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Posted by Mark Lloyd on May 12, 2008, 1:30 pm
On Mon, 12 May 2008 12:05:13 -0500, dannydee@nospam.com wrote:
>On Mon, 12 May 2008 08:35:17 -0700 (PDT), Jerry
>
>>On May 11, 2:58 pm, letter...@invalid.com wrote:
>>> Can anyone recommend any of the DTV convertor boxes? I just got my
>>> coupons. Now I have to decide which box I want. I've heard some are
>>> not real good, and others are mediocre. I'd rather spend a few more
>>> bucks and get one of the best. I live in a rural area where there
>>> will not likely ever be cable in my lifetime, and satellite is way too
>>> costly.
>>>
>>> I'd prefer one that allows the current channels (until they are gone),
>>> too. I heard that many do not.
>>>
>>> Thanks to all
>>
>>You'll find a list of coupon-approved converter boxes here:
>>https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm
>>
>>The ones marked with an asterisk feature analog passthrough.
>>
>>Not all analog channels are going away in February, depends on your
>>location. Repeater stations and low-power stations are not required to
>>stop broadcasting their analog signal in February. We have a cabin
>>about 20 miles outside Flagstaff AZ. When the digital switchover
>>happens, there will be about 3 or 4 digital channels available, and 7
>>or 8 repeater stations still broadcasting an analog signal that carry
>>the Phoenix stations. So, we'll have a need for analog passthrough
>>also.
>>
>>Here's an interesting website that will tell you what stations will be
>>available, and where to point your antenna for best reception.
>>http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29
>>You just plug in your address or zip code, and you get a list of
>>available channels, sorted in the order of received signal strength at
>>your location.
>>Interesting stuff.
>>
>>Jerry
>
>The thing I dont understand about this is that they say we can use our
>existing rooftop antennas, which I guess works since others are doing
>it. But HOW can that work when these digital channels are using a
>different frequency band?
In most (possibly all) cases, they aren't on a different band.
> I know that the bars on an antenna are
>designed for different channels which is determined by their length,
>and the longest correspond to the lowest numbered channels (analog),
>and the shortest are the high UHF channels. So, how can they work for
>the new frequencies of DTV?
AFAIK, there are no new frequencies in use. In this area, channels use
the following (analog -> digital):
7(ABC) -> 10
19(CBS) -> 18
51(Fox) -> 31
54(CW) -> 38 (eff. next year)
56(NBC) -> 22
In no case is a different frequency band used. One is VHF-Hi, all
others UHF.
> Wouldn't there be a more optimal antenna
>design? I dont know the frequency band for the new DTV, so I am not
>sure how this works.
DTV uses exactly the same frequency bands as analog, except for the
exclusion of 700-800MHz (channels 52-69). Fewer than 1/3 of the
channels are excluded.
> After I get my converter, I will connect to my
>present rooftop antenna, but I'd like to get the most channels I can
>get, so if a new antenna is in order, I'll eventually buy one.
>
Most DTV channels use UHF (now limited to 14-51). I used to think it
was going to be all on UHF, but there is one VHF here (channel 10).
>Dan
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com
"God was invented by man for a reason, that
reason is no longer applicable."
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