winegarddirect.com

MS-2002 - Will another amp hurt?

2009-04-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have the MS-2002 installed and have fairly reasonable reception for being 48 miles from the major antennas. Most of the signal is orange at 4 bars and a couple at 3 bars. My question is, is it possible to amplify the MS-2002 with another amplifier maybe the AP-8275? I know a pre-amplifier is already built-in but I'd like to boost the few weaker stations. Will adding another pre-amplifier to this antenna damage any of the components?

Tech Tip:

Adding another amplifier may or may not help. If you wish to try another amplifier use an HDA-100. It is possible to over amplify the strong channels and get too much signal for the digital tuners to handle. However if that happens you can just remove the HDA-100 and nothing will be harmed.

FT-7500 - Stop FM interference

2009-04-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Question:

One of my local VHF stations just went digital and I'm having trouble receiving it. They tell me that they are the only VHF digital signal in our area and that the FM Radio Station signals are stepping on their signal and my indoor digital antenna won't discrimanate between the signals. I think I need an antenna with a trap to keep out Radio signals. Is this true?

Tech Tip:

I would suggest that you install a Winegard FT-7500 FM trap between the antenna and your digital TV set. It is designed to help stop FM interference.

Star Choice Becomes Shaw Direct

2009-04-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 04/15/09 -- Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B) (NYSE: SJR) announced today that Star Choice, the direct to home satellite subsidiary of Shaw, has been renamed Shaw Direct. The move builds upon the extension of the brand in 2007 to include the divisions of Shaw Tracking, Shaw Business Solutions and Shaw Broadcast Services.

"The renaming of Star Choice to Shaw Direct allows us to continue to offer our customers the same outstanding service while aligning all of our product and service offerings under one single brand," said Peter Bissonnette, President, Shaw Communications Inc. "This will help us strengthen the Shaw name from coast to coast."

Customers can still contact Shaw Direct through the existing website, phone numbers and email addresses, which will all be automatically redirected.

For more information on Shaw Direct, visit SHAWDIRECT.CA.

About Shaw Communications Inc.

Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications company whose core business is providing broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Digital Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business Solutions) and satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct). The Company serves 3.4 million customers, including 1.6 million Internet and 700,000 Digital Phone customers, through a reliable and extensive network, which comprises 625,000 kilometres of fibre. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (TSX: SJR.B) (NYSE: SJR).

Contacts:

Shaw Communications Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: Investor.relations@sjrb.ca

Winegard Company Adds Video Selection to Website

2009-04-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

BURLINGTON, Iowa – April 20, 2009 – Winegard Company has added a new video library to its website at www.winegard.com/videos. The site currently includes three videos, aimed at both mobile satellite and home antenna consumers and dealers, which serve to provide installation and troubleshooting tips and answer questions.

“The video library is an excellent way to provide our customers with training and information on Winegard products” said Aaron Engberg, director, mobile products division. “We will continue to add to this video library as new topics surface, in an effort to help make our products easier to use and understand.”

Current videos are: Troubleshooting Phasing Lines; Troubleshooting a Winegard Power Supply; and Setting up a Winegard Carryout™ Portable Satellite TV Antenna. To view the videos, visit www.winegard.com/videos.

New videos including the Winegard Wingman™ will be posted soon so be sure to check back.

About Winegard

Winegard Company has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard enjoys a worldwide reputation that is based on many industry “firsts,” including the all-channel “Yagi” TV antenna, 82-channel antenna, antenna mounted preamplifiers, antenna amplifiers, the anodizing process, perforated aluminum satellite antenna and the RV television antenna, among others.

Winegard Company currently manufactures and markets four distinct product lines:

Mobile Television Reception Products: Recreational vehicle, truck, marine, and automotive applications. Digital and HD satellite TV antennas ranging from manual crank-up models to fully automatic stationary and in-motion systems with GPS/DVB. DTV and HDTV bi-directional and omni-directional over-the-air antennas. Ground Antenna Mounts and Accessories.
Satellite TV Antennas and Mounts: Residential antennas ranging in size from 46 cm to 1 meter, including mounts and accessories.
Over-the-Air DTV/HDTV Antennas: DTV and HDTV VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna Systems, Distribution and Preamplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
Telemetry: Medical and Data Antenna Systems, Distribution Amplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.

For technical product questions, contact Winegard Customer Service at 800-288-8094 or visit www.winegard.com; for additional downloadable press releases and images, visit Winegard's online pressroom, www.editorpressroom.com/winegard.

Where do I find antenna patterns?

2009-04-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Question:

We are looking at buying a Winegard antenna we need to see the antenna polar patterns as we are working in a signal rich environment. Where can the patterns be found?

