HDTV Antenna, couldn't pick up 1 channel only?

[PandaBear]

Hi guys, I got fed up with my cable TV (don't watch much anyways and they keep raising the price) and decided to install an antenna.

So I picked up an Antennas Direct Clearstream 2V and installed it in zip code 94086. It picked up all the channel I want but the KTVU 2.1 (physical channel 44). I noticed that it should have very good power from the tower that houses all the other channel I want.

http://www.antennapoint.com/antennas/show?id=94086&commit=Search

Anyone knows why? If the antenna is defective it should be to all channels not just one right?

 

[Shannow]

We've got our HDTV on plain old rabbits ear antennas...fine until we lose the metal blinds

 

[robshelton]

That antenna, along with most decent range antennas is highly directional. Any chance its not aimed correctly? Maybe there is something blocking the signal from the tower you are trying to get? Think I'd try aiming it at another tower and see if it works. If not I'd send it back.

Can't say enough about a 4 bay "coat hanger" antenna that I'm playing around with - its surprisingly effective! Plans are all over the 'net. You need a converter for old tube type tv's but the signal is far clearer than the compressed signal on standard cable tv.

 

[Shannow]

rob,
that's a handy little rabbit hole to go exploring...thanks

 

[Hokiefyd]

That 2V does look directional. We have one of these, an Antennas Direct DB4e, installed up in our attic:

http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-DB4e-DB4E-Antenna/dp/B0074H3IU6

As you can see, it cost us no more than 60 bucks. We get clear reception from HDTV stations in the Raleigh area, which is about 15 degrees east of north from us, and we also get clear reception from HDTV stations in the Florence, SC, area, which is a hair west of south from us. In other words, we're receiving signal from stations that are 180 degrees apart from us.

The DB4e is a fancier version of the coat hanger antenna mentioned by Rob above.

 

[eljefino]

Give it a day; maybe KTVU is running low power or off the air.

 

[dave180]

Go to antennaweb.org and follow the instructions. You will be able to determine which way to aim for maximum reception.

 

[PandaBear]

Very interesting observation here: as my dad say, turn the antenna 180 degree and it suddenly picks up with no problem.

I use a compass on both my iphone and ipad (and a map from antennaweb) to be sure I'm aiming the right place. The antenna is suppose to have a 60deg spread so it shouldn't be this unforgiving.

I think most likely it is having multipath issue specifically for that frequency. My antenna is at the corner of my property, on a fence's corner between 4 houses that are 2 stories tall, yet the antenna is only about 15 ft from the ground, so it is literally in the middle of an alley. All other stations with less power on the same tower (i.e. ABC, CBS, NBC, WB, etc) were all fine, Fox / KTVU (2.1) has almost double the power than the next strongest station on that tower.

Anyways, it is all good now. Thanks.

 

[Cujet]

Glad you have worked out the issues.

Like any high gain antenna, proper aim is important.

I installed a quality dipole HDTV antenna in my attic, on a post so I can rotate it. It's capable of getting all the local channels when aimed at them. Or, I can aim it another direction and get channels from other cities. While I wish it was a "do it all" antenna, I do understand the directional aspect of it.

And, for what it's worth, it needs to be "spot on". Even 10 degrees rotation results in signal loss and a blocky picture.