Antenna l Set Up l Critical!

[jibucha]

Hello

Broadcast Signal is outstanding, besting anything else, until Blu-ray is considered; Cable & Satellite are a distant ghost in the machine.

What is extremely important, is that the set up is both designed and implemented properly. This is not difficult, but you must know the issues and address them accordingly.

1 l Roof Installation l Mount on the rooftop, and not the attic. Attic installations loose 50% of reception immediately, resulting in unsatisfactory performance seriously affecting the critically important signal to noise of the broadcast signal, that is commonly mistaken to be signal level.

2 l Level Mount l Make certain that the antenna is mounted level using a level.

3 l Antenna Orientation l The antenna needs to be properly oriented to the local broadcast stations in your area; be certain to use a compass for the proper direction(s). If you are uncertain as to their respective locations, simply go to www.antennaweb.org and enter your zip code, and all of the available stations and their locatios will come up; just use common sense if all of your stations are not in a common broadcast area.

4 l Broadcast Area l If your broadcast stations are not conveniently in a common broadcast area; you will need to use a motor drive to change antenna orientation as required.

5 l High Quality Cable l Use the highest quality RG-6 shielded cable available to you; do not use quad shield, but regular shielded cable.

6 l High Quality F-Connectors l Use high quality sealed F-connectors, making certain that the connectors are properly installed or you will loose picture quality and signal performance to both the audio and picture.

7 l Weatherized Connections l Properly weatherize your connections with shrink tubing and liquid silicon. This will result in your original installation performance not degrading gradually over time, resulting in deteriorating performance and an unexpected complete loss of signal over the years

8 l Design Layout l Use a single dedicated cable to a centralized location in the house itself, that is a single run of cable between the antenna and a high quality splitter, having only the required number of runs available from it, to keep signal strength and signal noise at their respective best performance.

9 l Analog Signal l Analog singnal allows for very poor performance, regardless the poor installation, so even if you do a poor installation, which is common, you will still be able to receive channels, but poorly without knowing just how good they would have been if the antenna was properly installed.

10 l Digital Signal l Digital signal is not forgiving; a poor installation will result in a complete loss of affected channels, so you need to make certain that you are not making any mistakes. Essentially, you ether get an outstanding picture quality and sound quality, or you receive nothing.

11 l HDTV Antenna l There is no such thing as a HDTV Antenna; all antenna's are essentially the same. Depending on your area broadcast; you need simply to know whether the antenna is UHF & VHF, or both. Additionally, if you already have an older roof antenna; use it before even considering a new antenna; our original roof antenna was over thirty years old and worked without any issues. When I later replaced it, after many years of successful use, the newer antenna, essentially worked as well, so do not make an unnecessary change unless required; ok?

12 l Grounding l For some reason I left this out originally; I will get back to it again soon. In the interim; it is extremely important, preventing damage to your electronics, should you be unfortunate enough to have this unpleasant occurrence. And; proper grounding rod, is essential. This really only matters if you are near to a lightening strike or directly for that matter; is this not the purpose of this simple protection to your valuable electronics? Post #31 refers to static; this is definitely of significance to why grounding is important - thank you.

13 l Multi-path l Getting somewhat technical here; I will follow up on this soon.

14 l Additional Information l There is more to this, but this is the most important information for a good experience.

15 l DTV Tuners l Be aware that they are not all the same in many regards; including, features, usability, reception, so do not assume that they all are the same, as differences can be profound to your daily television experience, so choose as best you can. DTV Tuners essentially replace your entire television in the sense that how you daily use the tuner, is your television experience.

16 l Indoor Antenna l While they are intended and expected to perform without difficulty; anyone that I know with them, is experiencing inconveniences. This is not intended in any sense to indicate that they do not work effectively, rather that they are not ideal, resulting in varying inconveniences.

17 l Attic Antenna Installations l Given that installation of a roof antenna is a significant performance compromise; it is typical that anyone that I know with this installation is with noticeable performance loss, resulting in regular inconveniences. Again, this is not to indicate that it will not work, simply that it is common that this installation is with compromises and inconveniences to a rewarding daily television experience.