Tech Tip:

The specification sheets for the Winegard antennas can be found on http://www.winegard.com/ under HDT Home Antennas. Just go to the model of antenna you are interested in and click on Spec Sheet.

Will grounding increase antenna range?

2009-04-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Question:

My antenna system has unreliable reception. I have my antenna mounted about thirty feet in the air using 3 ten foot sections of mast joined together. Could the connection of the 3 sections of the antenna mast create a poor ground and cause me to lose signal?

Tech Tip:

A good antenna ground is important for safety, but does little for signal gain.

Maximum DTV reception to 12 tv's

2009-04-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have a home antenna TV distribution system that doesn't work anymore. I don't know if my antenna or the distribution amp is bad or if I am receiving too strong an FM signal. I want to set up a system to receive as many Digital air TV stations as possible and distribute the signal to 12 TV locations. Do I need two antennas so I don't make the local channel signal too strong?Tech

Tip:

Since the majority of your TV stations are over 50 miles from you the best TV antenna Winegard has to offer you is the model HD8200U along with an AP-8700 preamplifier to get the signal to your distribution point. I also suggest that you try and get your antenna at least 50-60 feet up in the air so that you have a good chance at receiving these distant channels. Digital signal will not always travel as far as analog signal therefore they will be harder to receive. You will require a TV antenna rotor to turn the antenna in a number of different directions in order to receive all the channels. At the distribution point then you most likely will require an HDA-100 distribution amplifier ahead of your splitters to build up your signal strength so that you can split the signal 12 ways.

PS-7070 - What is it's function?

2009-04-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Question:

I recently acquired an older Winegard PS-7070. It is 110VAC powered unit and looks like some kind of a TV signal amplifier. If so, what frequency range is it active over? What is the exact purpose of this device?

Tech Tip:

The PS-7070 is a power supply that sends 18VAC up the coax cable to power a preamplifier mounted on the antenna or an amplified TV antenna such as the MS-2000 or GS-2000. The PS-7070 by it self will not amplify any TV signals; it useless without an antenna amplifier, or an amplified antenna.

MS-2000 - Reducing signal overload

2009-04-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Question:

I beleive that I am suffering from signal overload on a local channel. I am about 18 miles away from the transmitter. My upstairs television with rabbit ears picks up all of the stations fine. The MS-2000 will not pick up the channel and the converter box says "No Signal". Is there an easy way to troubleshoot this, or shall I remount it in the attic? I also have the option of mounting it on the other end of the house, or putting the old splitter that fed four rooms back on it. Also, if I just disconnect the 110V signal booster/amplifier, will this work or help?

Tech Tip:

Try installing your 4-way splitter in series with your antenna signal and your converter box. The splitter should reduce your signal to the point you do not have over loading of your converter box. If you unplug the power from your MS-2000 you will have about 85% reduction to all of your TV stations.

AP amplifiers - Are they digital?

2009-04-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Question:

I was wondering if the Winegard AP series of amplifiers are capable of amplifying digital signals.

Tech Tip:

Yes the AP-series of preamplifiers will help your digital signal. If you are running 1 to 3 TV sets then use the AP-8700 if you are running 4 or more TV sets use the AP-8275.

HD8200U - Correct mast size

2009-04-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Question:

I purchased a Winegard HD8000U antenna. The instructions recommend a 2 inch OD mast. I am mounting this to a chimney and have been unable to find a strap that will accommodate the 2 inch mast. Any suggestions on where I might be able to find one?

Tech Tip:

The HD8200U antenna will fit a mast size of 1” up 2” OD. The antenna normally is mounted on a 1 1/4” mast which should fit a standard chimney mount.

Over-The-Air Music Television Networks

2009-04-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

As the DTV transition looms ever closer and broadcast networks, over-the-air consumers and over-the-air programming continues to expand, broadcast music networks have again began to step up their programming.

Currently four broadcast music networks exist including BVM, Fuse TV, Retro Jams and MTV2. While these networks are only available in certain larger markets, they have continued to expand and in some cases with the transition become sub-channels available through other networks.

Fuse TV Network has continued to expand with multiple broadcast affiliates, new channels on DISH Network and DIRECTV and agreements with local cable networks. Fuse has added several television celebrities to its programming including WWE superstar Chris Jericho hosting "Redemption Song", a talent reality show and former American Idol contestant Jared Cotter, the host of "No. 1 Countdown: Pop".

For a list of FREE television stations and the programming available in your area, visit www.titantv.com and enter your zip code.

How not to split DC voltage

2009-04-09T11:12:00.002-07:00

Question:

Winegard used to offer a 4-way splitter that was DC passive on only 1 output. That way the DC power for the antenna doesn't go to the other TV's in the house. Winegard no longer seems to offer this type of splitter. What's the new solution?

