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I live in Torrance,CA area in a condo with a 2yr old antenna. Up until 5 days ago I had perfect reception for 2 UHF stations KCET and KOCE. Now all I get on KOCE is snow. Whats up?
Check location is antenna ie line of site and if anything has gone up in the line of site between antenna and location of tv station transmitter site.
Things like cranes, Buildings, signs, trees. UHF is very line of site so if anything in the line of site has been erected the radio signals do not bounce off bt get absorbed by objects in the way
Hi Joe Usiewicz, we want to help you with your question, but we need more information from you. Can you please add details in the comment box? Is the antenna shared among multiple properties ? There may be a problem with the splitter used or mast head amplifier ?Hi Joe Usiewicz, we want to help you with your question, but we need more information from you. Can you please add details in the comment box?
Is the antenna shared among multiple properties ?
There may be a problem with the splitter used or mast head amplifier ?
Thank you. It is meant to be a shared ant but most folks are on cable or FIOS.The ant installer said he hooked me up directly to ant and I do have a cable running from the roof to my TV. I don't have access to the roof so I don't know what the setup looks like. Could the amplifier affect just one channel?Thank you. It is meant to be a shared ant but most folks are on cable or FIOS.The ant installer said he hooked me up directly to ant and I do have a cable running from the roof to my TV. I don't have access to the roof so I don't know what the setup looks like. Could the amplifier affect just one channel?
There doesn't seem to be any new obstacles. There are trees but they aren't new and have mostly lost their leaves. Again I don't have access to the roof but plan to ask for it. Per your channel locator for my location KCET(28) is at 28 azimuth while KOCE(48) is at 27.Could that make a diff? I still get good reception for KCET.There doesn't seem to be any new obstacles. There are trees but they aren't new and have mostly lost their leaves. Again I don't have access to the roof but plan to ask for it. Per your channel locator for my location KCET(28) is at 28 azimuth while KOCE(48) is at 27.Could that make a diff? I still get good reception for KCET.
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Re: I live in Torrance,CA area in a condo with a 2yr old...
Hi, it sounds like your antenna core wires are touching some where this will cause a snowy effect ,if you check both ends . It could be water ingression maybe.
I don't quite understand what you are saying. Are you talking about the RG6 enclosed cable that runs from the ant to my TV? If so there is no water at the TV end and I don't know about the ant end. It seems to me if there was water ingression then it would effect all channels.I don't quite understand what you are saying. Are you talking about the RG6 enclosed cable that runs from the ant to my TV? If so there is no water at the TV end and I don't know about the ant end. It seems to me if there was water ingression then it would effect all channels.
Hi, i think that you have to go with the line of sight theory as i forgot that you have a signal from another channel and its ok . Thats telling you the equipment is picking up a signal .Hi, i think that you have to go with the line of sight theory as i forgot that you have a signal from another channel and its ok . Thats telling you the equipment is picking up a signal .
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Sorry but I've never heard of a DIGITAL ANTENNA, ALL antennas are ANALOG NOT DIGITAL, and yes you will be able to tune in some TV stations if you live close enough of TV stations that still transmit ANALOG signals, with a GOOD VHF/UHF antenna you can have good reception and viable TV time... (best of all it's FREE)
The only reason this would happen is if it is not receiving a signal. Make sure that all of the cables are tightly inserted into the jacks and are connected to the antenna. If this doesn't work, chances are that your antenna is not the right type to receive strong signals in your area. This is common if you live too far (50 (?) miles) from the broadcasting station. The best type of antenna in this case is a combination UHF/VHF rooftop-mount antenna, designed for deep-fringe reception. I have one of these and it works like a charm. Good luck!
-Der Strom
I live outside the Kansas City Missouri area. I was having problems receiving one station. I decided to raise my outside attenna to get better reception. In doing so, I totally lost reception on another station. I only moved it up about 6'. I had to move the attenna back down to get that station perfect again. I still cann't get the station I'm missing but I found out that moving the attenna up/down or side to side can make a huge difference. I live about 50 miles from the stations I receive. Good Luck.
Check to make sure your DTV antenna is an "all band" antenna with reception in both the UHF and VHF bands. It sounds like you may be in Philadelphia area. In Philadelphia, all the DTV stations are in the UHF band except Ch 6 and Ch12, which are in the VHF band. Some of the DTV antennas are UHF only. You can tell if yours can receive VHF if it has the "rabbit ears" long wip antennas. If so make sure the whips are extended fully and turn the antenna to try to get a good signal.
