RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
At the risk of dragging this OT thread out a little further, I have a tech question. I need to order a number of converter boxes to use as emergency alert system (EAS) receivers (just using the left/right audio outputs, don't care about video). I need to find boxes that will power up automatically, i.e. if there is a power failure, I need to make sure the box comes on automatically when power is restored, and that it's on the same channel it was on prior to the power failure. I'm guessing most converters have soft power switches, and probably most don't remember what state they were in after a power failure (i.e. on or off), but maybe some remember which channel they were on. Anyone know of any boxes that meet the above two requirements? Thanks in advance. --- Jeff WN3A
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
At the risk of dragging this OT thread out a little further, I have a tech question. I need to order a number of converter boxes to use as emergency alert system (EAS) receivers (just using the left/right audio outputs, don't care about video). I need to find boxes that will power up automatically, i.e. if there is a power failure, I need to make sure the box comes on automatically when power is restored, and that it's on the same channel it was on prior to the power failure. I'm guessing most converters have soft power switches, and probably most don't remember what state they were in after a power failure (i.e. on or off), but maybe some remember which channel they were on. Anyone know of any boxes that meet the above two requirements? Jeff, you can do that with a $3 microcontroller easily. PVT me if you need some help.
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
Jeff, you can do that with a $3 microcontroller easily. PVT me if you need some help. If you're hinting at sending IR to turn the box on, and change to the desired channel, after the power failure, I thought of that, but I'm looking for an off-the-shelf solution. --- Jeff
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
If you're hinting at sending IR to turn the box on, and change to the desired channel, after the power failure, I thought of that, but I'm looking for an off-the-shelf solution. This is something that needs to be done only once (for all the boxes) and replicated. If you need any help anyways, I'm here to help :o)
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
I just did a comparison on my Magnavox TB100. A snowy analog picture becomes slightly snowier when passing through my converter. So yes, there is more loss going through the converter, but not a big amount. If you are seeing a huge difference, you may have a bad converter. Unless you are going to have a translator that stays analog, I suppose the point will be moot after cutover. Chuck WB2EDV - Original Message - --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mark n9...@... wrote: As an aside, I did notice that the DTV tuner itself results in a MUCH less viewable *analog* signal (remember, my boxes are pass-through).
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
It is... Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Laryn Lohman Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 11:21 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mark n9...@... wrote: As an aside, I did notice that the DTV tuner itself results in a MUCH less viewable *analog* signal (remember, my boxes are pass-through). Mark, if your box is like my Zenith, it needs to be off before it will pass signals... Laryn K8TVZ Yahoo! Groups Links No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.5/1885 - Release Date: 1/9/2009 7:59 PM
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
At 1/10/2009 09:35, you wrote: I just did a comparison on my Magnavox TB100. A snowy analog picture becomes slightly snowier when passing through my converter. So yes, there is more loss going through the converter, but not a big amount. If you are seeing a huge difference, you may have a bad converter. Unless you are going to have a translator that stays analog, I suppose the point will be moot after cutover. Another possibility is a diplexer that combines Ch. 3 with everything else. I have a couple of them that I used to use with a cable box that output on Ch. 3 so I could switch between cable OTA seamlessly. Since I'll still be sending my Dish Network big dish through the house cable over a pair of analog modulators after the OTA analog shutdown, I'll probably pull them out of storage use them on my converter boxes. The TVs can then be programmed to receive ch. 3 (DTV), 12 (big dish) and 21 (Dish Network) the DTV box can be left on 24/7 - no analog passthrough needed. Bob NO6B
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
As a Sony, LG, Samsung Dealer I can tell you none of these have a current high End' Model HDTV tuner box. Was a different story a couple of years ago when no one was really looking for a tuner, and we still sold a ton of them. Have not been any replacements for a while. YMMV. Tom W9SRV --- On Fri, 1/9/09, Dan Cation dan...@ckt.net wrote: From: Dan Cation dan...@ckt.net Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 9, 2009, 12:45 PM As for higher end converter boxes, there are some HDTV tuner boxes - most of which are aimed at the HDTV market and have either Component Video or HDMI outputs - I know I have seen LG and Samsung models at Best Buy, and I think I also saw some from people like Sony. These are generally considered tuners and not converter boxes by their manufacturers. www.solidsignal.com has a comparison chart of features of all of the coupon eligible converter boxes (not the tuners) that makes it pretty easy to see what is out there in that class. I noticed a Zinwel and the DTVPal that both have some sort of timer for recording, with the DTVPal getting the best reviews. For a really nice box, check out the DTVPal DVR at DTVPal.com - dual tuners, built in hard drive recorder, HDMI and Component output as well as modulator and composite video out for $249. You can record two shows on different channels and watch a recorded show all at the same time. Makes fooling with a MythTV box a lot of trouble, by comparison. 73 - Dan --- In Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com, Mark n9...@... wrote: Joe, Can you provide manufacturers and/or model numbers so I can research further on these higher-end boxes?? Also, in regard to Chuck's comment about stations staying on their UHF allocation freqs, WBBM - the CBS affiliate in Chicago - is on Ch 2 analog and Ch 12 digital for now. WBBM will revert to Ch 3 for digital once the migration is complete. The coverage maps obtained from the link provided earlier does *not* indicate this future frequency change data... you need to check the FCC for these eventualities. WBBM-TV IL CHICAGO USA (Digital) Licensee: CBS BROADCASTING INC. Service Designation: DT Digital television station Channel: 3 60 - 66 MHz Licensed File No.: BLCDT-20050623ABL Facility ID number: 9617 CDBS Application ID No.: 1069502 Mark - N9WYS -Original Message- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of MCH Only some are made low cost (and coupon 'eligible'). There are a lot of models that are not eligible for the coupon that have more features than the basic models - such as 1080p support. I have not seen any with any scheduling features, either, however. Joe M. From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com On Behalf Of Chuck Kelsey Almost all of the stations will be UHF in my area when all is said and done. Check your region on this map to be sure. It shows what channel the stations will use after cutover. http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/ Chuck Yahoo! Groups Links
