http://www.current.org/dtv/#rush.
Take a look at how things were in the realm of digital and HDTV seven years ago. It is quite amusing and interesting.
The second part of my update today involves digital TV reception, meaning of course HDTV reception as well, using an antenna. Whether you have a digital converter box or a digital TV, either of which with an antenna, you have probably struggled with receiving channels over the air. There are some new tools out there to help. I was pointed to these tools by a friend in the TV industry who has supported my site and the work we do here to keep the public informed and the TV stations honest.
The first new tool I want to share with you will plot out which channels are near to you and how far away from your location each channel is. The results will also tell you the direction from your location that each broadcast tower is which could help you in positioning your antenna to optimize reception. For input, use your exact address and then estimate how far your antenna is above ground level (I live on the second floor so I estimated about 20 feet). Now keep in mind that the tool can account for a lot of things, but specific building obstructions in your neighborhood is not one of them. Start here to use this tool, it's pretty cool: http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29.
Next, you can determine how strong the signal is for a particular channel to see if you are even in the ballpark of being able to receive it over the air. These maps are based on real data, not projections by the TV stations or the FCC. The results are Google Maps, with the Channel's Tower at the cente,r and different colors that denote specific signal strengths in specific locations: To use this tool, click here: http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=80
The legend for the colors is as follows:
- White is extremely strong. Beware of signal overlap with other channels.
- Red-yellow-green are all quite strong. You can expect reasonable coverage with an indoor antenna.
- Cyan is where it's advisable to move the antenna up to the second floor or attic.
- Blue is where it's probably necessary to install a good antenna on the roof.
- Purple is quite weak and you really have to work at it for any chance of reception.
In looking at the state of digital TV back in 1998, which describes unrealistic target dates and the many changes in delivery dates as dictated by the FCC, it is quite interesting and fascinating at how far the TV industry has come. We like to complain about the current condition of digital and HDTV but considering the extremely high costs involved and the sheer number of TV stations involved, they have come quite a long way. And with the new tools I mentioned above, antenna users like me (and you, I hope) now have even more information at our disposal. Who knew that in 2008, we'd be looking at coverage maps for TV Towers so that we can get HDTV and Digital TV over the air for free? Who knew we'd be looking at ways to circumvent cable and satellite so we don'tt have to pay for Digital and HDTV? If you think about it, you'd probably expect that by now we'd all have HDTVs and HDTV pay services. But with the lack of HD programming out there, why spend the money when you can get the major networks in HD at no cost. It's the one thing, so far, that the FCC got 100% right - Digital (HD) television should be free over the air just like television has been since its inception.
Thanks for stopping by. If anyone uses the tools and has feedback, I'd love to hear it. Take care and good luck. Happy reception hunting!!
2 comments:
Thanks for the links, I am not much of a TV watcher but my mother got me a new television for Christmas. Anyway, I bought a digital antenna and have had a heck of a time trying to get channels. WGME and WMTW come in perfectly, but I have a really hard time getting WCSH (which plays NBC shows) in analog and digital. Some days it will work, other days I'll barely get the analog version in.
I haven't been able to get WPXT yet. At least I know that I should be able to get these channels, I'll have to play around with the antenna this weekend.
Anyway, thanks again for the links!
Thanks for stopping by. You are correct that you SHOULD be able to get WCSH as well as WPXT (and WPME which is operated by the same company). WPXT and WPME are ONLY in digital now. They cut off their analog signal early, as allowed by the FCC. There are lots of tips and trick on my site for receiving these channels but let me know if you need help. Digital channels do not come in as easily as analog and a lot depends upon what kind of antenna you are using.
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