<![CDATA[High Def Forum - Your High Definition Community & High Definition Resource - Local HDTV Info and Reception]]> http://www.highdefforum.com Learn about your local HDTV stations, availability, reception issues, OTA antennas and any other local issues. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:44:12 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.highdefforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[High Def Forum - Your High Definition Community & High Definition Resource - Local HDTV Info and Reception]]> http://www.highdefforum.com Looking for a good HD Air TV Antenna? http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103851-looking-good-hd-air-tv-antenna.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:12:24 GMT :hithere:,

I've been using my new 2250 Hauppauge PC-TV Tuner card for a few weeks now and I'm finally getting to know it a little bit. I like it especially sense it has opened me up to HDTV - High Definition TV sense I am viewing it on my flat panel PC monitor; it's quit an eye opener for someone not so familiar with HDTV.

However, I'm noticing that the signal cuts out a bit and I'm sure that it is due to the pathetic antenna that I am using so I am hoping to get some good advice on what would be a good antenna to use in order to get a stable HD signal not only to my TV tuner card but also to my other none HDTV that has a bigger screen that is used for my regular TV viewing.

However, sense I've been turned onto HDTV I am now looking for an inexpensive 32" flat panel HDTV.

So, I would like to have an adequate HDTV antenna to handle two HDTV monitors, my PC monitor and the 32" flat panel HDTV that I hope to purchase soon. (I've heard that this is the season to do just that, look for HD TVs, I'll find out).

I am on the second floor of an apartment building and have access to the attic to put an antenna up there and drop a coaxial cable down to my apartment.

Here are the few choices that I have been entertaining for an antenna. (Sense I can't post links till I've got 5 posts here I'll explain them as best I can):

I found these on eBay:

The first: Digiwav Ant-3045 (a Google search will find it).

(Not the best I think but I like the option to rotate it? People in their comments tend to say that omni directional antennas aren't necessarily very omni directional so I like this option to rotate the antenna here.)

The second: Digiwav Ant-2085 (a Google search will find it).

(Again, not the best out there but if it's good enough and the price is right then it's a possibility?)

The third: DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna (Again a Google search will find this).

(I'm pretty sure this is about the best choice for a HDTV antenna and I wont be surprised if I get most recommendations for this one?)

I'm not as familiar with the first two that I posted but I most certainly would like to hear what anyone else knows about them and their recommendations on what is and isn't a good choice for an a HDTV antenna.

I am within the city not far from the TV stations, a few miles but I'm still experiencing week channels and I would like to optimize my reception if I can so that I don't loose a signal in the middle of a program and/or recording one on my PC now that I have the Hauppauge TV tuner.

John :)

PS I am showing omni directional antennas and I'm pretty sure that would be the best choice for me. But I am open to suggestions. Thank you. ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception Johnz414 http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103851-looking-good-hd-air-tv-antenna.html Antenna recommendation for my home http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103845-antenna-recommendation-my-home.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:38:31 GMT I'm looking for your recommendation for an antenna for my home. The house is two story, and I have no problem getting the antenna on the roof. I have 2 tv's, and one is a projector so I would like a recommendation for a tuner as well. My TV Fool report is attached.

Thanks for your help.
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]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception Dunkin http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103845-antenna-recommendation-my-home.html Will my antenna be worthless when I move? http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103831-will-my-antenna-worthless-when-i-move.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:34:11 GMT Okay, I know right now I am spoiled. I live in Aurora, IL and I get something like 50 digital channels with on Winegard 7694 mounted in the attic with a HDP269 pre-amp pointed at the sears tower. I am moving south and will likely end up in Vincennes, IN. That gives me two markets to focus on... Okay, I know right now I am spoiled. I live in Aurora, IL and I get something like 50 digital channels with on Winegard 7694 mounted in the attic with a HDP269 pre-amp pointed at the sears tower.

I am moving south and will likely end up in Vincennes, IN. That gives me two markets to focus on (Terre Haute, IN at ~11 deg, ~40miles, and Evansville, IN, ~182 deg, 56 miles)

Not only are the transmitters farther than what I am dealing with now, but they are not nearly as high, and not probably as strong. TV Fool says all of the channels will be EDGE.

I know if my current antenna is to even have a prayer, it needs to be outside. Basically, does the antenna I currently own have a chance in hell of getting any of these channels if I get a bigger amp, and mount it outside either on a mast or the roof? I would rather sell or give my setup to a friend around here if I am gong to need a bigger setup after I move anyways. If you need to look, I attached the radar plot for Vincennes. I don't have an exact address to go by yet.