Visit the 6ABC and WHYY websites for up to the minute information about the issues with reception issues.
Use an Antenna that Provides Good Reception of All Channels
Most existing antennas used by consumers will provide good reception of DTV signals. (Before making any changes, try your existing antenna first to see of it allows you to receive all the stations you normally watch.)
For watching DTV signals, you will need an antenna that provides good reception of both VHF signals (channels 2-13) and UHF signals (channels 14-51) to reliably receive all of the digital signals broadcast in your area.
Many antennas are designed only for reception of either VHF or UHF signals (but not both). For example, the commonly used “rabbit ears” indoor antenna is only suitable for receiving VHF signals. To receive UHF signals, an indoor antenna should also include a wire loop or other feature for reception in that band.
The reception capabilities of TV antennas also vary considerably, so be sure to talk to retail consultants and look at information on the packaging and/or the Internet to make sure that any new antenna you may choose provides good reception of both VHF and UHF channels. In addition, if you use an indoor antenna and receive signals on VHF channels, you may need to use an antenna with amplification.
Many antennas currently being sold as “HDTV Antennas,” perform best at receiving UHF signals; some of these models state that they provide reception of signals on channels 7-13 but actually perform less well receiving those channels. If you obtain one of these antennas, be sure it provides good reception of all the VHF channels as well as the UHF channels.
To check for the DTV signals that are available at your location, use the DTV Reception Maps available at www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps.
Check Your Connections
Check that your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television is connected properly. Make sure your antenna is connected to the antenna input of your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television. If using a digital-to-analog converter box, also ensure that the antenna output of your converter box is connected to the antenna input of your analog TV. Refer to the owner’s manuals of your components if you are unsure of the proper connections.
Ensure that your components are plugged in and have their power turned on.
If you have a digital-to-analog converter box, tune your analog TV to channel 3. You should see a set-up menu or picture displayed on your TV screen. If you do not see a set-up menu or picture, tune your TV to channel 4. If you still do not see a set-up menu or picture, recheck your connections.
Perform a Channel Scan
Digital-to-analog converter boxes and digital televisions have a button, usually on the remote control, that is labeled “set-up” or “menu” or some similar term. Press that button to access the set-up menu. Using the directional arrow buttons on your remote, scroll to the option that allows you to perform a “channel scan.” The channel scan will automatically search for digital broadcast channels that are available in your area. Consult the owner’s manual of your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television for detailed instructions on how to perform a channel scan for your device.
Once the channel scan is complete, you will be able to tune to the digital channels received by your antenna. You should perform a channel scan periodically to check whether additional digital channels have become available.
Adjust Your Antenna
Small adjustments to your antenna can make a big difference in the number of digital channels you can receive. If you have an indoor antenna, try elevating it and moving it closer to an exterior wall of your home. After adjusting your antenna, perform another channel scan to see if your reception is improved.
While adjusting your antenna, it may be helpful to access the “signal strength meter” on your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television to determine whether your adjustments are improving the signals’ strength. The signal strength meter is usually accessed through the menu feature on your remote control. Refer to the owner’s manual of your device for detailed instructions on how to access its signal strength meter. Remember to do another channel scan after you have adjusted your antenna.
Television stations broadcasting in digital use both the VHF band (channels 2-13) and UHF band (channels 14-51). Many indoor antennas use “rabbit ears” for the VHF band and a “loop” or “bow-tie” antenna for the UHF band. Make sure you are using an antenna that covers both the VHF and UHF bands and have connected it properly.
If You are Still Having Difficulty:
Until June 12, 2009, some stations will be operating at reduced power levels. If you are not receiving certain digital TV stations, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your antenna or digital-to-analog converter box or digital television. Check with the TV station to find out whether they are planning changes that will improve reception.
When an analog TV signal is weak or receives interference, static, snow, and distortion will often appear on the screen. Digital broadcasting will provide a clear picture; however, if the signal falls below a certain minimum strength, the picture can disappear. This “cliff effect” means that if you watch analog TV stations that have static and distortion, you may have to adjust or upgrade your antenna system.
