Question about Digital Receivers

[Marrow Man]

To save some money (and because it is an unnecessary item that we hardly use since the birth of the little one), the Missus and I are looking at canceling our satellite TV package and go with local channels. We have an older TV and need the converter box. I purchased one of those along with an indoor antenna. I did not get the cheapest antenna, but the second cheapest (more or less). We have noticed that the reception is a little choppy this evening (the weather is a bit overcast, and there is a 75% chance of rain tonight). Our TV is in the basement, but I've actually run a cable to the ground floor and have the antenna there.

Are there others of you who have similar problems with indoor antenna during bad weather? We had this problem with the satellite dish, but I assumed that was because the receiver was outside. Also, is there a way to improve the reception? Would getting a more expensive antenna really make a difference? And are there any recommendations on an antenna?

 

[Wayne]

We've never cable or dish, just broadcast, so the switch to digital was a big improvement, though we do get some choppy signal reception from time to time. Never have figured out whether it is the antennae or the transmission from the source.

 

[Rich Koster]

I have an outdoor antenna about 25' above ground. I am about 35-40 miles from the xmitters. I lose certain channels during heavy rain. If the antenna doen't have a strong enough signal getting to the box, an in line amplifier (about 30 bucks at Radio Shack) may help. The converter boxes usually have a signal strength reading. See how high it is. If it is low, (under 15-20, it usually drifts a bit) try the amp.

 

[ac7k]

Digital is more susceptible to the weather, Usually because you have a nominal signal and don't realize it because of the nature of a digital signal. So having that nominal signal is now been weakened by the weather, which drops it down to the level where you are getting "choppiness". Also because it is in the range of UHF as opposed to the former analog VHF, it is more susceptible to topography. An outdoor antenna would do wonders for you.

 

[Edward]

Unless you are within 15 or 20 miles of the tower, you'll probably need a rooftop or attic mounted antenna. Also, consider either an amplified antenna or an in-line booster - that can make a big difference. You'll need to carefully aim the antenna at each broadcast tower from which you want to pick up a signal.

 

[Romans922]

You could just do what we did and not watch any tv whatsoever (except movies, we have netflix). And if there is a certain show we wanted to see, we hope we can watch it online. This saves so much time and I don't end up sitting there senseless and lazy.

 

[Wayne]

An outdoor antenna would do wonders for you.

People tell me that all the time. But I don't look good in aluminum.

 

[Marrow Man]

Doing w/o most TV is now becoming the norm for us with the little one, so that is a big factor in dropping the dish. At least we won't have any cost when we don't watch anything. Putting up an outdoor antenna really isn't an option either (we live in the manse). But we live in the city, just a few miles from the stations, so that part isn't necessary. The advice about the booster is much appreciate!

 

[Marrow Man]

Thanks for all the help. I purchased an in-line amplifier from "The Shack" for about $30, then repositioned the indoor antenna slightly, and the reception increased from around 27% to nearly 80%. No more choppiness.

 

[Rich Koster]

I refuse to call it that......just knowing that book exists makes me say Radio Shack Glad it works for you.

 

[Marrow Man]

Rich, just imagine my surprise when the three people who waited on me were a large African-American woman, a Jewish carpenter, and an Asian gardener.

 

[Rich Koster]

Does the warranty go beyond 5/21/2011??