Direct TV Signal Issues

[Bwana]

I wanted to tap into the Planets expert advice regarding a TV signal from hell. Most of the time my Direct TV signal is great on the satellite, but when it comes to the "local channel's" they fade in and out like the wind. Unfortunately, in my area, Direct TV doesn't offer the locals yet, so I am forced to get the locals off an antenna. I have the B Band converters hooked up, so that's not the issue.

<O:p
When the Direct TV guy was here about a year ago, he mentioned there was some kind of booster box and also some kind of a "super antenna" if you will. He claimed the antenna was the cats ass and or the king daddy of antennas. Does any of this ring a bell? (Radio Shack?) I am tired of the local CBS, ABC, NBC fading out and not even being able to get the local FOX station at all.

I PMed Direct TV guru Skip, which seems like the logical choice, but I thought there may be others out there who have had the same problems and worked through it.<O:p
<O:p
Any ideas? :shrug:<O:p

[Stewie]

How far are you from the TV towers and are they basically in the same direction from your home? The booster is only to overcome signal loss from the antenna to the TVs.

[Skip Towne]

I got your PM but I'll answer here. Several companies make signal amplifiers. The kind that actually work have two parts. One part goes up on the pole (near the antenna). The other part sits near the TV and plugs into 110v. The existing co-ax is still used. Radio Shack probably has them but they are high priced. I'd try Home Depot or Lowes first.

[Bwana]

How far are you from the TV towers and are they basically in the same direction from your home? The booster is only to overcome signal loss from the antenna to the TVs.

FOX is a long way and in some strange direction, the others are in the area.

[Stewie]

I got your PM but I'll answer here. Several companies make signal amplifiers. The kind that actually work have two parts. One part goes up on the pole (near the antenna). The other part sits near the TV and plugs into 110v. The existing co-ax is still used. Radio Shack probably has them but they are high priced. I'd try Home Depot or Lowes first.

You'll also want to boost the signal if you're going through a splitter to accommodate more than one TV. Splitters are notorious for reducing signal strength. Install an amplifier right before the coax goes into the splitter.

[Bwana]

I got your PM but I'll answer here. Several companies make signal amplifiers. The kind that actually work have two parts. One part goes up on the pole (near the antenna). The other part sits near the TV and plugs into 110v. The existing co-ax is still used. Radio Shack probably has them but they are high priced. I'd try Home Depot or Lowes first.

Thanks Skip, do you know the brand name, or model of the "one that works?"

[Stewie]

FOX is a long way and in some strange direction, the others are in the area.

That may require a rotating antenna then. I was going to say an omni-directional antenna, but they aren't meant for fringe signals.

Go here and put in your address and see what the signal strength is for your home:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

[Bwana]

As I stated in the Thread, the Direct TV guy also claimed there was an antenna that was a cut above the rest as well, that you could get at the Shack, does that ring a bell. I don't remember what he called it, so I'll call it the Lightning Rod 5000. :)

[Stewie]

Bwana, I've used these but they won't help if the problem is a weak signal at the antenna. They are good to overcome long coax runs where signal loss is a problem, or going through splitters.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103913

[Stewie]

These guys make really good antennas.

http://www.channelmaster.com/product.php?catID=33

[Skip Towne]

Thanks Skip, do you know the brand name, or model of the "one that works?"

I had a Channelmaster that worked well in this area. I'd go see what the local TV shops are selling. They have probably tried them all. I'd also take any splitters out and see if it works better without them.

[Bwana]

That may require a rotating antenna then. I was going to say an omni-directional antenna, but they aren't meant for fringe signals.

Go here and put in your address and see what the signal strength is for your home:

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

The results:

