Newbe need an antenna

[leblanc7]

Hi Folks, I just got rid of the cable.
Now, I need an antenna but I do not know what I should get. UHF only or with VHF? What kind of antenna is better? (multidirectionnal? with a rotor? Size?) Do I need a booster (does it boost the range of reception?), a converter (I got a rear projection TV 6 Years Old)? I know I need a long range antenna as I live in Russell, Canada (about 150 Miles north east of Watertown and wondering if I could get Fox?) What are the Extremes measures that can be taken in order to get the weakest channels indicated in the report.
I have access to a 50' tower if needed.
Anyone out there has suggestion and advises for me?
Thank you

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9e7472ccee62f9

[leblanc7]

Sorry for the double post.

[John Candle]

The default height of your radar height is 10 feet. Please post 2 more radar reports , one at 30 feet and one at 50 feet. Yes you will receive some American stations. We will see how many with the antenna at 30 feet and 50 feet.

[John Candle]

How many Tv's are and will be connected?? The 6 year old rear projection Tv most likely Does Not have a digital tuner and even if it does the tuner will be a early generation tuner that will not do well at receiving the digital channels. If you will be buying a new Tv I strongly recommend a Sony or Samsung Tv's , they have newest chip sets in the digital tuners that will get the best reception. Also , How many Tv's are/will be connected??

[John Candle]

Here are some stand alone digital tuners , and some even have recorders. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380

[leblanc7]

Thank you John for your assistance. I am including here the two reports you were asking.
With a 30 feet antenna:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9e74d7a651315d
WIth a 50 feet one:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9e7437c9302e4d

We are planning to hook up two TVs for now.
Thanks

[ADTech]

Your odds of getting Fox with an antenna are nil.

Sorry.

[John Candle]

I am selecting the antennas and amplifier to receive 4 American stations , the Canada stations are easy to receive. I'll be back

[Billiam]

Actually I believe WNYF TV 18 carries Fox and CBS programming. WWNY TV 7 carries Fox on its sub channel.

[ADTech]

Actually I believe WNYF TV 18 carries Fox and CBS programming. WWNY TV 7 carries Fox on its sub channel.

Good catch on WNYF. The odds aren't great, but it *might* be possible with a highly directional UHF antenna and the proper preamp. I had looked only at the listing of networks affiliates as given on the chart.

[John Candle]

WWNY has CBS and FOX , the other receivable American stations are , WNPI PBS , WCFE PBS , WNYF variable programing. For reception of the American stations I recommend 2 antennas on top of the 50 foot tower. Antenna # 1 is a Winegard YA-1713 aimed at WWNY CBS, FOX at 205 degree magnetic compass. Antenna # 2 is Antennas Direct 91-XG aimed at 148 degree magnetic compass here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . The 2 antennas are connected to gether with a Channel Master CM7777 preamp. The set up goes like this , Antennas connected to preamp , from the preamp a coax goes to the preamp power supply in the house , then a 2 way splitter is connected and the outputs of 2 way splitter go to the 2 Tv's.

[John Candle]

The Canada stations are easy. I recommend a Channel Master CM2016 antenna with No amplifier aimed at about 308 degree magnetic compass. The coax from the antenna will go to the house and 2 way splitter will be connected and the outputs of the 2 way splitter will have coax that go to both Tv's. At the Tv locations will be Remote control A/B antenna switches that coaxes are connected to. And the outputs of the A/B switches are connected to the Tv's. The Canada stations are easy to receive so the CM2016 need not be mounted up high , if the CM2016 has a fairly clear view to the west at about 15 or 20 feet high or so then thats fine. Here is a place to buy all this in Canada , http://www,saveandreplay.com

[GroundUrMast]

Good catch on WNYF. The odds aren't great, but it *might* be possible with a highly directional UHF antenna and the proper preamp. I had looked only at the listing of networks affiliates as given on the chart.

With CITY-DT, real CH-17, on the adjacent channel, reception of WNYF-LD, real CH-18 will be extremely challenging. A predicted adjacent channel power delta of 40 dB can't be ignored. The XG-91 may work but I doubt it will have the needed front to back ratio.

[John Candle]

The main part of the digital change over is happening to day , Aug 31 , 2011 in Canada. The CITY TV report is a older speculative repot and CITY Tv may not be on CH 17 after Aug. 31 2011.

[John Candle]

For the reception of the American and Canada Tv stations , The coax systems are separate. So thats one complete system for the Canada stations , Antenna , coax , 2 way splitter and then coaxes going out to the 2 Tv's. And for the American stations , antennas , preamp , preamp power supply , 2 way splitter and then coaxes going out to the 2 Tv's.

