Why won't my new digital TV pick up a digital signal?

Question

My dad and I each just bought the same 13" RCA digital TV (SDTV) for our kitchens. His works beautifully with the antenna he bought, finding both analog and digital channels. My TV, with the same type of antenna, can only detect analog channels. We both live within the same proximity of Washington, DC, where all our local stations are located. Can anyone help me? Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

There's a bit of a learning curve with digital.  With analog, a poor signal caused ghosts and snow, with digital, it either works or it doesn't.  When it doesn't it looks like nothing is there so consumers assume they are not getting anything when, in reality, they are; it's just not good enough for the receiver to lock on to.  When it does work everything looks perfect so a marginal signal is not apparent to the user.

The differences could be because of location, the way your house is constructed as opposed to your dad's and / or your dad is barely getting enough signal to work.

Here are some things to try:

1. Move the antenna near a window or even outside the window.

2. Try moving the antenna to the other side of the house.  

If either of these works, you are working with a marginal signal that you might be able to make work with a better indoor antenna.  If not, you may need to look into an outdoor or a directional antenna.

Answer 2

Digital signals are very sensitive to direction.

Using antennaweb.org you can find what is the best way to point your antenna.

If your TV has a digital signal meter, use it as well.

Other than that, you may have more obstacles on the way to the broadcast stations than your dad.