Metro Atlanta OTA help needed

briangtbc · 7-Feb-2012, 2:52 PM

Hi everyone. I've recently made the switch to OTA reception only after cutting ties with DirecTV. Saving $700+ a year made the decision a little easier.

TV Fool report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b8644cd4e33a6

I've currently installed a homemade Gray-Hoverman antenna in my attic, which is connected directly to a Tivo Premiere with about 75' of RG-6 without any splitters. Before connecting the antenna to my Tivo, I tested it out in my living room by connecting it directly to the TV. I was pleased to find that it picked up 81 "channels" and that was without any real aiming towards the Atlanta transmission towers. Once I installed it in the attic, the number of channels found dropped to 68, but I really only cared about the 4 major networks, PBS and a couple of other local channels that are pretty easy to pick up.

After hooking it up to my Tivo, I'm now picking up even fewer channels and couple of them have very weak signals which cause the picture to flicker, pixelate, jumble, or even drop out entirely at times. Channels 2.1 (39) and 5.1 (27) were most problematic, with neither channel peaking over a value of 55 via the Tivo's signal strength meter. I went up in the attic last night and adjusted the antenna's position so that both 2.1 and 5.1 come in very strong now (5.1 peaking at 80), but now I'm having issues on some of the higher channels like 36.1 (25), 46.1 (19) and 69.1 (43).

I've read on this board and some others about a possible issue with the Tivo Premiere's OTA tuner and/or its issues with multipath. I would assume that's part of my problem since connecting directly to the TV results in less issues with signal fade. I'm curious if another antenna design or something purchased would be better suited based on my geographic location and setup? My single-story house is surrounded by a number of mature hardwoods that are 40'+ (satellite map). I'd prefer to keep the antenna installed in the attic, but I wouldn't be opposed to a smaller-sized roof mount antenna along the lines of the RCA ANT751 if it would help significantly.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

Electron · 7-Feb-2012, 4:33 PM

The number one problem is the Tivo. The tuners used in the Tivo's are subpar. A ANT751 can be mounted above the roof and aimed at 249 degree magnetic compass in a manner that gives a good shot at the tv transmitters. Do not hide the antenna in a way that reduces and blocks the tv reception. Even so , there is not any antenna will make up for Tivo's subpar tuners. There is a popular notion that broadcast tv reception is evil. And only the subpar humans are stuck with receiving it. And they deserve less.

briangtbc · 9-Feb-2012, 3:31 AM

Well, today I installed an RCA ANT751 on my roof and aligned it around 249 degrees. I also tweaked it slightly using the Tivo's signal meter. There was some improvement, but overall it wasn't a big leap over the homemade antenna I had installed in the attic.

At this point, I'm not sure if I'll return the ANT751, the Tivo, or both. I was hoping this was going to be a relatively painless transition, but I've been very disappointed with the Tivo's OTA performance.

Electron · 9-Feb-2012, 6:19 AM

Many complaints about Tivo here at tvfool. How is the reception with antenna connected to the tv?? No Tivo.

MisterMe · 9-Feb-2012, 6:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by briangtbc

Well, today I installed an RCA ANT751 on my roof and aligned it around 249 degrees. I also tweaked it slightly using the Tivo's signal meter. There was some improvement, but overall it wasn't a big leap over the homemade antenna I had installed in the attic.

At this point, I'm not sure if I'll return the ANT751, the Tivo, or both. I was hoping this was going to be a relatively painless transition, but I've been very disappointed with the Tivo's OTA performance.

My advice to you is to ditch the TiVo. The ChannelMaster TV CM 7400 HD DVR is now available for sale. It has some advantages and disadvantages compared to the ChannelMaster CM-7000PAL Antenna Compatible DVR that it replaces. Take a look at both devices and buy the one that better fits your needs. I don't believe that you will miss the TiVo.

P.S. Although the older device is out of production, it is still in stock at a diminishing number of outlets.

briangtbc · 9-Feb-2012, 3:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electron

Many complaints about Tivo here at tvfool. How is the reception with antenna connected to the tv?? No Tivo.

Receptions appears to be great with no drop-outs or pixelation that I noticed in the few minutes I watched the problematic stations. I've read elsewhere that the Tivo Premiere may struggle with multipath, but I thought the RCA ANT751 would help with that.

I think the combination of the number of tall trees around my house and the Tivo Premiere are causing these issues. I may try and fine-tune the antenna's alignment again today to see if I can get a more stable picture on the weaker channels.

Electron · 10-Feb-2012, 12:11 AM

I read the complaints all over the web about Tivo. Problems with the hard drive , Problems with compatablity with other devices , Problems with recording. It is interesting , the number of complainers that are looking for something else to blame or some one else to blame. Well it's the trees , it's the wind , the sun is up the sun is down , it's the other devices fault , it's not compatable with the Tivo , it's Joe's fault he gave me the wrong advice , the power company is sending out defective power , the dish washer cycle is to long , one of my shoes is not as shiny as the other and that makes the Tivo act up. . IT'S NOT MY BELOVED TIVO !!!!!