About to purchase an AM21

[ThePrisoner]

If I purchase a AM21 from Directv will it begin a new 2yr contract? I'm currently using an HR21-700. Do the OTA channels replace my current locals I receive from Directv or are there duplicate channels (SD, HD)? I'm using an indoor Terk antenna which works great due to me being about 15 miles from the towers.

[Hoosier205]

If I purchase a AM21 from Directv will it begin a new 2yr contract? I'm currently using an HR21-700. Do the OTA channels replace my current locals I receive from Directv? I'm using an indoor Terk antenna which works great due to me being about 15 miles from the towers.

Are you receiving your own locals with DirecTV or distants?

[curt8403]

should not do a new contract, and No, will not replace the locals from Directv.

[jdspencer]

I don't think the purchase of the AM21 will incur a new commitment. The OTA channels will not replace those you get from DirecTV, they will all be displayed in the guide.

[David MacLeod]

will not extend contract, will work fine on HR21, has no bearing on locals at all.

[Hoosier205]

Does the AM21 basically work as a third tuner in this case? What I mean is...can you record two programs at once and still watch a local via the AM21? Otherwise, I'm missing the point of having the AM21 if DirecTV already offers your locals. I know this isn't necessarily on topic, but the OP's question has been answered. I'm curious to hear what the advantage is.

[JeffBowser]

The advantage is in rain or snow fade situations, or when DirecTV doesn't carry all of your locals, or their sub-channels.

[Beerstalker]

DirecTV doesn't always carry all the local channels (no PBS in many areas) doesn't carry subchannels in most areas, etc. Also the AM21 is a nice backup to keep track of storms if the satellite signal is lost.

The local channels sent out by DirecTV are listed int he guide in blue with only the main channel number (25). Local channels received OTA by the AM-21 are listed in the guide with a black background and have the full channel number including subchannel (25-1, 25-2, etc)

The AM-21 tuners are not in addition to the HR2x tuners. You can still only record 2 shows at one time (and watch a recording), or watch 1 live show while recording another. Doesn't matter if you are using the AM-21 tuners or the DVRs tuners.

[mdavej]

Prisoner,

Just curious how you were able to buy an AM21 from DirecTV. I couldn't do it on-line, and when I called, the CSR didn't even know what an AM21 was. I eventually gave up and found one on ebay for half price anyway. Solidsignal has them too, but they're a little pricey. Please let us know the secret when you do it.

BTW, getting all my local sub-channels makes it well worth it (several PBS subs, local weather channels, RTV, etc.).

[naijai]

Prisoner,

Just curious how you were able to buy an AM21 from DirecTV. I couldn't do it on-line, and when I called, the CSR didn't even know what an AM21 was. I eventually gave up and found one on ebay for half price anyway. Solidsignal has them too, but they're a little pricey. Please let us know the secret when you do it.

BTW, getting all my local sub-channels makes it well worth it (several PBS subs, local weather channels, RTV, etc.).

TO order it online or through a csr, you need to have an HR21,22,23 & R22 on your account to be able to order it

[ThePrisoner]

I"m thinking of getting one to have the added channels in my guide. Right now my antenna is hooked up to my Panasonic plasma, I do not have the optical out hooked up so I'm missing 5.1 sound on my HD channels. Directv does not carry my local CW & MY9 in HD. With baseball coming I like having MY9 in HD.

[bakers12]

Prisoner,

Just curious how you were able to buy an AM21 from DirecTV. I couldn't do it on-line, and when I called, the CSR didn't even know what an AM21 was. I eventually gave up and found one on ebay for half price anyway. Solidsignal has them too, but they're a little pricey. Please let us know the secret when you do it.

BTW, getting all my local sub-channels makes it well worth it (several PBS subs, local weather channels, RTV, etc.).Checking your signature line, it says you have a HR20-700. Since that DVR already has OTA capability, you shouldn't have needed an AM21. DirecTV's web site knows that and won't let you order one. So maybe your signature line is wrong?

[Beerstalker]

TO order it online or through a csr, you need to have an HR21,22,23 & R22 on your account to be able to order it

Online you will find it under Add Kits & Equipment. If you have an HR2x on your account. I believe it still will not show up if you only have H2x receivers (even though it does work with them now). Actually I think someone here recently reported that the CSR wouldn't even sell them one because the CSR didn't think that the AM21 would work with the H2x receivers.

