View Full Version : picture pixelated intermittantly
Midas
09-12-2003, 11:46 AM
I'm having a problem with the HDTV signal from the local NBC affiliate for St. Louis. The picture gets all messed up (pixelated) and then freezes. The screen goes blank for a second and then comes back OK for a short time and then gets pixelated again. This can go on for a couple of days. It can go several days and be OK and then start messing up again. NBC is the only feed that does this - the rest (ABC, CBS, FOX, and local channel 11) never have a problem. Also, the regular signal (non-HD) comes in clear. My HDTV signal comes from a roof mounted outside antenna. When NBC does come in OK, it is the best looking HDTV of all the stations. Any ideas where I should start looking for the problem?? Thanks
kevinw
09-12-2003, 11:51 AM
If it is not a station problem could be multipath. Any trees, tall building blocking the path?
Ratman
09-12-2003, 01:40 PM
What are the siginal strength readings of the digital channels on your receiver?
Do you see the problem channel reading fluctuate?
Is the problem channel the same direction as the other channels?
Is the problem station transmitting at low power?
IMO... it's either low power or your antenna is not aimed properly at the transmitter.
kevinw
09-12-2003, 01:45 PM
I was thinking lowpower except that He said sometimes the channel works other times it doesnt Leading me to either station's decoder is broken or leaves, trees etc blowing in the wind.
Midas
09-12-2003, 05:16 PM
All of the stations are pretty much east of me. I'm about 30-35 miles west of the city. There are a couple of trees out back along the path. Would this affect HD reception? Not sure how to check the signal strength - does the Mits projection have this feature? If I need to adjust the antenna is it the UHF portion of it, or the entire antenna? Sorry for all the questions but I am pretty new at this!
Ratman
09-13-2003, 07:35 AM
Originally posted by kevinw
I was thinking lowpower except that He said sometimes the channel works other times it doesnt Leading me to either station's decoder is broken or leaves, trees etc blowing in the wind.
Agreed, but my thought was that assuming that if all of the broadcast towers are in the same direction/location, perhaps the combination of trees/obstructions, weather, etc. may result in "borderline" reception adding low x-mitter power into the equation.
The other big question is, where are the towers? If the problem transmitter is 45 degrees in another direction, he may need to "split the difference". Who knows.
Midas.
Trees can produce reception problems at times. I too have to shoot through trees. When it is very windy and/or rainy, I occcasionally will get dropouts. So that's something for you to consider.
Most all STB's have some type of meter. I am not familiar with the Mits, so perhaps a quick read through your users manual can help.
As for the antenna question (Uhf/Vhf). I can't tell you. You will need to determine what channels you want and the direction from where they broadcast. Then you will be able to adjust according to your needs. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Also, sometimes adjustment of your antenna height can make a world of difference. Try raising/lowering a few feet just for kicks!
you may be able to get some info from:
www.antennaweb.org
Midas
09-13-2003, 01:37 PM
Originally posted by Ratman
Also, sometimes adjustment of your antenna height can make a world of difference. Try raising/lowering a few feet just for kicks!
Good idea, think I'll try this first and take it from there.
