help with reception

[seagum]

hi,
canceled cable and trying to get some local stations with a set top antenna. we have a 3-4 year old panasonic viera LCD and have tried and amplified antenna as well as a simpler rabbit ear/loop antenna and we get nothing at all. we have no rooftop set up but are in suburban NJ so i figured there'd be lots of stations even if there is some interference. any help appreciated. thanks in advance

[John Candle]

As the other question askers do , Do This --> http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4. When making the tvfool radar report , use exact address and expected antenna height if mounted on the roof . Also how many Tv's will be connected??

[seagum]

No roof antenna. One TV. Here's the report. http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d83874d556b221e

[John Candle]

There are many digital Tv channels to receive. Using one of these type and kind of indoor Tv antennas , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 , aim the antenna at about 45 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim indoor Tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . The Tv needs to be set to scan for --> Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Not analog broadcast tv channels , Not analog cable channels , Not digital cable channels. If the the Tv does not have a Broadcast Tv Digital Tuner , then a converter will be needed , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380.

[John Candle]

If the construction of the building that the Tv is in is , wood frame with wood or vinyl siding then reception will be ok. However if the construction is metal siding , metal roof , metal foil backed insulation , concrete , bricks from ground to roof , solar panels , then the reception will be reduced or blocked. Also if the antenna is below ground , like in a basement , the reception will be reduced or blocked. Also trees with dense foliage can reduce or block reception.

[seagum]

Thanks. I guess we can try a different antenna. We've tried this http://www.target.com/p/GE-HDTV-Quantum-Antenna-45-Silver-40-24775-41/-/A-10880564 and something kind of like this: http://www.amazon.com/General-Electric-24731-HDTV-Antenna/dp/B000EIMKYC/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1315161366&sr=1-7

Everything else seems in line with what you suggest. the house is wood with vinyl siding. i've tried pointing the antenna. and i think the tv is set to its regular tuner (not cable, not hd). but i'll dig out the manual and make sure.

[John Candle]

For a outside roof top antenna I recommend a Winegard HD7000R antenna aimed at about 45 degree magnetic compass. Here are antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. Also use new RG-6 coax cable on the outside of the building from the antenna toward the Tv. Do not use any splitters for one Tv connection. Every time a split takes place the signal is reduced.

[John Candle]

Here are places to buy antennas and ect. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com

[John Candle]

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 freeTv Guides , http://www.zap2it.com , http://television.aol.com , http://www.titantv.com , http://www.tvzap.com , http://www.tv.yahoo.com , http://tv.entertainment.excite.com. Most Tv guides list the Tv channels as , Virtual Tv channels.

[John Candle]

What is the make and model number of the Tv??