S South Bend...you were getting those with the quirky airmass we had largely over us this summer and early fall. It's gone now, along with 16 and 22.

Getting 22 right now half scale on my DTT 900. 16, SB and 6 Milwaukee are showing blips. Guess my home brews are performing above average if tropo is dead.

BTW wasn't channel 16, 6 and 4 suppose to increase power or raise antenna's HAAT any info on that?

Chanels 23.3 through 23.8 and 26.5 have vanished, raising the question, "What's up with that?"

Channel 23 & 26 probably had plan's that never surfaced. Since the test cards were robbing bandwidth they decided to allocate the bits back into the stat mux. Good decision :)

MPEG 2? No way. It's going to look downright terrible.

Hearing that, I really don't feel so bad anymore that I'm not really able to get it. There's no way in heck I'd ever be able to watch it, anyway. I'm thinking it'll even look worse than before.

By the way - what's the "Illinois Channel? (And how come I don't get it?)

Ramm,

They're using the same encoders that 'CIU is using, and the latest firmware. If they have "talking heads", it'll be good. We'll see.

Anyway...the "Illinois Channel" is the C-SPAN of Illinois. Comcast carries them part time.

http://www.illinoischannel.org/

The question I have, of course, is just what they're planning to air in dual HD/dual SD. PBS West? PBS World?

- Trip

I was told that neither WYIN or WYCC can air PBS world since WTTW owns the rights to SOMEDAY do so. WYIN and WYCC told me this.

Getting 22 right now half scale on my DTT 900. 16, SB and 6 Milwaukee are showing blips. Guess my home brews are performing above average if tropo is dead.

BTW wasn't channel 16, 6 and 4 suppose to increase power or raise antenna's HAAT any info on that?

Doesn't help that we have some low power jagoffvision on that channel 22 in the northern suburbs.

WITI 6-1 is raising their antenna. They are in the middle of the job right now and they broaadcast with 1 MW ERP. WTMJ has no plans to do anything new. WNDU has plans to increase power, see the FCC database.

Chanels 23.3 through 23.8 and 26.5 have vanished, raising the question, "What's up with that?"

23-3 through 23-8 will be back in a few weeks. 26.5 is gone for good.

An application for WLS on UHF 44 finally showed up in the FCC database:
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=WLS&city=&state=

Before it was just a proposed rule change. I guess the 30 day waiting period after the federal register publication has elapsed. We're waiting on the construction permit next.

On the FCC site, it still shows a fill in translator on Ch. 32 for WLS. I thought that would have been deleted with the move to 44, or is the FCC just slow at deleting things like this.

23-3 through 23-8 will be back in a few weeks. 26.5 is gone for good.So, we won't ever see "THAT?" on 26-5 again and only 23-3 through 23-8 will be "THAT?" I'll be lucky if I get those channels, from where I'm at in Northwest Indiana, that being DeMotte; I can't get any of the WWME-LD's channels of 23 reliably, just can receive them on occasions. I just guess I was wondering if there's a shot I'd have to see on those channels, once things get going for "THAT?".

Channel 23 & 26 probably had plan's that never surfaced. Since the test cards were robbing bandwidth they decided to allocate the bits back into the stat mux. Good decision :)
The "That" slide took up one low bandwidth feed on each broadcast channel. The six channels 23.3-23.8 were one 0.80 Mbps feed with the only other content on that RF channel being the 1.62 Mbps 23.2 feed of MeTV. Plenty of available space even when the That? channels were up.

(BTW: The one channel on 26.5 was 0.80 Mbps with FBT/Chicago Ethnic TV coming in at 1.22 Mbps. If there is a secret to low bandwidth OTA WCIU knows what it is.)

23-3 through 23-8 will be back in a few weeks. 26.5 is gone for good.
That's good. Hopefully That? will be something more interesting than a pretty blue motion slide. :)

On the FCC site, it still shows a fill in translator on Ch. 32 for WLS. I thought that would have been deleted with the move to 44, or is the FCC just slow at deleting things like this.
If it is still pending (app / cp) or authorized then it should still be there. The fill-in has not been withdrawn, has it?

I was told that neither WYIN or WYCC can air PBS world since WTTW owns the rights to SOMEDAY do so. WYIN and WYCC told me this.

What a crock, then 11 should put PBS World on 11.4 and put V/me on a very low bit channel like 26.6 does with FBT.

Doesn't help that we have some low power jagoffvision on that channel 22 in the northern suburbs.

WITI 6-1 is raising their antenna. They are in the middle of the job right now and they broaadcast with 1 MW ERP. WTMJ has no plans to do anything new. WNDU has plans to increase power, see the FCC database.

6 can do pretty well with the right conditions on the south side, when they kick it up it should be great. WNDU comes in second out of South Bend by me. 22 just stomps in here and Im not sure why I may be in a hot spot. If I look at the coverage maps with google earth there is a hint of WSBT's signal showing up about a mile north of me. Maybe WNDU can come up to 22's levels when they do the increase. Too bad about TMJ though. They come in second down here as far as Milwaukee goes.

Sorry to hear about the LPTV station on 22 by you. Those LPTV stations can screw up things a bit. I can't get WCGV because of 25 analog if they move to 2 then maybe I'll be be able to log 24 again like back in analog days, back in the day.

The "That" slide took up one low bandwidth feed on each broadcast channel. The six channels 23.3-23.8 were one 0.80 Mbps feed with the only other content on that RF channel being the 1.62 Mbps 23.2 feed of MeTV. Plenty of available space even when the That? channels were up.

(BTW: The one channel on 26.5 was 0.80 Mbps with FBT/Chicago Ethnic TV coming in at 1.22 Mbps. If there is a secret to low bandwidth OTA WCIU knows what it is.)




WCIU has plenty of bandwidth to play with on 39 but not really on 27. Even 0.80 being thrown back to the statmux on 27 is a plus. I figure That will be some kind of multicast of something. I hope it's not all music or a traffic cam. It would be cool if they added a Me-3 and Me-4. They could do 50's & 60's on one 70's on another, 80's on the 3rd and 90's on the 4th. 26.1 could cover the 2k+ stuff.

Chanels 23.3 through 23.8 and 26.5 have vanished, raising the question, "What's up with that?"

GOOD! Now my guide display won't be polluted with six channels of "INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE".

(Yeah, I could delete them, but every time I do a new channel scan they come right back, so it's only a temporary fix at best.)

On the FCC site, it still shows a fill in translator on Ch. 32 for WLS. I thought that would have been deleted with the move to 44, or is the FCC just slow at deleting things like this.

It's still a valid application. The FCC should deny it now, but they may wait years to cancel it. They're pretty slow sometimes on these things.

What a crock, then 11 should put PBS World on 11.4 and put V/me on a very low bit channel like 26.6 does with FBT.

Yep. I don't get it either. PBS World is a decent channel. Luckily I can get 36-3 from Milwaukee pretty well which has PBS World.

Hey guys, I can't seem to find a post that says "if you live in Chicago you should use this setup for OTA." I'm sure I'm just missing it. I'm hoping you can help or point me to an old post.

Previously, I "magically" had OTA from splitting my dish network coax cable and plugging it directly into the TV. Not sure how it worked because I never climbed on the roof, but it was great.

I moved to a new place and that trick isn't working. I live about 3-4 miles north of Sears/Hancock/etc, and the TV is on the second floor of a two story building. What do I need to get OTA channels again? Thanks.

i have a dtt901 with a rabbit loop combo
since 26.5 and the 23.3 -23.8 have been removed has anyome had
any signal strength issues for 23.1 , 23.2 and 26.X ?

i had no trouble with these channels over the weekend
wciu is usually rock solid for me

kd9fz
comments,criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome

Yep. I don't get it either. PBS World is a decent channel. Luckily I can get 36-3 from Milwaukee pretty well which has PBS World.

I can get PBS World on my C band dish. You would think since 11 don't offer it now they would let 56 or 20 carry it. These companies and there BS.

(BTW: The one channel on 26.5 was 0.80 Mbps with FBT/Chicago Ethnic TV coming in at 1.22 Mbps. If there is a secret to low bandwidth OTA WCIU knows what it is.)Except for the fact that FBT looks like crap.

Except for the fact that FBT looks like crap.

The NTD China feed we get is not the best in the world either. It looks pretty bit-starved.

The NTD China feed we get is not the best in the world either. It looks pretty bit-starved.

Allot of those foreign channels are wicked. They bitstarve them to death. Have you ever looked at the ku on Galaxy 19? bad stuff.

Hey guys, I can't seem to find a post that says "if you live in Chicago you should use this setup for OTA." I'm sure I'm just missing it. I'm hoping you can help or point me to an old post.

Previously, I "magically" had OTA from splitting my dish network coax cable and plugging it directly into the TV. Not sure how it worked because I never climbed on the roof, but it was great.

I moved to a new place and that trick isn't working. I live about 3-4 miles north of Sears/Hancock/etc, and the TV is on the second floor of a two story building. What do I need to get OTA channels again? Thanks.

Well, that's a little difficult to answer. Do you live in an apartment/condo? Can you put up an exterior roof antenna? Will you rely solely on an indoor antenna? Which channels do you get now? What is your current setup (converter box, antenna, coax)?

Well, that's a little difficult to answer. Do you live in an apartment/condo? Can you put up an exterior roof antenna? Will you rely solely on an indoor antenna? Which channels do you get now? What is your current setup (converter box, antenna, coax)?

Hey swiat, I live in a two story SFH with access to the roof. I'd prefer to keep the antenna indoor, if possible.

I have a Pioneer Kuro with a DTV tuner built in. I have Dish Network, and they carry some local channels via satellite, but the resolution is often not as good as advertised. (ie: '720p' channels sure don't look like 720p) so I want to have the option of switching to OTA signals.

I have no converter, antenna, or coax going into the TV at the moment.

Thanks.

Hi Everyone-

I'm having a real hard time with VHF signals using an indoor antenna. Here (http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1250-Amplified-indoor-Antenna/dp/B000063SNE/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1255031598&sr=8-24) is my antenna, it's an RCA ANT1250 UHF/VHF Amplified Indoor Antenna.

I live in downtown Chicago, and am less than a mile from the major source of my broadcast signals (I'm assuming the Sears Tower). Here's my signal analysis from TV Fool: Link (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dbefb00c104a465)

I've had this antenna for a couple of years, and I have pretty much zero problems picking up UHF signals. I don't use the amplifier, because there's no point. I've never been able to get CBS, and I didn't know why until recently (VHF signal). Once ABC switched to VHF as well, I investigated the matter a little bit and decided that I must be having VHF problems with my antenna.

I really have no idea what I should be doing. I've tried adjusting the antenna every which way, tried turning the amplification on, nothing seems to work.

So really, my questions are this: Should my antenna be able to pick up these signals, and if not, is there a better antenna alternative I should look into? What sorts of obstacles inside my house could be preventing me from picking up the signal besides the antenna? I live on the second floor of a 7-story building, it faces South (towards the tower), doesn't have a 100% direct line of site to the Sears Tower, but pretty close, I can just make out the tips of the antennas. But I don't know if that's a problem, or if other electronics in my house could be a problem, or what. I really know nothing about VHF.

Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Everyone-

I'm having a real hard time with VHF signals using an indoor antenna. Here (http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT1250-Amplified-indoor-Antenna/dp/B000063SNE/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1255031598&sr=8-24) is my antenna, it's an RCA ANT1250 UHF/VHF Amplified Indoor Antenna.

I live in downtown Chicago, and am less than a mile from the major source of my broadcast signals (I'm assuming the Sears Tower). Here's my signal analysis from TV Fool: Link (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dbefb00c104a465)

I've had this antenna for a couple of years, and I have pretty much zero problems picking up UHF signals. I don't use the amplifier, because there's no point. I've never been able to get CBS, and I didn't know why until recently (VHF signal). Once ABC switched to VHF as well, I investigated the matter a little bit and decided that I must be having VHF problems with my antenna.

I really have no idea what I should be doing. I've tried adjusting the antenna every which way, tried turning the amplification on, nothing seems to work.

So really, my questions are this: Should my antenna be able to pick up these signals, and if not, is there a better antenna alternative I should look into? What sorts of obstacles inside my house could be preventing me from picking up the signal besides the antenna? I live on the second floor of a 7-story building, it faces South (towards the tower), doesn't have a 100% direct line of site to the Sears Tower, but pretty close, I can just make out the tips of the antennas. But I don't know if that's a problem, or if other electronics in my house could be a problem, or what. I really know nothing about VHF.

Any help would be appreciated.

Wow. I cannot believe how bad of a time you are having with the VHF stations at that distance. My first thought was FM overload in the amp (FMs are also on the Sears Tower) You may want to consider a simple set of VHF rabbit ears (un-amped) to test with (maybe you have them laying around even)

Good news is that WLS is going back to UHF soon and that just leaves WBBM (CBS) which is on RF-12, which is a bit easier on small antennas then 7...

More then likely being that close, a good deal of the signal is shooting over your building, being down on the 2nd floor makes it a bit harder.
I was just in Chicago last week and went to the Sears tower and walked around the base area a bit. I did notice that there are lot of areas with completely blocked views of the antenna masts on the Sears tower.

FYI, all the Chicago full power stations but WGBO and WYCC are on the Sears (WGBO and WYCC are on the Hancock)

EDIT, just caught that you are not using the amp, is inline or in the base of the antenna? Leaving it unhooked may actually weaken the signal, unless the amp itself is removed from the chain.

Not to mention with all of the skyscrapers in The Loop, you are living in the RF equivalent of a hall of mirrors in a funhouse, changing a neat stream of digits into gibberish your set cannot decode (its not the signal strength - its the multipath!)

I do agree that overload from FM stations, either in the preamplifier, or the front end of the tuner itself, is a real peril.

Too bad nobody is selling 160 MHz high-pass filters that would cure the latter problem.

Not to mention with all of the skyscrapers in The Loop, you are living in the RF equivalent of a hall of mirrors in a funhouse, changing a neat stream of digits into gibberish your set cannot decode (its not the signal strength - its the multipath!)

