|
|
03-21-2008, 01:51 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
Digital TV Planning for your TT
For all Sunline Owners (and others as well):
For those TT owners that depend on television reception during their camping experiences, there is a new challange heading our way. Effective Feb. 17, 2009, by law all television transmission must be transitioned to digital signal transmission, thereby resulting in an end of the present analog signal transmission that has been used since television began. This is going to challange a lot of campers that depend on television for whatever reason. In general, and assuming that you do not have a "digital ready" TV set, and you only use a television set in one location (living area or bedroom), this will require the addition of a TV Digital Converter, which will receive the signal from the antenna (with the antenna amplifier turned on) and convert it to digital format and then to your analog TV set either with the RF cable or component hookups. The digital converter will then become your "tuner" with your TV tuned to channel 3 or 4 (if using RF hookup).
Where it becomes more sticky: if you have any other electronics connected within the loop of your TV system, such as a VHS recorder, then the Digital Converter would be connected to the VHS recorder first and then to the TV set. However, if you depend on the VHS recorder to record at given time, the Digital Converter will have to be set to that respective channel prior to the recording time. Meaning that if you are going to be going hiking, etc., set the Digital Converter to the channel you want to record and leave it on while you are gone (with the VHS recorder set to the proper recording time).
Antenna - Now the question comes like "Is my batwing antenna going to work OK with Digital Transmission signals?" I can tell you this - I connected a Digital Converter to a set of rabbit ears (in my garage) and I received strong signals that I had received only marginally previously. You will also discover that some of your favorite TV channels now have sub-channels that provide additional programming (like channel 6, 6.1, channel 8, 8.1, 8.2, etc.), with exceptional reception. As soon as I can, I will repeat this test in my TT to see how the batwing antenna works. At this point, I feel that reception may not be a problem.
Modifications - When we purchased our TT, (the T2363) I modified the antenna output configuration so I could feed off the antenna into a VCR and watch either on-air transmissions or VHS tapes (or DVD's) in either the living area or bedroom without having to move equipment around each time. Now that I have to insert a TV Digital Converter into the equation, I've got a lot of studying to do. Signal spliters and other devices may provide the answer, however, they can present problems as well.
I've given just a quick assesment of what this new feature may entail and will be working this out as we approach the camping season (got almost a year to get it done ) but it is something to start considering in your spare time. Any suggestions and ideas for mods will be welcome for assessment. It will be interesting to hear how others approach this challange.
Note: Go to Gov. website to sign up for two $40 coupons for purchase of 2 TV Digital Converters ($40 off each one, basic model only) and a listing where they can be purchased. Limit two coupons per household. I don't remember the date, however, this offer does expire so do it soon. There are more expensive TV Digital Converters available that provide more features that may provide needed capabilities. The coupons cannot be used on the more expensive units.
Another Note: When you run out to purchase a new television or recording device that is digital capable, make sure that in fact does meet the digital requirement (Must have a "NTSC" tuner). There are still analog TV's on the market so don't waste money on those.
Sorry for the lengthy verbage, however, there is much to consider on this topic.
Jim
__________________
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-21-2008, 06:29 PM
|
#2
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 91
SUN #492
|
I got a digital ready tv for christmas and this past week I set it up in the camper and got GREAT digital reception out of the OLD OLD OLD antenna, so I see no reason that the more modern batwing antennas would not work.
Tough to see but this is MY antenna:
__________________
|
|
|
03-22-2008, 09:14 AM
|
#3
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
Hi GhettoMedic -
Glad to hear that you received good signal levels. It does appear however, that you have a "Yaggi" type antenna on top of your TT (somewhat difficult to make out in the picture) that is of a high gain type of antenna capable of receiving signals from transmitters located 50-75 miles from their origin. That is no match for the batwing type TT antennas as the yaggi antenna will outperform the batwing type by a very large margin. It is a good way to go however if one can rig up that type of hookup. Go for it.
I do believe that the TT batwing type antenna will do a reasonable job of receiving the digital signals, just not at the distance that the yaggi would do. I would be interested in knowing how far you are from your TV station transmission towers. Thanks for you input.
Jim
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-22-2008, 03:47 PM
|
#4
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 91
SUN #492
|
Interesting,..... Here I was thinking my 1981 expanding aluminum antenna was old and outdated compared to modern technology. Cool sometimes old is good. By the way I was receiving crystal clear digital signals from about 40 miles away (direct line, not actual driving distance) even with the amplifier turned off. Thanks for that info because I was toying with the idea of replacing it with a new modern style. But if your info is correct than I'll keep it.
