No DTV Reception, SS-3000

[FogVilleLad]

Today I assembled and connected a new SS-3000 to a Samsung HDTV, 1080. When I bought the TV, it was connected to cable and worked perfectly.

ZIP CODE
94117

PROBLEM
I don't get any DTV signal at all.

The antenna is located in a window which is less than 1 mile from the antenna on Mount Sutro which is used by most of the local stations - Nos.2-44, I think. There is a clear line of sight.

The only channel from which I do receive a signal is No. 11. That channel is transmitting conversion instructions, so I assume that it's analogue. When I was using an analogue TV, this station appeared "snowy"; now it's completely clear. The transmitter for this station is located on San Bruno Mountain, c.20 miles away.

WHAT I"VE TRIED
Checked all connections
Moved the antenna and rotated it
Disconnected the amplifier
Change the "Signal Search" settings. The manual says something about switching from antenna to something else, to get the higher numbered stations. My menu shows Antenna, Standard, HRC, and IRC. The results are the same: no DTV.

Currently the antenna is connected per the manual. The red light is on, as it always has been when plugged into the wall outlet.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[winegard]

Good morning FogVilleLad -

Here is the response I received from technical service.

The TV set will need to be on antenna and you will need to do a digital channel scan per the TV set instructions. I believe you will be fine then.

[FogVilleLad]

Thanks for replying.

The TV is set to ANT. I also tried scanning with the other settings listed in my first post.

I've done a half dozen scans. (This Samsung uses "Auto-Program" to scan the stations. This is my first foray into anything other than the regular broadcast stations. When I use Auto-Program, the set runs thru channel numbers 1-125. I think that that's a scan.)

This set was working on cable and continues to bring in Channel 11, which is broadcasting conversion instructions. But that's it. Everything else is snow.

[winegard]

Good morning FogVilleLad -

Are you positive that the Samsung TV has a digital tuner? It is possible for a HDTV to have an analog tuner, however it is rare. Looking at your area you should be having no problems pulling in 12-14 stations.

The other option is that you have too much signal coming in since you are so close to the majority of your stations.

[KNP 2516]

M

I would try a better antenna and a converter box.

[winegard]

More than likely, your rabbit ears antenna is manufactured for VHF reception only.

... but more than likely - your converter box is junk.

I would try a better antenna and a different converter box.

I'm not sure if you put your reply in the wrong post or what the issue is. This customer is not using a converter box or rabbit ears.

[KNP 2516]

Maybe for the sake of trying, that is what they need...

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

@Fog...

You mentioned that you are about 1 mile from the signal. There is a distinct possibility that you have multiple issues that are keeping you from a signal. Everyone about may have been on the right track but may have just missed the fact that you are in the shadow of the tower.

You can get enough signal to overload and overwhelm your tuner. If you get too much signal, the tuner just ignores it. You can try several things if this is the issue.

1. Add an attenuator between the antenna and the tuner to lower the incoming signal.
2. Hide your antenna on the floor in your closet facing away from the tower.