[mdavej]

Checking your signature line, it says you have a HR20-700. Since that DVR already has OTA capability, you shouldn't have needed an AM21. DirecTV's web site knows that and won't let you order one. So maybe your signature line is wrong?You're right, I don't need it for my HR20. But I also have an H21 (not in my sig) that the AM21 is for. I expected the AM21 to be an option since the H21 was on my account, but it wasn't, hence my question. Bottom line is DirecTV got less of my money for making things so difficult. I just wondered why they make it so hard and if there was any way to order one in spite of the barriers.

BTW, I had to get the H21/AM21 to replace my H20 in order to add MRV and keep OTA.

Prisoner,

You may want to split the antenna between your new AM21 and your TV. My TV tuner is much more sensitive than the AM21. So I get a few more channels on my TV than on my AM21.

[Beerstalker]

Evidently DirecTVs software people updated the H21, H23 receivers programming a while ago to get them to work with the AM21. However, they seem to have failed to tell the CSRs, Web programmers, etc that they have done so. Maybe their is someone the moderators here can contact to try to get that straightened out?

[spedinfargo]

Unfortunately, while the AM21 is an additional 2 OTA tuners, the HR-2x box only uses two tuners at once no matter what. Meaning that if I am recording two shows on the OTA tuner, I can't watch any shows on my satellite channels.

I don't see any advantage of the AM21 if you get HD locals through DirecTV (unless maybe you have a great OTA signal that's better than the DirecTV signal...)


Does the AM21 basically work as a third tuner in this case? What I mean is...can you record two programs at once and still watch a local via the AM21? Otherwise, I'm missing the point of having the AM21 if DirecTV already offers your locals. I know this isn't necessarily on topic, but the OP's question has been answered. I'm curious to hear what the advantage is.

[mdavej]

Unfortunately, while the AM21 is an additional 2 OTA tuners, the HR-2x box only uses two tuners at once no matter what. Meaning that if I am recording two shows on the OTA tuner, I can't watch any shows on my satellite channels.

I don't see any advantage of the AM21 if you get HD locals through DirecTV (unless maybe you have a great OTA signal that's better than the DirecTV signal...)Good point, but I've never done that (record 2 OTA at once) in the 4 years I've had OTA and D* locals.

The only reason I use OTA is for PBS HD and all the sub-channels (local weather, etc.). I also get RTV OTA, which D* will probably never carry. So the AM21 just gives you more channels you wouldn't have at all otherwise.

I agree there's no noticeable difference between OTA HD and D* HD, but SD is a different story. OTA SD kills D* SD.

[gfrang]

PBSHD,subs and guide data are the reason i laid out the 50 bucks, money well spent.

[Kansas Zephyr]

I don't see any advantage of the AM21 if you get HD locals through DirecTV (unless maybe you have a great OTA signal that's better than the DirecTV signal...)
I've been a D* with OTA user since day 1.

Here in the Plains rain fade isn't trivial, the SD PQ is vastly better (HD...MPEG4 is pretty darn close...if not equal), and there are 11 additional channels only available off-air.

[lwilli201]

You may want to split the antenna between your new AM21 and your TV. My TV tuner is much more sensitive than the AM21. So I get a few more channels on my TV than on my AM21.

I have seen other post that indicate that there TV's tuners get more channels than the AM21. I have seen little information on the possible weakness of the AM21 tuner. That is why I have not gotten one and connect my OTA directly to the TV. I do not want to spend that much and possibly get fewer channels.

[ThePrisoner]

There is a PBS sub that my wife likes and the fact that last night during 24 on Fox I had horrible out of sync audio. That is the main reason why I'm looking into the AM21.

[David MacLeod]

I have seen other post that indicate that there TV's tuners get more channels than the AM21. I have seen little information on the possible weakness of the AM21 tuner. That is why I have not gotten one and connect my OTA directly to the TV. I do not want to spend that much and possibly get fewer channels.

for the most part this isn't an issue. as long as tribune has correct info that is, the am21 does NOT scan, just like HR20 it uses database.

[Avder]

I am also thinking about getting one of these, but I'm not much on paying full price for one. If I get a used one, will it work, or does d* need to be involved in the sale somehow for it to work when it gets connected?

[Jeremy W]

If I get a used one, will it work, or does d* need to be involved in the sale somehow for it to work when it gets connected?
The only requirement is that you have HD Access. Since you have an HD receiver, it's a virtual certainty that you have HD Access, so DirecTV doesn't need to be involved. Just plug it in and go.

