Multiple real channels share same Virtual Channel

Channels DVR Server
#1

Wondering if the smarter people in the room can help me out. I live outside of Harrisburg, PA and am looking to finalize my OTA setup so that I can drop cable (pair YTTV or SlingTV) either to expand my local channel capability or to provide locals in the case of SlingTV.

WGAL has Real Channels 8, 27 & 49 within my catchman area, and when I look on HDHomerun Channels List in the IP based page, it occasionally will show multiple Virtual Channel 8.1 as it catches usualy the 8 & 49 channels and sometimes 27.

Here's my TVFool map: TVFool

How do I know which one it's pulling into the guide for Channels DVR? I'm trying to determine which signal is best to go after (UHF 49 vs. VHF 8) but when using Channels DVR which one is being pulled into the guide to be able to tell.

Thanks,

Jay

#2

I'm not fully certain I understand. Are you saying that real channels 8, 27 & 49 are all carrying the WGAL signal? And that all of the real channels are mapping themselves to virtual channel 8.1? (From your post and what is referenced in the TVFool link, that appears to be the case.)

If that is indeed the case, is the programming identical across these three different broadcasts? If so, then you don't need to do anything. The tuner will select the virtual channel 8.1 with the highest resolution, and if the resolution is the same still across multiple channels, it will select the one with the strongest signal. Assuming the programming is the same, you'll simply get WGAL on 8.1; if the real channel that is feeding that stream changes, it will happen behind the scenes and you won't need to do anything.

However, if the programming is different among the broadcasts, that presents a different situation. There are ways to ensure that you are delivering a particular real channel to Channels, but it requires a bit more work and software. Hopefully it will be unnecessary, though.

#3

All 3 are the same channel. I believe WGAL has different towers in different locations to service the area and I'm in a cross section.

Maybe asked a different way, how do I know which real channel is being used when I am watching on CDVR because all it says is that it's virtual channel 8.1?

#4

Channels will not expose that information to you. If you check the webpage for your HDHR tuner, it will show you which tuners are in use, as well as the actual frequency used. I'm not sure if it will also give you the RF channel number, but you can determine which is which by the frequency.

  • RF 8 – 183MHz
  • RF 27 – 551MHz
  • RF 49 – 683MHz
#5

Thanks racameron. I did find that option on the IP tuner status page, though of course it sates a different MHz:

Virtual Channel 8.1 WGAL-TV
Frequency 599.000 MHz
Program Number 3
Modulation Lock 8vsb
Signal Strength 73%
Signal Quality 85%
Symbol Quality 100%
#6

Well, since 27 is the closest physical channel to that frequency, I'd venture a guess that is the signal you're receiving.

#7

I wouldn't use TVFool as their database is outdated.
Since 599 MHz is RF channel 35, try RabbitEars (more up to date).
https://www.rabbitears.info/searchmap.php?request=result&study_id=158937

#8

Thanks chDVRuser, that is very helpful. I've been up in the attic switching the antenna around and now have 90%+ on all broadcast stations. Now I just need to find a Quatro tuner on sale to replace my 2 tuner extend, and then I think it's time to test out a cable-less environment to see if it meets the WAF.

#9

I just entered the zip code there.
You can pinpoint your location for a custom display at https://www.rabbitears.info/searchmap.php

#10

Yup, now playing on the site to see what options are available for our family cabin in mountains of Western NC. That's not looking so good:

https://www.rabbitears.info/searchmap.php?request=result&study_id=158944

#11

Do you have good Internet connectivity at the cabin? When you are at the cabin can you just connect to your Channels DVR server at your primary residence?

#12

Internet yes, bandwidth is limited. I was hoping to setup another box there and just use my YTTV for non locals when we were there to minimize bandwidth usage. However, locals are really challenging to get absent a very elaborate antenna setup I suspect.

#13

Any chance you would get Atlanta's LOCAST there?

#14

About 40 miles outside of the radius. :disappointed:

#15

As the crow flies, probably 20 or less.

#16

I also have a cabin in WNC and getting locals is tough. Only get CBS & ION from Spartanburg SC using OTA antenna. I use a VPN on the channels server. VPN software allows me too select the city my internet traffic routes through. I simply select Atlanta as the city. I then add Locast as a source and the Atlanta channels appear. I use IP Vanish VPN.

#17

Thanks Phil. Interesting concept. I've heard using a VPN greatly slows down internet speeds (I have gig through Fios) at my house ans this don't use that method at this point. Would love if I could setup my router to use VPN only for specific ports or programs so I could use VPN only for streaming and all else for non VPN.