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Analog signal strength versus HD

542 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Ken H, 
J
I tried to search for my answer before posting but couldn't find it. I recently bought an indoor Radio Shack antenna (rent apartment) to be able to get HD OTA. I haven't purchased an HD receiver yet, as my TV doesn't have one built in. I tried to pick up some regular analog channels and although I get some, the reception is not very good. My question is: Is the analog reception an indicator of how good the HD reception could be? I am 35 miles (Ft Myers, FL) from most of the transmitters and know I may not have a chance to get anything. I wanted to find this out before getting an HD receiver. I read on other boards that some people have gotten good signals from indoor antennas but want to make sure before shelling out the money for a receiver.


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R
At 35 miles, you will need a 45 to 60 miile outdoor antenna and it must be as high as possible. Only way to know if you can get a signal from 35 miles with indoor antenna, is to try it yourself. Each situation is different. But, if you want near perfect reception, it is best to go with what I suggested above.
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J
You also need to remember that the analog channel and digital channel power can be different. Just because you can't get a good analog signal doesn't mean the digital won't come in. The two channel assignments may even be in different bands. In my case I have an analog channel 40 which is using ch 8 for its digital signal.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjgjr75
I am 35 miles (Ft Myers, FL) from most of the transmitters and know I may not have a chance to get anything.
Before giving up, it may be a good idea to go to the Ft. Myers thread and spend some time seeing what others get. I recall dapack5 in Lehigh Acres I believe it is had amazing outdoors OTA success and 35 miles in that area from indoors may not be impossible.
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J
Thanks for the replies, it really helps. I am actually in Naples, quite a ways from Lehigh. I think Lehigh is only 5-10 miles from Ft Myers. As far as the outdoor antenna, I just can't do because I rent, but I am going to get it as close to a window and as high as possible. jdspencer answered my question, I was hoping that the analog and digital were on different bands/power so I am going to at least try it. After reading these boards I am going to look at the Accurian HST6000 or the Motorola HDT101. Any thoughts on either?


Thanks again
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T
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjgjr75
Thanks for the replies, it really helps. I am actually in Naples, quite a ways from Lehigh. I think Lehigh is only 5-10 miles from Ft Myers. As far as the outdoor antenna, I just can't do because I rent, but I am going to get it as close to a window and as high as possible. jdspencer answered my question, I was hoping that the analog and digital were on different bands/power so I am going to at least try it. After reading these boards I am going to look at the Accurian HST6000 or the Motorola HDT101. Any thoughts on either?


Thanks again
Welcome to the forums, jjgjr75! :D


I pulled up antennaweb.org for Naples, using zipcode 34102 which seems to be downtown Naples. They show all your digital channels in the blue range, requiring a medium directional antenna (tho your CBS will require a violet VHF antenna when it goes live.) I then pulled up HDTV magazines map for the Ft. Myers area: http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/programm...t.php?dma_name []=Ft.+Myers-Naples


The good news is the towers are fairly high. The bad news is you are looking right down the length of a long section of I-75. I hope there aren't any major overpasses that could block your signal. I know what its like having planes block my signal, I'd hate to see you get blocked every time a truck rolled by. ;)


Another website I'd suggest is: http://www.2150.com/broadcast/ which also shows the strength of the broadcast and the direction the towers send out.


My last suggestion would be to think about a db4 or db8 UHF antenna from your favorite antenna dealer (like the ones sponsoring this forum...). You might even be able to hang it out a window without permanently attaching it to the apartment building.


Happy Holidays,

Tom
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjgjr75
Thanks for the replies, it really helps. I am actually in Naples, quite a ways from Lehigh. I think Lehigh is only 5-10 miles from Ft Myers. As far as the outdoor antenna, I just can't do because I rent, but I am going to get it as close to a window and as high as possible. jdspencer answered my question, I was hoping that the analog and digital were on different bands/power so I am going to at least try it. After reading these boards I am going to look at the Accurian HST6000 or the Motorola HDT101. Any thoughts on either?


Thanks again
My thought - forget about the Motorola.
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Ken H
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjgjr75
My question is: Is the analog reception an indicator of how good the HD reception could be?
It can be, but not always.


Some DTV stations are running at low, or reduced power, which makes it hard to tell since the analog station is running full blast.


As noted, I'd go with a directional outdoor antenna, mounted as high as possible, and try a DTV tuner from a source that has a good return policy.


I get stations from over 50 miles away, flat terrain and no large obstructions near by.


Bottom line is you have to try it to know.
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