Is there anyway to stabilize my OTA HDTV signal?

[NFS4]

I just recenlty bought a refurbished Viewsonic 32" HDTV Readt LCD TV from Outpost.com for $500 and got a used Accurian HDTV tuner. I've got one of these antennas:

Indoor VHF/UHF/HDTV Antenna with RF Remote Control

First things first. The picture quality with HDTV is friggin' amazing. My mind just boggles at the way the picture looks.

My problem is, I have the antenna mounted up high on a desser next to a tall window. I get pretty good reception (79-89% on average). The only problem is, every minute or so, or sometimes every 10 seconds or depending on how cranky it wants to get, the signal will drop down to 49% or so which causes me to lose the picture or skip the sound. I don't understand why it keeps dropping out when other times it will just pick up a steady 79-89 signal.

I've tried messing around with the gain setting and changing the internal antenna position with the remote. I can change the position and get the same high signal strength, but eventually, I will get drop outs.

What's causing me to get the dropouts given that the antenna is in a stationary location on my dresser? Also, the person that I bought the HDTV receiver from included an amplifier, but it only seems to make matter worse dropping my signal down to around 39% or so.

BTW, drilling holes through walls or the ceiling to the attic/roof are out of the question as I am on the bottom floor of a two story house and we're renting.

 

[BRObedoza]

find out where the broadcast towers are and point it to them.

 

[Eli]

You can drill holes, just fill them.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: sleepmachine
find out where the broadcast towers are and point it to them.

But that's the thing, it's pointed at the station, hence the high signal strength. It's just a matter of maintaining that strength without it dropping out.

 

[archiloco]

it's very annoying, it happens to me when stations acting funny, i get 5 OTA stations, and depending on the day they will act up..i think it's just part of the problem, see with analog you just get a bit of white noise but most of the information comes thru when signals spike, digital is different, it's either good signal or you are cut off.....hope they fix this somehow when they get rid of the analog signals.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Sounds like you could be having problems with multipath distortion (that is, the tuner is picking up signal reflections in multiple directions out of phase and having trouble locking onto one) if there are lots of tall buildings (or even trees) around your location. I'm not familiar with the antenna in question or how directional it is, but generally the more directional the better when you're having multipath issues. The Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna is generally rated well in that area (I have one myself, though I'm between HDTV tuners atm), and it usually goes for $20ish at Amazon.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Sounds like you could be having problems with multipath distortion (that is, the tuner is picking up signal reflections in multiple directions out of phase and having trouble locking onto one) if there are lots of tall buildings (or even trees) around your location. I'm not familiar with the antenna in question or how directional it is, but generally the more directional the better when you're having multipath issues. The Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna is generally rated well in that area (I have one myself, though I'm between HDTV tuners atm), and it usually goes for $20ish at Amazon.

Yeah, I looked into that one too, but I couldn't find it anywhere locally. I wanted to get an antenna that I could take back to the store if it didn't work out OK. I am NOT going to eat shipping to and from an online store if it doesn't work out.

This is the third antenna that I've tried and it's by far the best one so far. The other two didn't work worth a damn.

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Sounds like you could be having problems with multipath distortion (that is, the tuner is picking up signal reflections in multiple directions out of phase and having trouble locking onto one) if there are lots of tall buildings (or even trees) around your location. I'm not familiar with the antenna in question or how directional it is, but generally the more directional the better when you're having multipath issues. The Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna is generally rated well in that area (I have one myself, though I'm between HDTV tuners atm), and it usually goes for $20ish at Amazon.

Yeah, I looked into that one too, but I couldn't find it anywhere locally. I wanted to get an antenna that I could take back to the store if it didn't work out OK. I am NOT going to eat shipping to and from an online store if it doesn't work out.

This is the third antenna that I've tried and it's by far the best one so far. The other two didn't work worth a damn.

I actually bought mine locally from Sears, but that was a year and a half ago (and $40). It's quite possible that they don't carry it anymore.

 

[jtvang125]

I'm experiencing something similar too. I'm using a RCA HD powered antenna. On some channels I get a constant rock solid signal. They never lose signal nor does the video ever go out of synch with the audio. Then there are channels that would lose signal every now and then. If you walk by the tv or there is a lot of motion in the living room it'll lose signal. I've tried placing the antenna high and away from any possible interference but strangely the sweet spot is on the lower shelf of my tv stand. Anywhere else and the signal reception is pretty bad.

