent to flip the switch sometime this weekend (or early next week) - unless they get complaints of interference from hospitals/police/fire or something like that. Optimistic this time that they will be turning on their 1MW transmitter in the next week!

As for the DD5.1, they have finally given up with the Motorola 5.1 gear they have & Motorola convinced them they need to upgrade it, equipment has been ordered.

Their engineer said he was planning to post something here, so you may see more details soon.

What Motorola equipment they are talking about?. Why don't they just get Harmonic MV450 HD encoder which is very efficient especially if they have subchannel and takes Dolby E input. This is how CBS distributes their 5.1 audio. This encoder is used by WRAL in NC which is a CBS showcase HD station.

Getting this encoder would improve picture quality, as HD football is unwatchable right now due to compression artifacts and also would eliminate their 5.1 audio problems.

I also did speak to WFSB and here is what I received for info. Yes their digital transmitter is running into it's loads. The antenna work has been completed. There is a process now that every DT station has to do. As part of their "construction permit" they must inform all hospitals and health care facilities in the area about the boost in power and antenna pattern change. They are in the final "waiting period" for their notifications. They are looking toward the end of this week (before the weekend they said) to flip the switch.

I received the same info on the DD5.1. Hope they find a different vendor rather then Motorola!

Enjoy:D

Can someone explain what is FOX wtic broadcasting? for example the football game on sunday was in widescreen and it looked pretty good BUT it wasn't high def. was is 480 p? Are they scheduled to go 1080i any time soon? is their a date?

thanks

Also, is WTIC is A owned & operated station by Fox ala WVIT?

WTIC Fox is already High Def capable, they transmit 720P whenever it is available from the network. They are not an O&O station, they are owned by Tribune out of Chicago.

thanks such

Originally posted by cliff1371
Can someone explain what is FOX wtic broadcasting? for example the football game on sunday was in widescreen and it looked pretty good BUT it wasn't high def. was is 480 p? Are they scheduled to go 1080i any time soon? is their a date?

thanks

If that game wasn't HD it was the sharpest looking SD picture I have ever seen. Even my wife who usually doesn't say anything remarked on how sharp the picture was. I thought all Fox football ggames this year were going to be HD.

I didn't see that game this week, but it was scheduled to be shown in HD. Fox will do 6 HD games per week, so in some weeks 1 or perhaps 2 Fox games might not be in HD. Not likely that any of those non-HD games will be shown in our market. Fox's HD standard is 720p.

Originally posted by cliff1371
Can someone explain what is FOX wtic broadcasting? for example the football game on sunday was in widescreen and it looked pretty good BUT it wasn't high def. was is 480 p? Are they scheduled to go 1080i any time soon? is their a date?

thanks

All Fox NFL games are HD. If it did not look HD to you, then you need check your equipment. Fox does not transmit 1080i. They use 720p.

Why isnt the yankee game on in high def on fox 61?

So why isn't Fox on Cox?

I'm glad it wasn't my eyes going bad. The game was wide screen but sure didn't look HD. Now I'm wondering if it was in the same 480 wide-screen that Fox did their football in last year or if it was WTIC just stretching a 4:3 picture.
WTIC TV is not owned by a network like WVIT is. WTIC TV is owned by Tribune Corporation, the publishing company that owns the Chicago Tribune as well as the Hartford Courant, the Hartford (and New Haven & Valley) Advocate(s), and other papers including the LA Times. They also own other TV stations including WTXX in this area and (Superstation) WGN from Chicago.
BTW, WTIC radio IS owned by a network: CBS.
I assume you were making a joke but just for the record, Meredith Corporation, which owns WFSB does not own any hospitals. They too are a publishing company. They publish magazine such as Ladies Home Journal, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Home, Wood, and several others. They also own about a dozen other TV stations besides WFSB (& CBS-3 in Springfield).

Originally posted by Satman69
Why isnt the yankee game on in high def on fox 61?

