TOSHIBA D-VR650KU will not record over the air uhs channels it say

I purchased a Panasonic 32" TC-32LX700 HDTV (which was one of the best rated by Consumer Reports) and a Zenith ZHDTV1 uni-directional UHF indoor antenna to view over-the-air broadcasts. I live in Olympia (state capital of Washington) and the nearest HDTV broadcast stations are more than 35miles away towards Seattle/Tacoma. I placed the indoor antenna near the TV and focussed it towards the window in the direction of the bradcast towers and connected the coaxial cable between the Panasonic TV and antenna. The result was simply breath-taking. The one channel I get, FOX channel, was very clear and crisp. I could not believe that HDTV broadcasts were that good. But they are now. The picture/video quality is far better than any cable/dish quality I have seen. I am quite happy with it and particularly the video quality which rivals the quality of even blue-ray disks. THe cost of this antenna is just $30, but the picture quality is awesome.

Does anyone know if I can still buy a 'normal' nonHD TV but still LCD and big screen? Anyone know what can I do if I don't want the HD stuff and still get the full image?

ere is my feedback and I don't own any responsibility in what I have written. My feedback is just based on what I know.

Any present-day LCD TV should be capable of receiving both HDTV and analog (non-HDTV) signals. The present day HDTVs sets have 3 types of tuners for receiving various types of broadcasts (check carefully before buyging a TV), as explained below.

QAM tuner: (signal propagation through Quadrature Amplitude Modualtion) Most of the present-day HDTV TVs have these tuners. These integrated tuners enable free-reception of any unscrambled Digital Cable Channels if you have a Cable TV provider without the need for a HDTV cable-set-top box. So this becomes useful if anyone just happens to have only an analog set-top box and wants to view any free (authorized) digital channels that a cable company provides.

ATSC Tuner: (developed by Advanced Television Systems Committee) Similar to QAM tuner, most of the newer HDTVs have this tuner. This enables free reception of over-the-air Digital broadcasts. If the TV doesn't have this tuner, then one needs a converter box (as suggested by this Consumer Reports blog). But to receive the signals one needs to have an antenna as well (as explained in this blog). The picture quality is outstanding in this case as this transmission is assumed to enable reception of full HD content (1920x1080 resolution).

NTSC tuner: (developed by National Television Systems Committee many decades back) This tuner is the age-old analog Tuner present in almost all of the TVs (including HDTV TVs). I think one needs this tuner to receive analog channels, Camcorder/VCR/VideoRecorder video feeds. However, over-the air (and I think all the available analog channel transmission in US) will cease sometime in Feb of next year. I think from then on, every TV transmission will be digital in nature.

In case of a big-screen LCD TV, what matters is the resolution. The bigger the TV screens are, one needs to have more resolution (say 1920x1080). Here 1920 pixels are present in any horizontal line and there are 1080 vertical lines or 1080 pixels in a vertical line. So the total count of pixels on the screen is 1920 times 1080. The smaller LCD TVs need a resolution of 1024×768. Watching non-HD channels (i.e., regular standard definition analog channels) on big-screen TVs (which have 1920x1080 pixels) is not advisable as these analog channels/signals are transmitted with a picture quality of 640×480. This less resolution (640×480) of analog channels is not sufficient to fill (all the pixels present in) picture quality requirement of 1920x1080 pixels in big-screen TVs. So in the places where it can't fill, the TV tries to extrapolate with a loss in picture quality. In effect one can still get analog channels on all big-screen TVs, but with a loss of picture quality. Consumer Rports has a wonderful ratings of all big-screen TVs with picture quality of analog signals as one of the criteria. One needs to subscribe to CR to see them.

I divide my time between 3 different residences, none of which have cable. One of these can get UHF channels clearly, one is shielded by hills and powerlines and has snowy and weather-dependant UHF reception. The third has no UHF at all. And all have roof antennas! My newest TV is just 2 years old but alas, does not have a digital tuner.
From what I read here, converter boxes will be largely ineffective. Cable is not an option, and I couldn't afford it (at three locations!) if it was. Short of moving, are there any other options which can help me get functional free broadcast TV?
Am I the only one who thinks my pocket is being picked by some collusion of government-for-sale and the electronics industry?

CLOSED CAPTIONING HORROR STORY. I have a profound hearing loss. Watching TV without closed captioning is impossible...the spoken words might as well be in a foreign langusge. I bought a new Samsung 46" HDTV (LNT4665F) in January, 2008. I contacted Comcast, my cable company, and asked them to send a technician to hook up the new TV set. The first, second, and third technicians were unable to get closed captioning for me. Technician number three told me that the set would never support closed captioning and that I should get rid of it and buy another set. I filed a complaint with the Federal Communication Commission and sent a copy of the complaint to Comcast. Within three days, a Comcast representative contacted me to request that another technician be allowed to come to my house to attempt to set up captioning. With some skepticism, I agreed to this proposal. The FOURTH COMCAST TECHNICIAN spent about 15 minutes fooling with the cable box and the TV and, WOW, every channel became captioned. I now am able to enjoy HDTV with captions. HERE's THE BOTTOM LINE, if you are hearing impaired and unable to get satisfactory captioning from your cable company, file a complaint with the FCC. The FCC has a website where you can find out how to file a complaint. Federal law requires that captioning be provided (with just a few limitations). Believe me, your complaint will get the cable company's attention because the FCC can impose a fine of up to $1.2 million for offenders. The law says that you are entitled to captioning just as other handicapped persons must have their handicap accomodated...it took years to get parking spaces for physically handicapped persons; the battle for captioning for we hearing impaired folks is just warming up.
Don

To "steven willmy" and Others -

It is not a matter of Brand or cost of Recorder that now inhibits the successful recording of digital O.T.A..

Rather, due to the ever-increasing inclusion of digital "bits" within the broadcasts of Movies, shows, special events, even Sports, etc., there are flags which will not always permit private recording onto a hard disc.

These 'flags' are a part of 'Copyright Protection' and 'DRM' (Digital Rights Management) all within the "Digital Millennium Copyright Act 1998", now long ago.

With any connection by HDMI, these will always be enforced moreso than by Component Cabling.

The era of unlimited VCR recording as with analog is over.

To " Sylvia" -

Your 'post' didn't specify by which means you intended to obtain your TV signals - i.e. - antenna for just O.T.A. programing or local cable analog or standard digital ? Each of these will allow for slightly different viewing.

There are extremely few non wide screen or 'square' format televisions sold now --- these 4:3 sets are usually older stocks, available on close out sales. Yes, these are still "LCD."

Any new wide screen HDTV may be used with standard digital broadcasting - NOT " HD " - local cable companies still do offer this SD service as a separate subscription in most cities. With that required cable box, it can be "set" to appear upon the display in a "wide screen" manner.

Any viewing of analog signals on a HDTV set is not going to be very satisfactory.

As a consequence, however, the colors may seem somewhat pale & faded or, sometimes, scenes may be slightly distorted & stretched.

I hope someone can help me. I just recently bought an analog to digital converter box. In the past I've used a small table-top tv antennae to pick up reception and I can get all the basic networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, CW, PBS, etc). But now that I've installed the converter box, I'm missing NBC and CBS which are broadcast on channels 5 & 12 in my area. In fact, I dont get any VHF channels now. I've gotten these channels before with a cheap antennae, so I thought I would certainly get them with the converter box, but I'm not. Is this a common problem with the analog/digital conversion or did I do something wrong during installation of the converter box?

I just installed "DigtalStream" DTV boxes at two locations in fringe areas. Both locations have outdoor antennas, rotors and antenna amplifiers. I had missing channels at first at both locations, but found that moving the antenna and updating the channels added the missing channels.

I also found that slight adjustments of the antenna and rescanning made a big difference. I ended up getting all the channels with the antenna pointed in one direction.

After some experimentation I got all the channels I had plus channels I could barely see before and the additional digital channels at both locations.The picture quality is great.

After you understand and get your box set up, you won't miss analog TV at all. The $40 coupon doesn't hurt either. I read Echostar will have a DTV box in May '08 that will sell for $40. That means you would only pay the tax.

I'm waiting to read the first Consumer Reports DTV box testing article when it is available.

To all:

Just a short note to thank everyone here for their great input. And for those who are looking for more information about converter boxes, we've finally posted our "First Look" at three set-top boxes.

You'll find it by typing in "First Look DTV converter boxes" in the search box on our site, ConsumerReports.org. Or, you can also cut and paste this simple URL into your broswer:

http://tinyurl.com/3xgqr7

Again, thanks for your comments. Keep them coming. And check back often as we hope to take closer looks at more DTV converter boxes soon!

—Paul Eng, Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

To "Summer-13 Mar" -

Your previous basic indoor or "set top" antenna will not "do" for digital signals as it has for analog.

The majority of your old channels were on VHF - 02 thru 13.

Now, those will be received with different channels in the UHF ranges - i.e. - above # 13. This requires a "UHF" antenna.

Depending upon your surroundings, nearby tall buildings, dense trees, etc., these new digital channels may or may not be obtained with an indoor antenna.

One such possible antenna that "might" work in your attic will be the "DB-4", available from www.solidsignal.com
with shipping about $68. It will also need a short length of Coax Cable, also available from that source.

For you early birds who have already hooked up converter boxes to old TVs, you may be in for some disappointment if you are using a simple indoor rabbit-ear antenna. Many of the currently broadcasting TV station are transmitting on uhf channels (above channel 13) and pictures are broken up with intermittent sound. In the New York City area, several of the major broadcasters (CBS, NBC, etc.) are not received as well as the old vhf analog signals. Even with a good uhf outdoor antenna, I am not able to receive my favorite channel 13 signal, though all other local stations are fine.
Here's the reason: Some stations are currently operating with very low power, such as channel 13, and their on-air digital signal is too weak for good reception. Other stations are on temporary uhf channels. By the time the February, 2009 deadline arrives, these problems should be resolved. Channel 13 will boost it power and one of its subchannels will be on vhf again, while other stations will move to their final channels (some back to vhf) with their former higher power. Local channel 21 is not even now transmitting its regular programs digitally.
So, unless you get a converter box that allows feed-through analog signals (most of them do not), I suggest you disconnect the converter boxes now and wait until things settle down in 6-9 months.

I bought my DTV converter box and had gone through the wizard set up menu. At the end of the setup wizard it says "no signal". I live in an apt bldg and my antenna comes through the wall. Does anybody have any advice? I called the DTV manufacturer and she said that the area I live in might not have any digital conversions yet. Can this be the case? If so how can I find out if my city is or when it will do the digital converstion? I realize it doesn't go into effect until 2/19/09, so in the meantime I'm just holding onto the box? It seems like everyone else has been successful in the installation and getting clearer and/or addt'l channels than what they had before.

To Elaine:

The reason you are getting "no program" is that you probably did not do a scan first to allow your converter box to latch on to digital signals. Many of them are already on the air. I don't know where you live but if you go the www.nab.com you will be able to see who is now broadcasting on digital. Lots of them are not on their final channels and are operating at very low power, but there are already plenty of them now on.

help! purchased two dtv boxes, set up according to instructions, unable to bring in two local high power tv stations also picture and sound break up on that stations that i do get, will this clear up in february 09, or do i have to get a uhf antenna?

To: Milt Snitzer

Thanks for your reply. I did the installation wizard twice which included scanning the stations. At then end of the wizard it said complete and then "no signal". I live in Westchester County, NY. It sounds like you live in NY as well? I went to the www.nab.com website as you suggested, but it brought me to anther site which didn't seem to relate to what I was looking for. Do you have any other tips or suggestions?

To "Elaine - 30 Mar - Still Nothing after Wizzard .."

Your apartment complex manager may have to be consulted - IF their main antenna is Not a "combination" or might be "VHF only", you can not use a Federal Convertor.
These will strictly "see" / pickup digital only!

And, yes, there is now digital broadcasts in your geographical region.

To " Carol -29 Mar - Must I have a UHF antenna?...."

Yes, definitely - the Federal Convertors are ALL digital devices only & the Vast majority of digital channels are above channel #13.

One very good UHB band antenna is the Channel Master # # 4228, available many places - one being - $77, with shipping - may operate from the attic but best outside -
www.solidsignal.com

To Elaine:

It appears that the master antenna in your apartment is vhf only so that it will not pick up the digital stations, most of whom are now on uhf. Some of these will go back to vhf sometime before the Feb. 09 date. You might want to buy a powered uhf indoor antenna at RadioShack for around $25.
Also, I gave you the wrong URL for digital stations. It should be www.nab.org. A link on this website will show you digital stations that are now on the air. There are lots of them in the NYC area.

Will Consumer Reports review set top and roof top antennas for digital tv?

Our analog reception is just satisfactory (not excellent) and we're concerned that digital reception might be inadequate unless we had a really good antenna.

To "M. Tilbury - 03 April - Marginal Antenna Reception.."

Sadly, the current "power" used on UHF channels for OTA Digital broadcasting IS much less than our old analog. So, many may have less success unless they DO acquire a specific antenna and have it outside, atop the highest part of one's roof as well !

There is listed at "FORUMS - Post # 8054.1" several appropriate antennas for current digital reception.

Do know that whenever "analog" is shut off next Feb, there will be more broadcasting power plus a few stations may return to the higher channels of VHF - that's the reasoning for listing those "Combo VHF/UHF" antenna --- will avoid the expense of "doing this again ! More, pls do ask.

My wife and I travel with a small 12" analog TV that we plug into a power port in our van. Are there converters that will work with direct current? What are our options?

Nick

i am do away with my tv until they figure this out. it look to me the people are going to get screw again by cable/sat company. you will have to have new of every thing by end 2012 and the picture is go to be poor. thank god for the internet p.s can you say huge bills dtv$$$$$$$$ invest in company that make tv and digital converter boxs

I have a HDTV and a small analog TV and rely on the same indoor antenna for both sets. I use my analog TV to watch Fox broadcasting on a VHF channel (2), with a signal that is weak by the time it reaches my area. Reception is often poor, but tolerable. I cannot get ANY digital signal from Fox when I try on my HDTV. I am concerned that when analog broadcasting ceases, I will be worse off than now--unable to watch Fox because its digital signal will probably be no stronger than its current analog signal. Is there anything I can do to continue watching this station--an outdoor antenna is not an option, as I live in an apartment building, and I don't want to subscribe to a cable service?

To: " Nick - RV w/ analog - 04 April "-
At least - Two 'options' ...

Get an inverter with sufficient power output rating to handle both your existing CRT + Federal Converter.... but that's (3) bulky items !

Obtain a new Digital ATSC Tuner LCD TV - much smaller in bulk, less power required plus no Federal Converter / Inverter at all. Probably not a great deal of difference in monies between the two projects.

P.S. - In any case, you'll need a new , digital antenna, too -Perhaps a DB-4 will suffice, with the lack of storage space? Otherwise a C.M. # 4228 - see dimensions @ www.solidsignal.com

TO: " Harold F. - analog for Fox on indoor antenna .."

That HDTV can not "see" any digital OTA - standard or HD - with your analog antenna.

IF you happen to have a outside wall or window or closet that "faces" in the same general direction as those TV Broadcasting Towers, there's a slim chance that a new specific, digital antenna will aid the new HDTV. Of course, there must not be any obstructions between that window, etc., & TV Towers -- other tall buildings.....

There is a Channel Master# 4228 that you could "stand" in front of that window glass -- it is sufficiently strong to possible receive all your OTA-HD even indoors.

It is about 29" X 32" -- may be "seen" at -
www.solidsignal.com

All broadcasts Will be stronger shortly after all analog is stopped next FEB..

Does your complex not have a "common antenna system" wired throughout or was that the cable? pls do post again. eliwhitney1938@hotmail.com

I live in a rural area near Washington DC. Using a rooftop antenna, we get about a dozen analog channels well and about four more poorly. There are at least a dozen stations broadcasting in digital in this area now that we know of. I connected up a Zenith converter box today and got nothing. No matter what I did I only got "no signal". I know the antenna is producing signal and I know I did the connections right. I also tried an amplified indoor antenna and the same thing happened. Is there anything more I can try or am I doomed?

To Mitch:

See my post of Mar. 28.

We had to use our rabbit ears to get a signal, but that works great, we got a clear picture and picked up lots of new channels, fox, CW, etc. all came in great and we didn't get them before, we've never paid for cable, so this is a real treat!

I have a supposedly high definition antenna and a newish Toshiba DVD and a new Insignia small LCD HDTV with VCR's attached to both. I would like to be able to record more than 1 show at a time. I can't find any info on how to attach DTV converter boxes to each VCR. Do I need one for the HDTV? Do I need a fancier DVD player/recorder?

Martha mjmorton2@verizon.net

I just tried to install a converter box and could not even get to "set-up" because the screen says "no signal." I have tried it with four different table-top antennas, all of which bring in UHF and VHF very well. I'm located between San Francisco and San Jose and get strong signals; I moved the antennas around a six-foot circle plus up and down around that circle, with its center being the best position pre-dtv. What else could be wrong?

I bought my DTV converter box and had gone through the wizard set up menu. At the end of the setup wizard it says "no signal". I live in an apt bldg , Does anybody have any advice? I called the DTV manufacturer and she said that the area I live in might not have any digital conversions yet. Can this be the case? If so how can I find out if my city is or when it will do the digital conversion? I realize it doesn't go into effect until 2/19/09, so in the meantime I'm just holding onto the box? It seems like everyone else has been successful in the installation and getting clearer and/or addt'l channels than what they had before!! what do should i do??

Please help! I just installed the converter box on my tv (its about 7years old) I have always used rabbit ears and gotten basic PBS,NBC,CBS type stations. Now,after installing my box, the same show THAT I KNOW IS ON!! will not come in. I keep getting NO SIGNAL,yet if I just unplug the antenna from the box and stick it right back on the tv, voila!,theres my show. Whats happening??? I appreciate anyones time even if its just for me to vent,thanks.

Great article on DTV and antenna's! Thanks for the info, I've linked to this particular article on my website.

