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From: jimb@tekcbi.UUCP (Jim Boland)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Re: Laser and Vcr stuff
Message-ID: <393@tekcbi.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 11-Nov-85 19:14:45 EST
Article-I.D.: tekcbi.393
Posted: Mon Nov 11 19:14:45 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Nov-85 07:52:49 EST
References: <21169@mgweed.UUCP> <1557@utcsri.UUCP> <2659@brl-tgr.ARPA> <391@tekcbi.UUCP> <3041@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 36

> > [I originally said:]
> >What is your antenna doing in the attic.  I am not surprised that you have
> >ghosts and problems.  Put it outside above your roof where it belongs
> >and you will probably see some improvement.  
> 
> > [Will responds]
> The point is that I live *in* the city, in what should be the
> maximum-signal-contour area, and yet I still have bad reception. I
> shouldn't need an outside antenna. I shouldn't need an attic antenna,
> even! I should get a perfect picture with back-of-set rabbit ears and
> UHF loop antennae, without going to any trouble at all. Yet I don't
> and I don't know anyone who does! 

Once again I stand by my original statement.  Rabbit ears aren't good for
anything (usually).  They may work sometimes, but that is only to get a
picture.  

Your TV receives the radiated energy which is "moving" through air.
In order to receive the signal correctly, you need an "interceptor"
(spelled - "antenna") which is tuned and polarized (length and direction)
to the signal frequency you intend to receive.  This requires a good
antenna, particularly in the city with all the metal framed buildings
and other structures (obstacles) all over everywhere.  These can cause
reflections, cancellations, and even additions (depending on frequency)
at your receiving site.  A good directional antenna with many elements
(the different elements are of different lengths and are thus tuned for
specific channels) so as to give the best response over the entire 
band (upper and lower VHF) will give you the best chance of getting a 
good signal.  (short of buying separate antennas for each channel). Even 
in the city.  Sure, you could probably take an open coathanger and put
it on the antenna terminal of your TV and get a signal.  But what
happens when you walk in front of it?  

Well, enough of this.  I still maintain that if you put a good antenna
on the roof where it belongs, you stand a good chance for some improvement.
I have yet to see where it doesn't (over the alternatives).