Q. Just bought a VIZIO HDTV and only get 3 channels with the antenna, compared to 8 on the old tube TV, using the same antenna. Anything I can do to improve reception?
A. First, there are no "digital" antennas. All TV antennas work the same, whether you bought it yesterday or 50 years ago. Any claim that an antenna is "digital" or "HD" is pure marketing nonsense.
Now, the difference between your two TVs is the transition from analog to digital transmission. You got 8 channels on the old tube TV with the same antenna because that was during the analog days, and you could get by nicely with marginally weak signals. A weak analog signal was maybe a little snowy, but still quite watchable.
Not so with digital. A digital signal is either there or it isn't, and it requires a stronger signal to make the grade than was the case with analog.
So your solution is a better antenna, or possibly an overhaul of your old one. If you have a full size antenna above the roof that's been there many years, you could do wonders by bringing it down, cleaning and weatherproofing the connections, and replacing the downlead with a fresh run of RG-6 cable. There are other improvements you could make at the same time, like perhaps adding a rotor, but those are the principal ones.
If instead you're using an indoor antenna, that's a vastly different story. The short version: indoor antennas are notoriously poor performers with digital TV for the reason explained above. Your goal should be to replace it with a full size one above the roof or at least in the attic if possible, Failing that, replacing a junky rabbit ears with a top-of-the-line indoor antenna, like in the first link below, may help you get a few additional channels.
If you're in the U.S., the 2nd link will help you immensely in finding out what channels you should be able tor receive at your location and what type antenna is recommended. Enter your local info, then use the color-coded tabs.
Use the 3rd link if you're in Canada.
Now, the difference between your two TVs is the transition from analog to digital transmission. You got 8 channels on the old tube TV with the same antenna because that was during the analog days, and you could get by nicely with marginally weak signals. A weak analog signal was maybe a little snowy, but still quite watchable.
Not so with digital. A digital signal is either there or it isn't, and it requires a stronger signal to make the grade than was the case with analog.
So your solution is a better antenna, or possibly an overhaul of your old one. If you have a full size antenna above the roof that's been there many years, you could do wonders by bringing it down, cleaning and weatherproofing the connections, and replacing the downlead with a fresh run of RG-6 cable. There are other improvements you could make at the same time, like perhaps adding a rotor, but those are the principal ones.
If instead you're using an indoor antenna, that's a vastly different story. The short version: indoor antennas are notoriously poor performers with digital TV for the reason explained above. Your goal should be to replace it with a full size one above the roof or at least in the attic if possible, Failing that, replacing a junky rabbit ears with a top-of-the-line indoor antenna, like in the first link below, may help you get a few additional channels.
If you're in the U.S., the 2nd link will help you immensely in finding out what channels you should be able tor receive at your location and what type antenna is recommended. Enter your local info, then use the color-coded tabs.
Use the 3rd link if you're in Canada.
What should I be looking for when purchasing an hdtv?
Q. We are looking at buying our first HDTV for Christmas this year. What is the difference between plasma and LCD? 720 vs 1080? Also, what additional accessories are required (cables, etc). Do I need to have it installed professionally or can I do it myself? Thanks!
A. 1. Plasma vs. LCD: see the link below.
2. 720 vs 1080: 1080 indicates finer resolution, very desirable on screen sizes of 37 inches and up.
3. Nothing extra required. Connect a signal source (antenna, cable, or satellite), plug it in, and follow the directions.
4. You can do it. For large sets, get a helper to help lift it. My 46 inch Samsung LCD set is only about 50 pounds but very bulky.
2. 720 vs 1080: 1080 indicates finer resolution, very desirable on screen sizes of 37 inches and up.
3. Nothing extra required. Connect a signal source (antenna, cable, or satellite), plug it in, and follow the directions.
4. You can do it. For large sets, get a helper to help lift it. My 46 inch Samsung LCD set is only about 50 pounds but very bulky.
What do I need to get to get my HDTV to display Comcast Basic cable?
Q. Just purchased a 50" Samsung HL-S5086W. DVDs and most of my XBOX games look fabulous, and SOME channels look a little better than my regular TV, was told there is some sort of $5 part I can get to enjoy the 1080i without going to Digital Cable.
Just talked with Comcast and they told me $16 a month for the set top box.
Just talked with Comcast and they told me $16 a month for the set top box.
A. You need a HD programming service from comcast. They will give you a new HD box. I believe its a $5.00 more for the rental of that HD box as compared to normal digital box. There are about 19 true HD channels offered by Comcast to date.
Go exchange the existing digital box with the HD box from your local comcast office. Else they will charge your for sending someone to install. All connection cables are provided with the HD box. Just follow the isntructions. I have it. Nice to have HD with 5.1 audio ! Looks and sounds awesome.
P.S. If you have been a customer for 6 or more months you can opt for $9.95 HD box with HD DVR. This way you can also record HD programming ! They charge a deposit for this if you are a relatively new customer.
Tip: get a $100.00 service rebate if you sign up for HD programming from retail stores like Circuit city or Radioshack. You get $100.00 off on your comcast bill after about 6-8 weeks.
Hope this helps! Good Luck
Added 12/8: $16.00 for the box ?? The rates maybe differing from market to market then. Its only 9.95 with HD DVR over here in Phila area! Do visit Circuit city or Radioshack to upgrade to HD. Over here we have the $100.00 rebate promotion until 12/31!
Go exchange the existing digital box with the HD box from your local comcast office. Else they will charge your for sending someone to install. All connection cables are provided with the HD box. Just follow the isntructions. I have it. Nice to have HD with 5.1 audio ! Looks and sounds awesome.
P.S. If you have been a customer for 6 or more months you can opt for $9.95 HD box with HD DVR. This way you can also record HD programming ! They charge a deposit for this if you are a relatively new customer.
Tip: get a $100.00 service rebate if you sign up for HD programming from retail stores like Circuit city or Radioshack. You get $100.00 off on your comcast bill after about 6-8 weeks.
Hope this helps! Good Luck
Added 12/8: $16.00 for the box ?? The rates maybe differing from market to market then. Its only 9.95 with HD DVR over here in Phila area! Do visit Circuit city or Radioshack to upgrade to HD. Over here we have the $100.00 rebate promotion until 12/31!
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