Hooked up my 2 Insignia converter boxes (Best Buy's brand)and COULD NOT be happier! OMG the picture is just so much better than it ever came in before! Living in Queens, NY between 2 airports always gave distortion on one channel or another. NOT NOW!!!

I am reading that so many of you are having serious issues and I'm sorry for you. The closer they get to full conversion, the better it will be... hang in there folks.

Installed 2 RCA converter boxes, get one channel, actually 3 related to the one. Another channel cuts out really bad, would rather have a snowy picture, at least could watch. PBS channels ok, other two channels won't come in at all.
Have re scanned and re adjusted atanea to the point Hubbie not Happy....
In the instructions it says if cannot recieve channels, after all the above will need a "Smart Antanea" problem is No One, knows what this is.
Help. tell us what it is! Is it going to be something exceptionally high priced when all is said and done, or will most of us only have one channel?

I subscribe to Basic cable,which does not require a cable box. I have gotten conflicting advice about whether I need to buy a converter box. I have been told that having cable is sufficient even without a box of any kind, but I have also been told I need a 2-way converter box. I have been able to identify only 1 brand(Insignia) of 2-way box, which was not well reviewed.

First of all, sorry but there is no such thing as a 'digital antenna'. You receive an ANALOG UHF radio wave signal that carries digitally encoded TV information. In theory the right piece of wire, with an optimum orientation, and connected properly to your converter box, might work just fine if you are near a strong enough signal. The UHF Band of 'radio' frequencies (Ultra High Frequency, channels 13 - 83), is just above the VHF Band, channels 2- 12 (which is just above your FM Radio Band). Chances are you have an old UHF antenna around your house and don't even realize it - the round loop of wire about 10" in diameter, or the famous 'bowtie' shape about the same size. Signals are not that strong for us 35 miles NW of Denver, but my little bowtie 'analog' antenna works just fine when pointed in the right direction. I wouldn't pay more than $10 for any UHF antenna - salvage something, maybe at a Garage Sale.

For FAQs, go to www.dtv2009.gov Remember, if you have Cable TV now, you don't need to buy a converter!

Additional Note: we have a portable 7" screen DVD player that won't spin DVDs anymore - not worth fixing. However the display still works, and when its Aux input is hooked up to the DTV converter box output (with correct 3-wire cable), you can watch DTV on this little player!

You write: "Unfortunately, there's a chance no antenna will work for you. Recent reports indicate that some households are in fringe areas with poor reception, and for them, off-air digital TV might not be a good option."
I fall into this position of getting "No Signal" for every New York station with my new converter box and my existing indoor antenna (I can get all of their analog signals -- usually with sigificant snow, and sometimes only in b/w).
I cannot add an outdoor antenna to my apartment building and I don't watch enough TV to justify a cable bill. It's interesting that this wasn't advertised in Congress as the "Death of Free TV" bill, but that's what it will be for many of us who are only casual watchers.

To -TBL - 04 JUNE --"... Too little TV to have Cable ..."

Do be aware that Most local cable companies will have two basic analog programs available now --- one specifically for Seniors, with only the 4-5 major networks + PBS and another, with the more traditional / customary channels 02 thru 75 or so.

These DO work on any TV without an extra box of any kind as well.

Analog service is guaranteed thru the start of 2012 --- my Mom's is $15/monthly for her Senior Service.

Even the other analog cable is not very costly --- under $40 in most cities.... no installation charges, too.

To Joel Kershner - 03 June .." Will basic cable still need a Converter ? ..."

Of course, this'll just be another "conflicting opinion!" - but - go to any of those www.dtv.org , etc., government-sponsored web sites or the many listed here as well for tie breakers !

NO - local basic analog cable is guaranteed to be available until the start of 2012 --- even longer IF your company happens to be one of those 2,900 low power or private analog cable ones, which will struggle onwards until they do "go bankrupt."

Channels may be somewhat lacking - now 02 thru usually channel 75, but some are gradually leaving for the other signal only.

By that date, you may find that you DO want to buy a new HDTV, to enjoy all the new colors, sound, added channels!

TO: Sharon Wilson - 02 June - " SILVER (inside) digital Antenna for Converter ?"

This Comment section doesn't have live or blue "links" - so, just copy this verbatim & it will show you what one looks like / where it may be purchased.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ZHDTV1

Do know that indoor digital antennas may Not do as well as did your previous "rabbit ears" or other analog set-top unit.

UHF digital reception is more problematic ! You would be better off ( IF possible ) with a different unit in the attic instead - some are the DB-2 or DB-4 and the Channel Master # 4228. All may be seen at that same web store
above.

TO: Heather - 01 June -" .. get usual channels only if I disconnect the Converter ..!"

You are still able to get all the normal channels when that connection goes straight to the TV (w/o Converter) because analog broadcasting still is "going" until next Feb..

That antenna unit is either the incorrect type { VHF channels 02 - 13 only } or not sufficiently strong to "pick up" the digital signals - UHF channels 14 & higher .

You need a new UHF band antenna .. www.solidsignal.com
is only (1) of very many places which has info, etc., about different ones for O.T.A. - UHF antenna.

Some are DB-2, DB-4, Channel Master #4228, etc..

We just bought two digital TV converter boxes and a small digital HD TV and are completely frustrated by the "all or nothing" signal we're getting. We're near downtown Portland, OR, and all of the TV broadcast towers are clustered in the same area, about 4 miles away; but the Portland metro area is quite hilly and forested. At times, TV is totally unwatchable because of weak signals; at best, the signal is randomly intermittent or produces a scrambled picture. This is true of the television that is connected to an attic antenna and those connected to amplified "rabbit ears." The best reception is on the public television channel (bless them).

My question is: can digital television be delivered the way cellular telephone or wi-fi service is delivered, via smaller towers/repeaters scattered around to provide complete coverage? Would the power requirements of a cellular television system prohibitive?

I can't believe that this wasn't better thought out, and have no confidence that this significant bug will be worked out in time for the transition to entirely digital television broadcasts. It is unacceptable that subscribing to cable television is the only solution to this problem. People living in areas of marginal television reception or in areas without cable service are going to be absolutely out of luck unless they have the means to sink a bundle into a satellite system, and even that may not be an option in heavily wooded areas.

This switchover will be a boon to cable companies (in my more angry and paranoid moments, I've considered that this might be a conspiracy designed to empty our wallets into theirs), and free television will be a thing of the past.

To: M.L. Walker -06 June - " Converters & All or Nothing reception " ....

You did not need Converters with that new digital TV.

No, there is currently no other means of getting signals other than OTA w/ antennas , satellite or local cable - nor is there going to be. Digital bandwidth is too costly.

You are experiencing the "differences" associated with our massive switching from analog to digital.

One is the 100% perfect displays or zero & blank screen whenever the digital signal is too weak for the TV's tuner to "lock on."

Another is the not-widely published fact that dependable UHF band reception (channel 14 & above) for the vast majority of digital signals is much more difficult to achieve than analog.

Our existing digital stations are not now sending out full power, because they are still required to do both analog as well as digital simultaneously -- electrical power is costly for them, so, after the one is "killed" next Feb, there will be stronger digital transmissions.

No antenna inside ( set top or attic, etc.) will be as effective as one mounted outside, as high as possible on the roof. The construction materials of timbers, wooden decking, asphalt roofing all immediately bring about losses of 40%-50% --- heavier construction types or sheet metal totally eliminate proper reception.

You may not recall the '60s, prior to the onset of cable services - but - if one looked out of an airplane while landing, our entire view was one of a "jungle" of metal antennas! To obtain proper O.T.A.-HD dependably, that is exactly where we're heading yet again.

Your digital reception @ (4) miles distance - even with hills & trees - will be improved after next Feb & relocating the antenna outside. However, the repetitive maintenance of the antenna & limited programing of only the 4-5 major networks + PBS will soon become quite tedious in comparison to our accustomed appetite for CNN, ESPN, HD Movies, & all the various programing offered on the
150 + odd channels of cable or satellite.

I realy think our goverment is forceing people to choose which cable or dish netwert to watch T.V. this should be free to the poor americans out there but it no longer is.If your poor you are screwed.

To: Everett Whitney 6 June 2008

Thanks. The digital converters were for two existing analog TVs.

It's encouraging to know that there might be improved signal strength after the switchover. I understand that the broadcasts from the towers are high-powered - they're trying to cover a large geographical area from a single point. Seems to me that small towers, spaced to provide complete coverage, wouldn't require a huge net increase in power needed. Maybe I just don't understand the minutiae of the physics involved, but TV signals are just radio waves - so couldn't transmitters be co-located on cellular towers?

To EWhitney 6/5/08 --
You respond to my inability to receive digital signals in my fringe area by writing, "Do be aware that most local cable companies will have two basic analog programs available now.." followed with detail about those cable offerings.

I meant what I said in my initial comment from 6/4. I'm only in my apartment for a few waking hours each day and I will not be paying a monthly bill to a cable/satellite corporation next February when my free TV goes black. I think that if the proponents of this DTV transition bill had been honest about the fact that the range of broadcast signals would dramatically decrease, it would not have passed (as it was, it only passed the Senate by 51-50 on 12/21/05, with Dick Cheney being vote #51). If one senator had called it the "Death of Free TV" bill, we casual TV viewers would not be losing our fuzzy but acceptable analog service early next year.

We get great reception with an antenna on the roof. Does this antenna have to also be a UHF to beable to get the digital channels with the converter box? We have installed the converter box on two different tvs, and keep getting "no signal" message everytime we scanned for channels? What are we doing wrong?

To: Pat - 18 June - " Have Roof Antenna now BUT ...."

Sorry to be so late - these "comments" are much more hidden than those @ the "FORUMS."

You haven't DONE anything improper - but - YES - all Federal Coupon Converters must have a UHF signal in order to function --- ability to pick up channels at # 14 and above.

Except for a very few markets - i.e.- Chicago + NYC, etc., - the vast majority of digital O.T.A. is currently broadcast in the UHF band only - so, one may buy / use an antenna strictly designed for that. One such would be a Channel Master # 4228, about the strongest (gain) available.

Others are DB-2, DB-4, DB-8 all being for increasing distances from those TV towers.

All "may" possibly work within the attic if not very far away.

All will also need to use a good quality coax cable, quad RG6 preferred. Very inexpensive-under $25 for a 50' already-prepared length.

http://www.solidsignal.com

is only one web site of very many.

I purchased the Artec T3A converter box & tried to hook up this weekend. I got the no signal. I do have cable but not in my kitchen where the TV for the box is - too difficult to run to. I was told I needed the HD amplifier antenna. Before I hooked up the box I did get a few channels (not great - but I did get them). After the hookup - nothing. Is this antenna worth trying?

To Debbie -23 June - "DO I need the HD Amplified Antenna ..?"

That doesn't provide enough description to "look it up."

Yes, every single Converter Box Must have an antenna of some sort.

No, there's no situation that makes running your local cable connection to that kitchen TV - NOT free & perhaps, even a $100 fee by that cable company! But, it WILL continue to provide you w/ perfect analog pictures on that old TV set until the beginning of 2012. Plus, no extra monthly fee for the additional set.

BUT, you will spend that much quite possibly in buying / hooking up various antennas .... indoor varieties are Most problematic in reliable digital reception. And, NO, there's no such thing technically as a "HD" special antenna - there are only UHF ( channel #14 and up) & VHF - under that channel 14 or most Rabbit Ears, with the long "V" wires.

ONLY a small chance - this one can be returned but you will need to pay for that return insured shipping - is called a "Picture Frame" antenna. Includes a length of cable & needs to be moved to different walls to see if one would be better - here - $39.99 -

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=AD-PF7

TO: Debbie again -" Kitchen Converter needs antenna?"

I was not clear - all cable companies WILL install their cables within walls & out-of-sight ... it is an extra charge service - but - never "impossible."

Any satisfactory antenna + the Converter box will only provide the 4-5 major networks + PBS --- not the 60-70 various analog channels.

Indoor antennas may perform differently between clear weather & storms.

One more web site offering free shipping until the 29th is

www.antennasdirect.com

They also have that Picture Frame + other indoor antennas, allow for "returns", etc..

Can Someone Help
I have a 13 inch small panas..tv in one room
I got an insignia converter box however,on the back of the
tv there is only 1 place a coax cable looks like it should
go but the recepter is a male connector...the coax cable is
also male...I don't understand what to do ... Coax cable
has a male connector on both sides where do you plug it
in on the tv..I don't have an outside ant.. The tv gets
excellant color now..but I can't figure out how to plug the
converter In does it go directly into the set in the back?

Really confused..

TO: Sherry - " 13 but where do I connect Cable?"

You only need to go to any Lowe's, H.D., Wal-Mart's, Radio Shack, etc., to find & buy a new, short Coax Jumper which DOES have Female, swivel ends to connect to that terminal you have.

Very cheap ... under $4.

My mothers old tv will not tune to channel 3 or 4. Is there any brand converter box that would work on her tv? (no, it does not have a coaxial cable connection either, but I did buy a converter for that.) I just paid a tv store to come out and look at installing a Channel Master converter box, and that one could not be put on.
Thank you.

To: Marcie - 01 July -" Mom's TV will not tune to 3 or 4 ?"

Do you mean that her mechanical tuner is worn out / no longer works on those two channels?

Considering how old that HAS to be, the brightness, contrast and other attributes must be bad also.

NO, there are no special federal Coupon Converters.

Seriously consider giving up - return that Converter for whatever amount you paid above the Coupon & look at the available, cheap, digital tuner, fixed display, standard
digital resolution ONLY { there are SD and HD sets }
new TVs ... still being sold.

Do try Costco's IF you have that - they permit a longer trial / return interval.

so what you're saying is, if i got a regular television (purchased around 2000) and a converter that's telling me "no signal", i will also have to buy some sort of Antannæ?

really?

TO: Rex - 03 July - " Must my 2000 Tv Also Have an Antenna?"

Yes, certainly - all Federal Coupon Converters work by seeking digital O.T.A. signals!

Also, even the very latest HDTV - w/o any Converter needed - must have an antenna for O.T.A. signals, too.

Depending upon your locale, either a "combo" antenna - one which picks up both VHF { 02-13 } & UHV {above 13} channels will be needed. In many cities, only a straight UHF antenna will suffice, IF transmissions from your TV stations won't change again next Feb. Some will.

Usually mounted at least within one's attic if sufficiently tall, all antennas function better IF mounted outside, as high as practical upon the roof & then connected to the Box via a quality "Quad Coax" cabling. This is because the roofing construction + actual outside material usually eliminates 40 % - 50 % of the signal. Metal roofing prohibits any attic location.

Some have great success with an indoor type of antenna - however, these are quite limited in "gain" or range plus these may well loose the signals during foul weather.

Some models of UHF only include the Channel Master #4228, which will also receive down to channel # 10; a DB-2, DB-4 & DB-8, each are successively stronger and Only for UHF -13 and up.

A proper "combo" unit is the Channel Master # 3016 - usually so large that it must be mounted outside in order to be rotated during "fine tuning.'

All may be purchased @ many web stores - one example is -
www.solidsignal.com

To start, one must know which antenna IS better for his exact location at -

www.antennaweb.org

input the ZIP or address to see what color code (strength) antenna is suggested. everettwhitney@sbcglobal.net

P.S. to REX - 03 July - " 2000 vintage TV ....."

How do you NOW get TV reception?

Sounds like you have / use cable?

Then, you do NOT need converter - all cable companies will continue analog thru start of 2012. Some private & very small cable companies will never stop analog (until they go bankrupt.)

You need to do nothing. Return that converter.

I have one out door Antenna (8'long)in the attice of a 2 story home. The antenna is connected to a spliter box in the attice. One 70-300ohms (flat) antenna wire from the spliter box goes to TV in the 2nd floor and the other from the spliter box goes to the TV in the first floor. Both TVs are connected through seperate convertor boxes. I am getting excelent reception with almost all HDTV chanels on the 2nd floor but very weak reception and only couple of chanels ( UHS)on the first floor.The VHS signals without the convertor box are on the border line. Any suggestions to improve the signal for the first floor. Are there special TV antennas for the HDTV signal. Is the length of the antenna wire a problem. Any suggestion on outdoor antenna which is small in size and can be mounted outside like a dish. I tried Radio shack antenna which is a small box connected to the 110v outlet and this is supposed to convert the whole house wiring in to an antenna. Did not work.
Need help.

Thanks

TO: Manmohan - 4th July - " Flat wire TV lead in to 1st.. "

No, although many places do advertise special "HD" antennas to justify wicked prices, do NOT buy! There are only VHF / UHF combos or either one separately.

Use www.antennaweb.org to input your Zip / address to find out which type / "gain" or strength you need ....your current model may be entirely appropriate.

BUT - You must change over from that flat or 'ribbon' lead to a proper, round quad coax cable & associated splitter! Far too much loss in signal.

R.S. is too costly! Return that 'amplified antenna' for refund.

Go to Lowe's, H.D., Wal-Mart's or on the web.

One web store of very many is www.solidsignal.com - locate a prepared length to suit your needs .... these do exist in 25', 50', 75', etc., with swivel or female terminals already applied to quad RG6 coax cable, NOT the old "59." Very inexpensive.

Also get the companion screw terminal splitter. Usually, two total TVs is a practical limitation for (1) outside antenna - more TVs mean various antenna amplifiers, etc.. - messy / bothersome.

Hi Manmohan - 04 July - "Flat wire lead in ..."

Sorry, forgot !

There'll also be needed (1) outside 75/300 transformer (self-powered, etc.) which converts the screw terminals of your antenna to that round RG6 coax female swivel ... also has a rubber boot to seal this junction from moisture
- also found at those very same peg board assortments where the RG6 coax is. Under $5.

Comes included w/new antennas - IF - you do buy a new one.