Tech Tip:

The best solution is to install the power supply ahead of the splitter or the only other option you have is to place a voltage block on each of the 3 other splitter legs.

HD7698P - Wind Load information

2009-04-09T11:12:00.001-07:00

Question:

What are the wind load specs for the Winegard HD7698P antenna? I am wondering if a regular home antenna rotor is heavy enough, or will I have to install an extra heavy duty rotor like a ham radio rotor?

Tech Tip:

At the present time we do not have the wind load for the HD7698P. The Winegard HD8200U is installed daily using a heavy duty TV antenna rotor so the HD7698P should not be a problem. Naturally a small ham antenna rotor designed to handle 10 square feet of wind loading will be much safer. The HD8200U only has 5.5 square feet of wind loading which is more than the HD7698P.

MS-2002 - How do I power it?

2009-04-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Question:

I just bought the MS-2002. I notice that there is an included power injector to power the antenna. However, it is very hard for me to run the power wire to connect the power supply in my backyard. How sould I connect this power injector?

Tech Tip:

The MS-2002 antenna is powered by +15VDC applied to the coax cable running from the antenna to the power injector which can be installed in the house. The wall transformer and power injector can be up to 150 feet from the antenna if you use RG6/U coax cable.

Winegard Carryout Automatic Portable Satellite Antenna

2009-04-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Carryout™ fully automatic portable satellite antenna offers your favorite satellite programming in a sleek, lightweight and easily movable system. The Carryout is perfect for:

Tailgating

Cabins & Vacation Homes

Camping and Outdoor Activities

Recreational Vehicles

Boating

Satellite TV Anywhere YOU Want It!

FULLY Automatic Portable Satellite Antenna

The Carryout automatic portable satellite antenna is a true fully automatic satellite antenna. Simply turn on the Carryout and it will automatically find the satellites for you. No remote, no controls... just turn it on!

Similar automatic portable systems sell for over $1,300. Winegard has recommended a MSRP of only $899.00!

Line of site problems in your favorite RV camping spot? No problem! With a Carryout portable, there’s no need to compromise. You can keep your great camping spot and get signal too! With 50’ coax cable included, you’ll have no problem finding a spot for the Carryout portable to pull in signal.

GM-1518 Carryout™ Features

Automatically find satellites - no remote or controls neede
Lightweight and durable
Easy grip handle for effortless carrying and security
Standard programming: Dish Network®, Bell TV and DIRECTV®*
HD programming: Dish Network® and Bell TV
Supports up to 2 receivers
Dimensions: 15.6” dome height, 20” diameter
Unit Weight: 13.5 Pounds

*Receives standard DIRECTV programming.(Does not work with 110° for HD or KA-band satellites 99°, 103°).

Indoor antenna near an airport

2009-04-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Question:

I live within 10-15 miles of Chicago's O'Hare Airport and continually lose the signal due to incoming and outbound aircraft flying overhead. I do not want an outdoor antenna as I like my Winegard SS-3000. I wanted to know if there is a filter or some device that would stop this interference, or is there a specific position for the antenna that will improve reception?

Tech Tip:

I am sorry to say this problem is caused by the airplanes breaking up your signal path and there is no type of filter made to solve this problem. You might try setting the antenna closer to your window to see if you can receive a stronger signal.

How many cables should I run?

2009-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have a satellite system & an Off-Air rooftop antenna for the local channels. They run into a combiner so there is only 1 coax going into the house. I would like to add a preamp to my amplified antenna. Is my current setup ok, or should I run a separate coax into the house for the antenna?

Tech Tip:

You will need to run a separate TV antenna line into the house. The satellite receiver most likely will not have enough current available to power both the LNB’s at the satellite antenna and a preamplifier/amplified antenna.

Which power supply is best?

2009-04-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have an older antenna with a PS-9370. Since I'm in a fringe area is there a power supply that is better than my current unit?

Tech Tip:

All that a power supply does is put voltage on the line to power either the preamplifier or the amplified antenna. They do not do any amplifying. The amplifying is done by what ever unit they power. So any power supply will work the same.

How high should my mast be?

2009-04-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have a steel roof with a 4/12 pitch on the building which I plan to install an antenna on. How high above the roof should the antenna be mounted?

Tech Tip:

Your antenna needs to be at least 10-12 feet above a metal roof to prevent reflected signal from getting into the bottom of the antenna.

Sensar (Batwing) - What's a Wingman?

2009-04-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Question:

I see that the "Wingman" is now available for Sensar applications. Will it work on all Sensar antennas old and new? We live in somewhat of a "fringe" reception area and digital signals seem to barely be reaching us. Is the Wingman a possible option for this?