18 l FCC Regulations - Renters & Associations l Since 1996, there has been an FCC Regulation, which clearly details that you are entitled to receive a broadcast television signal. This means that landlords or associations, cannot disallow that you use a roof antenna for television reception. I have the regulation somewhere and will update this listing with it at some time.

19 l Questions l If you have any specific questions; please feel free to contact me directly, and I will respond as quickly as possible; just be patient if it works out that I am slow; ok?. I have been doing detailed installations for many years now, in both the Colorado and Illinois areas, without difficulty, providing trouble free performance. Additionally, having personal experience with broadcast signals for over 10,000 hours of viewing, I am familiar with almost every instance of signal performance in great detail; there is more to all of this than the 'cliff effect'.

Well, I hope that this information is helpful to many, which does apply to most every issue for both the novice and professional. Beyond this level of information, involves both equipment and knowledge beyond practical considerations other than daily operating professionals. Using this information carefully and responsibliy, will result in the best in trouble free outstanding performance. Remember, that broadcast signal on a roof antenna is outstanding, and a considerable improvement over both Cable & Satellite, which is why I personally have canceled our DirecTV and Comcast, to watch broadcast signal exclusively along with Blu-ray. Actually, in doing so, Blu-ray immediately becomes significantly less expensive, using the saving of other content services towards the discs themselves.

Thank You

[jsteinhauer]

Excellent initial post. I used antennaweb to set up my rooftop UHF antenna nearly two years ago. Unfortunately, what I think the real impact of the ultimate switch will be for many viewers is that they have neither the ability or resources to install a rooftop antenna. It has become pretty obvious in some areas that even viewers who live 2 or 3 miles from the tower are not getting a reliable digital signal from their set top antenna; people who for decades received an adequate analog signal. I didn't believe this at first, since I live 25 miles away from the towers and get a strong signal in all weather with my rooftop antenna, but I've encountered too many recently who seem to know what they are doing, who argue otherwise.

It may be that in the past, the locals have pumped all of the power into one channel, but now, even in small markets, we are seeing NBC1, NBC2, NBC3, etc. over the air. It could be that by dividing the power between channels like this makes too weak of a primary signal for local markets.

There will be a loud public uproar, fueled by local politicians and activists.

My gut feeling about this is that in February, Congress will renege, and the changeover will be delayed...inevitably...just like metric units.

[jc480]

I have an attic antenna (you can see pics of my setup in my HT Gallery).

I am receiving digital signals from 45 miles away and they are crystal clear. An attic antenna can be (but not always) an effective choice. It will not be as good as an outside antenna on a 30-foot pole....but it's pretty damn good and the video quality on my Kuro is jaw dropping. I'm not sure I could see a difference in signal quality between my setup and if I had a 30-foot pole...although I would pick up a greater range of stations.

But I'm already getting 45 digital stations as of this morning and many are duplicate network broadcasts.

[Drew664]

What part of the country do you live in?

[jc480]

Originally Posted by Drew664

What part of the country do you live in?

Michigan

[odin24]

Originally Posted by jc480

Michigan

I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada... I have a $100 RCA antenna (long thin one) that mounts under my eavestrough. On clear days I pull in all of the Detroit area signals no problem, cloudy/rainy days I still get most, but with reduced signals.

If I were to get a better antenna, I could probably get a better signal. However, I'm getting similar channels as jc480.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I'm very interested in pursuing this option and came across this article about the Nippon Antennae. The reviewer had some positive personal experience with them, but suggested that the more expensive model would be a definate improvement.

Here is my situation. I live in an apartment and cannot have this unit mounted outdoors. As such, would it be a waste to even consider the antenna option?

John

[odin24]

Originally Posted by John72953

I'm very interested in pursuing this option and came across this article about the Nippon Antennae. The reviewer had some positive personal experience with them, but suggested that the more expensive model would be a definate improvement.

Here is my situation. I live in an apartment and cannot have this unit mounted outdoors. As such, would it be a waste to even consider the antenna option?

John

For some reason I cannot open the link. If your appartment has a balcony, you could mount the antenna to a piece of wood, and clamp that to the balcony.

