How do rate this antenna?

[mrpep]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Antennas+Direct+-+ClearStream+4+Outdoor+Long-Range+Digital+TV+Antenna/9151687.p?id=1218037434269&skuId=9151687

Is it decent? I plan to get rid of cable and get free hd with this and use netflix for my movies. Do you guys recommend it? I can get it for 100.00 free shipping from amazon just used teh best buy link. I live in bensenville right by ohare airport so not sure where to point it. I guess first I will figure out what antenna to get then decide on position. Any thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks!

[GroundUrMast]

The Antennas Direct product line has an excellent reputation.

Without a TV Fool Report, I have no way to know if the ClearStream 4 is appropriate for your needs.

Most folks would not commute to work in a 10 Yd. Dump truck, nor would most folks use a small high-mileage compact car to haul large boulders. The type antenna you choose needs to be based on your conditions which include the signal frequencies and strength available at your location.

Follow the instructions here (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90) and here (http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29) to generate a TV Fool Report. Post the link and we will be able to help you, rather than simply guess.

[Tower Guy]

Is it decent?
Do you guys recommend it?
I live in bensenville right by ohare airport so not sure where to point it.

Yes, but it's a UHF only antenna.
Sometimes, only if there are no VHF channels.
It's the wrong antenna for you. WBBM is on VHF.

Look at the HD 7694P or HBU-33 instead.

[John Candle]

If you do this --> http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4 like the other questions askers do then you will be helped more. It is a UHF antenna and long distance Tv stations will not be received very well in the VHF bands. Here are the Tv bands of channels VHF Low 2 thru 6 , VHF High 7 thru 13 , UHF 14 thru 69. Not all Tv channels are in the UHF only. And the Tv channels Are Not concetutive from one band of channels to an other , there are Wide Gaps between the different Tv bands . http://www.hdtvprimer.com/Antennas/TVfrequencies.html

[mrpep]

didnt post , trying again - see attachment

I am now thinking that this maybe a better choice
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direct-C5-CLEARSTREAM5-Antenna/dp/B002E1UNWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1302738357&sr=8-1

This one has vhf and is cheaper. Do I need something this strong or can I use something smaller and save more money.

[No static at all]

Save your money. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get excellent reception. I suggest either this antenna (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=hbu22&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=2327228777292791152&sa=X&ei=fT-mTY_AN9OQ0QHg74TpCA&ved=0CDUQ8wIwAg#) or this one (http://www.google.com/search?q=rca+ant751&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=rca+ant751&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=ADB&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivnsfd&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=bT6mTYntBsuDtgeWuqGFAQ&ved=0CEUQrQQ&biw=1024&bih=578&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=e3f515b85e1b88e6). If more than 2 or 3 sets will be connected this (http://www.google.com/search?q=winegard+7694&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=winegard+7694&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=0xV&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=xD-mTefWKMfn0QGVu7CHBw&ved=0CDMQrQQ&biw=1024&bih=578&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=e3f515b85e1b88e6) is the best bang for the buck.

[GroundUrMast]

A non-amplified set of rabbit ears will work.

The HD7964P and HBU-33 are both excellent, premium solution options.

An RCA ANT-751 is plenty of antenna.

The C5 is also an excellent product, but not a UHF design. With the signal levels at your location, it would likely work, but is not the best choice.


The first two suggestions, can recover enough signal to insure excellent signal levels after splitting the signal to as many as eight sets. The RCA can drive at least four.

Regardless of antenna choice, aim at about 110° per your compass.

Looks like NSAA and I are thinking similar thoughts.

[mrpep]

A non-amplified set of rabbit ears will work.

The HD7964P and HBU-33 are both excellent, premium solution options.

An RCA ANT-751 is plenty of antenna.

The C5 is also an excellent product, but not a UHF design. With the signal levels at your location, it would likely work, but is not the best choice.


The first two suggestions, can recover enough signal to insure excellent signal levels after splitting the signal to as many as eight sets. The RCA can drive at least four.


Looks like NSAA and I are think similar thoughts.

Regardless of antenna choice, aim at about 110° per your compass.
Can I use the HD7964P in the attic? I kinda would rather cause I dont have to go on teh roof and I am not that far from my signal which I believe is the sears tower so attic antenna might get me all my stations. What do you think?

[No static at all]

Can I use the HD7964P in the attic? What do you think?The only problem is that the 7694 is nearly impossible to fold back up without damage, so if the attic doesn't work your may be SOL. Attic reception is hard to predict, even with decent signal strengths.

