How do I improve my local TV channel receptions?

[ANTant]

I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
works great through a VCR.

I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

Thank you in advance.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[Ben Pope]

I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
clear.

So what problems are you seeing? Snow, ghosting or some other problem?
Does it look like interference (usually denoted by some regular patterning)?

I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
works great through a VCR.

OK, so the same aerial works on your tele, but not your TV Card?

I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
TV tuner is sensitive?

A Tuner is a Tuner is a Tuner (in this type of application). I don't see as
cables would make a difference anyway.

I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

The type of aerial that I suggest you use depends on the problem you have.
If it is merely weak signal, then a better aerial (read, bigger - something
like a Yagi, usually loft or roof mounted) or an amplified one can do
wonders.

If you're experiencing interference, an amplified aerial will just amplify
the interference too...

Ben

 

[ANTant]

So what problems are you seeing? Snow, ghosting or some other problem?
Does it look like interference (usually denoted by some regular patterning)?

It is hard to say. Basically, unseeable picture. Wavy colorful picture.
I should screen capture for you. Or maybe record it.

OK, so the same aerial works on your tele, but not your TV Card?
Yeah.

A Tuner is a Tuner is a Tuner (in this type of application). I don't see as
cables would make a difference anyway.
OK.

The type of aerial that I suggest you use depends on the problem you have.
If it is merely weak signal, then a better aerial (read, bigger - something
like a Yagi, usually loft or roof mounted) or an amplified one can do
wonders.

Hmmm, that sounds expensive. Also, I forgot to mentioned that I am upstair.
Also, the antenna is near the window (mostly opened).

If you're experiencing interference, an amplified aerial will just amplify
the interference too...

OK. I am just trying to figure out what is going on.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[kxyz]

I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
works great through a VCR.

I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

Thank you in advance.

Easy
Get cable

 

[J.Clarke]

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500

I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
works great through a VCR.

I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card
has limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one
that doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

Thank you in advance.

You don't say which board you have. If it's an 8500DV, that tuner is
very sensitive and can easily be overloaded, which will produce all
sorts of artifacts on the display. If it's one of the other Radeon AIWs
then the tuner is the opposite, relatively insensitive, and may need
a larger antenna than your regular TV or may need an amplifier.

As far as antennas go, your best bet is an electronics store--not one
of the shopping-mall stores but one that sells to amateur radio
operators (note--"amateur" != "CB") and professional installers.

 

[ANTant]

Easy
Get cable

Like I said, no. Too expensive and I only have TV shows on local stations.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[ANTant]

I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near

It is hard to say. Basically, unseeable picture. Wavy colorful picture.
I should screen capture for you. Or maybe record it.

Go to http://home.apu.edu/~philpi/temp/ati/ (I will delete these files later
on) and see the screen captures. Odd that Channel 11 is nice and clear tonight.
It wasn't like that last night. Weird.

Hmmm, that sounds expensive. Also, I forgot to mentioned that I am upstair.
Also, the antenna is near the window (mostly opened).

OK. I am just trying to figure out what is going on.

--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[JAD]

Ant,

I live out in West Covina there is no way, living amongst these mountains, that your are going to get any better than you have.
Unless you Tower a decent rotatable TV antenna. I hear ya on the expense, charter just hit me up that they wont be hosting Earthlink
Email or News server, 5$ more a month

 

[ANTant]

Wow, you are close to me. I am in City of Industry area. I am farther away
from the mountains, but still!

Ant,

I live out in West Covina there is no way, living amongst these mountains, that your are going to get any better than you have.
Unless you Tower a decent rotatable TV antenna. I hear ya on the expense, charter just hit me up that they wont be hosting Earthlink
Email or News server, 5$ more a month

--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[ANTant]

Also, that still doesn't explain why my TV gets better pictures.

Ant,

I live out in West Covina there is no way, living amongst these mountains, that your are going to get any better than you have.
Unless you Tower a decent rotatable TV antenna. I hear ya on the expense, charter just hit me up that they wont be hosting Earthlink
Email or News server, 5$ more a month

--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[JAD]

put your Tv next to your PC and watch the interference climb....

 

[Andy]

For ch. 2, 4, and 5, because of their frequency (low VHF), you need a
large antenna mounted on the roof. Rabbit ears won't cut it.
From Fry's:
CHANNEL MASTER ADVANTAGE SERIES VHF/UF/FM TV ANTENNA. 24-ELEMENTS, 66
BOOM.
$25.

 

[ANTant]

You don't say which board you have. If it's an 8500DV, that tuner is
very sensitive and can easily be overloaded, which will produce all
sorts of artifacts on the display. If it's one of the other Radeon AIWs
then the tuner is the opposite, relatively insensitive, and may need
a larger antenna than your regular TV or may need an amplifier.

