How do I improve my local TV channel receptions?

I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
works great through a VCR.

I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

Thank you in advance.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> clear.

So what problems are you seeing? Snow, ghosting or some other problem?
Does it look like interference (usually denoted by some regular patterning)?

> I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> works great through a VCR.

OK, so the same aerial works on your tele, but not your TV Card?

> I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> TV tuner is sensitive?

A Tuner is a Tuner is a Tuner (in this type of application). I don't see as
cables would make a difference anyway.

> I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> (long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).


The type of aerial that I suggest you use depends on the problem you have.
If it is merely weak signal, then a better aerial (read, bigger - something
like a Yagi, usually loft or roof mounted) or an amplified one can do
wonders.

If you're experiencing interference, an amplified aerial will just amplify
the interference too...

Ben
--
I'm not just a number. To many, I'm known as a String...

Ben Pope <spam@hotmail.com> wrote:
> ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> > I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> > Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> > clear.

> So what problems are you seeing? Snow, ghosting or some other problem?
> Does it look like interference (usually denoted by some regular patterning)?

It is hard to say. Basically, unseeable picture. Wavy colorful picture.
I should screen capture for you. Or maybe record it.


> > I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> > channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> > near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> > works great through a VCR.

> OK, so the same aerial works on your tele, but not your TV Card?

Yeah.


> > I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> > TV tuner is sensitive?

> A Tuner is a Tuner is a Tuner (in this type of application). I don't see as
> cables would make a difference anyway.

OK.


> > I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> > this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> > (long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> > rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> > so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> > can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> > limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> > doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

> The type of aerial that I suggest you use depends on the problem you have.
> If it is merely weak signal, then a better aerial (read, bigger - something
> like a Yagi, usually loft or roof mounted) or an amplified one can do
> wonders.

Hmmm, that sounds expensive. Also, I forgot to mentioned that I am upstair.
Also, the antenna is near the window (mostly opened).


> If you're experiencing interference, an amplified aerial will just amplify
> the interference too...

OK. I am just trying to figure out what is going on.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500, ANTant@zimage.com wrote:

>I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
>Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
>clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
>channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
>near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
>works great through a VCR.
>
>I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
>TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
>this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
>(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
>rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
>so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
>can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
>limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
>doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).
>
>Thank you in advance.

Easy
Get cable

On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500
ANTant@zimage.com wrote:

> I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> works great through a VCR.
>
> I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> (long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card
> has limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one
> that doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).
>
> Thank you in advance.

You don't say which board you have. If it's an 8500DV, that tuner is
very sensitive and can easily be overloaded, which will produce all
sorts of artifacts on the display. If it's one of the other Radeon AIWs
then the tuner is the opposite, relatively insensitive, and may need
a larger antenna than your regular TV or may need an amplifier.

As far as antennas go, your best bet is an electronics store--not one
of the shopping-mall stores but one that sells to amateur radio
operators (note--"amateur" != "CB") and professional installers.

You might also want to check <http://www.antennaweb.com> and see what
they recommend for your location.

> --
> "Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
> Flying Circus
> /\___/\
> / /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
> | |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
> \ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
> ( )


--
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

kxyz@qwerty.com wrote:
> On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500, ANTant@zimage.com wrote:

> >I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> >Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> >clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> >channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> >near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> >works great through a VCR.
> >
> >I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> >TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> >this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> >(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> >rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> >so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> >can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> >limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> >doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).
> >
> >Thank you in advance.

> Easy
> Get cable

Like I said, no. Too expensive and I only have TV shows on local stations.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

> > > I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> > > Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> > > clear.

> > So what problems are you seeing? Snow, ghosting or some other problem?
> > Does it look like interference (usually denoted by some regular patterning)?

> It is hard to say. Basically, unseeable picture. Wavy colorful picture.
> I should screen capture for you. Or maybe record it.

Go to http://home.apu.edu/~philpi/temp/ati/ (I will delete these files later
on) and see the screen captures. Odd that Channel 11 is nice and clear tonight.
It wasn't like that last night. Weird.


> > > I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> > > channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> > > near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> > > works great through a VCR.

> > OK, so the same aerial works on your tele, but not your TV Card?

> Yeah.


> > > I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> > > TV tuner is sensitive?

> > A Tuner is a Tuner is a Tuner (in this type of application). I don't see as
> > cables would make a difference anyway.

> OK.


> > > I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> > > this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> > > (long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> > > rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> > > so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> > > can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> > > limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> > > doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).

