Is there anything I can get to reduce interference to my HDTV when a train goes by?
Ryan L asked:
My friend’s family just bought a new HDTV that I suggested to them, but they live about 75 yards from a train track. About every 15 minutes a train goes by and disrupts the HD signal. Are there any kind of filters you can buy, or any tips on antenna placement? Thanks in advance.
Cable isn’t an option due to living in the country, and satellite is nice, but for an extra however much a month for the local channels, an antenna would be ideal.
My friend’s family just bought a new HDTV that I suggested to them, but they live about 75 yards from a train track. About every 15 minutes a train goes by and disrupts the HD signal. Are there any kind of filters you can buy, or any tips on antenna placement? Thanks in advance.
Cable isn’t an option due to living in the country, and satellite is nice, but for an extra however much a month for the local channels, an antenna would be ideal.
Get cable or even better, satellite.
HDTV is more directional than standard TV (analog) broadcasts
If you use your TV’s signal meter you will see its not really interference your signal level is dropping to 50% or lower
Place your antenna on a pole so it “LOOKS” over the height of passing trains
Also use your TV’s signal meter to assist in “POINTING” the antenna towards the transmission tower OR get a direction from tower to you and use a compass
The only way a passing train could possibly interfere with your HDTV digital signal is if the trains radio used a simular carrier frequency as most all HDTV signals are on UHF freq’s
this is possible but unlikely
think of your HDTV signal as another type of sattellite
you cant point your dish into a tree
and you cant point your HDTV antenna into a train
Well it sounds like the trains BLOCK your signal, so the only thing you can do is get that antenna UP and OVER the trains for good reception…..
Can a roof mounted antenna on an 8 foot mast get “UP AND OVER” the trains?
If so, then go to Radio Shack, buy the 8 bay bowtie antenna, get the mast, the outdoor balun, the 100 foot RG-6 antenna wire, the wall plate for your wall, the 6 to 12 RG-6 wire from the wall to the TV set, nylon cable ties, and you’ll need to secure the RG-6 cable on the side of your house using cable straps or siding clips if you have siding……
Yeah, it’s not a super-simple job…..but MEN LOVE PROJECTS ! Give them a beer…and call it a Project and they’re on it like White on Rice !!
Meanwhile, you go to :
and you find out where your TV stations are located and you point that antenna right in the middle of the arc they show you.
Better yet, go there now and it’ll help you select the BEST antenna for your situation….I just suggest the 8 Bay Bowtie because it’s UNIVERSALLY the best one in any situation.