Happy Holidays from Doc Signal!!

If you have trouble sleeping over burning questions, send them to me. The Doctor is in!

Q: This question submitted by Sam From Republic on November 21st, 2006

Why would wet weather cause trouble with my tv reception

A: Answered By Doc Signal

Depends on what you're using, satellite, cable or broadcast. If you're talking about satellite reception the culprit may be a problem called "rain fade". This occurs when the atmosphere is saturated with water and in effect, blocks some or all of the signal coming down to you from the satellite. The satellite itself is over 22,000 miles away and the signal is extremely weak. Moisture in the air makes this already weak signal even more difficult for the satellite receiver to "hear". Cable on the other hand can have faults caused by animals such as squirrels chewing on the cable wires, or other kinds of damage that will allow rain into the system. When it rains, the signal and other sensitive electronics can go haywire. Then when it dries up the problems tend to go away. You can just imagine how good your t.v. would work if it were left outside in the rain!

Q: This question submitted by George From Rogersville on November 21st, 2006

When you wire a new house for a dish is it the same as wiring for cable

A: Answered By Doc Signal

Yes. Both systems will use coax cable and similar methods of wiring, but there are a couple of differences. It is not always possible or convenient to place the satellite dish where the utilities come into the house. So depending on where the satellite dish will be placed, you will need to ensure wiring is in place to properly ground it and to run coax from the dish to the common point. Another difference you may encounter with a dish is that some of them require more than one coax wire to the outlet at your t.v. and from the dish to the receiver. Satellite services may also require that a phone outlet is available to use at the receiver. Talk with your service provider about these issues, they will help you determine what is required.