HDTV programming in my area?

[eganm947]

How do I determine if HDTV broadcasts are available in my area? BTW, I'm located in Orange County, New York.

Thx.

Michael Egan

[raff]

I assume you mean over the air, since you mentioned broadcasts. There are several web sites that list TV stations and their broadcasting abilities. Here's one.

http://www.dtv.gov/

If you're talking about cable TV, it depends on your carrier. HD is also available from DirecTV and Dish Network.

[HD Library]

For over the air broadcast DTV check...

www.antennaweb.org

[HD Library]

For local cable visit the main website and input your area to find out what is available.

Charter Cable

Comcast Cable

Adelphia Cable

General listing of Cable companies

[HD Library]

You can find out some interesting information about your local stations using this service.

http://encycl.opentopia.com/

In the search box type in the call letters of your local station such as WAGA here in Atlanta and you will get some info for that station and below a listing of all stations by channel number.

[videobruce]

This is the updated complete 'HowTo' use the site '2150.com':

I've done this many times for individuals that are having issues receiving stations or have no idea what/where they are or even if they are within range.

It's too bad AntennaWeb always gets referenced. It's no doubt for it's 'simplified' interface. I find it VERY lacking failing for these reasons:
1. Most that come to an advanced internet forum are not your average 'joe sixpack' and can comprehend something better then just simple color charts.
2. No idea how/where those results come from.
3. It gives you no data for transmitter output or antenna height which tells you nothing.
4. It is sponsored by the CEA which is only in the business to sell you something.

Just a few initial steps are all that is needed to have a far superior list for your local stations. It even includes Canada, where that 'other' site doesn't seem to know the country exists. :rolleyes:

Step 1; Go here and enter your zip code, then click 'search';
http://geocoder.ibegin.com/geolive.php? ... Nuevo+Leon

Step 2 (optional); Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to fine tune your location. You should be able to get your latitude and longitude down to a couple of hundred feet by clicking on you exact location (if you wish).

Step 3; Do a copy/paste of the latitude and longitude watching exactly what you copy. Include the '-' in the longitude with no spaces before either number and then go here;
http://www.2150.com/broadcast/default.asp

Step 4; Select how you want the search to be configured. Coose the distance you want to cover and be sure to check "Include Expired Records" and "Include Construction Permits"!

Step 5; To be really accurate you need to find the magnetic declination of you location. A zip code should be sufficient;
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/geomag/jsp/Declination.jsp

Step 6; Click on "Compute Declination" and do a C&P to the space provided at the 2150 site (default is -13.25) and click on "Show Stations".

Step 7; If you are satisfied with the results you can 'save' this list as a bookmark by clicking on the "Bookmark this link to save this report" link which will bring up another window. This way, all you have to do is refer back to this bookmark (after you saved it in your bookmarks) and all your data is there and will be updated on a regular basis.

Special notes to interpret what you see;

Column 3; Channel, the first is the actual digital channel, the one in () is the original analog number.
Column 19; HAAT (Height Above Average Terrain) this is usually not the tower height since it takes into account the surrounding terrain. ERP (Effective Radiated Power) is not the transmitter output, but the combined gain and loss of the system.
Column 11; The circle with the dot in the center is the transmitter location, NOT your location! Where that red line meets the outer circle is YOU!
Aim your antenna at the center.

The site will update on a regular basis.
Hope this helps................

[jmeissen]

Just a few initial steps are all that is needed to have a far superior list for your local stations. It even includes Canada, where that 'other' site doesn't seem to know the country exists. :rolleyes:

I tried using www.2150.com for the Portland, OR metro area (specifically, Beaverton, OR) and it didn't show me any of the local stations. It only showed results from Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, Centralia and Bellevue (WA) and Eugene, Salem and Bend (OR). Kind of strange, since the Portland metro area is larger than most of those (except Seattle/Tacoma) combined.

And for some reason they claim that the Salem, OR transmitter is 4.7mi away, in Portland (Salem is ~45mi from here). I know that's not true.

On the other hand, AntennaWeb shows all the local stations (eight broadcasters and ~20 channels) and the directional information I needed to set my antenna.

[videobruce]

Did you check (include);
Include Expired Records &
Include Construction Permits??

I have updated the 'How to'. I supplied an better refference for latitude and longitude lookups.

[jmeissen]

Did you check (include);
Include Expired Records &
Include Construction Permits??

I wouldn't have expected to. When I do they show up. I guess my brain tuned out that part of your instructions.

It doesn't make any sense to me. I checked a few of them, and according to the FCC data the licenses all seem to expire on Feb 1, 2007, even though (for instance KOPB) they were granted on Jan 25, 2007 or (KATU) July 11, 2006 or similar.

[videobruce]

You have to understand, it's the FCC. They are only a bunch of lawyers that have NO RF background in any way, shape or form that are indirectly appointed by the a**hole in the White House.