[mrpep]

The only problem is that the 7694 is nearly impossible to fold back up without damage, so if the attic doesn't work your may be SOL. Attic reception is hard to predict, even with decent signal strengths.

Because I am close to most broadcasting areas wont an attic antenna suffice? Any recommendations? How about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Winegard-MS-2000-HDTV-Antenna-Cable/dp/B001DFTGSS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1302743249&sr=1-2

[John Candle]

So now we know , with the radar plot , You are in a High Signal Strength Area with many LOS Line Of Sight Tv stations , and lucky you , you have 'way to many' Tv stations to receive with the main digital channels and sub digital channels. Yes the Winegard Hd7694P antenna will receive real fine and will provide plenty of signal power to the Tv's. You will not need a antenna amplifier.

[mrpep]

good news but since the strength is good in my area can I get away with an attic antenna without an amplifier? If so any recommendations?

[John Candle]

We have answered your last questions already. And the Only way to find out about how well the HD7694P antenna will work in the attic is to put it in the attic and see what happens. Do Not use a amplifier. The strong signals at your location are very strong and a amplifier will cause problems with reception from over loading.

[No static at all]

Because I am close to most broadcasting areas wont an attic antenna suffice? Any recommendations? How about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Winegard-MS-2000-HDTV-Antenna-Cable/dp/B001DFTGSS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1302743249&sr=1-2An attic antenna may very well work. Because signals reflections that can occur with varying degrees in an attic environment, some stations may pixelate. The only way to know for sure is to try it. Just wanted to make sure you would be able to get the antenna back out of the attic in case reception isn't satisfactory. IMO, the HBU-33 would probably be the best bet since it folds back up easily. The HBU-22 or ANT-751 may work, but might not have enough juice to power additional sets.

The signals levels at my location are even stronger (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d8d1714a82160dc), but an attic antenna didn't work well because of the signal reflections.

[mrpep]

http://www.frys.com/product/5820193?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG\
This is what I bought. I am going to strap it to the chimney but my concern is that it is not going to aim directly at the tower. it will be off approx 20 degrees. Will this be ok? Or does it have to be directly on?

[GroundUrMast]

The CM-4228HD is a deep fringe UHF only antenna. It's relatively sensitive to aiming.

Is there a reason you choose to dismiss the advise you solicited? :confused:

If you're stuck with the antenna, it will likely offer a long list of programing choices. You could have spent less money and got more though. Antennacraft offers the HBU33 for $57.95 on their website. The HBU22 is $37.99. An RCA ANT-121 is $12.99 at Amazon.

[mrpep]

The CM-4228HD is a deep fringe UHF only antenna. It's relatively sensitive to aiming.

Is there a reason you choose to dismiss the advise you solicited? :confused:

If you're stuck with the antenna, it will likely offer a long list of programing choices. You could have spent less money and got more though. Antennacraft offers the HBU33 for $57.95 on their website. The HBU22 is $37.99. An RCA ANT-121 is $12.99 at Amazon.

the jackass told me that it was vhf and uhf! Damn, I will take it back. I wish I knew this before cause the store is far. Anyway, I wanted to buy from frys cause I can take it back if I don't like it. Is there something in there that you guys can recommend?
http://www.frys.com/

[mrpep]

The CM-4228HD is a deep fringe UHF only antenna. It's relatively sensitive to aiming.

Is there a reason you choose to dismiss the advise you solicited? :confused:

If you're stuck with the antenna, it will likely offer a long list of programing choices. You could have spent less money and got more though. Antennacraft offers the HBU33 for $57.95 on their website. The HBU22 is $37.99. An RCA ANT-121 is $12.99 at Amazon.

hang on, both the hbu22 and the hbu33 start at channel 7 and up just like the cm-4228hd! These are virtually the same. Check the facts , the only thing that may not be good is the directional aspect. Does it have to be right on like a dish? Or is in that direction good enough?

[mrpep]

A non-amplified set of rabbit ears will work.

The HD7964P and HBU-33 are both excellent, premium solution options.

An RCA ANT-751 is plenty of antenna.

The C5 is also an excellent product, but not a UHF design. With the signal levels at your location, it would likely work, but is not the best choice.


The first two suggestions, can recover enough signal to insure excellent signal levels after splitting the signal to as many as eight sets. The RCA can drive at least four. .

Regardless of antenna choice, aim at about 110° per your compass.

Looks like NSAA and I are thinking similar thoughts.