I don't know what WTIC was doing but that was the worst picture for a ball game I have seen. They were stretching picture, I don't know why. Scoreboard was missing half on top. Awful Job! On the other hand I happen to be able to get WNYW where I live, although not as steady as WTIC, and their picture was much better. It wasn't HD, just widescreen and much sharper than WTIC. All the writing was where it was supposed to be etc. The commercials went back to 4:3 which I don't think they did on WTIC although I could be wrong as I didn't watch WTIC too long after I saw WNYW's picture. I wonder if someone at WTIC forget to change the switch. Hope todays picture is better. You would think all the playoff games would be in HD. ESPN's wasn't either. Going to Florida tomorrow for a week, maybe when I get back WFSB will be at full power.:) One can only hope.

Originally posted by pmalve
I don't know what WTIC was doing but that was the worst picture for a ball game I have seen. They were stretching picture, I don't know why. Scoreboard was missing half on top. Awful Job! On the other hand I happen to be able to get WNYW where I live, although not as steady as WTIC, and their picture was much better. It wasn't HD, just widescreen and much sharper than WTIC. All the writing was where it was supposed to be etc. The commercials went back to 4:3 which I don't think they did on WTIC although I could be wrong as I didn't watch WTIC too long after I saw WNYW's picture. I wonder if someone at WTIC forget to change the switch. Hope todays picture is better. You would think all the playoff games would be in HD. ESPN's wasn't either. Going to Florida tomorrow for a week, maybe when I get back WFSB will be at full power.:) One can only hope.

The picture on WTIC-DT was zoomed, not stretched. I called them when
the game started and told them about it, but I guess they didn't care
enough to switch it back.

Has anyone seen anything new in the last couple of days on WFSB-DT?

Originally posted by cgorra
Has anyone seen anything new in the last couple of days on WFSB-DT?

Did you see my response on the WFSB antenna forum page? ;-)

Originally posted by raoul5788
Did you see my response on the WFSB antenna forum page? ;-)
Hey Chip,

Would you mind providing a link to your page?

Thanks,

Frank

Originally posted by garberfc
Hey Chip,

Would you mind providing a link to your page?

Thanks,

Frank

Sure, here you go garberfc.
http://users.boardnation.com/~wfsb/index.php?board=18;action=display;threadid=710;start=20

For now it is the last one on the page.

Originally posted by docbone
I'm glad it wasn't my eyes going bad. The game was wide screen but sure didn't look HD. Now I'm wondering if it was in the same 480 wide-screen that Fox did their football in last year or if it was WTIC just stretching a 4:3 picture.
WTIC TV is not owned by a network like WVIT is. WTIC TV is owned by Tribune Corporation, the publishing company that owns the Chicago Tribune as well as the Hartford Courant, the Hartford (and New Haven & Valley) Advocate(s), and other papers including the LA Times. They also own other TV stations including WTXX in this area and (Superstation) WGN from Chicago.
BTW, WTIC radio IS owned by a network: CBS.
I assume you were making a joke but just for the record, Meredith Corporation, which owns WFSB does not own any hospitals. They too are a publishing company. They publish magazine such as Ladies Home Journal, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Home, Wood, and several others. They also own about a dozen other TV stations besides WFSB (& CBS-3 in Springfield).

My source at Cox tell me that this is the reason that Fox and WTNH are still not on the lineup. From what he tells me, negatiations are currently going on with the parent companies, and Fox will be on before WTNH.

Is Friday considered the weekend??

And if not does it count as the beginning of the weekend?

Any weekend? A specific weekend?

Todd H,

Are you still getting a signal from 33.1?? That would be a pretty good indication. I am not getting anything at all. IMHO, the analog does look better than it looked previously.

I am getting a stronger signal on WFSB here in Tolland but it is just 22 as opposed to the 8 to 12 that it had been. Still too weak for a picture. This increase may be due to the cold nights or leaves dropping rather than an actual increase in signal strength.



