Over-the-air (OTA) Antenna Installation Training

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Over-the-air (OTA) Antenna Installation Training
Revised 2/7/06
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Overview

• Why install OTA antennas
• Basics of OTA broadcasts
• Antenna Characteristics
• Basic Rules of OTA broadcasts
• Available antenna models
• Safety, Preparation, and Installation
• Installation Considerations
• Troubleshooting
• Using Antennaweb.org
• Commonly Used Terms and Additional Resources

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This Over-the-air (OTA) Antenna Installation
Training document is for informational purposes
only.

• Accuracy of Information
• While EchoStar uses reasonable efforts to include
  accurate and up to date information, EchoStar
  makes no warranties or representations as to the
  accuracy of information provided. EchoStar
  assumes no liability or responsibility for any
  errors or omissions in the content of this
  document.
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  whether oral or written, obtained by you from
  EchoStar shall create any warranty not expressly
  made herein.
• Third-Party Web Sites
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  included in this document and is not responsible
  for the content of any such sites.

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Why install OTA antennas

• To provide HD local channels in markets where
  they are not provided by DISH Network and to
  supplement the HD channels received from DISH
  Network.

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Basics of OTA broadcasts

• Over-the-air (OTA) channels are broadcast by
  local television stations from a transmitter
  tower.
• There are two types of OTA broadcasts analog and
  digital. Analog broadcasts are expected to be
  turned off in April of 2009. Digital television
  broadcasts were adopted by the FCC in 1996, and
  provide an improved way of transmitting signals.

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Basics of OTA broadcasts

• The signal broadcast from the tower can be sent
  in two frequency ranges VHF and UHF.
• VHF (Very High Frequency) covers channels 2
  through 13. Most stations broadcasting in the VHF
  range are analog channels, but some markets do
  include digital channels. VHF is sometimes broken
  into two ranges low VHF (channels 2-6), and high
  VHF (channels 7-13).
• UHF (Ultra High Frequency) covers channels 14
  through 69. Most digital broadcasts are in this
  range. However, as analog channels are shut down,
  some digital broadcasts may move into the VHF
  range.
• An OTA antenna is used to gather these signals
  and send them to the OTA tuner. The antenna can
  be designed to pick up either UHF frequencies,
  VHF frequencies, or both UHF and VHF frequencies.

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Basics of OTA broadcasts

• A tuner is required to receive analog or digital
  OTA broadcasts.
• The ViP series of DISH Network receivers support
  the newer OTA broadcast technology, and only
  include a digital OTA tuner.

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Antenna Types

• There are many types of antennas designed to meet
  a variety of installation requirements. Designs
  may emphasize aesthetics, ability to pick up a
  weak signal and/or reject interference.
• The CEMA (Consumer Electronic Manufacturers
  Association) color coding system identifies
  antenna types recommended to receive a specific
  digital broadcast channel.

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Antenna Characteristics

• The CEMA color coding standard uses the
  following characteristics to classify an antenna
  
• Gain
• Directivity
• Beamwidth
• Amplified or Non-amplified

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Antenna Characteristics

• Gain Describes the relative strength of signal
  the antenna can receive. The higher the gain,
  the stronger the received signal. High gain
  antennas improve distant signal reception and are
  often used in markets with weak broadcast signals.

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Antenna Characteristics

• Directivity The antennas ability to receive
  signals from one direction and reject those from
  another which helps minimize interference. The
  antenna shown in this image is directional. A
  measure of directivity is referred to as the
  front-to-back ratio.

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Antenna Characteristics

• Beamwidth The side to side range from which an
  antenna can receive signals. This area is
  described in degrees, and is formed from the
  compass angles (azimuth) that outline the areas
  boundary. Beamwidth helps determine which towers
  can be received from at a given location.
• Note In some locations, all networks may be
  broadcast from a single transmitter tower.

