Which antenna

[toadkiller]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d7fb9c10cc2e693

I need an indoor one, would love to get jus tthe local channels, abc, nbc, cbs, pbs. Live in a woodsy area, house is situated on a hill. Any indoor easy to set up antennas that would work?

Thanks for any info.

[Dave Loudin]

Double-check your location by using the "start MAPS" option of TVFool. You'll get back a Google map with your receive location shown with the red icon. Be sure it's in the right place! You can zoom the map in and drag the icon to the right place as required. Fix the antenna height, then click the "make radar plot" button to create the report.

I ask this because the path profiles used for your predictions don't agree with your description. For example, this http://www.tvfool.com/modeling/tmp/7fb9/c10/cc2e693/PRE-KOIN-DT.png is the profile for KOIN, with the transmitter on the left and you on the right. It looks like you're well into the shadows from a mountain range. If this truly is the case, you'll need to consider an outside antenna.

[toadkiller]

Actually I think you are right and I just described it wrong. I am on the side of the hill pointing away from where the towers are I think, or there is a hill in between where I am and the towers.

I was afraid there was no way in heck I could use an indoor antenna but I rent so was trying to keep it simple. Would i have to mount an outdoor antenna on a huge pole or the roof or could i get by with the side of the house or something.

Just got rid of cable and am trying to get a few of the basic channels but I think with how the house is situated that it wont be easy nor inexpensive.

Any suggestions on what type of antenna to start with?

[Dave Loudin]

It's odd to have to veto an indoor antenna when all the main stations are only 6 miles away, but you can't fight terrain. Your report suggests that there will be plenty of signal refracted over the hilltop so that you can get the channels you want. Two suggestions are the RCA-ANT769 and the AntennaCraft HBU-33. Height won't get you out of the shadows, so something simple on the side of the house pointing to the south-southeast should work.

[toadkiller]

It's odd to have to veto an indoor antenna when all the main stations are only 6 miles away, but you can't fight terrain. Your report suggests that there will be plenty of signal refracted over the hilltop so that you can get the channels you want. Two suggestions are the RCA-ANT769 and the AntennaCraft HBU-33. Height won't get you out of the shadows, so something simple on the side of the house pointing to the south-southeast should work.

Awesome thanks for the suggestions! The RCA looks like it would be way easier to install yet the hbu-33 gets great reviews.

Ok and for the dumb question, if it works on the main tv can I use it and some sort of splitter to run to my other tv's in the house? Do I need an amplifier at all?

[toadkiller]

Can I then split the signal with some sort of splitter to go to the different tvs or should i buy one antenna for each tv. I ran across this while looking for the rca, hard to find that 769 model is there another model that works or just any of those rca indoor ones? But I found a Paper Thin Leaf Indoor HDTV Antenna on amazon with a ton of reviews, do these work at all and would it work for me?

[Electron]

Install a Winegard HD7696P antenna above the roof aimed at 144 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Here are mounts that do not make holes in the roof , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html. . Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com. . The HD7696P antenna is a compact design , of heavy duty long lasting construction , so as to last a long time outside. Reception will be helped by bending the mast pipe , so the antenna is pointed at the at the top of the hill/mountain in the direction of the transmitters.

[GroundUrMast]

Can I then split the signal with some sort of splitter to go to the different tvs or should i buy one antenna for each tv. I ran across this while looking for the rca, hard to find that 769 model is there another model that works or just any of those rca indoor ones? But I found a Paper Thin Leaf Indoor HDTV Antenna on amazon with a ton of reviews, do these work at all and would it work for me?

I have to agree with both suggestions thus far... An indoor antenna of any sort is not likely going to give you reliable reception. On the up-side, a good indoor antenna can be inexpensive so trying won't be too costly. Here are several options if you're resistant to using an outdoor antenna: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2828 (I'd favor the Terk HDTVi, but again, I don't think you'll enjoy reliable reception due to the obstructing terrain, building penetration loss and RFI common to the interior of most homes.

If you opt for an outdoor antenna of sufficient size, the signal can be split. Big box home improvement centers stock splitters. Ex. Leviton 2-way splitter @ Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical-Wire-Cable-Connectors-Adapters-Splitters/Ideal/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbmm7Zrz/R-202276259/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053).

The outdoor antennas suggested thus far are going to give you a far better chance of reliable reception. If you and I lived next door to one another, you'd likely see a very large antenna or two on my roof.

[Dave Loudin]

Oops, I meant the RCA ANT751!

[toadkiller]

Awesome, thanks. Going to order the rca today and will cross my fingers! Thanks again for all the help, appreciate it.