Tony Reed Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Need recommendations please... I'm in a poor reception area (rural). I have TV towers to my North (30-35 miles) and TV towers to my South (30-35 miles). I'm looking for an outside antenna that can grab them all. Any suggestions? Thanks, Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Quoted from Yahoo Answers: "An "HD" antenna is nothing more than a UHF antenna so you may have one in the attic already.If not, go to antennaweb.org (this is free and it's sponsered by theConsumer Electronics Association, they don't sell anything or save anyinformation on you) and put in your address to determine whichdirection and how far the towers are away. They will recommend anantenna based on a color. Table top UHF antennas don't really use thiscolor chart but bigger roof or attic antennas do. If you mount in theattic, go up a color on the chart (or add 10 miles to your distance).One of the best styles are called 4-bay or 8-bay depending on distance.They stand straight up, are rectangular, have 4 or 8 "bow ties" with abig grid at the back that stops signal bounce from getting through.Channel Master as well as others make these. Few retailers carry bigantennas so you'll need to search your local area or the Internet for asupplier.If you have a long cable run between the antenna and the TV, you willwant to amp the antenna with an antenna amp that mounts with theantenna. Amping an antenna WILL NOT improve the signal if it's weak atthe antenna, amping only improves the signal if it's degrading in thecable because of distance or splitters. Only getting a bigger antennawill help with signal strength at the antenna.An antenna that will go about 40 miles costs $50 or so from a supplier and $100 or so from a retailer." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdaddy Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Check your local Radio Shack they still stock larger antenna in some areas. And yes any UHF antenna will pick up HD signals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 I use the DC9000 from MCM Electronics for about 90 dollars and they ship via UPS. It has 96 elements and very big. UHF/VHFalthough you won't need the VHF theorectically. Two local networks are using channels 2 and 10 for HD at the present time. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WS65711 Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 A ChannelMaster 4228 should work well for you, as long as all of your stations are UHF and plan to remain so after Feb 19th. Be aware that many digital stations currently on UHF (and having their analog counterparts on VHF) will move to their respective VHF channels after the analog shutdown takes place. At that time you may need a VHF capable antenna also. Although the 4228 is a UHF antenna, it works acceptably for the higher VHF channels also. Since your stations are located north and south of you, you will likely need an antenna rotor as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flatgrass Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I installed a Wingard Squareshooter on my roof a little over a year ago. I feed the wife's HDTV and the kitchen digital TV (not HD). I have been pleased. It is a directional antenna, though. It may be difficult to find one that is both omni-directional and high sensitivity. Wingard also has indoor models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Reed Posted August 26, 2008 Author Share Posted August 26, 2008 Is it possible to use two antennas... one pointed North and one pointed South? Thanks, Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest srobak Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 You could get a mast rotor for less than the price of a 2nd antenna... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I believe some people on the AVS forum have tried this double antenna hookup through reverse splitters. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtkinney Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Yes, 2 or more antennas and a combiner will work for stations in multiple directions. The rotor option may be cheaper, but it takes time to spin it around, this is a real pain if the stations alternate directions as you scan up the band. I have 2 antennas in the attic, and am thinking about adding a third. I can pick up all of the local stations in analo, digital and HD, and get the rest from Dish Network. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay481985 Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I have been doing that splitter but its really hit or miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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