Fairhaven MA have an old system-upgrade?

[calfee20]

I have a 10 year old system that consists of a monster deep fringe VHF antenna that feeds down to a UHF that looks similar to but not as nice as a 91XG. The signal was preamped to push it through a 100 foot lead to get to the house. I started by using my computer as a tuner then I added Dish and used the antennas mostly for football. Now I have dropped dish and will probably buy a Channel Master CM-7000PAL.

My TVfool print out is:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d60b5822917f00f

Most all of the channels are on two lines 30 degrees apart. So I was wondering if I could point the Vhf antenna to Providence for 12 and 13 and the UHF at the Boston stations but how would the rest of the Providence stations come in?

Then if I upgraded the system what would be the best way to go. I am very interested in any input.

Thanks......................................Tom C

[John Candle]

I recommend aiming both antennas at about 340 degree magnetic compass , in between the two groups of stations , the tv stations are strong and both groups will be received. If you will like to do it with one antenna then I recommend a Winegard HD7697P antenna , with a Antennas Direct CPA-18 preamp. Also check out Channel Masters newest DVR , http://www.channelmasterstore.com. Also here are some other converter boxes and recorders , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380

[GroundUrMast]

Because you are already using some form of HTPC technology and are considering the CM-7000PAL, take a look at http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820

Network attached tuners make multiple antenna systems far more flexible and useful than was possible when passive RF combiners were the only choice for merging two or more antennas. If you are trying to simultaneously access Boston and Providence stations an option would be to install an antenna dedicated to each market. HTPC technology is built in to Win-7 Home Premium giving you full PVR capability in addition to basic live TV viewing features. If you are inclined toward Linux, MythTV is a well developed and supported open source Media Center software suite... that's free.

[calfee20]

I finally had time to check some things out. I found my compass and checked the antennas. The VHF was 340 degrees and the UHF 345. Then I brought a small flat panel into the shed and connected right to the antenna. I got just about every channel.

Then I moved the TV to the house, 150' of cable no amplifier and lost more than half the channels. I have no way of knowing the signal strength with the way digital is you have it or you don't.

So I need an amp. Originally I had a Wineguard preamp that boosted UHF only but that got fried in a lighting storm. I have a Vanco 10 db amp of dubious quality that I may try tomorrow. So any ideas for an amp and is there a low buck way to measure signal strength.

Thanks .........................................Tom C

[calfee20]

That is a neat idea, having a network tuner and running it through your computer. I even dragged my old Win 2000 computer out and it still runs, my HiPix HD tuner card works best with Win 2000. My main problem is my TV. It is an old Mitsubishi with only one hd input and that input is component. So whatever I hook up will be my sole HD source. Now my present computer,also old, has an ATI 9700 pro graphics card that has component out that I have never tried. I think I will have to finally check it out next week because if it works well with the TV I may go with the network tuner instead of the DVR tuner.

....................................................................Tom C

[GroundUrMast]

I'd suggest a preamp at the antenna. An Antennas Direct CPA-19 would be my choice.

150' of RG-6 in good condition will have about 10dB of loss. (+/- depending on frequency.)