Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

_ Mirsky

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

In article ,
Mirsky wrote:

Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

_ Mirsky

First of all, there is no such thing as a "digital antenna". Like
everything else, this is pure marketing hype.

Read this:
http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/hdtv-antenna-hype.php

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

In article Mirsky writes:
Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term.

Acually, macroblock is a better term, though pixelate is frequently
misused for it.

What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

Well, first, on antennas. There are no "digital" antennas, or "hdtv"
antennas. They are antennas, just like the old ones, and they work the
same way.

You didn't say where his antenna is -- apparently it is not where the
signal is. What sort of antenna is it, and how high up is it. (Note:
if it is indoors, that is almost certainly his problem -- they belong
outside, or at least in the attic.)

Noting that antennas are not specifically digital -- how well does he
get the analog channels? (That is not a perfect test, mine are crummy
but my digital is almost always perfect.)


One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

You should look at the various online signal prediction sites, like
www.antennaweb.org. Then put up an appropriate antenna out in the
clear, aimed to get the signals. Use good coaxial feedline, proper
connectors (well weathersealed outside), and enjoy.


Alan

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

On Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:50:14 +0000, Mirsky wrote:

Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

It's caused by signal loss. What's causing the signal loss could be many
things, but more than likely it's the antenna, or how/where it's
installed. First, you need to understand there's no such thing as an HD
antenna. It's just an antenna that receives the same signals on the same
channels it did before. The only difference is the contents of the
transmitted signal and the tuner that receives it. If your friend already
had a decent working antenna, tell him to hook it back up. From your post
it sounds like they sold him some kind of indoor antenna. And you can bet
it's probably an expensive model. A proper antenna, installed properly
will eliminate all that pixelation.

One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

If you already have a good antenna that you can watch regular TV on,
don't, I repeat, don't buy another antenna. If someone tells you you need
a digital antenna, or an HD antenna, walk away. They are either ignorant
or liars. When you see HD ready, HD antenna, or digital antenna on a
product, it's just hype. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do it now just
to keep up with the unscrupulous ones that started this practice. And
don't think a high price will get you a good antenna. Some of the worst
made are expensive. And some of the best are under $50.

The proper antenna depends entirely on where you are located in relation
to the transmission towers. Not knowing that, I couldn't recommend one.

--
Want the ultimate in free OTA SD/HDTV Recorder? http://mythtv.org
My Tivo Experience http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/tivo.htm
Tivo HD/S3 compared http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/mythtivo.htm
AMD cpu help http://wesnewell.no-ip.com/cpu.php

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

On Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:50:14 GMT, Mirsky wrote:

Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

_ Mirsky

Weak signal due to improper antenna installation. He needs to spend
more money on a large outdoor antenna that has direct line of sight to
broadcast antennas.

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

Duff wrote:
On Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:50:14 GMT, Mirsky wrote:

Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

_ Mirsky

Weak signal due to improper antenna installation. He needs to spend
more money on a large outdoor antenna that has direct line of sight to
broadcast antennas.

Or he may need to move the antenna 5 or 10 feet to a better location.
Or aim the UHF part of the antenna better. Until we know his location
and distance & direction to the broadcast towers, we can't provide any
accurate advice. Mirsky, if you can post his zip and, if you want
antenna recommendations, post your zip code as well along with basic
info: house or condo/apartment, down in a valley or on a hill,
surrounded by tall trees.

Pixelation is the digital equivalent of a noisy analog TV picture.

Alan F

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

What everyone has said - it's weak signal.

See if the TV has a signal strength display, most do. Then you can
try aiming the antenna differently.

J.


On Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:50:14 GMT, Mirsky wrote:

Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?

One reason I am asking is that I am planning to buy a new HDTV too. I am
thinking of getting a Sharp 32" LCD tv, model # LC-32D62U. Like my
friend, I am planning to use the television with a digital antenna
because i don't want to pay for cable, satellite or other pay-service
right now. Should I expect to experience the same "pixelation" problem
as my friend?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

_ Mirsky

Q about "Pixelation" of Digital Signal on HDTV
 

Depending on where how far your friend is from the broadcasters
he might benefit from an amplified antenna. I live in a low rise
condo
near hills and surrounded by trees. I've always needed amplified
indoor
antennas to get descent reception. Also, while there's no
such thing as an HDTV antenna most of the digital stations are
UHF. Traditional rabbit ears, for example are for VHF while a
loop
is best for UHF. Finally, even for excellent reception, some
broadcasts
e.g. sports will give those little boxes for fast changing
scenes due to
the broadcaster's compression algorithm.
--

Rick Evans
---------------------------------------------------------------
Lon -71° 04' 35"
Lat +42° 11' 07"

"Mirsky" wrote in message
...
Hi. I have a friend who recently purchased a 26" Polaroid HDTV
from
Circuit City. He also bought a digital antenna there that he
hooked up
to the television. Unfortunately, he has found that the
picture of the
tv stations often 'pixelates.' I am not sure if 'pixelate' is
the
proper term. What happens is that the image on the screen
breaks up
into little squares and sometimes even freezes for a few
seconds. He
has found that it happens so often that sometimes he can't
watch any of
the stations at all.

My questions: is the 'pixelation' problem one that is common
with using
an HD antenna (that is, versus cable or satellite)? Is it all
the fault
of the antenna or is part of the problem with the tv itself?