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I have recently made the switch from cable to antenna - I have an HD TV that is just about a year old. Right now I can get CBS in HD but no other networks (not even non-HD). I can also get a few other random channels like RTV and some Spanish language. I don't really know much about antennas or the new digital signals - can anyone provide some input for what I need to do? (I live in North Raleigh by the way, near Six Forks/Millbrook). Thanks!
I've used those sites, and they don't make much sense to me - for example, in trying to get the following 2 stations which come up on that site, you would think that if you get one, you get the other, because they are both UHF, from the same direction, same miles away, etc.:
It seems that if I get one (which I do - 50.1 FOX comes in absolutely beautifully) that I should get the other, but I don't - I can't get any signal on 17.1 - very frustrating! I know it says Goldsboro, but then it also says it's 14.9 miles from my address.
Is your antenna inside or outdoors? While both those channels point to the south Raleigh antenna farm, 17.1 has about 12 db less signal gain in N Raleigh. So it is possible to receive one and not the other.
Not to throw just another webpage at you, but this one might be more helpful :
Thank you - I hadn't seen that site with the maps - it also says that 17.1 should get a "Strong" signal at my address (along with several others that I can't seem to get) - this might be more complicated than I had initially thought - ha ha! Are there professionals who help you get set up with this stuff? Maybe that's the route I need to take. Thank you both for the suggestions.
Oh yeah - my antenna is an indoor. I thought I'd try the simplest route first. Maybe I need to look into outdoor.
I also get 40.x (spanish) and a few others that are not reliable so I unprogrammed them.
I am using a TERK HDTVA Antenna, which you can get locally for about 60 bucks, or online for around $35. The plus for buying locally (big box store like Best Buy) is that if it does not work, you can return it for a refund.
FYI, there is no such thing as a digital antenna. You get a digital signal or you don't. You can pick it up with rabbit ears, but a better antenna can pick up a weaker signal. The downside of digital is that it's digital. Either it is on, or it's off, so there is no "putting up with the snow" if you really want to watch a show. At best it goes in and out.
I did away with my dish over a year ago, and don't regret it. In addition to the regular local networks, 17.2 is universal sports and has some good stuff. 50.2 is RetroTV and has old shows (like TV Land, sort of). There are a couple movie channels, although the selection is somewhat outdated, and they have commercials. NBC and ABC has 24/7 news and weather, which is really convenient.
I used to live right down the road from where you are. I had cable at the time, but I know the location. I would assume that you should get all the channels with a cheapo antenna. Might try a $10-$30 model at walmart before investing in the TERK.
Hey - you're welcome. Remember that the first page of the FCC reception maps page says this:
Signal strength calculations are based on the traditional TV reception model assuming an outdoor antenna 30 feet above ground level. Indoor reception may vary significantly.
So if its not too hard you might want to try an outdoor mount. Even an attic is typically better due to the added height.
Good luck ...
Frank
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Maybe I need to look into outdoor.
