Digital TV in SW Pennsylvania or "My last ditch effort now ends"

[kb3ouk]

[quote author=WB3LEQ link=topic=17129.msg118422#msg118422 date=12221682

Strange but with the lowered VHF antenna I was getting audio but no video from Dubois Pa this morning on channel 10.
[/quote]\\

That was probably WTAJ in Altoona. We can get a good analog signal from there.
Shelby kb3ouk

[WB3LEQ]

[quote author=WB3LEQ link=topic=17129.msg118422#msg118422 date=12221682

Strange but with the lowered VHF antenna I was getting audio but no video from Dubois Pa this morning on channel 10.

\\

That was probably WTAJ in Altoona. We can get a good analog signal from there.
Shelby kb3ouk
[/quote]

I think you are right.  It was WTAJ because it was similar to WTAE.

So far I have not received any replies from my political representatives.  I guess either they don't care or they are busy saving the banking system or something.

Hopefully the local stations will be turning up the power.  CH 's 2, 4, & 11 are currently listed at 1000KW each.  I don't foresee any local repeaters in the near future.

[WB3LEQ]

I just received my first "politically correct" reply from:
--------------------------------------------------
 
"Congressman Murtha" <PA12Reply@mail.house.gov>
Date: 10/9/2008 4:07:39 PM

Dear Mr. Sova:

 

I appreciate your contacting me with your specific concerns about the
analog to digital transition for television broadcasting.  This is an
important issue that could potentially impact many Americans.  One of
the primary reasons why Congress mandated the switch was to free up
bandwidth used in communications technology.  Television broadcasters
currently occupy a portion of the analog spectrum, broadcast channels 52
through 69, which is also known as the 700 MHZ band.  Digital television
is more efficient in its broadcasting, so it will free up some of the
space currently used in analog broadcasting.  Some of the freed space
will be used by public safety communications, including police, fire
squads, and public rescue teams.  Other parts of the freed space will be
auctioned off to private companies that will use it for advanced
technologies.

 

During the transition, it is important for every person to know if they
will be directly affected by the change.  Television customers who
receive service through an analog antenna will need to obtain an
analog-to-digital digital converter box.  While I know that you feel
that these may not work in your specific situation, I would like you to
know that each household is eligible to receive two coupons valued at
$40 to purchase converter boxes.  Others, such as those who receive
television services through cable, may need to upgrade their equipment
to receive digital services. I suggest that you contact your television
service provider if you are not sure if you will be affected. 

 

For more information you can visit www.dtv2009.gov
<http://www.dtv2009.gov/> .  You can also contact my office if you have
additional questions.  You can reach my office toll-free by calling
(800) 289-2642.


Sincerely,

JOHN P. MURTHA
YOUR CONGRESSMAN

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So there is the proof that they have absolutely no idea nor do they even care the slightest bit about the mess they are creating. 

Notice the last paragraph & notice my previous post containing the email that I previously sent to my representatives.  I guess I need to send myself a letter to see if I am affected since I am my own tv source supplier.  DUH!  What a crock!

Gee, I just can't wait for election day so I can go and vote for this guy.

[Opcom]

What an idiot politician's form letter!  well before long, the only free TV or radio shows will be preachers or 100% infomercials.. It's looking kore and more like the industy wants to move everyone to a fee or subscription based service.

Someone mentioned FTA satellite. I never heard of it. What does that cost per month for 4 satellites? must be obscene.

[N3DRB The Derb]

Murtha represents Johnstown, my wife's former hometown. He is about nothing more than bringing home the bacon from Washington. never has been.

[ve6pg]

...FTA is free....buy the receiver, download the recent computer program, install it in the receiver via usb stick, and ur done...i'm getting 2 dishnet sats, and 2 bell sats...
..tim..sk..

[WB3LEQ]

Well after almost two months time I have received an email reply from Sen. Casey:

Response from Senator Casey

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.  I appreciate hearing from all
Pennsylvanians about the issues that matter most to them.  I have forwarded
your correspondence along to my staff that handles telecommunications
issues and they will be looking into your concern on my behalf.

I am working diligently to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the
people of our Commonwealth and country.  Please know that your views are
very important to me, and I will keep them in mind.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  Please do not hesitate
to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to
you.

If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my new web
site, http://casey.senate.gov.  I invite you to use this new online office
as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington,
request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the
issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.



Sincerely,
Bob Casey
United States Senator

Now I can really feel confident that things are going to get done...the wheels of progress are now greased and turning. 

Last evening I had the opportunity to have a conversation with KDKA's RF Systems Crew Chief George Jacob KA3GIR.  George informed me that the station's digital transmitter is currently running the maximum power permitted.  That wasn't good news. he also had a bit of hopeful news.  Local station channels 11 & 13 will be using their current analog frequencies for digital transmissions so there is still some distant hope.

[WA1GFZ]

TV sucks good reason to leave it off if you can't see it. Contact pill pushers and tell them you can't see their commecicals...then it will get fixed. We all need pills because we are all suffering from something.

[flintstone mop]

Bob and others,
I don't mean to twist this thread, BUT I went through the same thing when we moved to Western Pa. with DirecTV and trying to justify receiving the network feeds for HDTV. They (DirecTV) refused access to those feeds because they could not get a waiver from the local stations in Pittsburgh (50 miles South of me, usual Pa.terrain) The TV stations claimed I was able to recieve their HI-Def UHF channels from my house with a roof-top antenna. I tried and there was very little RF sig from Pittsburgh. UNfortunately there was something from the Youngstown locals. Of the four networks locals, only two were in Hi-Def.

Fred

[N0WVA]

The FCC will have thier hands full when Feb. rolls around. And they are finally acknowledging that, Golly Gee! Guess what! The DTV signal has less range than analog!

If you want a laugh, read about what their "solution" to the problem is.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10092485-38.html

[WBear2GCR]

...FTA is free....buy the receiver, download the recent computer program, install it in the receiver via usb stick, and ur done...i'm getting 2 dishnet sats, and 2 bell sats...
..tim..sk..

Sorry what is "FTA"?
Canada only?

Got a link?

            _-_-bear

[ve6pg]

...bear...FTA.."free to air"...no, all over the world...google "fta concept"...
..you buy the receiver, but up a dish, (small), point it at the bird....you download the satellite file, put it on a usb stick, install in the receiver, and enjoy...dishnet, and bell are the most popular...

..sk..

[WB2YGF]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but just to clarify, getting FTA programming (unencrypted) is free.  Downloading software to decode Dish Network is bootlegging.

[ve6pg]

...i dont know if it is "bootlegging"...i always thought that was something to do with homebrew booze...

...a RF  signal lands in my backyard, it's mine..

..sk..