[opendtv] Re: As analog shutdown nears, antenna reality emerges

  • From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 17:27:23 -0400

Dale Kelly posted:

--------------------
http://broadcastengineering.com/RF/analog-shutdown-nears-antenna-reality-eme
rges-0609/

[ ... ]

Centris, a market research firm, estimates these issues will affect more than 
40 million primary and vacation households and that the government is leaving 
out two key details in their DTV education campaign. The firm outlined its 
differences with the government and answered their public criticism in a new 
DTV Reception Study Fact Sheet.

The first detail relates to the type of antenna the government assumes the 
viewer is using. The assumption is that the TVs are connected to an outdoor 
antenna 30ft above the ground with an electric motor that allows the user to 
point the antenna toward the desired station.

In its research, Centris found that 75 percent of over-the-air households use 
indoor antennas on their TVs, and only 13 percent have an outdoor motorized 
roof-top antenna.

[ ... ]
--------------------

I believe we discussed this Centris study already. They used Antennaweb results 
to make their determinations. In my experience, the results of Antennaweb are 
now very pessimistic, even when using my older STBs. And, in fact, they can 
change rather dramatically in very small areas.

But the interesting part of all of this is what they are saying, for the same 
analog-to-DTT switchover, across the pond. I'll copy the text below.

What it says is that the (French) CSA will investigate problem reception 
conditions, but only in certain cases. And one specific exception is if you 
were receiving TV with an indoor antenna previously, but now cannot receive DTT 
that way any longer, or receive it poorly.

Should this happen, you first have to try to receive DTT with a 10m (~30') 
outdoor antenna, and have your setup checked over by a professional, before 
sending in a request for CSA investigation. This is because DTT coverage was 
planned based on that 10m receive antenna height.

I think what will happen in practice is that people will re-optimize their 
antenna systems for DTT, in due course. As I'm set up now, especially 
downstairs, virtually all analog TV is unwatchable. DTT is, conversely, great. 
Upstairs, still depending on the 2004 design HD 3150Plus, analog and digital 
reception are more similar.

Bert

--------------------
http://www.csa.fr/outils/faq/faq.php#118065

Q. Je recevais avec une antenne portative d'intérieur, je ne reçois plus ou de 
manière dégradée, pourquoi ne puis-je pas bénéficier d'une enquête?

A. Les fréquences sont planifiées selon les règles en vigueur au niveau 
international, c'est à dire avec une antenne extérieure, à 10 m de hauteur par 
rapport au sol. Le signal que reçoit votre antenne intérieure est 
inévitablement atténué par les murs ou le toit et par tous les circuits 
électriques et matériaux qu'ils contiennent.

Si vous utilisez une antenne intérieure, vous ne mettez pas toutes les chances 
de bonne réception de votre côté. L'Etat ne peut donc pas déclencher une 
enquête coûteuse pour améliorer cette réception. Cela vaut naturellement aussi 
pour l'utilisation d'une antenne dans les combles.

Si les troubles persistent avec l'usage d'une antenne extérieure située à plus 
de 10 m de hauteur, si la réception était satisfaisante avant le début des 
troubles et si votre installation a été vérifiée par un professionnel, la 
demande d'intervention est alors justifiée.
 
 
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