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Antenna Characteristics

• Amplified vs. Non-Amplified
• Amplified antennas do not increase reception
  range. Rather, they are intended to help
  compensate for signal level loss experienced due
  to long cable runs and/or splitters.
• An antenna that includes a signal amplifier is
  often referred to as having a preamp. A
  pre-amplifier is usually installed internally or
  externally next to the antenna to boost the
  incoming signals. This compensates for cable
  and/or in-line passive losses. A power inserter
  is required for either type of amplifier, and is
  typically installed indoors.

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Antenna Characteristics

• Amplified vs. Non-Amplified

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Antenna Selector Pie Chart

• This pie chart is used to classify antennas
  according to their reception range and
  directivity. These colors follow the CEMA
  classifications and match up to those used on
  www.antennaweb.org in making a recommendation on
  the antenna required to receive a particular
  channel in a particular area.

ANTENNA SELECTOR PIE-CHART LEGEND ANTENNA SELECTOR PIE-CHART LEGEND
YELLOW The smallest of TV antennas, these receive equally well from all directions. Designs include novel-shaped disks, patch antennas and antennas that attach to satellite systems. These antennas are most effective when signal strength is highest and away from reflecting structures or low areas.
DARK GREEN Intermediate in both size and power, these antennas receive equally in all directions. Designs include novel stick, wing-shaped or disk-type antennas with long elements. An amplified antenna is recommended for green channels anytime a long (20 feet or more) cable from the antenna is required, or when more than one device (TV or VCR) is to be used with an antenna. They work best away from reflecting structures or low areas.
LIGHT GREEN Bigger in size, these antennas boast powerful reception in all directions. These antennas are better for greater distances from the signal source and areas with low signal strength. Styles include metal multi-element antennas. These antennas can be used to reject simple ghost situations. When mounted outdoors on rooftops heights (30 feet or higher), amplified antennas are best used in areas away from reflecting structures or low areas.
RED These medium-size, multi-element antennas are the most popular rooftop antenna because of their modest size and ghost-reducing characteristics. These are best used if there are any ghost-producing reflective structures near your location.
BLUE, VIOLET PINK These are LARGE DIRECTIONAL antennas. (The antennas in the pink and the violet zones require a preamp) Large directional antennas can be used in all map areas yellow through blue, but may require an optional antenna mounted preamp and roof-top mounting when used in violet or pink areas.
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Basic Rules of OTA Reception

• Outdoor antennas are better They have a better
  view of the transmitting station, receive less
  interference from other equipment, and are less
  subject to multipath interference from the
  building structure. The signal received decreases
  by approximately half if an antenna is used
  indoors.
• Higher is better The higher the antennas
  position, the more direct signal it receives from
  the transmitting station. For optimal reception,
  the antenna should have line of sight to the
  transmitter tower.
• Closer is better The closer you are to the
  broadcast tower, the stronger the signal.
• Bigger is generally better The larger an
  antenna, the more signal it generally receives.

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Important Installation Considerations

• Terrain The landscape surrounding the
  customers home impacts their ability to receive
  OTA channels. For instance, if a broadcast
  station is behind a large hill relative to the
  customers location, it may not be possible to
  receive the channel from that broadcast station.
  Trees and other natural objects may also
  interfere with the reception of OTA signals.
  Having a line of sight to the transmitter tower
  provides the best signal.

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Important Installation Considerations

• Obstructions Man-made obstructions, such as
  buildings and other houses, may be located
  between the customers home and the broadcast
  station. These objects may prevent the signal
  from reaching the customers antenna, or they may
  cause signal to be reflected, resulting in
  multipath interference.

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Important Installation Considerations

• Multipath This often occurs when the antenna
  receives the signal sent directly from the
  station, but also receives the same signal
  reflected by another object. Multipath occurs
  when these signals reach the antenna at varying
  times. Too much multipath results in pixeling
  video, freezing video, or no video at all. A more
  directive antenna will reduce multipath and
  improve signal reception.