Any help would great! I don't want to bother moving this thing if it will be worthless after the move.
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]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception smurfnz28 http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103831-will-my-antenna-worthless-when-i-move.html The Bummer of Replacing Existing Setups http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103808-bummer-replacing-existing-setups.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:34:00 GMT Just setup a friend this last week with the 91xg, YA-1713, CM7777 setup (Tvfool is below). While we were at it we replaced all the cabling with RG-6 quad. He had a REAL OLD combo antenna with a RatShack preamp and getting all the Chicago channels, and a Champaign, IL channel off the back end. ... Just setup a friend this last week with the 91xg, YA-1713, CM7777 setup (Tvfool is below). While we were at it we replaced all the cabling with RG-6 quad.

He had a REAL OLD combo antenna with a RatShack preamp and getting all the Chicago channels, and a Champaign, IL channel off the back end. His roofer removed the antenna and trashed it, assuming he was on CATV.

So he went out and got the biggest Antennacraft he could find and another rat shack amp with pretty bad results.

After getting him setup and dialing everything in he's getting occasional drop outs on ABC (ch 44, 7.1), WGN, and PBS (11.1). He's also now missing 26.1 and 23.1. All of these channels came in fine off the old setup. Even playing with directionality (determining if a rotor is worth it) didn't get him back any channels he's completely missing. It also makes me wonder if I would have been better off with a more onmidirectional setup

Incidentally CBS (2.1, ch 13) comes in now better than ever. :D

As I peruse these forums I see a lot of people saying this is what's expected when you get this many miles from the tower, especially with them being so spread out. What is frustrating is this is the second person I've setup who was better off with their no name, low budget 10+ year old setup than they are with the latest and greatest. :banghead:

It makes me want to rummage through dump sites, find the old antennas, put them back together and put them on roofs. LoL.

Just a rant.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...bc27da31ea7ad8 ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception bobcrane http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103808-bummer-replacing-existing-setups.html Antenna part needed http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103751-antenna-part-needed.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:53:44 GMT :helpmeI thought this may be a good place to start in finding a part for my TV antenna. This part I am looking for is a " V " shaped plastic insulator off of a WADE-DELHI MODEL VIP-300SR series antenna, the one that I have heard they stopped production on from what I am told. If any one has an antenna like this for parts and would like to get in contact with me please feel free to do so. If you do have a part, I would suggest that using a heat gun or a "little" heat would keep it from breaking when removing it from the antenna. Best Regards cush42 ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception cush42 http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103751-antenna-part-needed.html <![CDATA[Need Recommendation for "Unmanly" Attic Antenna]]> http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103742-need-recommendation-unmanly-attic-antenna.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:53:53 GMT I've read enough here to know I will be called unmanly for what I need--a recommendation for an attic-installed high vhf and uhf combo antenna. I am hoping someone here will be willing to guide me anyway!

Here are the specifics:

I live on the 3rd floor of a 3-story building with my attic effectively being the 4th floor.

Signals will pass through a thin layer of limestone facade (the eave of the building). Because of the age of the building there is no foil as a part of the insulation or siding.

There are some treetops a few yards away, but no other major obstructions between where the antenna will be and the transmitters.

Address: About 100 yards southeast (toward the transmitter towers) from where AntennaWeb will locate 7738 Chambers Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229

There are 5 channels I want to get: RF 9, 12, 30, 39, 48 (9.1, 12.1, 29.1, 5.1, 4.1 respectively).

Currently, I can get all but 9 and 12 with a small (5"x8"), thin, silver-colored plastic-encased HD indoor antenna (brand not on it, but bought at Sam's Club). With my old TV and a converter box, I could get all 5 with an old fashioned set of rabbit ears opened as wide as it would go, but the rabbit ears do not work for 12 with the new TV (Sharp LC-C5277UN).

All the transmitters are between 125 and 129 degrees.

All the transmitters are within 23 and 25 miles of where I live.

The transmitters have the following powers (dB/dBm): 9=54.8/-36.0, 12=53.0/-37/8, 30=61.2/-29.6, 39=59.9/-30.9, 48=58.8/-32.1

AntennaWeb results for the desired channels after repositioning for the approximate location of my condo:
Channel
* yellow
uhf KABB-DT 29.1 FOX SAN ANTONIO, TX 125° 23.1 30
* yellow
uhf KENS-DT 5.1 CBS SAN ANTONIO, TX 127° 24.3 39
* yellow
uhf WOAI-DT 4.1 NBC SAN ANTONIO, TX 127° 24.3 48
* yellow
vhf KSAT-DT 12.1 ABC SAN ANTONIO, TX 127° 24.6 12
* yellow
vhf KLRN-DT 9.1 PBS SAN ANTONIO, TX 129° 17.7 9

I will connect only one TV at the present time to the antenna, although I might want to split the signal later to a second TV if it is strong enough.

