HD in Auburn

[draper7]

Well, I went out and bought a CM 4228 and Winegard preamp to see if I could get more HD channels than Charter broadcasts... I haven't bought a HD tuner yet (tv is "hd ready") because I wanted to test things out first. I tested in the attic first and then moved it to the roof. Reception seems to be the same in both locations which is strange to me. Anyway, I can get channel 38 (WLTZ) real good but channel 54 (WXTX) never comes in clear and I understand that I won't be able to test channels 3 (WRBL) & 9 (WTVM) since they are UHF/VHF and my antenna is UHF only. My questions are, if I can get WLTZ will I most likely be able to tune in WRBL & WTVM and why is WXTX reception so poor? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I live close to the Auburn Airport.

Thanks,

-D

[Mike Slade]

Not sure why WXTX would be any worse. I'm not sure how their analog compares with WLTZ. As far as the digital, you can't really base anything off whether or not you can get the analog. Since the signals are at different levels I don't think you can say just because you get analog you should be able to get digital.

[draper7]

Mike, thanks for the info. I was finally able to get WXTX and WLTZ with good reception (analog).

I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and purchase a HD tuner to know for sure :/.

-D

[thomash]

Though I have seen graphs to the contrary, I don't believe that the CM 4228 works as well for stations in the 50+ range as mid-band (i.e. 20-40). Note that antenna elements can be reduced in length, providing extra gain for channel 60+ (I wouldn't advise that though).

Some stations also run below-authorized power on the analog (or DT) due to equipment problems. A few of GPB's 5 MW TVs have been running a lot less power, for example.

Maybe this could have explained the WXTX anomaly.

[asianinvasion]

I'm in Auburn and have the 4228 with a 7777 pre amp in my attic. Everything but ABC comes in. I'm still "playing" with the setup. If your interested, I have an extra digital receiver I'm not using. Let me know if your interested in it.

[draper7]

Well, I finally acquired a hd tuner, yay! Thanks for the offer. I too cannot receive WTVM DT. Wonder if moving the antenna to the roof would help? WLTZ, WXTX, WRBL look great.

-D

[Mike Slade]

I would think moving it to the roof would help. Can't garauntee anything but it's probably worth a shot.

[draper7]

Guess I'll have to get up extra early tomorrow to get all of my projects done. I'll let everyone know if moving the antenna to the roof helps. Wish me luck.

-D

[draper7]

Moving the antenna to the roof helped some with reception but I still could not pickup WTVM (CBS). From what I've read here, they plan to upgrade their equipment in January 2007?

Also, I believe I'm going to need a rotator because I can't receive all channels at 80% or above pointed in one direction...

-D

[crepehanger]

I talked to the station manager at WTVM several weeks ago. He told me that they were operating on a temporary 300 foot tower until they could get the regular tower ready. At that point, they would begin broadcasting digital higher up the tower. He said they hoped to be up at full height by February 2007.

[draper7]

Thanks for the update. Over the past week or so I have been able to receive WTVM-DT at night. The signal is around 10-15% and breaks up very little but only comes in at night.

-D

[Bill]

Does anyone know where the 300 foot temporary tower is located? I might need to re-point my antenna.

Thanks.

[Mike Slade]

It's right next to the tall tower in Cusseta.