(my household has ... something.

cable or satellite, the bottom line is, we have access to paid channels.

but i had elected not to be a part of that — and i had been fine for all these years without it.)

well, everett.. ..this is what i was getting at:

for all these months, i had been seeing and hearing commercials warning me about what will happen if, at the very least, i don't purchase one of these "digital signal converters"; during that span of time, i had heard nothing about also needing to acquire some sort of antanna in order to complete the package.

so.. ..basically, i had gotten my hopes up for nothing; i am feeling rather cheated, over here.

i was wanting to say "the government should have also issued coupons for these antannæ," but proclaiming such, by itself, would be ignoring the fact that all the money which was utilized for the Converter Coupons came from our very own taxes — even if Uncle Sam had let forth with coupons for that other component, that wouldn't be "free money" as might be erroneously perceived by some people.

on the other hand ... i'd rather our government employs our tax dollars for subsidizing these antannæ (if some of us absolutely must have them in order to continue watching our basic channels), instead of the "certain other things" on which it likes to spend the capital.

yes?

because, i really am not inclined to spend hundreds of dollars )out of pocket) for something which i had never asked: the optimal antanna, and the technician who would be less afraid than i to affix it to our roof|top, and then run the wiring through our house.

so, Uncle Sam *should* cough it up, and subsidize this, too: we can consider it that many-million dollars not available for it to blow on Pork...or unnecessary, and *insulting* Pay Raises: they get to have perpetual financial security at the tax|payers' continued expense and detriment?

July 6, 2008
I live in a rural area that isn't far from where the Boy Scouts were killed by a tornado. I have had a converter box on our main tv for two months and have purchased two new 100.00 outdoor antennas. We still get a no signal most of the time and the bad weather has stopped all signal from the converter box. We used an old tv with rabbit ears the night the storms came in. I think the coupons should be given for weather radios too because we are going to be in the dark after 2-19-09. There was Email address for executive officers on the National Broadcast web site a month ago, and now all web page address have been removed from a lot of government sights. I must be in an area that no antenna is going to work.

TO: REX - 06 July - " Antennas + Converters ..."

I obviously don't clearly understand your latest post ?

"... The household does have .. paid channels .. ?? "

IF that's the case, there's No Charge for additional TV sets within the same mechanical address / customer .... after that initial service fee, added sets are N/C, including the cabling connection and / or basic box, etc..

I do absolutely agree that too few proper explanations and / or emphasis are being provided about the mandatory need of an appropriate digital antenna with every Federal Coupon Converter !

Many commercials (public information spots) even depict the totally wrong, long wire, "V" shaped indoor set top variety which will Never function at all !

Instead of "trial & error" purchasing of multiple antennas, one may use that- www.antennaweb.org - BY inserting the ZIP & address, + {digital}, it quickly lists IF and which type of antenna will be appropriate.

No unit will satisfactorily receive digital signals 100 % if beyond the curvature of the earth limitations ... i.e. .... line-of-sight is customarily under well under 60 miles between the TV Tower & your antenna, without hills, dense trees & other obstructions.

By-all-means, a suitable battery-powered radio IS a necessity.... these are suggested in all recommendations for Severe Weather Kits, along with water, prepared foods, extra blankets, good flashlights, etc..

TO: SUE - " Rural Area .... no signal ..."

My apologies - but - I can not 'correct' reply to your post !

It's in with "REX" of todays (07) date! Very Sorry!

eli

A "P.S." to - SUE - "Near Boy Scouts in Tornado..."

Your "zip only" showed that you do reside in one of those regions wherein O.T.A. digital reception is going to be most difficult ! Some signals will be from Omaha, others from Sioux City & still more will be from Lincoln, all at the extreme limits in distance as well as all over the compass readings...i.e.- Not from one direction.

Within those (2) very costly antennas already tried, IF you'll please post their make / model number, one can make a comparison of what should be Vs whatever those are?

Also, you will need a Rotor set up - a powered gadget that will "aim" or turn any antenna toward the direction of whichever broadcast tower you'll want at that moment.

Lastly, very shortly after next Feb's "analog end", all digital broadcasts WILL be stronger plus at different assigned places (frequencies) specifically for your ZIP -- so, all may be improved for your TV Reception.

Please do list the info on whatever antennas attempted ?

Thank you.
Everett Whitney

We have a roof antenna that gets about 7 channeks successfully. Can we use one converter box where the wire comes in the cellar, or will each television need its'own converter box?
p.s. - that everett guy is a genius!

TO: Becky Grillo - " Splitter or One Converter for each Tv"

Hello - thanks muchly - but - absolutely can't qualify !!
Only retired & enjoy trying to make things work & such.

You might use a proper Splitter from that one Converter , running one or two different sections to various TVs. All available @ Lowe's, Wal-Marts, etc..

BUT - a couple of points ....

* Signals from an antenna are much weaker than from a commercial cable company & as such, can not operate more than 2 or perhaps 3 sets before the signal becomes too "weak" to work properly. Of course, cable companies can & do operate 4-5 sets in a home very well.

* There are 'amplifiers' but these aren't necessarily all great!

* All sets so hooked up may only watch that same (one) channel of the single converter .... not always wanted.

* It would be better to have at least two (2) federal coupon converters for more flexibility.... same (1) antenna + now a coax splitter will be fine, with one piece connected to the "in" of each converter & then, a connection between the "out" of each converter to it's own nearby TV. I think this might be preferred.

Have a good one !

Everett:

You seem to be very knowledgeable about the topics on this forum. I wonder what your background is or where you've gotten your info.

To: Milt Snitzer - '' Who am I ....?"

I was a senior mechanical mechanical engineer for my working years at a wide variety of companies, pretty much across the U.S.. Ended up during the last 23 at our now gone "Ma Bell." Had a wonderful set of learning experiences there, too.

Sight seeing & Traveling done now, I've been reading, watching & surfing at various "forums" much like these various ones @ C.R., where many others have been most gracious in sharing their knowledge & skills !

Thanks for asking!

Everett

Everett:

Thanks for the info. I am former editor of Popular Electronics and Electronis World and have been in electronics most of my life. Still travelling, reading and learning.

all hail everett.

:-).

basically i was saying that the proprietor of our household maintains a paid subscription with DirecTV; i choose to not have my television connected with it, at the moment — precisely on the principle that i don't want to share in the cost of something i'm not particularly interested in.

but i was wanting to have y'all focus more on the other points i had brought up: everything is hunky|dorie for you guys who won't have to spend any extra money to deal with The Inevitable Change|Over; people like me, however, are feeling rather disenfranchised.

if it truly is Absolutely Mandatory i need to acquire the antenna [with funs directly out-of-my-pocket], then i might just forsake TV altogether — ´find a hobby to take up, or somethin'.

there's probably going to be an Actors' Strike some time soon anyway: i could use that time to get myself mentally prepared for such a life|style change.

:-).

I live in a very rural area in Misssissippi with ALL the criteria for no reception. Zip is 38633. Distance, obstructions, lack of options all true here. In most cases, ONLY option is DirectTV since we have NO cable, no broadband and DISH cannot get a signal. To further complicate matters for those who CAN afford DirectTV (not all), we are about a mile into Union County, while the rest of 38633 is in Benton County. The FCC has designated that Union County receive Columbus and Tupelo stations as "local" channels. But this poses a danger to us as our current and emergency weather is broadcast from Memphis stations. DISH and Direct have told us we cannot have Memphis and so we are left with no emergency weather info. Through antenna, most of us here cannot even see Columbus and Tupelo or just barely. Our strong signals come from Memphis. That is also the direction from which come tornadoes. This spring, 5 touched down within 20 miles of us. Without our weather from Memphis, we are in the dark. Please help me know who to contact to allow/make DISH and Direct feed us the Memphis channels. Or better still, counsel us on how we can get a signal out here. We've tried the new TVs, the converter boxes, ATSC tuners in DVD recorders, etc. and get NO signal whatsoever. We are being cut off from the world even more than we already are. We need HELP for safety's sake. Forget entertainment. We live in a dangerous storm area and need to be connected to the broadcaster who covers our area wall to wall when danger is near.

I have an old non-remote tv. I hooked up the INSIGNIA converter box and I get channels 17,23,29,45 in our area. I do not get ch 2,4,5,9,11. On my newer remote tv, I get all channels. Why is that? Will non-remote tvs not work ?

I very frustrated with the lack of support for this transition. I have two TV's and one VCR with SVHS and one VCR without SVHS connections. Their are no set top boxes with SVHS with good reviews. The one box that could be used for unmanned recording has bugs. Two very good tv's that rival DTV pictures I see. Two VCR's with total of four tuners. But no support for recording devices! In turn they get to sell the air waves for profit!

Besides this, the one box I tried could not pick up as many stations as my analog tuners do. I'm not counting all those sub channels that show the same programs in two aspect ratios. My analog stations were sharper and better picture than the Digitial box I tried.

The only good thing I can say is, the DTV stations come in better at one position of the antenna than the analog do.

Anyone care to go back to radio days?

i live 45 miles from my closiest tv station . it's clear as day with out the box with the box nothing.theres going to be some piss off peaple come feb 17 i call the fcc and senetors congress men all i get is you will have to get satellite,i can't afford food, gas and pills now

TO: Vertis - " TV towers are 45 miles away ... nothing ???"

Be more patient ... (A) .. you do not have the correct antenna ! All Federal Coupon Converters must receive a strong digital signal.

(B) - after next Feb, all transmissions WILL be stronger !

For now, keep using that TV w/o any Federal Converter.

In the meanwhile, order / install a new outside antenna - as high as possible on the roof peak by a 10 foot section of 1 1/4" rigid Electrical Conduit from Lowe's, H.D., etc., fastened securely plus properly grounded for lightning protection.

On that , buy & install a Channel Master # 4228 antenna connected to the converter by good quality Quad Coax RG6 cabling in a single length.

ALL may be viewed or bought at many web sites - just one is .... www.solidsignal.com

All such Converters will not function properly w/o an antenna ... this complete, required antenna set up always costs far more than the converter.... well over $150, even IF one may do it by themselves!

TO: JOEL K. -- " I use basic Cable .. do I need Converter?"

NOPE ... Never ! ... many are also 'confused' - including those selling these Converters!

ALL on local cable service are guaranteed analog until early 2012 !

Plus, IF wanted, you May now 'subscribe' @ a very nominal additional fee to have standard digital on ALL picture-tube sets ... will provide a much "clearer display" as well as more than double the # of channels.

{Satellite service has never been involve, either.}

I just purchased an Insignia converter box and and RCA UHF/VHF antenna for my VERY OLD (about 30 yrs. old) RCA TV. Currently, I'm connected to my condominium's outside antenna which is also old and not good. From what I've read here, I'm figuring I'll need the new antenna in order for the converter box to work. My question is what type of cables/adapters am I likely to need to hook these up to the TV? Both the antenna and the converter came with coaxial cables, but I have no idea if they will connect to my TV. The TV is so old and heavy I cannot move it myself to see what kinds of connections it has on the back, and I'd like to have whatever I might need on hand before I get someone to hook this up for me. (I've heard I might need a coax jumper, and the antenna box says some older TVs may need a "band separator"--whatever that is.)

Thanks for anyone's help. I've found lots of useful info here.

TO: Jill - 26 July - " 30 years old TV ..."

For the very inexpensive price required, it'd be well to have a ".. 300 ohm to 75 ohm transformer .." on hand, Just-in-case!

This would have been sold where you bought that antenna, etc., but also is at SuperCenters, Lowe's, Home Depot, Radio Shack (too pricey), etc.. Under $5.00.

Just keep the receipt & it may be returned / refunded w/o
any problem IF not needed.

This "blog" doesn't link ... no pictures ... imagine a small,
lump in the palm of your hand the size of a chap stick, with that round Coax coming from 1 end and a 3" long section of flat, brown, twin ribbon TV lead from the opposite !

Good luck.

P.S. - Jill --- " BAND SEPARATOR " ....

That's another very small "lump" which will provide the means to allow the VHF band { channels #13 and lower } to be 'separated' from the " UHF " - channels above #13.

These used to be available "all over" but have pretty much become obsolete / vanished ?

Printing on that casing, with .. "VHF" - "UHF" & sometimes "FM" on it, plus some screw terminals & short wiring sections protruding.

I live in the Baltimore, MD - Washington, DC area. In my attic, connected to a Radio Shack Rota-tenna, is a 30 yo Radio Shack antenna which can receive both UHF and VHF signals. The antenna is connected via coax cable to 2 20-yo Sony TV sets -- one is on the second floor and one on the first floor -- and to a 20-yo RCA TV set in the basement. The 2 Sonys are connected into 2 20-yo VCRs.

Recently, I bought two Zenith DTT901 converters (with $40 coupons) and am VERY satisfied with them. The pictures are certainly sharper with these converters. The best reception is certainly dependent on the proper antenna orientation. I also receive more programs compared to analog reception. The operating guide provides a reference to web site, www.antennaweb.org, which will provide antenna orientation information for all TV stations in an owner’s area. Owners input the location of their residence via address or latitude/ longitude, and the site will provide lots of info, both graphically and tabular. The info can be easily copied down to a spreadsheet, edited and printed --- reference to it facilitates orienting the antenna for a specific set of channels. This is easier than "playing" with the rota-tenna and the converter’s signal bar display on the TV to obtain proper alignment of the antenna.

Another somewhat convenient function on the converter is a sleep option which is handy for taping broadcasts, but it limits the user to shutting the converter off after 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours after turning on the converter; there’s also an “OFF” setting for bypassing the sleep function. It would be most convenient if the sleep function allowed both ON and OFF settings of actual time for coordinating VCR tapings. With the present design, one needs to leave the converter on till taping begins, but the broadcast needs to end within four hours of turning on the converter in order to obtain a proper taping.

Connecting the TVs, VCRs and the converters was relatively easy. I needed to buy only “Y” jacks for the audio connections since there are no stereo inputs on the two VCRs.

I find everett whitney's response to vertis kemp reflective of the coming disaster for the poor that the roll-out of dtv will be. to quote vertis, many many seniors "can't afford food, gas and pills now" and are not going to be able to afford (1) an external antenna or (2) the labor required to install one. I'm sure a lot of them will be injured or killed trying to do it themselves because they can't afford to hire someone. everett's reply of "[ . . . ] order / install a new outside antenna [ . . . ] a 10 foot section of 1 1/4" rigid Electrical Conduit [ . . . ] from Lowe's, H.D., etc., fastened securely plus properly grounded for lightning protection [ . . . ] buy & install a Channel Master # 4228 antenna", while technically competent, shows a lack of comprehension about what vertis wrote: "i can't afford food, gas and pills now". THEY CANNOT AFFORD IT. the Channel Master #4228 itself costs $60. to say nothing of the 10 feet of conduit or the labor required to install it. as donna so elegantly put it: "If your poor you are screwed." sadly, given the corrupted state of our government (which pre-sold the existing spectrum to the telecommunications industry years ago [and is really why we're being forced to migrate to dtv {and why they don't give a flying $&#* what it does to the poor, seniors, etc.}]), if you "call the fcc and senetors congress men all [you] get is you will have to get satellite". I think the government may run into some rather intensely angry citizens who want a better answer than, effectively, "let them eat cake". Unhappy about being ripped off in the DTV migration process? Not looking forward to spending hundreds of dollars to recover service you now get free? Not looking forward to manually readjusting your antenna every time you change the channel? Pass the word about the truth about the DTV migration. Maybe enough of "them" will unite to stop it before February. Good luck, you'll need it. Sorry, vertis. Wish I could help more than just rant in this blog.

To: Edward - 09 Aug - "Cost of Antenna System Prohibitive"

Certainly, this "Analog / Digital" change will be too costly for some. Same as not all can afford (1) automobile let alone a second car, etc..

Not available to Vertis, but for others, there are two entirely different analog services available specifically for those on fixed budgets, still good thru early 2012.

One is a limited cable service with only the 4 or 5 major networks plus PBS ... usually about $15/monthly & provides consistently clear displays on all TVs.

The other is the normal analog cable, with a decreasing number of available channels, again until early 2012.

Broadcasting power for all OTA-SD signals will be greatly different after next Feb ... those now having troubles on digital converters will "see" these improvements by early Spring.

Some stations are returning to the lower - VHF / channels 02 thru #13 - band. This , too, will increase the range of acceptable transmission.

I have a problem I do not simply understand:

Big roof top antenna (ZIP 11778) connected via baloon/transformer to 75 Ohm Coax to a digital (ATSC only) tuner/receiver (elgato) via Firewire to my computer. Works fine with a few stations, even HD using no amplifier at the antenna. I have a about 90ft Coax cable and a few F-type connectors inbetween. I get FOX and a few other stations with about 60.,.75% signal level, working fine. I get NBC (from Hartfort I be leave) OK at times, but it is at the limit of about 50..60% signal and video gets interrupted at times, also depending on weather.

Now the issue puzzling me, I installed an antenna amplifier (RadioShak) just after the coax feed from the transformer/baloon at the antenna.
Works great, as I now get a total of 17 Stations trouble free with about 70-80% signal, including (most) of the stations I got before, like FOX, which was strong. BUT: Strangely I am not able to get NBC 30 (Ch 35) any longer, the signal is there, but worse 40..50%, not giving any image.

How can that be? Any interference with (now) stronger signal? I do not get any around CH 35. What can I do? Thx for any hints.

To Percy - 13 Aug - "After R.S. Amplifier .. No NBC.."

www.antennaweb.org shows 11778 as essentially too far for most digital stations as well spread all over the compass directions! it's a wonder you now get what you do w/o a Rotor Unit.

Amplifiers do well But these also amplify "all", not just that digital TV signal alone.

Particularly, #28 & #35 @ 51.8 miles / 58.9 miles, 'NBC' IS out of reach- beyond the "line-of-sight" limitation. Even after Feb transition, there's no 'NBC' channel suggested as close enough.

Your 90 feet of Coax plus multiple connectors should be replaced and shortened IF possible ... 100 feet ( and, No splices) is beyond the usual or recommended.