I do agree that overload from FM stations, either in the preamplifier, or the front end of the tuner itself, is a real peril.

Too bad nobody is selling 160 MHz high-pass filters that would cure the latter problem.

TinLee HP7 series...

If you don't need FM, get a cheap FM trap that also wipes out channel 6. Those will kill everything in the FM band by 25-30 dB.

FYI, all the Chicago full power stations but WGBO and WYCC are on the Sears (WGBO and WYCC are on the Hancock).WGBO's signal is duplicated as a subchannel of WXFT (and vice versa), so someone who could receive transmissions only from the Hancock Center or only from Willis Tower can still get both WGBO and WXFT.  WYCC is the only full-power station in Chicago that requires reception of a signal from the Hancock Center.

Mike Maloney, we should also ask, what DTV tuner are you using?

Hey swiat, I live in a two story SFH with access to the roof. I'd prefer to keep the antenna indoor, if possible.

I have a Pioneer Kuro with a DTV tuner built in. I have Dish Network, and they carry some local channels via satellite, but the resolution is often not as good as advertised. (ie: '720p' channels sure don't look like 720p) so I want to have the option of switching to OTA signals.

I have no converter, antenna, or coax going into the TV at the moment.

Thanks.

Dumb question, but have you thought of one of those clamp on dish OTA antennas and diplexing the OTA signal on your satellite in line? They used to do that, not sure if they do any more. It's worthwhile to ask.

I'm concerned that the VHF signals from WLS (for next few months) and WBBM (indfinitely) will not punch through the walls very well. That's why I recommended a simple exterior antenna like the Channel Master 3016 or 5646 from solidsignal or warren electronics. Whatever the case, don't use RG-59 coax. Use RG6 or RG6-QS (quad shield).

Someone once had a thread for best OTA indoor antenna. Does anyone have that link handy?

Mike Maloney, we should also ask, what DTV tuner are you using?

and does your tuner have some display or indicator for
signal strength or signal quality?

maybe check if the rf channel even "sees" a digital signal
rf 12 foir cbs
rf 7 for abc

kd9fz
comments, criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome

Good Afternoon i have some breaking news that i want to break our cable company Mediacom has finally added METV,METOO and ThisTV to our lineup.they are available on the Digital Broadcast Basic package that they offer and are on channels 110-112.You Must have a tv with a digital QAM,tuner,a Mediacom Digital Converter or a Mediacom digital tuner.My Mom and me went to our local office here in our town to pick up a digital tuner since all of our tvs were made before 2004.i just wanted to let you know.

.............

Someone once had a thread for best OTA indoor antenna. Does anyone have that link handy?

It's a sticky at the top of the HDTV Technical thread.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14047539&postcount=1

I'm concerned that the VHF signals from WLS (for next few months) and WBBM (indfinitely) will not punch through the walls very well. That's why I recommended a simple exterior antenna like the Channel Master 3016 or 5646 from solidsignal or warren electronics. Whatever the case, don't use RG-59 coax. Use RG6 or RG6-QS (quad shield).

Someone once had a thread for best OTA indoor antenna. Does anyone have that link handy?He doesn't really do any testing with VHF signals in that thread - apparently he doesn't receive any viable VHF signals where he's at - so it's only half-relevant these days.

Good Afternoon i have some breaking news that i want to break our cable company Mediacom has finally added METV,METOO and ThisTV to our lineup.Well, hallelulah - I'm glad you finally got that taken care of. Bet you're in your glory now. Enjoy.

Dumb question, but have you thought of one of those clamp on dish OTA antennas and diplexing the OTA signal on your satellite in line?

Are you talking about something like this? http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/Terk/Terk-DTV42-Antenna.htm

Then split the coax iin the house so one end goes into the satellite receiver and one end directly into the TV?

I'll also check out the antenna link. Thanks moxie.

Are you talking about something like this? http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/Terk/Terk-DTV42-Antenna.htm

Then split the coax iin the house so one end goes into the satellite receiver and one end directly into the TV?

I'll also check out the antenna link. Thanks moxie.

Yep. It's not a standard splitter though. It is a diplexer provided by dish/Terk with some nice isolation between the satellite IN and OTA IN.

I never tried one of these myself, but being as close as you are, I think your main problem is wall attenuation at VHF. This will help some. Let's just hope you don't have too severe multipath from the "urban canyon" between buildings.

Yep. It's not a standard splitter though. It is a diplexer provided by dish/Terk with some nice isolation between the satellite IN and OTA IN.

Ok, I've seen those splitters. The problem is that I don't know the quality of the coax. When the installer was out about a month ago he laid new coax (not sure what kind) from the dish to the house, but the coax inside the house to the TV stayed the same.

I'm almost certain it's nothing fancy like RG6 or RG6-QS.

Or is standard coax okay in this case?

I should mention that my satellite faces south and west. To face the loop, where most signals originate (I assume) I need to point south and east. That might rule out the clip-on, eh?

Ok, I've seen those splitters. The problem is that I don't know the quality of the coax. When the installer was out about a month ago he laid new coax (not sure what kind) from the dish to the house, but the coax inside the house to the TV stayed the same.

I'm almost certain it's nothing fancy like RG6 or RG6-QS.

Or is standard coax okay in this case?

I should mention that my satellite faces south and west. To face the loop, where most signals originate (I assume) I need to point south and east. That might rule out the clip-on, eh?

you will need two diplexers one at the dish and one at the tuner

as you say, optimal alignment of dipole antenna is orthonormal to the source vector (north west). if you are going to buy an antenna may as well get one you can point independent of the dish (clip ons = not good, even when pointed in the right direction), that said if it is free give it a try rf can be fickle enough to work when you least expect it.

HVS, I was wondering if you could look at the ME-TV schedule. I know that during the weeknights, it's been off at 7:30pm and it says the Mary Tyler Moore show is on when The Bob Newhart Show is on; and even tonight, it didn't have the ME-TV football game listed, and I think last Saturday the ME-TV Marathon was wrong on the guide data. Not to be a pain, but I just wondered if someone could look at it. Thanks. :)

HVS, I was wondering if you could look at the ME-TV schedule. I know that during the weeknights, it's been off at 7:30pm and it says the Mary Tyler Moore show is on when The Bob Newhart Show is on; and even tonight, it didn't have the ME-TV football game listed, and I think last Saturday the ME-TV Marathon was wrong on the guide data. Not to be a pain, but I just wondered if someone could look at it. Thanks. :)

It's always off. That or MeToo. Haven't quite narrowed down where the malfunction is. There's some old data somewhere that gets into the mix. I just cant figure out where from. :(

Earlier today, MeTV was airing Family Ties, but the guide said Courtship of Eddie's Father.

Hey all,

Interesting development down in Oklahoma with a VHF station there. While WLS is at 9.5 kw, for now (4.4 kw after they get their new UHF transmitter up, after the FCC approves their application, which should be very soon)...KWTV-DT, broadcasting physically on channel 9 in Okahoma City, is wanting to vacate that channel, asking for a million watts on a UHF channel instead. Why is that interesting? They are on channel 9, with 62.2 kw of power, at nearly 1600'. By comparison, WLS is a mere 9.5 kw, at nearly 1700'. Despite the much higher power, KWTV said that there were too many reception issues to continue broadcasting on that channel, and they requested an emergency Special Temporary Authority to broadcast at 1 million watts on channel 39.

Oklahoma City doesn't have the amount of dense, tall, thick steel buildings like we have. And much of their signal falls on farm fields. Even so, their FCC application told a woeful story of how bad their signal was, from city to rural areas. And that with a power level that many (including myself) would have considered appropriate at their height.

It will be very interesting to see what happens when, in the next few months (last I heard), WWTO-DT goes to 80 kw at nearly 1400'. With lower height, that signal may not be potent as one might think. We'll see.

WLS' petition to relocate to 44 has been approved already.

It's now up to them to get the CP and to build it.

WLS' petition to relocate to 44 has been approved already.

It's now up to them to get the CP and to build it.
How long should it take for FCC to grant the CP that WLS has requested? Also, how long to obtain & install any frequency sensitive parts to commence DTV broadcasting on ch.44?

chicago marthon

anyone bother to compare picture quality between 5.1 and 5.3?
both were using the same camera feeds
using a dtt901, 5.3 looked a bit fuzzy, while 5.1 was sharp enough to even see
the gap in the teeth of those kenyan elite runners

i found the difference enlightening

kd9fz
comments, criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome

please remind me why we aren't getting 4 afternoon games on the bye week?

How long should it take for FCC to grant the CP that WLS has requested? Also, how long to obtain & install any frequency sensitive parts to commence DTV broadcasting on ch.44?

Only the FCC might know the first and WLS the second....

What has been happening with HD the past week?

I have not been able to get WLS for a while now. I used to have no problem getting WLS HD. CBS also seems to be more pixilated recently. I used to get CBS at over 50% stregnth and now I seem stuck at 32%-34%. I need about 45% to lock a channel. The only good news is NBC went from 60% signal to 80%. And I lost ION as well, I used to get them around 45% and now it is 20%.

I get easy - NBC, MeTV, FOX, WGN

I get with pixilation - CBS (seem to be easier to get at night and difficult in the day)

I can't get - ABC, ION

What has been happening with HD the past week?

I have not been able to get WLS for a while now. I used to have no problem getting WLS HD. CBS also seems to be more pixilated recently. I used to get CBS at over 50% stregnth and now I seem stuck at 32%-34%. I need about 45% to lock a channel. The only good news is NBC went from 60% signal to 80%. And I lost ION as well, I used to get them around 45% and now it is 20%.

I get easy - NBC, MeTV, FOX, WGN

I get with pixilation - CBS (seem to be easier to get at night and difficult in the day)

I can't get - ABC, ION

No changes here in 60626, check your equipment.

chicago marthon

anyone bother to compare picture quality between 5.1 and 5.3?
both were using the same camera feeds
using a dtt901, 5.3 looked a bit fuzzy, while 5.1 was sharp enough to even see
the gap in the teeth of those kenyan elite runners

i found the difference enlightening

kd9fz
comments, criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome


5.3 is an SD channel not HD

Did anybody notice any audio problems on Saturday Night Live? There seemed to be some popping audio at times. This is through Comcast, and others have reported it. I've also noticed it at times on Leno and Conan.

Just trying to figure out if it's WMAQ, NBC, or Comcast.

And on a semi-similar thread: What monkeys are handling the audio in WLS's news studio?? In virtually every broadcast, when they go to somebody else, their mic is off or otherwise not-live. You may hear some echoey audio coming from somebody else's mic.

please remind me why we aren't getting 4 afternoon games on the bye week?

We haven't been able to get 4 (on CBS and FOX) for years, aside from some late in the year. Check http://the506.com/nflmaps/index.html for the latest coverage.

Only one network is allowed to have a doubleheader each week per the latest NFL contract.

Only one network is allowed to have a doubleheader each week per the latest NFL contract.

Is that the same reason they ended coverage of the Cowboys game even though they were going into overtime? That was turning out to be an exciting game.

Is that the same reason they ended coverage of the Cowboys game even though they were going into overtime? That was turning out to be an exciting game.

Yes, they have to shut it down when the second game on the other network kicks off.

By the way, this is a great site to know what games will be shown where. The forum area will also explain a lot of the vagaries of why certain games are shown and others are not.

http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/

No changes here in 60626, check your equipment.

Leaves falling is a big culprit as well. As we get into winter, the reception patterns will change, mostly if your signal has trees partially blocking or reflecting the signal.

Did anybody notice any audio problems on Saturday Night Live? There seemed to be some popping audio at times. This is through Comcast, and others have reported it. I've also noticed it at times on Leno and Conan.

Just trying to figure out if it's WMAQ, NBC, or Comcast.

I noticed it watching WMAQ on Comcast via TiVo. I thought it was my setup, but maybe not.

I did not notice the popping when I watched it live OTA on WNBC-DT/New York---nor when I was in Studio 8H for Saturday night's dress rehearsal. :D

The front page of today's Tribune has an add for Aunt Bee on MeToo, those CTA bus adds are really paying off!

The front page of today's Tribune has an add for Aunt Bee on MeToo, those CTA bus adds are really paying off!

yet CTA bus fairs are going up to $2.50/ ride

It's always off. That or MeToo. Haven't quite narrowed down where the malfunction is. There's some old data somewhere that gets into the mix. I just cant figure out where from. :(Thanks for the update, hvs. I sure hope you find the 'culprit' soon that's messing up all the schedules so it can be fixed! :)

I noticed it watching WMAQ on Comcast via TiVo. I thought it was my setup, but maybe not.

I did not notice the popping when I watched it live OTA on WNBC-DT/New York---nor when I was in Studio 8H for Saturday night's dress rehearsal. :D

I've noticed this audio popping also for quite some time on WMAQ OTA, especially during SNL (well over six months). I have not heard this while monitoring WREX out of Rockford or WNDU in South Bend, and no issues with KWQC in the Quad Cities so this is likely a WMAQ issue.

yet CTA bus fairs are going up to $2.50/ rideSomething tells me Hizzoner won't have too much trouble being bailed out by the Feds.

What's with Channel 7 this afternoon? In Schaumburg I'm seeing significant pixelization and dropouts that don't seem to be present on any other channel.

yet CTA bus fairs are going up to $2.50/ ride

And CTA Subway Train fares going up $3.00/ride

Anyone here in Huntley or Lake in the Hills whose antenna is in the attic? If so, what model? Are you getting all the signals?

Thanks.

anyone notice that channel 2 is now breaking up and pixelating .. i have noticed it both on ota as well as at a friends house for the bears game a couple of weeks ago and he has directv.

they must be having signal issues and do not know it... it was really apparent during live broadcast of football.


like to know if anyone else is experiencing this problem

anyone notice that channel 2 is now breaking up and pixelating .. i have noticed it both on ota as well as at a friends house for the bears game a couple of weeks ago and he has directv.

they must be having signal issues and do not know it... it was really apparent during live broadcast of football.


like to know if anyone else is experiencing this problem

I haven't seen any problems with WBBM.

