Help with antenna choice please

[mattyp11]

Hi all, Here is my analysis:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dd2434040a73113

I have a 6x6 pole that used to house my satellite dish, the coaxial is still there. The dish was approximately 15 feet off the ground at the time. I have clear paths to the skies in the north and south, with a few low lying trees. two story houses are directly to the east and west of my house ( in close proximity). I'm interested in getting any channel possible with the exception of religious and Spanish channels.
I only have 1 tv, a 51" 1080p samsung plasma. The coaxial goes in to the house to a diverter in the basement, and then to the living room. Approximately 50' of cable altogether from antenna to TV.
I am looking at getting the
Antennas Direct DB4e.

thanks for your guidance!

[mattyp11]

Maybe even add on the VHF retrofit kit to the DB4e?

[ADTech]

Your best option for the most channels of interest would be to shoot for Denver. However, that will require both high-VHF plus UHF (the DB4e will not pick up the Denver VHF stations that operate on channels 7, 9, & 13). From our product lineup, you would therefore need to ADD the ClearStream 5 to the DB4e in order to get your full complement of stations.

The alternative would be to resort to a large combo antenna which, for his location, would need to be between 10-14' in length.

The coaxial goes in to the house to a diverter in the basement,

Not sure what you're calling a 'diverter', you'd best post a photo of it for identification purposes.

[mattyp11]

I'm at work but I can post a picture later. It's housed in a media control box that diverts cable/internet/signal to the rest of the house.

It kind of looks like this:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qrbiz.com%2Fbuy_1to3-catv-distributor&ei=1F9_VL_DO6HxigKpk4GgAQ&bvm=bv.80642063,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNGnzGnoNUfcYx9gNCVnA3HA-PavKA&ust=1417720139627154

Will the VHF retrofit not work with the DB4e? I am trying to keep expenses down (yes yes I know, saving $ month after month!) I still have a budget!

Thanks for your reply! This site is a great resource.

[timgr]

If you want to add VHF capability to the DB4e, you can add a separate VHF high antenna - it does not have to be the VHF retrofit from Antennas Direct. The Antennacraft Y5713 is only $30 http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennasVHF.html ... you can combine it with the UHF signal from the DB4e using a passive UVSJ http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=uvsj or a preamp like the often-recommended RCA http://www.amazon.com/RCA-TVPRAMP1R-Preamplifier-Performance-Enhancement/dp/B003P92D9Y

I am currently using a setup like this with a Y10713 above a DB8e on the same 10' pole, and an Antennacraft 10G221 preamp http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennaAmplifiers.html - works great.

As ADTech mentioned, you could also go with a large combo antenna, like the Antennacraft HBU type http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennasHBU.html - here "large" means "long" ... the Y10713 has a 10' beam and the HBU55 has a 12' beam.

[ADTech]

The VHF Retrofit Kit isn't adequate for use in the Ft Collins area. You'll need something with a lot more performance.

[mattyp11]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
I have the DB4e and the y5713 on separate j-poles, attached to a 6x6 post (deck pergola support beam) about 15 feet above ground. I also have the RCA amplifier as suggested (which made a huge difference!!) Both antennas are pointed SSW (just a hair to the west) for the best reception. When I first added the y5713, I had it temporarily affixed 2 feet below the DB4e. When I bought the second j-pole I put it just above the DB4e. When I did this I lost channel 5 and gained channel 9, which is fine because they are both NBC (and better reception). The problem is, now channel 7 (ABC) is pixelated and choppy. Did I create some interference? I figured moving the antenna higher would simply make everything better....It is sitting basically right on top of the UHF antenna.

[Jake V]

How far is "just above". You do need some separation between the antennas. Two feet minimum, but sometimes more.

[ADTech]

It is sitting basically right on top of the UHF antenna.

Yeah, that usually causes both antennas to have their reception diminished somewhat. Antennas do like their "elbow room".