I bought a convertor box for my TV. So far I get one channel with about 55% signal strength. I checked online and I should get 4 channels that are within 15 miles of me. I would like to get channels that are 100 miles away but not sure if it's possible without having my own tower...lol. What are you using for digital reception? What kind of antennas, amplifiers, cables, etc? I would prefer an indoor antennae because of condo association rules. (They just ruled out DishTV satelites.) How far in miles is your reception? Any feedback or suggestions is appreciated.
I did buy an RCA antennae with amplifier but I'm wondering if it's enough and if I should take it back. I read R6 coaxial cables give better reception than the R59 cables. Anyone make a switch and notice any difference?
Last edited by Sheri; 02/03/0901:37 PM. Reason: added info
"An ignorant man thinks he knows everything, a wise man knows he doesn't."
Since you live in ND, with relatively no "noise" to interfere with your signal, I say your reception will be quite good with only the basics
The signal pattern and strength will be a factor. As well the noise I was refering to is radio towers, buildings etc.
Before getting overly concerned on will it work or not, Have a contingency. If you have "A" on hand and you believe may not be good enough, go buy "B" a few days before Feb 17th, which is your "better" plan. If "A" works, great. Take "B" back with your reciept.
By the way, 100 miles without a tower? I am by no means knowledgable on analog and digital signals, TV stations have been reducing their power output gradually, in steps. Those people on the outer fringes of normal reception will definately see the 55% you experience.
I worked at a radio station for years. The difference in coverage between a day and night transmission pattern is huge. If TV cut their power by 50% like mandated by FCC, you will not see a signal improvement until Feb 17th.
Unless, that is, you spring the $34.99 a month for "condo cable".
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I've been thinking about getting cable. For the price of basic, it doesn't seem worth paying for channels I could get free. Upgrading to the next cable package would be nice but I would rather save that money for something else like for the bird.
Thanks for your input Banshee. The info on transmission and reception gives me a better understanding on how things may work. There are towers within 13 miles of me. But to get more than 4 channels, I would have to get reception from the next tower which is 100 miles away in Bismarck. I'm not sure what I should upgrade to. If anyone has any ideas, that would be great.
Dave, yeah those old style antennas are ugly but would probably work well. I doubt they would pass condo rules though.
Anyone make there own antenna? I saw a few places online where people made their own. Some are ugly but curious if anyone has had any luck with a homemade one. Any electronic gurus here? lol
"An ignorant man thinks he knows everything, a wise man knows he doesn't."
I use the same Radio Shack antenna on my roof as I did with analog. We are about 35-40 miles from the transmitters in Chicago. Note that digital is sensitive to signal strength so clean tight connectors are important. When analog signal strength was low, you got some snow. When digital strength is low, picture is totally lost.
Some converters (digital tuners) are better than others. I have four tuners. The two D to A converter boxes have a marginal tuner and some stations get lost. My HD-ready TV on the a DTV-Pal DVR and a full digital tuner TV has very good tuners and reception.
And, after the full switchover some stations will change their broadcast frequencies since they are using temporary ones now as they broadcast both their old analog and digital. Some stations might improve.
Thanks Dave, that site is really helpful. I saw one antennae at a reasonable price that just might work. I think I can hide it under a 3rd story balcony...lol.
Jim, I was wondering whether HDTV's get better reception than the convertor boxes. You answered that for me. I bought the RCA DTA800B1 box which was rated online as one of the better boxes. I'm satisfied with my old Zenith TV and would hate to buy a new TV just for digital. It sounds like the R6 cables would be helpful though.
I was not happy when the condo voted no DishTV satelites. One guy owns a majority of the condos (he rents them out) so what he wants usually goes. I think he must have stock in the local cable company...lol. My phone company had a nice bundle package for phone, internet, and DishTV. I've been with this phone company since I was 19. I really don't want to switch companies for cable to get a packaged deal. My friend has cable and sometimes she has issues with them. Then they charge for a service fee. I think most people around here have switched to DishTV.
I'm still open to any suggestions or feedback. Thanks again guys.
"An ignorant man thinks he knows everything, a wise man knows he doesn't."
The signal from the antenna still has to be good, but the TV or the Digital box with the better sensitivity and gain in the tuner circuitry will give you a better picture....but you still need a decent antenna signal first.