Victoria TX - OTA

[AntheaH]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dd243aa97b749b8

A friend of mine would like to receive OTA channels and be able to record. I've got the recording part figured out (iView box) - but need some assistance in helping her determine and choose the correct antenna to use. Thanks for any assistance in advance.

[StephanieS]

Greetings AntheaH,

A nice easy reception map. You should be able to have your friend watching over the air with a mild expense and effort.

The Victoria county locals are pretty easy. An Antennacraft HBU11k package (it includes the mounting J-pole) would work well. Install antenna in a northerly facing direction with a clear line of site. Orientate to magnetic heading 352.

The local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and Telemundo should be solid and reliable.

How many TVs and or DVRs does she plan to feed off this antenna?

Cheers.

[emartz91]

A single DB8e with one panel facing north and the other facing 70 degrees magnetic. You don't need any vhf capability. Make sure the antenna is as high as you can get it above peak of roof.

[StephanieS]

The signals at magnetic 69/73 (WNW) are in several cases obscure low power former translators with no declared programming or websites. KTVX LP is a rebroadcast of Telemundo from heading 352, negating it to a non-factor. K38IG reports being off the air.

This discussion does pose a important point. What does your friend want?
If she wants ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and Telemundo - the area local major stations - then the HBU11k will do everything she needs for $45.

Only spend the $120+ on the DB8e if she wants to see some of more obscure area channels.

Cheers.

P.S. Of interest, there is no PBS affiliate serving the Victoria area at this time over the air. KUHT in Houston had a filing for a translator K29JI-D in town, however by all accounts it has been deleted and was never operational.