WMLW is now available on Time Warner Cable channel 7
Charter Cable channel 8 or channel 23 in Sheboygan
Over the air on broadcast channel 41

(WMLW) THE BASICS
Television signals are divided into two bands: VHF and UHF. The VHF band includes broadcast channels 2 through 13 (54-216 MHz) and UHF includes broadcast channels 14 through 69 (470-800 MHz). Due to the higher transmission frequencies involved, UHF channels may require somewhat different reception methods than VHF channels to be received properly. This is especially important for the new high definition (HDTV) digital television signals, most of which are UHF.

 

ROOFTOP ANTENNAS
Traditional rooftop antennas have always been the best method available for quality reception of television signals, both VHF and UHF. A good traditional rooftop antenna (the type with horizontal metal elements) will always outperform other types of antennas. This type of antenna is a very good investment for proper reception of all current TV channels as well as the new HDTV channels.

The most common problems encountered with existing rooftop antennas involve age, improper aiming, tarnished or corroded connections at the antenna, and outdated downlead cable. Upper UHF channels are the first to get snowy when these problems occur. Ghosting is usually related to insufficient antenna height and/or improper aiming.

If your antenna system still uses the old flat style (300 ohm) twin-lead cable, it is probably old enough to consider replacing the entire antenna system with a modern one. For Milwaukee and surrounding counties, a rooftop antenna such as the Radio Shack VU-110 (stock no. 15-2153) works quite well. Outlying areas will require a larger antenna such as the Radio Shack VU-210 (stock no. 21-2157). Always use foil shielded RG-6 coaxial cable (Radio Shack 15-1549) and a good matching transformer (Radio Shack 15-1143).

Antenna aiming is critical. The shape of most rooftop antennas resembles an arrow. Ensure that the "arrow" (the small metal elements of the antenna) are aimed at Lincoln Park (Green Bay & Villard Ave.). Also ensure that the cable connections at the antenna and all interior connections are clean and tight. A Scotch-Brite pad works well to clean connections, although it is probably best to replace any corroded cable
connectors.

ATTIC ANTENNAS
Attic antennas are typically smaller than rooftop antennas and do not perform nearly as well. It is very difficult to get any indoor antenna system to perform consistently with all TV channels. Some TV signals may have a more difficult time penetrating roofs and walls due to aluminum siding, aluminum backed insulation, insufficient height, etc. It is not unusual to have a loss of literally 2/3 of the signal that is in the air by mounting an antenna indoors. Reception problems have very often been cured by replacing a small attic antenna with a good traditional rooftop antenna mounted on a tripod.

RABBIT EARS
Due to its small size and indoor location, this type of antenna is the least reliable in terms of providing consistently good reception from all TV stations. Performance of this type of antenna is so poor that most TV manufacturers have long since stopped including them with their TV sets. Again, like attic antennas, TV signals may have a more difficult time penetrating through buildings. If you must use rabbit ears, try shortening the length of the rabbit ears and reposition them more horizontally. If you have a loop of bow-tie style antenna, about all you can do is try repositioning the antenna for best reception or possibly relocating the TV set. The best solution again is a traditional rooftop antenna.

SATELLITE SYSTEMS
Many people have been disappointed with the inability of satellite systems to provide all local television stations, as well as the requirement of paying additional monthly fees for only a very limited number of local stations. For satellite subscribers, a traditional rooftop antenna is still the best way to go to ensure proper reception of all local television stations without paying additional monthly fees. Additionally, many people have been disappointed with the soft pictures that often occur with small satellite dishes. A rooftop antenna provides reception of the original TV signal containing full image detail.

Most satellite receivers have an input jack for a rooftop antenna. When this feature is utilized, the satellite subscriber has to ability to switch between satellite services and local television stations with their remote control. The small TV antennas which clip onto the rear of a satellite dish do not perform nearly as well on all channels as a traditional rooftop antenna.

It is a very good idea to have a traditional rooftop antenna installed at the same time as the satellite dish. Very often the small dish can be attached to the same antenna tripod and mast assembly on the roof.

SIGNAL AMPLIFIERS
In the Milwaukee area, antenna amplifiers are not necessary with rooftop antenna systems even when feeding multiple TV sets with antenna splitters (Radio Shack 15-1141, 15-1142). In outlying areas, however, amplifiers may improve snowy reception particularly when feeding multiple TV sets.

In cases where only UHF signals need to be amplified, an amplifier such as the Radio Shack 15-1115 may be used to compensate for long cable runs and splitter losses. In outlying areas where amplification is needed for both VHF and UHF channels, an amplifier such as the Radio Shack 15-1113 may be used.

When using an amplifier, ensure that it is rated to cover UHF TV signals. Amplifiers are being sold for cable TV purposes which only cover frequencies to 550 MHz or so, whereas UHF signals extend to 800 MHz. It is also possible to amplify signals too much. If you add an amplifier and your picture has lines, multiple images, or is very dark, either remove the amplifier or try adding signal attenuators (Radio Shack 15-1258) to the input of the amplifier.

When in doubt, always try your antenna system first hooked up to one TV without any amplification or splitters, then add UHF or VHF/UHF amplification as necessary.

VCR HOOKUPS
The best way to hook up a VCR to a modern TV set is to use a 2-way antenna splitter (Radio Shack 15-1141). Connect the antenna cable to the splitter input and connect the splitter outputs to the TV and VCR antenna inputs. Then connect the video and audio outputs of the VCR to the video and audio inputs on the TV set with appropriate cables (Radio Shack 15-1537). You will then need to use the Video Input selector on your TV set to view the VCR.

If your TV set does not have video and audio inputs, connect the antenna cable to the antenna input of the VCR. Then connect the Channel 3 output of the VCR to the antenna input of the TV set. You will then view the VCR on channel 3.

A problem with UHF reception may occur when hooking up an older VCR or TV set. On older units, a flat (300 ohm) twin-lead cable is used for UHF channels. Ensure that the UHF signal has a complete path from the antenna through the VCR to the TV set. A band splitter (Radio Shack 15-1252) may be used to hook up VHF and UHF signals to a TV or VCR with separate VHF and UHF inputs.

SAP AUDIO CHANNEL
An audio channel called SAP (Secondary Audio Program) is available to viewers who own a stereo TV or VCR. The CBS-58 SAP channel carries Spanish language translations of selected CBS programming or current weather information for southeastern Wisconsin provided by NOAA. Not all TV stations are equipped to transmit the SAP channel.
To listen to the SAP channel, use the remote control that originally came with your stereo TV set or VCR and access the on-screen menu. Under the Audio menu, there will be a choice of "Main" audio or "SAP" audio. Select "SAP" to listen to the SAP channel or return to "Main" to listen to normal stereo program audio. Some TV sets simply have a "MTS" (Multichannel Television Sound) button on the remote control to select the audio channels you wish to listen to. NOTE: Some TVs and VCRs may use slightly different labels for their on screen programming or remote controls. Please consult the instruction manual that came with your equipment, or call the store you purchased the equipment from for assistance.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING ANTENNAS,
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL
US AT (414) 777-5800.