Tech Tip:

The Wingman will install on any Sensar antenna we have made. The Wingman will increase the range of the Sensar for UHF by as much as 100%. The Wingman is suited to help in fringe areas. The Wingman however will NOT improve reception on VHF channels 2-13.

Winegard Antenna Selector - Beta!

2009-03-26T19:15:00.001-07:00

Winegard Company, a leading manufacturer of quality television reception products for over 50 years, has recently released a beta version of it's new free DTV/HDTV Antenna Selector.

The new Winegard Antenna Selector takes much of the guess work out of antenna purchases by using the in-depth knowledge of antennaweb.org and applying it to the consumer favorite Winegard antennas.

"The Antenna Selector has 6 simple steps to help you find the perfect antenna for your unique situation", said Andy Crowner, Web Marketing Manager for Winegard Company. "Entering your information from antennaweb.org you can easily find which quality Winegard antenna is right for you and if a rotor, multiple antenna system or pre-amplifier are needed."

The new Winegard Antenna Selector - BETA can be found at
http://www.winegard.com/kbase/antenna_selector.php.

Time to Reapply for Converter Box Coupons

2009-03-26T19:14:00.001-07:00

The National Association of Broadcasters has announced on it's latest DTV update that TV households may now reapply for expired digital-to-analog converter box coupons. The announcement comes just before the National Telecommunications and Information Administration press conference this morning (March 24, 2009) in which the announcement was planned.

The NTIA gained access to an additional $650 million dollars in the stimulus package and after several weeks of preparation to begin accepting coupon renewals. Previously all requests had been rejected.

Also, according to NAB there is no longer a waiting list for converter box coupons. The waiting list had grown to over 4 million before the additional money was received.

Consumers may reapply for the converter box coupon at www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx.

SS-2000 Square Shooter VHF?

2009-03-26T19:10:00.001-07:00

Question:

I have used a variety of UHF antennas and the Square Shooter has worked the best. I still have problems picking up VHF 13 at my address. I use a rotater. Is my antenna stackable? Do you have a recommended setup? Should I use a different type antenna instead? I have used the largest available consumer antennas and they don't work as well as the square shooter.

Tech Tip:

The SS-2000 Square Shooter is basically designed to receive UHF channels 14-69. But will receive VHF channels 7-13 if the signal is strong enough. It sounds as though your channel 13 signal at approximately 33 miles is not strong enough. Do you have a digital converter box or a TV set with a digital ATSC tuner? If so do you receive channel 13.1 which is broadcasting their digital signal on channel 18 frequency? Since channel 18 is UHF you should be receiving this channel digitally.

I wish to inform you that some time between February 17TH and June 12TH channels 9, 11, and channel 13 who are now broadcasting their digital signals on UHF (channels 14-69) will shut down their analog VHF channel and then move their digital signal to their respective VHF frequency. Example channel 13 is now broadcasting their digital signal on channel 18’s UHF frequency now but after the transition they shut channel 13 VHF and move their digital signal transmission to channel 13 VHF frequency. What this means to you is that the SS-2000 Square Shooter may not receive these VHF channels as strongly as needed.

You may have to purchase a channel 7-13 antenna such as a Winegard model YA-1713 and combine it with the SS-2000 so that you have a stronger VHF signal. IF you wish to combine the YA-1713 and the SS-2000 antenna signals together you will use a UHF/VHF signal combiner. Winegard presently does not have a UHF/VHF combiner but you can find them on the internet. Or you can purchase a channel 7-69 antenna such as the Winegard model HD7697P antenna and an AP-8700 preamplifier.

8275 Pre-Amp Power Consumption

2009-03-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Question:

Can you please tell me what the power consumption of my Winegard 8275 pre-amp is? I am trying to use it with a one line rotor that says it will carry a +17VDC at 50mA (max)pre-amp. Is the Winegard 8275 compatible with that maximum consumption rate? Will they work together? It sure would be nice if I didn't have to run another line up on the roof.

Tech Tip:

The average power draw of the Winegard preamplifiers as follows,The AP-3700,4700,8700 2870 draw about 40-60 milliamps of current.

These are preamplifiers that have 18dB of gain or less. The AP-8275,2880,3800, 4800,8780 2880,8800, draw about 80-100 milliamps of current. These are preamplifiers that have 28dB of gain in at least one scetion of amplification.

The EAGLE ASPEN ROTOR will NOT handle the AP-8275 preamplifier since it draws too much current (80-100ma).

