antenna/reception advice please!

[RottieMom]

I would love to dump Charter and their bundle. I'd like an antenna for local news, PBS (which it looks like I could get):

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9900590c1eae62

I live in a log/wood home with a METAL ROOF :eek: and oak/maple trees to my North and SE, within 50 feet of the house. My roof peak is pretty close to the tops of the trees (they're below the house on a slope) but I do still look through them to the small lake below.

Antenna mounting sites:
My back deck, 2nd story, faces E/NE. I'd like to mount an antenna from there if possible.
Or - attach it to the outside north or SE side of the house - technically 3rd story; I'd prefer north to hide it if possible

I live about half-way down the side of a hill and know that hurts reception. I haven't tried an inside antenna but can borrow one from a friend (from what I've read that may be a waste of time for me).

I have 2 relatively new flat screens, LGs. I'd be using existing interior cable.

Do you think an antenna will work in my situation? Recommendations as to types, amplifiers, other equipment, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Last time I used an antenna I was about 12 years old :p

[teleview]

The tvfool radar plot report is the default 10 feet antenna height.

Please make a second radar plot report with the antenna height at 25 feet.

[RottieMom]

Here is with 25' (meaning 25' off the ground I assume?)

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d99007cc660e349

thanks!

[GroundUrMast]

Your report shows a long list of receivable signals. You'll need to use a large deep fringe antenna. An Antennacraft 91XG or Winegard HD9095P are in that class.

There is one receivable station on real channel 11, WTVI but it also broadcasts on UHF channel 14. As a result, I would forgo an antenna with support for real channel 2 through 13 reception, or, use a separate antenna dedicated to that one channel.

You also need to be able to mount the antenna(s) above the tops of nearby trees and buildings. http://www.3starinc.com/antenna_mounts_and_masts.html and www.solidsignal.com are two sources offering a full range of mast, brackets, tripods, etc.

Your location has stations coming from all around the compass. The most practical approach seems to be adding a rotator to the system. The NTE U106 rotator and TB-105 thrust bearing are a strong combination. http://www.3starinc.com/antenna_rotors.html

The signals are not strong, so a low noise preamp is going to be needed. The Antennas Direct PA-18 is worth considering.

[teleview]

For reception of the Tv stations/channels with out a rotor.

Many , many , many , Tv stations/channels will be received.

Install a Antennas Direct DB4e with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp aimed at about 290 degree magnetic compass.
Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

And install a Winegard HD7696P antenna with a Winegard AP8700 preamp aimed at about 165 degree magnetic compass.

These are 2 Separate antenna systems that wiil not be connected togeather on to one coax.

The 2 separate systems and coaxes will go to the location of the Tv and be connected to a remote control A/B antenna switch , http://www.radioshack.com , #15-1968 , or , http://www.mcmelectronics.com , #32-4425.

If you like you can start with one antenna the HD7696P and preamp aimed at about 165 degree magnetic compass .
For the reception of , NBC , The Live Well Network , ABC , CBS , PBS , FOX , Me-Tv , The CW , Antenna Tv , MyNetwork.

The antenna needs to be mounted up high , I advise clearing the trees (antenna above the trees) for the best reception.

Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/Tripods%200703/4712.html , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.antennasdirect.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.amazon.com.

For one Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a .

HFS-2D , 2 way splitter.

http://www.hollandelectronics.com and also at http://www.solidsignal.com.

[teleview]

The second antenna system is the DB4e with preamp aimed at about 290 degree magnetic compass.

This is a separate antenna and coax system that is not connected to the other antenna system.

When both antenna systems are used then the A/B switches are used.

If one antenna system then no A/B switch.

Here are the Tv stations/channels for the DB4e system.

Retro Tv Network , Tuff Tv a Tv channel for Tuff Men , Family Tv Network , FOX , MTN The Mountain Tv Network.

Also this antenna needs to be up high to clear the trees and tree leaves.

[teleview]

The Tv's Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

[RottieMom]

Thanks for all the feedback. Lots of homework to do now! I really appreciate it.