__________________
|
|
|
03-23-2008, 01:29 PM
|
#5
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
GhettoMedic -
It would be interesting if you were able at some point to compare your reception with a neighbor camper at your location that has a digital TV and using the batwing type antenna to see how they compare with your setup.
Jim
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-23-2008, 06:42 PM
|
#6
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,781
SUN #89
|
Jim
You seem to be into this and I have not ventured into this area, yet. So here is a question.
On my camper, I have a digital TV now. Or at least it says Digital on the front of it. And it is using one of the Wineguard amplified Batwing antennas.
Question: How do I know if this TV and antenna are actually working on digital or analog?
This TV came with the camper and I have no book on it. Will have to web search for one. It also has a goofy auto tune channel finder. Which if I'm at a campsite and I have no clue what the actual broadcasting channel is, it can skip right past it on the auto tune settings and I end up with 1 channel working, sometimes none. I have to do this auto tune about 3 to 4 times as I move the antenna about 30 degrees and try again.
In the old days before the auto tune channel preset features, when you would get a fraction of an image, you could rotate the antenna and then tune it in.
Now it is like I either get a perfect picture or none.
At home this things work great. But in a campsite where I do not know the area channels, it’s sometimes hopeless.
Any ideas? Even wild ones…??
Thanks
John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 06:18 AM
|
#7
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,920
SUN #98
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnB
Question: How do I know if this TV and antenna are actually working on digital or analog?
Any ideas? Even wild ones…??
|
John,
Does your TV menu have a Channel Set-up selection?
And does it provide the options to auto set-up for TV/DTV or CATV?
If you use auto set-up TV/DTV your TV should also tune in the digital sub-channels.
Also, if your TV has a remote with an Input button, try pressing the Input button, some TVs allow you to switch between Analog and Digital using the Input button.
Sometimes the "Display" button will also give you an indication if you're receiving in Digital or Analog. Additional information, such as signal type, may be displayed if you’re in digital mode.
What type of TV is it? Have you tried to find a manual for it on-line?
Wrt the Wineguard Batwing antennas, I remember reading somewhere that if the wings are painted - it's compatible to receive digital signals. If they're not painted, the antenna is not compatible for digital reception. I've been searching to see if I can find where I read that information to confirm it, but no luck so far. I beleive it was info provided by Wineguard.
Hope this helps a little.
Hutch
__________________
Mary & Tom (aka Hutch)
2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS
2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4x4 CC D/A
Sunlines: 2005 Solaris T-280SR; 1999 Solaris T-2670; 1998 Saturn T-24A
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 06:45 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 945
SUN #258
|
My tv's at home have digital receivers and there are several more (sub) channels with the local broadcasters as stated above so there may be more choices camping if within range of tv. For us dry campers, are there any 12v converters? If so, it's another draw on the battery. I guess I'll just turn the tv off and sit by the fire.
Here's a little tip. We don't watch much tv camping but sometimes watch a movie at night on the DVD player. We watch for interesting titles, old movies, old tv shows, etc on $1.00 DVD's at the Dollar Store and Wally World. They're all entertaining. If enough people did this, we could have swaps at the campsites for variety. Some of those old 50's sci fi's are a riot!
happy camping
__________________
Paul & Sheri - Upstate New York - SUN-0258
Amateur Radio KD2KCY - VHF 146.520 MHz
2012 F150 F/X 4, 6cyl EcoBoost, Max Tow pkg
2013 Rockwood 8280WS 5th wheel
2006 Sunline Solaris T-1950
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 08:31 AM
|
#9
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
John-
Looks like you have some experience with the digital world already. Like you stated, you either have a picture or you don't. That is pretty much what it is like with DTV (digital televion). You will have an excellent picture with no ghosting, smear or other interference. If you have a marginal signal, you may see your picture breaking up into little squares (like a bad satilite signal) or the picture drops out entirely. When the signal drops out, you may get a visual message stating "no signal" or other similar indication. As Hutch mentioned, try punching in a sub-channel number (eg. 6.1, 6.2) and see if you receive a channel. That will tell you if you are receiving a digital channel if a sub channel appears. Also, the channel search should select them if sufficient signal level is present. I believe that most quality TV sets being marketed today have both the digital tuner and analog tuner installed and will automatically select the received type signal.