Sebenste,

Do you know how 44 is coming along for WLS? I mean have they put the old digital 52 transmitter on 44 yet? Or where's the status at? Just was curious, that's all. :)

Sebenste,

Do you know how 44 is coming along for WLS? I mean have they put the old digital 52 transmitter on 44 yet? Or where's the status at? Just was curious, that's all. :)

They're still waiting for FCC approval of their application. As of today, it's still listed as an app, so they can't move forward until the FCC approves it. I was hoping for one by now..as I am sure WLS was. The FCC said they'd move heaven and earth to make this happen, but in the very last stage, they're slowing down...

I haven't been able to view WYCC in well over a year (Villa Park) but for some reason it has reappeared this last week or so. The signal strength isn't real strong but better than 0. Has something changed at WYCC or is it just this wonderful weather?

Thanks much

We're replacing our analog panel antenna with a new digital slot in the summer and increasing our power to 550 kW ERP with an elliptical polarized antenna. No other UHF digital station in Chicago has an elliptical antenna. IMO, WCIU-DT will have the best penetration of all Chicago DTV UHF stations and the best coverage of all if a home user is using a UHF antenna to receive both UHF and VHF digital channels.

the above was posted some months back -
i was wondering how much of it has been done yet -
particularly the elliptical polarized antenna, is it installed and in use now?

kd9fz
comments, criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome

I haven't been able to view WYCC in well over a year (Villa Park) but for some reason it has reappeared this last week or so. The signal strength isn't real strong but better than 0. Has something changed at WYCC or is it just this wonderful weather?

Thanks much

I'm in Glen Ellyn and while I don't tune into WYCC that often, every time I have I have gotten reception, both 20-1 and 20-2 via rooftop antenna, both before and since the digital transition. for whatever it's worth.

I haven't been able to view WYCC in well over a year (Villa Park) but for some reason it has reappeared this last week or so. The signal strength isn't real strong but better than 0. Has something changed at WYCC or is it just this wonderful weather?It could be that leaves are drying up and falling off the trees. They could have been absorbing your signal until lately.

the above was posted some months back -
i was wondering how much of it has been done yet -
particularly the elliptical polarized antenna, is it installed and in use now?

kd9fz
comments, criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome

Not yet. Still working towards it.

Another Bears game that I might have to forego watching this week.

It's on NBC, and the blocking is so bad I really can't put up with it. I've already skipped a couple of games so far because of it, and it's really a shame (and really p***ing me off).

Who would be best to complain to - WMAQ or NBC?

Another Bears game that I might have to forego watching this week.

It's on NBC, and the blocking is so bad I really can't put up with it. I've already skipped a couple of games so far because of it, and it's really a shame (and really p***ing me off).

Who would be best to complain to - WMAQ or NBC?

WMAQ. It may be NBC's fault, but ultimately, it goes out over WMAQ's airwaves. Going above their heads will probably just get you called a "nut" and ignored.

Anyway, it's odd that WNBC in New York doesn't have that problem...it's fibered down a few floors to the link to the tranny. WMAQ is fibered from New York City. I'm guessing channel 5's local HD encoders need an upgrade. Anyway, see if WREX has the same issue. Their encoder is pretty new...got to visit and tour the station after being gone for 13 years. Interesting how things have changed there.

Today's Suntimes sports section has THIS (http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/ChicagoSunTimes/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=Q1NULzIwMDkvMTAvMTc.&pageno=Mzc.&entity=QXIwMzcwMQ..&view=ZW50aXR5) ;

Anyway, it's odd that WNBC in New York doesn't have that problem...it's fibered down a few floors to the link to the tranny. WMAQ is fibered from New York City. I'm guessing channel 5's local HD encoders need an upgrade. Anyway, see if WREX has the same issue.Yeah, there are varying reports of the quality over in the Programming forum - but it's pretty much unanimous as far as it being really bad here.

WREX is definitely a bit better (although not perfect), but I can't always get it solidly (using an indoor - really need to fix that rotor).

More of the same macroblocking crap tonight on WMAQ with Sunday Night Football... and the game hasn't been much better.

Postseason baseball on Fox HD has not looked great, either - just a general lack of crispness. Sometimes I want to throw my TV away and give up, because network HDTV just does not look as good as it did 3 years ago.

Im in Kenosha and the Bears game has been flawless this far out no blocking whatso ever.

No motion artifacts here on Sunday Night football. Telecast looks great, game sucks.

Yeah, much better than usual.

(The blocking, not the game.)

Maybe WMAQ's been having an overwhelming amount of complaints (unless it was the network feed all along).

I checked the other subs, to see if maybe they stole some from them, and 5.3 did look even worse than usual, so who knows? (How the heck anybody at all can stand to watch that sub is beyond me - it's not always the blocking - it's just so darned blurry to begin with.)

More of the same macroblocking crap tonight on WMAQ with Sunday Night Football... and the game hasn't been much better.

Postseason baseball on Fox HD has not looked great, either - just a general lack of crispness. Sometimes I want to throw my TV away and give up, because network HDTV just does not look as good as it did 3 years ago.

I agree, it was subpar. Could some station engineer please explain to me why stations like WMAQ can't just dial down the bitrate of the subchannels and devote them to the main channel during sporting events like this? I'm not saying get rid of the subchannels, but make them look no better than "FBT-like" (26-6) quality. Can't you just switch it back after the game?

Why just for the games? I would like to see some of the other programs in GOOD HD!

I agree, it was subpar. Could some station engineer please explain to me why stations like WMAQ can't just dial down the bitrate of the subchannels and devote them to the main channel during sporting events like this? I'm not saying get rid of the subchannels, but make them look no better than "FBT-like" (26-6) quality. Can't you just switch it back after the game?

That would require an effort.

Does WOCH-LP work for anyone or is it digital now?

That would require an effort.

Not sure if that is sarcasm or not, but the system they have now sucks. What other feasible options are there?

Does WOCH-LP work for anyone or is it digital now?

Their fiber feed to the analog transmitter is shot. Their 300 watt feed on channel 4 still works. I don't know how that is fed.

Not sure if that is sarcasm or not, but the system they have now sucks. What other feasible options are there?

Dynamic bit allocation with their encoders, which is what WCIU and WYIN uses. Each channel has a low end and high end limit, but the .1 or HD channel gets the bit priority.

As far as I can tell, WMAQ only uses a fixed, static amount of bits to each channel. And to that end, if WMAQ used WCIU's or WMAQ's encoder, I'd doubt if we'd be complaining right now. Even with 2 subs, if they did it right. They'd need to get new encoders to do that...and I don't know what, if any, plans they have to upgrade or replace their encoders.

Hello everyone.
This is my first post on the AVS Forum so I thought it would be fitting to start here in the Chicago OTA thread, since that is how I receive television. First, I would like to thank everybody for their valuable insights and information that have made this forum a success. I have learned a lot from your posts and have you guys and gals to thank for keeping me up to date on local "behind the scenes" television operations. I have to admit that I have been lurking about this thread, and others, for over a year now. So I felt it's due time to become more "interactive" and add my one cent every now and then. (In this economy who can afford two?:))

No motion artifacts here on Sunday Night football. Telecast looks great, game sucks.

If yours looked great, you must not be watching on a very large screen.
This weeks game was marginally better than some of the previous weeks, but trust me... when closeups were moving fast, the picture was pretty rough.

This was readily apparant on a 65' screen from about 9 feet. If I watched on my 46" from a greater distance... not as bad, but still somewhat irritating.

When I watch with my 37" 720P LCD with my glasses off.. it looks OK. :p

If yours looked great, you must not be watching on a very large screen.
This weeks game was marginally better than some of the previous weeks, but trust me... when closeups were moving fast, the picture was pretty rough.

This was readily apparant on a 65' screen from about 9 feet. If I watched on my 46" from a greater distance... not as bad, but still somewhat irritating.

When I watch with my 37" 720P LCD with my glasses off.. it looks OK. :p

Yep, a 47" RP CRT @1080i from 11 ft. I usually notice breakups when they are panning the crowd, or when they are following a player who is moving fast you will see breakups in the background. I didn't see it during the game Sunday and I had my glasses on.

And whoever was wishing for the good old days of pristine HDTV, WMAQ never had it. If they weren't screwing up the picture they would be dropping audio. I don't think they were, or are now, ready for prime time. However, the Sunday game looked great here, sorry if your viewing experience sucked.

Just to reinforce. As usual very subpar quality on Sunday night football here too. WMAQ really needs to look at this

Sorry, I haven't been paying that much attention lately. I saw this on Wikipedia. I tried to search this on avsforum, but couldn't find a complete answer.

Will I be able to pickup WBBM on UHF-26 if the application goes through?

Been A while since I have been here ( last post was page 52 of this thread)

anyway, I still need to do an antenna to see if I can get WBBM, which now I am guessing might be a bit easier??

I am in Bartlett about 28-29 miles from the signal sources in Chicago

I after reading the first few informational posts I am wondering how well the Channelmaster 4228HD would work in an attic? I have not done an outside install of an antenna, but I could handle an Attic mount.

If that one will not work, what do you suggest now with all the station reassignments? any decent installer recommendations for a roof mount?

Sorry, I haven't been paying that much attention lately. I saw this on Wikipedia. I tried to search this on avsforum, but couldn't find a complete answer.

Will I be able to pickup WBBM on UHF-26 if the application goes through?

See their signal coverage guesstimate...er, forecast at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1328049.html for the UHF translator requested on 26.

Wow. I haven't been paying attention either I guess. I knew WLS was going for a UHF frequency but I didn't know WBBM was as well. :eek:

It would be sweet to have them all on UHF:)

Wow. I haven't been paying attention either I guess. I knew WLS was going for a UHF frequency but I didn't know WBBM was as well. :eek:

It's a 15 kilowatt translator station. It would hit Cook and much of DuPage county, but the main goal is to penetrate buildings downtown. I'm not sure 15 kw is going to do that.

15 kW on UHF would be more successful at it than 8 kW on VHF, in my view.

- Trip

At entering brick buildings through windows and reaching small indoor antennas, very much so.
Conversely, if one wanted to get out over 30 miles of forest to wooden homes or homes with outdoor antennas, 8kW on VHF might be better.
These LD UHFs should go a long way to improve service to those dense residential neighborhoods with 2 & 3 floor brick buildings (i.e., not The Loop itself, but where one uses the "L" instead of the bus).
Chicago presents an interesting situation. The way I understand it, advertisers (and thus broadcasters) have little interest in serving the suburbs - the purchasing power is in the city proper (the polar opposite of most US urban areas).
As for The Loop itself, no amount of power can help. The problem is all multipath, and increasing power would increase the inteference (reflections) exactly as much as it would increase the desired signal. This is why Chicago had a cable system about a decade before there were any "cable channels".

It looks like WLS is going for 473,000 watts erp. on channel 44. Wbbm get you s__t together!

...until "sometime next year", according to their CE. Sorry, folks...

It would be sweet to have them all on UHF:)

Heck yea. I live in Aurora and HATE VHF. I get all the UHF stations perfectly via my little silver sensor antenna in the attic, but nil signal on the VHF stations.

There's also a big antenna in the attic from the prior owner, but it's pointed in the wrong direction (I have no idea why... probably the builder was an idiot), so that's not getting me VHF either. Unless things are shifting to UHF in the foreseeable future, I'll have to get up there and see if I can unbolt and turn the big antenna.

See their signal coverage guesstimate...er, forecast at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=LD1328049.html for the UHF translator requested on 26.


So is this coverage estimate about the same as the other main Networks? NBC, Fox, WGN.

So is this coverage estimate about the same as the other main Networks? NBC, Fox, WGN.

Not even close. This one is just a metro area coverage while relying on the primary VHF-12 signal to cover the out-lying areas.

Not even close. This one is just a metro area coverage while relying on the primary VHF-12 signal to cover the out-lying areas.

#$!%^^$%&$%@$%@#^:mad:

Heck yea. I live in Aurora and HATE VHF. I get all the UHF stations perfectly via my little silver sensor antenna in the attic, but nil signal on the VHF stations.

There's also a big antenna in the attic from the prior owner, but it's pointed in the wrong direction (I have no idea why... probably the builder was an idiot), so that's not getting me VHF either. Unless things are shifting to UHF in the foreseeable future, I'll have to get up there and see if I can unbolt and turn the big antenna.

I would suggest you go in your attic and turn the big antenna towards Chicago. Better yet put it outside, at 40 plus miles you need all the help you can get. Those plastic mini amplified antennas are jokes. Reminds me of that unit they sold where you plug it in the wall and it turned your whole house into an antenna. :eek: There is no substitute for a real antenna, outside as high as possible. If you wait for the tv stations to fix the problems your going to miss out on allot of tv viewing while all the politics come into play, and then there is no guarantee they will improve anything.

It would be sweet to have them all on UHF:)

You have to take what there is and work with it. Your not going to force big tv stations to bow to what you like. A proper antenna setup for VHF and UHF will work well in most situations. If your in a bad signal area you can get some special things done to help to a point. If that don't work your stuck with paying a provider like cable to get the stations to you. The digital stations propagate differently and need more usable signal to be error free. It's the nature of the beast. It is what it is, and were going to be stuck with this form of transmission for a long time. People need to make concessions and adapt to the digital age.

[QUOTE=tvropro;17404077] Reminds me of that unit they sold where you plug it in the wall and it turned your whole house into an antenna. :eek: QUOTE]

i have an old SWEDA POWER ANTENNA that plugs into wall outlet
and i have tried it with the DTT901 box

received nothing ...

now why this doesn't work is likely due to the fact that in most homes,
apartment, etc. the wiring is inside some type of metal conduit that is
grounded - maybe if i lived where no grounded metal conduit enclosing
the electrical wiring is required, the SWEDA might actually work


kd9fz
comments,criticisms and questions of sanity are always welcome

Been A while since I have been here ( last post was page 52 of this thread)

anyway, I still need to do an antenna to see if I can get WBBM, which now I am guessing might be a bit easier??

