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Hello,
I picked up some ChannelMaster diplexers, hooked them up and got the dreaded 49% signal strength issue. With the Voom setup, I received all of my locals using the supplied diplexers. I am 5 to 20 miles from the towers. I am getting nothing on the 811.
My CM eight-bay bowtie is on the roof and connected to a pre-amp. I am getting the locals on a small integrated HD set and on an analog set connected to the old Voom STB - both of these runs are non-diplexed off a splitter.
For a 75 ft. coax run, is the ultimate solution providing a seperate coax run for OTA for the 811?
I picked up some ChannelMaster diplexers, hooked them up and got the dreaded 49% signal strength issue. With the Voom setup, I received all of my locals using the supplied diplexers. I am 5 to 20 miles from the towers. I am getting nothing on the 811.
My CM eight-bay bowtie is on the roof and connected to a pre-amp. I am getting the locals on a small integrated HD set and on an analog set connected to the old Voom STB - both of these runs are non-diplexed off a splitter.
For a 75 ft. coax run, is the ultimate solution providing a seperate coax run for OTA for the 811?
19 Replies
·
3531 views
I would have to agree that the OTA tuner in the 811 could do a better job of holding a signal. Before buying the 811, I was using the LG LST-3510A (combo upconverting DVD player & ATSC tuner) for my OTA DTV. With the LG I get all of the networks (UPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, WB, FOX, PAX). I get very strong signal meters on all of the networks except for UPN and FOX. Those two networks will have occasional hiccups, resulting in very brief pixelation, but are still extremely watchable. (And wouldn't you know it, PAX gets the strongest signal—what's up with that???) 
The 811, on the other hand, kind of chokes on UPN and FOX. Even though the signal meters on all networks appear to be about 5-10% below what I get on the LG, I feel that the biggest problem is the way the 811 handles a less-than-ideal signal. Instead of allowing a little bit of breakup and pixelation to creep into the broadcast, the 811 blacks out the picture and brings up an error message until it is again completely satisfied with the signal. As a result, UPN and FOX are difficult to watch on the 811. I was watching American Idol last night and it would work fine most of the time, but I always knew that another error screen was just around the corner. I ended up switching to the LG to watch the show.
Since I have both the LG and 811 hooked up to my TV (51" Sony Wega CRT) I was able to make a subjective PQ comparison between the two tuners. While I have always been blown away by the HDTV picture from my LG, I was surprised to find that I actually thought that the 811 looked a little better in back-to-back comparisons. It seemed like I was seeing just a little bit more detail on the 811. The picture from the 811 was also just a tad brighter than that of the LG, so maybe that explains why I perceived more detail. Regardless, the PQ on the 811 was more than satisfactory.
Background: I live about 15 miles south of Indianapolis and I have the biggest outdoor antenna Radio Shack sells (VU-190 XR) installed in my attic (1 story house, vinyl siding). I have a direct line going from the antenna to a Philips 24db amp (PH61111) I found at Wal-Mart. The amp, which has two outputs, is located behind my TV. One output is going to the LG receiver while the other is going to the 811, so they should be receiving identical, undiluted signals. The LG is connected to the TV using HDMI, while the 811 is going through components.
BTW, regarding the OTA guide on the 811: When I first had my 811 hooked up I was not getting program information in the guide for my OTAs. I called tech support about this issue, and they forward me to "advanced" technical support. The advanced tech told me that the only way I could get guide information for the OTAs was to subscribe to the locals. I expressed in no uncertain terms that I didn't appreciate having to pay for programming that looks extremely poor on an HDTV just to have the guide data, and that I felt like they were just trying to squeeze me for 5 more dollars a month (with the acquisition of Voom channels I canceled my Top 120 pack and now subscribe to only HD). The situation was not resolved by tech support, but the next day the guide data suddenly started showing up for the OTAs. I don't know if it just takes the 811 some time to integrate the PSIP information into its guide or if something changed on Dish's side, but it's working on all of the OTA channels except for the primary PBS channel and (maybe) UPN.
PS. Does anybody have any suggestions on improving my reception on UPN and FOX? It seems like I'm just at the threshold of have a stable signal on those stations. Because of the size of my antenna, there is no room for turning it, but it is pointing roughly North. Does anybody see something I could change in my setup to get a slightly stronger overall signal?
Thanks
Edgar in Indy
Go Pacers!