I'm not going to worry about it too much cause I'm getting cable soon.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
I'm experiencing something similar too. I'm using a RCA HD powered antenna. On some channels I get a constant rock solid signal. They never lose signal nor does the video ever go out of synch with the audio. Then there are channels that would lose signal every now and then. If you walk by the tv or there is a lot of motion in the living room it'll lose signal. I've tried placing the antenna high and away from any possible interference but strangely the sweet spot is on the lower shelf of my tv stand. Anywhere else and the signal reception is pretty bad.

I'm not going to worry about it too much cause I'm getting cable soon.

Yeah, I hear ya. I just don't want this thing dropping out tonight while I'm watching The Office. I'd be PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSED

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: archiloco
it's very annoying, it happens to me when stations acting funny, i get 5 OTA stations, and depending on the day they will act up..i think it's just part of the problem, see with analog you just get a bit of white noise but most of the information comes thru when signals spike, digital is different, it's either good signal or you are cut off.....hope they fix this somehow when they get rid of the analog signals.

Yep, that's how it works. With analog, a weak signal still gets you a picture (albeit progressively worse as the signal weakens); With digital, you either get it, or you don't. There is no in between (And no difference in PQ between say 50-60 and 90-100).

Indoor HDTV antennas SUCK unless you are in a large urban/suburban area where the towers are relatively close. Otherwise forget it. You'll need a roof- or attic- mounted antenna to get reliable reception. (ChannelMasters are great.)

EDIT: And drop the amp. Amplifying a digital signal is a bad idea as it will only make things worse.

 

[Imported]

Mine drops signals due to being not too far from an airport.. and planes flying over wreaks havoc

 

[yllus]

Indoor HDTV antennas are pretty much a crapshoot. Can you use an outdoor antenna, or have access to an attic where you can hang the thing in any direction you please? I recommend:

Channel Master CM 4221A antenna

If you're still having reception issues (you won't be), add a pre-amplifier (not the same thing as an amplifier) and you'll have to best you can reasonably get. Normal amplifiers literally do more harm than good.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Sounds like you could be having problems with multipath distortion (that is, the tuner is picking up signal reflections in multiple directions out of phase and having trouble locking onto one) if there are lots of tall buildings (or even trees) around your location. I'm not familiar with the antenna in question or how directional it is, but generally the more directional the better when you're having multipath issues. The Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna is generally rated well in that area (I have one myself, though I'm between HDTV tuners atm), and it usually goes for $20ish at Amazon.

Yeah, I looked into that one too, but I couldn't find it anywhere locally. I wanted to get an antenna that I could take back to the store if it didn't work out OK. I am NOT going to eat shipping to and from an online store if it doesn't work out.

This is the third antenna that I've tried and it's by far the best one so far. The other two didn't work worth a damn.

Are you sure your local Best Buy doesn't carry them? I remember picking one up there.

They may carry the Terk version.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp...=antenna&type=product&id=1118844608800


Oh yeah, have you tried this one from Radio Shack?

RS Double Bowtie

I found it superior to the Silver Sensor at my location.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Sounds like you could be having problems with multipath distortion (that is, the tuner is picking up signal reflections in multiple directions out of phase and having trouble locking onto one) if there are lots of tall buildings (or even trees) around your location. I'm not familiar with the antenna in question or how directional it is, but generally the more directional the better when you're having multipath issues. The Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna is generally rated well in that area (I have one myself, though I'm between HDTV tuners atm), and it usually goes for $20ish at Amazon.

Yeah, I looked into that one too, but I couldn't find it anywhere locally. I wanted to get an antenna that I could take back to the store if it didn't work out OK. I am NOT going to eat shipping to and from an online store if it doesn't work out.

This is the third antenna that I've tried and it's by far the best one so far. The other two didn't work worth a damn.

Are you sure your local Best Buy doesn't carry them? I remember picking one up there.

They may carry the Terk version.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp...=antenna&type=product&id=1118844608800


Oh yeah, have you tried this one from Radio Shack?

RS Double Bowtie

I found it superior to the Silver Sensor at my location.

My RS didn't have the BowTie. I tried these two from RS to no avail:

HDTV UHF Outdoor Antenna
Amplified VHF/UHF/FM Indoor Antenna

It does appears that my local BB does carry that Terk version of the SS. Is it the same thing? I'm gonna run down and pick that one up.

