Channel and vs. Frequency Assignment

[antvt]

What is the difference between a "Channel" and a "Frequency Assignment", as referred to by antennaweb.org?

I am trying to figure out why a UHF/VHF/FM antenna that used to give me good signals for 4 different ANALOG channels, gives signal for only one DTV channel.

The DTV digital to analog converter box that I am using, Magnavox RTB100MW9, show 75% "signal strength" for the well received station, but ZERO signal for all other channels.

Do "DTV-ready antennas" (like Winegard HD-1080 and MS-1000) cover a frequency band that is not covered by the "analog antennas"?

If so, what is that frequency band?

Thank you.

[tigerbangs]

The analog and digital TV signals occupy the same range of frequencies, although not the same channel numbers: ie, channel 3 is not the same frequency as channel 3.1. . a BETTER QUESTION FOR YOU TO ASK IS: wHAT WILL WORK IN MY SPECIFIC AREA? Give us your location information; coordinates in decimal are best, but even a zip code will help, and we can advise you from there...

[antvt]

OK - I am trying to find out what frequency is channel 57. Here is a table that I found:

Television Frequency Table

Can I infer from this that channel 57 is at 728-734 Mhz ?

I don't know the exact coordinates of my area, but I can give ZIP+4 code: 05403-7320.

As you can see from the antennaweb.org snapshot in the link, all the channels (except 22) are in the UHF band.

The problem is that only one of them (57, the farthest of all stations!) shows signal via the DTV converter. I tried this on a rabbit ear antenna that used to receive well channels 3,5 and 44. I rotated the antenna to all directions to eliminate the possibility of the antenna being "too directional".

Since I know that there is no such thing as "digital antenna", I am having hard time understanding how all channels disappeared, except one. The channel received (57) is the farthest of all stations which suggests that distance is not the most important factor in my case?

The antennaweb.org table is amazing, but I wish there were another column that would depict signal strength, like in radio-locator.com.

An outside antenna is not an option in my case, so I am trying to find the next-best compromise solution (assuming I am willing to give up a few channels).

Suggestions and/or ideas are most welcome.

[sheridan]

One explanation may be that many digital stations are not operating at full power until the switch-over.

[antvt]

One explanation may be that many digital stations are not operating at full power until the switch-over.

Thanks for this explanation (it didn't occur to me).

Unfortunately however the switch-over has already occurred, exactly on February 17, 2009, here in Vermont.

Your explanation still makes sense, though, because is it possible that even after the switch-over the digital stations are not operating at full power?

Which brings us back to my wish of having a 'power' column at the antennaweb.org table.

Until I have some reasonable explanation, I cannot even start researching for an optimal antenna. Unless I find a reseller that is willing to let me try 3-4 antennas to keep only one of them.

Suggestions and/or ideas are still very welcome.

[tigerbangs]

You are under a number of misassumptions that are preventing you from getting good TV reception. WCFE-DT, which actually operates on channel on channel 38, comes from across Lake Champlain, and is a straight shot from South Burlington. Mt. Mansfield is where all of the other Burlington-Plattsburg transmitters reside, and Mt. Mansfield is partially blocked by other hills from your location. If you want to see the local digital transmitters, abandon any ideas of using an indoor antenna: you will need an outdoor antenna in order to get reliable reception of the local TV stations. If you are willing to consider a proper antenna, PM me with your street address, and I will do an analysis of your specific location and can then prescribe the right antenna system for you. No indoor antenna, amplified or not, differs significantly in ability to get stations. (Hint: neither antenna that you have mentioned is likely to be adequate for your needs)

[antvt]

You are under a number of misassumptions that are preventing you from getting good TV reception. WCFE-DT, which actually operates on channel on channel 38, comes from across Lake Champlain, and is a straight shot from South Burlington. Mt. Mansfield is where all of the other Burlington-Plattsburg transmitters reside, and Mt. Mansfield is partially blocked by other hills from your location.

You are explaining this so well, it seems like you live right here. Thank you!

If you want to see the local digital transmitters, abandon any ideas of using an indoor antenna: you will need an outdoor antenna in order to get reliable reception of the local TV stations.

I did the indoor antenna experiment as an attempt to understand why this simple rabbit ear indoor antenna was sufficient for analog reception (given same exact topological constraints as you described). I actually don't intend to use an indoor antenna but rather an antenna in the attic. I know that an outdoor antenna is the best solution, but I have some constraints that lead me into the attic installation solution. I was thinking about a directional UHF-only antenna that is directed at 86 degrees (Mt. Mansfield?), receiving 5 of the 8 available channels. Will this work?

For example, assuming the Winegard HD 9095P UHF fits in my attic, will it be able to overcome the obstacles you described?

If you are willing to consider a proper antenna, PM me with your street address, and I will do an analysis of your specific location and can then prescribe the right antenna system for you.

Isn't the ZIP+4 enough? antennaweb.org seems to pinpoint exactly where I am located.

Thank you.

[tigerbangs]

If you want advice, give me the information I asked for: you don't live in Kansas: Vermont is mountainous, and moving even a few feet can make in difference in reception..

[antvt]

Good news! I placed a Radio-Shack VU-90XR antenna in my attic, directed at about the direction of most stations (86 degrees) and - bingo! - it works.

I am receiving 5 of the 8 stations (including WVNY-DT, 22.1, in the VHF band...) but the last one (WETK-DT, 33.1) which is in the same azimuth and distance as the others is not received for some reason. Probably a weaker transmitter.

Thank you all for all the help and guidance. Without the hints I received here, I don't think that I would have been able to solve the problem - and without actually buying a new antenna! (the Radio-Shack VU-90XR is a VHF/UHF/FM antenna that I had lying around from the analog days).

BTW, the quality of the picture is amazing (very clean) - on all 5 channels. I definitely like DTV better.

[antvt]

Incredible!

I just added the top & bottom boom wings, rotated the antenna about 1-2 degrees south-east and... I now receive all channels!

Simply amazing - all in my attic - and without spending a penny.