Now I need a different OTA antenna

[badkclark]

Well, I got my 921 set up. The DP34 switch finally arrived yesterday, and I got to work in the afternoon (after bringing home the bread for the fam). Once set up, I was anxious to see how OTA would work. After the updated software finished, and I'd activated the receiver, I got to work trying to tune OTA channels. I'd previously set up my ChannelMaster Smartenna 3000. This is a multi-directional (not very powerful) antenna, but one that was recommended by antennaweb.org for my area.
Well, I was able to get Fox HD, but it looked more like an SD broadcast. Ghosty and seemed weak.
Well, I went back onto antennaweb.org and added the option for trees, buildings, etc. Whole different ball game. I need a Medium Directional antenna for this.
All the networks in Seattle broadcast digital signals, so I will be going to Lowes and picking up a ChannelMaster 3020, which is a Large Directional antenna (going larger than required doesn't hurt). I'll have to let all know how this goes.
One question, though. Is it necessary to get an atenuator (sp?) or amplifier for this? I'm only 15 miles, as the Crow flies, from Seattle, on a hill. But should have counted trees as a factor.

Thanks

[jmbrooks]

You also need to see how much power the digital stations are outputing. They are usually very low and you just might need an amplifier.

[scooper]

Try the antenna by itself first. If you need any of the other stuff, get it as you need it.

[mallu2u]

I agree with scooper. Try the antenna directly first, point to the right direction and see what u get and also the channels u get, at what signal strength. You can go from there.

[badkclark]

Thanks guys. I think that will be my plan of attack.

Much appreciated.

Is there a way to find out what power the stations are using to send signal? I would be interested to know. Even to find out the exact direction of the towers, etc, would be good.

I know antennaweb.org gives compass alignments for the stations. Is that basically what you have to go on?

[mallu2u]

yup. antenna web and the use a compass to find the direction.

[scooper]

Try this link - http://www.2150.com/broadcast/ - You'll need to find out your location's Lat and Long (a link is on the page)

[badkclark]

Well, I purchased a ChannelMaster 3020. Large directional. I'm now getting signal strength for my digital channels in the 100-115 range. EXCELLENT!!! And this is just direct to the receiver.
I watched a little of the preseason game between the Ravens and The Eagles, and it looks BEAUTIFUL! It's hard to imagine that this is OTA!!!

Well, the antenna did the trick, though it's feels like it's half the size of my roof. :-)

Now I can cut off my local channels w/ E*. Save a few buckaroos!

One thing I noticed. Right now my local NBC is showing the Olympics on digital, but other things on Analog. Is this normal? CBS and ABC were showing simultaneous programs. After the Olympics are over, I imagine that NBC should do the same thing, right? I figure it's just a special thing for now, because of the Olympics.

Any thoughts?

[kmcnamara]

Yes, for some reason NBC made the stupid decision to delay the HDTV broadcasts of the Olympics. After the olympics, NBC will go back to simulcast.

[daveray]

Try this link
http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/tvq.html
It will give you the power and status of all stations.

[SimpleSimon]

Yes, for some reason NBC made the stupid decision to delay the HDTV broadcasts of the Olympics. After the olympics, NBC will go back to simulcast.
As has been discussed endlessly in other threads, NBC had perfectly valid reasons for delaying the HD Olympic feed.

[jester7677]

152" long? Holy crap, that thing is huge!