OTA Module Not Very Good

[GaryPen]

Judging from the few other threads I've read on OTA module signal quality, it appears these things kinda suck compared to other ATSC tuners.

However, I was wondering if there are any members who have both a receiver with an OTA module and one with a built-in OTA tuner running off of the same antenna who could tell me how they compare.

In my case, the module in my 722k is orders of magnitude worse than the one built-in to my 211k or a stand-alone Zenith/LG ATSC receiver. It picks up fewer channels during a scan (63 vs 71), including a few major ones that I know have fairly strong signals. Plus, it means getting those stupid 002 error messages popping up about partial signal loss, even though I'm not watching or recording the OTA channel that has it so upset. (Please fix that stupid bug already Dish!)

If it seems like its worse than normal, should I contact Dish for a replacement? Do they even replace these things under warranty?

 

[KAB]

I was having a "not as severe" problem, but a gripe none the same. My 722K was weaker than 722. This week, while re-arranging and putting in a new AV receiver, I made a new route to my attic antenna with a new and shorter coax. Now I'm getting all channels 100%. However, I think it' been revealed it's not the strongest tuner out there.

 

[peano]

Part of the problem is the signal is split in two on the MT2 module to allow for two OTA tuners.

 

[primestar31]

Part of the problem is the signal is split in two on the MT2 module to allow for two OTA tuners.

When a signal such as this is split in two, it typically drops the signal seen by each tuner by 3db. That's 50% or 1/2 the normal signal level to each side. That is a significant drop. On an old-school analog antenna, you might still get a signal, albeit snowy. That's not true with digital tv signals. So, if you use a low noise signal amplifier to UP the antenna signal a minimum of 3db before entering the receiver, you should be back to normal good receiving strength on each tuner.

 

[GaryPen]

I do have an old 10db amp around here somewhere. I'll give it a shot. Thanks.

 

[DishSubLA]

Judging from the few other threads I've read on OTA module signal quality, it appears these things kinda suck compared to other ATSC tuners.

However, I was wondering if there are any members who have both a receiver with an OTA module and one with a built-in OTA tuner running off of the same antenna who could tell me how they compare.

In my case, the module in my 722k is orders of magnitude worse than the one built-in to my 211k or a stand-alone Zenith/LG ATSC receiver. It picks up fewer channels during a scan (63 vs 71), including a few major ones that I know have fairly strong signals. Plus, it means getting those stupid 002 error messages popping up about partial signal loss, even though I'm not watching or recording the OTA channel that has it so upset. (Please fix that stupid bug already Dish!)

If it seems like its worse than normal, should I contact Dish for a replacement? Do they even replace these things under warranty?

Yes, I have a 722, 722K, TiVo Series 3 (2 OTA tuners; single cable split internally like Dish boxes), and the HDTV connected to the same OTA antenna. I can say to you that the Dish OTA module is, in fact, a bit BETTER than the TiVo Series 3, which is considered to have quite a good OTA tuner (the new TiVo Premier OTA tuner is supposed to be worse). There are no channels that either the Dish boxes nor the TiVo can pull in for a lock or completely not lock on for any EFFECTIVE difference. The Dish module will, on occasion, intermittently lock on a few fringe channels depending on weather or atmospheric conditions, but never reliably, while the TiVo seems to never display any picture at all, ever, on those fringe channels. Also, the same EFFECTIVE performance is observed on my Sharp HDTV. I get all the properly powered channels that is expected for me to received based upon my location. Stations that are further or at lower power don't come in, but they are insignificant in terms of content and only number about 3 that I can't get. In essence, I am getting just about all the channels available.

I have no doubt that they are better OTA tuners out there (often the Sony TV's are cited as pulling in more channels) than the Echostar/Dish module, put based upon my experience, I must say that it is a GOOD to VERY GOOD tuner. If one is having significant problems with the Dish modules or built in tuners, I think more likely either the tuner isn't operating properly or the problem is with the owner's set-up. These modules do quite well.

 

[GaryPen]

I have no doubt that they are better OTA tuners out there (often the Sony TV's are cited as pulling in more channels) than the Echostar/Dish module, put based upon my experience, I must say that it is a GOOD to VERY GOOD tuner. If one is having significant problems with the Dish modules or built in tuners, I think more likely either the tuner isn't operating properly or the problem is with the owner's set-up. These modules do quite well.

YOUR module seems to work quite well. Other posters, here and elsewhere, not so much. Perhaps the modules are just very inconsistent. This could be due to poor component QC from Dish's vendors, or Dish's own manufacturing issues.

I will now try swapping receivers. If the 211k's OTA tuner still works ok in the 722k location, and the 722k still has problems in the 211k location, it will prove it's a module problem, and not cabling or some other location-specific issue. If it turns out to definitely be the module, I will request a replacement from Dish. I wonder how willing they will be to oblige my request.

 

[knotle]

The module in my 222k does just as good as the tuner in my Samsung crt hdtv. As far as signal strength goes, there is about a 3-4 percent increase on the module

 

[DishSubLA]

It could be a matter of how well a particular OTA tuner, such as one in your HDTV or a Dish module, will handle the inherent compromises of the ATSC standard. In other words, in a good to excellent conditions and locations, the tuners may all operate equally well. However, when presented with multi-path, just as one example, that may be where one tuner is superior and reliable while the other just can't provided a stable lock. I suspect this may be the variance--possible the cited manufacturing examples, as well--that people are experiencing.

In such poor conditions, if one can't use a better tuner, such as Dish boxes, than one might consider an antenna that handles multi-path better or in some other way can improve the chances of a lock given challenging conditions. I want to stress that both the Dish module--in the 722K--and the Dish built-in--in the 722--ATSC tuners work equally as well (or not well? )in my conditions (and the TiVo Series 3 operates equally as well). So, while my example is limited in statistical sample, it does demonstrate, somewhat empirically, some degree of good consistency in the manufacture of the built-in and module tuners used by Dish. I also had a different 722 that had to RMA'd for other reasons, but both the original 722 and the replacement 722 ATSC built-in tuner performed the same.

Let us know how things go with your module woes.