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Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected - Antenna Upgrade Webinar

Join our webinar on June 10, 2009 at 2:00-3:00 PM EDT to learn about antenna upgrades for digital TV reception. Presented by experts from FCC, the session covers antenna systems, DTV frequency changes, signal levels, and necessary upgrades. Discover how to identify if you need to upgrade your antenna, choose the right equipment, and optimize your signal reception for improved viewing experience. Don't miss this informative session to stay connected through digital TV technology. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us.

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Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected - Antenna Upgrade Webinar

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  1. Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected CampaignAntennas and Reception Issues Webinar Wednesday, June 10, 2009 2:00-3:00 PM EDT

  2. Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected CampaignWebinar Presenter • Moderator: Theresa N. Lambert,Director, Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected Campaign, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging • Presenter: John Gabrysch,Electronics Engineer, Media Bureau, Engineering Division, Federal Communications Commission

  3. Federal Communications Commission The Digital Television Transition: Antennas and DTV 1-888-CALL-FCC 1-888-TELL-FCC (tty) E-mail: dtvinfo@fcc.gov

  4. Overview • What is an antenna system? • What can make someone need to upgrade an antenna system? • How does someone know that they need to upgrade an antenna system? • How does someone choose the correct upgrade?

  5. What is an antenna system? • Every part of the chain from antenna to receiver can affect signal quality • Antenna • Rotor • Baluns • Cables • Splitters • Amplifiers, Attenuators • Connectors

  6. What can make someone need to upgrade an antenna system? • A Change in Frequency • A Change in Signal Level • A Change in Direction

  7. DTV Frequencies • Frequency – where in the spectrum a signal is transmitted • TV Frequency Bands: • Low-VHF • High-VHF • UHF VHF Frequencies = longer wavelength, which means larger elements needed in antenna

  8. DTV Frequencies • How do you know what frequency a station is? • Analog World: Frequency = Displayed Channel Number • 2-6 = Low-VHF • 7-13 = High-VHF • 14+ = UHF VHF were usually the oldest stations, and typically carry the major networks UHF stations were the newer stations, LPTV, Spanish Language, etc.

  9. DTV Frequencies • How do you know what frequency a station is? • Digital World: Frequency NOT = Displayed Channel Number • Stations now have two different channel numbers • Major Channel Number (Virtual) • Usually same as their old analog channel. • Displayed on the TV when that station is tuned. • RF Channel Number • The licensed frequency that station transmits on. • Often different Pre- and Post-Transition

  10. Digital RF Channel Numbers • Easiest to look up online • http://www.dtv.gov/maps - enter location, then click on a callsign to display RF Channel • http://www.dtv.gov/broadcastersupport.html - download the “Full-Power Stations List”, look under the “Post DTV Chan” column. • General Trends

  11. DTV Signal Levels • DTV signals were designed to cover the same area with less power • Cliff effect – if used to watching a snowy analog picture, may not get anything at all with DTV • Some stations changed their coverage areas • Can cause weaker signal because farther away or newly obstructed • Can require antenna to be re-pointed at the new tower • Gain/Loss maps (www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets) can illustrate these changes. Please note that “loss” might not be limited to red dots. Predictions assume directional rooftop antenna, 30ft above ground.

  12. How do I know I need to upgrade my antenna system? • The current one doesn’t work. • Easiest prediction methods: • Good reception on analog channels 14+ • Rabbit ears need a loop or a bow-tie

  13. How do I upgrade my antenna system? • Start with the cheap, easy stuff • Reposition current antenna. Use www.dtv.gov/maps to find direction to towers. • Outdoor – turn to point the little end at the towers • Indoor – move to side of house closest to towers, near a window, as high off the ground as possible. Use coax extension cable (only as much as needed to reach). • Remove unnecessary splitters (a splitter halves the signal strength) • Make sure connections are secure, not corroded. Make sure cables are in good condition.

  14. How do I upgrade my antenna system? • Easy stuff didn’t help, now what? • Coaxial Cable is much better than flat two-wire cable, especially for long runs. • Use www.dtv.gov/maps to find signal strength, RF channels, and directions to desired stations. Predictions assume directional rooftop antenna, 30ft above ground.

  15. How do I upgrade my antenna system?

  16. Directional vs. Omnidirectional • Omnidirectional antennas • Don’t have to be turned to get stations from multiple directions • Not as good at receiving weak signals • Vulnerable to “multipath” ghosting, echoes, etc. • Directional antennas • Better for receiving weak signals • May have to be turned by hand or by rotor to get signals from different directions

  17. Analog vs. Digital Antennas • Antennas work for both, as long as they cover the correct frequencies. • “HDTV Antenna” is a marketing term • Watch out – some are UHF only (usually the small, cute ones). Some marked as combination VHF/UHF have poor VHF performance. • Most new antennas designed for channels 7-51 • Most old antennas designed for 2-13 or 2-69

  18. Questions?

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