Need some advice please!

[arzoman]

I would sincerely appreciate any help on this issue.

I have Comcast cable here in the Bay Area (San Francisco). They've got all the locals EXCEPT the Fox affiliate KTVU. I have an HD-ready TV. Because the Comcast box will not work with an HD antenna, I went and purchased today a Samsung HDTV set top box. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/i...tails/468399704

I also purchased a TERK TV5 Amplified Low-Profile Antenna.
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDispl...D=270&PMNID=523

Anyhow, I set everything up, and I got very bad reception. In fact, I got pretty much no reception. The only thing that came in was KNTV (NBC) and that was in and out. I got nothing else. When I looked at the actual reception meter on the receiver, I had, for KNTV, 7 bars out of, I think, 10. The weird thing is, it would be at 7 bars, then go to 0, then 7, then 0. I could not get anything steady.

I live in a high rise apartment building. I have pretty good clearance on my balcony, but that did not seem to make a difference. As for the actual Fox reception, I got, at a few different points, 5 to 8 bars, and actually got picture for a few seconds.

So, basically it appears that my antenna is not strong enough. Is that the case? Is there a stronger antenna than the one I used? I also used the Terk HDTVi antenna. That was $10 cheaper, and did not work any better, and in fact, worse.

I don't have access to the roof, so that's out. My only option is either a really strong indoor antenna, or something relatively small I can mount on my patio. Keep in mind my patio is VERY VERY small. Only about two and a half feet wide. But pretty long.

By the way, I have only a north east clearance. So satellite is not an option.

Thanks!!!!

[arzoman]

I would sincerely appreciate any help on this issue.

I have Comcast cable here in the Bay Area (San Francisco). They've got all the locals EXCEPT the Fox affiliate KTVU. I have an HD-ready TV. Because the Comcast box will not work with an HD antenna, I went and purchased today a Samsung HDTV set top box. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/i...tails/468399704

I also purchased a TERK TV5 Amplified Low-Profile Antenna.
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDispl...D=270&PMNID=523

Anyhow, I set everything up, and I got very bad reception. In fact, I got pretty much no reception. The only thing that came in was KNTV (NBC) and that was in and out. I got nothing else. When I looked at the actual reception meter on the receiver, I had, for KNTV, 7 bars out of, I think, 10. The weird thing is, it would be at 7 bars, then go to 0, then 7, then 0. I could not get anything steady.

I live in a high rise apartment building. I have pretty good clearance on my balcony, but that did not seem to make a difference. As for the actual Fox reception, I got, at a few different points, 5 to 8 bars, and actually got picture for a few seconds.

So, basically it appears that my antenna is not strong enough. Is that the case? Is there a stronger antenna than the one I used? I also used the Terk HDTVi antenna. That was $10 cheaper, and did not work any better, and in fact, worse.

I don't have access to the roof, so that's out. My only option is either a really strong indoor antenna, or something relatively small I can mount on my patio. Keep in mind my patio is VERY VERY small. Only about two and a half feet wide. But pretty long.

By the way, I have only a north east clearance. So satellite is not an option.

Thanks!!!!

[57U]

Please do not cross post (most of us read "all new posts", so there's no need).

See the two FAQs on "Antennae, etc". Terk is renowned for excellent marketing and poor products. That could be your problem.

Others better versed in OTA should be along shortly to assist, but in the meantime read the FAQs and go to antennaweb and post your results here.

Your link for the Terk antenna is "broken" as is the other one. But it probably doesn't matter anyway...

[arzoman]

Ok, here's my desperate situation...

I need to receive this channel. Game 7 tonight. I have no other option. I'll get whatever antenna I need.

Here are the channel specs using my adress on antennaweb.org...

red - vhf KTVU 2 FOX OAKLAND CA 236° 10.9 2

It shows red, which I belive means I need a big outdoor antenna? But I'm only, according to the web site, 10.9 miles from the station antenna! Actually, the KTVU station itself is only about a mile away from here.

