outdoor antenna recommendation......

[tuktuk]

Hi all,

I'm going a bit crazy trying to pick an antenna for my house :confused: ... every site recommends a different one, and every person at one site recommends a different antenna.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d46aeb706a5e627

Few that were recommended:
- HDB4X: but another person said this won't catch ABC, VHF 7.
- clearstream C2V
- HD 7694P: this thing is huge
- HD1080 : I am leaning towards this.

Omni:
- wingeguard MS2002, GS-2200 and Lava HD-8000

I guess Omni will allow to get channes from both San Fran and San Jose, where as directional won't???? I am not looking for any particular, just would like to get the major channels (from SF would be OK, SJ not necessary), and others as much as possible. I'll be mounting it from under the eves or side of the roof. I have metal roof.

thanks so much,
M-

[GroundUrMast]

The 7694P would be a premium solution that provides plenty of signal power to drive even an 8-way splitter and the cable runs of a large home. (This or similar antennas from other manufactures would be my choice.)

The caution re. the HDB4X lacking support for real channels 2 through 13 is correct. KGO and KNTV may not be received reliably.

Omni antennas offer reception from all directions, a plus... But they also receive interfering reflections (multi-path interference) from all directions. You could try one, YMMV. I generally avoid omni's.

The C2V and HD1080 are compact and cover the channels available to you. I would expect fairly good results if you chose one of these.

The following is my suggestion for a premium solution:

If you want to reliably receive the two groups of signals (NW and E of your location), I would suggest using two separate antennas. A Winegard HD7694P pointed NW and an Antennas Direct DB4e facing east (the HDB4X could be substituted). This link, http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2882, explains a few ways to make use of separate antenna feeds.

[teleview]

For reception to the , North West , North , North East , East , South East.

With 1 antenna.

Install a Channel Master CM5016 All Channel antenna.

All channel antennas are desinged to receive all the channels.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6.

VHF high band channels 7 thru 13.

UHF band channels 14 thru 51.

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Aim the CM5016 antenna at about 300 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

With the CM5016 antenna aimed at about 300 degree magnetic compass direction the Tv stations in the different directions will be received.

Will be received Without a antenna rotator.

Will be received Without a second antenna.

______________

A antenna system amplifier is Not required.

______________

A Winegard DS3000 , J pole type antenna mount can be used with the CM5016 antenna.

_________

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. .

http://www.solidsignal.com.

http://www.amazon.com.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com.

http://www.winegarddirect.com.

[tuktuk]

Thanks so much for the help. Follow up, do I need pre-amp with either the C2V or the HD1080?

thanks,
M

[GroundUrMast]

Thanks so much for the help. Follow up, do I need pre-amp with either the C2V or the HD1080?

thanks,
M

If driving only one TV and with 50' or less coax, no.

If you are driving a long run of coax and an 8-way splitter... maybe.

I would try this 'barefoot', you can always add an amplifier if the need is proven... That is, you have good reception at the antenna but the added loss caused by cable and splitting causes the loss of one or more signals.

[tuktuk]

hi guys,

If I may bug you little more, any thoughts on the HBU11K from antennacraft:

http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennasHBU.html

If that is not good, I'll just get the HD1080. Another question, even if the pre-amp is not needed, does it hurt if you still add it?

thanks much for your time,
M-

[GroundUrMast]

The HBU-11 is also a worthy option.

An overloaded amplifier will cause problems with reception... You are facing dozens of strong signals from TV broadcasters and no doubt dozens more from FM broadcasters... I would not recommend you waste money on an accessory that you have no need for and which would make otherwise reliable reception less so.