mbutts@mntgfx.mentor.com (Mike Butts) (04/05/88)
In article <3230001@hpindda.HP.COM> chikarma@hpindda.HP.COM (Sanjay Chikarmane) writes: > ... >While its reception of the VHF channels is very good, I find that >it is virtually unable to tune in to the UHF channels. I can receive >these channels quite well on my TV, ... > While we're on the subject, I've had trouble with limited dynamic range on **VHF** on two current VCRs. On a new Quasar (Matsushita) unit, and on a new JVC unit, both middle-priced and both with "digital" (i.e. synthesized) tuning, I've seen serious grainy-ness (i.e. video noise), which looked like a weak or mistuned signal, due to an overly **strong** signal. This is only on some VHF channels, not all. The signal source was admittedly stronger than most: a multi-element beam on the roof looking at the towers, about 5 miles away. (The beam is to eliminate ghosting, not, obviously, to increase signal strength.) I found that the signal was much improved with an attenuator. Across the supposed 20db range of a Radio Shack variable attenuator, I can get grainy-ness at either end, too strong or too weak. In the middle it's nice and crisp. Awfully poor dynamic range, if you ask me. I also observed the UHF weakness others have mentioned, so I had to kludge up a split un-attenuated bypass path for my UHF. Neither the synthesized Sony monitor/TV, nor the 1983 analog-thumbwheel-tuned Magnavox (Matsushita) VCR, has these problems. I hope someone else can improve their reception with these pointers. P.S. I love the JVC VCR, otherwise. -- Mike Butts, Research Engineer KC7IT 503-626-1302 Mentor Graphics Corp., 8500 SW Creekside Place, Beaverton OR 97005 ...!{sequent,tessi,apollo}!mntgfx!mbutts OR mbutts@pdx.MENTOR.COM These are my opinions, & not necessarily those of Mentor Graphics.