I am in Bartlett about 28-29 miles from the signal sources in Chicago

I after reading the first few informational posts I am wondering how well the Channelmaster 4228HD would work in an attic? I have not done an outside install of an antenna, but I could handle an Attic mount.

If that one will not work, what do you suggest now with all the station reassignments? any decent installer recommendations for a roof mount?

I use an attic instalation at my home on the Aurora/Naperville border, about 35 miles from the transmitters. Currently I'm using a Winegard 7694P, an Antennas Direct DB4 (like the 4228HD, but only 4 bow ties), and a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp. Since I put in the 7694P I have had zero drop outs on 2.1 and 7.1/2/3. While testing I found that the 7694P could reliably pull in all the UHF stations as well, but the DB4 did give me higher readings. Your 4228HD would be superior to the DB4, so you should have no UHF worries (assuming an equivalent pre-amp). The 7694P will be far superior for VHF reception. I previously had a V4 MkII Lo-VHF antenna, and although the signal quality readings looked adequate (70ish), I got a lot of drop outs on 2.1 and 7.1. The 7694P gives me a 90ish reading on the same TV meter.

The 7694P is the smallest, most compact member of the new Winegard family, and you shouldn't have a problem putting it in your attic. I would highly recommend that antenna and the 7777 pre-amp, based on my experience. An added advantage of the 7777, is the ability to combine separate UHF and VHF antennas. I am able to point the 7694 dead on to the Chicago towers point the DB4 to split the difference between Chicago and Gary so that I can add PBS 56.1 to my channel choices.

I don't know if any of this equipment can be found locally, but I've used Solid Signal on the web for serveral purchases with no problems. The 7694P should be ~$50 and the 7777 should be around $70. Putting the antenna up in the attic was actually quite easy.

Good luck,

Dan (Woj...)

Heck yea. I live in Aurora and HATE VHF. I get all the UHF stations perfectly via my little silver sensor antenna in the attic, but nil signal on the VHF stations.

There's also a big antenna in the attic from the prior owner, but it's pointed in the wrong direction (I have no idea why... probably the builder was an idiot), so that's not getting me VHF either. Unless things are shifting to UHF in the foreseeable future, I'll have to get up there and see if I can unbolt and turn the big antenna.

As I just posted recently, I'm on the Aurora/Naperville border and my Winegard 7694P / Channel Master 7777 combo in my attic gives me perfect reception on 2.1 and 7.1. If you have a few dollars and can't point your current attic antenna, I recommend going my route.

Dan (Woj...)

I use an attic instalation at my home on the Aurora/Naperville border, about 35 miles from the transmitters. Currently I'm using a Winegard 7694P, an Antennas Direct DB4 (like the 4228HD, but only 4 bow ties), and a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp. Since I put in the 7694P I have had zero drop outs on 2.1 and 7.1/2/3. While testing I found that the 7694P could reliably pull in all the UHF stations as well, but the DB4 did give me higher readings. Your 4228HD would be superior to the DB4, so you should have no UHF worries (assuming an equivalent pre-amp). The 7694P will be far superior for VHF reception. I previously had a V4 MkII Lo-VHF antenna, and although the signal quality readings looked adequate (70ish), I got a lot of drop outs on 2.1 and 7.1. The 7694P gives me a 90ish reading on the same TV meter.

The 7694P is the smallest, most compact member of the new Winegard family, and you shouldn't have a problem putting it in your attic. I would highly recommend that antenna and the 7777 pre-amp, based on my experience. An added advantage of the 7777, is the ability to combine separate UHF and VHF antennas. I am able to point the 7694 dead on to the Chicago towers point the DB4 to split the difference between Chicago and Gary so that I can add PBS 56.1 to my channel choices.

I don't know if any of this equipment can be found locally, but I've used Solid Signal on the web for serveral purchases with no problems. The 7694P should be ~$50 and the 7777 should be around $70. Putting the antenna up in the attic was actually quite easy.

Good luck,

Dan (Woj...)

THANKS!!!! I will go off you recommendations for an Antenna and Amp. As for the Attic install I think i could do that.. the outside one i don't really want to attempt myself

You have to take what there is and work with it. Your not going to force big tv stations to bow to what you like. A proper antenna setup for VHF and UHF will work well in most situations. If your in a bad signal area you can get some special things done to help to a point. If that don't work your stuck with paying a provider like cable to get the stations to you. The digital stations propagate differently and need more usable signal to be error free. It's the nature of the beast. It is what it is, and were going to be stuck with this form of transmission for a long time. People need to make concessions and adapt to the digital age.

I hear ya. I'm just thinking out loud. I live about 60 miles from Sears Tower and, have one of those small DB8 antennas. It's UHF only. I get all the UHF stations. The antenna does a good job. Once ABC is back to UHF I'll be back to getting all but CBS as far as the ones I care about.

Looking for some guidance from the experts. I recenlty purchased a new TV and my old HDTV has moved upstairs. I would like to get HD and not have to pay for the service or extra DirecTV receiver. Just looking for the basics (CBS, ABC, FOX, Etc). So per the recommendation of the RadioShack rep I purchased this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062081). I live in a split level home in Naperville/Aurora and my basement is half under ground. I had no luck with the antenna downstairs. I moved it upstairs and to my living room where my old HDTV now resides and I got about 2 out of 8 signal bars. Just enough signal to get a few channels but it was hit or miss if the image was clean.

Any suggestions?

When DirecTV installed their service at my house they had to install a new line to the room in discussion. What they did was run a coax from the dish along the roof line and eventually to the exterior wall behind the TV. From there they drilled a hole through the brick/drywall and ran the coax through there. Can I install an antenna like this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2) up near the dish and just use the existing coax run? Or just go the coax and mount antenna on the exterior tv wall?

Any input. Looking to spend little money on this thing.

Looking for some guidance from the experts. I recenlty purchased a new TV and my old HDTV has moved upstairs. I would like to get HD and not have to pay for the service or extra DirecTV receiver. Just looking for the basics (CBS, ABC, FOX, Etc). So per the recommendation of the RadioShack rep I purchased this (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062081). I live in a split level home in Naperville/Aurora and my basement is half under ground. I had no luck with the antenna downstairs. I moved it upstairs and to my living room where my old HDTV now resides and I got about 2 out of 8 signal bars. Just enough signal to get a few channels but it was hit or miss if the image was clean.

Any suggestions?

When DirecTV installed their service at my house they had to install a new line to the room in discussion. What they did was run a coax from the dish along the roof line and eventually to the exterior wall behind the TV. From there they drilled a hole through the brick/drywall and ran the coax through there. Can I install an antenna like this (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10901&cs_id=1090102&p_id=4730&seq=1&format=2) up near the dish and just use the existing coax run? Or just go the coax and mount antenna on the exterior tv wall?

Any input. Looking to spend little money on this thing.

I guess there's a reason Ratshack only pays 7 or 8 bucks an hour.... They (and their customers) get what they pay for. At almost 30 miles out, it's not very likely that an indoor antenna is going to work reliably, especially with the weaker Chicago stations.

Return the little toy. Tell him to go in the back and get an HBU-22 (catalog # 15-278). Mount it outside and point the narrow end at the big-assed building formerly known the Sears Tower and re-scan. Worst case if it doesn't work, return it for an HBU33 (Cat # 15-289). make certain you have line of sight to downtown.

Forget the 2nd toy, also.

Yes, you should be able to re-use the DirecTV-installed coax.

>Any input. Looking to spend little money on this thing.

Outside will be better, but take a look at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779 for more indoor suggestions

>Any input. Looking to spend little money on this thing.

anything will be little compared to what one will pay per view to (insert evil corp. of choice) .

don't be afraid get out on the roof before winter - easier than you think - but don't forget to ground it in common with the rest of the wires running into your house.

common ground - never thought you'd ask - you see a common ground is, as required by the NEC, a grounding rod (depending upon soil conductivity) about 8 feet of copper coated steel not more than ~12 feet from the main service panel where one connects / bonds all electrical and telecommunications / antenna prior to entering the home.

If the sat installer knew what they were required to do you should be fine, all you will need is to run a ground from the mast to the grounding rod.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11953798&postcount=1079

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11968523&postcount=1096

"Always check local codes as they may be stricter than the NEC."

thanks to greywolf!

Radio Shack... you've got questions, we've got blank stares...

Best Buy is getting as bad too. Could they be any more clueless? Too bad these places try and "help" confused customers.

>Outside will be better, but take a look at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779 for more indoor suggestions

Standard disclaimer: The author of the thread lives in a UHF only market. Chicago is a market where the difficult channels are VHF. If you look closely at the graphs, you will find they stop at the VHF channels, but are not clearly labeled this way. These indoor antennas aren't very good at picking up VHF.

Be careful buying an antenna for this market by reading that thread!

Radio Shack... you've got questions, we've got blank stares...Well, if they can at least speak English and aren't high school dropouts at the one in your neighborhood, you've got us beat.

Radio Shack... you've got questions, we've got blank stares...

Best Buy is getting as bad too. Could they be any more clueless? Too bad these places try and "help" confused customers.

I love messing with the people at Best Buy.

I hear ya. I'm just thinking out loud. I live about 60 miles from Sears Tower and, have one of those small DB8 antennas. It's UHF only. I get all the UHF stations. The antenna does a good job. Once ABC is back to UHF I'll be back to getting all but CBS as far as the ones I care about.

VHF is usually easier to receive at farther distances, but you need a VHF antenna.

I live 60 miles from Milwaukee, and in my attic, I have a VHF antenna and a UHF antenna combined using a CM7777 pre-amp, pointing towards Chicago. (30 miles away)

The UHF antenna is a CM4228, one of the best UHF antennas available. When I point it at Milwaukee, I get 1 UHF station consistently, at about 50% or so signal level. A few others come in occassionally, but are not watchable.

The VHF antenna is a home-made folded dipole, just a length of 300-ohm twin-lead wire, but cut to the right length for the middle of the VHF-high band. (Channel 10, if I recall correctly.)

It used to be longer, cut for Channel 3, so I could receive WBBM-DT - which it did, just fine - always - no drop outs - ever.

When WBBM-DT switched frequencies to channel 12, the VHF-antenna couldn't receive them anymore. I also couldn't receive WLS-DT on channel 7.

When I shortened the antenna to the right length for their new frequencies, it started working again just fine, and with a higher signal level than before.

As a bonus, the same VHF antenna picks up WMVS-DT, the Milwaukee 1080i PBS station - 60 miles away from me, with no dropouts or glitches - ever.

All this for an antenna that is probably less than $1 in materials, not counting the pre-amplifier, coax, etc.

Just trying to make the point - it's a lot easier to get VHF using a VHF antenna, than wishing TV stations would change over to UHF.

VHF is usually easier to receive at farther distances, but you need a VHF antenna.

I live 60 miles from Milwaukee, and in my attic, I have a VHF antenna and a UHF antenna combined using a CM7777 pre-amp, pointing towards Chicago. (30 miles away)

The UHF antenna is a CM4228, one of the best UHF antennas available. When I point it at Milwaukee, I get 1 UHF station consistently, at about 50% or so signal level. A few others come in occassionally, but are not watchable.

The VHF antenna is a home-made folded dipole, just a length of 300-ohm twin-lead wire, but cut to the right length for the middle of the VHF-high band. (Channel 10, if I recall correctly.)

It used to be longer, cut for Channel 3, so I could receive WBBM-DT - which it did, just fine - always - no drop outs - ever.

When WBBM-DT switched frequencies to channel 12, the VHF-antenna couldn't receive them anymore. I also couldn't receive WLS-DT on channel 7.

When I shortened the antenna to the right length for their new frequencies, it started working again just fine, and with a higher signal level than before.

As a bonus, the same VHF antenna picks up WMVS-DT, the Milwaukee 1080i PBS station - 60 miles away from me, with no dropouts or glitches - ever.

All this for an antenna that is probably less than $1 in materials, not counting the pre-amplifier, coax, etc.

Just trying to make the point - it's a lot easier to get VHF using a VHF antenna, than wishing TV stations would change over to UHF.

Exactly, Your antenna needs to be resonant at the frequency you want to receive. All the wishing and waving of the magic wand in the world won't get channels it's not designed for (uhf ant for vhf) I don't understand what the problem is? Are people just lazy, misinformed or what? Even though I really don't need 2-6 on my outdoor antenna really anymore. It's still there and staying there. Im waiting for analog e-skip from Canada on ch's 2,3 or 4. :D

Man, does 'Married with Children' ever look terrible on WCIU right now.

Really fuzzy and "dirty"-looking.

What is going on with WCIU 26-1? At least so far, Stooge-A-Palooza is in Stretch-O-Vision. I verified both through Comcast and OTA. Worse, Comcast's SD feed just chops the sides, so stuff is getting cut off.

I hope this is just a glitch. I once saw it a few weeks ago on a Fresh Prince airing.

The VHF antenna is a home-made folded dipole, just a length of 300-ohm twin-lead wire, but cut to the right length for the middle of the VHF-high band. (Channel 10, if I recall correctly.)


What's the length? How are you supporting the twin-lead (hanging with string?)? Are you using an ohm converter?

What's the length? How are you supporting the twin-lead (hanging with string?)? Are you using an ohm converter?

I don't remember the length - I used the information on this page:

http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/misc/dipole.html

I looked up the frequency for Ch. 10, since it's the middle of the VHF-Hi band.

The twin-lead is supported on each end by nailing through the vinyl into a couple of beams in my roof. It's roughly broad-side to Chicago - and by roughly I mean it's probably up to 45 degrees off.

A 300-ohm to 75-ohm converter hangs from the middle, with coax hanging down. It's low enough that there is not a lot of coax pulling on the antenna to cause it to sag. It sags a bit, but not too much.

