http://www.ecoustics.com/latest/articles Latest articles, updated every five minutes http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/468153.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:38:00 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/14452/ When HDTV comes in and all the channels change, how do we get ordinary TV over an antenna without exorbant charges from a cable or Direct TV service? Mon, 25 Sep 2006 16:50:01 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/14879/ I have a 61" Hitachi Ultravision, circa 2000. The electricity went off the other day, and when it came back on, my television works as good as before except I do not receive any UHF channels. I have an outside antenna that is connected with a 75-ohm coaxial cable. On my Sharp LCD television, the UHF channels are working very well. Both are connected to the same antenna. I would like to know what I need to do to receive the UHF channels again. Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:56:36 -0400 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/10444/ Question: I have a Toshiba color TV model CZ19T31 that works fine on cable. I would like to use it in a cottage that has no cable available. The set has of course the cable port plus 1 marked video and 2 marked audio but none marked antenna. Is it possible to receive on the set using rabbit ears and if so, how? Thanks, Phil -submitted by Phil Answer: As fewer people rely on using an external antenna for analog television enjoyment, manufacturers have changed the labeling on the back of TVs to relate more closely to what people connect to their TVs. There is no doubt that your television is capable of receiving over-the-air broadcasts through rabbit ears. To do this, connect the external antenna to the screw-on input labeled CABLE. To correctly receive broadcast signals, you'll need to change an option in the TV's menu system, to tell the TV which type of television signal is connected to the back of the TV. Look for an option in the menu that refers to selection between "cable" and "air" (or ant). Remember that even though the television is capable of receiving analog broadcasts, whether or not they will be ... Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:58:11 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/10232/ In 1996, the FCC introduced the FRS (Family Radio Service) band. FRS is intended as a free use short range radio service for families and individuals. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), which has been around for years prior, offers more powerful communications, but is not free for everyone to use. Current model radios often combine FRS and GMRS bands into one device, and can be purchased by anyone. Although it's great that better technology is becoming cheaper, the availablity of all-in-one radios have caused a lot of confusion about what the differences are, and how to properly use each band. FRS and GMRS radios are essentially the same thing, and even share some of the same frequenceies. However, there are some significant differences between the two that separate how each is supposed to be used. FRS Free to use by anyone except commercial businesses Transmit power is limited to 500mw They cannot have a removeable antenna The maximum range is usually no greater than a mile Do not have FRS only frequencies Repeater stations are not allowed GMRS FCC license required ($80 for a 5-year license) to operate Can have 1 to 5 watts of transmit ... Tue, 14 Dec 2004 10:13:16 -0500 http://www.ecoustics.com/tl/10033/ If you rely on an antenna for receiving over-the-air television signals, you're no doubt familiar with the challenges of getting adequate television reception. Fuzzy pictures, lots of interference, ghosting, and static should all be familiar since you probably deal with one or all of these every time you watch TV. All of these problems are related to reception issues. Reception is how well you receive a television broadcast. If you were standing next to the television transmitter with a portable TV, your reception would be perfect. Nothing would have interfered with the signal on its way to your antenna. However, the further from the source of the broadcast you are, the more likely the signal will get distorted. Bouncing off of a building, distance from the tower, and other facotrs can all interfere with how well you receive a broadcast. However, there are some things you can try to improve reception from your antenna. Check Your Wires If you've been using the same antenna and wires for many years, you may want to check the wires for loose connectors. They can fall off over time if they were not attached very well. Also check for corrosion on the pins ... Tue, 14 Dec 2004 10:13:14 -0500