A quality Quad Coax RG6 - uninterrupted - directly from that 75 / 300 antenna transformer to your digital tuner should greatly improve things, particularly during a storm, rain, etc..

www.solidsignal.com
or
www.antennasdirect.com are (2) sources - there are many more.

I had sometime last year while on a trip in taiwan, R.O.C purchased a 21" lcd tv (which served also as a computer screen) and as at the time it worked well, recieving and showing all taiwan tv channels. Never the less, because of my love for this tv, I decided to take it with me to nigeria and while in nigeria it couldn't show any of the local channels(UHF,VHF am not so sure) as i reckoned the lcd tv is digital. I think you should know that i was able to watch digital satellite channels via a digital receiver box, thus i would like to know if i can find a converter good enough to enable watch local nigerian channels on the lcd tv as i will be taking another trip back to nigeria.
Thank you

just for the record, i went and bought a regular antenna, a couple of days ago:

a Radio Shack "`HDTV Ready!´ VHF/UHF/HD/FM IndoorTV Antenna (22dB amplifier with gain control)".

miraculously, my converter is still telling me that it's not picking up even a *hint* of a signal.

:-).

this is making me feel rather incompetent.

i will also be rather [angry] if i find that, by February, broadcast stations still aren't emitting waves strong enough to be picked up by my current set-up; i'm sure that Contractors & Technicians would be happy to see Roof Antennæ dotted all over the "united" states landscape but, bluntly, that isn't practical.

That ain't happening.

(so will this be one of the straws that breaks the camel's back?)

and, surely, we don't have to actually tell our government that The Working Poor isn't happy with this forced conversion — as if no agent or representative hadn't been able to detect at least some of our rumblings, these past several months.

(i had clicked the "Preview" button; but what apparently happened, instead, was the comments i had thus far writ were published.

:-).

that's not good.)

alright.

it appears i was a *bit* premature in my judgments, there; never-the-less, i'm still not getting _all_ of the standard channels; it might not matter which, so i won't mention what the AWOL ones are, at the moment.

:-).

i thought we were done with the days of Rabbit Ears; my conjecture was wrong, i see.

lord help us; i feel lucky enough that i can get what i can get, without spending more than 70-dollars (so far)..
..but i still don't like all the hoops-and-hurtles i had been compelled to negotiate (and will have to continue negotiating), with this whole antenna & converter situation.

this is also one of the few times any of you would find me saying "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it".

all this seemingly-needless hassle..
..for what?

can you answer me that much, mr. everett?

TO: Rex - two of 18 Aug - " None & now some ? ..."

Your two most recent posts are somewhat mixed .. perhaps that "preview" contributed.

Old Rabbit Ears or the long "V" slender wires might still work in Chicago & NYC, where their digital transmissions ARE still over the VHF Band .. other locales will also do so, after Feb., when they leave their temporary channel assignments.

Too bad about that R.S. Special @ $70 ... take it back / they have to refund it w/ receipt within (30) days.

Most of these are quite unsatisfactory, unless the broadcasting TV towers are unusually close.

Far better to have bought a Channel Master 4228 & simply put it in the back of a closet, etc., facing those Towers .. it would have gotten more than the R.S. Special !

No amount of complaints, etc, will now change Feb - it is a "done deal!"

Okay so I cant complain that much because my picture quality is much beeter and I am getting more channels, BUT and it's a big BUT, I cant stand the fact that I have to get up so darn offten and mess wtih the antenna becuase the box isn't getting a signal. I really hope that Im not doing more messing with antenna's then watching my shows that will piss me off!

To: Nikki -21 Aug- " Must keep adjusting set top Antenna"

Everyone will "see" better results with a major digital antenna either outside or, at the very least, within the attic, IF sufficient close to the TV Towers, etc..

The era of successful, consistent reception with only set top antennas such as our 40 -50 years with those 2 long "V" wires or rabbit ears of analog are Gone!

This will cost much more than the Converters, of course, and there's no associated "antenna coupon" available.

I just bought DTV Converter Box, ran the wizard set up several times but no channel was detected and 'weak signal' sign keeps appearing.
I live in Manhattan, NY...the converter box connects to a cable off wall. Can anyone help?

TO: Sean - 01 Sept - " Hooked to a Cable but ...?"

NO Federal Coupon Converter is supposed to be connected to either a Cable or Satellite service !

Local cable analog is guaranteed thru 2012 without ANY Converter at all ... disconnect it / sell to someone that ONLY uses an antenna service.

Sean:

Connect your converter box to an antenna (rabbit ears, etc.) and not to cable connection on your wall.

Everett, please help! I live 25 miles west of NYC and have a large rooftop antenna with many elements. My house is on top of a hill with no obstruction. I receive GREAT analog reception. The antenna is connected to a 75-300 amplifier. When I connect my DTV converter, I receive more than 10 new stations (all from 40 to 63 and mostly in foreign languages - what is probably old UHF stations) but I cant receive ANY of the former VHF stations. That is, I cant get any major networks or PBS. Any suggestions? Thanks.

TO Eric - 07 Sept - " Converter is fine for UHF but no VHF?"

Hi - The best "solution" will not be welcomed, sadly!

Your Converter should have been one that offered "pass thru" - i.e. - recognizes the lower band yet .. passes those signals onto the TV without stopping the signals.

Some alternatives now rather than buying a new Converter ... one would be to use a "A - B Switch" before that Converter .. run a coax from "A" to the converter input for the channels above #13 ... another short length from "B" to the "RF" terminal of the TV ( if not already used, of course) ... that's assuming you are using a "S" connection, etc., for the Converter now.

These are on the market either manually - about $10 - or electronically-switched same as a remote from your chair at about $35.

Everett
Thanks for the help, but my converter is the Zenith DTT901 which is supposed to have analog pass through. Aren't the major networks already transmitting digital signals? My mother has the same converter in the boroughs (about 15-20 miles east of Manhattan) and she receives multiple stations from each of the major networks which I assume are digital.

TO: Eric - 08 Sept - "Aren't major cities already sending?"

Yes, but, NYC, Chicago + a few more use those Ch02-13 on VHF for their new digital broadcasts.

Took a "?" about your ZIP @ www.antennaweb.org ...
Here're those VHF (digital) channels now on air -CBS/2, NBC/4, FOX/5, ABC/7, MNT/9, CW/11, PBS/13(+8?) ... but, even with that Pass-thru, I believe you'll need to change that TV from 3 & let it self-program or scan for those channels between 02 & #13 --- that .. 901 Converter.. will do those from #14 up, with the TV on channel 3 again --- back & forth. Confusing.

I'm using a DRC 8335 from RCA, that's actually a VCR/DVD recorder and ATSC and NTSC tuner, all in one.

As some of you may note from viewing TV week's DTV stories and Searching DTV issues" on YouTube, you'll clearly see that I do not constantly get 100% of the LOCAL DTV signal.

I have tried various antennas, from omni-directional, to homemade coathanger antenna (made both models on youtube), to terk 55, RCA DTV rabbit ears with 35 db gain, 7.00 pair of rabbit ears was my first thing after omni-directinal) and now,. I'm using channel master's 4228. With the various antennas, I got the same exact result, for the most part.

I have huge feeling that there are a few mor obsticles, but when I spoke to 6 TV station engineers, those shouldn't exist. Here's what I think is partly my problem:

1) I face N-NW, on a 3rd story apartment. The Towers are all N-NE, with exception to WLMB (Toledo's "lamb of god" station), which is W-NW... but too weak to get.

2) In the same direction as the towers, I have traffic which can interrupt the signal, as it comes to me. I live at a curve, where if that curve was not there, straight-lined traffic would enter 2 apartments below me.

3) I'm using the antenna inside, on the North wall, pointing N-NE as far as I can point it, without goihg through other apartments.

4) The signal borders my apartment, with the beam width of the cm4228

5) Physical obstivles are a hospital to my east, just out of the beam width, several 3 story buildings across the street from me (North and NW). A Park with trees is 200 feet North of me, behind those apartments.

6) I'm only 13 miles away from 95% of those towers. 59 miles from Detoit's DTV stations

Now here's the kicker......

I am not able to pick up constant 8-vsb modulation signals from WTOL-DT, WTVG-DT, WNWO-DT (Possibly too low powered...59 KW only on channel 49), WUPW-DT, and WGTE-DT. All are from 9-13 miles away, same exact direction, within the 23 degrees of beamwidth.

However, I clearly get WDIV-DT, WMYD-DT, WWJ-DT, WJBK-DT, and lower powered WKBD-DT. If the obsticles are a porblem, it would have shown in Detroit's DTV signals. It does not. Those aren't local, but more stable than my own market!

Any clues as to why this is going on?

I fear for disaster coverage... meaning weather, terror alerts, natural disasters, etc. This has potential to become a deadly thing, if the problem doesn't get fixed. I know that I'm not the only one in my market that has this problem. I am hearing of another person opposing end of town, with a similar, if not same problem.

&EmmGee-Ohio - 09 Sept - " What to do about Special Alerts?"

Your situation + the other fellow in same city w/ problems may "see" a marked improvement as soon as all analog broadcasting has ceased in Feb & the subsequent digital broadcasting power has, in fact, been increased.

Sometimes, digital signals that are completely near enough to be received are Not, due to having been deflected away -ie - perhaps that facing 3 story buiding or the hospital, even though outside the beam width?

Also, IF any possibility, have you tried the CM 4228 in front of a window rather than the wall? Construction materials and / or the building structural steel framework, etc., can really raise havoc with low-power digital reception. We're all in a "learning state" right now.

Here, we have "given up" with regard to emergency alerts / notifications on TV & instead have purchased new "NOA" emergency band radios which are programmed by ZIP, etc., automatically "sound off" whenever there's a new tornado or severe thunderstorm warning coming close. Maybe there's the possibility of those being available for Detroit as well ?

"IF" all else fails, there are all-new analog cable offerings coming out in most metropolitan areas - ours started this Summer - for picture tube sets with (24) channels, guar thru early 2012, @ $11.75/month ... not perfect but an alternative.

I recently purchased a convertor box. I have on older analog TV with the VHF and UHF control knobs with a seperate anntenna for each signal. Which termial in the back of the TV should the signal out from the new converter box be connected to? Also there is no remote with this TV, manual only, the TV has to be set to 3 or 4 on the VHF knob. So I'm wondering if I'll even be able to get digital on this TV.
Thanks

TO: Denny - 15 Sept - "Only have manual VHF/UHF Knob.."

Set the TV to "VHF #3" - disregard UHF knob.

The output from the Converter should go to the TV VHF "IN" .... should be (2) separate screw terminals for which you'll also need a new Adapter which connects the cable from the Converter.

Volume control will be awkward, since that is a manual knob as well. May "work" - BUT - also necessary will be an all-new antenna system for UHF band --- channels above #13. One appropriate would be a DB-4 + new Coax Cable Length --- viewed at
www.solidsignal.com

Hide it beneath draperies/curtain in front of a window facing the TV Towers or try attic location if available & not very far away.

Might well be time to seriously consider shopping for a new, fixed display, standard digital { not HD } TV set ? Obviously, Converter not needed then .... sell to someone.

I have been using simple bunny ears for my tv for years and get about 5 channels, which is fine. I just hooked up the converter box and have the "weak signal" message. I live on the 6th floor of our apartment building in the DC area. How do I fix this? Does the tv have to be put in a different spot?

Thanks for the help,
Emily

TO: Emily - 16 Sept - "Rabbit Ears - no signal - ???"

Except for Chicago / NYC + a very few other markets, No Converter works with our old, analog-only "V" rabbit ear or set top antennas ... one of the best kept secrets of the popular Infomercials !
Instead, you will need to "experiment" since you have no attic or roof top available.

Here's what we did .... Bought a DB-4 antenna & a short piece of Coax RG-6 Cable .... Located it beneath draperies/curtain of one window which faced the direction of our TV Towers! Very bizarre ... but - it works! TV set stays wherever you want it to be .... just buy sufficient length of Coax to go between that antenna & your converter box.

Can be viewed at www.solidsignal.com

I can *see* the main DTV broadcast tower from my parent's roof (it is Sutro tower in San Francisco, confirmed by the excellent antenna mapping from http://www.antennaweb.org/). But I can't pull a reliable signal in one floor below the roof. The picture is great for a while, but then tears or cuts in and out, kinda fading in and out randomly.

Reception sensitivity is *the* issue for me in choice of box. I know that reception will depend on season and foliage, so unless I leave this with rock solid coverage now, I know I'll be called back to fix it later.

I'm not convinced that the assertions that all boxes are equally good at reception. "Picture quality" don't matter until I get the reception issues worked out.

TO: Bryce N. -20 Sept- "No signal one floor below ..."

That is to be expected .. any construction, whether a roof or walls, etc., essentially always absorbs 50 % of the original signal strength. Some even a greater %, including a built-up tar/paper or a metallic type.

Mount a proper digital antennas on a mast at that roof and just run up to a 100 feet of Quad RG-6 Coax directly to the Converter & it WILL function! The antennas should NOT be inside.

Since you visually see the TV Towers, a DB-4 strictly for UHF would / should be sufficiently strong as well as be more compact than some varieties ...

A "combo" in case some signals go back to VHF after Feb would be the Channel Master 3016 .. a.k.a. - #5646 but in different packaging. It is not always the tuners.

Do understand that the FCC set forth the requirements & the various China makers are simply following those stipulations ... nothing is going to change. Just consider the basic analog cable service for (24) channels @ less than $15 as an alternative. All cable companies MUST offer this.

I suppose it's nice to know that I'm not alone!

But it's most certainly not nice to know that I will not be receiving any watchable broadcast television signal after February 2009. I've purchased the converter box, which produces nothing but pixelated garbage, and even spent an extra fifty dollars on a new antenna, which improved the analog signal but did nothing for the digital signal. I've gone from about twelve watchable channels to one -- and that channel broadcasts nothing but infomercials!

What's most frustrating is the completely misleading propaganda that's being promoted by the FCC and the broadcasters. It's being promoted as a "win-win" transition for everyone. They don't mention that you might lose some, if not all, of your broadcast TV stations. They don't mention that more powerful antennas probably won't solve the problem. They don't mention that your viewing choices may soon be limited to cable TV or Netflix.

When the FCC calls this "the end of an era", they're not kidding!

TO: Marcello -20 Sept -" New Antenna didn't help..!"

Since it Did do something on your analog channels but zero on the others, they sold you an improper antenna .. return it.

All need UHF Band - channel 14 & up - antennas for the federal coupon Converters. Only a very few cities now - Chicago / NYC, etc.- use VHF Channels for their digital broadcasts. You obviously does not.

Essentially none of those "indoor" digital specials at the various local outlets accomplish anything other than to raise one's anxiety + cost a lot!

Necessary are two easy steps ... www.antennaweb.org .. is one of the places to enter your ZIP & address, check "digital" & see listed what Channels you do have available, what their channels are (both numbers), Which Band, IF there will be any returning to VHF after Feb, where on the Compass &, by color-coding, what strength antenna group is needed.

Mount the appropriate one outside or , at the least, in the attic, connect w/ a Quad RG-6 Coax to the federal coupon Converter & you Will "see" television !

Thanks, Everett, but I don't have an attic or rooftop -- I'm in an apartment. This complex forbids outdoor antennas and they're likely to get stolen anyway. I bought my antenna based on suggestions from antennaweb.org and multiple other sources. I had purchased the most powerful and highly-recommended indoor antenna that I could afford. I have returned the antenna for a full refund. According to the store that I purchased the antenna from, I'm not the only one in this area who is having these problems.

Meanwhile, the government's website continues to paint a rosy picture: "You should be able to receive digital television signals with your existing broadcast antenna." Utter baloney.

Consumer Reports deserves credit for being more forthcoming: "Unfortunately, there's a chance no antenna will work for you. Recent reports indicate that some households are in fringe areas with poor reception, and for them, off-air digital TV might not be a good option."

Apparently Southeast Michigan is a "fringe area". Who knew?

TO: Marcello -21 Sept- "Apartment doesn't allow antennas"

That's now illegal to enforce ... the FCC ruling has been "tested" in court & upheld.

But, IF these will be stolen, no sense in going there anyway.

Absolutely agree about the vast majority of Public Informercials being less than candid !

IF you will be very firm with the local cable company, you'll find out about an offering - kept quite secret - which was a part of the FCC/ Cable Industry last Sept 07.

It made cable offer basic analog thru early 2012, Not stop next Feb. It is usually only about 20-24 channels & costs in the neighborhood of $11 - $12/ monthly ... will "feed" as many picture tube sets as one has as well, whereas an antenna can not. In the case of Cox, it is (24) @ $11.75 ... Comcast has ~20 @ $11.00, etc..

Good Luck.

My advice to anyone using an indoor antenna and converter box is keep trying the antenna in different locations and angles. I realize in some areas it may never work, but it's worth the effort to see if by chance you can find the "sweet spot" where it will work.

I got a converter box about 6 weeks ago and also live in a condo complex that doesn't "allow" outside antennas. Previously (before the converter box), I was connected to the condo's common antenna and was getting pretty bad reception. With the converter box, the condo antenna didn't work at all. With an indoor amplified antenna (and not living near any of the TV stations), I am able to get fantastic reception--most of the time on 3 of the major networks along with their extra digital channels and a few UHF channels. This took ALOT of time switching the antenna around on top of my entertainment unit and trying different angles. But, at least for now, I seemed to have found that sweet spot where it's getting good reception on at least some channels. It is certainly frustrating to have to adjust the antenna from time to time (especially since in my case I have to stand on a chair to reach it!), but the result is the best quality picture I've ever gotten on my very old TV. So, if you have this same situation of an indoor antenna and aren't getting good reception, keep trying and see if you hit upon the right spot!

I'll be interested to see what happens next February when everything goes digital--hope Everett's right that everything will be better, meaning more channels and a stronger signal that produces a consistently good picture.

To Jill - 24 Sept - "I need a Chair to Adjust my indoor ..."

