AB - Calgary, Lethbridge, Southern Alberta - OTA

[downbeat]

Whatever works.
I'm going to try this reflector business later on and report back.

[downbeat]

So I've put together a "temporary" reflector with foam board covered in aluminum foil. It does improve the signal strength on both CICT and CFCN -- when there *is* a signal to receive.
CICT still drops out quite often. Just this morning, the signal meter on my Tivax was bouncing around 60/100 before dropping to 15/100 a half hour later. That said, my WinTV USB stick seems to have a higher tolerance for bad reception of CICT's weak signal. Perhaps my converter box isn't helping matters?
As I've written before, the antenna is aimed at the temporary antenna site at the Barlow Tr. studio. On Google Earth, I see that my line of site to the Global studio is blocked not by geographical features but by man-made structures. There are several tall buildings and a construction site in the way. Perhaps that is why my reception is relatively poor.

** UPDATE ** Now CICT is steady around 40 (in the yellow "normal" zone). In contrast, CFCN consistently receives a signal of 95 to 100/100 on the signal meter -- even though the antenna is pointed the "wrong" way! Woo-hoo!

[stampeder]

Unfortunately the Tivax converters don't have the greatest reputation:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=42186

[downbeat]

Indeed ... looks like quality control problems are at play here, as some owners appear to genuinely love the product, from the online reviews I'd read before purchasing the thing.

[Mackerel]

As of 20090831 the CHCA station ceases to exist, becoming a CITV Edmonton satellite (2.5 hours per week local programming) .

Will we keep the CHCA OTA transmissions on Ch 44? Or will that channel be removed from the suite of signals? Will the transmitter/transponder location be sold then?

[23skidoo]

I guess you're talking about the Calgary CHCA repeater (channel 44). If it becomes CITV Edmonton, does that mean we'll have two Global channels OTA in Calgary?
And what will CHCA in Edmonton (ch 17) and Red Deer (ch 6) become?

[stampeder]

As I understand it the license for the repeater will be handed back to the CRTC at the same time as the main license is surrendered. No more 44 in Calgary after that.

[23skidoo]

Thanks, stampeder.
So I misread what Mackerel was saying, which is that the CHCA station in Red Deer itself will become a feed of CITV Edmonton? That makes more sense.

[DarkSaturn]

Just picked up a little $20 indoor Yagi. I was initially only able to receive global on 2.1, I've since discovered if I rotate the antenna into a very unusual orientation (off an east wall, pointing about 15 degrees beyond straight down, and then skewed about 20 degrees south) I can receive CTV (on 36.1 rather than 4.1, Samsung A550)). I'm right in the beltline. Don't have a signal meter, but I'm willing to bet the signal strength isn't great, movement in the room seems to induce pixelation. Still, my expectations where low so I'm happy enough.

[stampeder]

Yep, from the Beltline you certainly have the predicament of the 2 DTV stations being in almost opposite directions. If you're stuck with an indoor antenna at least its good that you found the aiming points for them, but you might want to try a better indoor antenna as seen in the Antenna Chart.

[Mackerel]

Originally Posted by DarkSaturn

... Don't have a signal meter, but I'm willing to bet the signal strength isn't great, movement in the room seems to induce pixelation ...

Your Sammy should have a built-in signal meter in the Setup Menu (last group, cannot remember name, where you can test picture and sound as well). A550 should have that too, right?

[Mackerel]

Originally Posted by 23skidoo

I guess you're talking about the Calgary CHCA repeater (channel 44). If it becomes CITV Edmonton, does that mean we'll have two Global channels OTA in Calgary?
And what will CHCA in Edmonton (ch 17) and Red Deer (ch 6) become?

This is the info I found on the web:

Canwest announced in February 2009 that it was reviewing several options, including closure, for its E! stations due to financial pressures. It has since announced that the station will close on August 31, 2009. Canwest will continue to operate a semi-satellite of Edmonton's Global station CITV in Red Deer, with 2.5 hours of local programming a week.

[codewarrior75]

Hi,

I moved into my new house in Saddleridge about 1 week ago. I have a Wineguard Square Shooter (amplified) antenna that I bought about 3 months ago. I tried it out yesterday by putting it out on the front step. The reception on the digital channels was fantastic. The old analog channels, especially the lower ones, weren't as good but that is to be expected.

Thanks,

Codewarrior75

[downbeat]

Originally Posted by Mackerel

This is the info I found on the web:

From what I understand, CHCA and its repeaters will go off the air at the end of the month. When that happens, CITV's repeater in Red Deer will either begin or continue (I'm not sure which) to provide 2.5 hours of local programming a week.

[stampeder]

Originally Posted by downbeat

looks like quality control problems are at play here, as some owners appear to genuinely love the product, from the online reviews I'd read before purchasing the thing.

downbeat has confirmed that the Tivax converter box was to blame - see his recent post here:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=42186