| Author |
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Z Man
Guest
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 Posted:
Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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"David" <davey@home.net> wrote in message
news:vPOdnR2dr7nnGeneRVn-hw@comcast.com...
| Quote: | "Z Man" <z1z@hotmail.com> wrote
That's IF you can get the OTA signal. In White Plains, NY (about 20 miles
north of NYC) I cannot ever get a reliable OTA signal, even with a good
antenna mounted high up on my roof. It doesn't matter to me because I get
all my HDTV channels via DirecTV, but you cannot assume that you will be
able to get OTA without actually trying it.
Hi,
You must have some really strange hardware problem there, because many
other folks in your area are getting solid reception on at least most of
the NYC stations.
WNBC-DT and WABC-DT were flakey for a long time because of work at the ESB
etc, but they're strong now. WNET-DT is still low power, I believe.
This may not pertain to you, but a lot of the OTA antenna work done by
Directv etc, installers has been shown to be very bad.
Please disconnect whatever you have now a try one of these $15 Rat Shack
antennas:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103058&cp
It's a POS :-)
but it's been working suprisingly well in a lot of difficult
installations.
|
OK, for fifteen dollars it is worth trying. I'll pick it up this weekend and
install it. Updates to follow.
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afiggatt
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 11, 2005 8:23 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Thanks all you guys! You are correct afiggatt |
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ReeferGuy wrote:
| Quote: | Yeah.
I have to change cable boxes tomorrow.
$3 more a month.
That will make it $107 a month.
I need a DVI cable also.
Yeah, here in Tucson Comcast uses 21x, 22x, 23x, 24x, and 25x for HD.
13 in all.
Right now, I'm using RCA cables.
Will I be seeing HDTV once the DVI cable and the new cable box is hooked
up?
Thanks man.
ReeferGuy™
|
You should. Check with the cable company to make sure that the DVI
port on the set top box (STB) is enabled. If not, the component cables
will work for the HD video. Second, check the output setting of the
cable STB is set to either 1080i or passthrough for the HD channels and
480i for the SD channels. It should be, but you never know if the last
person to use it had it set correctly (if the STB is not brand new).
Finally, if you have a home theater or fairly new stereo system which
can handle digital and 5.1 sound, try feeding the digital audio signal
to the stereo. HBO, SHO, HDNet for example all provide 5.1 for a number
of shows & movies; the broadcast networks have been upgrading to 5.1
also, but the local affiliate has to be transmit the 5.1 signal from the
network. Checking the AVSforum list of local stations
(http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=422073), it shows that
the ABC & Fox stations provide 5.1, but not CBS or NBC (yet).
Good luck and enjoy the HD experience.
Alan F |
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afiggatt
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:00 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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Z Man wrote:
| Quote: | I cannot get any channels reliably. That includes CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS
and WB. I could not get PBS at all until a couple of months ago. The only
station that represents a real problem is 11-1 (WB) as all the other
networks are carried by DirecTV. I would like to get PBS also, as they have
some good shows. My system was professional installed by Value Electronics,
of Scarsdale, NY and I paid them a lot of money to do it. My OTA antenna is
attached to my satellite and diplexed to the six or seven DirecTivo's
(including two HD) throughout my residence. Perhaps I should simply try
attaching a standalone OTA antenna to one of the Tivos to see if it works
better, but thus far my OTA results have been poor.
|
You don't have one of those "clip-on" antennas that wrap around the
satellite dish, do you? If so, those antennas are poor performers and
only usable if you are near the transmission towers. A decent
directional antenna - perhaps one with a built-in amplifier - will
easily outperform a non-directional antenna if the broadcast sources are
all in the same direction. Start with www.antennaweb.org for distances
and directions to your local stations. For testing, get the antenna up
to the highest point you easily can and aim it in the direction of the
broadcast towers.
For example, my setup is a $25 (+ shipping) Channel Master CM 4221, a
$56 Channel Master CM7777 amplifer with a $5 attic mounting bracket &
PVC pipe as the pole. The antenna is in the attic aimed at Baltimore as
I can get the D.C. stations off-axis with RG-6 cabling (RG-59 is not
recommended for long antenna runs) to my ATSC receiver. As I posted, I
can get 6 network stations in D.C. at ~16 miles and 6 in Baltimore at
~42 miles away. But I have no terrain nor tall nearby buildings blocking
my path, so YMMV.