RV-WING Wingman on Older Sensars

2009-03-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Question:

I have a Model RV-3000 antenna and was wondering if the Wingman will work on this unit? I know this is an older model antenna.

Tech Tip:

The RV-WING (Wingman) will work on antenna RV or Sensar antenna manufactured since 1970.

New FCC Rules for DTV Transition

2009-03-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

The FCC last week released a new set of rules for broadcasters to guide them through the rest of the digital television transition. The new set of rules dictates stations must notify viewers of signal loss and educate consumers on reception issues. Guidelines were also introduced for stations who wish to terminate their analog service before June 12, 2009.

Broadcast stations who have not yet made the transition will now be required to educate consumers about a range of issues including:

Signal loss: Stations must provide on-air and other notifications of potential signal loss if 2 percent or more of their analog viewers are predicted to lose service, regardless of whether stations gain viewers in other areas.
Antennas: All stations must include information about the use of antennas as part of their consumer education campaigns, including additional information if they are changing from the VHF to UHF bands and viewers may need additional or different equipment to avoid loss of service
Scanning: Stations must inform and remind viewers about the importance of periodically using the rescan function of their digital televisions and digital converter boxes. During the time surrounding the conclusion of the transition, many stations will be changing the service areas and the broadcast frequencies of their digital transmissions. As a result, viewers will need to periodically rescan during this period in order to ensure that they are correctly receiving all the digital broadcast services available to them.

"The guiding principle here is simple -- consumers deserve to know the truth,” said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. “They will forgive a lot, but they won’t forgive being lulled into a false sense that the transition will be less disruptive or less expensive than it turns out to be."

Major Networks wishing to terminate their analog service prior to June 12 will now be required to show that over 90% of their audience will receive continuing analog service from another major network until the June 12 deadline. If more than 10% of analog viewers would lose service from all major networks then that major network affiliate is responsible for other public interest conditions including requirements for walk-in help centers, consumer referral telephone numbers and DTV education.

Winegard Carryout Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna

2009-03-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

BURLINGTON, Iowa – (March 6, 2009) – Winegard’s new Carryout™ Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna will be available at RV dealerships and retailers starting March 16th. At only 15.6” high and 20” diameter, it is the most compact automatic portable satellite TV antenna on the market.

A perfect partner for RVing, camping, boating, tailgating, races, wooded areas, cabins and vacation homes, the Carryout antenna can be used anytime, anyplace. RVers will be amazed at how easy the antenna is to set up and operate. No extra remote controls needed or buttons to push – the Carryout is 100% automatic! Runs off of 12V and plugs into a vehicle’s standard cigarette outlet.

“We are excited to be offering a fully loaded portable antenna at an amazing low price ($899.00 MSRP), especially with today’s tough economy,” said Aaron Engberg, director, mobile products, Winegard. “At hundreds of dollars under the competing brand we are confident the Carryout will be a sought-after product for many RVers. The great part is customers can use the Carryout for so many other activities, not just RVing.”

Featuring DVB technology, the Carryout automatically finds and switches between satellites. Compatible with all major satellite providers, the antenna receives standard and all HD programming for DISH Network® and Bell TV. Receives standard DIRECTV® programming only.

Optional accessories (sold separately) include:

Winegard Carryout™ Ladder Mount with quick disconnect – GM-3000

Mount your Carryout Automatic Portable antenna to the RV ladder for temporary or permanent installation. Weather resistant E-coat mount features quick-disconnect, so you can remove your Carryout antenna and set it on the ground or take it with you anywhere! Comes with wall plate with on/off switch for convenient operation from inside the coach, cable entry plate, 50’ coax and 50’ power cable. $249.00 MSRP.

Winegard Carryout™ 12V Power Converter – GM-1200

Sunforce 12V power converter allows you to hook up your Carryout to a 110V outlet when a 12V cigarette outlet is not available. AC/DC converter, 5.8 amps. $34.99 MSRP

For more information on the Carryout, go to www.winegard.com/carryout.

About Winegard

Winegard Company has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard enjoys a worldwide reputation that is based on many industry “firsts,” including the all-channel “Yagi” TV antenna, 82-channel antenna, antenna mounted preamplifiers, antenna amplifiers, the anodizing process, perforated aluminum satellite antenna and the RV television antenna, among others. Winegard Company currently manufactures and markets four distinct product lines:

Mobile Television Reception Products: Recreational vehicle, truck, marine, and automotive applications. Digital and HD satellite TV antennas ranging from manual crank-up models to fully automatic stationary and in-motion systems with GPS/DVB. DTV and HDTV bi-directional and omni-directional over-the-air antennas. Ground Antenna Mounts and Accessories.
Satellite TV Antennas and Mounts: Residential antennas ranging in size from 46 cm to 1 meter, including mounts and accessories.
Over-the-Air DTV/HDTV Antennas: DTV and HDTV VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna Systems, Distribution and Preamplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
Telemetry: Medical and Data Antenna Systems, Distribution Amplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.