That's one advantage of an attic install - it doesn't have to be wind-proof or weather-proof.

Lengths:

Channel 7 = 31.69199 inches
Channel 10 = 28.76658 inches
Channel 12 = 27.09895 inches

Thank You Excel :)

What is going on with WCIU 26-1? At least so far, Stooge-A-Palooza is in Stretch-O-Vision.Yes, it was very irritating. I hope it's not a regular thing, either. I was constantly switching my display's aspect ratio throughout the whole show between "4:3" and "Full".

Yes, it was very irritating. I hope it's not a regular thing, either. I was constantly switching my display's aspect ratio throughout the whole show between "4:3" and "Full".
Luckily, it was just that show. Svengoolie was fine. For HD, I cannot change aspect ratio with my TV, so I would be stuck with it. My only hope would have been to use the DTT, which is set to anamorphic mode, but leave the TV in NORMAL.

I noticed the WCIU logo was at the normal 4:3 position, so it was happening sometime before the logo is added to the feed.

What is going on with WCIU 26-1? At least so far, Stooge-A-Palooza is in Stretch-O-Vision. I verified both through Comcast and OTA. Worse, Comcast's SD feed just chops the sides, so stuff is getting cut off.

I hope this is just a glitch. I once saw it a few weeks ago on a Fresh Prince airing.
Occasional glitch. Long story.

It happened Friday, but due to notices to these things being delayed 1 business day, the last of which, of course, was Friday...we didn't find out until now.

At this point, it's now up to WLS and any/all contractors to get the transmitter reworked, the antenna hooked up, etc. They would have been on the air this month if the FCC didn't lollygag. The ball is now in WLS' court. I fully expect them to move as fast as they possibly can to get 44 signed on.

They also filed an STA to continue operating 7 at its current power level.

- Trip

I fully expect them to move as fast as they possibly can to get 44 signed on.

Yeah, especially with sweeps month right around the corner.

https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101339633&formid=910&fac_num=35101

And there you are.

I see you've posted that also over on the Chicago K-Drama board.

I take it then that you've seen there that they're also concurrently negotiating with KBS World over the programming (and that they're running Arirang programming on WOCH digital right now instead of KBS).

I see you've posted that also over on the Chicago K-Drama board.

I take it then that you've seen there that they're also concurrently negotiating with KBS World over the programming (and that they're running Arirang programming on WOCH digital right now instead of KBS World).

Yep, first the 41 outage, and then KBS gets the shaft. They're probably really unhappy at 41 right now.

They also filed an STA to continue operating 7 at its current power level.

- Trip

VERY interesting, for two reasons:

1. It would make them an incredibly powerful "translator" station
2. It means they are close to getting 44 on-air. Channel 7 backing down to the original 4.75 kw after 44 signed on was what they wanted to do. I'll see what I can find out.

VERY interesting, for two reasons:

1. It would make them an incredibly powerful "translator" station
2. It means they are close to getting 44 on-air. Channel 7 backing down to the original 4.75 kw after 44 signed on was what they wanted to do. I'll see what I can find out.

Er, I forgot about the 9.5 kW. I meant to say 4.75 kW. Oops. I'm tired.

- Trip

Yep, first the 41 outage, and then KBS gets the shaft. They're probably really unhappy at 41 right now.Yeah - probably losing ad viewers at a time they can least afford to (as I hear they have some major financial problems over there). But they're still probably not half as unhappy as the poor viewers.

There was talk awhile back about MBC, which is similar to KBS, getting a subchannel here (I think I saw it on their website). I wonder if WOCH's considering picking that up?

VERY interesting, for two reasons:

1. It would make them an incredibly powerful "translator" station
2. It means they are close to getting 44 on-air. Channel 7 backing down to the original 4.75 kw after 44 signed on was what they wanted to do. I'll see what I can find out.

Why would they be allowed to operate 2 full power frequencies? The only good thing that could possibly come of this is that 44 is used for ABC, and 7 is used for Livewell and the weather sub still mapped to 7.2 and 7.3. That way picture quality improves for all channels. However, if they just simulcast the same thing on both, it would be pretty pointless. Or is operating on 7 only temporary until all viewers know of the change to UHF.

Just got word from Kal Hassan, and approval to share with all of you, the following information...

WLS engineering is feverishly setting up a temporary site to broadcast *temporarily* at 346 kilowatts on channel 44, using their old channel 52 antenna, and hope to have that up and running, "by the end of the week", quoting Kal directly from his email. They will then work on constructing their full power 473.3 kilowatt antenna...and that might not be their final power...he told me they could ask for more, and get that up and running ASAP afterwards.

On November 1, they will drop power back down on rf 7 back to 4.75 kilowatts. Their special temporary authority for 9.5 kilowatts is good until 11:59:59 PM on October 31, and they will not renew 9.5 kilowatts since they hope to have their high-power UHF signal likely up by then.

I'll have more info as soon as I get it, as to an exact sign-on time and date.

And yes, WCHU/WLFM will have to sign off. They have an application to move to 26 that hasn't been approved by the FCC.

Why would they be allowed to operate 2 full power frequencies? The only good thing that could possibly come of this is that 44 is used for ABC, and 7 is used for Livewell and the weather sub still mapped to 7.2 and 7.3. That way picture quality improves for all channels. However, if they just simulcast the same thing on both, it would be pretty pointless. Or is operating on 7 only temporary until all viewers know of the change to UHF.

Why? So that they have blanket coverage, for now. How much longer the FCC allows it, or WLS wants to do it, remains unknown. And, picture quality does not improve with a power increase (short of receiving it solidly, of course). It doesn't change the bit rate at which the video and audio are received by your antenna. As long as you can get the signal with a solid lock, you see the same thing that everyone else does, including cable/satellite.

Just curious HVS, I know there are general schedule change on the horizon for Me-TV, and WCIU, both for next Monday, November 2. I know 'You and Me' just started this morning (Oct. 26th), so are you guys just gonna wait until next week to do a full schedule change for those converters or what you guys were gonna do. Just curious. Thanks. :)


Just on a general note, cool to hear about WLS! Glad to hear things will be moving for them again! :)

And yes, WCHU/WLFM will have to sign off. They have an application to move to 26 that hasn't been approved by the FCC.

I recall them filing to withdraw that and instead seek displacement to channel 7.

- Trip

Just curious HVS, I know there are general schedule change on the horizon for Me-TV, and WCIU, both for next Monday, November 2. I know 'You and Me' just started this morning (Oct. 26th), so are you guys just gonna wait until next week to do a full schedule change for those converters or what you guys were gonna do. Just curious. Thanks. :)


Just on a general note, cool to hear about WLS! Glad to hear things will be moving for them again! :)

No idea. I would imagine it would change on a needed basis. I'll have to look into it. Did you watch "U and Me This Morning"? Any thoughts?

I recall them filing to withdraw that and instead seek displacement to channel 7.

- Trip

Yes, but realistically...if that flies, that's a game-changer for the FCC. My guess is that they laugh it off. Or, tell them to reduce power to 300 watts.

The only good thing that could possibly come of this is that 44 is used for ABC, and 7 is used for Livewell and the weather sub still mapped to 7.2 and 7.3. That way picture quality improves for all channels.

Come on -- you don't actually expect them to do something that makes sense, do you?

They want to absolutely ensure that the dozens of Livewell viewers out there can pick up that subchannel in all its macroblocked glory no matter where they live -- and the only way to do that is to carry it on both RF7 and RF44!

Why would they be allowed to operate 2 full power frequencies?They won't be able to do that for long. It is good to have some transition time.
The only good thing that could possibly come of this is that 44 is used for ABC, and 7 is used for Livewell and the weather sub still mapped to 7.2 and 7.3.They can't do that. They need to move and prepare to vacate. The STA for channel 7 will expire and WLS will need to be RF 44.

This is OT but it's a question for Chicago people. I have an Onkyo TX-SV545 and I don't have the original remote. I have a Harmony 890 learning remote but it can't download any commands for the Zone 2/Sub room operations.

Here is the original remote, http://remotes.com/remotes/servlet/rs?a=gmi&smodel=RC343M&brand_pn=ONKYO_RC343M&mode=large&v=1&uuid=A12566475025681 , which they don't make any more.

I don't think a cheap universal remote will work because of the Zone B switch. I'm not sure what to do.

I live in the city. Can somebody point me to a store that could a) sell me an Onkyo remote with the Zone B switch/operating capability or b) let me borrow an Onkyo remote to let me teach my Harmony learning remote?

Yeah, I watch that Livewell as much as the tv show "Ellen" or "The View"...
I wonder if their ratings are as good as they had hoped with the programming and next to no promotion. I have to say NBC-US looks more interesting to me. Heck, WTMJ's "the Cool" is more interesting... so is a test pattern ha ha

so is a test pattern ha ha

A test pattern can be useful, at least... more than I can say for LiveWell.

No idea. I would imagine it would change on a needed basis. I'll have to look into it.

Oh, I see; well as of this morning, Oct. 27th, my guide to my converter boxes still did not have "You and Me This Morning" in the guide yet, so I know the guide, as of then, hasn't been updated yet. Maybe it'll be updated with next week to reflect it correctly? Thanks for looking into it. :)

Did you watch "U and Me This Morning"? Any thoughts?I watched a bit of "You and Me This Morning" on Monday on both WCIU and Me-TV. It was the first time that I saw Jeanne Sparrow, so that was a new face for me. I think the way she presented the news/weather segements were good; I especially liked the "On the Block" segment--that Aly is quite an amusing interviewer. Also, when I was watching it, it was interesting to see "The Andy Griffith Show" wrapped around all of the news/weather segments; I sort of had to recall what happened during the first part of the show after 'This Morning' had it's like 8 minutes during the show, but that was good. The 'off the clock' idea for the morning is a cool idea too; it just gets a bit hard to recall what's on when lol. That's a little tricky at times, but overall, it was good, in my opinion! :)

Would Jeanne ever have a co-host on there to sort of help her bounce back and forth between her and the other person? Just curious, as usually when you see a news cast, you see two people doing it; just wanted to ask. Maybe you could 'con' that Sven/Rich Koz guy to appear on there a time or so with her :p

Also, "Bravo!!" to you guys adding three slots for the 3 Stooges weekdays on Me-TV starting next week! I look forward to that!! Any way you could pass that along to the people above? I'd appreciate it! :)

Oh, I see; well as of this morning, Oct. 27th, my guide to my converter boxes still did not have "You and Me This Morning" in the guide yet, so I know the guide, as of then, hasn't been updated yet. Maybe it'll be updated with next week to reflect it correctly? Thanks for looking into it. :)

I watched a bit of "You and Me This Morning" on Monday on both WCIU and Me-TV. It was the first time that I saw Jeanne Sparrow, so that was a new face for me. I think the way she presented the news/weather segements were good; I especially liked the "On the Block" segment--that Aly is quite an amusing interviewer. Also, when I was watching it, it was interesting to see "The Andy Griffith Show" wrapped around all of the news/weather segments; I sort of had to recall what happened during the first part of the show after 'This Morning' had it's like 8 minutes during the show, but that was good. The 'off the clock' idea for the morning is a cool idea too; it just gets a bit hard to recall what's on when lol. That's a little tricky at times, but overall, it was good, in my opinion! :)

Would Jeanne ever have a co-host on there to sort of help her bounce back and forth between her and the other person? Just curious, as usually when you see a news cast, you see two people doing it; just wanted to ask. Maybe you could 'con' that Sven/Rich Koz guy to appear on there a time or so with her :p

Also, "Bravo!!" to you guys adding three slots for the 3 Stooges weekdays on Me-TV starting next week! I look forward to that!! Any way you could pass that along to the people above? I'd appreciate it! :)
No idea about the MeTV guide. In process of finding out. Thanks for the feedback!! I will pass it along.

So, sebenste, so any more word if I should be looking for two of all of the 7's channels/subchannels come Friday? Just curious. :)

So, sebenste, so any more word if I should be looking for two of all of the 7's channels/subchannels come Friday? Just curious. :)

The moment I find out, I'll hop on AVSForum and let you know. Even better: I asked Kal Hassan, WLS VP/Chief Engineer, to do it directly here if he had a second. He's a really busy guy right now, burning candles at both ends. One thing I didn't share is that he has a passion to regain the lifelong spot of being the best signal in metro Chicago. It won't happen overnight, but hang tight...I think he'll get there.

Do the people at This-Chicago (26.4) strech out movies because it saves bandwith? Since the whole screen is filled when streched, couldn't they broadcast the movies widescreen? Just wondering, since I like having a movie channel but would love for it to be in widescreen and not streched. I don't mind the streching for classic television shows like the Rifleman or Rockford Files since MeToo fills the screen it better than my television could.

Any chances they will air newer movies, or even 70's and 80's movies that were hits or at the very least had well known movie stars? I like the movies on AMC or TNT or TBS and would love to see them broadcast OTA on This-Chicago.

Yeah, I watch that Livewell as much as the tv show "Ellen" or "The View"...
I wonder if their ratings are as good as they had hoped with next to no programming or promotion.Fixed. ;)

So, sebenste, so any more word if I should be looking for two of all of the 7's channels/subchannels come Friday?Or in my case, if they lower the power on the first one, none? :(

Do the people at This-Chicago (26.4) strech out movies because it saves bandwith? Since the whole screen is filled when streched, couldn't they broadcast the movies widescreen? Just wondering, since I like having a movie channel but would love for it to be in widescreen and not streched. I don't mind the streching for classic television shows like the Rifleman or Rockford Files since MeToo fills the screen it better than my television could.

Any chances they will air newer movies, or even 70's and 80's movies that were hits or at the very least had well known movie stars? I like the movies on AMC or TNT or TBS and would love to see them broadcast OTA on This-Chicago.

The only features we edit are content and time. Everything else are left "as is". As for the movies, we've only scratched the surface of MGM's library. I'm sure they'll be others to come.

The only features we edit are content and time. Everything else are left "as is". As for the movies, we've only scratched the surface of MGM's library. I'm sure they'll be others to come.