Whoops! I thought I missed something important. I have an ATI Radeon 9800
Pro AIW (128 MB).

As far as antennas go, your best bet is an electronics store--not one
of the shopping-mall stores but one that sells to amateur radio
operators (note--"amateur" != "CB") and professional installers.

How much do they cost? Do you have a few examples online so I can get an
idea?

You might also want to check <http://www.antennaweb.com> and see what
they recommend for your location.

Thanks.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[ANTant]

For ch. 2, 4, and 5, because of their frequency (low VHF), you need a
large antenna mounted on the roof. Rabbit ears won't cut it.
From Fry's:
CHANNEL MASTER ADVANTAGE SERIES VHF/UF/FM TV ANTENNA. 24-ELEMENTS, 66
BOOM.
$25.

So, basically this: http://www.outpost.com/product/2570051 ... However,
I still find it odd that my TV has little problems with the rabbit
ears (I don't mind white dots that come and go). Someone pointed out
that it could be interferences from my computer.

Also, this house isn't mine so I might not be allowed to install it on
the roof. I will use it as a last resort if possible.


--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[ANTant]

As far as antennas go, your best bet is an electronics store--not one

of the shopping-mall stores but one that sells to amateur radio
operators (note--"amateur" != "CB") and professional installers.

You might also want to check <http://www.antennaweb.com> and see what
they recommend for your location.

I cannot seem to connect to http://www.antennaweb.com on my university
shell account and dial-up account.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[ANTant]

put your Tv next to your PC and watch the interference climb....

I wish I could! It's 20" (too heavy to move it). What components would cause
interferences? Maybe I can disable/remove some parts? Here's my DETAILED
system setup:

Primary Computer (Multimedia, Gaming, & Workstation Box): AMD Athlon XP
2200+ (Actual Clock Speed = 1800 Mhz) CPU (Socket A) with a Thermaltake
Volcano 9 (heatsink and CPU fan), ASUS A7V333 (North Bridge-VIA KT333 and
South Bridge-VT8233A chipsets; v1 Revision) motherboard (enabled its
onboard RAID controller for third huge HDD and disabled onboard sound card),
one Kingston DDR DRAM PC2100/DDR 266 (512 MB) + one Kingston DDR DRAM
PC2700/DDR CAS 2.5 (512 MB) = 1 GB of RAM, ATX Full Tower Case, Antec Model
SL400 (400 watts; 80mm and 92mm fans) power supply, ATI Radeon 9800 Pro
All-In-Wonder (128 MB), Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! Platinum (not
using its LiveDrive), Toshiba DVD-ROM SD-M1612 16X/48X ATAPI/IDE drive,
Plextor PX-W1210 PlexWriter (12/10/32A; IDE), Quantum Fireball Plus LM 15 GB
7200 RPM EIDE HDD, IBM Deskstar 60GXP 40 GB ATA/100 Hard Drive (7200 RPM),
Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 Plus ST3120026A 120 GB (8 MB cache; 7200 RPM) HDD,
3Com Fast EtherLink XL 10/100 Mb TX Ethernet NIC (3C905 B-TX), 3.5" TEAC
disk drive, Windows XP Professional, Red Hat Linux v7.2 (dual boot;
compiled Kernel 2.4.20 from source), two 80 mm case fans, a custom blower
fan, a 3 fan HDD cooler, Microsoft Sidewinder Joystick (USB), and an APC
Back-UPS 650VA. Using SP1, DirectX v9.0b, Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1, and all
hot fixes in Windows.

Secondary/Backup Computer: Intel Pentium III Katami/Slot 1 600 Mhz CPU
(512KB cache), DFI P2XBL motherboard revision A -- 440BX 100 Mhz bus, ATX
Mid-tower Tower Case (Enlight 7237 with power supply (80 mm fan); AMD
approved; 250 watts), 384 MB of SDRAM (128 MB Generic PC100 + 128 MB
Kingston PC133 + 128 MB Micron PC133), Quantum Fireball Plus LM 30 GB HDD
(7200 RPM; EIDE), 6.4 GB Quantum Fireball EIDE (6.4EX-A) HDD, Matrox
Millenium G400 32 MB DualHead, Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 ISA, Toshiba
DVD-ROM SD-M1212 drive, 3.5" Teac disk drive, and an Intel InBusiness 10/100
(82559) NIC. Running Red Hat Linux v7.1 (use it most of the time) and
Windows 98 (using Internet Explorer v5.5SP2 and DirectX v9.0b).