For technical product questions, contact Winegard Customer Service at 800-288-8094 or visit www.winegard.com; for additional downloadable press releases and images, visit Winegard's online pressroom, www.editorpressroom.com/winegard.

HDTV/DTV Reception Basics

2009-03-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Tech Tip:

Welcome to the Winegard Company HDTV/DTV Reception Basics Guide. Here you will find easy to understand information on how television signal is broadcast and viewed in your home for free, what equipment is required, troubleshooting and terminology.

Can I Really Receive High Definition Television For Free?

Yes! Television signals are broadcast and received in a similar manner to your radio. You could pay a monthly fee and get satellite radio, or you could listen to the many great local stations available for free in your area.

I Grew Up With only 3 Channels!

Broadcast television networks have grown significantly in the past decade and with the on-set of digital technology are now broadcasting multiple channel options. From 1956-1986 there were a total of 3 national networks (ABC, CBS and NBC). Today, more than 20 nationwide broadcasting networks exist including PBS, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Many networks now offer multiple channels such as PBS which broadcasts PBS YOU, PBS KIDS, PBS KIDS Sprout, PBS WORLD and PBS-HD. Some of which aren’t even available on pay TV!

Which networks are available in my area?

Find out here! - (TitanTV)

What Else Has Changed?
Besides an exponential increase in the number of channels available, the picture quality of free over the air television is now the Gold Standard of digital television. Some networks are also broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

How do I Receive Free HDTV/DTV Programming?
Receiving Free DTV and HDTV programming consists of 3 basic elements.

The transmitter that sends the DTV signal. (The Television Network)

The antenna that picks up the DTV signal. (Your Antenna)
The tuner to display the signal on your display. (Your TV or Converter Box)

The Transmitter
Your local broadcast TV stations have powerful transmitters high on towers, usually located in a central area, outputting a DTV signal. These TV towers serve a market within a specific area or “footprint”. If you are in the “footprint” of the broadcast tower, you should be able to receive the signal from that tower with the proper antenna.

Broadcast frequencies are broken up into the following categories:

VHF (Very High Frequency): 54 Mhz – 216 Mhz, Channels 2 – 13

UHF (Ultra High Frequency): 470 Mhz – 698 Mhz, Channels 14 – 69

698 Mhz – 806 Mhz: Formerly used for television and will now be freed up for future 4G services like W-Max. Pay satellite services, cell phone providers and other such companies use these frequencies.

With this huge amount of bandwidth, over the air digital television has plenty of room to provide uncompressed HDTV. What this means is if you’re watching a football game or any HDTV program you will get a sharper, more colorful, better quality image than the same game on the same channel with satellite or cable.

The large amount of bandwidth also allows users of free over the air DTV to receive expanded programming. Basically, there are more channels available because you can fit 6 DTV channels where one analog channel use to be.

The Antenna

The piece of equipment that captures the signal from the transmitter and sends it to your television or converter box is the antenna. The antenna is the most important link in your DTV system. The proximity in which you live to the broadcast towers, the terrain in between and the frequencies (channels) the TV stations are transmitting on determine the type of antenna needed to capture the DTV signal. The signal DTV stations are broadcast on is line of sight. So, the flatter the terrain and the fewer obstacles between the transmitter and the antenna the better.

Generally, the closer you live to a transmitter, the smaller the antenna you need. As you move father from the transmitter, there is less available signal and you need a larger antenna to capture as much signal as possible.

In some cases, trees, buildings or other obstacles degrade signal quality in your area. A larger antenna may be needed to receive the low amount of signal. Since TV stations are transmitting digital stations on both VHF and UHF in 98% of the US, you will need a VHF/UHF combination antenna to receive all available channels in your area. Make sure the antenna receives both UHF and VHF or you are coupling a VHF antenna to a UHF antenna where needed.

Which antenna is right for you? Find out here! (AntennaWeb)

The Tuner

The final part of your Free DTV and HDTV system is your tuner. Most televisions produced after 2004 have a built-in digital tuner that will take the signal from your antenna and display it on your television. Televisions without a digital tuner will need a digital converter box to decode the digital signal from the antenna.

If you are using a converter box you will receive a DVD quality digital picture. You will need an HDTV to display true High Definition on screen. HDTV’s automatically display High Definition programming when it is available without any setting changes.

DISH Network Interactive Awards

2009-03-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

DISH Network has announced its 2009 Interactive Television Summit Award winners celebrating the best developers in interactive television (iTV).