Simple indoor antennas provide minimal performance that may not be suitable for your location. If you are unable to obtain satisfactory DTV reception with your current indoor antenna, you may wish to obtain an indoor antenna that includes features for better reception of UHF signals, as well as VHF, and/or an amplifier to boost the received signal (often referred to as an active indoor antenna).
Generally, an outdoor antenna will get better reception than an indoor antenna. However, the performance of outdoor antennas can degrade over time due to exposure to the weather. If you are having problems, check for loose or corroded wiring, broken antenna elements and that the antenna is pointed in the right direction.
Try to keep the length of wire between your antenna and digital-to-analog converter box or digital television as short as possible for best reception.
“Splitters” that are used to connect a single antenna to multiple digital-to-analog converter boxes or digital televisions reduce the amount of signal available to each device. If you are having problems, check whether reception is improved without the splitter. In some cases an “active” splitter that includes an amplifier can solve the problem.
If you are near a station’s broadcast tower, reception of that station, as well as other stations, can be impeded by strong signal “overload.” Consider using an “attenuator” or removing amplifiers to improve your reception.
If you decide to replace or upgrade your indoor or outdoor antenna, many types are available from electronics retail stores at a variety of prices. Websites such as www.antennaweb.org provide information on the locations of broadcast towers and the types of outdoor antennas appropriate for the stations you wish to receive. If you need assistance with upgrading your antenna system, check with a local antenna retailer or antenna installer.
To check for the DTV signals that are available at your location, use the DTV Reception Maps available at www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps.
Ok first I can save you some money. Take your "HDTV" antenna back. There is nothing different about the antennas needed receive analog and digital signals. If you got reception without your converter box, use the same antenna with your converter box.
Next let's see if there is a problem with the box. Hook up a television with the antenna. How many stations do you get? Now hook up the same television & antenna, but this time put the converter box between the antenna & the TV. Do not turn on the box. Now how many stations do you get? If the number is different, the box is not allowing the antenna signal to pass through. That is bad. You want your signal to pass through the box so you can still pick up stations that don't broadcast digitally. Some areas of the country will not be covered by digital stations from all major broadcasters when the changeover happens in Feb.
My suspicion is either you did not have the antenna hooked up to the converter box when you searched for channels OR you are in an area that is not yet broadcasting digitally.
I hope this helps you solve your problem. Thank you for using FixYa and feel free to add more questions here by using comments.
With the pending conversion to digital broadcasting on 2/17/2009; BestBuy™ stores are selling units with digital tuners as well as analog tuners. Standard analog tuners should still receive UHF and VHF stations, that is until the conversion when most of theses stations will stop broadcasting in UHF as well as VHF.
well it's the same as the days of old, the antenna has a range of reception. the further the sations antenna, the lager your antenna must be. just because you bought an amplified antenna does not mean you will receive the deep fringe station. also the antenna must be UHF and VHF to receive the broadcast in digital. most of the braodcasters have gone with the UHF band because it is more stable for the bandwith of digital broadcast. the UHF band is very directional as well, so you must be pointing to the broadcasters antenna. no set top antenna will work if you are further than 15 miles of the broadcasters antenna. the roof top UHF/VHF antenna with a preamp is the way to go. I have tested every compact antenna and unless you live in the city that the broadcast generates you will get no reception with these. terks are junk, and any small amplified antenna does not work if you are in low lying areas. roof top, roof top,.....ROOF TOP!!!!!
In the menu, the antenna setting needs to be changed from cable to antenna and then auto-programmed. The VHF/UHF section needs to be turned on.
I'm not in my shop, but, I think in most Hitachi sets, this adjustment is in the "channel" portion of the menu.
If you need more information, reply to this post and list the model and I will give better direction.
Hi Joe Usiewicz, we want to help you with your question, but we need more information from you. Can you please add details in the comment box?
Is the antenna shared among multiple properties ?
There may be a problem with the splitter used or mast head amplifier ?
Thank you. It is meant to be a shared ant but most folks are on cable or FIOS.The ant installer said he hooked me up directly to ant and I do have a cable running from the roof to my TV. I don't have access to the roof so I don't know what the setup looks like. Could the amplifier affect just one channel?
There doesn't seem to be any new obstacles. There are trees but they aren't new and have mostly lost their leaves. Again I don't have access to the roof but plan to ask for it. Per your channel locator for my location KCET(28) is at 28 azimuth while KOCE(48) is at 27.Could that make a diff? I still get good reception for KCET.
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