Pete

Originally posted by eorcman
I am getting a stronger signal on WFSB here in Tolland but it is just 22 as opposed to the 8 to 12 that it had been. Still too weak for a picture. This increase may be due to the cold nights or leaves dropping rather than an actual increase in signal strength.



Pete
I feel for you guys, I get a consistent high 90's signal on CBS. Of course I live on the side of a mountain facing the antenna here in Burlington :cool:.

I'm afraid that when they go full power it will be too much signal and my receiver will have a problem with it...

Frank

Hi All,

I get a great picture on Fox 61.1, but the signal strength is always zero? My tuner is the HD-TiVo box. The other stations I watch CBS, NBC, ABC all register signals, but not Fox?

Any thoughts?

Frank

Originally posted by rmcgirr83

Todd H,

Are you still getting a signal from 33.1?? That would be a pretty good indication. I am not getting anything at all. IMHO, the analog does look better than it looked previously.

I tried the very next day and got 0's again. I'll try again tonight.

Originally posted by schmitter
My source at Cox tell me that this is the reason that Fox and WTNH are still not on the lineup. From what he tells me, negatiations are currently going on with the parent companies, and Fox will be on before WTNH.

God I hope it's soon... my antenna grief is mounting and I desperately need my super bowl in HD ;)

Is WFSB-DT down?

Originally posted by madpoet
God I hope...

maybe they're going to flip the switch?

The hamster died. They have a new hamster on order but are having vendor problems. :D

Originally posted by bfogelstrom
The hamster died. They have a new hamster on order but are having vendor problems. :D

yeah, he suffocated in 70 degree heat wave we have been having for the past week

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
Is Friday considered the weekend??
Are you still getting a signal from 33.1?? That would be a pretty good indication. I am not getting anything at all. IMHO, the analog does look better than it looked previously.

AFIK, the analog is back at full strength which is actually a positive development with respect to the digital power upgrade. Back in August channel 3 switched over to their auxiliary antenna (on a different tower and at half the power output of their main antenna) in order to facilitate the upgrade which consisted of the following:
1. Remove the old analog antenna.
2. Reinforce the existing tower to accomodate new digital and analog antennas. (Vendors screwed that up too, causing some of the delay but that's another story.)
3. Install new analog antenna at the top of the tower.
4. Install new digital antenna on top of the analog antenna.
5. Run new digital transmission line through the analog antenna to the digital antenna.
6. Attach analog transmission line to analog antenna.

I was not until all the above steps were completed that channel 3 could switch back from the auxiliary to the main analog transmitter and antenna, which they have now done. Since a major portion of the analog chain was pre-existing it did not require as much testing (for leaks, interference, etc.) as the digital does so they could get that back on the air quicker. But the higher power digital signal should not be far behind.

Originally posted by docbone
.....
3. Install new analog antenna at the top of the tower.
4. Install new digital antenna on top of the analog antenna.
..........
[/B]

docbone, I am not adding any value with my post, but just for clarification, here is the quote from WFSB forums in regards to order of antenna installation. It seems like the analog is smaller and sits on top of digital.


The old analog antenna was removed during the second week, but weather has prevented installation of the new 12 ton digital antenna to our tower on Avon Mountain
Even tough we have had relatively calm weather in the last few weeks at ground level, at 1,249 feet (the height of our tower, above sea level) winds have been strong enough to prevent crews from hoisting the new antennas into place.

After the digital antenna is in place, a new 3 ton analog transmitter will be installed on top of it. After both antennas are physically installed it will take approximately another 10 days to finish making cable connections, verify signal patterns and bring both transmitters up to full power.

I just checked WFSB - I'm getting a 90+ signal with my little indoor Silver Sensor antenna in western Mass! Is it possible WFSB doesn't suck anymore? The signal is huge! So right now I get NBC, Fox and CBS affiliates in HD! Justcan't get get ABC - because WGGB sucks but that's another thread topic I guess. This is great!