The TV industry has been making this transition during the last several years, and during this ongoing evolution, TV set capatilities will vary greatly as time goes on. There will be sets out there that will do this and that, and those that will do this but not that and so on. So if you are in the market for a new tv, be sure that it is of the current design.
Also, I did see an article somewhere regarding the antennas, I think it was in one of the trailer magazines, that stated that the painted antennas were needed for digital TV. I would question that as being a marketing tool to sell antennas. I would have to see factual evidence of that.
Keep the ideas and questions coming as this is interesting. We are all going to learn something here.
By the way John, what brand of TV do you have? And as Hutch said, go online to the tv manufacture and see if they have an online manual for your tv model. If so, the specs should state if it has a ATSC tuner (digital). The manuals are usually in PDF format so you can print them out.
Jim
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 01:28 PM
|
#10
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
More on the Digital TV puzzzle
Another Hint -
If and when you are in the market for a new TV, I would recommend that you search the big box store websites and search through their inventory of TV sets. When you find sets that may meet your needs, check the specific set specifications to see that it meets the physical and screen dimensional sizes that meets your needs. Then check the buyers reviews to determine the customer satisfaction level of that set. I have seen many customer reviews that did not recommend the set for one reason or other. So far, the stores are not editing out negative reviews. Also, the old adage that states you get what you pay for applies as well.
Jim
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 02:16 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 272
SUN #139
|
Do any of you have recommendations for specific brands of TV Digital Converters or where to purchase them at a good price? Like anything else that hasn't reached the saturation point, the prices will probably be grossly higher than they should be.
__________________
Al
1985 T-1550
1993 T-2051
2007 T-2553
2003 Silverado 1500
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 03:20 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 546
SUN #67
|
You can buy an LCD/HDTV at Walmart for under $300. We use ours once in awhile when camping, and even with the batwing antenna the picture is as good as cable. With the push of a button, it will search for analog, digital, or all channels that are getting a signal. And with digital I haven't found the need to turn the antenna. Either you get the station or you don't.
__________________
Mike & Roz
2018 Grand Design 315RLTS
2023 Ford F-350 Lariat PSD/CC/LB/FX4
Sunlines= '06-2075, '06-264SR
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 05:58 PM
|
#13
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,920
SUN #98
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al in PA
Do any of you have recommendations for specific brands of TV Digital Converters or where to purchase them at a good price?
|
Al,
We went the TV route instead of a converter figuring we can use the TV in the house during the winter.
We bought a 20" SDTV at Wal-Mart. Went with the SDTV instead of an HDTV because of price and for the trailer we really don't need the HDTV.
Here an earlier post that also talks about TVs.
Hope this helps
Hutch
__________________
Mary & Tom (aka Hutch)
2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS
2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4x4 CC D/A
Sunlines: 2005 Solaris T-280SR; 1999 Solaris T-2670; 1998 Saturn T-24A
|
|
|
03-24-2008, 09:43 PM
|
#14
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,781
SUN #89
|
Hutch and Jim
Well you pointed me a looking and I found an on line manual.
TV is a RCA BD20TF10
And here is the 104 page manual.... http://157.254.235.130/public/15694480.pdf it's 21 meg so be for warned in case you hit that link
I have been reading and reading, but the manual does not say a whole lot on Digital. Yet it does say Digital on the front of the TV.
Here on page 22 of this catalog, it shows the BD20TF10, flat screen, DVD combo TV. http://157.254.235.130/public/RCA2001Catalog.pdf It's only a 5 meg catalog. Mine had a date of July 2003 for the year of manf on the back of it. However that model does not have a digital comb filter, if that means anything.
I'm still readiing..... maybe now I can figure out this remote....
I'll be back to this with more questions trying to figure out analog/digitial or what ever I have. I'm still not exaclty clear on what I have.
Thanks
John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
|
|
|
03-25-2008, 10:54 AM
|
#15
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
Buying TV Digital Converters and Is it a DTV?
For Al - As I stated in a previous posting regarding buying Digital ready TVs, The same would go for buying a TV Digital Converter. Go the the many store websites and review what they have available and be sure to read the customer reviews of the respective units available. That will give you a good oversite of which units are good and those that may not be. Also, if you intend to use the Goverment's coupons for your purchase, the documentation that you receive will indicate what stores are authorized under the program to redeem the coupons. The basic converters are in the $59 range and you receive a $40 discout with the coupon. So it is not that much out of your pocket.