I'm in a high rise building and can only install an antenna on my small balcony. Is there any real good antenna from Radio Shack I can get? I've tried a TERK TV5 and TERK HDTVi. Neither of those worked, as they only picked up a few signal bars...and it went in and out.

Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. Also, please give me a store name...ie. Radio Shack, Best Buy, GoodGuys. No internet buying advice, as I need it by tomorrow evening.

Thanks!!!!

[LeeS]

red - vhf KTVU 2 FOX OAKLAND CA 236° 10.9 2

I'm in a high rise building and can only install an antenna on my small balcony. get? I've tried a TERK TV5 and TERK HDTVi. Neither of those worked, as they only picked up a few signal bars...and it went in and out.


Thanks!!!!

That appears to be an analog station, not digital. Were you looking for a station to receive HD?

The Digital listing for FOX looks like this, I used zip 94601. Note the actual transmitter is on UHF channel 56.

* yellow - uhf KTVU-DT 2.1 FOX OAKLAND CA 248° 12.8 56

What direction does your balcony face? Hopefully you can see to the SW (236 degrees)

If you can see to the SW try this RadioShack antenna, it is UHF only and is small in size.

RadioShack 15-2160 ($23.99) (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2160)

If you can see where the transmitters are from your balcony,try this, you'll need a 300 > 75 ohm transformer. If there are obstructions or you cannot see the transmitters, this won't work. It is also UHF only, INDOOR.

RadioShack 930-0998 ($14.99) (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=930%2D0998)

If they don't work, you can take them back. RadioShack has a pretty liberal return policy as long as you don't totally destroy the package.

If you were actually after the analog station, channel 2 VHF, you would need a large antenna for that, not something easily mounted on a balcony.

My best guess without all the info I'd like to have. I'm assuming that you wanted the digital station.

Lee

edit: I just read your other post, seems you are after the digital channel. It also appears that you are on the wrong side of the building if you are facing northeast. Forget the $15 RadioShack Antenna. I'm not even sure the UHF yagi will work for you. Sorry.

[LeeS]

I answered in your other thread.

[Ratman]

What direction are the x-mitters? (hopefully N.E)
How far are you from the x-mitters?
Do you have large buildings/obstructions that block you're line of site to the x-mitters?

Terk antennas generally are overpriced and underperform.

Check www.antennaweb.org for info on distance/direction of stations and fill us in so we can offer a recommendation. (which may not be good, but we shall see!)

EDIT:
After reading all of the cross-posts, I see that LeeS has basically provided the conclusion(s). IMO... you're pretty much SOL for digital reception based on your location.

The only other antenna to try would be a "Silver Sensor" (worth a shot)
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=ELEC&pid=05768514000

[HDTVBob]

Arzoman,
What's the problem with getting a HD box from Comcast and get all the HD locals in your area assuming they offer this?

[Splicer]

Arzoman,
What's the problem with getting a HD box from Comcast and get all the HD locals in your area assuming they offer this?


I don't think they offer that from what I read in the first post. :smokin: ;)

[HDTVBob]

I don't think they offer that from what I read in the first post...

You mean one cannot get HD cable service that close to silicon valley, the technology mecca of the country if not the world? :wow: Maybe we poor midwesterners aren't so backwards after all! :cheers:

[Splicer]

I am presuming he has Comcast HD but FOX is not yet available there...Sorta like DVR is not available here where I live yet...

[arzoman]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I did try the silver antenna from Sears. It did not work. I did get a Fox signal for about 3 seconds...but then it cut out...and I couldn't find it again. I've done some research on the broadcast antenna, and Fox broadcasts from the Sutro tower in SF which is directly west from where I am. I have no clear line of sight because I live in a big building. I've since returned all the antennas and the set top box. I suppose I'll just hope that Comcast and KTVU (local fox affiliate) are able to work something out soon. Missing the World Series in HD is horrific.

Oh well.

If anyone has other suggestions...please let me know.

Thanks!!