The 811, on the other hand, kind of chokes on UPN and FOX. Even though the signal meters on all networks appear to be about 5-10% below what I get on the LG, I feel that the biggest problem is the way the 811 handles a less-than-ideal signal. Instead of allowing a little bit of breakup and pixelation to creep into the broadcast, the 811 blacks out the picture and brings up an error message until it is again completely satisfied with the signal. As a result, UPN and FOX are difficult to watch on the 811. I was watching American Idol last night and it would work fine most of the time, but I always knew that another error screen was just around the corner. I ended up switching to the LG to watch the show.
Since I have both the LG and 811 hooked up to my TV (51" Sony Wega CRT) I was able to make a subjective PQ comparison between the two tuners. While I have always been blown away by the HDTV picture from my LG, I was surprised to find that I actually thought that the 811 looked a little better in back-to-back comparisons. It seemed like I was seeing just a little bit more detail on the 811. The picture from the 811 was also just a tad brighter than that of the LG, so maybe that explains why I perceived more detail. Regardless, the PQ on the 811 was more than satisfactory.
Background: I live about 15 miles south of Indianapolis and I have the biggest outdoor antenna Radio Shack sells (VU-190 XR) installed in my attic (1 story house, vinyl siding). I have a direct line going from the antenna to a Philips 24db amp (PH61111) I found at Wal-Mart. The amp, which has two outputs, is located behind my TV. One output is going to the LG receiver while the other is going to the 811, so they should be receiving identical, undiluted signals. The LG is connected to the TV using HDMI, while the 811 is going through components.
BTW, regarding the OTA guide on the 811: When I first had my 811 hooked up I was not getting program information in the guide for my OTAs. I called tech support about this issue, and they forward me to "advanced" technical support. The advanced tech told me that the only way I could get guide information for the OTAs was to subscribe to the locals. I expressed in no uncertain terms that I didn't appreciate having to pay for programming that looks extremely poor on an HDTV just to have the guide data, and that I felt like they were just trying to squeeze me for 5 more dollars a month (with the acquisition of Voom channels I canceled my Top 120 pack and now subscribe to only HD). The situation was not resolved by tech support, but the next day the guide data suddenly started showing up for the OTAs. I don't know if it just takes the 811 some time to integrate the PSIP information into its guide or if something changed on Dish's side, but it's working on all of the OTA channels except for the primary PBS channel and (maybe) UPN.
PS. Does anybody have any suggestions on improving my reception on UPN and FOX? It seems like I'm just at the threshold of have a stable signal on those stations. Because of the size of my antenna, there is no room for turning it, but it is pointing roughly North. Does anybody see something I could change in my setup to get a slightly stronger overall signal?
Thanks
Edgar in Indy
Go Pacers!
H
Good information Edgar. The opposite is true for my 811/ LG STB. I am using DVI on the 811 and Component on my LG as I only have one DVI interface on my TV, a Hitachi 46". Being a rear projection TV could account for some of it as well. I should try and swapping them and see what results I get.
I live about 45+ Miles from the transmitter and use a Channel Master 3018 and use a 3042 amplifier. I get CBS, FOX, PBS-HD and PBS-Digital. NBC and ABC are not transmitting enough signal yet but that will change soon.
I have the LG 4200A (was thinking about getting the 3510A though) and it works very well.
Have you tried an amplifier? I would think being 15 miles away you wouldn't need one but from experiance (ABC and NBC) some are still transmitting at very low power. This is due to change in July as the FCC mandates stations will transmit their Digital signal to at least the same power as their analog.
Edgar_in_Indy said:I would have to agree that the OTA tuner in the 811 could do a better job of holding a signal. Before buying the 811, I was using the LG LST-3510A (combo upconverting DVD player & ATSC tuner) for my OTA DTV. With the LG I get all of the networks (UPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, WB, FOX, PAX). I get very strong signal meters on all of the networks except for UPN and FOX. Those two networks will have occasional hiccups, resulting in very brief pixelation, but are still extremely watchable. (And wouldn't you know it, PAX gets the strongest signal—what's up with that???)
The 811, on the other hand, kind of chokes on UPN and FOX. Even though the signal meters on all networks appear to be about 5-10% below what I get on the LG, I feel that the biggest problem is the way the 811 handles a less-than-ideal signal. Instead of allowing a little bit of breakup and pixelation to creep into the broadcast, the 811 blacks out the picture and brings up an error message until it is again completely satisfied with the signal. As a result, UPN and FOX are difficult to watch on the 811. I was watching American Idol last night and it would work fine most of the time, but I always knew that another error screen was just around the corner. I ended up switching to the LG to watch the show.