For John - I reviewed the owners manual for your model TV set and I could not find any specifications regarding its signal receiving capabilities. Usually, the owner manuals will give you the specifications regarding physical size, weight, power consumption, tuner installed, operational capabilities, etc. Apparatly RCA does not do that. I did send an email to the RCA Corp requesting that infomation, so we will see what they come back with. I'm thinking at this point that the "Digital" lable on the front of your TV is referring to the DVD player feature since that is a digital device. We'll see what RCA comes back with.
If I don't get an answer, I'll swing in the RCA national headquarters which is right across the road from my Dr's office and rattle their cage .
Jim
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-25-2008, 11:54 AM
|
#16
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,920
SUN #98
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnB
TV is a RCA BD20TF10
...
I have been reading and reading, but the manual does not say a whole lot on Digital. Yet it does say Digital on the front of the TV.
...
However that model does not have a digital comb filter, if that means anything.
|
John,
I believe your TV does not have a digital tuner.
Here's one web page that lists its specifications. There's only analog tuner spec'd within the TV Tuner section.
wrt Digital Comb Filters, with TV/DVD combos from this time frame, comb filters are typically used to help enhance the resolution of the DVDs.
Hope this helps.
Hutch
__________________
Mary & Tom (aka Hutch)
2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS
2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4x4 CC D/A
Sunlines: 2005 Solaris T-280SR; 1999 Solaris T-2670; 1998 Saturn T-24A
|
|
|
03-25-2008, 06:06 PM
|
#17
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 60
SUN #154
|
John - If it is not to much trouble, send me the Serial Number of your RCA TV set. I talked to an RCA (Tompson Electronics) tech rep and he said that some of these models do have the Dig. tuner, and some do not. He can identifiy what yours has by the S/N.
Jim
__________________
2002 GMC Sierra SLT ExCab
1999 T1950 Sunline Solaris
2004 T-2363 Sunline Solaris SE (S/N 5389)
Reese Dual Cam HP Sway Control
Prodigy Brake Control
|
|
|
03-25-2008, 09:20 PM
|
#18
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,781
SUN #89
|
Re: Buying TV Digital Converters and Is it a DTV?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indy-Jim
For John - I reviewed the owners manual for your model TV set and I could not find any specifications regarding its signal receiving capabilities. Usually, the owner manuals will give you the specifications regarding physical size, weight, power consumption, tuner installed, operational capabilities, etc. Apparatly RCA does not do that. I did send an email to the RCA Corp requesting that infomation, so we will see what they come back with. I'm thinking at this point that the "Digital" lable on the front of your TV is referring to the DVD player feature since that is a digital device. We'll see what RCA comes back with.
If I don't get an answer, I'll swing in the RCA national headquarters which is right across the road from my Dr's office and rattle their cage .
Jim
|
Jim
WOW.... Gee thanks!!! Wasn't expecting that and glad for the help.
Yes I'm sort of thinking the same thing on the Digital, it's the DVD player.... The other models seem to declare it more but this one, nope. If it is, it sure seems to be a secret.
Thanks again.
John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
|
|
|
03-25-2008, 09:24 PM
|
#19
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,781
SUN #89
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PTHutch
John,
I believe your TV does not have a digital tuner.
Here's one web page that lists its specifications. There's only analog tuner spec'd within the TV Tuner section.
wrt Digital Comb Filters, with TV/DVD combos from this time frame, comb filters are typically used to help enhance the resolution of the DVDs.
Hope this helps.
Hutch
|
Hutch thanks.
This one liner in there is not promising.
Part number: BD20TF10
Digital Television Certification: Analog TV
Thanks for digging. Where did your find that site???
Thanks
John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
|
|
|
03-25-2008, 09:29 PM
|
#20
|
Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,781
SUN #89
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Indy-Jim
John - If it is not to much trouble, send me the Serial Number of your RCA TV set. I talked to an RCA (Tompson Electronics) tech rep and he said that some of these models do have the Dig. tuner, and some do not. He can identifiy what yours has by the S/N.
Jim
|
Jim
I have the numbers from the search and destroy mission yesterday.... Had to pull the TV out of the hole, so I came out with every number back there
Model: BD20TF10
SN: D296BDB1FY
Other numbers
TVD809Combo
Made: July 2003
Number above the SN sticker area
21174410
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John
__________________
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Sunline Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|