Few Digital/HD stations after 6/12/09

[bpost]

Hello, I just went into my RV since the 6/12 conversion, I am only able to get (1) channel in HD/digital. First, I have a new 2009 RV with (3) tv's with built-in HD tuners. The rv has a Winegard VS5312A video distribution center, and a Winegard bat wing roor antenna, (not sure the model). I was able to get in at least 10 HD stations prior to 6/12. I've unplugged the antenna from the back of the TV's to "reset" it, and have re-scanned the channels at least 10 times (each time with the antenna pointing in a different direction), still only the one channel comes it. please advise.

[dunebuster]

One problem with HDTV is it is digital, i.e. if there is not enough signal coming in there is no picture, whereas with analog TV as the signal gets weaker the picture gets snowier. You may be getting signal from several stations but only one is strong enough signal for the TV to display. There are really 3 problems coming into play here. actual signal strength at your site, local obstructions like hills/buildings between you and the transmitter, and finally your TV's sensitivity. Unlike old Analog TV, It appears some HD sets seem to be recognized for having better tuner sensitivity so they pick up weaker signals better than others. Samsung, Sony and some LG's are on that list.

Have you checked what stations you can get? Check antennaweb.org or TVfool.com for their station sheet. You give it an address and they will show stations, channel, compass heading and distance. TVFool also gives you an estimated signal strength value too. Armed with this information you can then begin to aim your antenna toward stations to get reception. You may need to change the antenna direction when you change channels.

My short experience with the Sensar antenna says HDTV currently does not have the distance from the tramsimtter that analog TV has but there are extenuating circumstances that may improve this some.
(Most stataions put the HD antenna below their main Analog antenna so the HD range is less, I'd guess that many stations will dismantle the Analog antenna and move the HD to the top restoring some range eventually)

I've found with the plain Sensar, any signal, SD or HD usually needs some tweaking of the antenna direction to get the best signal and that orientation may change as day turns into night and back again.
The other issue is that if you are more than 50 miles from an antenna reception gets difficult and you need higher ground or antenna placement to get reception...

If you have HD stations within range, the Wingman upgrade may get you over the hump and pull in enough signal for the TV to display.

Good luck....

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

The first few things to check:

1. Make sure that the converter box is not between the antenna and its power supply (if you do not have a separate power supply the video switch is the power supply). Installing the converter here will reduce the antenna's strength and can damage your converter box.

2. Make sure that there is 12 VDC on the coax going to the antenna head. This voltage powers the amplifier built into the antenna. Without this voltage, the amplifier 'eats' most of the signal.

[bpost]

Thanks for the input. I will try the suggestions, but what's got me is that the RV has not left my driveway. I was able to get all those HD stations before 6/12, so I'm assuming the antenna conections and the TV are still as capable. Why isn't it working now? I know that some stations changed channels, but did the HD signal change too? Am going to need to re-scan everytime I move the antenna? Something just doesn't seem right.

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

If you were getting the Digital signal before the transition, you nothing should have changed.

Since it has, the date is likely more of a coincidence than the issue.

[bpost]

I just went to antennaweb.org and noticed that almost every station that I was able to get before, changed from VHF to UHF after the transistion. Although my sensar antenna is both UHF & VHF, the UHF never seemed to work as well. I was looking at the video for the Wingman, the guy said that the arms of the sensar are for VHF, and the middle hub of the antenna is for UHF. As I understand it, the Wingman is only designed to help this center hub improve UHF signals only, and since that seems to be where most of my channels moved to, It might be worth the 30 bucks to give it a try.

[dunebuster]

Changing station frequencies is why most DTV changeover sites tell you to re-scan after june 12. I just figured that would be done. but is is easy to see how that slipped off the table.

[winegard]

bpost -

I would definitely recommend taking a look at the Wingman. I know it looks like a sales pitch coming from someone that makes the product, but we make it because it actually works. I cannot guarentee your going to receive more channels after you do the 10 second installation process... but I've seen it happen time and time again.

[rvdude]

Given I had EXACTLY the same issue as the OP - lost all the UHF DTV channels on a MA1000W - has anyone had any success to report in getting them back? Adding the WingGard? Dead antenna head? BTW - Is there any way to test the Sensar head itself? I do get the VHF DTV channels just fine. I am less than 5 miles from all my DTV transmitter towers, the one carrying all the UHF is actually in direct line-of-sight to my Sensar. I am stumped!

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

rvdude...

If you are less them 5 miles from the tower, try these things:

1. Lower the antenna
2. Add one or more splitters between the wall plate and the TV
3. Try both of the above together
4. Try with the antenna power off.

It is MUCH easier to overload a Digital TV than it was to overload an Analog one. At less than 5 miles you are either getting a TON of signal or are in the 'shadow' and getting none.