<TABLE class=text cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR align=left bgColor=#e6e6e6><TH>DTV</TH><TH>Antenna
Type</TH><TH>Call Sign</TH><TH>Channel</TH><TH>Network</TH><TH>City, State</TH><TH>Live
Date</TH><TH>Compass
Heading</TH><TH>Miles
From</TH><TH>RF
Channel</TH></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33 align=middle>yellow
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</TD><TD class=text>KBGS-DT</TD><TD class=text>16.1</TD><TD class=text>IND</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>86°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e6e6e6><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33 align=middle>yellow
vhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</TD><TD class=text>KULR-DT</TD><TD class=text>8.1</TD><TD class=text>NBC</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>92°</TD><TD class=text>5.7</TD><TD class=text>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33 align=middle>yellow
vhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</TD><TD class=text>KTVQ-DT</TD><TD class=text>2.1</TD><TD class=text>CBS</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>88°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e6e6e6><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#cc0000 align=middle>red
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Red)</TD><TD class=text>K20HB-D</TD><TD class=text>20.1</TD><TD class=text>PBS</TD><TD class=text>BOZEMAN, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>88°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#cc0000 align=middle>red
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Red)</TD><TD class=text>KSVI-DT</TD><TD class=text>6.1</TD><TD class=text>ABC</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>68°</TD><TD class=text>11.1</TD><TD class=text>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e6e6e6><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#333399 align=middle>blue
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Blue)</TD><TD class=text>K25BP-D</TD><TD class=text>25.1</TD><TD class=text>ABC</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>87°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#9966ff align=middle>violet
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Violet)</TD><TD class=text>KHMT-DT</TD><TD class=text>4.1</TD><TD class=text>FOX</TD><TD class=text>HARDIN, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>86°</TD><TD class=text>20.9</TD><TD class=text>22</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Skip Towne]

As I stated in the Thread, the Direct TV guy also claimed there was an antenna that was a cut above the rest as well, that you could get at the Shack, does that ring a bell. I don't remember what he called it, so I'll call it the Lightning Rod 5000. :)

I don't know of any antenna that works better than the others. The bigger the better though. I think mine was 12 feet long.

[Stewie]

The results:

<table class="text" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr align="left" bgcolor="#e6e6e6"><th>DTV</th><th>Antenna
Type</th><th>Call Sign</th><th>Channel</th><th>Network</th><th>City, State</th><th>Live
Date</th><th>Compass
Heading</th><th>Miles
From</th><th>RF
Channel</th></tr><tr bgcolor="white"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#ffcc33">yellow
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</td><td class="text">KBGS-DT</td><td class="text">16.1</td><td class="text">IND</td><td class="text">BILLINGS, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">86°</td><td class="text">5.4</td><td class="text">16</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#ffcc33">yellow
vhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</td><td class="text">KULR-DT</td><td class="text">8.1</td><td class="text">NBC</td><td class="text">BILLINGS, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">92°</td><td class="text">5.7</td><td class="text">11</td></tr><tr bgcolor="white"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#ffcc33">yellow
vhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</td><td class="text">KTVQ-DT</td><td class="text">2.1</td><td class="text">CBS</td><td class="text">BILLINGS, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">88°</td><td class="text">5.4</td><td class="text">10</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#cc0000">red
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Red)</td><td class="text">K20HB-D</td><td class="text">20.1</td><td class="text">PBS</td><td class="text">BOZEMAN, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">88°</td><td class="text">5.4</td><td class="text">20</td></tr><tr bgcolor="white"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#cc0000">red
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Red)</td><td class="text">KSVI-DT</td><td class="text">6.1</td><td class="text">ABC</td><td class="text">BILLINGS, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">68°</td><td class="text">11.1</td><td class="text">18</td></tr><tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#333399">blue
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Blue)</td><td class="text">K25BP-D</td><td class="text">25.1</td><td class="text">ABC</td><td class="text">BILLINGS, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">87°</td><td class="text">5.4</td><td class="text">25</td></tr><tr bgcolor="white"><td class="text" align="middle">*</td><td align="middle" bgcolor="#9966ff">violet
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Violet)</td><td class="text">KHMT-DT</td><td class="text">4.1</td><td class="text">FOX</td><td class="text">HARDIN, MT</td><td class="text">
</td><td class="text">86°</td><td class="text">20.9</td><td class="text">22</td></tr></tbody></table>

Sorry to say, you will never get FOX in a consistent manner, no matter what antenna/booster you have. You're too far away, or there are obstructions between you and the tower.

[Bwana]

Sorry to say, you will never get FOX in a consistent matter, no matter what antenna/booster you have. You're too far away, or there are obstructions between you and the tower.

Ouch, well I'm not moving to the rez, so I'll have live with it. I will just thave to figure out the best choice, given that information.

FOX had an edge before the digital switch, but vanished after that.

[Bwana]

I don't know of any antenna that works better than the others. The bigger the better though. I think mine was 12 feet long.