Since I have both the LG and 811 hooked up to my TV (51" Sony Wega CRT) I was able to make a subjective PQ comparison between the two tuners. While I have always been blown away by the HDTV picture from my LG, I was surprised to find that I actually thought that the 811 looked a little better in back-to-back comparisons. It seemed like I was seeing just a little bit more detail on the 811. The picture from the 811 was also just a tad brighter than that of the LG, so maybe that explains why I perceived more detail. Regardless, the PQ on the 811 was more than satisfactory.
Background: I live about 15 miles south of Indianapolis and I have the biggest outdoor antenna Radio Shack sells (VU-190 XR) installed in my attic (1 story house, vinyl siding). I have a direct line going from the antenna to a Philips 24db amp (PH61111) I found at Wal-Mart. The amp, which has two outputs, is located behind my TV. One output is going to the LG receiver while the other is going to the 811, so they should be receiving identical, undiluted signals. The LG is connected to the TV using HDMI, while the 811 is going through components.
BTW, regarding the OTA guide on the 811: When I first had my 811 hooked up I was not getting program information in the guide for my OTAs. I called tech support about this issue, and they forward me to "advanced" technical support. The advanced tech told me that the only way I could get guide information for the OTAs was to subscribe to the locals. I expressed in no uncertain terms that I didn't appreciate having to pay for programming that looks extremely poor on an HDTV just to have the guide data, and that I felt like they were just trying to squeeze me for 5 more dollars a month (with the acquisition of Voom channels I canceled my Top 120 pack and now subscribe to only HD). The situation was not resolved by tech support, but the next day the guide data suddenly started showing up for the OTAs. I don't know if it just takes the 811 some time to integrate the PSIP information into its guide or if something changed on Dish's side, but it's working on all of the OTA channels except for the primary PBS channel and (maybe) UPN.
PS. Does anybody have any suggestions on improving my reception on UPN and FOX? It seems like I'm just at the threshold of have a stable signal on those stations. Because of the size of my antenna, there is no room for turning it, but it is pointing roughly North. Does anybody see something I could change in my setup to get a slightly stronger overall signal?
Thanks
Edgar in Indy
Go Pacers!
Good information Edgar. The opposite is true for my 811/ LG STB. I am using DVI on the 811 and Component on my LG as I only have one DVI interface on my TV, a Hitachi 46". Being a rear projection TV could account for some of it as well. I should try and swapping them and see what results I get.
I live about 45+ Miles from the transmitter and use a Channel Master 3018 and use a 3042 amplifier. I get CBS, FOX, PBS-HD and PBS-Digital. NBC and ABC are not transmitting enough signal yet but that will change soon.
I have the LG 4200A (was thinking about getting the 3510A though) and it works very well.
Have you tried an amplifier? I would think being 15 miles away you wouldn't need one but from experiance (ABC and NBC) some are still transmitting at very low power. This is due to change in July as the FCC mandates stations will transmit their Digital signal to at least the same power as their analog.
normang said:
I didn't intend to suggest that somebody with an 811 go out and spend extra money on a separate tuner that may or may not give them better reception. I bought the LG tuner with my TV almost a year ago, but I just bought the 811 a week ago. I just wanted to give an apples-to-apples comparison of the two tuners in what should be identical circumstances, and I wasn't trying to slam the 811. As I said, I actually preferred the PQ from the 811, but as with all things, YMMV. The only variable between the two boxes is that the 811 is going through component while the LG is going through HDMI (which could explain the difference in PQ). Both tuners, however, were plugged directly into the antenna amplifier, so any variables on the reception side of the equation should be eliminated.
The main thrust of my observations is that I think the biggest problem with the OTA Tuner in the 811 is how it handles a less-than-perfect signal. I wish that it would just allow some imperfections to creep into the broadcast (as it does with the satellite channels) instead of immediately blacking out the screen and displaying an error message. If Dish could change the software in that respect then I think the 811 would be a much better tuner.
Edgar in Indy
Staff member
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Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68510 Replies
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2671567 views
Lifetime Supporter
Continuing the Kilauea thread in the Pub here. Perhaps the Iceland one too next time there's remarkable activity.
Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.
You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.
www.usgs.gov
View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4
Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.
View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
Currently there is precursory lava flowing into the crater, leading to the next episode that'll probably start within the next day.
You can see the pace of inflation / deflation here. It serves as the primary predictor for when the expect the eruptions, which coincide w/ inflation turning into significant deflation and last for several hours on average with significant fountaining.
Monitoring Data for Kīlauea
For more information on how electronic tiltmeters and GPS receivers help monitor the deformation of Kīlauea volcano, see the HVO Deformation page.
View: https://youtu.be/Uecu2seh4b4
Wife and I like the AfarTV feeds, for the discussion along w/ them, though they're otherwise just mirrors of the official USGS feeds.
View: https://youtu.be/iws3rh5vLAQ
119 Replies
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3228 views
Oooo, quite the show now. All three vents have doming and overflows. The cone that built up around the North vent lost its upper quarter at 02:50 Oct 17 and is now spewing lava at a healthy rate. Don't know if I would say it's a fountain, but it's close.
edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:
Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice
Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii
Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
edit: The USGS has called the official start of Episode 55 as starting at 03:19 HST Oct 17, 2026:
Alert Level: WATCH, Color Code: ORANGE 2026-10-17 13:43:56 UTC
HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice
Volcano: Kilauea (VNUM #332010)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Issued: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 3:43 AM HST
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Notice Number: 2026/H488
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: Hawaii
Summary: Episode 55 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Volcanic Activity:
Episode 55 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 3:19 AM HST on October 17, 2026.
Fountain heights are relatively low at about 100-150 feet (30-45 m), and it is not clear whether this episode will evolve to the same heights as previous episodes. Continuous overflows from the vents began yesterday, October 16, just before 6 a.m. HST and transitioned into episode 55 fountains at 3:19 a.m. HST this morning. The current forecast is for winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the south-southwest direction from Halemaʻumaʻu.
- All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, lighter ash and Pele's Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
Kīlauea seems to be returning to the "normal" eruption script, impressive fountaining from the North Vent. For once, the V2 Cam has the best overall shot:
The lava flows have covered a good portion of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor.
Supporting Founder
Since the Reds have there thread we should too!
Last watched Nine inch Nails
Next 3:10 to Yuma
Last watched Nine inch Nails
Next 3:10 to Yuma
5390 Replies
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510341 views
Y
Simple, charming. Entire premise is quite silly but Cary Grant carries it across the line in good fashion.
Simple, charming. Entire premise is quite silly but Cary Grant carries it across the line in good fashion.
Ham Radio 2.0
Time for another AWESOME video from Ham Radio 2.0!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4zC_3Blkjus
Direct YouTube Link - Military grade antenna for your off-grid setup #hamradio #satcom #offgrid
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4zC_3Blkjus
Direct YouTube Link - Military grade antenna for your off-grid setup #hamradio #satcom #offgrid
Ham Radio 2.0 Website
Ham Radio 2.0 on Facebook
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10 views
Who says dinner or lunch has to be the only good meals of the day?
Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.
Honey butter grits with scrambled eggs and grilled boneless pork ribs on flakey biscuits washed down with cranberry juice.
6629 Replies
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379364 views
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Anyone making their own breakfast sausage? I've recently been trying different recipes, found some I like, some I've modified...
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3561 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dw_V2FYKRUk
Direct YouTube Link - AI Model Poisoned: Uncovering Hidden Dangers #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dw_V2FYKRUk
Direct YouTube Link - AI Model Poisoned: Uncovering Hidden Dangers #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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8 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1R9ZVnuUpw
Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: Mikah's Crafting Corner #25 - Ray Gun Papercraft Part 6
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TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1R9ZVnuUpw
Direct YouTube Link - Club TWiT: Mikah's Crafting Corner #25 - Ray Gun Papercraft Part 6
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
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9 views
Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.
I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?
2134 Replies
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214759 views
Tony as the director.
Would you rather have LaRoche ???Tony as the director.
No. Bring in someone new.
Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.
I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...No. Bring in someone new.
Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)
Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.
Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.
It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n43A0sNukCg
Direct YouTube Link - SpaceX Seeks to Conduct 450 Starship Launches a Year in Texas!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n43A0sNukCg
Direct YouTube Link - SpaceX Seeks to Conduct 450 Starship Launches a Year in Texas!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
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26 views