[Avder]

The only requirement is that you have HD Access. Since you have an HD receiver, it's a virtual certainty that you have HD Access, so DirecTV doesn't need to be involved. Just plug it in and go.

Hm. Any way I could talk D* into giving it to me for free since they dont offer my HD locals over the sattelite? Or if not, any good places to find one online?

[mdavej]

I have seen other post that indicate that there TV's tuners get more channels than the AM21. I have seen little information on the possible weakness of the AM21 tuner. That is why I have not gotten one and connect my OTA directly to the TV. I do not want to spend that much and possibly get fewer channels.It is possible you could get fewer channels. But you'll gain guide data and recording capability. I found my AM21 on ebay for less than $40, so you don't have to spend much.

[Jeremy W]

Any way I could talk D* into giving it to me for free since they dont offer my HD locals over the sattelite?
You wouldn't be the first one to get it for free. They seem to be a little tighter with the deals now, but it definitely doesn't hurt to try.
Or if not, any good places to find one online?
Unless you get a used one off eBay, you might as well just buy it from DirecTV. A new one will be $50 no matter where you get it from.

[Avder]

You wouldn't be the first one to get it for free. They seem to be a little tighter with the deals now, but it definitely doesn't hurt to try.

Can anyone who got one for free share their situation and what they said to the CSR?

[codespy]

Can anyone who got one for free share their situation and what they said to the CSR?

Typically you may find a rash of negative responses when posing a question like this.....getting something for free.

One of few remaining nice things about HR10's is I can get primary and secondary locals and still do a scan and get channels out of a third market (but no guide data for third market). The HR20's cannot scan.

Does the AM21 allow for primary and secondary locals or just primary? I doubt it scans either.....true or false?

[Lord Vader]

The AM21, of which I have two in use, does allow for a secondary market and it will "scan" your OTA signals to find out which ones are available. Note: In my market, I had to re-do setup 3 or 4 times in order to capture a major sub-channel that I was looking for.

[Jeremy W]

it will "scan" your OTA signals to find out which ones are available.
However, that scan will not pick up any channels/subchannels that are not in Tribune's database for the selected market(s). Which is what's really important.

[David MacLeod]

Can anyone who got one for free share their situation and what they said to the CSR?
two hr20-100 dvr's failed and were replaced w/ hr21. in order to keep the same functionality am21's were sent.

[CCarncross]

However, that scan will not pick up any channels/subchannels that are not in Tribune's database for the selected market(s). Which is what's really important.

Thats not terribly hard to get fixed if its a valid channel....

[Richierich]

Can anyone who got one for free share their situation and what they said to the CSR?

In my case they were Swapping out my HR10-150s (which had OTA) for new DVRs that didn't have OTA so I complained and they gave me 2 Free DVRs with 2 Free AM21 tuners.

[erosroadie]

PBSHD,subs and guide data are the reason i laid out the 50 bucks, money well spent.

Agreed. Plus, in Chicago, you cannot receive 26 (Sox, Cubs, Bulls) in HD from D* unless you pull it in OTA. Everything is integrated in the Guide. Subchannels are nice, especially local weather radar. And, if there is a strong storm in the SouthWest, you can pull from Chicago due East for locals and not have to deal with weather-related reception issues...:rolleyes:

[Talos4]

Typically you may find a rash of negative responses when posing a question like this.....getting something for free.

One of few remaining nice things about HR10's is I can get primary and secondary locals and still do a scan and get channels out of a third market (but no guide data for third market). The HR20's cannot scan.

Does the AM21 allow for primary and secondary locals or just primary? I doubt it scans either.....true or false?

I think your mileage may vary with scanning depending on your antenna setup.

I have a medium range roof top with a rotor. I first setup my primary, after scanning it found several Chicago channels off the back side of the antenna which are still in my guide. They do pixelate a bit but, if I swing the antenna around to the South they work just fine.

Never had to set up a secondary.

[davidatl14]

PBSHD,subs and guide data are the reason i laid out the 50 bucks, money well spent.


+1.

I have 4TV's hooked up.

3 Have AM21's. Well worth the money.

Only TV that doesn't have the AM21 is in the exercise room. Unfortunately that is the room with the least amount of foot traffic.

Should be the most:lol:

[chefwong]

Dumb Question but how does the OTA work in conjunction with the receiver. I get that the guide is intergrated.

Under Favorites/Channel Setup ,will it let me show up as a seperate channel

For example,
locals on DTV show up as

4 (HD)
4 (SD),

etc, etc

Would it look like

4 (HD)
4 (SD)
4 (OTA)

[Blurayfan]

Dumb Question but how does the OTA work in conjunction with the receiver. I get that the guide is intergrated.