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Important Installation Considerations

• Digital OTA broadcasts are still developing. This
  leads to some additional considerations that may
  impact what channels the customer may receive.
• Broadcasters are still testing digital signals,
  and may stop broadcasting without notice.
  Broadcasters are also testing the strength of
  digital signals, and may vary the power output,
  or even turn it off.
• Many broadcasters do not yet have permanent
  broadcast towers.
• Broadcasters may choose to multicast, which
  allows them to provide up to four standard
  definition channels in the same bandwidth used to
  provide one high definition channel.
• Note These factors are outside of the control
  of DISH Network.

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Antenna Models available through EchoSphere

• Winegard Sensar III Antennas
• 0-35 miles UHF
• 0-30 miles VHF
• 75 average Beamwidth
• GS-1100 Sensar Antenna (non-amplified)
• GS-2200 Sensar Antenna (amplified)
• Note The front of the Sensar III Antennas is
  identified by the Winegard logo.

Note All mileage estimates are ranges, and will
vary depending on your specific installation and
location.
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Antenna Models available through EchoSphere

• Winegard SquareShooter Antennas
• 0-50 miles UHF
• 0-40 miles high VHF (ch 7-13)
• 61 average Beamwidth
• SS-1000 SquareShooter Antenna
  (non-amplified)
• SS-2000 SquareShooter Antenna (amplified)

Note All mileage estimates are ranges, and will
vary depending on your specific installation and
location.
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Antenna Models available through Echosphere

• Winegard HD-7084P Yagi Antenna
• 0-50 miles UHF
• 0-50 miles VHF
• 45 average Beamwidth
• Winegard HD-9095P Yagi Antenna
• 0-50 miles UHF
• 37 average Beamwidth

Note All mileage estimates are ranges, and will
vary depending on your specific installation and
location.
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Safety Considerations

• Install OTA antennas in accordance with all local
  and national building codes. In addition to those
  rules, here are some additional considerations
  regarding antenna installation (Note These
  guidelines are not meant to be all inclusive).
• Locate and avoid any power lines or other wiring
  in the area.  If you are unfamiliar with what a
  safe distance is, consult a professional. 
• Any antenna mounted on a mast 20 feet or higher
  requires more than one person to install.
• Follow local and National Electric Code
  requirements for grounding the antenna.
• Masts over 10 feet tall require guy wires every
  10 feet.

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Steps to choose and install an OTA antenna
1. Determine OTA channels desired and
Available set customer expectations
2. Pick antennas to bring to the job site
3. Preparation and printouts
4. Site survey
7. Point antenna
8. Ground antenna and run cabling
6. Assemble and mount the antenna
5. Discuss anticipated channels with customer
11. Fine tune the antenna, if necessary
10. Verify scanned channels match anticipated
channels
12. Clean up
9. Scan channels using DISH Network receiver
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1. Determine the availability of OTA channels

• If a customer expresses an interest in receiving
  HD local channels that are not available via the
  satellite, go to www.antennaweb.org and click the
  Choose an antenna button. This tool predicts
  the OTA channels that may be available based on
  the address, whether there are structures over 4
  stories tall, and the building structure. Enter
  the customers address and click Submit.

Click to go back to Steps to choose and Install
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1. Determine the availability of OTA channels

• Antennaweb.org provides you with a list of
  available channels, the antenna type required to
  pick up each specific channel, and the signal
  direction for each channel. Click here for a
  detailed explanation of how to use Antennaweb.org.

Click to go back to Steps to choose and Install
an antenna
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1. Determine the availability of OTA channels

• Since the customer is interested in receiving
  off-air local high definition programming, click
  the Show Digital Stations Only button. Select
  View Street Level Map for a map of the
  transmitter station locations relative to the
  customers address. Discuss the list of available
  channels with the customer to determine if an OTA
  antenna can provide the desired channels.

