Tough to DX weak stations w/blue screen

[bozey45]

I hope this is in correct forum but is there any way to get rid of the blue screen on these newer sets that comes up on a weak channel? seems a signal has to be a certain strength to keep the video on the screen and its tough to DX a weak signal. My newer Magnavox and a Phillips DVD/VCR recorder with digital analog and digital tuner does the same thing; do all the new sets do this, it is a pain.

[cd637299]

Been there, done that.....!

When I bought my first TV for remote DXing (to run on a car battery), it was a Magnavox, with the dreaded blue screen, which they told me could not be defeated. I took it for a refund.

I have the Funai (which also goes by Sylvania & Symphonic) 9" AC DC TV/VCR combo, NO blue screen, and have had it for 6 years & you can see in my attachments how well things turn out....

BUT to answer your question, I'd go to eBay & look for an old converter box (I love the old Teknika TVC-22 if you can find it)....you put your cable into the box, run a cable into your TV or other source, set the source on ch 3, and that might alleviate the problem, because you are using the box as the "TV". (I could be wrong on this, and any further posts would be appreciated).

cd

[cd637299]

I should have read further, and I apologize. My problem was with weaker ANALOG signals....Being that you are in Florida, I thought you'd still be considering DXing analog.

As far as digital signals go, you either have them in full or not at all....when the signal fades out, it pixellates before going blank.

My above suggestion might still work, but I am not sure. But be sure, that a digital signal won't go in & out like analog does. At least most (if not all) newer digital sets have a signal-strength meter.

As for me, my longest digital TV DX has only been about 120 miles, so I won't be spending much time on it.

cd

[Jim Thomas]

As for me, my longest digital TV DX has only been about 120 miles, so I won't be spending much time on it.

cd

Chris, you need to wait until the tropo season really kicks in down there before throwing in the towel on digital TV DX. Once you see things happening with tropo on the high band of FM (especially when its really strong), you need to get the DTV set on and start working your way up from ch. 7 for DTV DX.

[Danny]

Chris, you need to wait until the tropo season really kicks in down there before throwing in the towel on digital TV DX. Once you see things happening with tropo on the high band of FM (especially when its really strong), you need to get the DTV set on and start working your way up from ch. 7 for DTV DX.


I agree with you, Jim. Chris, I know your channels are crowded, but you might pull in some good logs on your open channels when tropo is up.

[Danny]

I hope this is in correct forum but is there any way to get rid of the blue screen on these newer sets that comes up on a weak channel? seems a signal has to be a certain strength to keep the video on the screen and its tough to DX a weak signal. My newer Magnavox and a Phillips DVD/VCR recorder with digital analog and digital tuner does the same thing; do all the new sets do this, it is a pain.

A few late generation (2006-2007) analog TVs do *not* have blue screen mutes. They do, however, mute very weak signals, which is not nearly as bad as a blue screen. I bought some analog TVs that didn't have blue screens two years ago at Kmart. They are Magnavox and Sylvania brands. TVs from the 1980s and earlier are generally more sensitive and selective than later TVs, making the older sets better for DX.

As for DTV, most DXers use DTV-to-ATV converter boxes that are available for $50-$60. As you probably know, these work well with blue screen TVs and VCRs.

[cd637299]

As for DTV, most DXers use DTV-to-ATV converter boxes that are available for $50-$60. As you probably know, these work well with blue screen TVs and VCRs.

DTV to ATV, really? They have these things? Where do you get one? I only know of the other-way-around. Maybe I am mis-reading this thing!

As to my own DTV DX, if WTVX 34 comes in, which is not often, I'll try for WESH on DTV 11. But it is almost twice the distance; but with my old antenna, it'll be worth a try.

cd

[cd637299]

OK as usual, I think I did misconstrue that. By DTV to ATV you must mean the regular converter boxes that the Gubmint wants us to get, those that are selling fast at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Best Buy etc. I have Best Buy's Insignia with analog pass thru, a feature that is really a must for those who still wanna do analog TV DX.

For some reason, even with the pass thru, I'd much rather bypass the converter box....I seem to lose a little gain thru it.

cd

[Danny]

By DTV to ATV you must mean the regular converter boxes that the Gubmint wants us to get


That is right.