Or just get a set of OK powered rabbit-ears for indoor use.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by odin24

For some reason I cannot open the link. If your appartment has a balcony, you could mount the antenna to a piece of wood, and clamp that to the balcony.

Or just get a set of OK powered rabbit-ears for indoor use.

Try this link: http://www.canadahifi.com/review97.php

I could do that I suppose, but what about the wire? I can't drill a hole in the sliding door frame.

John

[witheygull]

Originally Posted by John72953

Here is my situation. I live in an apartment and cannot have this unit mounted outdoors. As such, would it be a waste to even consider the antenna option?

John

You could try a small indoor antenna. Here is the antenna that I use and it has worked well for me.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by witheygull

You could try a small indoor antenna. Here is the antenna that I use and it has worked well for me.

Thanks.....gonna have a look at my local Radio Shack (The Source in Canada). I really would like to go the antenna route as I don't watch a lot of TV and the cable charges are killing ($85 a month).

John

[odin24]

Originally Posted by John72953

Thanks.....gonna have a look at my local Radio Shack (The Source in Canada). I really would like to go the antenna route as I don't watch a lot of TV and the cable charges are killing ($85 a month).

John

That antenna should do OK. Or a good set of rabbit-ears. If you can, while you are watching TV just place the indoor antenna on your balcony for even better reception... when done bring back inside. That's if you don't mind this sort of set up. I had to resort to this a few times as reception was pretty choppy during the "big game" a few times.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by odin24

That antenna should do OK. Or a good set of rabbit-ears. If you can, while you are watching TV just place the indoor antenna on your balcony for even better reception... when done bring back inside. That's if you don't mind this sort of set up. I had to resort to this a few times as reception was pretty choppy during the "big game" a few times.

I think that is what I'd probably be doing! I don't really mind as I don't watch TV that much...in fact...I rarely watch TV.

Thx for the advice so far guys....no need to spend more than I have to. Besides, I can always return it if I'm not happy.

John

[mdabb]

Nice thread !!!


A few links if you like ???

HDTV primer.com (antenna section)
Great resource for antenna's and more info on the subject than one man should lawfully know This place was recommended to me by a local TV station's chief engineer. No subject left uncovered.........

http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ISSUES/erecting_antenna.html

Another place I've found to be more useful than Antennaweb is TV Fool, but admit I haven't checked out Antennaweb in quite some time. TV Fool gives you a lot of useful detailed info, just type in your address.

http://tvfool.com/

I got my antenna from Antennas Direct . The antenna is mounted on the roof of my two story home, and the antenna itself sits on a 10ft. mast, mounted on a tripod mount. Which is great for severe weather.

http://www.antennasdirect.com/

Solid signal is another great place for antenna's and related stuff.

http://www.solidsignal.com/antennas/...FYZM5Qod4l5jqA


I do have a question about #5 on the list though. Why do you think people should not use quad shielded RG6 ??? If you are running long distances of coaxial cable, quad shielded cable is better at keeping interference from affecting the signal. I started off with standard solid core RG6 and then moved up to quad shielded RG9. The reception was a lot better with no drop outs. It is also important to use solid copper core coaxial cable to prevent signal degradation, but it also depends on where you live and what kind of antenna rig a person is going with. It is possible to get by on the other stuff but....................

[jc480]

With respect to the cable shielding, there's the law of diminishing returns.

I run standard cat5 coax through my house (or whatever the standard shielding is) and it seems to work fine. I've got some LONG ASS RUNS...we're talking nearly 100 feet from terminal splitter to the TV. I notice no signal degradation.

You may get a better signal with a hyper-insulated cable. But I would not be surprised that, if you put two TVs side by side utilizing standard and quad shielded cable....you couldn't tell the pictures apart.

But an important feature of your HT is what makes you feel good. Alot of people want "power conditioners" on their electronics...they feel it improves their picture. Others want certain types of HDMI cables or other accessories that are considered "performance".

The point is...there is a placebo effect and some people are more discerning than others.

The average joe 6-pack can buy an LCD generic TV from Walmart and be happy. For most people who visit this site, the same TV would be unacceptable.