Click to go back to Steps to choose and Install
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2. Pick Antennas

• Using the street level map and channel list,
  choose two or three different types of antennas
  to bring to the customers home so you can choose
  one that best fits the install. For this
  customers location, a medium directional antenna
  (color code red) would likely provide access to
  many channels broadcast from the north-west, but
  may not allow reception of the channel broadcast
  from the south-east.

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2. Pick Antenna(s)

• Pick antennas designed to receive the desired
  channels based on the information from
  Antennaweb.org. The required beamwidth can be
  determined by using the difference between
  azimuth settings for the desired channels. For
  example, if this customer wanted channel 40
  (azimuth264) and channel 29 (azimuth346), you
  would need an antenna with a beamwidth of 84.
  The required range can be determined using the
  Miles From column on Antennaweb.org.

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2. Pick Antenna(s)

• Picking a specific CEMA color-coded antenna does
  not guarantee you will receive all channels that
  use the same color-coded antenna. The channels
  received are also determined by the direction in
  which the antenna points.
• Additional considerations evident during the site
  survey at the home will help you to choose which
  antenna to install.

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3. Preparation and Printouts

• Using Antennaweb.org, click on View Street Level
  Map, then click Printer Friendly Map. Print
  the map and the list of digital channels for the
  customers address to take to the job site. The
  map and channel list will be used while
  performing the site survey and pointing the
  antenna.

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3. Preparation and Printouts

• It is recommended that you bring the following
  accessories with you to an OTA antenna
  installation.
• OTA Digital Signal Meter
• Diplexers (EchoStar part number 135025)
• Super Home Node (EchoStar part number 123433)
• Information on the Super Home Node can be
  accessed on the Retailer website under the
  Installation section.
• Grounding blocks (EchoStar part number 126516)
• Splitters (EchoStar part number 120341)
• Refer to the DISH Pro and DISH Pro Plus
  Compatible Accessories list on the retailer
  website for additional approved accessories.

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4. Site Survey

• The site survey should be performed using a
  compass and the compass orientation provided by
  Antennaweb.org. When performing the survey, keep
  the following considerations in mind
• Natural Obstacles (Hills, Trees, etc.)
• Man Made Obstacles (Tall buildings, houses)
• Reflective Surfaces
• Obstructions between the antenna and the
  broadcast stations may cause a reduction or
  complete loss of signal.

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5. Discuss anticipated available channels with
the customer

• Based on the customers location and surrounding
  terrain, it may not be possible to receive all
  OTA channels.
• After determining the OTA channels that will
  likely to be received using the Antennaweb.org
  information and your site survey, discuss the
  expected channels with the customer.
• You should also explain that not all digital
  channels are available all the time, as
  broadcasters are still testing digital signals.
  Click here for additional considerations
  regarding OTA broadcasts.

Click to go back to Steps to choose and Install
an antenna
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6. Assemble and mount the antenna

• Assemble the antenna following the installation
  instructions that came with the antenna.
• Find a location on the customers home that has
  line of sight to the transmitter towers.
• Survey the location for optimal signal. A
  recommended method is to connect the antenna to
  the OTA digital signal meter, and move the
  antenna to different locations to see which area
  has the highest signal.
• Install the antenna as high as possible to avoid
  obstructions.
• Mount the antenna to a secure and solid surface.
  Follow the same guidelines for mounting the
  antenna as you would normally follow for mounting
  satellite dishes.

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7. Point the antenna

• It is recommended that you use an OTA meter
  designed for digital signals to peak the antenna.
• Peak the antenna using the highest desired
  channel frequency (shown as frequency
  assignment on the channel list from
  Antennaweb.org).
• Once you have pointed the antenna, check all
  desired channel frequencies for signal.

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8. Ground the antenna and run cabling

• Follow local and National Electric Code
  requirements for grounding the antenna.
• RG-6 coaxial cable is preferred. If diplexing the
  Antenna In and the Satellite In cables, RG-6
  coaxial cable must be used.
• The Antenna In cable should be connected to the
  DISH Network satellite receivers 8VSB TV
  Antenna/Cable In port.
• Note If an amplified antenna is used, the
  Antenna In cable and the Satellite In cables can
  not be diplexed.
• Refer to the Installation Diagrams later in this
  presentation for assistance in connecting the
  antenna.