> > The type of aerial that I suggest you use depends on the problem you have.
> > If it is merely weak signal, then a better aerial (read, bigger - something
> > like a Yagi, usually loft or roof mounted) or an amplified one can do
> > wonders.

> Hmmm, that sounds expensive. Also, I forgot to mentioned that I am upstair.
> Also, the antenna is near the window (mostly opened).


> > If you're experiencing interference, an amplified aerial will just amplify
> > the interference too...

> OK. I am just trying to figure out what is going on.

--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

Ant,

I live out in West Covina there is no way, living amongst these mountains, that your are going to get any better than you have.
Unless you Tower a decent rotatable TV antenna. I hear ya on the expense, charter just hit me up that they wont be hosting Earthlink
Email or News server, 5$ more a month

<ANTant@zimage.com> wrote in message news:1vucnR5VZO_u-xKiU-KYjQ@mminternet.net...
> kxyz@qwerty.com wrote:
> > On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500, ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>
> > >I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> > >Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> > >clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> > >channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> > >near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> > >works great through a VCR.
> > >
> > >I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> > >TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> > >this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> > >(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> > >rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> > >so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> > >can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> > >limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> > >doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).
> > >
> > >Thank you in advance.
>
> > Easy
> > Get cable
>
> Like I said, no. Too expensive and I only have TV shows on local stations.
> --
> "Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
> Flying Circus
> /\___/\
> / /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
> | |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
> \ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
> ( )

Wow, you are close to me. I am in City of Industry area. I am farther away
from the mountains, but still!


JAD <jdemma25@eartink.net> wrote:
> Ant,

> I live out in West Covina there is no way, living amongst these mountains, that your are going to get any better than you have.
> Unless you Tower a decent rotatable TV antenna. I hear ya on the expense, charter just hit me up that they wont be hosting Earthlink
> Email or News server, 5$ more a month

> <ANTant@zimage.com> wrote in message news:1vucnR5VZO_u-xKiU-KYjQ@mminternet.net...
> > kxyz@qwerty.com wrote:
> > > On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500, ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> >
> > > >I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> > > >Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> > > >clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> > > >channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> > > >near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> > > >works great through a VCR.
> > > >
> > > >I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> > > >TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> > > >this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> > > >(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> > > >rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> > > >so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> > > >can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> > > >limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> > > >doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).
> > > >
> > > >Thank you in advance.
> >
> > > Easy
> > > Get cable
> >
> > Like I said, no. Too expensive and I only have TV shows on local stations.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )

Also, that still doesn't explain why my TV gets better pictures.


JAD <jdemma25@eartink.net> wrote:
> Ant,

> I live out in West Covina there is no way, living amongst these mountains, that your are going to get any better than you have.
> Unless you Tower a decent rotatable TV antenna. I hear ya on the expense, charter just hit me up that they wont be hosting Earthlink
> Email or News server, 5$ more a month

> <ANTant@zimage.com> wrote in message news:1vucnR5VZO_u-xKiU-KYjQ@mminternet.net...
> > kxyz@qwerty.com wrote:
> > > On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:42:54 -0500, ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> >
> > > >I am seem to having problems getting clear or decent channels near
> > > >Los Angeles, CA, USA: 2, 4, 5, and 11. Other channels are decent or
> > > >clear. I do not have cable or satellite TV (don't need the extra
> > > >channels and don't want to spend more money). Using the same antennae
> > > >near the TV (a desk away) has no problems with most channels. It even
> > > >works great through a VCR.
> > > >
> > > >I read that you have to have specific cables and antennaes because the
> > > >TV tuner is sensitive? I am not a TV expert so I don't want know if
> > > >this is true or not. I am currently using the basic TV rabbit ears
> > > >(long ones that can be retracted) that you stick on the TV little
> > > >rotating thing (don't know the term). Do I need something better? If
> > > >so, then where (retail stores -- Best Buy, Radio Shack, Costco, etc.)
> > > >can I get a low cost one (needs the circle connector since ATI card has
> > > >limited space for those rectangle shape plug)? I also prefer one that
> > > >doesn't use power plug (ran out of available plugs).
> > > >
> > > >Thank you in advance.
> >
> > > Easy
> > > Get cable
> >
> > Like I said, no. Too expensive and I only have TV shows on local stations.
--
"Really. And do these lions eat ants?" --John Cleese in Monty Python's
Flying Circus
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Ant @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: philpi@earthlink.netANT or philpi@apu.eduANT
\ _ / Remove ANT if replying by e-mail from a newsgroup.
( )