Good luck,
Alan F |
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Tam/WB2TT
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:15 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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"Z Man" <z1z@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Ak0df.9531$SV1.4061@trndny01...
| Quote: |
I cannot get any channels reliably. That includes CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, PBS
and WB. I could not get PBS at all until a couple of months ago. The only
station that represents a real problem is 11-1 (WB) as all the other
networks are carried by DirecTV. I would like to get PBS also, as they
have some good shows. My system was professional installed by Value
Electronics, of Scarsdale, NY and I paid them a lot of money to do it. My
OTA antenna is attached to my satellite and diplexed to the six or seven
DirecTivo's (including two HD) throughout my residence. Perhaps I should
simply try attaching a standalone OTA antenna to one of the Tivos to see
if it works better, but thus far my OTA results have been poor.
I probably have more antenna gain. Have about a 3 foot piece of aluminum |
tubing strapped to a vent pipe, topped with a C&G rotator, and a Radio Shack
corner reflector Yagi a foot above that. Channel Master 7775 UHF amp just
below the rotator. 50 feet of coax. Total cost of parts was about $145.
Sharp says to adjust the antenna for a signal indicator reading of at least
60. I have found it works so long as it doesn't drop below 30. Here is what
I am getting:
Empire State Building/ 26 miles
CBS 86
NBC 0 - 40
FOX 60
ABC 60
UPN 70
WB 48
PBS 0 - 40
Long Island/43 miles
WLIW 50
Monclair/35 miles
WNJN 75
Philadelphia/ 65 miles
Varies from day to day, depending on propagation. This morning, UPN was best
at 40. Some days CBS will come it at 60+, with NBC at 50. Not sure if they
run full power all the time. CBS is authorized for 700 KW, a LOT more than
any NYC station.
The only station I really watch OTA is WLIW, which sometimes has neat
programs, and is not on my cable. OTA transmission supposedly uses less
compression than cable. Unfortunately, most of the time they transmit about
a 4.1:3 aspect ratio picture, encapsulated in a 16:9 raster; this makes the
Sharp zoom and stretch not work. CBS actually transmit gray side bars. I
think WLIW transmits a 4:3 480P picture; so, that is OK.
Tam |
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Tam/WB2TT
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 11, 2005 10:00 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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I should have mentioned that my antenna is 20 feet above ground. It would
have to be at least 75 feet up to clear a hill and ridge line in all
directions.
Tam |
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Jo
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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| Quote: | I cannot get any channels reliably. That includes CBS, NBC, ABC,
FOX, PBS
and WB. I could not get PBS at all until a couple of months ago. The only
station that represents a real problem is 11-1 (WB) as all the other
networks are carried by DirecTV. I would like to get PBS also, as they have
some good shows. My system was professional installed by Value Electronics,
of Scarsdale, NY and I paid them a lot of money to do it. My OTA antenna is
attached to my satellite and diplexed to the six or seven DirecTivo's
(including two HD) throughout my residence. Perhaps I should simply try
attaching a standalone OTA antenna to one of the Tivos to see if it works
better, but thus far my OTA results have been poor.
I'm almost certain that the problem lies with the antenna being used and |
that the signal is being sent to so many TVs. If you're antenna is one
of the OTA satellite clip on ones, then it will not work. Even the
Square Shooter antenna which is sometimes shown attached to a satellite
dish would probably not work. You most likely need a directional
antenna VHF/UHF or UHF stand alone, many of them get high VHF channels
just fine. Try placing it where it wont have an obstructed southern
view, towards the ESB, if possible. A suggestion is the Channel Master
4228, or something similar, it has high gain and is not ugly.
The second part of your problem is distribution. All signals, lose
strength when split up, especially OTA, when it is split up between so
many TV's. One of two solutions is a) run a separate line from the
stand alone OTA antenna to only one TV, or b) install a high gain
pre-amplifier to a stand alone OTA antenna, then run it into the
diplexer/splitter, so as not to have to run new cabling. Unless you're
directly behind one of the new buildings going up in downtown White
Plains, there is no reason that, with the proper setup, you shouldn't
get a digital OTA signal. One last thing, make sure the
diplexer/splitter allows electrical current to run through it or the
pre-amplifier will not work. Hope this is helpful. |
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R Sweeney
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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"ReeferGuy" <ReeferGuy@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:19247-4373B857-265@storefull-3276.bay.webtv.net...
