Scanning for antenna channels is required? (turn on, connect, system, HD)
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I recently started using a new TV with an old antenna which I've used before (the old school antenna that uses the coaxial cable).
I tried going directly to certain channels (like 7.1) and nothing happened. Then I scanned all the channels (I think it was called Auto Program) which took a minute. Then I could go to the channels.
Was it totally required to scan before using the antenna channels? Shouldn't you be able to go to one channel (like 7.1) without scanning?
Scanning is mostly so that you can press channel+ or -, without getting so many blank channels, is that right? It's also so you can see a list of all channels.
because a "channel" number may use different "frequency" depending on location. Unlike the old days when 2 was 2 and 10 was 10 and 36 was 36, todays they are mixed up and the TV sorts it out to align with the channels numbering system.
For me, I have to scan anytime one of my local broadcasters makes a change to what they offer, (add a channel, etc) There could be exceptions, but I've never found one.
Are you saying 7.1 means one thing today but meant something else a few years ago in the same place?
Yea. A few years ago there was no 7.1
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When the TV scans, I guess it goes through all possible frequencies, but how does it know what number goes with which frequency?
Because... it scans. It scans for 7.1. It finds 7.1. It makes 7.1 available to you. It has not idea what is on 7.1... only that something is broadcasting there.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We have two TVs in our travel trailer, and though we mostly stream, we have to scan again every time we turn one of them on in a new location. Channel 5 is NBC in Seattle, it's CBS in San Francisco, and Fox in New York. The same applies to all other stations. Your TV doesn't know which stations are available until it does the scan to find out what signals it can pick up.
First of all DIGITAL ANTENNA's are pure BS marketing. There is no such thing as a DIGITAL ANTENNA. You know the old roof top TV antenna? To this day there is nothing better for pulling in HD TV.
No you cannot say a sq antenna is better then rabbit ears.
All TV antennas still connect via Coax.
"Powered antennas" are marketing too. Don't fall for it. They amplify the signal ONCE YOU RECIEVE IT ...it will not get you more channels. Even that doesn't always translate to a better picture. Some times it's actually worse.
The#1 thing you can do to get excellent antenna service is to get your antenna OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE.
I went from 6 channels... to 42... by putting an antenna outside.
Are you saying 7.1 means one thing today but meant something else a few years ago in the same place?
When the TV scans, I guess it goes through all possible frequencies, but how does it know what number goes with which frequency?
From my understanding (a techy person explained it completely to me but it was too technical that I only recall a few bits) digital channels work within a range of assigned frequencies. The exact frequency a broadcaster is using in San Diego for channel X.1 may be a slightly different frequency in the assigned range a broadcaster in Dallas is using for their channel X.1., which could be different from what the Boston broadcaster is using in the channel's frequency range for X.1. The digital signal being broadcasted tells the TV set what channel number (X.1 or X.2 or X.3 etc.) to display. So although you scanned and have X.1 in San Diego it's not the same frequency for X.1 in the other location.
Rectangle ones are fine too. Both are directional antennas, meaning they work best when pointed at the tower.
The key is selecting an antenna (with enough gain) and mounting location for your needs. Usually, the higher mounting locations work best as it will increase the gain, so in the attic or on the roof. Ideally, you won't need an amplifier, but they can be useful if you choose the correct one for your needs.
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