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9. Scan channels using DISH Network receiver

• Once the OTA antenna is peaked and connected to
  the receiver, go to the Local Channels menu on
  the satellite receiver. Use the Local Channels
  menu to scan in the digital off-air locals,
  following the directions in the receivers Users
  Guide.
• Check signal and video on all channels after
  completing the channel scan.

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10. Verify available channels

• Verify availability of desired channels found
  using the receivers Local Channels scan. These
  channels should be those you expected to receive
  based on the site survey and Antennaweb.org.

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an antenna
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11. Fine-tune the antenna alignment

• If not all expected channels are found, adjust
  the antennas alignment side to side until the
  expected channels are available.

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11. Fine-tune the antenna alignment

• Depending on your location and that of the
  transmitter towers, you may need to compromise
  how the antenna is pointed to receive the desired
  channels. It may not be possible to receive all
  desired channels. Using an antenna with different
  characteristics may be required.

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an antenna
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12. Clean Up

• As always, once the installation is complete,
  clean up any packaging, loose cabling, and tools
  that were used during the installation.

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Troubleshooting

• Pick the issue that you are experiencing for
  symptoms and troubleshooting steps
• Missing OTA channels in the EPG
• Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

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Missing OTA channels in the EPG

• Symptoms OTA channels do not appear in the EPG.
  Signal strength may or may not be present. If the
  customer is not subscribed to DISHHD, HD will be
  disabled, and HD channels (including digital OTA
  channels) will not be listed in the EPG.
• Customer is not able to receive specific channels
  Educate the customer not all channels are
  available at every location.
• Customers satellite receiver is not HD-enabled
  Verify HD is enabled using the Model ID on the
  System Info screen. The customer must subscribe
  to a new DISHHD programming package, or have the
  HD Enabling fee on their account to view OTA
  programming using their DISH Network receiver.
• Customer is trying to watch digital OTA channels
  at TV2 Digital OTA channels can only be
  accessed at TV1 unless previously recorded.
• EPG Data is corrupted or missing The customer
  must subscribe to DISH Network locals to view the
  EPG data for the OTA channels. If they do not
  subscribe to DISH Network locals, all OTA
  channels will display Digital Service. If the
  customer does subscribe to DISH Network locals,
  perform Scan Locals (on the Local Channels menu).
  If the data does not return, it is likely an
  issue with the broadcaster.

Click to go back to Troubleshooting symptoms
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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Symptoms Black screen with banner on digital OTA
  channels only, Error 739, or channels missing
  from the EPG after a Scan Locals. Intermittent
  signal loss may cause regular or sporadic black
  screens, pixeling, audio dropouts, video
  freezing, or low signal. Select a possible cause
  for appropriate troubleshooting
• Missing or inappropriate antenna for terrain and
  distance to transmitter towers
• The cable from the antenna is damaged, broken or
  disconnected
• Antenna out of alignment
• Obstructed line of sight to the transmitter tower
• Interference Multipath or Adjacent channel
  interference
• Broadcaster inconsistencies
• Rain or other weather
• Malfunctioning antenna
• Cable line loss is excessive
• Power inserter for amplified antenna is unplugged
• Excessive amplification (Receiver overload)

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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Missing or inappropriate antenna for terrain and
  distance to transmitter towers
• Check signal strength on all available digital
  OTA channels. Visually verify that the antenna is
  securely installed and is appropriate for UHF/VHF
  reception at the customers location.
• Rabbit-ears or indoor antennas often do not
  provide optimal reception.
• Replace antenna as needed with a more suitable
  antenna for the location. Refer to the Pick
  Antennas section for additional assistance.