Please do be careful! Even the purchase of a small, neat kitchen step stool would be lots less than any fall / serious damage, hear?

Another "glimmer of hope?" That condo antenna system Will go totally "dead" / be of no use to all ! Haven't there been any discussions to date in your association monthly meetings re: ... what will it cost each unit to fix the old system to work for digital? .... Surely, there Must be others experiencing same issues as yourself!

And, do consider a "gamble" of ~ $68 w/ freight for a DB-4, which would also fit on top of your Entertainment Center ... should need less "tweaking!" That's expensive but much less than any X-Ray after a fall.

View at www.solidsignal.com

I think digital signal, you may need a smaller or medium outside antenna. I really do not thing the large ones do that great. I can get one station that is about 40-50 miles with rabbit ears. The tv stations power output is about 889.00. Start small then work you way up. Try with and without a pre-amplifier. Of course, this still may not work. Just a note, with analog going off, you might be able to get repeater stations that still broadcast in analog. For those with outside antenna, I would wait tell the end of March before getting new ones. This give stations time to get problems sorted out. Most stations will also increase power output after the change over. Good luck.

I truly hope CR is developing a detailed analysis for publication of the many technical DTV issues that are cropping up all over the country. The government and broadcasters have failed to provide the necessary information about antennas, digital signals, UHF/VHF transmissions, and broadcast towers. CR should try to fill in these blanks, as soon as possible, to help OTA viewers cope with this bizarre changeover. I have tried five different antennas with variable and inconsistent results. Digital signals are more quirky and unreliable than analog. The switch to digital television is looking more and more like a train wreck.

I have been trying to install RCA's Model ANT1450 antenna with RCA's digital converter box, Model DTA800B1.

Unfortunately, above combination does not work at all. I do not get any channels/signal. I have tried all the possible combinations available on
the converter box. I get three channels (numbers 18,26 and 64) when I connect the above antenna directly to the television. According to the
information provided for the above antenna, it is suppose to be "amplified
flat multi-directional indoor antenna." It should be capable of receiving both UHF and VHF signals.

We live in a regular two story house, surrounded by mountains. Currently,I have basic cable with Time-Warner Cable.

Please tell me which would be the best antenna for our house so that we can use the digital converter box, instead of the cable. I would like to receive as many channels as possible (both VHF and VHF bands).

Would it be possible to install the new small antenna near the existing cable inlet box to
the house, so that we only install one antenna for the whole house. Coaxial cable is used to connect the three televisions in the house.

I appreciate your help.

TO: Raz - 05 Oct - "Use Cable as well as Antenna ..."

IF those surrounding mountains are sufficiently tall to interrupt a "line-of-sight" between any antenna & the TV Towers which are sending those digital signals, then, you'll NOT get dependable, consistent digital reception, regardless of whatever you try!

A) - Indoor, "universal, amplified.etc., antennas" will generally NOT be satisfactory with UHF digital signals except in extraordinary locations . i.e. - next to TV Towers, in plain sight, No trees or buildings or hills in between, etc..!

B) - Your situation IS one of those described by C.R. as a problem or "fringe" area ... NO antenna TV may be possible at all.

C) - Stay with your existing cable connection & return whatever you can for refunds. You are in a "bowl" ... the only reason the indoor antenna happened to "pick up" those (3) channels when connected directly to the TV was simply that it WAS still analog ! All digital reception IS much more problematic!

TO: Joseph K. - 03 Oct - " No Adequate Info .."

Sorry for your many unsuccessful attempts! BUT - even C.R. has often stated that some will NOT be able to get antenna digital reception, regardless. It IS far more problematic than analog ever was.

A) - Were those 5 - 6 antenna mounted outside, high on your roof? Was a good Quad RG-6 coax used in a single length?

B) - Did you get recommendation of ....
www.antennaweb.org ....
only input your ZIP - ignoring all the rest ... listed Will be the digital channels available, the Compass headings, distance in miles, which TV Band { VHF or UHF, now as well as after Feb.} plus by a color code, which might function best.

C) - IF, like RAZ above your post - there are any mountains, trees, tall buildings - Anything - in the line-of-sight path between your antenna & the TV Tower from where the digital signals emit, you Will have great difficulty in obtaining dependable, consistent reception!

D) - Under ideal conditions, 35-40 miles is a reasonable maximum, although 1 or 2 will post ..." I get channels from 65 miles!"

www.solidsignal.com

is one web site to view all the different antennas.

The whole "digital transition" is a farce. The FCC would have you believe that it's being done in the interest of "progress" and "for the people" but what it really is is payday for the FCC. They stand to make billions selling off the airspace previously occupied by analog television (digital signals take less bandwidth).

If you cable (even standard analog cable), most of the times you don't need an antenna to receive digital signals from your local stations. Most digital televisions have a ClearQAM tuner (QAM is the format that cable companies send their digital signals in). Most digital channels are encrypted (to prevent theft) and so you won't get those on a TV with a QAM tuner. However 90% of the time, the digital feeds of the local channels are not encrypted. If you plug a television with a digital tuner into analog cable, a lot of times, you'll get the digital and HDTV signals from your local stations without having to pay your cable company extra.

And it'll work, unlike trying to mess around with OTA reception.

How many converter boxes can i hook up to my antenna

TO: Lu Ann - 25 Oct -"How many Converters to (1) antenna?

Depends on how "strong" or effective the antenna. I.E. - some will only provide sufficient "gain" or signal strength for a single Converter.

Others - able to send a much stronger signal & mounted properly outside, high atop the roof - will support(3) or perhaps (4) ... eventually, all antennas will be so Overloaded that the signal will "fail."

My daughter recently bought a converter box for her TV in the Rochester, NY area. Without an antenna, using her DVD player she received 4 Analog stations. With the converter box AND an Antenna she received ZERO stations. She is very frustrated and is thinking of getting cable (even though she probably can't afford it).
Where we live, we get some digital stations, but not others and it's hit or miss depending on the weather. We also receive alot of Canadian analog channels which will change. THIS WAS NOT WELL THOUGHT OUT and I sometimes wonder if it's a way for Cable and Dish networks to make more money.

TO: L. Spaulding - 29 Oct -" Rochester gets zero .."

IF this link will work, here're the Rochester Channels -
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Stations.aspx

Note that it will require both VHF & UHF band capable antenna ... BUT - they are all { forget about Batavia's "ION"} apparently on the same TV Tower / common Compass heading!

At that short distance, there must have been something drastically wrong w/ their antenna selection.

Even a basic Channel Master #3016 - a.k.a. #5646 - in their attic, using Quad RG-6 coax, should have worked marvelously!

Agreed that any outside mounting would be horrible - we lived in Depew for 6 years & that snow belt is terrific!

What's that "...DVD Player... " got to do with TV reception, please?

a "p.s." for L. Spaulding - "Canada Analog ..."

These analog channels via Canada do NOT change at all !

They have a Much later digital Conversion.

everett

I am in Poughkeepsie, NY - halfway between New York City and Albany - on the fringe of two TV markets. My rooftop antennas are 25 years old (one fixed VHF antenna and a UHF antenna on a rotor), and they served us well during the analog years. Unfortunatly these same antennas did a poor job for digital reception and we had to make some upgrades.

I hooked up my converter box as soon as I could get one earlier this year. Our reception went from 8 analog stations from New York City (7 VHF, 1 UHF) down to zero. When the UHF antenna was aimed toward Albany, NY, we went from one UHF analog station (WXXA) down to zero UHF digital stations. We also have two local independent UHF stations (WTBY and WRNN). Their DTV signals come in fine because they are less than 10 miles away. However, since the major network affiliates broadcast from Albany (67 miles away) and New York City (Empire State Building - 63 miles away), I am most interested in receiving those DTV channels.

As soon as the weather permitted access to the roof, we installed a Channel Master preamp to the mast and ran RG6 coax cable (which replaced the existing twin-lead flat wire) from the preamp to the Channel Master pass-thru power supply inside the house. I spent most of the summer tweaking the aim of the UHF antenna with the rotor. We can now receive Albany stations WTEN-DT (ABC), WMHT-DT (PBS) and (most of the time depending on the weather) WRGB-DT (CBS), which raises the DTV station total from Albany up to three.

With the UHF antenna aimed south, only WNYW-DT (Fox) comes in from New York City. No other NYC station even makes a dent on the DTV tuner. Although that is still better than zero, I still get fewer digital stations than analog. TVFool.com shows the terrain is not favorable for UHF. Our VHF antenna currently picks up all the VHF analog stations from NYC, so it will be interesting to see what happens when three NYC DTV stations return to their original analog VHF channels in February.

Anyone who thinks he should wait until just before the DTV switchover in February to buy a box is going to be in for a rude awakening if they live in a fringe area. Who is going to want to risk falling off on an icy roof to upgrade an existing antenna or install a new antenna in February? Start working on your DTV checklist now.

http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_c/DTV_transition08.html

I can recieve around 40 channels (UHF &VHF) with rabbit ears. I had a new roof antenna installed and get around 60 channels now. Clear as a bell....then I put on my converter box and it say's "Weak signal". It's not the antenna direction or distance from stations, as it hasn't changed. What is going on with this box????
Is this a cable/direct TV conspiracy?

Can’t find a channel you used to have before you got a converter box? Well...

DON’T buy a new antenna yet,
DON’T return your converter box for a different brand yet,
and
DON’T worry about it yet, because here’s why:

One of the biggest reasons you probably can’t get channels now through your converter box that you previously got before is because those channels are NOT YET being broadcast in digital. They might only be available in analog right now, and your new converter box can’t do anything about it, unless you have an analog pass-through box. And the funny thing about those pass-through boxes? You have to TURN THE BOX OFF to get those missing channels (at least in the case of the Zenith 901) – basically, just use your TV as you did before you got the box. I know it seems strange, but that’s technology for you. So, that’s the short of it – for a more detailed explanation, read on.

I’ll give you an example of a channel I couldn’t find and what I ended up figuring out...I live in Lincoln, NE, and receive channel 51, whose call numbers are KCWL. This channel came in perfectly clear through analog, mainly because it is broadcast only 3 miles from my house. After I hooked up my converter box, though, I couldn’t get the channel at all. I mean, NOTHING. I was so frustrated and fed up after running the auto scan 50 times that I surely thought the problem was the box or the antenna or both. The next day, I did some serious searching on the internet, trying to figure out what was going on. I found my answer on the website www.rabbitears.info. Here you can type in the call numbers of the station you’re looking for (KCWL, KETV, etc) and look through reports about their transition to digital (although the reports aren’t easy to find or easy to read through – you have to click on “Technical Data and Screencaps” and then on “CDBS List” – click on any of the “Application” links after that and read through the reports). It looks intimidating, but I assure you, I’m no technical genius and I figured it out.

I typed in the call numbers for channel 51 and came upon the following statement in one of the reports: STATION KCWL-TV WAS NOT ASSIGNED A PRE-TRANSITION DIGITAL CHANNEL, AND THUS MUST TRANSITION TO DIGITAL OPERATION ON ITS CURRENT ANALOG CHANNEL. What that means is this: channel 51 plans to use its current analog channel as its future digital channel – and since stations can’t run both an analog and a digital signal on the same channel, my channel 51 will remain an analog channel until 2/17/09 (or maybe earlier, if they get their act together). Then it will literally go from being analog one minute to being digital the next (or have a brief outage between the two). Only after that point, when it becomes digital, will I be able to get it through my converter box.

I didn’t realize any of this. I thought, well, I’m getting broadcasts of NBC, FOX, CBS, etc, through my converter box and some of those stations are more than 50 miles away in Omaha, so I should be able to get a station that’s broadcast only 3 miles away, right? Nope. Not until it switches to digital. And here’s one of the reasons why I couldn’t figure out what was going on: say you watch analog NBC on channel 6 right now (whose call numbers are WOWT). When you hook up your converter box, you’ll actually be watching it on channel 22, EVEN THOUGH it will show as channel 6 on your screen. Channel 22 is called the “pre-transition” channel because they needed somewhere to put the digital transmission while they still have the analog transmission on channel 6. After 2/17/09, however, the permanent digital channel will end up being channel 6 when analog goes away (notice how in this example WOWT is able to have both an analog and digital broadcasting at the same time while in the example above, KCWL is only able to broadcast in analog until the transition deadline because it doesn’t have another channel to broadcast a digital signal in).

I realize to some people, especially the experts, that this is crystal clear, a big fat “duh.” But after reading post after post on the internet all day about people not being able to receive channels they used to and not knowing why, I realized I wasn’t the only one who was having a hard time understanding what was going on. I feel really sorry for the seniors out there and for the people who can’t or won’t take the time to figure all this out. These are the people who are either going to get swindled by somebody trying to sell them a “digital” antenna, end up killing themselves trying to rig up something on their roof, or just give up and order cable. And you know a lot of the salespeople in the stores don’t have a clue about what’s going on either. I just can’t believe the government, FCC, etc, can’t mention any of the above information in one of the countless DTV ads they’re running. You just know, however, that the cable and dish companies are laughing all the way to the bank.

TO: P. Schaaf- 10 Nov - "New Roof Antenna = 60 w/o but with Converter says Zero?"

You didn't include the Make / Model of the new roof antenna ... could you ? Is it connected w/ Quad RG6coax?

IF it's only a VHF Band, the federal coupon Converter will not 'see' any channel signals at all. Except for Chicago, NYC & a few others after Feb., all need a strong UHF Band signal.

Anne - 10 Nov - Congrats - A Great Discovery / Search / Learning .. for Info !

Just a simple "look" now for their TV channels will help those with current difficulties ....

Disconnect & Leave any / all Converters out-of-the- situation for a moment. Reconnect whatever antenna exists directly to the TV's normal input.

Select some channels of Both the VHF as well as UHF Bands - 02/13 plus above 13.

IF some channels DO come in at very clear picture qualities on Both analog Bands now, it's a very good "bet" that the antenna set up will also do properly after FEB.!

IF "no or poor" channels #14 - #60, there's "Trouble-In-River City!"... time for a new antenna!

To Anne Lauren:

Very useful post. Thanks for all the info.

Milt

I just set up my converter box (highest rated by Consumer Reports) and cannot pull in any DTV signals strong enough to view after scanning. I live two miles from downtown Chicago and get half a dozen analog channels just fine. Most of these stations are already broadcasting several DTV channels each. I think a lot of people are going to be pissed off when they can no longer get TV reception despite buying a converter box. In the meantime, I am shopping for a new antenna (you know, the one the FCC claims you won't need if you already get fine analog reception). I am not pleased.

There seem to be a lot of sales people trying to sell their products here!! Not ALL channels in EVERY city will be on UHF! In Chicago CBS is on VHF 2 and goes to VHF 3 in 2009. Since it's snowy now, AND THERE IS INTERFERENCE, I'll never see CBS.

A GREAT place to start is http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx. Put in your address and they will tell you the frequency status now and in 2009. Then you can determine if you need VHF, UHF or a VHF/UHF antenna. They also tell you where to point your antenna for best reception. (Most of my stations will be at 48 degrees +- 1 degree.

To top it all off they tell you how far you are from the transmitter.

I agree with the previous comments. DTV won't improve EVERYONE's reception.

Also, check on Amazon.com and other sites before you buy that box. I bought a Magnavox "junk" as others have said, but I also bought a SANYO $151.00 box. Right now I get twice as many channels on the SANYO! How could it be so hard to design a good tuner??

This change not only affects entertainment, but also public safety. I live in a rural area with no cable service but lots of fringe stations. On analog I can get about 16 stations scattered all directions from me, depending on atmospheric conditions. Digital cuts it to 4 stations, all from rhe same direction. Two of those have some secondary stations. Living in "Tornado Alley", it's good to be able to watch the stations downwind and get a preview of what's headed our way, or to be able to watch a nor'easter approach in the winter. Also, television has much better weather coverage that AM radio, which becomes useless in electrical storms. FM radio, which penetrates storms well, might break away from their important music broadcasts if the DJ's happen to notice a storm threatening them personally. For the stormy seasons and their trips to the cellar and frequent power failures I have a handheld television and a crank rechargeable radio/flashlight with tv vhf sound. Next spring will leave their tv portions useless. As I've always said, "New and improved usually isn't."

Does anyone know for sure when the digital change is made that the broadcasters will improve on the signal strength? I was getting analog OTA perfect on my new Sony DTV ready and live 42 miles from Chicago. Re aimed our (log distance) powerful outdoor antennae with info from antenaeweb site, which narrows the element of poor signal reception. When stations started dual signals and added channels noticed the HD signals fades at times. I live across Lake Michigan (in Indiana) and on fair weather days, actually pick up Milwaukee and Madison stations clearer than Chicago. Also the latino and religious stations come in with less fading. Are these stations broadcasting with a more powerful signal? I will not subscribe to cable because it's loaded with commercials more than OTA. Cable was intended to be commercial free when it originated and look how they now have their customers hanging by the u know whats....What a rip off the cable companies are. I've seen ads for charging extra for receiving HD broadcasts (free?) which I don't understand how someone would subscribe to that service. If the masses were not asses and unsubscribed, I bet we would be able to get cable for much less. To be competitive they can offer extras like movie channels for free. There are few choices of cable providers unless you go satellite.

Koss:

Many TV stations are currently broadcasting at reduced power or with temporary transmitters until February, 2009. After Feb. 17, everything should be up to full power with final digital transmitters and antennas.
If you want to know the exact current status of the TV stations in your area, just go to www.rabbitears.info This will show exact current status of TV stations in your area.

Milt

Digital television signals are weaker than analogs by about 96%. Who's the bone-head that decided this would work? Digital television signals need to be just as strong as the existing analog signals are now. I will tell you why, but please help me convince the FCC to boost digital signal strength back to the level of their analog counterparts by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC and telling them that the digital signals are too weak.

I live in a very rural area and have watched over-the-air television for all of my life. My location is about sixty miles from most television broadcast towers. I have a decent antenna, rotator, and preamp setup that has provided me with moderately good television service for many years.