Under Favorites/Channel Setup ,will it let me show up as a seperate channel

For example,
locals on DTV show up as

4 (HD)
4 (SD),

etc, etc

Would it look like

4 (HD)
4 (SD)
4 (OTA)

The OTA are a different color than the DirecTV provided channels. However your description is accurate. My guide shows locals like this.

2 WBBM (HD)
2 CBS (SD)
2-1 WBBMDT (OTA)

[mdavej]

Dumb Question but how does the OTA work in conjunction with the receiver. I get that the guide is intergrated.

Under Favorites/Channel Setup ,will it let me show up as a seperate channel

For example,
locals on DTV show up as

4 (HD)
4 (SD),

etc, etc

Would it look like

4 (HD)
4 (SD)
4 (OTA)

Pretty much. You'll see different call letters too and probably 4-1 instead of just 4 for OTA. The OTA channels also have a black background instead of blue in the guide.

That being said, I generally hide my duplicates and just add the subs I don't get from D*, so my guide would have:

4 (HD)
4-2 (OTA)
etc.

[gfrang]

Dumb Question but how does the OTA work in conjunction with the receiver. I get that the guide is intergrated.

Under Favorites/Channel Setup ,will it let me show up as a seperate channel

For example,
locals on DTV show up as

4 (HD)
4 (SD),

etc, etc

Would it look like

4 (HD)
4 (SD)
4 (OTA)

All will be in Channel no.order Sat.will be in blue,Ota in black.

Example

2-1 WGBHDT PROGRAM HD

[bobnielsen]

Dumb Question but how does the OTA work in conjunction with the receiver. I get that the guide is intergrated.

Under Favorites/Channel Setup ,will it let me show up as a seperate channel

For example,
locals on DTV show up as

4 (HD)
4 (SD),

etc, etc

Would it look like

4 (HD)
4 (SD)
4 (OTA)

It would probably show up something like

4 WNBC (HD)
4 NY4 (SD)
4-1 WNBCDT1 (OTA)

[EricJRW]

Hm. Any way I could talk D* into giving it to me for free since they dont offer my HD locals over the sattelite? Or if not, any good places to find one online?

My older Samsung receiver had the ATSC tuners built in. When I "upgraded" to the HR series, I lost this feature. When I called and politely pointed this out, the best offer I could wrangle was half off (The CSR agreed to split the cost 50/50).

Prior to that call I had read of people getting it gratis, of for just the cost of shipping. Others could not get any kind of a deal at all, so like all things, your mileage may very. But give it a try and see what happens. Check other sources (eBay, Craig's list, and the other suggestions above) for price.

I'd much rather a new one for half-price than take my chances with used.

I like having my OTAs via the AM21. During bad weather I can still watch and record my locals.

One last thing to add: It is my understanding that you do need the HD package in order for the AM21 to work with your compatible system.

[CCarncross]

For the $25-$50 you may need to pay, its well worth it...and it is yours to keep and sell on if you leave D* at some point in the future IIRC.

[David MacLeod]

if you buy of directv you get free 2 day fedex shipping, so often its still the cheapest solution too.

[sum_random_dork]

One reason I bought my AM21's that I haven't seen mentioned is the fact if you live in an area where you straddle a couple of DMA's you could pick up those channels.

[Avder]

Another question about the AM21: Is it powered by the USB Port it plugs into, or does it have its own AC Adapter?

Also, I currently have my 32 inch LCD flatscreen sitting on top of my HR21 (its got an unusually large base), would it be safe to slip the AM21 between the TV and DVR, or should I slip it somewhere else?

[Jeremy W]

Another question about the AM21: Is it powered by the USB Port it plugs into, or does it have its own AC Adapter?
The AM21 plugs directly into the wall using the receiver's current power cable. It has a little cord that then plugs into the receiver. So the receiver/AM21 combo only takes up one plug.
Also, I currently have my 32 inch LCD flatscreen sitting on top of my HR21 (its got an unusually large base), would it be safe to slip the AM21 between the TV and DVR, or should I slip it somewhere else?
It should be safe.

[RAD]

Another question about the AM21: Is it powered by the USB Port it plugs into, or does it have its own AC Adapter?

Also, I currently have my 32 inch LCD flatscreen sitting on top of my HR21 (its got an unusually large base), would it be safe to slip the AM21 between the TV and DVR, or should I slip it somewhere else?