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
Is a UHF antenna the way to go here? Does a small standard TV antenna basically do little or no good, whereas a good UHF antenna will now be required for decent reception? - Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Huber Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:35 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues My 2 cents worth. First I agree that antennas are going to be the big problem. Rabbit ears are going to be a joke unless you are right under the transmitter. Here in Northern California, my father in-law is 2 miles south of the PAVE PAWS radar site. He had an old beat up VHF/UHF antenna up 25' on a Rohn 25 tower. (beat up is an understatement, destroyed by wild peacocks perching on the antenna). Then throw in long cable line and 2 splitters and he wonders why his new convert box didn't work. The answer, new UHF antenna (small enough that the peacocks don't like it), a mast mounted preamp from (sic) Rat Shack, eliminated one splitter. This antenna is point North at the Radar to a Chico 40 miles, skirting the edge of a hill, the Sacramento stations are to the back of the antenna 70 + miles. I'll be darn, he now gets both markets. Work on the outside will save grief on the inside. Chris N6ICW __ NOD32 3749 (20090107) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
Depends on the area. Some places will be all UHF, other will still have some VHF. You can tell here: http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/ Chuck - Original Message - From: Michael Ryan To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:09 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues Is a UHF antenna the way to go here? Does a small standard TV antenna basically do little or no good, whereas a good UHF antenna will now be required for decent reception? - Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Huber Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:35 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues My 2 cents worth. First I agree that antennas are going to be the big problem. Rabbit ears are going to be a joke unless you are right under the transmitter. Here in Northern California, my father in-law is 2 miles south of the PAVE PAWS radar site. He had an old beat up VHF/UHF antenna up 25' on a Rohn 25 tower. (beat up is an understatement, destroyed by wild peacocks perching on the antenna). Then throw in long cable line and 2 splitters and he wonders why his new convert box didn't work. The answer, new UHF antenna (small enough that the peacocks don't like it), a mast mounted preamp from (sic) Rat Shack, eliminated one splitter. This antenna is point North at the Radar to a Chico 40 miles, skirting the edge of a hill, the Sacramento stations are to the back of the antenna 70 + miles. I'll be darn, he now gets both markets. Work on the outside will save grief on the inside. Chris N6ICW __ NOD32 3749 (20090107) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com
Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
While the subject matter is off topic it does deal with propagation issues. I'm some 70 miles S. from the Mt. Bigalow Tucson TV tower that is shared by most of the Tucson DTV stations. A neighbor with a simple looking Ebay antenna gets all the stations reliably. On the other hand, I've put up an 8-bay UHF with a low noise preamp and receive all the stations with the exception of ABC which pops in and out. Like anything else, it's Location - Location - Location! Jack - Original Message - From: Chuck Kelsey To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 12:12 PM Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues Depends on the area. Some places will be all UHF, other will still have some VHF. You can tell here: http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/ Chuck - Original Message - From: Michael Ryan To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 2:09 PM Subject: RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues Is a UHF antenna the way to go here? Does a small standard TV antenna basically do little or no good, whereas a good UHF antenna will now be required for decent reception? - Mike From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Huber Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 1:35 PM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues My 2 cents worth. First I agree that antennas are going to be the big problem. Rabbit ears are going to be a joke unless you are right under the transmitter. Here in Northern California, my father in-law is 2 miles south of the PAVE PAWS radar site. He had an old beat up VHF/UHF antenna up 25' on a Rohn 25 tower. (beat up is an understatement, destroyed by wild peacocks perching on the antenna). Then throw in long cable line and 2 splitters and he wonders why his new convert box didn't work. The answer, new UHF antenna (small enough that the peacocks don't like it), a mast mounted preamp from (sic) Rat Shack, eliminated one splitter. This antenna is point North at the Radar to a Chico 40 miles, skirting the edge of a hill, the Sacramento stations are to the back of the antenna 70 + miles. I'll be darn, he now gets both markets. Work on the outside will save grief on the inside. Chris N6ICW __ NOD32 3749 (20090107) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.5/1881 - Release Date: 1/7/2009 5:59 PM
RE: [Repeater-Builder] Re: OT- Digital TV converter box issues
I know we have really got off topic Somewhat and I hate to add to It But I do agree Location Location , A lot of Great information has been give by some Professionals in the Field and on this group , Here is A Nice Site I might have posted it Before Some Might not Even know what is available from their location , I did not put in any Personal info just My Zip and it worked find and found some Good info relating to DTV If You wish to customize it for Your Location or A friend just put in that info too. , I just don't like doing that Not knowing where it will end up , It is like Not wanting People to know Who or where We live then We get a Ham Plate . Look around on the Site for other Communications info Maps Etc 73 De Don KA9QJG Check it out http://www.tvfool. http://www.tvfool.com/ com/ Have you ever wondered what television signals are being broadcast in your area? Perhaps you've recently purchased a new HDTV and you're looking for some High Definition content. Or maybe you're just looking for some additional sources to compliment your existing cable and/or satellite services. Well, here's a tool that can analyze your location to help determine what FREE broadcasts might be available in your neighborhood. This tool can help answer questions like - Which broadcasters are transmitting locally? - How far are the transmitters from me? - Which direction should I point my antenna? - How strong are the signals in my area? - What analog and digital channels are available? - (NEW) How will things look after the analog shutoff in Feb-200