If you want to use quad shielded cable because you believe it provides better signal integrity, then do so

Just out of curiosity, how much of a price premium is that over standard?

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by jc480

With respect to the cable shielding, there's the law of diminishing returns.

I run standard cat5 coax through my house (or whatever the standard shielding is) and it seems to work fine. I've got some LONG ASS RUNS...we're talking nearly 100 feet from terminal splitter to the TV. I notice no signal degradation.

You may get a better signal with a hyper-insulated cable. But I would not be surprised that, if you put two TVs side by side utilizing standard and quad shielded cable....you couldn't tell the pictures apart.

But an important feature of your HT is what makes you feel good. Alot of people want "power conditioners" on their electronics...they feel it improves their picture. Others want certain types of HDMI cables or other accessories that are considered "performance".

The point is...there is a placebo effect and some people are more discerning than others.

The average joe 6-pack can buy an LCD generic TV from Walmart and be happy. For most people who visit this site, the same TV would be unacceptable.

If you want to use quad shielded cable because you believe it provides better signal integrity, then do so

Just out of curiosity, how much of a price premium is that over standard?

Firstly, if that is even a word , I'm not sure how CAT5 wire plays into all this, I am lost on that one , but I think it's a safe bet to say signal loss can happen when it comes to TV coaxial cable. Not sure if you think I'm saying "my picture looks better on digital channels because of the cable I am using" ??? I am not if that is what you are thinking. You've never experienced signal loss or degradation with long runs of cable with analog TV or experienced signal dropouts with digital reception ??? This isn't a Monster brand placebo affect thing is it ??? I'm not saying my ones and zeros look better than your ones and zeros, I am talking about signal loss/degradation, but anyhow.............


Well the reason I upped to quad shielded RG9 was that my run is almost 70 feet long outside of my house to the grounding block right before the antenna lead enters my home. I was experiencing dropouts on on quite a few digital channels and estimate the signal strength (according to my TV's menu) to be at 40% and below on the problem channels. After talking to a few people who know what they are doing (it's their job) they recommended changing out to quad shielded RG6 to preserve my signal better (They have a lot better of an explanation). However I decided to do one better and bought the RG9, since it's not a lot of fun playing around on a roof with steep pitch by myself with a hefty antenna rig. To sum it up, it certainly was a success as my signals either nearly doubled or are at 100%. If you like I can track one of them down pretty easily, he chats on AVS and is the "chief something" at a TV station.

A bit of info in my case. I live in a area that is the foothills to the Allegheny mountains (more like really big hills). Anyhow, my entire region is almost all hills and valleys. We are talking about line of sight here.

Did I go to the point of diminishing returns by upping to quad shielded RG9 ??? Most likely a very big yes, but it's better than playing around on the roof of a two story home by myself with an antenna !!!

I do not remember how much I paid for the RG9, as this was a couple years ago. I did buy it from Solid Signal and there should be a price on the website. I can't remember what lengths it comes in, but I purchased 100ft. of it

[Johnny Vinyl]

Went in to Radio Shack (The Source in Canada) today to look at some antennae. The guy there told me that because of the switch-over on 6/12/09, I will now need a Digital Converter to go along with an antenna. Is this correct?

John

[odin24]

Originally Posted by John72953

Went in to Radio Shack (The Source in Canada) today to look at some antennae. The guy there told me that because of the switch-over on 6/12/09, I will now need a Digital Converter to go along with an antenna. Is this correct?

John

Only if your TV does not have a built in HDTV tuner.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by John72953

Went in to Radio Shack (The Source in Canada) today to look at some antennae. The guy there told me that because of the switch-over on 6/12/09, I will now need a Digital Converter to go along with an antenna. Is this correct?

John

I did not know the analog to digital switch will also affect Canada? interesting.

Anyways, some TV's have internal OTA tuners, in which case no you do not need any converter box.

But if your tv does not have an internal tuner, you very well may need a converter box. What kind of cable system for tv broadcast do you have? dishnetwork,directv,cable etc or nothing at all?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by odin24

Only if your TV does not have a built in HDTV tuner.

It does...my Panny has an ATSC and NTSC tuner. So the guy was full of crap then?

John