OTA Distances

[bobrap]

Just wondering about how far the cutoff is to receive OTA HD channels. Just switched to Dish and HD. Is the signal any different in terms of strength than regular SD OTA? Be kind, I'm hew at this. TIA.

 

[charper1]

Depends on the transmitting power of your affiliate(s), the topography of your area, the proximity of any outlying interference like an airport/air base, and your antenna selection and setup. I also think some turner are more sensitive that others, so that just adds one more variable. I tell my buddies a general range of 60 miles; I know people with quality setups in flat terrain and good power transmission doing 90 miles.

Yes analog channels can come in partially with static; digital is either you can get a good signal and its on or you get bad signal and its off (it should be noted that there are no HD channels, only digital that can broadcast HD content if they have it and choose to pass it along)

 

[bobrap]

Thanks for the quick reply. Guess I'll just have to wait til next week and just give it a try.

 

[charper1]

What is your zip code?

 

[bobrap]

Out in the boondocks....37330

 

[charper1]

Seems you may have some options to try; I would recommend looking up each area's offerings and calling their local broadcast engineers, they are usually glad to help you receive them via OTA; you can also ask them if they are digital yet :

At the 102° heading and 50 odd miles is Chattanooga, TN

At the 213° heading and 50 odd miles is Huntsville, AL

And a distant chance at the 330° heading and 78 odd miles is Nashville, TN

I would say if you want to test every possibility that a high quality combo VHF/UHF antenna (w/amp) on a rotor would be a great buy.

Winegard HD 8200P
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=HD8200P

Channel Master CM 3671
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ANC3671

Channel Master CM 7777 Preamplifier
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=ANC7777

Channel Master CM 9521A Complete Antenna Rotator System
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?main_cat=03&CAT=&PROD=MTRTR200

 

[smokey982]

Out in the boondocks....37330

What city in Tenessee is 37330? My zip is 37311, can't be too far off. I can receive all Chattanooga locals from where I'm at.

 

[bobrap]

Estill Springs, near Winchester and Tullahoma, if you ever heard of it. Near Tims Ford Lake.

 

[smokey982]

I've never heard of Estill Springs, but I have family in Tullahoma. I've been there many times. Small world.

 

[ralfyguy]

AntennasDirect 91XG with CM7775 preamp, hooked to a ViP622 pulling 95 miles from the towers with reliable signal day and night. Living on a small hill with being surrounded by 40' trees. Multipath problems only in strong winds.

 

[woljr]

YES, station engineers were very helpful to me on OTA reception information. I am in rural NE GA and now receive 9 digital channels all transmitting in HD during the evenings. Do not overlook PBS stations, the programming shows up good in HD especially the travel shows around the world.

 

[psumattDE]

When you all pick up the OTA channels - are you receiving the subchannels as well (if offered)?

Here in the Philly area many of our locals have multiple subchannels. I was thinking of getting an OTA just to get these.

 

[tnsprin]

When you all pick up the OTA channels - are you receiving the subchannels as well (if offered)?

Here in the Philly area many of our locals have multiple subchannels. I was thinking of getting an OTA just to get these.

OTA you get the subchannels. DISH HD-LOCALS you do not.

 

[woljr]

When you all pick up the OTA channels - are you receiving the subchannels as well (if offered)?

Here in the Philly area many of our locals have multiple subchannels. I was thinking of getting an OTA just to get these.

YES you will receive the subchannels. Most have full time weather. PBS has multiple shows for educ. some as many as 5 subs.

 

[Jim5506]

The main channel and all of the subchannels are broadcast on the same carrier, so if you get one you get them all - at the same signal level.