Help for Beloit, WI Newbie

[kdroth]

Greetings!
We are looking for information about different antenna/set-up options. We wish to get rid of our cable and switch to OTA. We have 2 HDTVs and would like to get as many stations as possible.

Additional information, if needed: 2-story home, no trees or other obstructions, 2-story homes on both sides of ours

Here is our TV Fool report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d3cf427d2528990

Thanks for your suggestions/input...greatly appreciated!

[GroundUrMast]

A basic install that would offer the major networks would be any 4-bay panel antenna. Example: The DB4 http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=DB4&d=Antennas-Direct-DB4-UHF-HDTV-Antenna-%28DB4%29&c=TV%20Antennas&sku=853748001040 That style antenna would easily drive a passive 2-way splitter.

To add the lower power stations (carrying a variety of religious and independent programing) you could go with an 8-bay such as a DB8 or a deep fringe Yagi such as a 91XG. You may need a preamp such as a Winegard HDP-269 to deliver enough signal after the split.

Regardless, I'm thinking you should aim at about 326° (compass).

[John Candle]

All the receivable stations are UHF channels , Madison and Rockford. You can install 2 antennas , one pointed at Madison and one pointed at Rockford. For maximum signal I recommend two 91XG antennas , one pointed at Madison and one pointed at Rockford. The one pointed at Madison will have a 2 way splitter with coaxes going to both Tv's and the one pointed at Rockford will have a 2 way splitter with coaxes going to both Tv's. At the Tv locations you will then have a coax for Madison and a coax for Rockford , you will connect them to a remote control A/B antenna switch and the output of the switch is connected to the Tv. Radio Shack has the Remote control A/B switches. And you can find them on the internet. This is how to point antennas http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . Do Not combine the 2 antennas on to one coax. The A/B antenna switch at each tv location switches from one antenna to the other antenna. The 91 XG's are High Gain antennas and I think the Receptions will be fine with out a preamp. However if a preamp is needed with a antenna then a HDP-269 will be fine. The antenna or antennas are mounted on the roof. Here are some places to buy the antennas and etc. . http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.3starinc.com . See antenna correction below this post.

[Tower Guy]

All the receivable stations are UHF channels ,

WREX looks like they are on channel 13, a VHF channel.

Yet, I also suggest the two antenna configuration, a small 7-69 aimed at 208°, and a UHF only aimed at 324°.

[John Candle]

You are correct , Ok then A Winegard HD7082P pointed at Rockford.

[Tower Guy]

You are correct , Ok then A Winegard HD7082P pointed at Rockford.

Why an antenna capable of low band?

[John Candle]

Thinking one and writing down an other. OK the Winegard HD7694P.