Greenville, SC - HDTV - Page 2

Re: Greenville's Ch 9 DT:

I have been unable to receive a signal from this station for several days. Anyone receiving it, and at usual strength?

To all: Re WLOS-DT replacing transmitter:

Jim Carrier has advised:
"Tomorrow morning WLOS-DT will go off the air to replace the low power
transmitter. AI tech expects to take at least the entire week. I
expect that it may take longer since there is the possibility of snow
later in the week. The existing transmitter must be dis-assembled and
taken down the cable car before any of the new equipment can be brought
up to the top."

Jim

Re WLOS-DT:

It is higher power. Lets just hope that they use its higher power and pass through the ABC HD.

Re WLOS-DT
A scan this morning found WLOS-DT back on the air. However, my signal reading is less that in the past, with the antenna(s) oriented for the maximum available signal. It is less than WUNF-DT which is on the same tower.

Could be. I sent Jim a note asking for comments regarding the signal. However, remember Jim stated earlier that the old transmitter must be removed from the Mountain prior to taking taking the new one up for installation. I will post Jim's reply.

The program guide is a function of the station programming the PSIP and some do and some don't. Others give only limited information. Using a Samsung 160 I get approximately the same results as you. Nothing for WLOS-DT and for WHNS. I general get limited programming data for WUNF (33-1,2,3,4, 5, but they only program up to 48 hours in advance and seldom program the entire weekend. Usually there is no info for Sunday. 33-2 has programmed data for the full day to satisfy its cable commitments, thus is confusing when HD is not broadcast prior to 8 p.m. SCTV-DT 9-1,2 generally is programmed for the day, but only after you tune the station for a short time. 9-3 is programmed if there is local programming, but usually has no information for the PBS Loop.
WYFF-DT and WSPA-DT are most reliable.

Message from Jim Carrier, WLOS-DT, in reply to my observation that the signal strength has not improved with the new transmitter:
"We're not at full power but about four times what we were previously. Will not go full power until sometime in January. At least that is what the electrical contractor thinks. We have installed a 500kW generator at the foot of the cable car track and completely re-wired the building electrical system for 480V in. When this project is complete the UNC transmitter will not have to run on a step-up from our 208, we will then have the capacity to crank up the DTV power."

A good over the air antenna for UHF (and VHF) is a good indication the same equipment will work for your new setup. The only VHF-DT in the Greenville area is SCETV, on Channel 9 from Parris Mt. You will find some great pictures on its HDTV (9-3) channel, so don't pass this up.
All of the DT transmitters are on the same tower as the SD transmitters, and it sounds as though you should expect good DT reception from all except WYFF. But it is strange that you are not receiving Channel 4 that well if you get WHNS-21 which is near WYFF. You may be surprised by the WYFF-DT.
In my case, I don't get the SD very well from several of the stations, but receive an excellent picture from their DT transmissions.
I see no reason to replace an existing antenna installation if it is in good condition and the cables are good and low loss. RG-6 is suggested if the signal is marginal.
Remember, with DT you either have a near perfect picture...or none at all!
I would just connect the antenna and start scanning for the DT signals>
Good luck....and feel free to send out any questions that may come up.

Repeating from Thread #1:
gjlowe:
Have you used http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp to check for the location of each area station and the orientation of your antenna for each? Also, I strongly suggest that you set your receiver for the channel you are missing to its signal strength meter and do a 360 degree search for a signal. You may find that a "bounce" from a different direction may give you a signal. My first DT signals were from a bounce from the opposite direction of the stations (WSPA and WYFF). Also, remember that the stations are not located IN Greenville (except for Channel 9). WSPA is on Hogback NW of Spartanburg, WYFF is on Caesar's Head north of Greenville and relatively near WHNS which is on Rich Mt. WASV is between WSPA and WYFF. I use a large broadband RS antenna in my attic, and it gives good results--but is very directional and must be reset for best reception of most stations and I change channels. But by far the best results is from a Channel Master 4-Bay UHF antenna set to a comprimise orientation that gives me all the UHF-DT stations from the one setting--except for very unusual conditions. I am told the 8-bay is the best for problem reception areas and this information comes from some highly respected RF engineers.

PS -- Newest information for the Western Carolinas is now on a new thread:
>>> Western Carolinas HDTV Fall 2003 <<<<br />
AVS Forum > HDTV > Local HDTV Info and Reception

cpalmer2k:
WJZY is the UPN-46 station out of Charlotte on a very tall antenna west of the city. I occasionally watch the station, and never have seen any HDNet programming. Recently, I have read that WJZY is offers HDTV programming, probably some UPN pass through. I don't often try for the stations DT signal, but can always see a very snowy analog picture and at present the program is Judge Mathis. Suggest you sign on to the station's website and you will find a place to send email...which I find the station is quick to answer. It would surprise me if HDNet has any deals with local stations now that it is a "premium" pay channel on the satellite.

Thanks for the clarification.

Asheville's UNCTV-DT (25) is off the air this morning for the installation of a backup generator.

This morning's Asheville Citizen-Times has a lengthy article regarding Home Theater and generally describes DT equipment for DVDs...nothing about HDTV. Those who follow this thread know that Editor Gabordi has refused to "touch" HDTV or DTV for the past year. Hopefully area subscribers will let Mr. Gabordi know of your interest.

Re Asheville Citizen Times: Editor Bob Gabordi responded today that rapidly changing technology probably warrants more HDTV Coverage. Help convince him that that is true, especially by including the HD information in its log listings.

Your old antenna may be very directional, and the weak signals may be fading in and out. One way I have checked for usable signals is with a common rabbit ear antenna that comes with most sets. The antenna length should be rather short, approximately 11 inches for DT-25. To be exact, divide 5904 by the frequency. WYFF wold be 5904/741.25 = 7.96 inches, each side. The dipole is not very directional. Open it flat with it set for about 9 or 10" perhaps as short as it will go, and aim it about mid way between the stations. (Did you move the old antenna during your scans?)

The other potential is a multipath problem that causes the pixelizatiion. The rabbit ear antenna potentially will worsen any multipath and that will become more obvious.
You don't say what brand receiver you have. Some drop any channel not received during each scan, some retain previously locked channels. The key is to find a place where all channels can be received, then don't scan any more! Observe what you receive for a while (couple of days) and see if the pixelization continues. You don't mention the time frame for your test, but don't forget the stations still are off the air rather frequently. During the past week 25 was off for a power change. Just prior to that 56 was off for several days. WYFF-DT is subject to power outages.

If you find the temporary dipole does a better job of getting all available stations, then I would recommend a UHF only antenna, such as the Channel Master 4-bay bow tie. Good gain, and a reasonable reception pattern. (The temp dipole is not intended to be permanent.)

I don't believe the receiver is the cause of the problem of dropping stations...but hopefully those with more technical experience will offer advice. I would be suspicious of the older antenna, leadin, and any amplification and splitters. Don't judge by VHF reception of analog signals; UHF analog patterns will be more indicative of potential for UHF DT signals.

Let us know what you are finding as you continue the search.