OTA antenna interferecne with computer

[mknabster]

Hi all,

I have been playing around with an OTA antenna I was given, and I have it plugged directly into my TV via coax. I also have a computer I use for my HTPC underneath the TV, and I notice that when i turn it on, the TV signal gets all bitmappy and scrambled. As soon as I turn the computer off, the signal comes right back like nothing was a problem. I was thinking maybe it was because the antenna i was given is old, but i'm not sure. I wouldn't mind getting a prettier one i can hide somewhere like the Mohu leaf series, and use that with a PVR connected to my HTPC to run through Kodi, but i'm worried that if i turn the computer on, the signal would get scrambled and i don't want to spend the money for that to happen.

So my question is if anyone knows about the minimum distance an antenna should be from a computer where this won't happen. Has anyone else had this or seen this happen?

 

[t53186]

First let me say I have two leaf antennas and consider them to be outstanding. I've got one laying flat on a table and one hanging from a wall. closest station is 50 miles south. When the display gets pixelated its due to a very low power "usable" digital signal. The interference caused by the HTPC is sufficient to overpower the broadcast signal. I have not experienced any other devices in my home interfering with the broadcast signal. I have had pixelated signals though.

So, bottom line, no way to give you an accurate estimate of how far away the antenna must be to avoid the interference. Suggest you move it around and find a better spot. None of mine are more that 10' from the TV's.

 

[mknabster]

Thanks for responding t53186! Which leafs do you have? I have been looking at them and mount one to a window and have it wired into the computer. I'm wondering if it's because i had mine less than 3 feet from the computer and this is one that has physical antennas. Either way, I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

 

[t53186]

Just the standard leaf's with the amplifier--leaf 50, not using it on one and really no difference except in very distant signals like 75 miles.

Thanks for responding t53186! Which leafs do you have? I have been looking at them and mount one to a window and have it wired into the computer. I'm wondering if it's because i had mine less than 3 feet from the computer and this is one that has physical antennas. Either way, I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

 

[mknabster]

That's the one i was thinking about picking up too, or the Leaf 30, but i think i would like to have one which has a better range. Very cool, how do you use it, with a HTPC and a tuner card or straight into your TV? I'm looking at the HD HomeRun Connect to broadcast the signal over my network to work with Kodi.

 

[jsmithepa]

Better antenna have better noise rejection but they can't do magic. You just have to move it around to get a signal you can live it.