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winmaster | May 03, 2009 11:17 PM | in Tvs

What is the best way to pick up digital TV?

I have a cabin in Chetek, Wisconsin and I recently did a channel scan to pick up digital TV. I was very disappointed to see that I could not pick up a single channel. I currently have an indoor antenna. How can I improve my reception so that I can receive digital channels? All of the stations in the area have shut off their analog signals, so I can't use that as a reference when I am adjusting my antenna. To further complicate the problem, my TV won't let me add channels manually, it won't let me use the tuner imput until it finds a channel in auto scan mode, so I can't just type in a channel number and bring up a signal meter to adjust my antenna. I also don't want to spend much money on the solution. I'm not looking for much, just a station to get severe weather advanced notices from. Any suggestions?

voted interesting: bunnyphuphu, folkrockfan

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BEST ANSWER decided by votes | nalkinburgh | May 04, 2009 01:02 AM

@spideybolt is correct about your antenna not being powerful enough. The digital signal is not as strong as the analog signal was. One of the best tools you can use is http://www.antennaweb.org On this site you can search different antenna's and it will also help you point you antenna in the right direction to get the signal. You just click on the choose antenna button on the main page and follow the directions.

voted helpful: dumblonde

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Voted as best: bbrookin, librarian

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winmaster | May 04, 2009 10:55 PM

Alright, so it says that I need a medium or large directional antenna. Does this basically mean that I need a rooftop antenna, or can I get something cheaper?

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nalkinburgh | May 05, 2009 12:18 AM

My guess is that you are probably going to need to go with an outdoor antenna. However you may be able to get away with a good indoor one. Just don't fall for all the new "super digital" antenna hype. As stated elsewhere an antenna is an antenna. If there is a local TV repair/sales place they would be able to help you much better as they know the local conditions. You could check with the channel master site and look for a local dealer http://www.channelmasterintl.com/

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spideybolt | May 04, 2009 12:03 AM

The main problem is that your antenna might not be powerful enough to recieve the digital signals or it is the wrong type. There are 2 different types of signals which antennas can recieve and your antenna may be picking up signals that are no longer broadcasting. Your best bet is to find out what type of signals your antenna recieves or try buying an antenna that recieves digital signals. You can find out either online or just go to any store that sells antennas and they can let you know which ones recieve digital type signals. Hope this helps!

voted unhelpful: winmaster

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jp95zm6 | May 04, 2009 01:08 AM

There is really no such thing as a digital antenna. The broadcast signal is essentially the same, whether the information being sent is analog (continuously varying voltage) or digital (discrete 0s and 1s). So, the same approach you use for regular TV works.

Get a high gain antenna (units are dB). Bigger is generally better, but compare gain specifications. Put it up high. Aim it at the signal you want to get, with a rotor, for weak signals. Add a signal amplifier if necessary. Finally, don't split the signal up - a signal splitter, like for connecting one coax lead into two leads, for two TVs, also divides the signal strength.

Hope that helps.

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Voted as best: folkrockfan

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yagelski | May 04, 2009 02:16 AM

The answer depends somewhat on how far you live from the transmission tower and if all stations are in the same direction, or if you need to "look" in multiple directions.

The Terk HDTVa rates highly for an inexpensive ($40 - $75) solution for homes within ~50 miles from the transmitter and in one general direction. It should be available from local retailers, making it easy to return should you be dissatisfied with its performance.

Good luck!