Both desktop machines are connected to a Belkin OmniCube (2-port) to share a
Samsung SyncMaster 763MB 17" monitor, Chicony 104 Key PS/2 KB-2961 keyboard,
and a 2-buttons PS/2 Logitech mouse. A data switch box to share Epson Stylus
Color 880 printer and external USR 33600 Sportster Faxmodem (Model: 0413;
Product Code: 000839-03).

All computers are not overclocked. They are also connected to a 8-ports
Netgear DS108 Hub 10/100 base for networking.

--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[ANTant]

Go to http://home.apu.edu/~philpi/temp/ati/ (I will delete these files later
on) and see the screen captures. Odd that Channel 11 is nice and clear tonight.
It wasn't like that last night. Weird.

Hmm, channel 11 got a little fuzzy tonight but not bad as last night.
Howeevr, I notice sometimes I can fix it if I change channel or select
input connector. Weird. Too bad this trick doesn't work for channels 2,
4, and 5. :>
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: (e-mail address removed) or (e-mail address removed)
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

 

[J.Clarke]

On Fri, 17 Oct 2003 02:36:27 -0500

I cannot seem to connect to http://www.antennaweb.com on my university
shell account and dial-up account.

Sorry--I gave you a bad address--it's dot org, not dot com,
<http://www.antennaweb.org/>. I knew I should have cut and pasted the
link instead of typing it from memory.

Places to go for antenna prices--<http://www.starkelectronic.com/> and
<http://www.solidsignal.com/>. Your local supplier will probably be a
bit higher but there won't be any shipping.

ATI has for some reason not included the tuner requirements in the spec
sheet for the 9800 Pro AIW. If you go to their site though and search
on <amplified> you'll find spec sheets for the 9700 AIW and many earlier
models, all of which require cable or amplified antenna. The same is
true for the 9600 AIW, which is newer than the 9800, so presumably the
9800 uses the same type of tuner (I don't have a 9800 AIW yet--I'll be
putting together a new machine for Christmas with a 9800). With the
original Radeon AIW, which I got to replace an older AIW model, I found
that I needed to get a signal amplifier to get any picture at all.

Now, that said, you've commented that you get white dots--if they're
tiny white dots all over the screen, that could be too much signal
overpowering the tuner.

Simple, cheap thing to try--go down to Radio Shack and pick up a signal
attenuator model 15-678--you'll also want a short piece of RG-6 cable
(15-1590 is the shortest and cheapest--get a longer one if you think you
need it) with"F" connectors on both ends in order to connect it. Put
that between the antenna and the AIW and turn the knob and see if the
signal improves as you increase the attenuation. If it doesn't, that
pretty much rules out excessive signal, so you know you need more
antenna--if it does, problem solved.

If it turns out you need more antenna go over to Antennaweb and find out
what they say you need, and then it's generally best to get one size
bigger in my experience. Their FAQ also discusses your legal rights with
regard to antennas--basically though it's a Federal law that you can put
up a reasonably sized TV antenna (my words, not the law, which is more
detailed) on any property that you own or have exclusive use of, and
that the property owner, condominium association, town, or anybody else
cannot prevent or unreasonably delay your installation. Before you cite
the law though, ask the owner politely if it's all right for you to put
up a TV antenna--who knows, he may decide to put one up for you.

 

[Ben Pope]

Go to http://home.apu.edu/~philpi/temp/ati/ (I will delete these files
later on) and see the screen captures. Odd that Channel 11 is nice and
clear tonight. It wasn't like that last night. Weird.

Hhmm, not really clued up on NTSC. There is almost certainly some
interference there, but your biggest problem looks like weak signal. A
better aerial will give you a stronger signal and hopefully bury that noise.


"near the window" just doesn't cut it, unfortunately.

Ben

 

[J.Clarke]

nope nothing your gonna be able to remove, as the number 1 component
of interference is the Power supply.

You all are beating a dead horse , cause in ca there is never a single
solution to the TV reception thing. That's why cable and sat are in
use far more here than in many other populous area....anywhere there
are mountains.....the thing that kills him and me is that we are local
to the transmitter atop mount Wilson. The signal goes right over the
top of us..

For what it's worth, there's a long thread at <http://www.avsforum.com>
that discusses reception in Los Angeles. Some folks have had to
resort to rather extreme solutions to get a signal from Mount Wilson
even though they can _see_ the friggin' antennas.

Meanwhile I'm in a similar situation on the Right Coast--most of the
local stations have got their digital transmitters online and are
transmitting HD, but they all have their antennas on the same hilltop
and there's a friggin' mountain between me and them--if I go a
couple of miles east or west then I've got clear line of sight, but no,
I have to be the one place where there's an effing mountain in the way.
Was getting 95% on the signal indicator last night and still had
dropouts. When I've got signal it's gorgeous, but it's a pain in the
butt to get signal.