Click to go back to Troubleshooting symptoms
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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• The cable from the antenna is damaged, broken or
  disconnected
• Inspect, repair, and/or replace cabling.
• Verify signal reception and Scan Locals, if
  necessary.

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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Antenna out of alignment
• Check antenna for loose hardware and/or movement.
• Align and peak the antenna for maximum signal.
  Verify other digital OTA channels were not lost
  as a result.
• If the missing channel(s) are not listed on the
  Local Channels menu, Scan Locals after each
  movement of the antenna, then peak the antenna
  for the highest signal possible.

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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Obstructed line of sight to the transmitter tower
• Remove obstructions. Relocate and/or reposition
  the antenna above or away from the obstructions.
• Possible obstructions include buildings, trees,
  and hills.
• Using the Local Channels menu, Scan Locals for
  available channels.
• If channels are found, align and peak the antenna
  for the highest signal possible.
• If channels are not found, adjust the antenna and
  scan again until the channels are found, then
  peak the antenna for the highest signal possible.

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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Interference Multipath or adjacent channel
  interference
• Re-point the antenna away from the source of
  interference.
• Large buildings and structures can reflect signal
  and cause multipath.
• Relocate the antenna to block or reduce the
  interference.
• Avoid installing an antenna adjacent to a
  structure that could reflect the signal, such as
  a large building or structure.
• Install a more suitable antenna for the location.
  A more directional antenna will block multipath
  better than a less directional antenna. Refer to
  the Pick Antennas section for additional
  assistance.
• Note The higher the antenna is installed, the
  better. Outdoor antennas are better than indoor.
  For optimal reception, the antenna should have
  line of sight to the transmitter towers.

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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Broadcaster Inconsistencies
• Explain to the customer that digital OTA
  broadcasts may be interrupted because
• Broadcasters are still testing digital signals,
  and may stop broadcasting without notice.
  Broadcasters are also testing the strength of
  digital signals, and may vary the power output,
  or even turn it off.
• Many broadcasters do not yet have permanent
  broadcast towers.
• Broadcasters may choose to multicast, which
  allows them to provide up to four standard
  definition channels in the same bandwidth that
  one high definition channel would be provided.
• Note The above factors are beyond the control
  of DISH Network. Advise the customer to contact
  their local broadcaster for issues.

Click to go back to Troubleshooting symptoms
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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Rain or other weather
• If reception drops out in weather, make sure the
  digital OTA signal strength is peaked for maximum
  reception on all received digital channels.
• Educate the customer that extreme weather may
  temporarily interrupt OTA reception, but that
  loss of signal during weather is temporary and
  you have made every attempt to minimize the
  effects.

Click to go back to Troubleshooting symptoms
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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Malfunctioning antenna
• Swap defective antenna with a known good antenna.
• Using the Local Channels menu, Scan Locals for
  available channels.
• If channels are not found on the channel scan,
  adjust the antenna and perform scan again until
  the channels are found.
• After channels are found on the Local Channels
  menu, align and peak the antenna for the highest
  possible.

Click to go back to Troubleshooting symptoms
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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Cable Line loss is excessive
• Ensure adequate signal is being received at the
  antenna using an OTA signal meter designed for
  digital signals.
• If the signal at the antenna is low, peak the
  antenna for the highest signal possible.
• If cable length from the antenna to the receiver
  is greater than 150 feet, or includes 2 or more
  distribution devices (splitters, diplexers,
  etc.), installation of an amplified antenna or an
  in-line amplifier may be required.
• Check signal strength on all available digital
  OTA channels. If the signal returns and is peaked
  for the desired channels, leave the amplification
  installed in the antenna system.

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Video issues or signal loss on OTA channels

• Power inserter for amplified antenna is unplugged
• Inspect the antennas power supply.
• Verify the power supply is operational. If it is
  disconnected, reconnect the power supply to the
  electrical outlet.
• Verify signal reception and, if needed, Scan
  Locals using the Local Channels menu.
• Excessive amplification (Receiver Overload)
• Remove the in line amplifier or install a
  non-amplified antenna.
• Install an attenuator in line next to the
  receiver 8VSB In port.
• Click here for information on the proper use of
  amplifiers.