110 is east according to the compass on my phone which is perfect and easy. I wont need a mast I can just strap it to my chimney.Should I just aim at the sears tower? Thats where the antennas are and I can see it clearly so aiming is easy

[GroundUrMast]

Here is Channel Masters product description:

CM 4228HD Product Description (http://www.channelmaster.com/HD_television_antenna_Channel_Master_CM_4228HD_HDTV_Antenna_s/43.htm)

Frys product description does not match the manufactures information. Channel Master claims only UHF channel coverage. I'm sorry that you have ill informed sales people leading you down the wrong path.

The CM4228 and similar antennas are sensitive to aim, but not nearly as critical as a parabolic dish used for satellite service.

NSAA's suggestion of the HBU33 in your attic strikes me as the best option for you. If you have problems with reception in your attic, the HBU33 is going to serve well if you move it to the roof. You can purchase through Radio Shack, but they tack on a huge markup. I would have the confidence to buy direct from the Antennacraft web site even if they prohibit returns... But I can't make that choice for you.

I presume that you get a significant snow load on your roof at times. If so, that will likely be the most difficult condition for an attic mounted antenna in terms of signal attenuation. My preference would lean heavily toward a tripod or chimney mount... But again it's your choice, not mine.

[Esteban]

I don't understand, either, why you have danced around the antenna suggestions, & bought something else ???
BUT, I am using the CM 4228HD antenna & am pleased. It is not the best for my location, but I got it cheaply & almost new at a yard sale. I could try it out & if not pleased, return it. I don't have a lot of stations listed for my area & it still works well. I even receive a couple of low band vhf just fine with it, surprisingly. It is a little " touchy " to precisely get it aimed, but trial & error gets the job done. The only way to know if it works in your area is to put it up & AIM it correctly.

[mrpep]

I will taking it back and getting the HBU33 and will be placing it on the roof. The reason I bought this cm4228 is because I felt comfortable knowing that I can return it. I hope the HBU33 does the job. I will keep everyone posted and thanks.

[mrpep]

Just bought the hbu33 as you guys recommended and I placed it in the attic. I simply connected the coaxial and ran it to a tv. Im getting some breaking up though somehow. Its pretty bad on some channels. I must need an amplifier or put it on the chimney but Im really trying to avoid that. My roof is pretty simple its 1/2 plywood and shingle I put the roof up so Im sure of this. Could it be my cables? I am using basic coaxial. Well at least I got it going for now I need to tweak it out. Do I have to point this thing directly at the sears tower? Im guessing that there is some tolerance, isnt there? Any tips will be appreciated.I am going to get a splitter for 4 tvs so I think I definitely need a amp, right? let me know what you think. Thanks

p.s
Do I have to ground the antenna?

[mrpep]

I fixed it . I moved teh antenna to 110 degrees and I shortened the cable to size, This seems to have helped. I wonder what will happen when I split the line for 4 tv's. Will it get worse? I guess Ill find out.

[GroundUrMast]

Just bought the hbu33 as you guys recommended and I placed it in the attic. I simply connected the coaxial and ran it to a tv. Im getting some breaking up though somehow. Its pretty bad on some channels. I must need an amplifier or put it on the chimney but Im really trying to avoid that. My roof is pretty simple its 1/2 plywood and shingle I put the roof up so Im sure of this. Could it be my cables? I am using basic coaxial. Well at least I got it going for now I need to tweak it out. Do I have to point this thing directly at the sears tower? Im guessing that there is some tolerance, isnt there? Any tips will be appreciated.I am going to get a splitter for 4 tvs so I think I definitely need a amp, right? let me know what you think. Thanks

p.s
Do I have to ground the antenna? Cables could be bad, have they been wet, kinked, crushed or stapled?

Connections are more likely a problem, especially if the connectors were installed in the field. Loose or corroded shield to connector junction is easily hidden. The contacts inside the F connector on the TV, splitter or balun can be spread and then fail to make reliable contact with the cable center conductor.

Point at the Sears tower. Five degrees either way is high precision in the case of this type antenna.

An amplifier may change the symptoms, it won't fix the problem. Many amplifiers will be overloaded by the powerful signals, which would cause more trouble for you. I don't believe you have a signal level problem... I think you have a signal quality problem. Amplifiers will only reduce signal quality.

If you can't find a place in your attic that offers clean signals, at least try the antenna outside. My experience with the attic is in conditions with similar signal strength as your case. My roof is of similar construction as yours. I had to put my primary antenna outside.

If the antenna stays in the attic, the splitter should have a grounding lug. Run a #14 or 12 wire from the splitter to a reliable ground. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=901

[Tower Guy]

Do I have to point this thing directly at the sears tower?
I'm guessing that there is some tolerance, isn't there? ?

Yes.
There may be 20 degrees of mis-aiming before problems show up.