MGM has some GOOD movies!!! Do you get to play anything you want, or only part of the library? I understand some older movies were released to the public in fullscreen, but I hope you also have access to the widescreen version that was played in theaters.

Or in my case, if they lower the power on the first one, none? :(

Not if, *when*. They're required to lower the power on 10/31. That's why Kal and friends are hustling to get 44 up by then.

Not if, *when*. They're required to lower the power on 10/31. That's why Kal and friends are hustling to get 44 up by then.

Will this require a new rescan of channels on the viewers part. Or is this all done on the broadcast side and the viewers will pick up the channel when it becomes available?

It took me GREAT effort to do a scan where I get ALL the channels listed on my TV. That does not mean I can watch all the channels, but they are there. If a channel is not listed in my TV, then my TV will not even attempt to tune that channel. That means, even if I could get CBS with 100% stregnth for example, unless 2.1 was found during a scan, I can not watch that channel. Yet if CBS was found by the scan, then 2.1 will be available to try and tune by moving the antenna around. It is a HUGE pain to rescan every time I want to watch a channel, so the fact that I have 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 20, 26, 32, 38, and 50 listed by my television scan makes it a painful choice to rescan again. I am 99% positive I will lose at least one or two of those from the line-up, and that means no amount of playing with the antenna will get it back without another rescan (and a scan takes a good 5 minutes a pop multiplied by the dozen or so scans it took for the television to get all the channels listed).

Will this require a new rescan of channels on the viewers part. Or is this all done on the broadcast side and the viewers will pick up the channel when it becomes available?

It took me GREAT effort to do a scan where I get ALL the channels listed on my TV.

You will have to rescan if you cannot access the channel on the new frequency manually.

MGM has some GOOD movies!!! Do you get to play anything you want, or only part of the library? I understand some older movies were released to the public in fullscreen, but I hope you also have access to the widescreen version that was played in theaters.

The whole kit and kaboodle from what I understand.

Is 62.2 part of FamilyNet or not really? According to what I see, I should be seeing some shows like "My Three Sons", "Family Ties", "Early Edition", "Happy Days", etc. And when all of the online guides says those shows are on, then if I tune in, I see all religious shows on 62.2, and not any of the listed shows that's on the tv listings guides online. So, any ideas on this?

Not if, *when*. They're required to lower the power on 10/31. That's why Kal and friends are hustling to get 44 up by then.And will 44 be coming out this way as (comparatively) strongly as 7 was after they raised the power? If not, I, and many, many others out here, can say goodbye to channel 7 again.

this is good news on channel 7.. finally we will be able to get it.. i can manually add it to my zenith box and delete out the old channel 7 on sunday or saturday night...


hvs... any news on your new antenna or upping of the power... i was having problems with your signal before the issue of channel 7 came up and you had to do some work before the new antenna was put up and powered up.. how did channel 7 get the antenna up and going before you guys??? and do you have an eta as to when we will get full power so that i do not have to open the cabinet above my tv to get your signal.


please let us know

Is 62.2 part of FamilyNet or not really? According to what I see, I should be seeing some shows like "My Three Sons", "Family Ties", "Early Edition", "Happy Days", etc. And when all of the online guides says those shows are on, then if I tune in, I see all religious shows on 62.2, and not any of the listed shows that's on the tv listings guides online. So, any ideas on this?

While they are an affiliate, they only pick up some of their programming. Their main slots in the evening are from paid programmers who buy time on the station.

And will 44 be coming out this way as (comparatively) strongly as 7 was after they raised the power? If not, I, and many, many others out here, can say goodbye to channel 7 again.

They will be using the exact same transmitting pattern as before when they were broadcasting on channel 52, except now they'll be at more than double their old power. Unless you are getting multipath, you should get even better reception. Especially since picking up channel 44 is a bit easier than picking up channel 52 on many antennas. The antenna, however, will be over 100' lower than before. Still, at nearly 1500' up, you should be more than fine.

While they are an affiliate, they only pick up some of their programming. Their main slots in the evening are from paid programmers who buy time on the station.


what is going on with channel 62.3 did they finally take off the the coming soon more of your favorites.. i got tired of looking so this is why i am asking...

what is going on with channel 62.3 did they finally take off the the coming soon more of your favorites.. i got tired of looking so this is why i am asking...

I have no idea what is going on with them. If you find out, let us know! :)

this is good news on channel 7.. finally we will be able to get it.. i can manually add it to my zenith box and delete out the old channel 7 on sunday or saturday night...


hvs... any news on your new antenna or upping of the power... i was having problems with your signal before the issue of channel 7 came up and you had to do some work before the new antenna was put up and powered up.. how did channel 7 get the antenna up and going before you guys??? and do you have an eta as to when we will get full power so that i do not have to open the cabinet above my tv to get your signal.


please let us know

Our upgrade is a quite a bit more challenging and a logistical nightmare. Ever watch them build some cool structure or building on one of the Discovery networks and they basically have to re-invent the wheel to make it work? The antenna is the easy part.

While they are an affiliate, they only pick up some of their programming. Their main slots in the evening are from paid programmers who buy time on the station.

So, 62.2 would have to be a "full" affiliate for them to air ALL of FamilyNet's programming as I see on the TV listings? Just trying to understand a bit; that's all.

Also, "Bravo!!" to you guys adding three slots for the 3 Stooges weekdays on Me-TV starting next week! I look forward to that!! Any way you could pass that along to the people above? I'd appreciate it! :)

I'll second that, having the Stooges on 6 days a week just rocks. I can never get enough of Moe, Larry, Curly & Shemp (Joe not so much). What is with the three slots, I saw an ad for weekdays at 4, are they on at another time as well? Looked at titantv for next week and it still listed Married With Children at 4, so they were not updated yet.

So, 62.2 would have to be a "full" affiliate for them to air ALL of FamilyNet's programming as I see on the TV listings? Just trying to understand a bit; that's all.

No problem! :) Well, they are an affiliate. But just because you are an affiliate doesn't necessarily mean you have to show much of their programming. With CBS/NBC/ABC, sure, the affiliates usually almost always do, with exceptions for breaking news, parades (once a month, WREX-DT NBC Rockford drops out of evening programming for Billy Graham specials...or used to). WTMJ in Milwaukee dumps out of NBC's Saturday evening programming to show infomercials, which actually make them money (yikes!).
But in the context I understand you to mean, yes, they aren't a "full-time" affiliate by any means; they just pick and choose the shows they wnat you to see. It costs them less to do it that way.

You will have to rescan if you cannot access the channel on the new frequency manually.

Can someone let us know when 7.1 makes the switch so we can rescan. Don't want to do it any earlier because I know I will lose some channels with a new rescan.

what is going on with channel 62.3 did they finally take off the the coming soon more of your favorites.. i got tired of looking so this is why i am asking...

Nope, still coming soon.

Has anyone noticed how bad 7.1 HD has gotten lately with there bitstarving? It has made peoples faces from a distance look like a blocky mess. I can't watch it for any length of time. So many are complaining about not getting channel 7, count your blessings at least you don't have to watch a terrible bitstarved picture. Im noticing more and more compression artifacts on many of the channels lately. Channel 2 is about the only one I give a pass to.

Just wanted to let everyone know that WLS 7 is now on RF44 (as well at RF7), as I type this. Looks like a good signal strength if you ask me! Good job WLS folks!

Just wanted to let everyone know that WLS 7 is now on RF44 (as well at RF7), as I type this. Looks like a good signal strength if you ask me! Good job WLS folks!

You just beat me to it. WCHU-LD is also still on the air as I type this. I just literally got off the phone with Kal, who asked me if I could get WLS in DeKalb over WCHU...yes I can! They can't get it at their studio, since they face north, and the Sears signal blows right over them, so they are getting WCHU right now. They will shut down 44 momentarily. They were running 310 kw. It was just above lock levels out here; no doubt WCHU was knocking down their signal quality due to interference.

BUT...

WLS will be at 310 kw tomorrow (Friday, 10/30/09) from 9 AM to 5 PM, below their authorized 360+ kw to allow transmitter break-in and warm-up. At that time, WCHU should be off the air. Reception reports will be welcome and Kal will be watching them here. Oh, and WLS WILL be at 340 kw this weekend, and then 360+ kw after that. So, starting tomorrow at 9 AM, WLS goes 310 kw on 44, goes off the air, then comes back Saturday, and permanently, using 340 kw to start and then 360+ kw next week. Their channel 7 signal will continue at 4.75 kw for 6 months to allow transition time to 44.

Here is the comparison for WLS RF7 and RF 44 on 10/29 @ 5:45 PM.

Location: N 42 04' 46" W87 43' 5.5"
From you to me is 14.5 mi bearing 347 magnetic.

Equipment: Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna(Old Style).
2nd floor bedroom facing the south. Receiver is a Tivo Series 3.


Signal strength and SNR is the same on RF 7 and RF 44
SS=82 to 84 and
SNR is 26 to 27dB.

Has anyone noticed how bad 7.1 HD has gotten lately with there bitstarving?How could I not? Looks really, really bad. I have old, 480i DVD's which look way better.

Total lack of detail and microblocking galore. I was watching Jimmy Kimmel last night, and when the band was on at the end, the crowd was all fuzzy looking with dirty, mosquito noise. You could barely make out any details on their faces with all the video noise (and I'm not talking about on the stage, with all the flashing strobes - this was far away from it). I literally had to turn it off about 30 seconds into the song, because I couldn't handle it. My SD Dish signal on my 32" analog CRT in the other room looks cleaner.

I also agree that all the other channels have more obvious artifacts except 2 now. Even Fox, it seems. Those baseball games lately look no better than widescreen SD. My guess is they're starting to take away bits for the coming mobile services. Eventually, this is what we're going to get for all, supposed-HD channels.

By the time this gets bad enough that I just can't stand it anymore, if I can't get ahold of an old, 36" analog set, I'm going to have to just try and get by with a smaller 720p/768p display. The 768p, 50 incher I currently have is way too revealing already.

Just wanted to let everyone know that WLS 7 is now on RF44 (as well at RF7), as I type this. Looks like a good signal strength if you ask me! Good job WLS folks!

I am doing a rescan now. :D

No WLS. :(

Has anyone noticed how bad 7.1 HD has gotten lately with there bitstarving? It has made peoples faces from a distance look like a blocky mess. I can't watch it for any length of time. So many are complaining about not getting channel 7, count your blessings at least you don't have to watch a terrible bitstarved picture. Im noticing more and more compression artifacts on many of the channels lately. Channel 2 is about the only one I give a pass to.

Yup! Wheel Of Fortune and some other shows look simply awful since Livewell HD has been turned on. Please WLS/ABC at least put Livewell down to 480I.

I am getting a Spanish channel when I tune to RF44. Is this WCHU-LP? I checked tvfool and it shows a co-channel for WLS on RF44. If I click on pending applications it shows no co-channel. I guess I have to wait until WCHU goes off the air.

I am getting a Spanish channel when I tune to RF44. Is this WCHU-LP? I checked tvfool and it shows a co-channel for WLS on RF44. If I click on pending applications it shows no co-channel. I guess I have to wait until WCHU goes off the air.

Yes, that was probably WCHU-LP you picked up on rf44. I believe WLS was just doing a brief test on rf44 earlier. Try rf 44 again tomorrow during the day for WLS and then full time over the weekend.

How could I not? Looks really, really bad. I have old, 480i DVD's which look way better.

Total lack of detail and microblocking galore. I was watching Jimmy Kimmel last night, and when the band was on at the end, the crowd was all fuzzy looking with dirty, mosquito noise. You could barely make out any details on their faces with all the video noise (and I'm not talking about on the stage, with all the flashing strobes - this was far away from it). I literally had to turn it off about 30 seconds into the song, because I couldn't handle it. My SD Dish signal on my 32" analog CRT in the other room looks cleaner.

I also agree that all the other channels have more obvious artifacts except 2 now. Even Fox, it seems. Those baseball games lately look no better than widescreen SD. My guess is they're starting to take away bits for the coming mobile services. Eventually, this is what we're going to get for all, supposed-HD channels.

By the time this gets bad enough that I just can't stand it anymore, if I can't get ahold of an old, 36" analog set, I'm going to have to just try and get by with a smaller 720p/768p display. The 768p, 50 incher I currently have is way too revealing already.


Im seeing all this crap on my 32" 1080p Sharp Aquos. I can imagine how it looks on a 50". Channel two hand's down win's the quality race. These other channels would be better off going to a 480p SD wide screen resolution at least they would have more bits to play with then. Maybe all the channels with subchannels need to abandon HD all together.

I predicted that when they were through butchering HD it would look no better than a good old analog SD channel. I think I was wrong it looks worse :eek: :mad:

Has anyone noticed how bad 7.1 HD has gotten lately with there bitstarving?

I can't really tell...it's no longer coming in strong enough for any kind of lock. Looking forward to the change to 44.

Will this require a new rescan of channels on the viewers part. ..........It took me GREAT effort to do a scan where I get ALL the channels listed on my TV. ,,,,,, I am 99% positive I will lose at least one or two of those from the line-up, and that means no amount of playing with the antenna will get it back without another rescan (and a scan takes a good 5 minutes a pop multiplied by the dozen or so scans it took for the television to get all the channels listed).

it sounds like your tuner wont allow individual channel scans....what brand/model tv or converter box do u have? if its a tv, about how old is it?

i have ZINWELL, ARTEC, AIRLINK and TR40 converter boxes and a full scan of all channels only takes a minute or 2 ....

and btw, the ARTEC T3AP handles this sort thing by far the best of those 4....without going into any special menus (like SCAN mode) u can enter any rf channel number and it will tune to that channel, even if it was never scanned or seen before...if a signal is on that channel number it displays the stations psip channel number and shows u the video....and if there is no signal it will just give a NO SIGNAL message....also, u can go to a deleted sub-channel by simply 'direct entering' it on the remote....the TR40 does not allow that....u have to re-scan to get deleted sub-channels back or to see previously un-scanned channels, which is annoyingly stupid....all these digital tuners should behave the way the ARTEC T3AP tuner does!

it sounds like your tuner wont allow individual channel scans....what brand/model tv or converter box do u have? if its a tv, about how old is it?

i have ZINWELL, ARTEC, AIRLINK and TR40 converter boxes and a full scan of all channels only takes a minute or 2 ....

and btw, the ARTEC T3AP handles this sort thing by far the best of those 4....without going into any special menus (like SCAN mode) u can enter any rf channel number and it will tune to that channel, even if it was never scanned or seen before...if a signal is on that channel number it displays the stations psip channel number and shows u the video....and if there is no signal it will just give a NO SIGNAL message....also, u can go to a deleted sub-channel by simply 'direct entering' it on the remote....the TR40 does not allow that....u have to re-scan to get deleted sub-channels back or to see previously un-scanned channels, which is annoyingly stupid....all these digital tuners should behave the way the ARTEC T3AP tuner does!