The AC cord that goes to your HR21 now is removed and connected to the AM21. The AM21 has a short power cord attached to it which then connects to your HR21, so the single cord powers both boxes, the USB port doesn't power the AM21.

I'd way HR21/AM21/TV but the cords are long enough you could put the AM21 behinds it all if you wanted to, it doesn't need to stack.

[ThePrisoner]

I just ordered my AM21 from Directv. $54 shipped. Not bad since Ebay has some listed right now for $59 and up plus shipping. This may sound stupid but does the AM21 have a signal strength meter?

[curt8403]

only in the rcvr

[ThePrisoner]

So the receiver will display my OTA signal strength once the AM21 is connected?

[curt8403]

it should

[Kansas Zephyr]

So the receiver will display my OTA signal strength once the AM21 is connected?
Only on the "Edit Channels" page, under "Antenna Setup", you'll see the "Signal Meter" option.

It will not display the signal info as you normally tune to an OTA channel for viewing...unlike Dish STBs.

[Jeremy W]

So the receiver will display my OTA signal strength once the AM21 is connected?
Yes. Connecting the AM21 enables some hidden items in the settings.

[ThePrisoner]

Cool! Thanks

[Lord Vader]

However, that scan will not pick up any channels/subchannels that are not in Tribune's database for the selected market(s). Which is what's really important.

Well, it picked up all my subchannels, including some trivial ones, even if it did take a few times of re-doing the setup.

[Lord Vader]

Yes. Connecting the AM21 enables some hidden items in the settings.

He might want to know what some of these hidden items in the settings are. ;)

[Jeremy W]

Well, it picked up all my subchannels, including some trivial ones, even if it did take a few times of re-doing the setup.
Sure, but the fact that it picked them up means that they were in Tribune's database. If they weren't, no amount of re-doing the setup would get them to work.
He might want to know what some of these hidden items in the settings are. ;)
It's just the settings to allow you to pick the OTA channels you receive and view their signal strengths.

[Avder]

Is the signal strength display shown in real time and thus useful for finding the optimal position and setup for an indoor antenna?

[Jeremy W]

Is the signal strength display shown in real time and thus useful for finding the optimal position and setup for an indoor antenna?
I can't imagine any other way a signal strength indicator would work.

[Avder]

I can't imagine any other way a signal strength indicator would work.

My TV's signal strength indicator has 4 levels and does not move in real time. I have to clear it off the screen and bring it back to see if it has gained or lost a level.

[Jeremy W]

My TV's signal strength indicator has 4 levels and does not move in real time. I have to clear it off the screen and bring it back to see if it has gained or lost a level.
Well, that's pretty obnoxious. The AM21's meters are real-time.

[codespy]

Sure, but the fact that it picked them up means that they were in Tribune's database. If they weren't, no amount of re-doing the setup would get them to work...........

Just to be clear.....if my primary is Milwaukee and secondary is Madison, the trivials are Rockford, I know I get guide data for Mil and Mad, but will I get guide data for Rockford on AM21 as long as Tribune logs them?

[Jeremy W]

Just to be clear.....if my primary is Milwaukee and secondary is Madison, the trivials are Rockford, I know I get guide data for Mil and Mad, but will I get guide data for Rockford on AM21 as long as Tribune logs them?
Not only will you not get guide data, but you won't even be able to see the channels. The AM21 can only get channels from two markets, period.

[Avder]

What a stupid restriction. It should be able to get whatever channels your antennas can pick up.

[Jeremy W]

What a stupid restriction. It should be able to get whatever channels your antennas can pick up.
For some reason, DirecTV chose to go the lazy route. I don't know why. The H20 could/can scan for channels, but DirecTV didn't write that software.

[Shades228]

For some reason, DirecTV chose to go the lazy route. I don't know why. The H20 could/can scan for channels, but DirecTV didn't write that software.

The H20 couldn't record. I believe it has more to do with recording and season passes than anything.

[ThePrisoner]

Well, that's pretty obnoxious. The AM21's meters are real-time.

Good to know. My Panasonic plasma also has real time meters.

[CCarncross]

Not only will you not get guide data, but you won't even be able to see the channels. The AM21 can only get channels from two markets, period.

If you are in a market that can get multiple areas OTA, many times based on the zip, the guide data for that zip will include multiple areas...The AM21 can only get channels from 2 zips, but potentially more than 2 markets...

