Tips for better DTV reception
Evidently the DTV transition on June 12 didn’t disrupt life as we know it, judging by most reports we’ve seen. But two weeks into it, we’re still hearing from consumers who are having problems getting some of the digital channels available in their market. Here’s some advice from the FCC, which has been tracking problems presented to their experts at support centers or via the toll-free help line (1-888-CALL-FCC), which is still in operation.
Many stations changed their frequency on June 12, but the old frequency might still be stored in the memory of your digital converter box or digital TV—even if you rescanned after the transition. To clear the memory, you need to run a “double rescan,” in effect, rebooting the system to wipe the slate clean.
The problem could also lie with your antenna. You might need to relocate or adjust the one you have or get a different type. As the FCC points out, one of the most popular spots for indoor antennas–on top of the TV– may not be the best spot. A location higher up or near a window, and away from electronic equipment, may provide better reception. You’ll find many useful pointers in the FCC’s factsheets on antennas and reception. —Eileen McCooey
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Posted by: everett whitney | Jul 8, 2009 7:52:42 AM
Michael . . . .
P.S. - SORRY FOR TYPOS!
No Editing possible . . .
everett
Posted by: everett whitney | Jul 8, 2009 7:50:30 AM
TO: Michael - "Analog was O.K. - Now, ZIP ?"
You need to have an Antenna Unit capable of BOTH VHF & UHF Transmission Bands - PLUS - with all the 'congestion' inherent to the D.C. area - it IS possible that UHF -DTV will NOT be possible!
Your TV Towers are mostly on / in a common Tower Farm or sight ( a few exceptions, but NOT worth the trouble/expense of a Rotor Installation!) ....
7.1 = ABC and 9.1 = CBS are [VHF] - but - 4.1 = NBC is actullay using "48" - a {UHF} Broadcasting assignment.
Do consider a new Top Tier HDTV, use it's internal "QAM" tuner & get instead the new local cable limited channel service - our COX has 22 channels plus all 8 HD channels for exactly $11/monthly - NO Set Top Box now or in-the-future!
Comcast has essentially the same @ $18.75
Converters are NOT a permanent FIX!
everett
Posted by: Pablo | Jul 7, 2009 5:59:03 PM
Before DTV, we received 5 channels in our rural area of South Dakota's Black Hills, including public tv on 2 separate stations (same network, watchable on either channel). Post-DTV, we get 2 channels (plus 1 digital side channel, which is nice) but NO public TV nor the other commercial station. We've tried a new digital TV, new "digital" outside antennas, bigger antenna, higher antennas, walking around on the roof in a tinfoil hat, and standing on one leg (OK, I'm kidding, but we've tried everything we can think of). I'm told by local public TV that digital does not "punch through" or bounce off mountains like the analog signal did. I've read all the tips. Long story short, for us and several neighbors, digital TV has resulted in loss of channel choice and we're less happy now than with analog (which we were perfectly content with).
Posted by: Michael | Jul 6, 2009 12:12:58 PM
I was getting acceptable performance from the converter boxes before analog went dead. Ever since (even after rescanning), I've been having trouble with channels 7 and 9 in Washington, D.C. area.
It lead me to believe that they weakened their signals. I just read Johnny's comment from June 25 and it seems to support my theory.
I just learned about double-rescanning today and after going through that process, channel 9 is working for now. Channel 7 is still saying no signal most of the time.
Posted by: everett whitney | Jun 30, 2009 5:58:45 PM
Carolyn - "How About a real HDTV working better?"
Surely possible + Much less "fooling around' w/ that Converter during power losses & subsequent rescaning of TV Channels, etc. - HDTVs have a "memory" that is NOT bothered by short outages and there ARE tons of other advantages as well.
Please do "post" your ZIP so that I might check on which TV Broadcasting Bands you need to receive . . . IT is entirely possible that a Much Better, legitimate unit could be gotten with FAR superior results than that AWFUL portable Indoor unit !
everett
Posted by: Carolyn | Jun 30, 2009 3:59:28 PM
I have one local, nearby channel that I have yet to be able to pull in with the converter box / antenna system. I've moved the antenna all over the place, etc. etc. Since my analog TV is small, I've been toying with the idea of getting a new TV so I don't have to use the converter box any longer. Has anyone else done that and perhaps noticed a difference (hopefully an improvement) in reception? I was wondering if reception in marginal areas like mine might be improved with a truly digital TV+antenna and not just the analog TV+converter box+antenna system. Thanks!
Posted by: everett whitney | Jun 29, 2009 7:10:51 AM
TO: Terry - "INDOOR Radio Shack vs Reception?"
It is NOT the governments 'fault' - it is YOURS!
NO "indoor, amplified, Special, Improved, Super whiz bang" gadget will EVER "do" the same in receiving 100%, in-all-weather & other physical conditions TV signaling as will an appropriate, Outside Antenna System!
It is an exercise-in-futility to constantly experience EXACTLY those very "issues" of yours now by attempting to do so.
www.antennaweb.org is step #1
That gives what Band(s) in your TV Market {a.k.a. = Hi VHF or UHF or both, for some}, Compass Headings [some WILL need a Rotor!], miles distance plus by color coding, which types ARE necessary.
www.solidsignal.com IS only (1) of very many web sites wherein one can view essentially every Outdoor unit made / sold!
Mount one outside, atop your Roof Ridge, connect it via Quad RG-6 coax cable w/o any splice & you WILL have 100% , dependable DTV reception . . . . NOT until / unless you do, as well.
everett
Posted by: everett whitney | Jun 26, 2009 2:55:57 AM
Johnny - " San Francisco IS installing..."
Sorry - BUT - your particular DTV market is FAR behind the curve!
The vast majority of the Nations' 1,800 TV Stations HAVE already done so many years ago & were "simulcasting" during that interval.
These ARE at full strength NOW . . .
A new appropriate Outside Antenna is not costly unless one must hire it installed commercially.
"Waiting" will not be appropriate for the majority of O.T.A.-DTV customers - what they have now IS "it."
everett
Posted by: Terry | Jun 26, 2009 1:55:17 AM
I really appreciate the other comments and updates and help. I have an inside antenna from Radio Shack $50. Bought the Magnavox box with the *asterick. Everything was fine until the switch. I now and then get Channel 7 on the advice of the broadcasting station by lowering the rabbit ears to about 12 to 16 inches. Channel 11 I just got today 6/27/09 by moving the antenna up, down and all around. As for channel 13, which I miss so much, I can never get. PLEASE MY GOVERNMENT HELP CHANNEL 13 OUT WITH SOME FUNDS SO WE CAN VIEW THE CHANNEL. THANKS.
Posted by: johnny | Jun 25, 2009 3:28:20 PM
Here in San Francisco (and I assume in many other cities as well), most major TV stations are in the process of installing new digital transmitters. During the construction, they are operating the old transmitters at half power. The new transmitters should go on line at full power in September or October. If your antenna doesn't work right now, maybe it will be fine in October. Unless you really need to watch TV during the summer, just waiting is much cheaper than buying a new antenna right now.