Just checked the 6000u...still nada. :(

I can't give a signal strength reading because that would reset TiVo recordings that are happening now but I do have a steady picture in Old Saybrook.

signal strength now 93% in east longmeadow, ma
was 0% yesterday
(western mass near springfield)
dare i say that we can close the "unofficial WFSB sucks thread"???

I'm getting blips in East Lyme.

May have to go on the roof tomorrow and readjust the antennas.

Here in beautiful Newington, couldn't get a signal lock yesterday on WFSB.

Now 80-90% signal locked.

Was getting 3 to 6 now 100% here in Mansfield, is that a pig that just flew by my window................

Originally posted by db999md
signal strength now 93% in east longmeadow, ma
was 0% yesterday
(western mass near springfield)
dare i say that we can close the "unofficial WFSB sucks thread"???

I vote that we close the "sucks' thread when they get their DD 5.1 figured out: not before!

Originally posted by xboxer9
Was getting 3 to 6 now 100% here in Mansfield, is that a pig that just flew by my window................

Could be, I hear there are some very cold lawyers somewhere!

I may have had the order of the antennas flip-flopped but the point is that the transmisstion line for the upper one is routed through the inside of the lower one and they couldn't fire up either of them until they were both hooked up.

That was no pig...it was bfogelstrom!! :D

I am getting WFSB 33-1 at about 79 on the signal strength meter. Problam is that I am now getting dropoouts on all the other channels. It may be that WFSB is so strong I am overloading the antenna. Time to get up on the roof and turn down the amplifier and readjust the antenna.



Pete

It figures that they go up on the day after I have Comcast installed:)

WFSB is a consistent 92% for me. Same as it always is. The rest of my signals are the same as well, ie. WFSB is not stepping or bleeding onto the other signals.

Frank

WFSB-DT (33.1) is now at 80-85% signal strength in Belchertown/Ludlow/Palmer area. If you have been waiting to watch Patriots football in HD and have an unobstructed view (no hills,etc) to the Southwest your prayers have been answered.

Of course WGGB still sucks and there is no hope of watching Monday Night Football in OTA HDTV out here in 2004.

OK, i tried wfsb and only was receiving about 35% signal strength. i have mid to high 80's on wtic, wvit, and wtnh using a silver sensor in the attic.

I adjusted the antenna so i can get wfsb up to 70% signal strength BUT by doing this i dropped my strength on the other 3 stations to mid to high 70's. i am not getting ANY picture breakup BUT my question is....

is OTA signal strength similar to that of DirecTV satellite? The fact that i went from 85% to 75% strength does this affect the picture quality? resolution? Thanks

I wouldn't think so...the receiver still shows a decent picture?

The meter is generally for signal quality as opposed to signal strength.

If it looks good to you..good enough? :)

Still have to get on the roof myself. Today was a curtain drain..maybe tomorrow.

I am in Milford on the shoreline, getting WFSB on my HUGHES HTL in the area of 75% +++ sine mine does not give numbers. I have never ever seen that channel down here. Coming in very strong as of last night. So now I have WFSB, WVIT, and WTNH as the majors with WTIC still not coming in. Cant understand that but maybe by year end they will kick up their signal so I wont have to keep trying to tune into WNYW out of NY which is not alwasy easy to do!!!

scottte

anyone around groton?

Originally posted by tsgrayson
anyone around groton?

Zilch in Niantic; occasionally seeing a signal strength of 10-20% on a Sony HD200, but no sound or picture.

Nada in Newtown

Originally posted by cbagger01
Of course WGGB still sucks and there is no hope of watching Monday Night Football in OTA HDTV out here in 2004.

Have you tried WCDC located on MT. Greylock? The digital channel is 36. Yes, it's a shot, but height is everything with DTV.