Hi Group,
Thirty minutes ago, I bought RCA Model #52W23.
52 inch HDTV 16:9.
Best Buy.
$1075 - with tax.
It's a monitor.
The sales guy said it will display my Comcast digital cable signal.
Will it?
Or did I just blow a grand?
I don't care about over-the-air.
What is the difference between the two.
Thanks for any response.
call Comcast
tell them you want to start digital High Definition service and to bring out
and install a new box pronto
tell them you want HBOHD and SHOHD as your two free premium HD channels...
see if they will give you STARZHD free for a few months
tell them you want HD digital video recorder service as well
prepare for TV as you have never seen it before on the HD channels
you done good |
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Tam/WB2TT
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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"Jo" <Rosariom@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:Ixadf.3372$p37.2615@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com...
| Quote: | I cannot get any channels reliably. That includes CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX,
PBS
I'm almost certain that the problem lies with the antenna being used and
that the signal is being sent to so many TVs.
|
The problem is worse than that, though he should be getting CBS. I just
checked the FCC filings for all the NYC stations, and the only one with a
full license is CBS, at some 300+ KW. All the others have some kind of
temporary licenses. As far as I can tell, PBS switched from 2KW to 12.4KW
some time after 06/09/05. Wimpy either way. NBC appears to be testing their
stuff. I once got a full scale reading on them.
The only chart I have of HDTV stations, their frequency, and power is all
wrong for NYC stations. It is based on pre 9/11/01 data. All that stuff is
gone.
Good point about splitters. Can't do that with OTA, unless you are very
close; need a distribution amplifier
Tam |
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Tony Hwang
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Thanks all you guys! You are correct afiggatt |
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R Sweeney wrote:
| Quote: | "ReeferGuy" <ReeferGuy@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:15835-43742B45-436@storefull-3271.bay.webtv.net...
Yeah.
I have to change cable boxes tomorrow.
$3 more a month.
That will make it $107 a month.
I need a DVI cable also.
Yeah, here in Tucson Comcast uses 21x, 22x, 23x, 24x, and 25x for HD.
13 in all.
Right now, I'm using RCA cables.
Will I be seeing HDTV once the DVI cable and the new cable box is hooked
up?
Thanks man.
Did the Comcast guys say you needed a DVI cable?
The Comcast HD box can deliver HD to your TV via either the DVI cable (if
Comcast has it enabled in your area) or via component cable (looks like 3
RCA cables in a bundle - but just for video, you will need 2 more RCA cables
for sound).
Both look approximately the same video-wise, DVI may be slightly better. And
using the DVI cable for the Comcast box leaves your component input open for
connection to a progressive scan DVD player.
You will definitely be seeing HD on the HD channels after they upgrade your
box and plug in the new cables.
Hi, |
Here DVI is not used. I hooked up via component for video and Toslink
for audio to video upconverting a/v receiver. TV input stays put this way.
Tony
Calgary, Alberta
Shaw cable. |
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R Sweeney
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Thanks all you guys! You are correct afiggatt |
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"ReeferGuy" <ReeferGuy@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:15835-43742B45-436@storefull-3271.bay.webtv.net...
Yeah.
I have to change cable boxes tomorrow.
$3 more a month.
That will make it $107 a month.
I need a DVI cable also.
Yeah, here in Tucson Comcast uses 21x, 22x, 23x, 24x, and 25x for HD.
13 in all.
Right now, I'm using RCA cables.
Will I be seeing HDTV once the DVI cable and the new cable box is hooked
up?
Thanks man.
Did the Comcast guys say you needed a DVI cable?
The Comcast HD box can deliver HD to your TV via either the DVI cable (if
Comcast has it enabled in your area) or via component cable (looks like 3
RCA cables in a bundle - but just for video, you will need 2 more RCA cables
for sound).
