Antenna and Rotor recommendation NE IL

[H3Tank]

I stumbled across this forum and site and think it is filled with tons of information and experts willing to help.

My report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9e741f2fac99f5

In a recent storm I lost my old antenna that was mounted on the roof of my house. I had decent reception with the Chicago station with minor pixalation (sp). Being that I am almost half way between Chicago and Milwaukee, I would like to be able to pull in stations from both markets.

I would like to hear the recommendations of an antenna and rotor.

Thank you!

[John Candle]

How many Tv's are/will be connected??

[H3Tank]

I failed to mention that I will connecting possibly 2 sets. 1 for sure and the other would be once I get it replace. The main use would be for TV "A" a Large Plasma Flat screen.

My house is also one of the highest in the subdivision as noticed when I am on the roof. There are some trees to the southern area (toward Chicago), but the Antenna I estimate would be near the top of the tree line.

Thank you,

[John Candle]

Ok here is your situation. A Winegard HD7082P antenna on a Channel Master CM9521A rotor and -- - - - No antenna preamplifier- - - - will get you the Tv stations from Chicago and Milwaukee. Connected to one Tv this Ok , the person that has the remote control of the rotor has control of where the antenna is pointed. However having a antenna and rotor connected with more then one Tv will lead to conflict of the direction of the antenna. Here is another way to do it for two Tv's , 2 antennas and 2 rotors on 2 separate antenna mounts with coax from one antenna going to one Tv and coax from the other antenna going to the other Tv , the 2fers is pricey but it will allow each person to watch what they want on there own Tv.

[John Candle]

Ok here is the way I recommend doing it. Have 2 HD7080P antennas -- No antenna preamplifiers --, No rotors. One HD7080P antenna is pointed at Chicago and the other HD7080P antenna is pointed at Milwaukee. A coax is brought from each antenna to the location Plasma big screen Tv. A remote control A/B antenna switch is connected to the separate coax from each antenna and the output of the A/B switch is connected to the Tv. Here are remote control A/B switches , model AB27RS or a radio shack 15-1968. So Ok thats for the one Tv , when or if the second Tv is to be connected , what you do is put a 2 way splitter on each coax that come from the antennas and run coax from the outputs of the splitters to the 2 A/B switches , one A/B switch is at one Tv and the other A/B switch is at the other Tv. Yes I know what you will say -> Thats double the coax wiring , And I say yes it is , However when the coax wiring is installed it makes it -> Very Easy <- to select the Chicago or Milwaukee stations , you stay in your chair and push the A/B button on the remote control , no disagreements over what Tv stations to watch , a person can go and watch the other tv.

[John Candle]

Or you could install one HD7080P antenna and a 2 way splitter, point the HD7080P antenna at Chicago and call it Ok. The reason I am recommending All channel antennas is because of Chicago Tv station WOCK digital channel 4 is transmitting 4 digital sub channels , one of them is http://www.americaone.com , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WOCK-CD , WOCK is also transmitting these digital sub channels , Mega Tv , Arirang Tv , LATV. Also Milwaukee Tv station WWAZ digital channel 5 is not transmitting now , however may start transmitting in the future , and with a All channel antenna you will be ready.

[John Candle]

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . Here are Strong and Sturdy antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com/engineered-rotor-ready-chimney-mount-3324.html

[John Candle]

Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.3starinc.com . Here are some but not all Tv guides , http://www.zap2it.com , http://television.aol.com , http://www.titantv.com , http://tv.yahoo.com , http://tv.entertainment.excite.com , http://www.tvzap.com

[H3Tank]

John,

THANK YOU for your information and input. I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into this. Much more than I expected. I will be reviewing your recommendations.

Thank you so much!

[Dave Loudin]

John's suggestion covers all channels from 2 to 51. The only station you would pick up on channels 2 through 6 is WOCK-CD that broadcasts 4 standard definition spanish and english subchannels. I would recommend using HD-7696Ps instead of the HD-7080Ps if this channel is not important to you.

[H3Tank]

Dave,

Thanks for you input. I will determine if this is a channel I wish to have.

[John Candle]

At http://www.solidsignal.com the price of the HD7696P is $ 78.99 and the HD7080P is $ 67.99 . You can pay more and get less channels with the HD7696P. Or you can pay less and get more channels with the HD7080P.