Help picking gear. New to Forum.

[TylerS]

Hello Forum,

I’ve been reading this site looking for info on installing an antenna, which I think I am now ready to do. Here is my TVFool report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d46ae8bde22822e

My technical knowledge for electonics and electrical is "enthusiast" level, but my knowledge is definately beginner for antenna set ups. I really don’t even know where to start with picking equipment. There are so many different types of gear and options. So, I thought I’d ask your opinions.

- I do not have an existing antenna or amp.
- The house is pre-wired with coax, including external run to an old Bell Sat receiver.
- I will be splitting it to two TVs – roughly a total run of 60 ft to an HDTV (add 20 ft if recommending a roof top install). Total run of 50 ft to either a new (unknown) converter box OR PC tuner card (eventually reaching a HD projector).
- The sat receiver is currently mounted at about 6 ft from the ground; I’d love to just mount an antenna there. Maybe with a pole to get it to 10 ft or so.
- Optionally, I am considering a roof mount on a two-storey rooftop.
- My area is typical suburban residential

Can anyone tell me what type of gear (particularly an antenna) I should get? My best options are to buy from this selection: http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?cPath=164_165&bsort=0&brand=0&price=1&location=0&&page=1

My preference would be to spend less than $50 on the antenna, but if there is a compelling reason to pay more, I would consider it.

What converter box would you recommend?

What PC Tuner card / usb stick would you recommend?

I know this is a lot of things to ask, but even pointing me in the right direction would be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

[teleview]

For reception of ->Many<- USA and Canada Digital Tv stations/channels install a Winegard HD7698P antenna above the roof in such a manner that the roof and house are not impeding and blocking reception in the directions of , South , South East , West.

Aim the HD7698P antenna at about 170 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Use a Old School magnetic compass to aim antenna.

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Install a Winegard , LNA-200 'Boost' XT , antenna system amplifier.

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For 1 Tv connected use No splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a , Holland Electronics , HFS-2D , 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a , Holland Electronics , HFS-3D , 3 way splitter.

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Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. .

http://www.saveandreplay.com.

http://www.trentondistributors.com.

http://www.solidsignal.com.

http://www.amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.ca.

http://www.winegarddirect.com.

http://www.hollandelectronics.com.

http://www.ronard.com.

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Here are some strong and sturdy antenna mounts.

http://www.ronard.com/909911.html.
Use the , ronard (911) , tripod antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html.
Use the , ronard (4560) eave antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.
Measure the chimney and use a , ronard (2212) , ronard(2218) , ronard(2224).

________________________

As always , trees and tree leaves , plants and plant leaves , have a Negative effect on Broadcast Tv reception and so buildings and other obstructions including your own roof and house.

Multi-path/reflections.

Absorbing the Tv transmissions.

Blocking the Tv transmissions.
____

The Best Practice is to install the HD7698P antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including your own roof and house.
____

The Tv/s Must Channel Scan for , OTA=Over The Air , Digital Broadcast Tv stations/channels , often named the 'Air Channel' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv Setup Menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the Air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Some digital tv's will Automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Tv Setup Menu and select 'Air Channels' ~ 'Antenna Channels'.

Scan for channels.

[TylerS]

Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions. The advice around aiming the antenna is GREAT! that was my biggest worry. I have a couple of follow up questions:

install a Winegard HD7698P antenna above the roof.

I'm not going to buy the Winegard -- I'm sure it is worth the money but it just isn't in my buget at +$150. :( The two I am looking to choose between are:

Digiwave ANT5013 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=164_165&item_id=053687)

or

Digiwave ANT-7288 (http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=164_165&item_id=025928)

Any reason why one would be significantly better than the other? Does anyone know the brand and whether it is good or bad? The first option has a built in amplifier - is that a big plus?

Thanks.

[sly1963]

Hi, i am new at this.

I saw this thread and was just wondering the results.

Did you go with the Digiwave 5013 and if it worked for you?

Thanks

Sue