Terestial TV Reception

[Kay Lee]

I normally boat on the Rappahannock and lower Potomac rivers. When terestial broadcast TV was analog, I could watch most Washington and some Richmond TV stations aboard my boat with just a car-type rabbit ear antenna from Radio Shack. Since the switch-over to digital TV, I'm lucky if I can receive just one station now and the signal is so weak and pixelized that it isn't really watchable. Has anyone gotten a system that works in these areas? Before I throw $200+ at a new Shakespeare SeaWatch antenna or something similar, I'd like to know if there's a chance that it would work or should I just stick to DVD's?

Thanks,
Larry

 

[tbirdvet]

Are you using a TV with a digital tuner?

 

[Kay Lee]

Yes, and it works fine at home using my rooftop antenna!

Larry

 

[Vince_nj1]

Just a thought.. Can you find someone in your marina with a Glomax antenna and a digital TV or Tuner and see what channels they are able to pick up?

 

[Kay Lee]

Just a thought.. Can you find someone in your marina with a Glomax antenna and a digital TV or Tuner and see what channels they are able to pick up?

I'm a trailer boater, but I'm in the process of checking with people via a local forum in the nearby marinas and that boat in my area. The areas that I boat in a very rural with lots of farms.

Larry

 

[alnav]

Try using the reception mapping tool at this site: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90

I put in the Tides Inn on the Northern Neck; looks pretty grim and I expect that is the case for the whole area.

 

[Kay Lee]

Right you are, Al! As suggested by someone on another forum, I used the FCC's signal strength map tool at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/ and found that the Rappahannock and lower Potomac rivers are crappy for DTV reception, especially the places I use for anchorages! I'll stick to DVD's and keep the little antenna for the rare occasions when I'm close to the TV stations.

Larry