Clear TV indoor DTV antenna

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

I am trying to use an indoor DTV antenna with my flat screen TV, but am having some problems. I get most Cleveland TV stations very well, with the exception of two (channels 8 and 19). These stations transmit on high VHF DTV channels, not UHF, so for some reason my indoor DTV antenna does not receive them. Isn't there an FCC rule stating that all DTV stations must transmit on UHF channels?

No there is not. We have two here, Ch 8 on VHF 8, and Ch 52 on VHF 9. In fact with the coming FCC repacking of TV channels you may see more moving down to VHF. You need an antenna that will work below 200 mHz. Those little indoor antennas generally don't.

[Jeffhs]

Originally Posted by Ed in Tx

[/B]No there is not. We have two here, Ch 8 on VHF 8, and Ch 52 on VHF 9. In fact with the coming FCC repacking of TV channels you may see more moving down to VHF. You need an antenna that will work below 200 mHz. Those little indoor antennas generally don't.

What is meant by "repacking" of TV channels, and why on earth would the FCC want to move stations to VHF channels when most such DTV channels are already on UHF? Doesn't make a lot of sense to move the stations to VHF channels, as there is more room for expansion (at least there used to be) in the UHF band than there ever was on VHF. Seems to me as if the DTV transition is causing more problems than it is solving.

BTW, I guess that answers my question regarding the indoor DTV antenna I currently have and the one I was thinking of purchasing. The manufacturer of the latter claims the antenna will receive high VHF channels as well as UHF, but from your comments I'm thinking the antenna doesn't do that great a job receiving signals in either range.

I guess I'm going to be stuck with cable from now on. . . . Oh well. My cable service is part of a three-way bundle (cable, home phone and Internet) from Time Warner, so I'm probably better off anyway as far as rates are concerned. I couldn't downgrade or cancel my cable if I wanted to, since the company charges a stiff early termination fee for cancellation of any service offered in a bundle before the contract's expiration date. Besides all that, cable is a must in this area for good DTV reception; before digital, most folks around here got by with outdoor antennas and, in some cases, rabbit ears, but the DTV transition changed all that. Most of the outdoor TV antennas here, many of which were anywhere from 20 to 50 or more years old, have either been taken down or are falling apart, having been replaced by cable or satellite.

Oh well, again. Such is life in the 21st century.

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by Jeffhs

What is meant by "repacking" of TV channels, and why on earth would the FCC want to move stations to VHF channels when most such DTV channels are already on UHF?

Will help explain it.

http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/tags...f-tv-spectrum/



btw the FCC ruled back in 1990s renters CAN put up a TV antenna or small dish.

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-r...n-devices-rule

"The rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.

Effective January 22, 1999, the Commission amended the rule so that it also applies to rental property where the renter has an exclusive use area, such as a balcony or patio."

You DO have a choice.

[Geist]

Hi All;
The Best antenna around here, that I have used, Is a home made one out of Coat Hangers, (4 ea) Cut in half and mounted on a Board..
THANK YOU Marty