Heh, that does sound like the "Lightning Rod 5000." :D

[tsyou606]

check out directv.com i was looking at it yesterday they have some sort of signal booster for 50 dollars

[Stewie]

Ouch, well I'm not moving to the rez, so I'll have live with it. I will just thave to figure out the best choice, given that information.

FOX had an edge before the digital switch, but vanished after that.

Go to the Channel Master site and send them an email. Tell them your situation and see what they say. They have good techs and support. Send them your signal strength info, too.

[Bwana]

check out directv.com i was looking at it yesterday they have some sort of signal booster for 50 dollars

I was on the horn with them last Sunday raising all kinds of hell ,when I had to miss the Playoff game on FOX. That's a solid Idea, I just don't know if that would be the ticket in this case?

[Bwana]

Go to the Channel Master site and send them an email. Tell them your situation and see what they say. They have good techs and support. Send them your signal strength info, too.

I'm on it, thank you!

[Stewie]

I'm on it, thank you!

One more thing. If Channel Master recommends a deep fringe antenna, I'd take that with a grain of salt. Those antennas are for unobstructed signals that are 50+ miles away. In your case you're only 20 miles from the FOX tower. That says to me you have hills (or some other obstruction) between your home and the tower. A deep fringe antenna won't solve that problem.

[Bwana]

One more thing. If Channel Master recommends a deep fringe antenna, I'd take that with a grain of salt. Those antennas are for unobstructed signals that are 50+ miles away. In your case you're only 20 miles from the FOX tower. That says to me you have hills (or some other obstruction) between your home and the tower. A deep fringe antenna won't solve that problem.

That may indeed be the case. I was also told at one point in time, that I could point an antenna in their direction (FOX) and get the signal, but then I would not be able to get the other locals. It was almost an either or, because of the direction. I have no idea, he could have been full of poo. I have all but given up on FOX, but I get ticked off when I'm watching one of the other locals, I'm half way through a show, it fades out and the searching for signal message pops up. I need to figure something out before the remote goes through the front of the TV at a high rate of speed. :cuss:

[Jack]

Since I've done antenna design in my career, I'll chime in here.

Skip is pretty close to the solution.

First, antennas; you need to look at the "gain" factor. A lot of spiffy looking antennas sell looks and not performance. Gains on the order of 10 dB on the lower channels (2-13) is average and 20-25 db on the UHF channels are probably all you will find. The higher gain factor means the antennas beamwidth is narrow and that's where a antenna rotator may be needed. Now, the "F" factor. All TV stations now have switched to digital. The old designs for analog antennas are limited by the same physics, however digital modulation is much narrower in beamwidth thus exacerbating the directional issue. Bottom line, look at the transmitter locations and if they are more than 20° difference invest into a rotor.

Amplifiers are often useless. If you live on the fringe, they just amplify noise. Having said that, digital is impervious to noise so there may be some trade off but I would be pessimistic but don't let this prevent you from trying one. Look for the BER (Bit Error Rate) factor and select one with the highest number.

Splitters will specify losses in dB usually with factors of 3, 7.5. That number aggregates with the number of splitters you use so if you start splitting splitters it would be best to add amplification.

Also, look at the coaxial cable. New cable is normally stamped "RG6" with a phrase "Swept to 1 GHz " some number like that. That is very important in terms of digital reception.

Hope this helps. One reason I dropped DTV is that locals were not included. Plus I get a great package from Comcast for my TV/Phone/INet.

[bevischief]

Ouch, well I'm not moving to the rez, so I'll have live with it. I will just thave to figure out the best choice, given that information.

FOX had an edge before the digital switch, but vanished after that.

the analog signals were a lot stronger, digital require as much power
Posted via Mobile Device

[Jack]

The results:

<TABLE class=text cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5><TBODY><TR align=left bgColor=#e6e6e6><TH>DTV</TH><TH>Antenna
Type</TH><TH>Call Sign</TH><TH>Channel</TH><TH>Network</TH><TH>City, State</TH><TH>Live
Date</TH><TH>Compass
Heading</TH><TH>Miles
From</TH><TH>RF
Channel</TH></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33 align=middle>yellow
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</TD><TD class=text>KBGS-DT</TD><TD class=text>16.1</TD><TD class=text>IND</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>86°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>16</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e6e6e6><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33 align=middle>yellow
vhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</TD><TD class=text>KULR-DT</TD><TD class=text>8.1</TD><TD class=text>NBC</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>92°</TD><TD class=text>5.7</TD><TD class=text>11</TD></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#ffcc33 align=middle>yellow
vhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Yellow)</TD><TD class=text>KTVQ-DT</TD><TD class=text>2.1</TD><TD class=text>CBS</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>88°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>10</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e6e6e6><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#cc0000 align=middle>red
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Red)</TD><TD class=text>K20HB-D</TD><TD class=text>20.1</TD><TD class=text>PBS</TD><TD class=text>BOZEMAN, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>88°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>20</TD></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#cc0000 align=middle>red
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Red)</TD><TD class=text>KSVI-DT</TD><TD class=text>6.1</TD><TD class=text>ABC</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>68°</TD><TD class=text>11.1</TD><TD class=text>18</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e6e6e6><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#333399 align=middle>blue
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Blue)</TD><TD class=text>K25BP-D</TD><TD class=text>25.1</TD><TD class=text>ABC</TD><TD class=text>BILLINGS, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>87°</TD><TD class=text>5.4</TD><TD class=text>25</TD></TR><TR bgColor=white><TD class=text align=middle>*</TD><TD bgColor=#9966ff align=middle>violet
uhf (http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/antenna.aspx?color=Violet)</TD><TD class=text>KHMT-DT</TD><TD class=text>4.1</TD><TD class=text>FOX</TD><TD class=text>HARDIN, MT</TD><TD class=text></TD><TD class=text>86°</TD><TD class=text>20.9</TD><TD class=text>22</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

With the exception of the ABC station at 68° no need for a rotor.

[Bwana]

Since I've done antenna design in my career, I'll chime in here.

Skip is pretty close to the solution.

First, antennas; you need to look at the "gain" factor. A lot of spiffy looking antennas sell looks and not performance. Gains on the order of 10 dB on the lower channels (2-13) is average and 20-25 db on the UHF channels are probably all you will find. The higher gain factor means the antennas beamwidth is narrow and that's where a antenna rotator may be needed. Now, the "F" factor. All TV stations now have switched to digital. The old designs for analog antennas are limited by the same physics, however digital modulation is much narrower in beamwidth thus exacerbating the directional issue. Bottom line, look at the transmitter locations and if they are more than 20° difference invest into a rotor.

Amplifiers are often useless. If you live on the fringe, they just amplify noise. Having said that, digital is impervious to noise so there may be some trade off but I would be pessimistic but don't let this prevent you from trying one. Look for the BER (Bit Error Rate) factor and select one with the highest number.

Splitters will specify losses in dB usually with factors of 3, 7.5. That number aggregates with the number of splitters you use so if you start splitting splitters it would be best to add amplification.

Also, look at the coaxial cable. New cable is normally stamped "RG6" with a phrase "Swept to 1 GHz " some number like that. That is very important in terms of digital reception.

Hope this helps. One reason I dropped DTV is that locals were not included. Plus I get a great package from Comcast for my TV/Phone/INet.

I can tell this isn't your first rodeo either, Thanks!

[Bwana]

With the exception of the ABC station at 68° no need for a rotor.

So is there a specific antenna you would go with in this case?

[Bwana]

On a side note, this place never ceases to amaze me with the wealth of information that it can provide on any given topic. I would guess that if I'm having this problem, there are 20 other people that are following the thread as well, looking for the same answers. I really appreciate the information!

[Jack]

the analog signals were a lot stronger, digital require as much power
Posted via Mobile Device

Same power level of analog versus digital results in 12dB coverage loss, and at most of the frequencies used, dramatically increasing the transmitted power does not increase coverage. It is the nature of the beast at UHF frequencies.

[Stewie]

So is there a specific antenna you would go with in this case?

I wouldn't invest in a "multi-directional" antenna. They promise more than they deliver.

[Bwana]

I wouldn't invest in a "multi-directional" antenna. They promise more than they deliver.

So given the results I posted, if you were in my shoes, which model would you hang on the roof?

[Jack]

So is there a specific antenna you would go with in this case?

There may be a trade off. Keep in mind the gain factor of the antenna. Higher gains mean narrower beamwidth.