Click to go back to Troubleshooting symptoms
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OTA Antenna Installation Diagrams

• These diagrams cover solutions for providing OTA
  channels depending on the customers installation
  and receiver needs.

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Digital OTA
59
Digital Analog OTA
60
Digital OTA to 2 receivers
61
Backfed SAT Analog OTA
62
Digital OTA
63
Digital Analog OTA on Two TVs
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Digital Analog OTA w/Two
Receivers
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Using Antennaweb.org

• Antennaweb.org is a great reference for picking
  and installing OTA antennas. After entering a
  customers address, you will receive a screen
  displaying a channel list similar to the one to
  the right. This screen indicates the OTA channels
  that may be able to be received based on the
  customers address.

Click to go back to Steps to choose and Install
an antenna
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Using Antennaweb.org

• On this screen, you have the option to see the
  list of all channels, only digital channels or
  only analog channels. You can also view a street
  level map of the transmitter towers locations
  relative to the address you entered. Each channel
  listed includes information used in picking and
  pointing the antenna.

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Using Antennaweb.org
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1. A star () under DTV indicates the channel is
   broadcasting a digital OTA signal.
2. Antenna type is color coded according to the
   Antenna Selector Pie Chart, and also lists if the
   antenna needs to be able to pick up UHF or VHF
   signals to receive that channel.
3. Call sign is the channel call letters. In
   addition to the call letters, some channels have
   additional letters following the call sign. In
   this example, -DT indicates a digital signal.
4. Channel is the channel number assignment that
   would show up in the satellite receivers Program
   Guide. The .1 indicates the channel has the
   ability to multicast.

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Using Antennaweb.org
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• Network indicates the channels network
  affiliation.
• City and State are the location from which the
  channel is broadcast.
• Live Date will be blank if the channel is already
  active. TBD will display if it is not yet
  determined if the channel is active, a date in
  the future indicates when the channel is
  scheduled to be available, or Testing indicates
  the channel is testing their digital signal.
• Compass Orientation is the direction in which the
  antenna needs to point to receive the signal.
  This is similar to the azimuth angle used when
  pointing satellite dishes.

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Using Antennaweb.org
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• Miles From indicates the distance from the
  address you entered to the transmitter tower.
  This distance helps you to determine the antenna
  to use. For instance, you would not pick an
  antenna with a range of 30 miles to receive a
  channel broadcast from 50 miles away.
• Frequency Assignment corresponds to the actual
  frequency for which the channel is broadcast.
  This may or may not correspond to the channel
  number listed. The frequency assignment should be
  used when peaking the antenna, rather than the
  channel number. If your signal meter uses
  frequency readings rather than the frequency
  assignment or channel number, this table can be
  used to match frequency ranges to the frequency
  assignment listed on antennaweb.org.

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Television Channels

• This table lists the frequency range of each
  channel, and the channel assignment number. This
  table can be used in matching frequency
  assignment from Antennaweb.org to a frequency
  reading on an OTA signal meter.

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Proper use of amplifiers

• If you have a strong signal reading at the
  antenna, but low signal by the time it reaches
  the receiver, you may need to consider using an
  amplifier.
• Amplifiers are used only to compensate for signal
  loss due to long cable runs or pieces of in-line
  equipment, such as splitters.
• In general, an amplifier would be needed if the
  cable run is over 150 feet long or includes two
  or more distribution devices (for example,
  splitters). However, you should always try a
  non-amplified antenna first.
• If you are not receiving adequate signal readings
  at the antenna, the antenna needs to be peaked or
  a different antenna may be required. An amplifier
  would not help for this situation.