[lwilli201]

It is possible you could get fewer channels. But you'll gain guide data and recording capability. I found my AM21 on ebay for less than $40, so you don't have to spend much.

I guess the $40.00 AM21 is a thing of the past. Best I can find is $59.95 plus shipping even on Ebay. I have an HR20-700 so D will not sell me one. They have decided that we only need OTA on one receiver.

[RAD]

I guess the $40.00 AM21 is a thing of the past. Best I can find is $59.95 plus shipping even on Ebay. I have an HR20-700 so D will not sell me one. They have decided that we only need OTA on one receiver.

According to your sig you have two HR21's and you're saying that DirecTV won't sell you a AM21? Are they tell you no when you call in or is the web site also not allowing you to order one?

[mdavej]

I guess the $40.00 AM21 is a thing of the past. Best I can find is $59.95 plus shipping even on Ebay. I have an HR20-700 so D will not sell me one. They have decided that we only need OTA on one receiver.Well, it did take me 3 months of daily searches to find that deal. I refused to pay over $50 and D* refused to sell me one, so I did what I had to do. All I can say is persistence pays off. Maybe if you play enough CSR roulette, you can get someone at D* to sell you one, but I never had any luck finding anyone who even knew what an AM21 was.

Good luck.

[talkdj]

I have an AM21 that was hardly used. My splitter didn't have enough juice to power the unit, my tv, and the FM for the receiver. So, out went the AM21 (we now have PBS HD on Direct too so that really helped). If I want to view the NBC 3.2 here in Cleveland I use my outside antenna hooked up to my tv.

Anyways, I didn't pay for the AM21 due to a receiver change, so it's anyone who wants it! Just pay for the shipping and it's yours. My wife will be happy because it's one more thing out of the house.

Private mail me and we'll discuss!

-Wynn

[tkrandall]

Only on the "Edit Channels" page, under "Antenna Setup", you'll see the "Signal Meter" option.

It will not display the signal info as you normally tune to an OTA channel for viewing...unlike Dish STBs.

My parents have Dish and I really like that feature.

I have an HR20-700 and thus don't "need" (nor I suppose could use) an AM21, but one thing that has not been mentioned is that the AM21's ATSC tuners are reporrtedly more robust/stable with marginal signal environments such as I have at my house. My HR20-700's OTA tuners cannot handle signals from some of the stations, whereas the TV's internal OTA tuner can. (Samsung DLP) Likewise, I also have a DTT900 converter box and it handles the signals well also.

[Shades228]

Most people who can't order an AM21 on the website already have it in their shopping basket.

[ThePrisoner]

Received my AM21 today. Hooked it up and did the setup as per instructed. One big problem. My local NBC 13.1 will not come in. I do get the weather subs though on 13.2 & 13.3. With my indoor antenna hooked up to my plasma I got my 13.1 with 95% signal strength. This has me boggled. Since I can't scan with the AM21 I have been redoing the set-up several times to no avail.

[curt8403]

leave the AM21 connected, reboot the DVR and wait for a software update

[Lord Vader]

I had this problem with 26.1 here. I could get 26 and 26.2, but I just couldn't get 26.1, which was the HD feed of 26. When I redid the setup, I had to delete/remove the channel data entirely, then start from scratch, meaning I had to re-enter setup after deleting the channel list, run initial setup, enter zip codes, let it load guide, then edit channels, etc. It took me about 6 tries to finally get 26.1. You're just going to have to keep trying.

Also, one thing to note: I'm not sure if this mattered, but I had to make sure my antenna was aimed correctly, because being 30 miles from Chicago's broadcast signals, I found that if a channel was iffy, the AM21 wouldn't pick it up. Strange, perhaps, but seemingly true.

[ThePrisoner]

OK. I will retry when I return from diner. Thanks guys!

[ThePrisoner]

Thanks Lord Vader. Redid setup 7 times and finally got it. Now I have to just figure out how to fine tune one channel, my ABC. For some reason signal strength will move between 65-87%. I'm about 12 miles from my broadcast towers and using a Terk indoor antenna. Going to try tweaking the position.

[CCarncross]

With signal strength varying between 65 and higher you should never lose the channel anyway

[ThePrisoner]

Is a some pixelation normal with OTA. I may get an occasional dropout.

[CCarncross]

I get 100% strength on most of my OTA's, and I still occasionally get a brief pixelation.. There is no such thing as perfect broadcasts from any source all the time.

[Lord Vader]

Is a some pixelation normal with OTA. I may get an occasional dropout.

Yes, that's normal.