They converted from 480i to 720p last month.

tsgrayson,
In Mystic you can fairly easily receive WEDN and WHPX. A Long Island Spanish channel on channel 23 may also be receivable. All other stations are close to 50 miles away and you will need the best antenna you can put up and also a little luck with terrain. The three major network Providence stations are probably your next best bet. WPRI is on channel 13 and the other two are UHF channels 49 and 51. Fox is also on the air on channel 54 but much weaker right now. The Hartford and New Haven stations are difficult to receive here due to on and adjacent channel interference. If you have an antenna up I have an RCA receiver box that you can try at your location. John

Is there any chance we can get Fox on Cox for the ALCS?

This is my first post here; however, I started reading this thread last spring in an attempt to determine if I should take the plunge and install an atenna in order to get the other the air HD stations. I have read a lot of useful information that now brings me to the point where I need to get actual cost estimates to install an antenna. I know I may be opening a can of worms but I am going to ask for your opinions as to the hardware and possibly an installer.

Here goes:

I am located on a mountain in Oxford, Connecticut and I am the second highest house. My house is a 2 story and there are 30' trees about 125 to 150 feet from the house. According to antenna web I am 12 miles north
west of the New Haven stations (Red), 34 miles south west of Hartford stations (Blue) and 67 miles north east of the New York stations (Violet). I currently have 2 HD Satellite receivers with the ability to hook up an antenna, Sony SAT-HD300 and Hughes HR10-250 HD Tivo. The cable run from the antenna to the farthest set would be around 75 feet.

Again I am looking for opinions, hopefully based on experience, which I understand will vary by person responding and I am not looking to start any kind of a battle as to which equipment is better.



1. Which UHF only antenna have you had the best success with?

2. I think I would need a pre-amp, which one have you had the best success with?

3. I think I will need a rotor, which one have you had the best success with?

4. In order to feed both HD receivers what additional equipment would I need?

5. How high above the peak of the main roof do you recommend the antenna be installed?

6. Who would you recommend to purchase the equipment from (best prices, availability, quality)?

7. If I do not want to go up on the roof, who would you recommend to install it?

8. Lastly and most importantly how did you convince your wife it was worth it to put an antenna up on the roof?



I would like to thank all of you in advance as I have learned an enormas amount just by reading this thread.

mspicer1234

You can pick up WTNH ABC with a good pair of Rabbit Ears. Most people in our area use a Channel Master fringe antenna with a per-amp to pick up any of the stations up in the Hartford area.

Channel Maset 7777 pre-amp with seperate UHF/VHF inputs. Use a deep fringe UHF (Wineguard works for me) and anything for VHF, unless you want the WB in Hartford broadcast on Digital Channel 12, then you will need a pretty good VHF antenna as well.

Originally posted by Such
Channel Maset 7777 pre-amp with seperate UHF/VHF inputs. Use a deep fringe UHF (Wineguard works for me) and anything for VHF, unless you want the WB in Hartford broadcast on Digital Channel 11, then you will need a pretty good VHF antenna as well. WB: move 'em up 6 megs! They're on channel 12 ...

Call - channel - City
WNYA-DT - 4 - Pittsfield MA (UPN for Albany NY)
WEDY-DT - 6 - New Haven (CPTV not constructed)
WXXA-DT - 7 - Albany NY
WEDN-DT - 9 - Norwich CT (application)
WTNH-DT - 10 - New Haven CT
WWLP-DT - 11 - Springfield MA
WTXX-DT - 12 - Waterbury CT
WPIX-DT - 12 - New York NY
WPRI-DT - 13 - Providence RI

Other VHF stations would be analogue ...