I am limited by the location of the access to the antenna--an opening of 20"x27" with a diagonal opening of 33.5" in a closet that requires a couple of sharp turns getting inside meaning that an antenna with larger dimensions must collapse and that one with a long boom cannot be turned around the corners to get to the opening.

My uneducated observations/preferences: I need high vhf and uhf reception and prefer one combination antenna, if possible, rather than two antennas. I need an antenna good for about 55-60 miles to be sure of getting signals since it will be in the attic (although it may not have to be that powerful considering that this small antenna I am getting now are working for all but 12 and sometimes 9). I may need an amplifier (although the small antenna is working from indoors without one).

If anyone reading this is willing, I would appreciate a suggestion of what to buy. Don't worry about the price when considering your recommendations. ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception Dansktex http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103742-need-recommendation-unmanly-attic-antenna.html FOX Detroit http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103685-fox-detroit.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:15:31 GMT I have been using a Winegard Squareshooter antenna for a few years now. I am located in Windsor, Ontario and my antenna is pointing at Southfield Michigan. It's been a while since I have switched on my OTA receiver (using HD cable instead) and today I noticed that I cannot get FOX 2 Detroit OTA any more. All of the other channels come in fine. Since the digital switch, did the FOX2 tower move? I have been reading and looking and cannot find anything on it. As I say, everything was fine and nothing with my gear has changed.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dave ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception dh_13 http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103685-fox-detroit.html Power Lines and Antennas http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103663-power-lines-antennas.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:28:33 GMT To get the desired channels at my location, I have to point my antenna straight thru high voltage power lines that come across a field to my house. The tip of the antenna (xg91) is roughly 35ft away from the power lines. I have tried the antenna at different heights..equal to the lines..between... To get the desired channels at my location, I have to point my antenna straight thru high voltage power lines that come across a field to my house.
The tip of the antenna (xg91) is roughly 35ft away from the power lines. I have tried the antenna at different heights..equal to the lines..between the lines..below the lines.

My question is..do power lines emmit electronic signals that could interfere with OTA TV signals ? I could mount my antenna on the transformer pole and get on the other side of the lines..but again.. if the transformer emmits signals that would interfere with my OTA reception.. then I would just be running in circles :huh ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception Small Engine http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103663-power-lines-antennas.html Does wind = dropouts? http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103598-does-wind-dropouts.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:32:17 GMT It has been a windy week in Florida and I'm getting more dropouts than usual on digital channels 12 and 13. I know that VHF channels are more likely than UHF stations to have dropouts during lightning strikes, but does it also happen more often during windy periods? ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception Wally http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103598-does-wind-dropouts.html Recommendations for set up between two cities. http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103580-recommendations-set-up-between-two-cities.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:08:40 GMT Hi, My Radio Shack antenna just bit the dust and I think now is the time to try and maximize my reception. I live between two big cities and would like to receive channels from both. Each has one channel in the VHF range (TV Fool lists channel 7 on 42, but it's back on 7).

My only geographical problem is the many tall pine trees directly to the south of my house. I would rather run 2 antennas instead of one with a rotator. They will be mounted on the chimney with about a 60' cable run to two tv's (and maybe a third in the future).

My TVFool report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...bc27eb36d23d41

From reading this form and the stuff off HDTV Primer my guess is to get something fairly directional like a pair of Winegard HD7697Ps pionted in each direction on opposite sides of the chimney (will that help?) with joiner and HDP-269 preamp.

One other question is that I would like to use an outdoor antenna for FM reception also. Would a separate FM antenna interfere or would it be better to get a full spectrum TV antenna?

Thanks in advance for your help ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception NoXiN http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103580-recommendations-set-up-between-two-cities.html Edge 2 Reception and Homeowners Association (Los Angeles Suburbs) http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103566-edge-2-reception-homeowners-association-los-angeles-suburbs.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:07:01 GMT My family lives in the Los Angeles suburbs (Thousand Oaks to be exact). We'd like to save some money by dropping our cable subscription and switching to OTA. Unfortunately, there are a lot of big hills between us and Mt Wilson (where all the LA stations broadcast from - We don't care about getting KBEH, KVCR, etc that aren't on Mt Wilson) and we have some strict homeowners rules about what antennas we can put on the roof. I think we're limited to one, and no large posts, so the antenna is limited to roof height. But I'm not sure exactly how large the antenna can be. I'd assume at least as big as some of the satellite dishes that the neighbours have (should clarify some of them are pretty big, in order to have 5 TVs attached).