I have a Panasonic Plasma. It is an older model, a 50PX60U. It will not allow me to add a channel unless I scan all channels, and it deletes saved channels. It is a pain in the you know what. I wish I could just add one channel at a time.

Just wanted to let everyone know that WLS 7 is now on RF44 (as well at RF7), as I type this. Looks like a good signal strength if you ask me! Good job WLS folks!

i saw it at around 5 pm but it was a very weak/poor signal....just barely above threshold.....lots of pixellation...maybe because the other rf ch 44 was still on the air?

i'm only 10 miles away and all the other full power (and most of the lower/low power) chicago stations come in very well here....

i saw it at around 5 pm but it was a very weak/poor signal....just barely above threshold.....lots of pixellation...maybe because the other rf ch 44 was still on the air?

i'm only 10 miles away and all the other full power (and most of the lower/low power) chicago stations come in very well here....

Correct. It was the interference from WCHU.

Im seeing all this crap on my 32" 1080p Sharp Aquos. I can imagine how it looks on a 50". ....

Imagine how it looks on a 65" 1080P DLP from about 8' away! :eek::eek::eek:

I know that Kal's heart is in the right place, and it's probably a network call, but I'd bit starve Live well until 7.1 starts looking like HDTV again. The difference in the News is astounding... pre Livewell, it was the best PQ in the market; now you need to tune to WBBM to see what HD really looks like!

Imagine how it looks on a 65" 1080P DLP from about 8' away! :eek::eek::eek:

I know that Kal's heart is in the right place, and it's probably a network call, but I'd bit starve Live well until 7.1 starts looking like HDTV again. The difference in the News is astounding... pre Livewell, it was the best PQ in the market; now you need to tune to WBBM to see what HD really looks like!

The Network, ABC is owned by Disney and we all know thats a Mickey Mouse operation. :rolleyes:

Seriously they should give livewell the boot it's a stupid channel. My solution is I don't watch channel 7 much. If I watch anything OTA in HD it's usually channel 2. I also watch 26.2 & 26.3 which even in SD are showing more artifacts lately. I'll stick with my C band system where I can get 1st generation master (high bit) feeds. The whole over compressing thing with digital sucks.

Just wanted to let everyone know that WLS 7 is now on RF44 (as well at RF7), as I type this. Looks like a good signal strength if you ask me! Good job WLS folks!

My dumb question is: what channel will the rescan show for WLS 7 on RF44? My current channel 44 is WSNS (don't know what the RF number is).

Thanks much
Betty

My dumb question is: what channel will the rescan show for WLS 7 on RF44? My current channel 44 is WSNS (don't know what the RF number is).

Thanks much
Betty

The PSIP info will map it to 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3.

Channel 44 is actually on a different RF channel that gets mapped by PSIP to 44. I had to delete the RF channel for channel 44 (45?), before I could tune to RF 44 on my TV. I might also have to delete RF channel 7 to avoid the duplicate PSIP mapping for 7.

Right now I'm only seeing 7.3 remapping to 44.3 (60% signal) 44.1 and 44.2 are still WSNS.

Just did a full rescan. Now I have 7-1 mapping as 44-1, 7-2 mapping as 44-2 and 7-3 mapping as 44-3 (all at 60% signal). WSNS has been bumped to map at 45-1 and 45-2.

Here, about nine miles NNW of Willis Tower, RF44 and RF7 are about of equal strength per the meters on the Zinwell ZAT-970A, but while the quality of RF7 pegs the 100% mark, that of RF44 seesaws between maybe 70% and 88%.  On some of my other ATSC tuners, RF44 breaks up from time to time; RF52 used to be rock solid.

Sebenste posted that RF44 isn't at full power yet, but I don't know whether that will make a difference.

My dumb question is: what channel will the rescan show for WLS 7 on RF44? My current channel 44 is WSNS (don't know what the RF number is).

Thanks much
Betty

Hi Betty,

It will show as 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3. In fact, you should have TWO of each if you get both 7 and 44.

WLS is now on 44, but WCHU is still on the air. D'oh! If you can get 44 with breakups while WCHU is on the air, you should be good to go. Hopefully Kal can make a phone call to someone to have someone turn off WCHU.

It will show as 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3. In fact, you should have TWO of each if you get both 7 and 44.That depends on your tuner.  On some, RF44's channels may clobber those of RF7 or vice versa.  On some of my tuners channel-up and channel-down go through them as 7.1, 7.1, 7.2, 7.2, 7.3, and 7.3; but the Magnavox TB100MG9 CECB has them in the order 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3.

It might have been nice if WLS had changed RF7's PSIP to use 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 so that viewers would know which they're receiving and which they're watching, but that would mean changing the on-air plugs for LivWell to say "7.2 or 7.5" instead of just "7.2," God forbid.WLS is now on 44, but WCHU is still on the air. D'oh! If you can get 44 with breakups while WCHU is on the air, you should be good to go.Of course!  Thank you!  That must be why RF44 is so problematic this morning, and it should be as good as RF52 used to be once WCHU stops using the same frequency.

Anyhow, even two days ago, while I was still getting WCHU-LD on RF44, 61.1 had WCHU while 61.2 had identifiers as WLFM but no audio or video.  (WLFM is still coming in on analog 6.)

My dumb question is: what channel will the rescan show for WLS 7 on RF44? My current channel 44 is WSNS (don't know what the RF number is).

Thanks much
Betty

It would probably help if you did a double rescan to flush the existing memory from your receiver.

If your receiver is able to detect both the UHF and VHF feeds, it should present them both but with different suffix numbers (depending on the device's internal firmware).

It might have been nice if WLS had changed RF7's PSIP to use 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 so that viewers would know which they're receiving and which they're watching, but that would mean changing the on-air plugs for LivWell to say "7.2 or 7.5" instead of just "7.2," God forbid.

It would also require extra equipment to change the PSIP at the very least, whereas right now they can plug the exact same output from the encoding/PSIP gear into both transmitters.

- Trip

Hello all,

I am new to this forum and the OTA HDTV scene, so I apologize in advance.

I am having trouble currently receiving WBBM (2.1) and WLS (7.1,7.2,7.3). Hopefully once WLS finally switches to their new UHF RF channel I will be OK. What does concern me is that I cannot get channel 2.1 no matter how hard I try.

I have an attic mounted CM3016 antenna with as short a RG6 coax line as possible. I know that attic mounting is not the ideal situation, but my townhome association does not allow roof mounted antennas. I am in Roselle and according to antenna web i should be pointed at 113 degrees and I am a distance of 23.2 miles from the tower. No matter where I place the antenna in the attic or direction I point it, the best I have ever been able to muster up on WBBM and WLS is 33% or less. Thus no picture. I cannot put any larger of an antenna in the attic due to spacing of trusses, so a larger antenna is also unfortunatley out.

Is there anything else I can do to maybe get WBBM? I do not currently have a amplifier of any sort, would that help? If so, anybody have a suggestion as to a good model #.

On a side note, I read somewhere on the internet that WBBM applied for a construction permit to build a low-power fill in repeater on UHF channel 26 formerly used by WCIU. Anyone know if this is true or the progress on this? Im sure the FCC is probably dragging their feet if I had to guess. And does anyone know if after such a repeater is built if I might get better reception?

I should also add that I receive all other channels with a 88% to 100% rating according to My TivoHD without any dropouts at all.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

I have both 7's in my Zenith and Zinwell (I use that one with my VCR yet) and I have both of RF7 and RF44 in there. In the Zenith model, at the present time, I'm actually getting a stronger signal from RF7 than RF44 (course as has been said this morning, that could be because WCHU is on the air or maybe the rainy weather as well). I mean both are coming in good, but the RF7 is around the 'G' and 'O's' in the 'Good', whereas RF44 is around the green section of of the signal meter, so it's strong, but just not as much as RF7. I had checked the Zinwell this morning, but I forget, so once I check the other TV I'll either edit or just fill in that info to help out.

I have another tv in another room, but actually I sort of forgot that I still need to add them. I have a Zenith and Dish DTVPal Plus (I use this one for my other VCR with that TV), so I'll have to add them and see how that tv fares for the two 7's :)

By the way, thanks for all the info sebenste about WLS. I appreciate it and I'll be looking to see what happens over the weekend and report back in.

Here's how things look out in Woodstock. I seriously thought things would be better but its actually a weaker signal. Also, the signal quality is lower on ch44 than on 7. It could be due to the fact that the leaves are now off the trees. When WLS first moved to 7 in June, the signal was decidedly weaker than what it's now showing.


dickm

Here's how things look out in Woodstock. I seriously thought things would be better but its actually a weaker signal. Also, the signal quality is lower on ch44 than on 7. It could be due to the fact that the leaves are now off the trees. When WLS first moved to 7 in June, the signal was decidedly weaker than what it's now showing.


dickm

It's weaker because you are seeing WCHU with it. Kal is probably working to get WCHU shut off ASAP.

Kal [of WLS-TV] is probably working to get WCHU shut off ASAP.


How in the heck was/is WCHU permitted to continue operation on RF-44? Once the WLS-TV application for service on RF-44, wasn't there an obligation for WCHU to cease operation immediately?

7 on 7 is like 40% stronger then 7 on 44 right now by me. Im like 8 miles from the transmitter so something is screwed up with 44 right now maybe co channel?. I only scanned it on my DTT-900 no sense in scanning it on my Sharp HDTV or Magnavox STB. The Zenith shows 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3 in a row.

How in the heck was/is WCHU permitted to continue operation on RF-44? Once the WLS-TV application for service on RF-44, wasn't there an obligation for WCHU to cease operation immediately?

Yep. I don't know why they haven't yet. Tvropro: that again is due to WCHU.

How in the heck was/is WCHU permitted to continue operation on RF-44? Once the WLS-TV application for service on RF-44, wasn't there an obligation for WCHU to cease operation immediately?

As far as I know, and I could be wrong, the rule is that a low-powered station can operate on that channel until the full-service station comes on the air. At that time, it must reduce power or go silent to eliminate any interference within the protected contour.

- Trip

From Chicago Breaking News Center (http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/10/wls-tv-to-try-for-final-fix-of-high-def-signal.html):


WLS-TV to try for final fix of high-def signal
October 30, 2009 4:26 PM

WLS-Ch. 7 will upgrade its signal on Saturday evening, hoping to reach the last remaining viewers who couldn't get the station's broadcast after the June transition from analog to digital broadcasts.

The signal upgrade, which will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, is meant to be a permanent fix to a problem that has pestered WLS since the summer.

"We don't think it's a huge number (of affected people), but we don't really know," said Emily Barr, president and general manager at WLS. "We take calls regularly. The calls have lightened up as the summer's gone on, but we do know there are people out there who have not been able to receive us despite their best efforts."

Viewers who have been receiving WLS don't need to do anything, nor do cable TV and satellite subscribers, Barr said. But those who haven't been getting the signal or experience spotty reception must do a hard reset, also known as a double rescan, of their converter box or television. This should be done after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Instructions for a double rescan can be found at http://www.dtv.gov/rescan.html.

The Federal Communications Commission had given WLS permission in early September to effectively double its power on a temporary basis. Since then, the FCC has approved a request by WLS to pick up a second frequency, adding Ch. 44 on UHF to its current home at Ch. 7 on VHF. The additional frequency will be translated to Ch. 7.

Before the digital transition on June 12, WLS had been at Ch. 52 on UHF. The signal upgrade required significant new construction, including securing additional space in the Sears Tower, Barr said.

-- Wailin Wong



I'm guessing WCHU will shut down/power down by 5pm Saturday.

As far as I know, and I could be wrong, the rule is that a low-powered station can operate on that channel until the full-service station comes on the air. At that time, it must reduce power or go silent to eliminate any interference within the protected contour.

- Trip

And since WCHU is 2 miles away from Sears, the answer is yes. :D

I just completed the double rescan. Still showing 7-1,7-2 and 7-3 on rf7. RF44 still shows 7-1 as 44-1 (with WLS psip), 7-2 as 44-2 (with WLS psip) and 7-3 as 44-3 (with WLS psip. WSNS is now 45-3 and 45-4 (with no psip). I guess the Sony Bravia tuner doesn't like the double channel info.

RIght now, my Vizio is showing two each of 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3.

How in the heck was/is WCHU permitted to continue operation on RF-44? Once the WLS-TV application for service on RF-44, wasn't there an obligation for WCHU to cease operation immediately?As far as I know, and I could be wrong, the rule is that a low-powered station can operate on that channel until the full-service station comes on the air. At that time, it must reduce power or go silent to eliminate any interference within the protected contour.

WLS getting permission isn't enough to knock WCHU off the air but WLS beginning use of their new frequency should have triggered the immediate shut down of WCHU. Once notified of their interference the action should have been immediate.

Does WCHU not have control over their transmission? At worst they should have been able to discontinue it within three hours. This isn't a case of WLS starting up by surprise on a weekend (full control is required on weekends too, but at least that would be an excuse for being out of contact).

