Charlotte, NC - OTA - Page 8

amplifed or non

on the square shooter

Suggest Non amplified, as you are very close to WCCB/WSOC/WUNC/WTVI
towers..as long as the signal is solid and stable, you will be fine.

Is WBTV-DT off air tonight? My HD-Tivo came up blank on Joan of Arcadia (shut-up & no flaming ) and I can't tune it in. I was messing with my antenna today, and I just want to make sure it's not something I did.

No flames there Matt..we all understand the need to record a show now and then for wifey.!

And I don't know if WBTV is off-air, as I'm in Sunnvale..

WBTV-DT has had an equipment failure, and can only broadcast one SD Digital channel at this time. They are working to correct the problem, but until they do, no CBS HD. Called the station today about it.

Good to know - I figured as much since I'm now watching CSI from Thursday and it was in SD.

I was wondering what happened. Any idea on the restoration of the HD feed?
I was looking forward to 'Bama beating the Sherbeteers.

Yikes no Cold Case in HD! I would have thought they would have spare equipment. I guess not.

No, most stations don't due to cost issues. Plus, the networks will only provide single, non-redundant HD receivers at this point. So, if the network receiver fails, we're at their (or the MFG's) mercy to get a repair or replacement. While we do have spare encoders here, they would be no good if the network equipment were to fail. By the way, the typical repair
cost on an HD encoder is $15k...

YUKK - Panthers/Chargers in SD. Too bad the game isn't on WCCB.

Could happen to us as well, and will sooner or later..

Using antennaweb.org I verified the type of antenna I shoud be using for OTA signals. It recommends a yellow small multi-directional antenna. This is what I have currently installed on my roof.

My problem is that I can pick-up the NBC DT station's signal rock solid and it is listed as 30 miles away. However, I can't pick up the ABC (13miles), CBS (30 miles), or Fox (13 miles) DT stations without numerous dropouts and freezes.

The antenna is mounted on a pole above my DirecTV Dish and is amplified.

Any suggestions on how I might be able to improve my reception of the other stations.

I am using the DirecTV HD DVR as my receiver.

Thanks...

Based on your pictures, I'd say you need a new antenna..those round disc
antennas are very poor..looks like you have the recoton? If so, you definitely need to replace it. There are several good suggestions throughout this thread.

Thanks Bob.....

This is going to sound like a stupid question...but....

This antenna was provided by DirecTV and they don't cover OTA Antennas.

What would be the best avenue to proceed with in getting a new antenna installed...a local shop?....a CC or BB?

Thanks...

-ed

I'd like to know a "good" installer as well, as we have some needs here for
someone on a regular basis. Try Mike at Carolina Satellite
I don't know if he does OTA, but try him first.

Bob...

Thank you very much for your input. I was reading through the threads and see that you are using an externally mounted Square Shooter.

I live in South Charlotte (Where Providence Road hits 485). Do you think this would work as there are two clusters of signals approx 45 degrees apart that I am trying to capture.

Also..any idea if this antenna performs adeqately in an attic type installation. You've seen my current antenna setup.....I'd probably kill myself if I tired to replace the current antenna with the SS.

Thanks again for your advice and input.

-ed

My father in law lives over off Connell Road in Mint Hill, and has one in the attic. He gets perfect reception on all channels using the Mits HD5, which
isn't the greatest of tuners. You won't know until you try it, and moving it
a few feet in ANY direction can make or break the reception. So, try it out,
but don't be disappointed if you don't get it right on the first try.
For me, the stations are about 90 degrees apart, so I'd think the 45 for
you should not be a problem. For attic use, go ahead and get the amplified
unit. Mine isn't, but feeds a commercial grade amplified, +15db, 4 way splitter that feeds my 5 STB's..All get perfect reception of the 9 charlotte stations.

I would like to have one STB for OTA. Does anyone have a recommendation for a low cost OTA STB? LG was recommended before but they were pretty pricey. The one I looked at was over $800.

Thanks!
Rodney

Rodney,
That's 5 at home, doesn't include the pile here.. If you can find any, the LG LST-3100A, get that one. it does OTA as well as unencrypted cable QAM's..
$350..

Bob...

Thanks again for the advice. I ordered the amplified square shooter and it should arrive tomorrow. Hopefully it will improve my reception.

-ed

Anyone have a fix date for WBTV? ....and what's up with WSOC? Monsters Inc. in HD everywhere and Charlotte has it in SD - that's almost a reference quality HD movie.......CRAP.

I had WBT-HD yesterday - the GA/FLA game - until 6 PM when it timed out and switched to SD.

Hello - Bob. Long time, no see. They've had this problem for at least four years. I thought it would have been fixed by now. Do you know what's up?

Regards - Gene

Hi Gene-
Where have you been and how are you?
I see CBS NFL is in HD today on WBTV..The timer issue is a tough one to second guess.

Bob:

Are you getting WBTV-DT?

I was earlier..yes..still am..seems fine here..

My signal on WBTV hasn't been nearly as strong as before all these problems. I am running at 10-20% when I was at 85% consistently. Something isn't right. If it is on my end, how do I diagnose the problem?

Gonna have to check my hook up. Added a VHF amplifier, then realized that my existing amp was a CM7775. I was going to disconnect the CM 7775 thinking it may not allow VHF pass-through....now I'm wondering what the deal is because I still can't pick up WBTV.

Bob - My 'timer' hasn't done so well lately either, but I'm back for now. CBS HD looked great today and right now am enjoying Pather game in Fox 740P and DD5.1.

The Panny DST51 stumbles occasionally, bit the E* 6000 is doing fine. Know anyone w/the E* HD-PVR? They should have the bugs out of that thing by now. Of course BT shouldn't have the timer issue every Sat night either.

The more things change.....

Regards - G.

Disconnected my VHF amp and now WBTV is crystal pulling in a 95 signal. I'd have really kicked myself if I had unnecessarily watched my Steelers in SD.