Before you buy a rotor, try turning your antenna and see if the signal improves. In analog, you would see a clearer picture with some ghosting of the signal. With digital, when the signal starts dropping you see frame freezing or digital breaking (small squares in the picture). So it is best if you pause and the the BER catch up. The constant frozen frame means you have lost the signal. That's the difference between analog and digital TV.

As far as the best antenna model, Skip's suggestion may be the best. But the other posters seem to have some good alternatives also.

Try suing DTV. . .

[Stewie]

So given the results I posted, if you were in my shoes, which model would you hang on the roof?

Can you focus your present antenna directly at the FOX tower? That might be the place to start to see if you get an uninterrupted signal. I'm thinking you won't, though. I think there are terrain issues that no antenna will overcome.

If it does come in better, the ABC station may be a casualty. It's worth a try before spending any money.

[Bwana]

Try suing DTV. . .

ROFL

I was about ready to last Sunday, when I had to miss the playoff game. :D

[Bwana]

Can you focus your present antenna directly at the FOX tower? That might be the place to start to see if you get an uninterrupted signal. I'm thinking you won't, though. I think there are terrain issues that no antenna will overcome.

If it does come in better, the ABC station may be a casualty. It's worth a try before spending any money.

Will do. I plan to smack some snow out of my way and hump it up to the top of the roof in an hour of so. If I make it back down without pulling the old slide off / ground smack, I will post the results of my adventure.

[RNR]

Will do. I plan to smack some snow out of my way and hump it up to the top of the roof in an hour of so. If I make it back down without pulling the old slide off / ground smack, I will post the results of my adventure.

Have the wife ready with a camera this post will be worthless without pictures :)~

[Skip Towne]

One more thing. You might knock on the doors of some neigbors and see what reception they are getting. Someone may have already tried some of this stuff.

[Bwana]

Have the wife ready with a camera this post will be worthless without pictures :)~

LMAO

Heh, I will be doing my best to avoid a "slide off." I don't bounce as well as I did 10 years ago. :doh!:

[Bwana]

One more thing. You might knock on the doors of some neigbors and see what reception they are getting. Someone may have already tried some of this stuff.

Another solid piece of advise. That could save me a lot of time as well.

[RNR]

LMAO

Heh, I will be doing my best to avoid a "slide off." I don't bounce as well as I did 10 years ago. :doh!:

I look forward to the following post of Bwana unloading the gun at the dish while most are running for cover and the wife is shaking her head dialing direct tv for a replacement dish~

[alanm]

Greg, This is the one I got last summer. Couldn't be happier. I get stations out of Wyoming and South Dakota. :thumb:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MOTORIZED-TV-ANTENNA-ROTOR-HD-VHF-UHF-HDTV-DTV-DIGITAL_W0QQitemZ120511821750QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0f1077b6

[dtebbe]

IMHO..
This one (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=AD-DB8&d=Antennas-Direct-DB8-UHF-HDTV-TV-Antenna-%28DB8%29&c=TV%20Antennas&sku=)

[Lzen]

What I did a couple years ago was to purchase this antenna:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088

I put that up on my chimney. I have 4 digital tv station signals here that I pick up over the air. According to antennaweb.org, they range from 257 degrees to 297 degrees. The furthest is 19.0 miles away and I pick it up with an upper 90s percent reception. Sounds similar to your situation. Although I don't know if you have any obstacles. I pretty much don't have any obstructions between my house and the stations.

[RippedmyFlesh]

Before direct tv had local stations in my market I was able to get "other" fox/abc/cbs stations through directv. It cost about $3 a month per station and i was able to get abc west(i live in ny) and fox west.If the local stations are not offered by direc tv you should qualify to get those stations but you have to ask direc tv they dont just give them to you. Prime time schedule would be screwed up but at least you could get games which is what I got them for.

[Bwana]

Before direct tv had local stations in my market I was able to get "other" fox/abc/cbs stations through directv. It cost about $3 a month per station and i was able to get abc west(i live in ny) and fox west.If the local stations are not offered by direc tv you should qualify to get those stations but you have to ask direc tv they dont just give them to you. Prime time schedule would be screwed up but at least you could get games which is what I got them for.

I just called these clowns, and they "putting in a request for a waiver." They claimed it would take 45 days to get an answer. :spock:

[dtebbe]

I just called these clowns, and they "putting in a request for a waiver." They claimed it would take 45 days to get an answer. :spock:

LOL, you are so close there is no way they are going to give you a waiver.