Who would have thought WEDN wants channel 9. John

1. Which UHF only antenna have you had the best success with? ChannelMaster 4228 (high gain, but very directional)

2. I think I would need a pre-amp, which one have you had the best success with? ChannelMaster 7777. Sometimes preamps can actually make things worse by overdriving your receiver, so you might want to try without first

3. I think I will need a rotor, which one have you had the best success with? You likely will need one, but no idea on which one to recommend

4. In order to feed both HD receivers what additional equipment would I need? Never tried feeding two receivers, but I would think one cable from the antenna (with the pre-amp) to a splitter would work. Depending on your cable run from the splitter to the two receivers, you might need a distribution amp (which is also a splitter)

5. How high above the peak of the main roof do you recommend the antenna be installed? Higher is always better. I think 5 feet is about the highest you can go without guying the mast. Check out ChannelMaster's website - they have a good antenna installation guide in pdf format

6. Who would you recommend to purchase the equipment from (best prices, availability, quality)? I would start with Signal Electronics in Hartford, or Stark Electronics in Worcester, MA

7. If I do not want to go up on the roof, who would you recommend to install it? No idea

8. Lastly and most importantly how did you convince your wife it was worth it to put an antenna up on the roof? Wasn't hard; once she saw HD, there was no going back :D

Good luck!

Hello everyone. Long time lurker, first time poster. I saw a "neighbor" and had to sign up finally.

mspicer1234

1. Which UHF only antenna have you had the best success with?
I like my current setup of vertically stacked Channel Master 4221's (I couldn't beat multipath, and I wanted more multidirectional hoping the LG 5th gen receiver will solve those problems). The CM 4228 should be fine for you if you have the height.

2. I think I would need a pre-amp, which one have you had the best success with?
CM7777

3. I think I will need a rotor, which one have you had the best success with?
CM 9521a, point and shoot from its own remote.

4. In order to feed both HD receivers what additional equipment would I need? Probably best to have a distribution amp, like a 2 or 4 port.

5. How high above the peak of the main roof do you recommend the antenna be installed?
If you have the elevation, high enough so the whole antenna clears the peak. My NYC stations seem to come in a little better with the antenna a little lower. Try a powered indoor antenna first, you'd be surprised what you'll get. I had a powered indoor antenna down on 67 in Oxford between two hills and still got a good amount (analog, but its a starting point and anything to stay away from our local cable company).

6. Who would you recommend to purchase the equipment from (best prices, availability, quality)? Stark, Solid Signal, Spectravox or the place in the Hartford area if you don't want to buy online.

7. If I do not want to go up on the roof, who would you recommend to install it?
Sorry, I don't know any installers in our area.

8. Lastly and most importantly how did you convince your wife it was worth it to put an antenna up on the roof? In my case, I just put it up. Never one comment except "I spend too much time on my hobby".

Anybody looking for a Channel Master 4248 (big yagi) in the valley area, PM me. I just took it down and I am no longer planning on using it. I'd rather give it away to a good home than throw it away.

7. If I do not want to go up on the roof, who would you recommend to install it?

I got several names from Signal Electronics in West Hartford. I am thinking of getting some quotes and maybe having an antenna installed. I have not called either of them so I can't vouch for them. Apparently, they do a lot of antenna installs and buy through Signal.

C&M Satellite 203-484-7228
Praust TV 860-672-6348

Good luck/

Originally posted by CHDinCT
7. If I do not want to go up on the roof, who would you recommend to install it?

I got several names from Signal Electronics in West Hartford. I am thinking of getting some quotes and maybe having an antenna installed. I have not called either of them so I can't vouch for them. Apparently, they do a lot of antenna installs and buy through Signal.

C&M Satellite 203-484-7228
Praust TV 860-672-6348

Good luck/
Signal Electronics is where I bought my antennas, rotor and joiner. They had everything I needed in stock.

I had American Satellite in Middletown do the installation. They did a first rate job. The installers name was Jay I believe.

Good luck,

Frank

Originally posted by scottte
I am in Milford on the shoreline, getting WFSB on my HUGHES HTL in the area of 75% +++ sine mine does not give numbers. I have never ever seen that channel down here. Coming in very strong as of last night. So now I have WFSB, WVIT, and WTNH as the majors with WTIC still not coming in. Cant understand that but maybe by year end they will kick up their signal so I wont have to keep trying to tune into WNYW out of NY which is not alwasy easy to do!!!

scottte
Scottte,

What channel does FOX WTIC broadcast on?

