Need help on improving OTA reception

[ChaoZ]

I bought a digital converter for my grandparents, an RCA stb7766g1, and signals are really bad. I was only able to receive about a few channels, and most were pretty choppy ? there was video and audio lag. I couldn't even get signals from local channels like Fox, CBS, etc.

I think the antennas aren't good enough (need indoor ones btw). Any suggestions on how to improve the signals?

 

[PurdueRy]

What antenna do they currently use? How many TV's are in the house? Do they have a preamp on the antenna? Do they have an amplifier on the antenna?

 

[WannaFly]

Chaoz,
Not sure if a digital box can do it or not, but my digital tv can: Try to find a menu showing signal strength, and just move the antenna around to try and find the best position. Oddly enough, my antenna works best sitting BEHIND the TV against the wall - you can hardly see it Otherwise, like Purdue said - you'll prob want to get an amplified antenna.

 

[sivart]

Amplified antenna put it along the wall closest to the antenna tower form. (I.e. in my case it is the SW corner of the room). I also find that if I have a window nearby that corner placing it close to the window will help.

Otherwise, an antenna outside or in the attic may be your only choice. My grandparents (~45 miles from the tower) require an outdoor antenna to pick up all of their stations. Otherwise, even with an indoor antenna in the right position, they only get 2 of 12 channels.

FYI, they are using the same RCA digital converter box.

 

[ChaoZ]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
What antenna do they currently use? How many TV's are in the house? Do they have a preamp on the antenna? Do they have an amplifier on the antenna?

Don't know what they're using, but has a knob to switch from UHF to VHF. They have one TV. They don't have preamp or amplifier (didn't even know they had those).

 

[JDub02]

I have a Philips amplified antenna from Wal-Mart. Works really well. I put the amp at +2 out of 5 and can clearly pull in digital stations that don't come in unamplified.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ChaoZ

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
What antenna do they currently use? How many TV's are in the house? Do they have a preamp on the antenna? Do they have an amplifier on the antenna?

Don't know what they're using, but has a knob to switch from UHF to VHF. They have one TV. They don't have preamp or amplifier (didn't even know they had those).

Can they use a larger antenna?

If not go to antennaweb.org and see how far away the stations are.

 

[ChaoZ]

Most of the stations are within 4 miles. And no, don't think they can use the really antennas. Their place is really small.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: ChaoZ
Most of the stations are within 4 miles. And no, don't think they can use the really antennas. Their place is really small.

If their within 4 miles then reception shouldn't be a problem. Try a proven small antenna like the Zenith Silver Sensor...I believe a remake of it is made by philips.