I understand that digital television tuners only need a minimum of 15.2 db.(decibels) of signal to noise ratio in order to produce a perfect picture. Analog sets need instead 40+ db. to produce a very good picture. At first it seems reasonable that you can reduce the 40 db. down to 25 db. for digital tuners and still have a few db.'s to spare. This would save power, but what other benefit's it might have, I don't know. At any rate, the FCC has decided to ratchet down the digital signal strength.

Now let's consider what happened to me when I got my first digital-to-analog converter box the other day with my $40 government issued coupon. I only receive signal to noise ratios of 25 to 35 db. on most analog channels (this gives a very watchable picture). The FCC has set my digital signal levels at 15 db. below my represent analog signal levels (this is my best guess as I do not know the actual reduction amount the FCC has targeted). My digital signals now provide me with 10 to 20 db signal to noise ratio. Like I said, most of the new converter boxes need about 15.2 db of signal to noise ratio to lock onto a station and display an image. It is evident that I receive some signals that are now too weak to watch (i.e.. 25 db. minus 15 db. equals 10 db. This is below the 15.2 db. that the converter box needs to produce a picture.) The channels that I can still watch are very marginal and will pixilate or drop out altogether in poor weather conditions.

I have read that the broadcast coverage areas were supposed to remain unchanged, but as I have shown, that is not the case. Fringe areas will lose channels.

The FCC failed to consider that many of us in rural areas were happy watching less-than-perfect analog pictures because that is what we could afford or wanted to afford. How did the FCC (our government) decide that if would be alright to exclude those of us living in outlying areas from the benefit of receiving over-the-air television programming? I am a US citizen and I matter just as much as the next guy! Who wants to watch a screen that only reports "NO SIGNAL"? I generally get bored and turn it off after a couple of hours.

Even if I upgrade my antenna system to the best available consumer equipment, my reception will not be as reliable as it has been up to now; and, the upgrades will cost me several hundreds of dollars. I may even be forced to purchase satellite television service. Perhaps the FCC will send me a $40 coupon every month to help me pay for satellite service. As I said before, I watch free over-the-air television, because that is what I can afford.

The FCC is stealing television service from fringe area viewers unless and until it allows or even requires broadcasters to boost digital signal strengths to historical analog levels.

I hope that the FCC can quickly amend its digital conversion plan that is giving rural television viewers a raw deal. In the meanwhile, I will be buying a new pair of reading glasses.

Please call the FCC and demand that digital signals be broadcast at the old analog levels. This would prevent a huge number of people from having to buy new antennae, rotors, and signal boosters only to still have an unusable signal.

1-888-CALL-FCC Let 'em know the signals are too weak!

Koss,

I particularly responded to your comments on the cable (and, I'm sure, dish) industries.

You said: "I will not subscribe to cable because it's loaded with commercials more than OTA. Cable was intended to be commercial free when it originated and look how they now have their customers hanging by the u know whats....What a rip off the cable companies are. I've seen ads for charging extra for receiving HD broadcasts (free?) which I don't understand how someone would subscribe to that service. If the masses were not asses and unsubscribed, I bet we would be able to get cable for much less. To be competitive they can offer extras like movie channels for free."

We had had cable for a number of years but got rid of it last month for just the reasons you cited. Plus our local cable company had the nerve to take away over 12 channels we had been paying for, including Animal Planet, Tru TV (formerly Court TV), A&E, and many others, without reducing their bill by once cent. One day, all of a sudden instead of the channel went blue and their message "shouted" at us that we would now have to rent one of their boxes (not a digital converter box) in order to view that channel -- even though it's advertised all the time and everyone knows that if you have cable you don't need any kind of box. Their box *rents* for $10 per month -- and then you'd have to rent one of their VCRs to be able to program multiple channels while you're out -- and that rents for $69 per month!! And that's on top of the arrogant way they talk to people and the 20 minutes of ads they hit us with each hour!
Thus, we went back to the antenna we'd had before cable invaded our house and it's doing great. Fortunately we subscribe to Consumer Reports, and we'll be able to choose an appropriate converter box as a *one-time purchase* and enjoy both its excellent reception and the fact that we have done the right thing in not supporting such arrogant, greedy people! And we're thrilled that we now get overall more programming per hour than we ever did with cable.
I also agree with you that it's just terrible that most people haven't been doing anything about these terrible cable/dish companies... and that's just entertainment! Americans need to learn again to live their lives in ways that support the good guys or at least not support the bad guys!

I live in the country in southeastern Indiana. I am 50 miles from Cincinnati and 75 from Indianapolis and 85 from Louisville..
I had about 5 good channels on regular TV. I bought a new big screen TV and hooked it to my directional antenna at about 20 feet, with rotor. I immediately picked up about 8 new channels.
The digital was dropping in and out some, so I got the Radio Shack push.pull TV amplifier and now those dropout are gone. Fantastic signals now and I am down in the Laughery valley, maybe 100 foot lower than sea level.
Its almost like cable on my bog tv.

I am hoping more turn their DTV to high power next year.
so far so good
dan

Some folks will be trying to use rabbitear type antennas with their converter box. Dont many of those antenna units have the 300ohm "flat forks" connectors? The directions I've seen assume you have a coaxial cable antenna wire. I feel for the nursing home residents and staff that are going to have to deal with this

TO: Gene - 01 Dec - "Flat ribbon 300 ohm rabbit ear antennas ..."

You are "spot-on!" None of any such very old set top antennas will ever receive digital signals at all, other than the very few cities which have some TV stations returning to their former Hi VHF channel assignments the morning after shut down ! And, even those must get a 300 / 75 ohm transformer or balum ... Lowes, H.D., R.S., etc.. for about $4.

Instead, everyone must plan on getting some sort of successful UHF band {# 14 & above } antenna system.

Lastly, consistent digital reception via "rabbit ears" will require constant adjustments between each channel selection , stormy days, leaves on the trees verses Winter, etc.. How are these bed-fast folks going to cope ?

Hopefully, they can afford the new, available low channel count analog cable service, good thru 2012 .. Cox = (24) channels/$11.75 monthly --- Comcast = (20) / $12 ....

Gene:

Just buy a balun from Radio Shack (about $5) to convert from twinlead to coax.

Milt

questions and it may be silly compared to the technical jargon used in here.

I live in a big city downtown where analog tv antennas do not pick up signals or picture and so i must purchase cable. If I purchase the converter box and drop cable, will i get a picture or will it still be the same issue do to the buildings and other interferances?

TO: Kevin - 03 Dec - " IF I get cable ....?"

NO Converter involved at all !

Every customer on cable or satellite can NOT use / doesn't need any federal coupon Converter at all. These are strictly for use with an Over-The-Air customer using strictly an antenna on analog TVs.

You may also "OPT" for their standard digital service at a slightly-increased charge to have many more channels plus an excellent Recorder rental service , since there are no current, successful, commercial ones available other than the TIVOs which also require the very same $13 / monthly fee anyway.

everett

Kevin - " Interference issues from inner city ..."

That will be totally eliminated " IF " you might consider the local cable's standard digital subscription instead of analog cable .... we had to do so for the very same reflections, ghosts, etc., on analog cable.

This does work perfectly on ALL tv sets, too.

everett

Help! I have an old Sony TV (circa 1975) that has a rabbit ears antenna with 2 VHF wire leads
that screw into the back of the TV. The same thing with the UHF antenna. There is no co-axial receptacle on the TV because that technology came several years afterward.

Also, this TV's remote control actually physically turns the channel selector knob (CLUNK ... CLUNK ... CLUNK ....), in other words, the channels are not selected electronically.

Will a digital converter box work on an analog TV this old with this type of set-up?

Thanks,

John

TO: John - " 1975 TV w/ mechanical tuner/no "RF" ...?"

Hey, not to worry ! You are fine ... (A) do order your pair of free federal coupons before it's too late !

(B) - go to your nearby electronics store or any of the web ones ... find / buy an "RF" adapter ... it creates a Coax Cable connection to those existing TV's screw terminals.

(C) - leave the TV tuner on either 3 or 4 ...

Now, you will in all likelihood need a new antenna system ... NO set top, only analog "V" rabbits ears will ever be sufficient!

www.antennaweb.org (free) - input ONLY the ZIP , check 'digital' - leave all rest blank!

Listed will be your channels, which Band(s) for today as well as post-Feb., Compass headings, distances & by a color-coding, recommended strength or electronic "gain."

Digital antennas Will do "best" when mounted high, outside, atop your rooftop. Entirely a different thing than out former analog!

www.solidsignal.com is (1) of many web stores at which one may viwe all antennas available. May also still have your "RF" adapter! Good luck.

P.S. to - JOHN - " Older TV w/o coax terminal input..?"

My apologies ! .... not an easy task, since these might not be on every store's shelf ... here's one that'll "DO" your task! --- http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/rf-modulator/40x3-30400.htm

everett

TO: JOHN - 16 Dec - " OLDER RCA TV w/ screw terminals?"

FINALLY ! --- the other was NOT correct ... here's what one looks like ... on the peg boards of most LOWEs / H.D. / Wal-Mart's SuperCenters, etc.. - under $5 locally -----

http://www.summitsource.com/75300-ohm-matching-transformer-balun-10-pack-jvi-mt1-tv-antenna-twin-lead-indoor-offair-uhf-vhf-audio-video-coax-cable-female-balum-adapter-gold-part-mt1-p-1182.html

sorry for the "false start!"
everett

Very good info here for the consumer. As stated above..I usually tell customers after finding out their terrain and distance to try a indoor hdtv antenna before an outdoor antenna. Most are very surprised to learn they can get great reception going this route first...they save money and time! It seems like the myth going around is digital signals are hard to receive and nothing less short of an antenna on the roof will do. Not always true! Great article!

I have got my house wired for cable TV and dropped it for certain reasons. I'm curious if I get a fancy outdoor antenna that it might put enough signal to feed my internal cable wiring and into a converter box?

I just don't want to junk up my outside with antenna wiring when I've done the internal wiring anyway? thanx, sam

All the DTV transition websites, including Consumer Reports, FAIL to show the public the exact hardware they need to buy (cables, adapters, etc) and how to connect it to receive DTV using an antenna. So the transition will be very complicated and fustrating for millions of people.

Also complicated and fustrating for the millions of other people who buy a HDTV only to find that the process of actually getting it to display a true HDTV picture is enormously complicated, hence only about half of them will succeed.

Shame on Consumer Reports for not helping the public work through
these technical hurdles.

TO: Paul - " SHAME ON ... C.R. ?"

And, just what would you suggest ? ... Make everyone Certified Installers & Licensed Calibrators of HDTVs ..? There is simply no means of having sufficient printed, brief instructions and / or Videos as Tutorials over & above those now available.

For those buying new HDTVs, certainly their discretionary budgets must be sufficiently-large to afford the needed delivery, set up and Calibration anyway. Those same folks usually have paid access to C.R. org for still more details, if a "D.I.Y." individual.

The ones that can not WILL be using the C.R. many helpful hints / these blogs to properly hook up the federal coupon Converters ...

You simply have Not read all these various places herein @ C.R..

TO: Sam - " Will house wired w/ coax system work?"

Certainly it will ... the coax doesn't "know" from where the TV signals are coming from ... so, O.T.A. digital will do just fine w/ your appropriate Hi-VHF and / or UHF antenna.

www.antennaweb.org .. only input your ZIP, check 'digital' & leave all the rest blank for a listing of your channels, Compass Headings, whether Hi-VHF or UHF or both & by Color-codes, what strength or "gain" is recommended.

www.solidsignal.com is only (10 web store of a great many that has about all for viewing / questions..

I understand that you can hook up two antennas with the digital converter box so that you'll get all the local stations. How do we go about doing that. We have two antennas because my neighbor gave us her new one she just bought

Thanks,
D

TO: Darlene -"Two separate antennas to get all channels?"

It certainly CAN be done - BUT - is not necessary !

" IF " yours now or that newest one IS of the appropriate type required for your address/ZIP, (1) will do 100 % of all the digital channels available.

Just do be aware that ~~ 400 TV Stations across the country WILL be changing from UHF Band back to their former or new Hi VHF Band - i.e.- now, in Chicago, NYC + others, digital is sent via channels 2.1, etc..

Go to www.antennweb.org - input ONLY the Zip/address, check 'digital' but leave all else Blank!

Listed will be yours, both for now & Post-Feb, what Compass Heading, Distance, & by a color coding, which strength or electronic "gain" is recommended.

www.solidsignal.com has available almost all outside antennae possible .... view & compare your (2) with the ones recommended for you Post Feb & only use it .

For many, a "combo unit" such as the Channel Master # 3016 - a.k.a. # 5646 - will be capable of getting Hi VHF and UHF Bands adequately.

Darlene:

Yes, you can connect two antennas (one vhf, one uhf) to your converter box. Since most boxes have only a single input, you will have to get a splitter/combiner (perhaps from Radio Shack at about $5). This will combine the two antennas into a single coax output that can be connect to the converter box.

Milt

Unless Mr. Mulford lives in a coal mine, or in a heretofore uncharted area of Indiana, it's not likely that he lives 100 feet below sea level. The lowest point in Indiana is about 320 feet ASL.

I live in Chandler Minn. with many windmills in the area.Chandler is also in a valley. I can get two channels with analog using a antenna on top of the house but when I hook up a converter box I cannot get any stations??? Is there anything I can do ???

My mother does not have a digital TV. She is tired of the outrageous calbe TV monthly charge. We are shopping for an indoor antenna for her condo. The only antennas we see on the internet that receive both UHF and VHF are for HDTV. If she already has a converter box, can she use that? Are any of these antennas obsolete after February change-over?

TO: Maggie - "Special HDTV Indoor Antenna ..?"

There is NO unique, specail antenna for HD ... just advertising hype / nonsense.

As long as one gets both Bands as you posted it MAY work ... may not, too, as Indoor antennas for digital reception all need MUCH constant "fiddling!"

Ask her local cable company WHY it is not abiding the FCC ruling about new, limited analog channels for Seniors??? I.E. - Cox has ir @ $11,75. Comcast has 11 for $11 plus (28) for $18.75 near Atlanta market, etc., etc..

Does anyone know how long it may take to get the coupons? I ordered on 10/16/08 and my confirmation says it would be mailed on 10/31/08. As of 1/12/09 I have not received them yet.

The program website responded to my inquiry saying that it may take "several weeks" to receive. How long is several weeks? Am I ever going to get them?

TO: Carl S. " HOW LONG ?"

In spite of requests for analog shut off delays, there IS little chance of your ever receiving any Coupons in time now.

Just inquire about the new, limited analog local cable services available in all major markets --- here, w/ COX, for $11.75 and it does allow all VCRs to function thru 2012, same as ever !

I'm frustrated by this already. We get very weak signal with our indoor antenna (we have tried 3 so far). I used to be able to handle the occasional blur or fuzzy picture but the digital mess is intolarable and I end up shutting off the tv when a slight wind blows. Lets remember we all can't climb up on the roof to install an antenna let alone afford to pay someone to do this.
Very upset, very angry that this is just shoo shoo'd off as a minor glitch. I can imagine during a storm....us regular fold without cable will be stuck with no warnings or information because our signal got messed up in the wind~

TO: Jeanean 17 Jan - " Three Indoor antennae N.G.... "

That experience IS sad to be sure - take them ALL back before it's too late / get a refund! By-the-way .... for very many same as you, digital reception & all set top, indoor antennae will NOT be sufficient, no matter what the claims may be by the silly sales persons and/or that carton!

Please re=post with your ZIP only .... one must check which Band + Compass Heading your TV Channels will be using for transmissions after the analog shut down, whenever that finally does happen!

" IF " it happens that all your Channels do remain on only UHF { and, that's your case now, just from your experiences thus far } AND, are from approx the same TV Towers, a very good possibility will be to have an appropriate antenna mounted as high as possible BUT still within the attic ! I have done so for quite a few & it WILL "do" what's required to provide for 100%, in all weather, consistent digital signal reception .... just (1) that seems to be "successful" many times IS a DB-4 - available from many web stores, including ---- www.solidsignal.com .... keep your courage !

Hi, my parents live in a forrest like area, and so far the radio shack conv bx works but my dad was told that the video cables hook up on back of box gives the tv better sound and picture, is this true?

To Sandy (and all):

Our new, free online video about How to Hook-up a DTV converter box should be able to help you. See:

http://video.consumerreports.org/services/link/bcpid1329233564/bclid1118125802/bctid8350375001

Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

I purchased a moderately priced converter box and an antenna through Radio Shack. I live in a densely populated area in Pasadena, California. Since installing the box and antenna the quality of the reception and the # of channels that I can actually view now, versus before the switch, has degraded substantially. Here are some of the problems I’ve encountered:

• The reception of certain stations is now worse, with many stations just not watchable. For instance, the PBS station/s signal is not strong enough and thus the reception is either non-existent or garbled and unwatchable.
• The reception of certain stations is fine one day with a decent signal, and the next day they are virtually unwatchable.

• If the antenna is moved slightly certain stations that at that time have a good signal, will immediately change to a bad signal. There is a knob on the antenna that is supposed to help with the signal, but when turned does nothing to help the signal.

• I am forced to “fiddle” with the antenna every day in order to get certain stations to come in.

• I have completely lost the ability to see certain stations, for instance, the local Channel 13 – Los Angeles, is no longer available. This after repeatedly using the scan for channels feature.

• The digital converter box will just flip to the base station, which I’ve set to Channel 4. So I’ll be watching Channel 7 and the TV will just flip to Channel 4.

My concern is that in the government’s infinite wisdom to deliver “better quality” TV reception, they have not completely vetted out all the problems consumers are going to encounter once every one has completed the transition. The quality of transmission in this digital arena is completely not what the government and stations have been selling to the consumer. I also refuse to help the cable companies get rich just because of the switch.

TO: Pam - "New Radio Shack Antenna...?"

Please Take that back / get a refund! You obviously were "talked into" another useless indoor "HD Amplified " unit!
One should always first use www.antennaweb.org first with their ZIP Code only.