And to Pabster, I'm not using the amp.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: SynthDude2001
Sounds like you could be having problems with multipath distortion (that is, the tuner is picking up signal reflections in multiple directions out of phase and having trouble locking onto one) if there are lots of tall buildings (or even trees) around your location. I'm not familiar with the antenna in question or how directional it is, but generally the more directional the better when you're having multipath issues. The Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna is generally rated well in that area (I have one myself, though I'm between HDTV tuners atm), and it usually goes for $20ish at Amazon.

Yeah, I looked into that one too, but I couldn't find it anywhere locally. I wanted to get an antenna that I could take back to the store if it didn't work out OK. I am NOT going to eat shipping to and from an online store if it doesn't work out.

This is the third antenna that I've tried and it's by far the best one so far. The other two didn't work worth a damn.

Are you sure your local Best Buy doesn't carry them? I remember picking one up there.

They may carry the Terk version.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp...=antenna&type=product&id=1118844608800


Oh yeah, have you tried this one from Radio Shack?

RS Double Bowtie

I found it superior to the Silver Sensor at my location.

My RS didn't have the BowTie. I tried these two from RS to no avail:

HDTV UHF Outdoor Antenna
Amplified VHF/UHF/FM Indoor Antenna

It does appears that my local BB does carry that Terk version of the SS. Is it the same thing? I'm gonna run down and pick that one up.

And to Pabster, I'm not using the amp.

I'm not positive, but it looks to be. It's worth a try.

You need UHF only?

 

[NFS4]

Holy Hell, this Terk is perfect. No problems here. Steady 78% strength and no dropouts. Gonna return the radio shack one and see if I can find the terk cheaper some place else. It was $70 in the BB store. Sheesh. Even more expensive than online.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: NFS4
Holy Hell, this Terk is perfect. No problems here. Steady 78% strength and no dropouts. Gonna return the radio shack one and see if I can find the terk cheaper some place else. It was $70 in the BB store. Sheesh. Even more expensive than online.

Just pick it up at Ritz. You may be able to find it for a few buck cheaper elsewhere, but it's pretty close, and Ritz is a reliable merchant.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP5498191.htm

 

[acemcmac]

I live 5 miles from my towers and still had to mount a 50" outdoor to get good reception.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: acemcmac
I live 5 miles from my towers and still had to mount a 50" outdoor to get good reception.

We have a 60" Song Grand Wega, and use a 16' antenna.

Yes. 16 feet long. Looks like this.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: NFS4
Holy Hell, this Terk is perfect. No problems here. Steady 78% strength and no dropouts. Gonna return the radio shack one and see if I can find the terk cheaper some place else. It was $70 in the BB store. Sheesh. Even more expensive than online.

Just pick it up at Ritz. You may be able to find it for a few buck cheaper elsewhere, but it's pretty close, and Ritz is a reliable merchant.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP5498191.htm

So this is comparable to the Terk? Doesn't look exactly the same, but it's close enough.

Anyway, for $20, you can't go wrong.

And My Name is Earl in HD..Hehe, glorious!!

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: NFS4
Holy Hell, this Terk is perfect. No problems here. Steady 78% strength and no dropouts. Gonna return the radio shack one and see if I can find the terk cheaper some place else. It was $70 in the BB store. Sheesh. Even more expensive than online.

Just pick it up at Ritz. You may be able to find it for a few buck cheaper elsewhere, but it's pretty close, and Ritz is a reliable merchant.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP5498191.htm

So this is comparable to the Terk? Doesn't look exactly the same, but it's close enough.

Anyway, for $20, you can't go wrong.

And My Name is Earl in HD..Hehe, glorious!!

Hmm, it may not be. The Terk one says amplified, and the other ones definitely aren't. I think the terk ones are under $30 from Ebay though.

 

[Safeway]

Stick with a Terk. Zenith makes TVs that school districts and banks buy because they are cheap.

 

[NFS4]

I have to bump this. For the most part, I'm loving this antenna, but I'm again having a problem. Some days, I can get a perfect signal, no problem whatsover. It'll go all day long without a hiccup.

Then on some days, it'll skip like crazy for no apparant reason even though the antenna is still in the same position.

What could possibly be causing this? Nothing else has changed.

 

[RossMAN]

Just curious.

Do you have cable?

Does your ViewSonic have a QAM tuner?