Dish 6000/8SVB Tuner in Los Angeles Area

[belsokar]

I live about 25 miles north of Los Angeles in Thousand Oaks, CA. Los Angeles has great HDTV OTA feeds that I would like to receive but I have heard various reports on how well they can be received here. Anyone out there have some knowledge on how well i can receive these OTA feeds? I'm looking to purchase the Dish 6000 and 8VSB tuner. If you have any advice on what kind of antenna to buy for this area also, I would appreciate it.

Thanks...

[Chris Blount]

Hello and welcome to DBSTalk! :hi:

This web site should answer all of your questions about what antenna you need and which way it should be pointed.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp

[belsokar]

thanks for the info...is this website generally accurate with the necessary antennas?

[Chris Blount]

I would say it's generally accurate but not perfect. You're mileage may vary.

[HTguy]

belsokar,

The question is whether you have "line of sight" to Mt. Wilson. Can you see it from your roof on a clear day with binoculars? Or are you blocked by the mountains or hills? Have you ever tested your OTA reception (even with "rabbit ears")? How's your FM reception? That's a good indicator of potential OTA TV reception. Of course, with a high-gain antenna mounted on the highest point of the building reception will be much better if you can receive anything now.

But even if you can't get the rest of the locals OTA you can get Ch 2 KCBS in HD from DISH NW if you have the 6000 along w/ HBO, SHOW, DISC (soon) & a PPV movie. At least a few of the other NW's will come along later.

[belsokar]

hate to have a stupid question, i have been living in southern california for 4 years, and don't know what or where mt. wilson is in order to know if i have a clear line of site to it...any tips?

as for FM reception, its decent in my car, but i don't know if you mean FM reception in my home? I've never tried rabbit ears from my current location, but I can do that tonight...what am I looking for with rabbit ears to test the HiDef stations? just some signal? even though I know I won't be seeing any picture? Thanks alot for your input

[HTguy]

All the local LA TV transmitters & most of the FM transmitters are on Mt. Wilson (near the observatory) just to the North & East of Pasadena. You should be able to find it on a map.

If you'd like to take a nice scenic drive this holiday weekend try the Crest Highway. You'll have some spectacular views & see a lot of bikers. There's a spur road off the Crest Hwy to Mt. Wilson & it's worth the trip.

The problem for you is the chain of Santa Monica mountains & some of the San Gabriels in between. But, if you're lucky, you still might have enough LOS for good reception. My best guess is that if you live North of the 101 you have a shot, if you live South of the 101 you probably don't.