No reception - Is it my antenna?

stonesif · 24-Oct-2013, 2:29 AM

Hi all,
Here is a link to my signal analysis: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...46ae8161451329

I made a uhf antenna (http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/), but when I connect to my TV, the signal strength shows up as 0, maybe 1 (out of 100). I don't know if it could be my antenna or location. I don't have a clear line of sight to the tower since I'm on the opposite side of a hill. Wouldn't I still get a decent signal this close to the transmitter?

I'll take any thoughts you have, especially on the terrain. Otherwise, my next step is to troubleshoot the antenna. Thanks!

24-Oct-2013, 4:51 AM

The Tv Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv stations/channels.

Do Not channel scan for cable Tv channels.

Do Not channel scan for Analog broadcast Tv channels.

GroundUrMast · 24-Oct-2013, 5:33 AM

As teleview has indicated, your tuner must be capable of receiving ATSC aka 8VSB. Older televisions (pre-2007) are not likely to have that capability. If you have an older TV you can likely find a copy of the user manual online to verify if it does or does not have a digital over-the-air (ATSC/8VSB) capable tuner.

Set top converters are available if you need to keep an older TV.

Cable systems use a different digital modulation format, QAM which is incompatible with the OTA signal format. (Which is why you need to set the tuner to the correct signal format.)

ADTech · 24-Oct-2013, 1:09 PM

You should be able to pick up a dozen or more local stations with nothing more than a straightened paper clip inserted into the coax connector of your TV set, the signals are so strong. Try one of those first as you go through the TV set programming. If it works, switch back to your "Youtube defect" antenna and try again. You might have a bad coax or matching transformer.

stonesif · 24-Oct-2013, 8:01 PM

Thanks. I am using the built-in tuner on my 720HD TV. It allows me to manually go through to specific digital channels like 7.1 or 44.3 in the setup menu to see signal strength. I can check and confirm in the manual though if it has an ATSC tuner, but I believe it should. And I am checking via the antenna input and not through cable.

Good tip ADTech. I'll try that out next!

24-Oct-2013, 8:13 PM

Tvfool Channel list shows the Real Digital Broadcast Channel

And the Virtual Number

Select the Real Channel that is transmitted and received.

ADTech · 24-Oct-2013, 9:29 PM

Run the automated setup FIRST (set to "antenna" and scan).

Try the paper clip. Seriously.