DISH Network's iTV service hosts a series of applications including DishGAMES, DISH Network's six channel mosaic, and other unique features like Papa John's store proximity locator. DISH Network also uses the service to host interactive advertisements (iAds) which allow viewers to activate triggers which lead to specialized content such as information pages, discount coupons and long form advertising channels.

"This was a remarkable year for iTV and our annual Summit serves as an excellent way to celebrate our successes and discuss new opportunities," said Scott Higgins, director of iTV for DISH Network. "Whether it's growing our Ad Sales unit, launching targeted interactive marketing campaigns for our clients or adding new, innovative games and services to our platform, iTV continues to expand at an amazing rate."

DISH Network recognized winners in seven categories:

Develper of the Year: BIAP
Best New Application: BIAP
Best Game Developer: Oberon
Best in Marketing: Oberon
Best New Technology: OpenTV
Best iAd: Brightline
Best Special Event: Ensequence and NBC

DISH Network's iTV service features more than 30 interactive channels, DishGAMES, DISH Network Channel 100 six-channel mosaic and a variety of games and other features. There are more than 20 million iTV enabled DISH Network set-top boxes in the U.S.

Small Antenna w/ Great Results

2009-03-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Question: We live in an area where the style of antenna we can use is restricted. The homeowners association doesn't allow the typical style roof top antennas. However, small, inconspicuous antennas are okay. We tried an amplified rabbit ear style antenna in the attic, but have limited results. Can you recommend an inconspicuous antenna for outside? Or, something for the attic?

Tech Tip: The Winegard HD-1080 would be a small and effective choice for your situation. Another antenna option would be the GS-1100 Sensar III antenna. We have not had any complaints about these antennas from any home owner associations that I know of.

Sensar (Batwing) - Splitter effects

2009-03-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Question: I want to connect 2 TV sets to one Winegard Sensar rooftop antenna. I know splitting will degrade the signal, but how much?

Tech Tip: You will loose 3.5dB (30%) of your signal with a 2 way splitter. You can add a Winegard HDA-100 distribution amplifier ahead of your splitter if you need. However try just the splitter first because you may have enough signal and you can always add the HDA-100 later if it turns out that you need one.

DTV Coupons Available Next Week

2009-03-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Office of Management and Budget has announed that funding for DTV-to-analog converter box coupon program has reached the National Telecommunications and Information Administration making it likely that coupons will once again begin to flow to consumers next week.

"We apportioned these funds earlier this week; coupons will start being received next week," confirmed an OMB official.

The $40 coupons, up to two per household, allow analog over-the-air TV's to display a digital signal. Over a third of TV stations have now gone all digital after more than 400 pulled the plug on the original DTV hard date of Feb. 17.

The NTIA has announced it will take several weeks to service the backlog of requests and expects another rush of requests as consumers are informed that the coupons are once again flowing. The bill that moved the hard transition date also allowed everyone with expired coupons to reapply for those coupons.

For more information on the DTV Transition visit the Winegard Company DTV Transition Guide at http://www.winegard.com/dtv.

Winegard Carryout Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna

2009-03-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

BURLINGTON, Iowa – (March 6, 2009) – Winegard’s new Carryout™ Automatic Portable Satellite TV Antenna will be available at RV dealerships and retailers starting March 16th. At only 15.6” high and 20” diameter, it is the most compact automatic portable satellite TV antenna on the market.

Optional accessories (sold separately) include:

Winegard Carryout™ Ladder Mount with quick disconnect – GM-3000

Winegard Carryout™ 12V Power Converter – GM-1200

Sunforce 12V power converter allows you to hook up your Carryout to a 110V outlet when a 12V cigarette outlet is not available. AC/DC converter, 5.8 amps. $34.99 MSRP
For more information on the Carryout, go to www.winegard.com/carryout.

About Winegard

Winegard Company has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard enjoys a worldwide reputation that is based on many industry “firsts,” including the all-channel “Yagi” TV antenna, 82-channel antenna, antenna mounted preamplifiers, antenna amplifiers, the anodizing process, perforated aluminum satellite antenna and the RV television antenna, among others. Winegard Company currently manufactures and markets four distinct product lines:

Mobile Television Reception Products: Recreational vehicle, truck, marine, and automotive applications. Digital and HD satellite TV antennas ranging from manual crank-up models to fully automatic stationary and in-motion systems with GPS/DVB. DTV and HDTV bi-directional and omni-directional over-the-air antennas. Ground Antenna Mounts and Accessories.

Satellite TV Antennas and Mounts: Residential antennas ranging in size from 46 cm to 1 meter, including mounts and accessories.

