TV DVD Radio problems

 

Well..........here's my take on the antenna

 

Though I'm sure to draw the ire of Podders everywhere, I have to say I was not overly impressed with the performance of the TV antenna on the Pod. We ham radio operators have a "tongue in cheek" saying: Omni-directional antennas work equally poorly in all directions!   Given that, I wouldn't expect great performance from what I referrred to as the "Frisbee antenna".  It is mounted even lower than the A/C unit, so that doesn't help matters either.

 

Also, when we went to digital TV, the situation changed - especially when on the fringe of reception.  In the old days of analog TV, we might get a "snowy" picture, but could watch and hear most of what was going on. 

 

When on the fringe with digital, if the TV misses or misreads a bit or two of data (CODEC) the TV doesn't know what to do about that.  So, the picture freezes/becomes pixelated/no or broken sound, etc.  If it misses a lot of data, is just can't decode the signal at all - it will just sit there and say something like "no signal found", or something to that effect.  It may be receiving random bits of data, but it just thinks it is "so much hooey" and can't do anything with it.

 

IMHO, digital is great when a strong signal is present.  Analog was better under less than optimal conditions.  I doubt there is a malfunction with your antenna.  It is probably doing the best it can.

If I were still in my Pod, I would likely have something on an extendable pole - in much the same manner as I do my ham antenna now.  While not a huge TV watcher when camping, I do like the Indy car races and, to a lesser degree, Nascar.  Being able to catch the local weather/radar comes in real handy also.  If TV is important, you may want to consider options other than the OEM antenna.  Again, IMHO.