Help w/ antenna selection plz

[wideBody1]

Hi All,

Here's my location analysis:
* http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9fbedfc0d7d27b

I have a cheapo USB HDTV tuner for my computer. It came w/ an antenna (a single, stand up, 12" thin metal pole). It only gets like one or two channels. Looking to upgrade. No attic or roof access. Hoping to keep this under $50. Also, the wife factor is always an unfortunate side effect of the ring I have on my finger.

Thanks all!!
w

[John Candle]

The antenna metal receiving elements need to be in the horizontal , not up right vertical. The television transmissions at your location are so strong that tuner over load can easly happen. all you need is a indoor antenna. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 . Read and watch the video on double rescan at http://www.dtv.gov This one also has strong signals http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=609 and the same advice applies to you.

[wideBody1]

Thank you Mr. Candle. I had similar thoughts when i bought this cheapo tuner that I wouldn't need anything special to get the basic channels.

For completeness, this is what I bought:
* http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815260023

I will check out those links and report back.
-w

[Dave Loudin]

wideBody1, you could probably get by with a $3.99 rabbit ears/loop combo from Radio Shack, but I would try putting your existing rod antenna horizontal, with the ends pointing NE/SW. If neither works, then a Terk HDTVi would be the last step. Under no circumstances should you have an amplifier connected. The stations at the top of the list that have their power levels highlighted in red can easily overload your system.

[wideBody1]

Thanks all. I read all the links and learned a lot. So.....

Wow, I moved my antenna into the horizontal position, NE/SW as indicated. Went from 1 channel to getting the first 7 or 8 channels in my list. However, it certainly doesn't get all the channels in the green like I was hoping for. How much do you think it would help if I moved the antenna outside and up higher? Not sure if i can do it permanently, just curious.

I think i'm gonna go for the 3.99 rabbit ears / loop combo. Except, I can't find that for 3.99. I did find this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103077 -- is that what I should get?

And lastly, if none of that works, this is the product that is being recommended?
* http://www.amazon.com/Terk-Technology-HDTVi-Indoor-Antenna/dp/B0001FV36E

[Dave Loudin]

Those are the antenna choices I was thinking of. Seems ridiculous that the loop combo costs so much. Good luck!