DT

[Skip Towne]

I just thought of something else, Greg. I think the cable company, by law, has to offer a locals only package at a nominal price. I don't know if you want that but it is an option.

[KCFalcon59]

I just called these clowns, and they "putting in a request for a waiver." They claimed it would take 45 days to get an answer. :spock:

It will get denied. I did the same thing. fuggin bastards. I am in the same boat and want to get locals. Just this week I have tried out the indoor models and they suck. Took them back. I guess I am going to have to go the outdoor antenna. Just am not sure what to get.

[Bwana]

It will get denied. I did the same thing. fuggin bastards. I am in the same boat and want to get locals. Just this week I have tried out the indoor models and they suck. Took them back. I guess I am going to have to go the outdoor antenna. Just am not sure what to get.

Well. I'll tell you this, from what I understand, "they" make that call on a local level. If it does get turned down, I will damn sure find out where "they" are here in town and go pay them a little visit in person. I'm not one to take no as a final answer, and consider it a starting point in the negotiation process.

[Bwana]

I just thought of something else, Greg. I think the cable company, by law, has to offer a locals only package at a nominal price. I don't know if you want that but it is an option.

Thanks Skip, if you antenna replacement doesn't do the trick, I will look into it. If not for Sunday Ticket, I would tell Direct TV to go hang it where the sun doesn't shine. If this can't be resolved, I will consider it anyway. That would also save me a land line phone bill.

[Jack]

I just called these clowns, and they "putting in a request for a waiver." They claimed it would take 45 days to get an answer. :spock:

Bman, I did this a long time ago in a far away galaxy. Got the stiff arm so I sent a letter to all the stations and copied a congressman for the area who had been know for supporting this. Got a letter in a week.

Terrestrial broadcast is fast becoming obsolete and it amazes me why stations hold on so hard.

Another thing is if they deny, send a letter to the FCC and copy the broadcaster.

[Bwana]

Bman, I did this a long time ago in a far away galaxy. Got the stiff arm so I sent a letter to all the stations and copied a congressman for the area who had been know for supporting this. Got a letter in a week.

Terrestrial broadcast is fast becoming obsolete and it amazes me why stations hold on so hard.

Another thing is if they deny, send a letter to the FCC and copy the broadcaster.

Two great ideas!

I will follow up using both techniques, if I get the go pound sand letter. So I take it after you did that, they "changed their mind" and decided it wouldn't be such a bad thing for old Jack to get the free pass?

[Bwana]

LOL, you are so close there is no way they are going to give you a waiver.

DT

Never say never my friend. :D It may take me some time, but when the dust settles, I bet it get's done.

[Jack]

Two great ideas!

I will follow up using both techniques, if I get the go pound sand letter. So I take it after you did that, they "changed their mind" and decided it wouldn't be such a bad thing for old Jack to get the free pass?

Politicians do have uses at times. Funny thing is they cooperated w/o any effort from the congressman.

[RNR]

So no pictures showing your legs pointing upward out of a snow drift or six holes in a 3 inch group in the dish. A very disappointing end to a thread that had great potential :shake:

[Earthling]

If not for Sunday Ticket, I would tell Direct TV to go hang it where the sun doesn't shine. If this can't be resolved, I will consider it anyway. That would also save me a land line phone bill.

Had to laugh at this because I've said the same exact thing. :D

[Bwana]

So no pictures showing your legs pointing upward out of a snow drift or six holes in a 3 inch group in the dish. A very disappointing end to a thread that had great potential :shake:

I am pleased to report that I did not pull a Rodney Dangerfield, "triple Lindy" off the roof RNR! :D

http://thismighthurt.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/rodney.jpg

[Bwana]

Politicians do have uses at times. Funny thing is they cooperated w/o any effort from the congressman.

So, the local TV stations are the ones that have to give the OK to make this happen? The Direct TV lady wasn't clear on that. She just said they would send off the request.

[Skip Towne]

Thanks Skip, if you antenna replacement doesn't do the trick, I will look into it. If not for Sunday Ticket, I would tell Direct TV to go hang it where the sun doesn't shine. If this can't be resolved, I will consider it anyway. That would also save me a land line phone bill.

I don't think a land line is required any more. Too many people with cell phone only.