Thanks,

Frank

Originally posted by garberfc
Scottte,

What channel does FOX WTIC broadcast on?

Thanks,

Frank

Digital 31.1

Even with the higher power WFSB DT is still reading 0 signal strength here in Mystic. By comparison WVIT DT is about a 90 right now. John

That does not make much sense, given the new WFSB transmitter is more powerful. The only explanation I can offer is that the two transmitters are in different locations (WVIT is on Rattlesnake Mt., WFSB on Avon MT), if you have a highly sensitive directional UHF antenna you may have to move it between the two.

Also double check your receiver, sometimes you have to delete the digital channel & re-add it if you never got it before (remember WFSB is digital channel 33).

Such,
Here is a Spectrum analyzer shot of my Hartford/New London reception (frequency inverted). I added the call letters above frequencies of each station. I think most of the difference is due to transmitter hight. The distance to WFSB is 50.5 miles and to WVIT 49.2 miles. WTIC shows noticable multipath and not labled analog channel 30 can also be seen. WHPX is only 11 miles from here and makes reception of channels 33 and 35 difficult. If I can stay awake till WHPX goes off the air WFSB might be receivable. John

Originally posted by ctdish
Here is a Spectrum analyzer shot of my Hartford/New London reception (frequency inverted). (snip) WTIC shows noticable multipath and not labled analog channel 30 can also be seen. WHPX is only 11 miles from here and makes reception of channels 33 and 35 difficult. If I can stay awake till WHPX goes off the air WFSB might be receivable.For reference:

WVIT-DT = 35
WHPX-DT = 34
WFSB-DT = 33
nobody on = 32
WTIC-DT = 31
WVIT = 30 (analogue)

How many dB per division? I'm surprised that WFSB is so much lower than WTIC. I would also expect the WFSB-DT signal to look more like WVIT-DT's ... that little dip as the frequency goes higher ... hmmm.

Can you even receive anything on WTIC-DT? Looks like a mix of a signal like WVIT (analogue) 30 on top of it.

Up in the Springfield area we get the same kind of problem: the WCTX-DT signal on channel 39 gets blasted by adjacent WGGB analogue on 40.

Will have to see what also happens up here with WWLP-DT increases its power ... and whether that will have an adverse effect on adjacent WTNH-DT (on 10) and WTXX-DT (on 12). Wonder how the front ends of these consumer tuners handle a whopping signal like WHPX and adjacent signals?!

The analzer is old and not calibrated but based on what happens as I add attenuators it is about 8 dB per division. WTIC is showing about 80 signal strength on the same receiver. Both WVIT and WTIC have some solid days and some days with a lot of break up, both seemed pretty good today. Here is a blow up of Channel 31 with better frequency resolution. The slope changes noticable as as you watch the display. I have several receivers and some can not get WVIT at all. I think I will get WWLP when the power is raised. John

Anyone know what's the problem with WTIC audio...much lower than WFSB and WVIT. Really have to crank the receiver to be able to get dialog. And before anyone asks me to check my system I can get plenty of SPL from all other HD channels.

Originally posted by ctdish
Even with the higher power WFSB DT is still reading 0 signal strength here in Mystic. By comparison WVIT DT is about a 90 right now. John

Does anyone know for certain that WFSB-DT is now at full power? There still seem to be quite a few people not receiving it....

Getting a good WFSB signal here.

Getting great WFSB signal in Watertown and never did before this weekend (though I tried everything).

I had good signal ~75% yesterday morning on WFSB. Then I tried to watch it last night and did not get any signal. Checked again this morning and still nothing.
Anybody knows whats going on?
I am in Cheshire.

