Digital TV Thread Revisited

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Just over a month ago, I started the thread Digital TV Transition Not as Easy as Advertised.

In it I said:

I live in Alexandria, Virginia. I have TV sets equipped with rabbit ears. Those antennas are modified from existing antennas, and I installed those antennas in the sets myself. In the spring, I like to watch over-the-air broadcasts of college lacrosse from Baltimore's WMAR channel 2. Next spring, I won't be able to see those broadcasts, as the distance between me and Baltimore is beyond the limits of digital broadcasting. A lot of people are in for a big surprise.

After finding my lost coupons last week, I remembered the advice I received in the replies to my message and used it to engage in a crash course in figuring out which converter box to buy. I ended up buying two Zenith DTT901 CECBs from Circuit City. It turns out my fears were unfounded. I can too get channel 2 from Baltimore. The improvement in reception is nothing short of remarkable.

The whole story is here: Over-the-Air Digital Television Broadcasts of Lacrosse.

Thanks to everyone who wrote with helpful advice.

[MR. ELECTABLE]

1. And there's a good chance that signal will get stronger

During the transition period the digital stations are being broadcast on separate frequencies currently being "borrowed" care of the FCC.
The problem is, these spare frequencies are often being used in neighboring markets-- which forces the digital broadcast to be transmitted at lower power so as not to interfere with the neighboring analog signal.

This is currently the case in San Diego where some of our digital stations are forced to reduce power to prevent interfering with channels in the LA market.

Once the digital signal moves to its permanent location the signal strength will be increased to full power as there will be no fears of interference.

Given the density of the cities transmitting television in the east coast, there are definitely similar games being played-- after all, LA is over 150 miles away.

Something to think about. :)

[KharmaTrain]

2. Glad It's Worked For You

As the post above says, a good chance you'll get better reception after Feb. 19 of next year. Many of the stations are operating at lower power on their digital signal until all the analogs shut off then the digitals will be boosted.

We got an Insignia box...$60 at Best Buys...and then there's the $40 rebate...for my mother-in-law. She never bought cable and has had crappy reception...now she gets a beautiful picture and almost twice as many channels as she used to.

Now digital radio is a disaster...but that's another story.

Cheers...

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3. KharmaTrain, I was hoping you would see this thread.

Your posts in my earlier thread were probably the most helpful. All the links you provided were great. Thanks.

The box I got, the Zenith DTT901, is said to be identical to the Insignia NS-DXA1-APT, the successor to the Insignia NS-DXA1 you have. The DTT901 replaces the DTT900. The difference is that the newer models have analog pass through. There was no change in price between the DTT900 and the DTT901.

Thanks so much for writing.