View Full Version : Actual OTA reception
Hermann
12-09-2003, 02:54 PM
I would like to know if anyone has actually received a DTV signal from 45-60 miles away, or even further. I am thinking about buying a OTA receiver and antennea, but most of the stations are close to 60 miles away, and I don't want to spend the money if I won't get the station. I will say that I am able to pickup the analog broadcast from those stations, and it is my understanding that DTV is easier to get, so can I assume I will be able to pick up the DTV stations?
BtdaEtdaN
12-11-2003, 08:52 AM
I am in the same boat as Hermann. From what I've read, DTV signals are either on or off because of being bianary. So am I right in thinking that as long as the receiver gets a signal, however miniscule, the picture and sound will be perfect? If this is the case how likely would it be to get DTV signals from over 60 miles away? A large market for HDTV and DTV is about this distance from my home.
proacman
12-11-2003, 09:44 AM
Originally posted by BtdaEtdaN
I am in the same boat as Hermann. From what I've read, DTV signals are either on or off because of being bianary. So am I right in thinking that as long as the receiver gets a signal, however miniscule, the picture and sound will be perfect? If this is the case how likely would it be to get DTV signals from over 60 miles away? A large market for HDTV and DTV is about this distance from my home.
I can receive WTNH-DT from my home which is about 60 miles from the transmitter. I have a roof-mounted VHF/UHF antenna and rotor. I also live on a hill. I get reception about 98% of the time (certain weather conditions are the cause of drop-outs).
No matter what the type of signal (analog or digital), a receiver has a specific sensitivity. If the signal is above a minimum threshold, than it can be received. Whether it is locked onto is also dependent on the quality of the signal as well (multipath can stop even the strongest signal from being locked in).
Because most digital signals are broadcast in the UHF band, and based on the technology used to modulate the signal (8VSB) digital signals are more prone to objects getting in their way. This includes leaves and trees and other objects that would not severly affect analog signals, especially VHF ones. This is one reason that simply choosing the highest point may not correlate to the best location.
The bottom line is that given the large number of variables (including the quality of the OTA tuner) experimentation is the best approach. Under your circumstances I would say that there is a chance, but it will be difficult.
BtdaEtdaN
12-11-2003, 10:48 AM
I expect I will have to do some experimentation. One factor will be the level of the terrain between transmitter and antenna right? I live on the coastal plain therefore the land is completely flat between me and the broadcaster.
proacman
12-11-2003, 11:04 AM
Originally posted by BtdaEtdaN
I expect I will have to do some experimentation. One factor will be the level of the terrain between transmitter and antenna right? I live on the coastal plain therefore the land is completely flat between me and the broadcaster.
Given the fact that the higher the frequency, all else being equal, the more the signal will travel in a straight line, flat terrain may be an advantage. In this case, mounting the antenna as high as possible may be advantageous, but it also depends on what nearby objects are around.
Looking through antenna specs, looks like the best 'advertised' range on UHF is about 60 miles, VHF much more. Radio Shack does claim more range than Channel Master or Winegard but I think the claims area a tad exaggerated.
This link to Winegard OTA Antennas has nice specs, actually shows the polar patterns for their antennas.
http://www.winegard.com/offair/offairmain.htm
Channel Master Main Page, navigate to 'Products' then the Outdoor and Indoor Antenna pages. At the bottom of each antenna page is a link to the Channel Master Antenna Reference Chart:
http://www.channelmaster.com
The 8 bay bowties from both CM and WG have the best range, 60miles (UHF). Better than the YAGIs
Lee
Hermann
12-11-2003, 01:04 PM
I ordered a Winegard HD9095P, I will try it first in my attic, which happens to be oriented in the direction of the transmitters, all the stations are wiithin 15 degrees of each other so I am hoping I won't need a rotator. I plan on trying it without a pre-amp first, but will add one if necessary. I can update with the results if anyone would be interested.
proacman
12-11-2003, 01:46 PM
Originally posted by Hermann
I ordered a Winegard HD9095P, I will try it first in my attic, which happens to be oriented in the direction of the transmitters, all the stations are wiithin 15 degrees of each other so I am hoping I won't need a rotator. I plan on trying it without a pre-amp first, but will add one if necessary. I can update with the results if anyone would be interested.
Make sure none of the digital stations you want to receive broadcast on the VHF band as this antenna is uhf only. Also, you can't use it to pick up FM (which is between channel 6 and 7), in case you thought otherwise.
Good luck.;)
BtdaEtdaN
12-11-2003, 02:54 PM
I expect I will have to do some experimentation. One factor will be the level of the terrain between transmitter and antenna right? I live on the coastal plain therefore the land is completely flat between me and the broadcaster.
I ordered a Winegard HD9095P
Nice antenna, 95" boom. Why did you pick that model over the PR-8800?
What would be the pros/cons of the 8 bays and the yagis? Both the HD9095 and the PR-8800 are rated deep fringe UHF, 60 miles. The 8800 might be easier to maneuver in an attic, turning radius 23" vs 92.5"
Yes, I would be very interested in how everything works out. Trying to build up a database of info for the new members that come after you :).
Thanks,
Lee
Hermann
12-11-2003, 03:19 PM
The rectangular shape of the 8800 would not fit, my attic is really small, if it would have fit I probably would have gone with it. My attic is a long triangle that very fortunately points towards the DTV transmitters in St. Louis, MO. Also, all the stations in StL are UHF. There is one station in Columbia, MO that I should be able to receive with a smaller VHF/FM antennae (I can get the analog with rabbit ears) if necessary.
tomwaters
12-16-2003, 03:42 PM
Try radio shack UHF Antenna RS 2160. It's rated for 75 mile and only 39 inches. Only cost $24.
I have one in my attic (30 miles from broadcast tower) and
get all DT channels.
Some friends of mine have use this Antenna and live 65 files
from the broadcast towers and they get almost all the DT
channels as well.
Good Luck,
tomwaters
12-16-2003, 03:50 PM
Try radio shack UHF Antenna RS 2160. It's rated for 75 mile and only 39 inches. Only cost $24.
I have one in my attic (30 miles from broadcast tower) and
get all DT channels.
Some friends of mine have use this Antenna and live 65 files
from the broadcast towers and they get almost all the DT
channels as well.
Good Luck,