I'm surprised we're going into the weekend with WCHU still on the air. Perhaps the FCC should take notice and step in. If they are still on the air Monday have the building (or Com Ed) cut the power to the transmitter or be cited for providing power to an illegal broadcaster. Do that tomorrow if anyone at FCC enforcement is awake on the weekends. Get r done.

Hello all,

I am new to this forum and the OTA HDTV scene, so I apologize in advance.

I am having trouble currently receiving WBBM (2.1) and WLS (7.1,7.2,7.3). Hopefully once WLS finally switches to their new UHF RF channel I will be OK. What does concern me is that I cannot get channel 2.1 no matter how hard I try.

I have an attic mounted CM3016 antenna with as short a RG6 coax line as possible. I know that attic mounting is not the ideal situation, but my townhome association does not allow roof mounted antennas. I am in Roselle and according to antenna web i should be pointed at 113 degrees and I am a distance of 23.2 miles from the tower. No matter where I place the antenna in the attic or direction I point it, the best I have ever been able to muster up on WBBM and WLS is 33% or less. Thus no picture. I cannot put any larger of an antenna in the attic due to spacing of trusses, so a larger antenna is also unfortunatley out.

Is there anything else I can do to maybe get WBBM? I do not currently have a amplifier of any sort, would that help? If so, anybody have a suggestion as to a good model #.

On a side note, I read somewhere on the internet that WBBM applied for a construction permit to build a low-power fill in repeater on UHF channel 26 formerly used by WCIU. Anyone know if this is true or the progress on this? Im sure the FCC is probably dragging their feet if I had to guess. And does anyone know if after such a repeater is built if I might get better reception?

I should also add that I receive all other channels with a 88% to 100% rating according to My TivoHD without any dropouts at all.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

I have one of those strapped to my chimney in elmhurst - getting all the locals 5 by 5 - tried it in the attic, and i could never get things working. i don't think an amp will help but if you get one be sure to check the maximum db rating on the input higher the better.

WLS getting permission isn't enough to knock WCHU off the air but WLS beginning use of their new frequency should have triggered the immediate shut down of WCHU. Once notified of their interference the action should have been immediate.

Does WCHU not have control over their transmission? At worst they should have been able to discontinue it within three hours. This isn't a case of WLS starting up by surprise on a weekend (full control is required on weekends too, but at least that would be an excuse for being out of contact).

I'm surprised we're going into the weekend with WCHU still on the air. Perhaps the FCC should take notice and step in. If they are still on the air Monday have the building (or Com Ed) cut the power to the transmitter or be cited for providing power to an illegal broadcaster. Do that tomorrow if anyone at FCC enforcement is awake on the weekends. Get r done.

All the FCC will do is fine them for still broadcasting. If they didn't get notice to leave the air at a specific time there not much the FCC can do. They are not an illegal (AKA pirate) broadcaster theres probably just a mix up.

Yep. I don't know why they haven't yet. Tvropro: that again is due to WCHU.

Im sure its co channel. Im surprised they both can co exist in digital and something actually is coming out of it. Love to see the digital pedestal for 44 on a spectrum analyzer and see the BER numbers.

solid reception in Northbrook of WLS on UHF 44 with 97% signal... when the antenna is pointed 180 degrees from the signal!

BTW, WITI comes in rock solid now that they finished their tower work and the antenna is at 1050' @ 1MW ERP.

Hi Betty,

It will show as 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3. In fact, you should have TWO of each if you get both 7 and 44.

WLS is now on 44, but WCHU is still on the air. D'oh! If you can get 44 with breakups while WCHU is on the air, you should be good to go. Hopefully Kal can make a phone call to someone to have someone turn off WCHU.

Thanks, I do have two of each channel 7.1, 7.1, 7.2 etc. Second dumb question: How do I tell which of the 7.1 channels is from RF44 verses RF7? Think I have gone through everything in the menu without seeing it. There is a vast difference in signal strength between the two 7.1s.

Thanks again.
Betty

Anybody catch the Bulls/Celtics game last night on 9.1? It was a debacle. And I'm not talking just about the blowout. Throughout the game, the video portion was like an old vhs tape, jumping, dragging or shuddering along. I've seen this several times with Bulls games last year too. I think it has also occurred on 26.1 (or was it 50.1?) when Bulls games were broadcast on that station.

RF44 is much weaker than RF7 here in Grayslake - 65% vs. 85% on my tuner. No breakups though. If it stays like this I will probably just stay with RF7. It's a better signal than RF44, and will probably be more stable even after they cut the power on RF7. Hoping that WCHU is still transmitting and that I'll see a big improvement when they stop.

Here is a comparison for WLS RF7 and RF 44 on 10/31 @ 12:45 PM.

Location: N 42 04' 46" W87 43' 5.5"
From you to me is 14.5 mi bearing 347 magnetic.

Equipment: Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna(Old Style).
2nd floor bedroom facing the south. Receiver is a Tivo Series 3.


Signal strength and SNR on

RF 7
SS = 80 to 82
SNR = 25 to 26 dB

RF 44
SS= 88
SNR is 28dB.

I've seen this several times with Bulls games last year too. I think it has also occurred on 26.1 (or was it 50.1?) when Bulls games were broadcast on that station.That was when WCIU had that stuttering problem, which they've since fixed.

Didn't watch the game on 9 last night, though. Seems to me that the macroblocking would make it hard enough to handle already. Unless the Bulls are greatly improved and exciting as heck to watch, I don't really plan on watching any Basketball for a long while. I was watching a bit of a game the other day, and I realized that no one ever shoots the ball anymore. It was just stuff after stuff. They really need to raise the basket at least a foot and a half, if not more, IMO. I think the concept of "team play" went out the window long ago, too. The showboating overshadows the actual sport these days.

If your main interest is to see who actually wins the game, all you really need to do is watch is the last 5 minutes, anyway.

All the FCC will do is fine them for still broadcasting. If they didn't get notice to leave the air at a specific time there not much the FCC can do. They are not an illegal (AKA pirate) broadcaster theres probably just a mix up.
I suppose illegal is a matter of opinion ... the channel 44 facility they are operating is NOT a licensed facility, it is operating under special temporary authority. I suppose some lawyer would be able to argue that the STA gives WCHU permission to broadcast that a license would not give ... but the discussion is moot.

After further research, what gets them of the hook is that WLS has not yet begun broadcasting on channel 44. They are only doing equipment testing. Here is WLS's notification to WCHU (lawyer to lawyer) of the changeover. WLS requested that WCHU cease broadcasting by Oct 31st.
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=802927&formid=911&q_num=5210

Broadcasting by WLS on 44 begins today. I hope you enjoyed the testing! :)

WCHU has applied for channel 33 (on Oct 29th) ...
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1340355&Service=TX&Form_id=911&Facility_id=129745

WCHU-LD is off the air now. WLS-DT is at 340 kw, AFAIK. As of now, my signal quality meter of WLS is almost pegged on my DTT-900 converter box with my ChannelMaster 4228 antenna in DeKalb. Much, much better than just a few hours ago.

Reception reports: Let's see 'em!

WCHU has applied for channel 33 (on Oct 29th) ...
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/prefill_and_display.pl?Application_id=1340355&Service=TX&Form_id=911&Facility_id=129745

Well there goes DX'ing WITI :mad:. I'm guessing that almost all of the signal will be going south because of WITI. I know low power VHF is bad, but would an omnidirectional VHF be better than a really directional UHF.

channel 7 on rf 44 is awsome... perfect picture and sound... finally... it registers at least 90 percent on my tv.. along the lakefront on the northside of chicago
:):):)

i have deleted rf7 since it shows no picture or sound...

hal... great job........

Here is a comparison for WLS RF7 and RF 44 on 10/31 @ 12:45 PM.

Location: N 42 04' 46" W87 43' 5.5"
From you to me is 14.5 mi bearing 347 magnetic.

Equipment: Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna(Old Style).
2nd floor bedroom facing the south. Receiver is a Tivo Series 3.


Signal strength and SNR on

RF 7
SS = 80 to 82
SNR = 25 to 26 dB

RF 44
SS= 88
SNR is 28dB.


10/31/09 @3:30 PM

RF 7
SS = 80
SNR = 25 dB

RF 44
SS = 88
SNR = 28dB

How do I tell which of the 7.1 channels is from RF44 verses RF7?That's going to vary from tuner to tuner, and it may be easy, involved, difficult, or impossible.

After further research, what gets them of the hook is that WLS has not yet begun broadcasting on channel 44. They are only doing equipment testing.What bemused me was that WCHU-LD wasted the electricity of continuing to broadcast on 44 once WLS had come up on RF44 and was clobbering their signal.

I'm receiving WLS in Racine, WI now (I think I'm about 50 miles due North of the Sears tower). I lost it back in June when they went back to VHF.

I live about a block from the lake and have a 2nd floor South facing balcony where I've placed my Antennas Direct DB4 (Mounted to an old Ikea floor lamp pole) and a Motorola BDA-S1 amplifier hooked into a Sony KDL32S2010 (So figure an older ATSC tuner), I'm getting a solid 70+ signal, back before the transition I was getting anywhere from 70-95 depending on the weather/atmospheric conditions.

Anyway, I receive the following channels:

4 WTMJ (NBC, Milwaukee)
5 WMAQ (NBC, Chicago)
6 WITI (FOX, Milwaukee)
7 WLS (ABC, Chicago)
9 WGN (Chicago)
10 MPTV (PBS, Milwaukee. This is very intermittent because it is VHF)
11 WTTW (PBS, Chicago)
12 WISN (ABC, Milwaukee)
18 (CW, Milwaukee)
20 WYCC (PBS, Chicago)
24 (MyTV, Milwaukee)
26 WCIU (Chicago)
32 WFLD (FOX, Chicago)
36 MPTV (PBS, Milwaukee)
50 WPWR (Chicago)
58 WDJT (CBS, Milwaukee)

I also receive several other crappy ION channels (I think 48 and 55?) as well as several Spanish language channels that I've blocked out in my tuner. I pretty much receive both Chicago and Milwaukee markets worth of TV.

It is especially nice with sports because Fox often shows different games in Milwaukee and Chicago and unlike cable I don't deal with blackouts. If WBBM will ever move to UHF I'll have a second CBS affiliate as well. Lucky me. :)

Well there goes DX'ing WITI :mad:. I'm guessing that almost all of the signal will be going south because of WITI. I know low power VHF is bad, but would an omnidirectional VHF be better than a really directional UHF.

The FCC has to approve it. It's not a "for sure". Also, it would be extremely directional away from Milwaukee.

RF 7 is still stronger by me by 15 to 20% than RF 44.

I'll be ticked if they screw up WITI with that low power crap here. They should put all the low power stations on VHF.

Now all you guys that have been missing WLS and there bitstarving can watch the glorious macroblocking and mosquito noise in full HD Super lite :eek: Enjoy.

Signal strength hovering around 80% in Plano. Reception is more stable than rf 7.

I have an indoor amplified antenna that looks something like this one:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X4lNUtmYL._SL160_AA115_.jpg

If I turn the amplifier to 0 I get nothing. If I crank the amplifier up to 8, I can easily get 5, 9, 11, 26, 32, 38, 50. 2 and 7 and a small problem to get.

Would there be any improvement if I purchased the smallest outdoor antenna (small because it would be kept indoors by a window). The outdoor antennas do not come with an amplifier. Since my indoor antenna does not work unless the amplifier is turned on the highest setting, will an outdoor antenna not work because it has no amplifier?

Is there any UHF antenna since most chicago stations are UHF. Adjusting the big middle ring is how I tune channels. The two long sticks don't have much of an effect on signal stregnth.

That's because the two telescoping rods are meant for VHF reception.

I live in a highrise bldg one block in from South Shore Drive, about 6 mi SE of the Sears/Willis Tower. I am now receiving WLS part way into the "normal" strength range (40%) using a Cornet amp RE+loop (with amp "just" on), Tivax T9-STB, and JVC TV.

I lost WLS on June 12 (but picked up WBBM digital). When WLS's signal strength was increased in Sept., I picked up a weak signal with RE at 32in and me standing or sitting in just the right place to get a signal. Now I can relax.:)

I appreciate this forum and all the helpful info.

Hi. I need a little help. I've been getting a steady 72 or 73 on WLS on my Dish vip722 receiver. Tonight, that's at 68. How can I get WLS on channel 44? I rescanned, but channel 7 is still showing 68 percent. Does this mean that I'm getting 44? Because if I am, it's worse than what I was getting on channel 7.

Thanks for any help.

How do I tell which of the 7.1 channels is from RF44 verses RF7? Think I have gone through everything in the menu without seeing it.
Thanks again.
Betty

Are you using a CECB (converter box) or digital TV? If it's a CECB, what model?

Are you using a CECB (converter box) or digital TV? If it's a CECB, what model?I'm using a Dish vip722 DVR. I was able to tune it to 7.1. But in order to get it in, I tuned it using the rabbit ears, so for me, it's pulling in the VHF signal, right?

I checked 44, and it es en español right now. Some soccer game is on.

Caught only a few seconds of their spot for it, but WLS seems to be suggesting doing a double rescan.

Caught only a few seconds of their spot for it, but WLS seems to be suggesting doing a double rescan.I scanned twice. I also deleted all channels and rescanned. Maybe the vip722 is a finicky little thing?

In following this forum since last winter I detect a theme that most of the stations in the market have decided to maximize the number of subchannels at the expense of picture quality, especially with their primary HD signal. For stations that are available both OTA and via cable (Comcast in my area), is there any difference in PQ depending on the transport mode or is the issue the bit-starving at the source? For OTA network broadcasts of college and professional major sports (football, basketball, baseball, and hockey), is the PQ really so poor that all a 46" HD TV will buy me is a clearer view of digital artifacts as compared to a CECB coupled with a 27" SD TV (Sony)? I understand the HD TV does offer a better viewing experience with both standard and Blu-ray DVD media but my viewing habits are slanted to live sports vs. movies on DVD.

Geneva, IL:

RF7 = 86% RF44 = 79%