[Jim CL]

I first purchased a Panasonic TU-HDS20 from a friends store ten weeks ago. While I got incredible ota HDTV pictures from it, the picture dropped out every 30 seconds or less. I packed it up and took it back to my dealer after three days and they returned it to Panasonic. As it was new, and had failed, out of the box, I expected a replacement unit to be shipped asap. Never happened. Repeated calls by the owner of the dealer, and later on, myself, only got a response that they couldnt replace the unit, as no new ones were available, and they had to wait for, out of stock parts, to repair mine. Despite continuing calls, and my stating of my general distaste for their tactics, it was NINE WEEKS later before they shipped my "repaired" unit to me. I connected it up, and the same exact thing happened. When receiving an OTA hdtv signal, it would constantly lose the signal, then lock it in again, and every 30 seconds, or less, lose it and start the process all over again.

Today, in complete disgust, I returned the unit to the store, and had the owner call Panasonic again. Once again, they refused to replace the unit with a new one, upon which I demanded that they refund my money, which they agreed to, and so the unit is now on its way back to them.

I need to purchase something else and could use your recommendations.

I live with a forest of huge oak trees to the west and south of me and have zero chance of ever getting reception for a dish. This unit would simply be for OTA HDTV. Could you please provide and suggestions, recommendations or assistance? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, in advance.

 

[Benji]

Of course, living in a forest of tall trees can be a definate problem in trying to receive UHF OTA channels. However, here is my 2 cents worth---I have a Mitsu SR-HD5 that works beautifully for OTA channels. My local HDTV stations come in flawlessly and the advanced program guide is excellent, although without satllite would not work as DIRECTV downloads this info. My OTA digital stations are about 30 miles away over flat terrain. Hope this helps.


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[ufotofu]

Jim CL,

How much did you play around with your antenna? Are you using an indoor, outdoor, amplified etc. antenna?

I'm quite happy with the Samsung SIR-T150 STB, which only does OTA, and I got mine at B and H Photo, which currently lists them for about $500, but there is a $100 rebate that is supposed to be good till the end of the month. Check out: http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/Forum11/HTML/015008.html

BTW, I'm about the same distance, if not farther, from the Detroit transmitters and get by with a Radio Shack double bow tie indoor antenna and RS UHF/VHF amplifier.

 

[Kipp Jones]

Jim,

It is possible for you to receive a sat signal through those trees! I do it and my signal strengths average 90+. Then a friend of mine cannot get anything doing the same thing. I had to fine tune my dish but it was well worth the effort. The trees I am going through has very thick dark leaves. Give it a shot, you have nothing to loose. As for your dropouts, did you try another receiver to make sure your antenna connections are not faulty? Please don't take that the wrong way. Odd things happen to the best of us. When I experience problems with my equipment, I try to cover all aspects of my systems for problems. I would recommend the RCA DTC-100 for oat hdtv. It has 2 antenna inputs and you can get one online for $448.00 from ABT in IL. I just found one at Tweeter for $299.00 open box. That is my second one. Good luck and let us know!


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Kipp


IS THAT A REMOTE CONTROL IN YOUR POCKET OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE HDTV?

 

[Jim CL]

Well,In answer to your questions. While I am blocked completely to the south and west by huge oak trees, I do have a clear path to where the broadcast stations are. I also live on top of a high hill. For an antenna, I have the top of the line Radio Shack UHF only antenna.

As far as using a dish, my signal strength once the leaves are on the trees has twice been measured at less than 30% and that was with the best positioning I could get, so no hope there.

I have heard that the dropout problem with the Panasonic is extremely common, and they dont have a fix for it. Thats at least a part of the reason I am returning it for a refund, along with their horrible customer service and response. The antenna itself must be doing an adequate job, as all digital (non-hdtv) channels come in perfectly, and the picture quality on the hdtv ones is perfect, except that it continually loses and regains the signal every 10-30 seconds. If the antenna can get a perfect picture, it cant be responsible for the stb dropping out, can it?

Im new to hdtv, so any expertise or assistance is appreciated. Thanks.



Jim

 

[ufotofu]

Jim CL,

I don't have any experience with other STBs but I got the Samsung based on the reviews here attesting to its sensitivity compared to other boxes. The venerable RCA also has its share of enthusiasts. My experience with the Samsung has been very pleasant with a plain indoor antenna setup. I get all 6 Detroit stations which are 35 to 40 miles away, and there are some forrested areas between me and them. I get occasional breakups when a big truck is going on the street behind the house, but otherwise I get a stable picture.

 

[nnci]

My initial dropout problems were solved by replacing a bad diplexor. I have had absolutely no problems attrituted to the TUHDS20. My OTA antenna is a crappy TERK-50 mounted under the 2nd floor eaves with trees, 2 story houses etc in between our house and the towers. It still locks into channels though. An ant working on analog channels is one thing, an ant having problems with 8VSB signals getting bounced around trees, houses, etc in your immediate vicinity is another matter altogether....


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TN55x81-TUHDS20-AVR210-AD800 Down...DTC-100, TSL3295HF, VSX-D710, DV434 up

 

[hdniklas]

I also have the Samsung SIR-T150, and attest that it's a very capable OTA receiver. I receive decodable/viewable signals though heavy foliage from a tree 15ft from the antenna and I live 30+ miles from the transmitter.


Your next best bet is to wait for the third generation DTV decoder chips e.g. Zenith box. Of course those will cost more and include satellite connections. Samsung appears to be the only one with just OTA DTV.


My picture is awesome. Even with non-HDTV, the colors and picture is more vivid and enhanced than the likes of cable or Sat. It may be the 480p output of the Samsung. But then again, the Sony 36XBR has DRC that is suppose to upconvert siganls to 720 or something like that. In any case there is noticable difference using the Samsung T-150. I am very happy with it.

 

[lost_one]

I can also attest to the capabilities of the Samsung SIR-T150 for OTA reception. I am using an inexpensive RS double bow indoor antenna hung on the inside wall of my garage and pick up all 3 stations broadcasting from 20 miles away.


Also, the T150 sends output on the S-Video full time along with the selectable RGB or Component output.


And it does 720P as well.


My only complaint is the difficulty in changing aspect ratios. Must enter setup to do so, and the early versions like mine do not remember the setting when changing channels.


Best of all is the $100 rebate from Samsung if you buy by August 31.