09
A Quick Start
Step 2: Selecting Your Antenna.
After noting all available DTV channels in your area from the websites above, a suitable antenna must be selected.
a. Can I use my existing analog TV Antenna?
If you receive good noise free, ghost free signals on your analog channels, especially UHF channels (most DTV signals are transmitted on UHF), you MAY be
able to use your existing antenna system. In this case, to feed the TV signals to both the set-top box and your existing TV/VCR system, you will need to use
a signal splitter (see Page 18). Passive signal splitters cause loss which can degrade the signal. If needed, contact your local RadioShack store for an Amplified
2-way splitter that will not degrade the signal.
b. Can I use an indoor set-top antenna?
In strong signal areas, without reflection problems, this may be satisfactory, but is not recommended. Your local RadioShack store sells antennas for cases where
an indoor antenna is suitable.
c. Do I need an antenna upgrade?
If (a) and (b) are not satisfactory, then you need an antenna upgrade. Consult with your local RadioShack store.
d. Choosing a new Antenna System:
If all available DTV transmissions are from approximately the same direction, the installation should be simple and inexpensive. The websites can help with
choice of antenna and pointing details. Ideally, antennas should be mounted high (e.g. on a chimney) and clear of obstructions. An attic installation may be
satisfactory. If available DTV transmissions are from different directions, then either a motorized antenna (with a rotator) or an “area special” antenna system is
required. You can purchase antenna rotators from your local RadioShack store or a professional antenna installer. Area special antennas are best handled by
professional antenna installers..
Step 3: Scan and Store DTV Channels into Your HDTV Receiver.
Once you have installed your antenna and rotator (if needed), you should use the information you collected from the above websites and point your antenna
towards the direction where there are the largest number of DTV stations. If there are no previous channels stored in your HDTV receiver, the factory default
settings will have the unit automatically scan for channels when turned on. Otherwise, use the AUTO SCAN MENU, followed by the RESCAN function
(see page 27 of this manual) of the HDTV receiver to find and store all these stations into the receiver. Then, if necessary, rotate your antenna towards the
direction where there are the second largest numbers of DTV stations and select the
UPDATE
function in the AUTO SCAN menu to add new channels only and
store the previously scanned channels.
Do not use the RESCAN function, because it will erase the previously stored channels.
Continue the process until you store all channels you are capable
of receiving.
After these simple steps, you are now ready to enjoy crisp, clear, and FREE terrestrial/over-the-air DTV programming!