There is NO such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" antenna, in spite of what that silly salesperson may claim!

Check {digital} - leave all else blank - and listed will be your channels, Compass Headings, Distances, whether VHF or UHF or both Bands, by a color coding, the strength or electronic 'gain' suggested.

Lots of web sites - just (1) is - - -

www.solidsignal.com that .... sells all O.T.A. supplies / antennas .... & do only use Quad RG-6 coax cabling !

Digital reception IS substantially-more troublesome & difficult to ever receive dependably! Storms, full foliage on trees, any physical interruption between that Outside antenna & the TV Tower will & does interfere!

Is there a way to learn which TV stations and broadcast antenna locations will be sending out the digital signals in an area. I'm out on mid-cape cod MA with a rooftop antena and wonder where these new signals will come from. I hear many channels will be collected and sent from specific antennae.

Thanks
D

TO: D endres - 07 Feb - "Where to find out OTA digital Channels?"

Guessing at your Cape Cod "mid point"-the use of zip 02601 gave the very sad news that it IS too far for DTV!

Only the ION & PBS networks will be sufficient close . . . . all the rest are listed as well beyond the limitations of digital UHF Band reception!

You can re-check at www.antennaweb.org - perhaps by inputting your house address, it might give a happier result ?

I have three tvs hooked to the same rooftop antenna. Two TVs are old and have been hooked up to converter boxes. One is a relatively new HDTV. The old TVs w. converter boxes get reception all of the time, but the new HDTV does not get as many stations and reception comes and goes. Why, when all are hooked to the same antenna?

TO: Mylnn - "Three TVs on the antenna BUT ..?"

You have "diluted" or spread out the available signal FAR too much! PLUS, the cable & connections are most likely from the old analog ?? And, those (2 ) TVs are only showing analog from the Converters whereas the new HDTV is Digital .... digital displays are either 100 % perfect or Zero / "freeze up."

Hopefully, you DO have an outside, rooftop antenna ?

A) - Replace all that existing cabling w/ new Quad RG-6 Coax. Use only factory-made, sealed ternimals for that Quad Coax ... inspect that roof antenna balum transformer and make certain that the rubber boot is pliable / weather-proof.

B) - Replace all the assortment of old splitters (900 Hz) w/ digital 5 - 2400 Hz

C) - Amplifiers are sometimes required - BUT - only use IF the above does not "fix" the issues & then, only use a powered unit, mounted at the antenna and supplied the required low voltage from within the attic, out-of-the-weather

You know, at one time I considered getting cable, but not now! This is a big ripoff and I refuse to be taken. I can't use an outside antenna--wind and lightning--but my new indoor one is a great improvement over the one I had before. The person who invents an effective new indoor antenna will get very rich, even during the recession! Meanwhile, I'll buy DVD seasons of House and other shows I can't receive. Fortunately, I can get the news. Of course, there's always the radio for emergency information.

TO: "bluerabbit" - " Inventor needed for Indoor Antenna?"

Sorry - BUT - UHF reception IS the predominant Band used for DTV over the air - Chicago , NYC being two notable exceptions of course.

UHF signals have Always been very much more difficult to receive in any consistent , 100 % reliable, in all Weather and Seasons fashion.

Well over 50% of that limited signal will be "lost" trying to penetrate the construction of a home.

Any hardwood trees - lots of leaves in Summer, Storms, sudden elevation changes, any obstruction whatever between that antenna & the TV Tower, even airplanes in their circulating landing & takeoff patterns DO "mess up" UHF signals !

Even analog TV - partial pictures, snowy images, etc. - did very poorly over the past 30-40 years on indoor, set top units trying to get UHF channels. LOTS of constant 'messing around', adjusting / twisting, etc..

So, don't really expect a "brand new indoor antenna design!" But, even with 150-200 digital channels, there's really NOT very much worth watching many days anyway!

everett whitney answered a question back in Dec. about an old Sony TV w/rabbit ears. Now, what if that tv antenna hooks up in the back with a (don't know how to explain it) double-prong assembly, sort of a round 2 pronged plug, instead of the 2 wires you screw down like the other questioner's tv? Is there some sort of adapter for this? I've looked all over the sites you mentioned. Yep, it's a very old portable tv with a dial but it works beautifully and gets better reception, picture and sound than my newer one. Thanks.

TO: Windy - " What about a TV adapter for two screws?"

Just 'found' yours . . . . certainly you may !

Visit which ever IS the most convenient between Lowe's, H.D., WalMart SuperCenters, Radio Shack, etc., looking for & asking about a 300-to-75 ohm Transformer or a.k.a = "balum"

About $4.99 on most of those display pegboards & this will allow connection to the coax cable from your Converter! I'd suggest the internet / show you (1) but I'll loose this thread as soon as it has been submitted, unfortunately !

TO: Windy [ again } " Picture if this works ? "

here's what will do it . . . . http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=WMXFMRPT&mybuyscid=3417126929

Windy - I Apologize ! You did explain it completely - BUT - i didn't read your post carefully enough!

I believe that our old console actually had one of those very same 'connectors' --- round, sliding sleeve sort of fit, with a single conductor in the exact center & the outer, cylinder of plain metal ?

Please 'DO" disregard my other 'replies' totally - they are totally wrong, of course, but not erasable! BUT - whenever I attempted Sony Support to inquire IF their parts department might still have the plug available, of course, they can not even begin w/o the Model number, as all their " techs " are far too young to recall it at all . . . . www.sonystyle.com & click onto "support" way up at the very top .... sorry

Thanks so much. I'm going to give it a try - where it plugs in with the prongs from the antenna (I now see) can be unscrewed and removed and possibly the pigtail transformer w/balum could work. I can't imagine what old folks who aren't computer literate and can't get good info from people like you are going to do if they can't figure this stuff out!:)

i only get about 10 digital channels on the hd reciver in my apt complex in the 98178 area code and none are local what should i do? please e-mail me

This is such a dilemma for me and causing me stress just thinking about it as my digital converter box coupon expires tomorrow and I'm clueless as to which box to purchase.

My tv's are old, I use rabbit ears attached to the rear of the tv and get great reception. I would like a converter box that I can use a vcr/dvd with. I live in Burbank, CA zipcode 91505-2424, across from the bikepath by the North Hollywood border.

I looked at antennaweb.org but there is no way I'd be able to afford an outdoor antenna. Got any ideas as to which converter box I should buy?

TO: Sulaiman - " Only get 10 digitals in Apt Complex ?"

Your situation may be "wrought" with all manner of extra issues regarding individuals being allowed to have their own private antennas as opposed to being strictly served by that provided apartment service ?

Although Federal Rules & Guidelines Mandate that each of us - specifically including apartment owners and / or renters - MUST be allowed, many associations still argue & not all individuals have either the money or time to go to court to over-turn these illegal actions.

Two points, please ? "IF" you now get ten channels w/o any locals at all, I can not understand what these may be?

Your locals ARE available { excluding only FOX-HD } at a single compass heading of 316 - 325 degrees, so a Rotor Unit is not required plus [ depending upon local obstructions of nearby taller buildings or your specific apartment being close to street level, etc., ] at only 8 to 11 miles distance to the local TV Tower 'farm' any indoor unit that can face that direction through a window or patio door should do very well !

Go to www.solidsignal.com to read about / look at their newest replacement unit for the old Silver Indoor set top antenna. Good Luck!

TO: jb - " Can't get a new antenna / must use rabbit ears!"

Unless that set of Rabbit Ears still does have it's "bow tie" or "loop" pieces, you don't need to spend any money for a coupon converter --- you can't receive a signal !

The "bow tie" appears exactly as it sounds - same as a man's bow tie only much larger, whereas that "loop" is connected to the rear of the TV set with miniature 'springs' which DO allow for the never-ending "adjustments" needed with your set top antenna ! Without one of these, your converter can Not function . . sorry.

Added to - jb - "What to do / can not have a new antenna"

There IS a solution - far better than any antenna, precisely for persons such as yourself !

Contact the local cable telemarketers & INSIST that they tell you about their new, limited channel service for Seniors . . . ours IS $11.75 / monthly for { 18 } channels plus it operates all our VCRs and up to 4 more TVs !

All local cable companies have it BUT don't care to admit same.

No maintenance & it "works" in all weather, etc..

Having set up my converter, getting things working well -- with the exception of keeping the stereo sound from my 20-year old TV, which lacks a composite video port -- I've suddenly created a major problem, and have now have an essentially non-working converter situation. Poking around on the "menu" of my Zinwell ZAT-950A (top-rated here) I accidentally switched from the factory default RF CH-3 to RF CH-4, and then somehow hit something else such that I can't bring up the menu display to get back to the CH-3 setting, which is the right setting and gets me a superb picture. Basically, the picture, since it's on the wrong frequency setting, resembles what I'd get on the analog (w/o converter) from a station 60 miles away. Unlike a computer, there's no obvious way to "reboot." Plugging and unplugging the power makes no difference.
Does anyone have a suggested solution to this? I've still got one more coupon, and can order another converter (probably the same one) but I'd sure like to figure out how to fix this. I'm not confident that Zinnet, the manufacturer, actually has techs to advise on this. Thanks for any and all help. I'm giving my email here -- ed.harrison@mindspring.com -- to get direct help if any readers can offer it. I'm a public official so my email's public anyway.

I keep hoping to see better lab tests which compare the ability of these DTV boxes to receive signals in fringe areas. For years I was happy with my analog reception receiving signals from up to 90 miles away, but after going digital I can't receive from towers more than 50 miles away. I have a 14 foot roof top antenna with rotor. The digital picture quality is great, but it comes at the cost of losing channels. Will any of these UHF broadcasts switch to VHF channels which can travel longer distances? I understand there is still 40% of the USA with no access to cable TV. Those of us in the fringe need some help from Consumer Reports to recommend long range tuning equipment.

TO: Brad - " Long Distance O.T.A. Reception..?"

Sorry, but that will be technically impossible for those majority of TV Channels using UHF Bands!

Only some 400 TV stations are to broadcast over Hi VHF Band by 13 June i.e.- Chicago, NYC. Others will have only ( 1 ) of the major networks on VHF, with all the others in that market on UHF. Our city has that situation.

Use www.antennaweb.org / input only your ZIP to confirm the situation in your case. There's also the newer FCC web site.

The limitation for UHF - irrespective of any Mast, Super Antenna, Rotor Unit, etc. - will be the curvature-of-the-earth rule for totally line of sight transmissions.

This will be at the MOST 60 miles distance from the TV Tower to your antenna system plus 100 % perfect conditions !

For anything at all approaching your posted aerial distances, there will be ONLY satellite TV after 12 June!

I live in a mobile home in Denver, I cannot get good DTV signal. I use an indoor antenna, I had no problem getting all the signals when it was analog. I do not think anyone took into all the people who live in mobile homes. Denver says it will switch to total dtv in april. Hope they up their signal, I think this whole thing is a sham to get us to go to cable.

TO: Marilyn - "Analog fine in Mobile Home ..?"

Your difficulties are Because the UHF can not penetrate that metal siding successfully & still be sufficiently strong enough for the signal to "lock on!"

You & the rest of the Homes WILL need to get / install whatever appropriate NEW antenna is suggested by going to / using www.antennaweb.org, input Only your ZIP {ignore all the rest } / check "digital".

Listed will be the digital channels - including any changes after 12 June - Compass Heading so that the outside antenna may be properly aimed plus by color-coding, what is suggested.

Lots of safe web stores - (1) is www.solidsignal.com

Connect it up using Quad RG-6 coax - under $8 here - www.monoprice.com

No, it's actually lots more than promotion of cable / satellite customers - BUT - definitely, yes , there are going to be those on the fringe, in a valley, behind a taller building, too many miles away, etc., that WILL NOT have Over-The-Air Tv come 13 June for certain!

P.S. to Marilyn - " Mobile Home Park ...."

I used your central Denver 'ZIP' as an estimate, not knowing how far your exact location might be , of course.

You ARE in great luck, as it happens ! Right now, they are simulcasting DTV with analog, all on UHF Band - that's why your indoor set top antenna can not work at all thru that metal wall / roof construction.

Only ABC will be reverting back on 13 July to VHF - so, losing that one only, get a DB-4 antenna, Mounted on a pipe mast above the roof, properly earth-grounded & connected with that RG-6 coax to which I referred previously and you WILL see MANY channels ! Here is that --- http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=TD-DB4

We just hooked up our DTV converter box and we're getting a lousy picture. When I press the signal strength button on the remote, it says that the signal is in the 90%'s, but the picture is still fuzzy with a buzzing sound. When I turn off the DTV box and look at the 'regular' tv the picture comes in great, so I don't think it is the cables or connection. What can be causing this? Do I have a bad converter box? We do have a lot of trees around our house, would this be causing it do be fuzzy even though the signal strength is so high? We are in an area that doesn't have cable so I need to figure this out!! Thanks

TO: Emily R. " Bad Converter ...?"

Please re-post, including the exact, full Model # / Brand of CRT as well as "what/which/how" cabling you did use ?

Agreed, you are NOT connected properly - since DTV will ONLY provide 100% perfect displays or ZERO / blank - blue screen!

Do not necessarily count on that .. 90% ... signal strength meter, either!

PLUS - what antenna unit are you trying to use?

Lastly, include you ZIP, please . . . . those dense trees are NOT good!

everett

I set up my converter box and new antenna. With it turned off, I get a better picture than I used to. With it turned on, I get "No Signal." I am in Jersey City in an apartment building so an outdoor antenna is out of the question.

What does "No Signal" mean? I set-up and re set-up and can't find anything not done properly. I just don't understand where the problem is coming from.

Please help.

TO: Sylvia -"When on, says , no signal?"

That is saying that the converter still needs to be "programmed" or allowed to scan the TV Market for all the DTV signals in your area.

It apparently has pass thru, meaning it is NOT involved while "off."

Also ... new antenna .. sounds ominous! "IF" you sadly bought any of the "...Fantastic, All-new Amplified HD Indoor...." set top antennas - please do read all the data sheet VERY carefully ? Very many of these are NOT actually worth the cost of their Cartons.

Generally, these ARE only for UHF Band TV Channels, whereas the greater regional NYC TV market is served on the VHF transmission band!

You should attempt to rescan first - there's always a "chance" that the new antenna might function ?

Otherwise, seek out / buy a different unit that SPECIFICALLY states both VHF & UHF reception capable.

P.S. - also re-scan the first thing 13 June & at least weekly thereafter for a while in order to get new channels.

everett

What do I do when I live with all trees around, move the antenna to the closest open space? I can get some HD channels yet not all in my area and was thinking of buying a new outdoor antenna, yet have no clue as to which one to get. Any thoughts?

TO: Cathy - " TREES all around me ... ?"

That would be one solution - but - a costly project, as the proper "cabling" needed to be run underground from the base of any such pole / mast over to your HDTV set will be most-likely shocking as well as prohibitive !

As to what antenna proposal, this switch to DTV has NOTHING at all to do w/ the very old technology of adequately receiving O.T.A. signals!

Many have been convinced otherwise & ARE spending TONS of monies on essentially-useless " .. Special Amplified HD Set Top Units ..!"

FIRST . . . one should always go to this web -

www.antennaweb.org

... input ONLY your ZIP, check digital (for another few days) and listed WILL be the available TV Stations, Compass Direction(s), Distances & - CRITICAL - their Transmission Band[s} !

Next, go to any of the very many good web sites offering O.T.A. supplies / antennas . . (1) is -

www.solidsignal.com

IF you TV Market happens to be one of those few which IS going to be still using Hi VHF and UHF broadcasting after 12 June, one appropriate unit Might be the Channel Master # 5646 which IS exactly the very same unit inside the highly-decorated outer carton of the C.M. #3016 @ $20 more money!

Also needed will be a proper earth grounding of any such outside installation - - - all-in-all, undoubtedly a VERY costly set up in your specific situation!

For those in various "Fringe" and / or unique situations such as yourself, the end of available O.T.A.-DTV will be the case come 12 June for certain!

everett

TO: Cathy - " TREES . . . ?"

Alredy saw you @ another ?

"IF" your specific TV Market DOES strictly use the UHF Transmission Band ONLY, that really bodes for some "intermittent" issues for sure, by-the-way.

As soon-to-be-experienced by EVERYONE, the 100% Dependable, In-All-Weather, All-Seasons UHF reception is Very Much More difficult/tedious/unsuccessful than our soon-to-be-dead Analog VHF ever was !

Very strong winds, extreme & sudden temperature changes such as we do have prior to sever storms, leaves in the Summer, even air traffic in their landing-take off patterns in ANY place between your antenna & th TV Towers will & do interrupt UHF signaling !

It's for these + many more reasons that some feel so strongly about this switch to DTV as being a "conspiracy" or "very dark plot" to make many need to have Satellite {or local cable} service after 12 June . . . .

NOT the case, of course - BUT - still the one solutions for very many that used to have only O.T.A. reception for years !

everett

Cathy - " Terrible spelling mistakes !"

Apologies - but - No Editing Possible ... very sorry.

everett

I get one really clear Spanish speaking channel, and three channels with colored bars and that's pretty much it. I'm hoping to get get something of substance after the conversion; otherwise, I'll just switch to radio.

TO: Toby - "Only get 1 clear Spanish Channel...?"

OBVIOUSLY, there's something not yet correct w/ your "set up!"

Have you yet used www.antennaweb.org or that new FCC site? That's always a preferred Step #1.

After that data IS in hand - with which Band(s) are used in YOUR specific TV Market, etc.. - you can go to any of the fine web sites dealing w/ "O.T.A.-DTV" supplies ... one of which IS - - -

www.solidsignal.com

That will offer the info on which Outside Antenna IS best for your situation, to be mounted atop the very top of your roof & connected via Quad RG-6 Coax in a single length, no splitters, please!

www.monoprice.com has it in 50 feet coils w/ prepared, weather-proof Compression "F" connectors @ Under $8 ... longer available , too.