[Bwana]

I don't think a land line is required any more. Too many people with cell phone only.

The last time I checked, a few months back, they claimed it was. I will look into it again. The land line at this point, is useless and an unneeded money vortex.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

I just called these clowns, and they "putting in a request for a waiver." They claimed it would take 45 days to get an answer. :spock:


Heh ! I just did the same thing last week . They told me the same as you , waiver request and 45 days. damn playoffs. It's a good thing the Chiefs are out or somebody would be in grave danger!

[Bwana]

Heh ! I just did the same thing last week . They told me the same as you , waiver request and 45 days. damn playoffs. It's a good thing the Chiefs are out or somebody would be in grave danger!

It sounds like the FCC and your local congress guru could come into the picture, if they decide not to play ball? :evil: It's a shame that a person has to take that much time and raise this much hell to get a freaken TV picture.

[Lzen]

It will get denied. I did the same thing. fuggin bastards. I am in the same boat and want to get locals. Just this week I have tried out the indoor models and they suck. Took them back. I guess I am going to have to go the outdoor antenna. Just am not sure what to get.

That's odd. I wonder if they stopped allowing this because a couple years ago, I managed to get a couple out of market stations. I only kept them for a brief time as they were not HD and that was the whole point of me doing that in the first thing. The one thing that pisses me off about our locals is that the Fox affiliate is not HD yet Dish lists it as HD on their channel lineup.

[Jack]

Drop a few buzzwords like "denying my request is not what the FCC calls ""in the best interest of the viewing public"". Complaints to the FCC carry a lot of weight when the stations think they might get involved.

Your tax dollar funds the FCC. When I retired I started doing part-time consulting work for public safety agencies in my state regarding their licensing with the FCC. Having dealt with the FCC in the last 30 years of my career, I found that they do take their job quite seriously and will act on any citizens complaint, albeit slow at times. They are life and death to broadcasters.

So just inferring you will take the matter to the FCC with extreme prejudice may hurry things along. Make your case that you simple cannot get an acceptable signal from their station your risk/benefits are greatly out of proportion.

Good luck, you sound like me. After a while it just becomes the issues and their failure to act is what counts.

[Lzen]

The last time I checked, a few months back, they claimed it was. I will look into it again. The land line at this point, is useless and an unneeded money vortex.

Dish does the land line thing, too. If you don't have one, they simply charge you an extra $5 a month. Its BS if you ask me. One alternative to this is that you could hook up ethernet cable to your router to save you that fee.

[Bwana]

Drop a few buzzwords like "denying my request is not what the FCC calls ""in the best interest of the viewing public"". Complaints to the FCC carry a lot of weight when the stations think they might get involved.

Your tax dollar funds the FCC. When I retired I started doing part-time consulting work for public safety agencies in my state regarding their licensing with the FCC. Having dealt with the FCC in the last 30 years of my career, I found that they do take their job quite seriously and will act on any citizens complaint, albeit slow at times. They are life and death to broadcasters.

So just inferring you will take the matter to the FCC with extreme prejudice may hurry things along. Make your case that you simple cannot get an acceptable signal from their station your risk/benefits are greatly out of proportion.

Good luck, you sound like me. After a while it just becomes the issues and their failure to act is what counts.

That's a large part of it, along with the fact I shouldn't have to miss an NFL playoff game because of their low test, Mickey Mouse signal.

[Bwana]

Dish does the land line thing, too. If you don't have one, they simply charge you an extra $5 a month. Its BS if you ask me. One alternative to this is that you could hook up ethernet cable to your router to save you that fee.

They told me at the time, that the land line is how they upload from the box to see what you have been watching, so they can bill you for it. I don't know dude, now that this dog is on the hunt, I will get to the bottom of all this crap. When someting ticks me off to this point, I always finish what I start.

[Lzen]

They told me at the time, that the land line is how they upload from the box to see what you have been watching, so they can bill you for it. I don't know dude, now that this dog is on the hunt, I will get to the bottom of all this crap. When someting ticks me off to this point, I always finish what I start.

You go for it, man. And be sure to give us the details. :thumb:

[Bwana]

You go for it, man. And be sure to give us the details. :thumb:

Oh, I will.

There was some great advise in this thread. I would say more than enough to play hardball with, if it comes down to that. Hardball + Ornery = results. :D