The specifics:
- 1 story house
- 3 TVs (though at first we'd like to just get one working)
- No cable runs will be longer than 50 ft.

Here's the TV fool report: ?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dbc27435dc646a 2
(sorry, can't post full URLs yet - there shouldn't be a space before that last 2. I've also attached two pictures from tv fool)

So what are the chances that we can get KABC, KTTV, KNBC, KTLA, and KCBS (at a minimum)? And what equipment do you think would be needed to get the most channels?
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]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception _zed http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103566-edge-2-reception-homeowners-association-los-angeles-suburbs.html Cancelled DirecTV and wanting OTA http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103550-cancelled-directv-wanting-ota.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:07:43 GMT Hi everyone, I am new here, and have been looking over a few posts for ideas on some antenna suggestions. I have been thinking about getting a XG91 or a CM4228 for a UHF signal. However, I am not sure on a antenna for a VHF signal. I am also interested in a pre-amp and a rotor as well. ... Hi everyone,

I am new here, and have been looking over a few posts for ideas on some antenna suggestions. I have been thinking about getting a XG91 or a CM4228 for a UHF signal. However, I am not sure on a antenna for a VHF signal.

I am also interested in a pre-amp and a rotor as well.

Here are my coordinates: 35.825022,-85.945276

There is already a older UHF/VHF antenna on a 30 ft. pole/mast next to the house that my grandfather used a long time ago. I will use that same pole, but will be re-wiring because it's a mess...

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :) ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception jsp615 http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103550-cancelled-directv-wanting-ota.html I Think I need a 7 to 13 Antenna, Plus http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103542-i-think-i-need-7-13-antenna-plus.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:24:55 GMT Antenna Problem
===============
I think I've narrowed the signal drops I have been experiencing to the 7-13 VHF high channels. So I think I need to get either a Clearstream C5 which has a nice small size or an AntennaCraft Y5-7-13. Am I correct?

The tvfool info is here http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...bc27660873a172.


Antenna Situation
=================
As can be seen from my tvfool profile I have San Diego in almost exactly 180 degrees in the opposite direction. In fact I often pick up channels 10.1, 10.15 and sometimes 8.3, and sometimes channels from Mexico. I can't figure out what allows me to pick those stations up - sun spots, fog, etc, but its an interesting surprise.

I currently have a Channel Master 4228, so is there an antenna combination that will allow me to pick up channels on both sides of the antennas, or is a rotator the solution, if I want to get the San Diego channels. I much prefer a static setup.


Thanks,


John ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception xml2k http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103542-i-think-i-need-7-13-antenna-plus.html Antenna Requirement Request http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103518-antenna-requirement-request.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:21:17 GMT I will be looking at homes in different states in the weeks ahead and I wanted to get an idea of what kind of antennas, cables, pre amps. etc. that I might need to obtain the best reception of the signals that are obtainable in each area. I'd like to get some feedback on the following locations if I could.

Note the attached files.
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File Type: jpg TV Fool 2J.jpg (61.5 KB)
]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception Billiam http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103518-antenna-requirement-request.html Tool much signal ??? http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103512-tool-much-signal.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:54:16 GMT What happens when you get to much signal ? Channel 10 CBS which is one of the oldest and most powerful channels about 25 miles from me and having an antenna of almost 1/4 mile high is causing my tv to blank out and the converter box shows a signal strength bouncing back and forth from 0 to 15 for... What happens when you get to much signal ? Channel 10 CBS which is one of the oldest and most powerful channels about 25 miles from me and having an antenna of almost 1/4 mile high is causing my tv to blank out and the converter box shows a signal strength bouncing back and forth from 0 to 15 for a while and after about a minute the picture will eventually come at about 85. Sounds like it is overloading the system until the system adjusts for the extra signal strength. That is just my guess. I think channel 10 will be the only one that will do this and how do I fix this without compromising the signal from the other channel that are not coming in so strong. ]]> Local HDTV Info and Reception cush42 http://www.highdefforum.com/local-hdtv-info-reception/103512-tool-much-signal.html