ALL major TV Markets should have by now all (8) of the major, local networks in DTV signaling, as well as quite a few "sub-channels."

everett

I HOOKED UP CONVERTER BOXES TO TWO TV'S, AND WHEN I
HOOKED THE THIRD ONE UP I ONLY GET CHANNEL 2 AFTER A SCAN.
WITHOUT SOUND. IS THE BOX GOOD OR MY CONNECTIONS WRONG.
TOM TORRISI

What type of antenna do i need for this converter box?

TO: Terrell - "Converter needs Which antenna?"

It's YOUR location that determines what antenna IS appropriate, NOT any Converter...

Step# 1 - www.antennaweb.org - input ONLY your Zip

Pay strict attention to which Broadcast Band(s) your TV Market will use - i.e.- Hi VHF / UHF only or Both ?

Step# 2 - Many safe web stores - (1) is www.solidsignal.com

Step# 3 - Either "D.I.Y." or hire Professionally it's Outside Installation, atop the highest part of your roof.

DO please be aware that - as of today, 13th June - for very many on the Fringe, behind a nearby taller building, in a valley, on the Far Side of a hill, within dense hard wood trees w/ all that Summer Foliage, simply too many miles from TV Towers, etc., there is NO appropriate antenna system that will ever provide 100% dependable OTA-DTV reception!

For these peoples, there must be local cable or (1) of the two satellite subscriptions - OR - simply, do w/o TV !

everett

TO: TOM - " Hooking up my Many TVs ...?"

Certainly no guaranties or means to specifically address your problem from afar - BUT - there definitely IS a limitation to how many can be successfully connected to a single outside antenna system !

Simply stated - in your instance - the third connection WAS too many !

everett

I have been receiving all of my over the air local digital stations for 6 months without any problem. On the old TV downstairs, I use a converter box and rabbit ears/loop combo, on the digital TV upstairs I use an RCA flat antenna.

At the conversion time, I lost one of the channels (11) on both TVs. I've scanned and rescanned to no avail. However, in frustration while trying to adjust the antenna, my wife yanked the rabbit ears out as far as they could go (even though I said "they won't pull in UHF") and suddenly we were getting channel 11, but we had now lost 32! Pushed the ears back in, we lost 11 and got 32 back.

My theory is that the signal from 32 is blocking 11, and by pulling out the rabbit ears we're blocking 32, thereby allowing 11 to get through. Is this possible? And if so, are we stuck with only getting one channel or the other? (We can't do this trick with the flat antenna.)

Thanks for anything anyone can add to this.

TO: TommyB - Old Rabbit ears allow 11/32..?"

Don't mean to be "ridiculous" at all - but - have you considered using a digital (2) way splitter from that upstairs antenna which IS doing "O.K.?" NOT a left-over analog, either.

Also, since it's cheap enough, ONLY use { Quad RG-6} coax to connect the two - I can not include it here but "go" to:
www.monoprice.com - insert [ Quad 25' RG6 ] & it will come up, under $8.00 !

everett

Frustrated...am using cable from a main house, am in the cottage. About two and a half weeks ago lost channels 42-62. after the switch I decided to rescan my channels and now only have 2-11. Anything I can do about that?

YOBEBE - " Cottage has lost TV ...?"

Surely hope so !

Please re-post, stating that cottage postal zip code in order that www.antannaweb.org might be used to obtain the data necessary.

Listed there will be your TV Stations available channels, Compass directions, Distance & which Broadcast Band(s)

Then, it's very straightforward to use any of the many safe web sites to explore appropriate outside antennas - (1) is :
www.solidsignal.com

HOWEVER - "IF" that is no means to locate an outside antenna, HIGH on the roof ridge plus an 8'- 10' mast as well Without "aiming & looking" thru dense Summer foliage, THEN, no - perhaps there is NO solution, sadly !

everett

A (P.S.) to " yobebe " please ?

Also explain what is meant by a "..cable to the cottage from the main house ...?"

I.E. - A connection to to the roof antenna @ THAT roof ?

{OR}

Local cable service entirely ?

everett

For TommyB:
At the conversion time, I lost one of the channels (11) on both TVs. I've scanned and rescanned to no avail. However, in frustration while trying to adjust the antenna, my wife yanked the rabbit ears out as far as they could go (even though I said "they won't pull in UHF") and suddenly we were getting channel 11, but we had now lost 32! Pushed the ears back in, we lost 11 and got 32 back.

A simple, but adequate, explanation is that the wavelength of channel 11 is longer than that of channel 32. With the antenna pushed in, the antenna responds better to the length of the channel 32 wave. Pulled out, to the length of channel 11. Neither one is "blocking" the other, but it is the antenna response. Kind of like a red filter and green filter respond to different wavelengths of light.

I used to get ABC clearly before the conversion to digital. Now I do not with my new RCA converter box. I have tried adjusting my antennae and use a booster, but no luck. I live about 60 miles from Portland, OR and have to get it line of sight rather than the transmitter that some people can use (mountain in the way). Strangely my sister in Chicago also can not get ABC either. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks,
Judy

TO" Judy - I'm 60 Miles away ..."

That Much too far - DTV over the UHF Broadcasting Band will NOT "carry" for that distance. Half , yes.

Your Sister's In Chicago IS sent via VHF and, so so needs that type of antenna unit .... BUT ... because of their absolutely horrible weather most of the time {either howling winds, tremendous Winter Storms or intense raining} .... any appropriate outside antenna system WILL be very troublesome + high maintenance. I went through that while living there.

For those in such DTV Markets and / or in a condo or other situation w/o reasonable possibilities for an outside, high antenna, the better solution in my experiences IS to get the Most Simple, very cheapest or basic local cable service ... I mean the Non-Advertised, limited choice, such as COX's for 22 channels @ $11 or a similar service @ COMCAST for $18.75, etc..

Now, w/ a new Top Tier HDTV & the included "QAM" tuner, one WILL also get all those local networks in "HD" for not a cent more + NO Set Top Box whatever !

everett

I live in a city with nearby local channels ABC and CBS, but my dvd recorder cannot get them either. If I do the rescan, the tuner skips over them as if they didn't exist. If I manually add the channels 30 and 47, I get no signal. CBS and ABC had the most programs worth watching. What a crock!{My dvd recorder does have a digital tuner by the way, so it's not the tuner being strictly analog!!!}

We just hooked up to a New Outside Antenna which is
UHF/VHF/HD with a 90 Mile Radious.
Back in May 2008, we bought a "Magnavox Converter Box"
Model #TB100MW9 without "Analogue Pass Thru" !
Before the transition date June 12th 2009, We could
get about 30 channels and now we can only get (6) six !

We usually watched channel (3) WFSB in Hartford, Ct,
which according to their Tech is broadcasting at
1000 watts of power !! We are only 48-miles away !!!
We even tried a Pre-amp from "Radioshack" and no
results !!

We live in a trailer Park so an Indoor Antenna is out of the Question !! I have scanned and rescanned and rotated the
antenna and No Luck !!! Radioshack suggested buying a
Converter Box with "Analogue Pass Thrue" to pick-up
Low signal TV broadcasts ? Someone even suggested to
Double-Scan and empty the memory on the Box and TV
and We did that and No-Luck ?? Any suggestions ?

Patrick,

TO: tt -"No NBC or ABC on my digital DVD..?"

Then, it must be your particular antenna system!

Look up your Broadcasting Band(s) ... then, compare whatever your are using to those of an appropriate type w/ "views" of the ones @:

www.solidsignal.com

By-the-way - "IF" whatever you ARE using is NOT mounted outside, atop the roof ridge, it should be, as well as connected bu Quad RG-6 Coax . . . 50' lengths are

www.monoprice.com

everett

TO: Patrick -"New Antenna w/ 90 miles Radius?"

PURE hogwash! Even that ..48 miles.. would be a "stretch" for different seasons / weather conditions on UHF.

UHF Band transmissions can ONLY go as far as the curvature-of-the-earth, NO Matter What Antenna!

That will limit the technical capabilities to a Maximum of 60 miles, even atop an extremely-tall mast!

One MUST go first to www.antennaweb.org, input ONLY their ZIP Code (ignoring all the rest) & obtain the data pertinent -i.e.- Which Broadcasting Band(s), Compass Directions, Miles to TV Towers, Color Code recommended, etc..

NEVER buy a unit simply because it happens to have all-manner of "gibberish" printed upon the outer box!

Perhaps it might have been better to have gotten a box with analog pass-thorough.

BUT - no Converter Box will EVER be a 100% permanent "fix" or solution . . . listed herein at Many different places IS the comment by C.R. that ".. Converters are ONLY a temporary solution ...."

Eventually, to receive 100% dependable O.T.A.-DTV, one MUST plan on simply buying an appropriate HDTV, with it's own, internal ATSC digital tuner & "toss" the then failed Converter.

everett

I hooked up my converter box about four days before the switch to digital.
I can not receive a signal for NBC. ABC, CBS, or CW11 (basic television stations in the Seattle area). I have not seen the daily news since the switch to DTV.

The antenna that I have is supposed to work but it does not. I am also unable to see any help commercials that could be on the television - I am not able to see the channels. I get some sub channels 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 13. One of the 9.? channel is in a foreign language. The television does not pick up any regular channels, not even the real channel 9.

What is this?

I live in an apartment so I am not able to get a dish and $60 a month is not a price that is a reasonable amount for basic cable.

I was told that I didn’t have to purchase cable with this converter box.

Is there a sure fix for this issue?

I bought a omni-directional antenna from Radio Shack that is meant for RV's and I can hook up multiple tv's. My first tv is getting every channel in CT and a couple from Springfield, though my second tv is only getting two channels - still working on the second one. Though my first is great, and there is no interference. I just put the omni-directional in the attic on the floor and hooked up the cables - I was done. Good luck.

TO: NM-E Dupree / Seattle / Apartment / Converter ....

Yes, there IS one "absolute certain " solution - but - NOT always possible for all to be sure.

Federal Coupon Converters are Not a permanent, 100% successful "fix" for DTV .... these Must have an appropriate antenna system for 100% dependable in-all-weather O.T.A. reception.

Your Seattle area has many days of heavy rain - these will cause differences in the way your Indoor Antenna functions.

And, as you posted, even though definitely allowed by federal Regulations, to "legally demand" the Complex Management for your Right to have a Satellite system IS costly!

That "certain" solution involves carefully searching for a new HDTV with an internal "QAM" tuner.

With that, one may have the new very least-cost, basic, limited channel local cable service.

NOT widely-advertised at all. However, it IS available, usually for a very modest monthly fee and NO Converter & No Cable Set Top Box of any sort at all !

Our's is COX with 22 channels Plus all 8 local networks in "HD" for just $11 / monthly total ! Comcast has it for $18.75.

Eventually - ALL must "give up" on these federal coupon Converters - only a "stop-gap" item at best - sad, but that IS the situation!

everett

I don't have a problem getting the channels, but
the picture breaks up and a thumping noise comes on.
We have to constantly movie the antenna around. I have a flat antenna. Do I need another antenna?

TO: shirleyA-"Constantly have to move/wiggle..?"

You are still amongst those also "in denial!"

Unless / until one installs an appropriate, Outside Antenna System, high atop the ridge of the roof, connected w/ new Quad RG-6 Coax cabling in a single length to (1) converter or HDTV only . . . there will NOT be 100% dependable, in-all-weather & conditions, O.T.A.-DTV !

www.antennaweb.org - input ONLY your ZIP, leaving rest blank gives data needed to select a proper outside unit.

www.solidsignal.com is ONLY (1) of many web stores selling essentially every outside antenna unit in existence.

"IF" your location might be an apartment or situation NOT applicable to an outside unit, consider local cable's all-new, limited channel offering - - - our COX has 22 @ $11/mo which, with a new HDTV & it's internal 'QAM' tuner also gives all (8) local HD networks for zero extra charge plus NO set top box whatever!

everett

OK, I've been reading a lot on how to convert your analog tv to digital via a converter box. How about if you have a digital tv already and want to get rid of your connection to cable service? Is a converter box still necessary to get tv reception? If so will any converter box do?

FOR cinjo-What's needed for OTA for a new DTV?"

It IS even FAR more straightforward that THAT!
... # ZERO federal coupon Converters ! # ...

Your new HDTV - regardless of Brand / Type / Display Size .... DOES have an internal digital or "terrestrial" tuner {a.k.a.- 'ATSC'} ...

Go to:
www.antennaweb.org

Input strictly your ZIP & Check 'digital'

Returned / listed will be your available DTV channels, their relative Compass heading from you, Which Broadcast Band(s) [either VHF or UHF or Both, same as us] distance & - - by a color coding - - the suggested types/power/'gain' of Outside Antennas.

www.solidsignal.com

is just (1) of very many web stores selling essentially ALL available Outside Units on the market.

"IF" your specific market IS a "combo" - using both VHF / UHF Bands, there IS a Channel Master # 5646 which works well for relatively short distances on top of a modest Mast, which will need to be secured to the Roof Ridge properly AND earth-grounded.

BUT - for only UHF Band, there's an Excellent, Much smaller Unit - DB-4 which also does fantastically for many @ ~ 20-25 miles, some greater.

Use Quad RG-6 Coax cable in one length directly from whichever antenna directly to the "RF" on the rear of your new TV. Very cheap & available at:

www.monoprice.com

Do understand that ANY / ALL physical obstructions whatever between that Roof Antenna & your Broadcasting TV Towers WILL seriously affect the success / failure of 100% reception!

SO - prior to ordering ANYTHING - get atop your Ridge w/ some simple field glasses to "find" / "see" those Towers w/ their blinking red lights!

For 'more' - pls do re-post! Many "experts" have reported that O.T.A.-HD is the TOP quality HD signals available! You should be able to get all 7 - 8 of the National Networks.

everett

cinjo - already " gotcha " at another "THREAD."

"IF" you are @ a CONDO or some-such wherein their "RULES"forbid you having a separate antenna unit ... remind them (politely) about the FCC ruling which HAS been tested & upheld that 100% of such Apartment Rules are now VOID!

everett

p.s.- For strictly all-UHF Broadcast signals {or, digital channels 14.1 on upward} that DB-4 Unit can very easily be placed in front of a window which faces in the direction of the TV Towers, behind draperies .... quite discrete!

everett

They claimed they put a man on the moon but how sad is it that you can't get decent T.V. without paying a arm and a leg and not even the ones they claim are free. Nothing is free.

When I was a kid and we didn't have cable, we can get all the local channels clearly, now since the big scam called cable came about, you have to have all type of junk to get the few stations that use to be free or else pay for hundreds of stations with nothing on it and pay a arm and a leg for that.

why is it the goverment makes us buy something that don't work what a waste of money.cuz i bought the converter box and now i can't get it to work at all i have scanned and still get nuffin i have rabbit ears plus anetta on top of house and still not a thing goverment just took our money again like always one way to make money

TO: angie - 07 Aug - " NO TV Channels ...?"

"IF" you will simply re-post with your ZIP, a proper Outside Antenna suggestion would be suggested.

Agreed, most of those federal coupon Converters were NOT at all good, obviously!

Strictly, a very temporary 'Band Aid' for picture tube TVs until a new HDTV may be bought which works WITHOUT any Converter, of course.

everett

Well, here I am a week out of the July 31 coupon usage deadline. Always having satellite, I wasn't concerned. Now I'm unemployed, losing satellite and stuck out in the country with a half dozen OLD TV's. Can't afford a converter box, and it probably wouldn't work anyway. Great.

When we first used the converter box we got tons of Chicago area channels. As time went on more and more channels have disappeared. Same TV, same rooftop antenna, I suspect it is the RCA converter box. We have had one quit working entirely and now the other seems to be slowly disintegrating. Anyone else experience this type of problem?

Gary M. - "RCA Converter slowly fading ...?"

Simply "scroll through" all these BLOGS herein to realize that essentially very, very few have ever gotten satisfactory performance OR long-life from ANY of these various federal coupon units! Even C.R. has often stated that these are Only a short term or Band-Aid / 'fix' - - certainly never a permanent DTV solution!

As soon as circumstance allow, seriously consider buying (1) new, top-tier HDTV which never needs any converter, naturally.

Your Chicago area does utilize VHF as their HD transmission band - or - at least, until their on-going request to 'switch to a newer UHF assignment has been acted upon .... until then, you'll need an appropriate "combo" band, Outside Antenna.

everett

I Know nothing about rooftop " But learning fast " I,m old cant affoed
Cable. Have a Rooftop and Magnavox Comverter. Was getting 53.1-2 and 3 satisfactorily some pixels. With local Radio D.J. Larry,s help
got 16.1-2 Wilkes barre Pa. broadcast. All very FINE BUT now Thanksgiving Eve It looks like I din,t pay My ?CABLE??BILL??.
NO SIGNAL any idea what to look for ? THANK YOU

I just bough a new outside antenna. I also have a converter box. The antenna has a rotation head. The antenna box that came with antenna has antenna in and tv1 out and tv 2 out and has a powere cord. My converter box has antenna in and antenna out to tv. What is the proper configuration for this. Should I use the box with antenna and go antenna in to thjis box and then use tv 1 out to my converter box and tv 2 out to my other converter box. No real directions with antenna. Any help would be appreciated

Steven Hay - "How To Hook Up Rotor / Converter ...?"

Not possible to be 100% accurate w/o you exact Model numbers, of course!

BUT - in a generic way - sounds like your Rotor is for two (2) TVs - #1 & #2.

You'll also need some Quad RG-6 Coax going from that TV#1 outlet (ignore #2 for now) down to the Converter next to the picture tube TV set. Use a short jumper coax from Converter 'out' to the TV set 'RF' threaded connection.

www.monoprice.com ... or www.mycablemart.com are only two of many web stores.

Connect / power up that Rotor / properly align the outside antenna with your TV Towers for your ZIP Code {www.antennaweb.org} / scan / & it should all "go!" Enjoy!

everett