I just tried to speak to Mr. Zarrilli...it would appear that he is at the transmitter right now.

Left a message for Mr. Gordon both email and voice mail as to what power level they are transmitting at. Guess we'll see if they return messages.

Originally posted by mkosover
I had good signal ~75% yesterday morning on WFSB. Then I tried to watch it last night and did not get any signal. Checked again this morning and still nothing.
Anybody knows whats going on?
I am in Cheshire.

Hey Max
Getting a very good signal here across the canal!

Originally posted by rmcgirr83
I just tried to speak to Mr. Zarrilli...it would appear that he is at the transmitter right now.

Left a message for Mr. Gordon both email and voice mail as to what power level they are transmitting at. Guess we'll see if they return messages.

Rich: Are you receiving WFSB?

Hi Ross,

Nope....haven't been on the roof yet. Sunroom is getting all my attention.

I do get blips and bleeps..but nothing locks with the 6000u. I do have a 811 that I am going to try...probably next week.

Hopefully Bobbi will assist this weekend assuming it doesn't rain.

PS Shouldn't you be making drugs?

Ross,
My buddy Bill, your neighbor I think, reported to me that he is getting WFSB DT a little stronger than WVIT.
Last night it came in here after 11PM due to enhanced propagagation. After midnight when WHPX DT went off air I could find an antenna position where it was as good as WVIT, but that is not usable during the day due to interference from WHPX. John

Originally posted by ctdish
Ross,
My buddy Bill, your neighbor I think, reported to me that he is getting WFSB DT a little stronger than WVIT.
Last night it came in here after 11PM due to enhanced propagagation. After midnight when WHPX DT went off air I could find an antenna position where it was as good as WVIT, but that is not usable during the day due to interference from WHPX. John

Thanks John; very interesting. Bill is probably at least 50-75 feet higher than me in elevation, but I don't know how much higher his antenna is (mine is just above the roof peak on a ranch). Hadn't thought about interference from WHPX. Sure hope that's not a problem for me, 'cause I don't know how to resolve that (WHPX signal is easily > 80% on my HD200, even though it's way off-axis for the NW direction my antenna is pointing).

Rich: I get blips and bleeps in signal, but nothing in picture or sound. Get Bobbi another car, and I've got other people making drugs for me :D

Originally posted by Bfadams
Getting a good WFSB signal here.
Funny - I'm a mile or 2 closer to WFSB then you and I can only get an occasional blip on the signal meter. :(

Originally posted by bfogelstrom
Funny - I'm a mile or 2 closer to WFSB then you and I can only get an occasional blip on the signal meter. :(

Yor realize that, with all your past bitching that WFSB has deliberately excluded your house from it's DTV signal, don't you? :D

Originally posted by cgorra
Yor realize that, with all your past bitching that WFSB has deliberately excluded your house from it's DTV signal, don't you? :D

To the above quote:D

I'm surrounded by trees also. Usually have a problem picking up some of the stations.

I've started getting WFSB on 3-1 and 3-2. Some breakups with signal around 50 60 on my HR10-250. This afternoon on 3-1 the picture is 4x3 and 3-2 is 6x9.
Is this temporary or will we continue getting the two digital channels?
Directv signal testing page shows WFSB as frequency 33 and channel 3-2 only.
Thanks for any inputs.
JackR

Channel 33-1 is the WFSB digital channel. Channel 33-2 is the CBS3 Springfield digital channel, which is a small station that the owners of WFSB are starting up. HD is only available on 33-1, and for some reason, 33-2 is stretched.

To help answer the full power question, I'm on Long Island and I am receiving WFSB-DT on channel 3-1 on the HR10-250 at 90% signal strength. This was good timing because for some reason WCBS-DT from NY was having problems (I didn't get it on D* OR Cablevision). So I was able to watch Without A Trace (which came on D* a few minutes into the show). It was not in 5.1, but is that true in general for CBS or just WFSB-DT?