Over-the-Air DTV/HDTV Antennas: DTV and HDTV VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna Systems, Distribution and Preamplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.

Telemetry: Medical and Data Antenna Systems, Distribution Amplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.

2009-03-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

Analog TV watchers not ready for digital world

(CNN) -- Sooner or later, James Richter knows the rabbit-ear antennas on his old-fashioned television will listen for a signal and hear nothing.

Old TV sets at a California recycling center last month. Many analog TV owners aren't ready to switch to digital.

The 36-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, said he tried to convert his analog TV to digital but was turned down for a government coupon. He doesn't seem to mind.
"With the economy, I don't have enough cash to do cable, so I'm just really debating whether or not I really want to make that switch to digital," Richter said.
Richter will have four months longer to make up his mind after Congress voted Wednesday to delay the end of TV's rabbit-ears era.
On June 12, analog TV signals will end and only digital signals will remain. Old televisions like Richter's won't accept the new form of broadcast.
People with cable TV or satellite service will not be affected.
The switch had been scheduled for February 17, but Congress delayed the conversion -- which had been planned for years -- to accommodate people like Richter who had not been able to update their TVs.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration offered a program to help people buy converter boxes that make old TVs work in the new era. That giveaway didn't meet demand, though, and as of late January, more than 3.2 million people were on the program's waiting list.
More than 6.5 million U.S. households, or 5.7 percent, were not ready for the crossover last month, according to an estimate from the Nielsen Company.
There's been little made of the people behind those numbers, though, as media reports largely have focused on the mechanics of the switch and the politics of when and how it will happen. Many of those who haven't bought converters are poor, older than 55, rural residents or racial minorities, according to Nielsen's estimates. Some of them told CNN they couldn't afford to pay for cable or satellite TV service.
While a person can live without TV, some of the late converts to digital depend on television for information and companionship.
"I live here by myself, so it will be a big deal for me," said Monica Lawson, a 42-year-old from rural Alto, Georgia. "Even just a couple hours a day of having that extra interaction, it's a stress reliever for me."
Lawson said she got a coupon to buy the digital converter box for her analog television as soon as they became available. She's attached the box to her TV, but her signal got worse.
"Basically I'm downgrading at this point," she said. "I'll go from having four or five channels I can watch on a regular basis to having one channel I can watch every now and then -- if at all."
Lawson, who is a real-estate appraiser and practices kinesiology, said she can't afford satellite service because her business has dropped with the economy.
She falls into a category of people who may lose their TV coverage with the switch to digital. It's likely the result of a phenomenon called the "cliff effect." While analog signals fizzle out over long distances, digital signals tend to stop completely at a certain falling-off point.
"With digital, you get a great picture or nothing," said Mark Wigfield, spokesperson for the Federal Communications Commission.
Some remote areas of the country could lose reception when analog signals stop in June, said Shermaze Ingram, spokesperson for the National Association of Broadcasters, an advocacy group that has been trying to inform people about the switch since 2006.
On the whole, studies show more people will get TV signals than will lose them in the switch to digital, Ingram said. The National Association of Broadcasters supports delaying the change until June in part because it will cause fewer people to go without TV after the change.
"There's no question that television is an important piece of the fabric of American life," Ingram said.
Congress elected to delay the digital switch in part because lawmakers don't want people to go without TV.
George Touchine, a 64-year-old from Gallup, New Mexico, said he has not gotten a converter coupon yet and cannot find the device in local stores. He said he will check back often, though, and hopes to be able to switch to digital in the coming days.
Like Touchine, more than 12 percent of New Mexico households in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque TV market are not ready for the switch, making the area the least prepared in the nation, according to Nielsen.
Being left out of the switch would be a big deal for Touchine. He is retired and says he spends a substantial part of his evening watching TV with his wife.
"I just watch the news all the time, that's all I want," he said. "I get the weather, the news, what's going on -- all of it -- I want to know it."
The annoyance of having to convert to digital may push Richter, the man in Atlanta, away from television entirely.
Richter said he left a bad job as a local truck driver four years ago and hasn't been able to find steady work since. He's given up luxuries like cable TV, an Internet connection and movie rentals to make ends meet.
He said he applied for the free converter about a month ago but was turned down at least temporarily because all of the coupons had been given out.
He doesn't buy the idea that he needs a television to alert him about emergencies or severe weather.
"I do have a radio and I also have a cell phone. If something's really, really bad, someone can call me," he said. "And I figure if there's a nuclear war, it will be everywhere. Someone will let me know."
If Richter eventually gets a free converter box, he'll consider joining the digital TV world. But if not, he said won't be angry at the government for the delays.
He thinks he might be better off without all that extra noise.

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