Both look approximately the same video-wise, DVI may be slightly better. And
using the DVI cable for the Comcast box leaves your component input open for
connection to a progressive scan DVD player.
You will definitely be seeing HD on the HD channels after they upgrade your
box and plug in the new cables. |
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Jeff Rife
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 11:43 am Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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Tam/WB2TT (t-tammaru@c0mca$t.net) wrote in alt.tv.tech.hdtv:
| Quote: | The only chart I have of HDTV stations, their frequency, and power is all
wrong for NYC stations. It is based on pre 9/11/01 data. All that stuff is
gone.
|
You are correct. Even the current data in the FCC database for the analog
stations in NYC is wrong...it shows them as still being on top of the WTC.
--
Jeff Rife |
| http://www.nabs.net/Cartoons/Pickles/Adoration.gif |
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Tam/WB2TT
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 7:57 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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"Jeff Rife" <wevsr@nabs.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1ddf4b026f96941798a10d@news.nabs.net...
| Quote: | Tam/WB2TT (t-tammaru@c0mca$t.net) wrote in alt.tv.tech.hdtv:
The only chart I have of HDTV stations, their frequency, and power is all
wrong for NYC stations. It is based on pre 9/11/01 data. All that stuff
is
gone.
You are correct. Even the current data in the FCC database for the analog
stations in NYC is wrong...it shows them as still being on top of the WTC.
--
Jeff Rife |
| http://www.nabs.net/Cartoons/Pickles/Adoration.gif
|
Interestingly, if I am interpreting the FCC data correctly, while the other
stations filed to transmit DT from the WTC, the 1998 CBS filing appears to
be for the Empire State Building. That could explain a while lot.
Tam |
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Curious
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 8:39 pm Post subject:
Re: 1st Post - Difference between a monitor & a regular TV s |
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Great job doing your homework BEFORE making a large consumer purchase ....
NOT! You'd better lay off that reefer.
"ReeferGuy" <ReeferGuy@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:19247-4373B857-265@storefull-3276.bay.webtv.net...
Hi Group,
Thirty minutes ago, I bought RCA Model #52W23.
52 inch HDTV 16:9.
Best Buy.
$1075 - with tax.
It's a monitor.
The sales guy said it will display my Comcast digital cable signal.
Will it?
Or did I just blow a grand?
I don't care about over-the-air.
What is the difference between the two.
Thanks for any response.
ReeferGuyT |
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ReeferGuy
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Nov 14, 2005 3:51 am Post subject:
R Sweeney---DVI Cable & What the hell is "FireWire"? |
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Hey Man,
Comcast GAVE ME component cables with the new cable box.
For FREE!!!!!
I went with the DVI anyway.
$82.
Picture is great.
BTW -
This new cable box from Comcast is some piece of work.
It can do alot of other stuff too.
What the hell is "FireWire"?
Thanks man.
ReeferGuy™
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R Sweeney
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Nov 14, 2005 5:25 am Post subject:
Re: R Sweeney---DVI Cable & What the hell is"FireWire"? |
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"ReeferGuy" <ReeferGuy@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:22397-4377B57B-684@storefull-3278.bay.webtv.net...
Hey Man,
Comcast GAVE ME component cables with the new cable box.
For FREE!!!!!
I went with the DVI anyway.
$82.
Picture is great.
BTW -
This new cable box from Comcast is some piece of work.
It can do alot of other stuff too.
What the hell is "FireWire"?
Thanks man.
ReeferGuyT
Sounds like everything turned out fine. Keep the component cables for
connecting a progressive scan DVD player.
Firewire is more correctly known as IEEE-1394
It's a high speed digital serial port used for linking peripherals to
computers
It's like USB 2.0 in speed and was used initially by Apple.
Lots of digital camcorders use 1394 for dumping their video to PC's.
I think it is slowing dying out as USB 2.0 gains in popularity.
You can buy hard drives with 1394 ports - this was the real reason the port
is there, to allow the box to store HD to disk like a Tivo.
It's fast enough to transport the HD compressed data stream to a PC or
something, but I would be willing to bet Comcast does not have it enabled in
software.
In a more perfect world, they would enable the firewire and let your PC talk
to the cable box to exchange video or allow adding a cheap external drive to
add digital recording... but then, it's not a perfect world. |
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