Afton, MN Antenna Advice

[Billiken]

Thanks for the great forum!! We have just disconnected our Direct TV and just want to get a few local stations (ABC,NBC,CBC and PBS). We have three old TVs that need Digital Converter Boxes. From your advice from this site it seems that we need to mount a roof top antenna. I think the hight will be about 15 feet. We are surrounded by very tall Pine Trees, that are about 30 feet from the house. We also live in a river valley, half way up the ridge. Here is our tvfool report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d4bba3294fc5e3a.

What antenna should we buy?
Where to buy the antenna?
How to mount it?
Can I use one converter box, or do I need three?
Can I use the existing cable from the Direct TV?

Any help would be great!!

Signed : Clueless.

[ADTech]

Welcome aboard!

Reverse engineering your TVfool plot and your description of your location will put you on the east-facing slope between St Croix Trail S on your east and Pennington Ave S on your west within a block of 34th St.

Despite your best efforts and intentions, you may find yourself calling the satellite company back if you want TV reception beyond Wisconsin Public TV.

Your location tight against the slope of that hill and being surrounded by trees will cause the signal forecasting software of this site to be wildly optimistic about the signal powers expected from Shoreview. With a large high-VHF antenna pointed up the hill to your north-west, you might get channels 9 & 11 as the VHF signals will more readily follow the terrain. I sincerely doubt that you will get anything UHF no matter what you do unless you are able to catch a reflected signal from across the river.

Sorry to be so pessimistic, but I've been behind enough hills to know that the signals will be far, far weaker than the forecast suggests. I'd like to be wrong about being so pessimistic, but you're in a pretty tough spot.

[GroundUrMast]

I respect ADTech's opinions.

If you are willing to take the risk that you could find only a few signals, I'd suggest a Winegard HD7698P. Retailers such as SolidSignal.com, Amazon.com come to mind... I would purchase from the retailer with the most liberal return policy.

Given your self assessment regarding your skill level and/or expertise, consider contacting a professional installer... http://www.servicemagic.com/c.Audio-Visual-Computers.Afton.MN.-12006.html

Before you commit to an installation, determine what they would charge to provide a 'site survey', which would show you what signals they can receive using their test antenna and receiver. I would avoid an installer that is not equipped to perform such a service.

[Billiken]

Wow, thank you so much for the quick feedback. It is not what i was hoping for, but i appreciate your candor. I may try to have a site evaluation, or just call the BIG BAD CABLE GUYS and try to negioate. Keep up the good work and i will keep you posted. Billiken

[phone man]

Sometimes the reps in the retention department are highly motivated. Maybe they'll call you with an offer you can't refuse. I was quite surprised at how much TWC was willing to reduce my bill once I placed an order to cancel.