WSW of Chicago, looking for proper antenna

[whiskeyhill]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d3e4740fecf83aa

Hello, everyone. First, let me say that I'm amazed at the depth of this site.

I am in the Chicago suburbs, a two story brick townhouse of recent construction. Using an amplified Philips rabbit ears/loop antenna, I get all DT channels from downtown Chicago (65 degrees true), the NW Indiana station at 131 degrees, and WWTO at 237 degrees. I want to do away with the rabbit ears, and have quality reception for my two 2nd floor televisions.
My roof is at a very steep pitch, and would require 25+ feet of ladder. I'm a DIYer, but that's beyond my comfort zone!
I do have a large unfinished cathedral attic, rising a good 12 feet to its peak. I have read of the degradation of signals in attics.

Can you recommend an antenna, or two? I'll talk to the Mrs. regarding hiring out the roof-top installation.

Thank you.

Jim

[John Candle]

I recommend a Winegard HD7000R antenna aimed at 68 degrees magnetic compass. Yes it is true that attics are not the best places for Tv antennas , neither is the inside of a house. The Tv signals at your location are VERY STRONG , so the signals go through the wood and some of the brick. If the roof is not metal and there is not metal backed insulation on the underside of roof then the HD7000R should receive Ok in the attic. If there is metal duct work or foil wrapped duct work or heating and air conditioning units in the attic or on the roof then the antenna needs to be away from the metal units. No metal blocking the reception of the antenna in the direction of 68 degree magnetic compass. Here are places to buy Tv antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com

[John Candle]

I also recommend a FM trap. Radio Shack has a FM trap 15-024 that works Ok. Put the trap close to the Tv. Read and understand about , REAL Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Virtual Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Analog Broadcast Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695. Here are some but not all free Tv guides , http://www.zap2it.com , http://television.aol.com , http://tv.entertainment.excite.com , http://tv.yahoo.com , http://www.titantv.com , http://www.tvzap.com

[whiskeyhill]

Thank you, John. I will do as you say, and I look forward to the reading. Thank you, too, for keeping this science alive and for making it respectable.

[whiskeyhill]

In the same way you helped me in another posting, I, too am interested in receiving WPVN at 358 degree magnetic, 20.4 miles distance. I also want to retain reception of WYIN at 131 degree magnetic, 41.8 miles away.
I have not yet purchased the Winegard HD700oR , and it looks like it will be an attic mount.
Thank you again.

[John Candle]

Same antenna and hook up situation as the other house. Separate coax from the antennas to the location of the Tv and a remote control A/B switch. Aim the U8000 antenna at about 245 degree magnetic compass. A advantage of the U8000 is the reflector bars of the antenna can be turned so they are more in line with bar they are mounted on , this turns them out of the way so the V shaped metal reception elements will receive more signal at the back side of the antenna.

[whiskeyhill]

The service here is unmatched. Thank you.