[John Candle]

Here is more information of Digital Tv in Canada. http://www.user.dccnet.com/jonleblanc/Canada_TV_Stations , http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/117022 , http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/105426 , http://www.digitalhome.ca , http://www.friends.ca , http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/home-accueil.htm , http://www.trentondistributors.com

[Billiam]

With CITY-DT, real CH-17, on the adjacent channel, reception of WNYF-LD, real CH-18 will be extremely challenging. A predicted adjacent channel power delta of 40 dB can't be ignored. The XG-91 may work but I doubt it will have the needed front to back ratio.

He should be able to get it. I have the same situation here with a Ch. 17 and Ch. 18. Ch. 18 is a green signal out of KC at 35 miles while Ch. 17 is a very weak red with a NM of minus 8 or so of Columbia. I get Ch. 17 from Columbia frequently at night and in the morning.

The best antenna for this channel would be the CM 3023. Having compared that one with the 91xg and also a MXU 59 from Antennacraft, I found the CM 3023 from Channel Master has the best gain on the lower channels (yes, better than the Winegard 8800) with decent adjacent channel rejection.

[leblanc7]

Thank you very much everyone! Obviously, I have a lot to learn :o
I am glad to have connected to this site. I will start by getting all that stuff and get it all together! I guess it will take me some time to get it all up and running! I will definitively keep you gents posted of the outcome...

So John suggested the XG-91 and Billiam suggested the CM 3023. Gentlemen, what should it be and why?
Would any of those antennas also be good for Radio?
You guys are awesome to take some of your time and help a rooky...
Whish me luck!

[Billiam]

You indicate that you would really like to watch Fox. The Fox affiliate is carried on Ch. 18's subchannel. That being the case, the Channel Master 3023 has superior reception on UHF low channels while the 91XG has better gain on the higher UHF channels. If that indeed is your most important catch and you are willing to sacrifice a bit of gain on the higher Channels over 30 or so, then that is the best antenna for this situation that is presently still available unless you have the big bucks to go and get a commercial antenna. :-)

[leblanc7]

Another question... I have a 6 years old 56inch TV 780p Epson rear projection TV model LS57P2C Yep not many of those out there...but it has a printer in it....ok do I need a converter for the OTA signal? I dont seem to get this answer on the net. If I do need one, any particular one you would recommand?
Thank you again
Billiam.. I did not know about commercial antenna!!!! but it would defeat the purpose of saving money from the cable, I guess...
Cheers

[John Candle]

Due to the W-I-D-E geographic spread and Low signal strength of the American Tv stations , the CM 3020 will be at real disadvantage , the forward beam width is not wide enough to receive the Low Signal Strength American stations. What is needed is a High gain narrow beam width antenna that is zeroed in on WWNY channel 7 , the YA-1713. And if I were to chose a different antenna for reception of the of the American UHF channels I would chose a Channel Master CM4228HD antenna , The CM4228HD has higher gain at the lower end of the UHF channels , 14 thru 30. So the antennas to use are the , YA-1713 for VHF and a 91-XG or CM4228HD for UHF. The higher gain that I spoke of is about 2 or 3 dB , this will help a little as what compared the 91-XG will do , however in this reception situation it's not that much. There are trade off's with every thing , the 4228HD stands up right , vertical , and has a much higher wind load (like a big sail) , this one reason why I recommended the 91-XG first.

[John Candle]

The Canada stations are easy to receive , you can install the CM2016 now and watch many crystal clear digital channels , and work on the American channels reception as time goes along.

[MisterMe]

Another question... I have a 6 years old 56inch TV 780p Epson rear projection TV model LS57P2C Yep not many of those out there...but it has a printer in it....ok do I need a converter for the OTA signal? I dont seem to get this answer on the net. If I do need one, any particular one you would recommand?
Thank you again
Billiam.. I did not know about commercial antenna!!!! but it would defeat the purpose of saving money from the cable, I guess...
CheersEpson provides no support or information for its Livingstation line of TV sets. My first HDTV was a Sharp LCD flat panel that included two NTSC tuners but no ATSC tuners. The only way to get ATSC programming was through a digital set top box. Owing to its age, I am afraid that your TV is similar. There are a number of tuners and converters on the market. However, I really recommend that you back your ears and pop for a new flat panel set. They all have integrated digital tuners. Just about an 55"-60" flat panel set today will make you want to throw stones at your old faithful.

[John Candle]

I agree , It's time for a new Flat panel digital Tv. I Strongly Suggest a SONY or SAMSUNG because they have the latest generation of digital tuner design and that is important for the best reception of digital broadcast Tv signals. The new Tv's that have LED = Light Emitting Diodes that light up the screen have bright sharp clear pictures.

[leblanc7]

Thank you very much Gents. I got lots of thinking to do and perhaps shopping.... negociation has begun!... Thank John for the details on the entanna... I am ordering them through the web at the beginning of the week... Looking forward to get free (almost) TV :)
Cheers