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Old 9-May-2013, 1:33 AM   #2
Brucemck2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3
Strong broadcast signal fades in and out. Why?

I am not sure whether I am having antenna size issues or antenna mounting location issues or tuner hardware issues or something else.

I have a pretty new Tivo Series 4 that I use for my OTA tuner. My OTA antenna is a Channel Master 2016. It is mounted in a third story attic. No radiant barrier or similar inside the attic (foam insulation), although there is some HVAC flex duct a few feet away. No hills or major obstructions between the antenna and the broadcast stations. All major channels in my area are directly to the south, approximately 13 miles away, so the CM2016 should be more than adequate?

My TVfool link: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda24dbfb3f4b

Here is my issue:

Most of the major channels, except for KPRC (NBC on RF Channel 35) have great signal strength and corresponding SNR. Most channels read 40+ signal strength and 20+ SNR on the Tivo's signal strength meter. When I watch the meters signal strength fluctuates a point or two, but not more than that. The picture quality on all of those is terrific.

However, KPRC (NBC RF 35) has a wildly fluctuating signal strength and SNR. Over a two minute span I observed 55, 20, 0, 46, 57, 30, 0, 48 for signal strength (with corresponding SNR of 24, 12, 0, 21, 25, 14, 0, and 22). There was no wind or rain. That channel has "stuttering" and "breakup" on the picture and sound, corresponding to the signal fluctuation, and is not watchable for more than a few minutes as a result.

I get inconsistent results on RF channels slightly above and below KPRC RF 35, all of which come from the same general transmission area. I get a very high signal strength reading, above 65, from KIAH (CW on RF 38). I get very low and fluctuating signal strength from KPXB (ion RF 32) and from KFTH (Univision RF 36), in a range that fluctuates between zero and 24 for both stations.

Based on the above do you think I have too little gain on my antenna, or, interference from the HVAC ducts/location, or Tivo tuner hardware problems, or something else?
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