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Commonly Used Terms

• Amplifier Boosts the strength of received
  signal but does not increase antenna range.
  Amplifiers are use to account for signal loss due
  to long cable runs or in-line equipment, such as
  splitters. An amplifier for an antenna can be
  either a line amplifier, meaning it is
  installed on the coax cable running to the
  receiver, or a preamp (preamplifier), which is
  built into the elements of the antenna. Both
  types of amplifiers require a power inserter to
  be installed.
• Attenuation A decrease in signal level as it is
  transmitted by wires from one point to another.
  Cable attenuation is dependent on cable type,
  length, and frequency, and is also referred to as
  cable loss.
• Balun An RF transformer device that matches the
  impedance of one component to another to prevent
  loss of signal. A balun is often used to match 75
  Ohm cable to the 300 Ohm output of an antenna or
  75 Ohm input of a TV.

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Commonly Used Terms

• Beamwidth The side to side range from which an
  antenna can receive signals. This area is
  described in degrees, and is formed from the
  compass angles (azimuth) that outline the areas
  boundary.
• CEMA Consumer Electronics Manufacturers
  Association.
• Directivity The ability of an antenna to pick
  up signals from one direction while ignoring
  those received from other directions.
• Frequency Assignment Indicates the frequency on
  which that channel broadcasts. This number does
  not necessarily correspond to the channel number.
• Front-to-back Ratio A measure of an antennas
  directivity based on the difference between
  signal strengths received from the front of the
  antenna and those received from the back of the
  antenna. Usually measured in decibels (dB).
• Gain Describes the relative strength of signal
  the antenna can receive. The higher the gain,
  the stronger the received signal.

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Commonly Used Terms

• Multicasting A digital channel can use all of
  its bandwidth to broadcast either one station in
  high definition (HD), or multicast up to four
  alternative standard definition stations in the
  same bandwidth. The primary channel is indicated
  by a .1 at the end. If the station multicasts,
  there can be up to three additional channels,
  with the same primary channel number, but having
  .2, .3, and .4 at the end. Many digital
  stations multicast during the day, and then
  switch to an HD feed for primetime.
• Multipath Occurs when the signal from the
  broadcast station reaches the antenna at varying
  times. This often happens when the antenna
  receives the signal sent directly from the
  station, but has another object reflecting the
  signal back to the antenna.
• OTA An abbreviation used that refers to
  over-the-air channels.

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Commonly Used Terms

• Polar Plot A graph that identifies the
  antennas characteristics such as beamwidth or
  directivity. The two polar plots shown here
  illustrate the
• beamwidth and directivity of a directional
  antenna, or one
• that picks up signals only from one direction,
  and a
• bi-directional antenna, or one that picks up
  signals from
• two directions. Polar plots are found on the
  manufacturers specification sheet for the
  antenna.
• Transmitter Towers Used by the TV station to
  broadcast the signal
• UHF Ultra-high frequency channels are those
  from channels 14 through 69, whose frequencies
  are located in the UHF band. Most digital off-air
  channels are usually found in this range.
• VHF Very-high frequency channels are those from
  channels 2 through 13, whose frequencies are
  located in the VHF band. VHF is sometimes broken
  into two segments low VHF (ch 2-6), and high VHF
  (ch 7-13).

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Helpful Links

• www.antennaweb.org Use this website to look up
  recommended antennas, get information about
  antenna reception patterns, and answers to
  frequently asked questions.
• www.winegard.com Provides information and
  specifications on the antennas listed in this
  training, as well as answers to frequently asked
  questions.
• http//www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html - Provides
  information on restrictions that can and can not
  be placed on the use of antennas and satellite
  dishes.
• http//www.channelmaster.com/home.htm - Provides
  information on off-air antennas, and a reference
  guide for steps to install and troubleshoot
  common problems.
• http//www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/basics.html -
  Provides information on TV broadcasts and
  commonly used terms and equipment.
• http//www.tvradioworld.com/north_america.asp -
  Provides channel information on OTA broadcasts
  for every state with links directly to the FCC
  website.
• Note The information available on these
  websites does not necessarily reflect EchoStars
  opinion.