New antenna help please

[smithmark02]

What a great forum.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3da362005e44654f

I am wanting to receive the KC network channels - NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, and CW. Any suggestions on a good antenna? A few comments,

1) I have a few medium size trees in the general direction.
2) How much does height matter? I would like to attach the antenna to the underside of my deck which is about 9 feet.
3) Would I be able to split the signal to another TV? A third?
4) The report mentions a small indoor (green), is this correct? Another site mentioned a medium directional antenna.
5) Do any local stores (wal-mart, best buy, radio shack) offer decent antennas so if it doesn't work i can easily take it back?

Thanks so much for your time and help,
Mark

[Dave Loudin]

Quick hits:

You ran your report assuming an antenna height of 10 feet, so mounting at 9 should not be an issue.

All your stations broadcast on UHF (check the real channel column).

You could use a loop antenna at each TV (assuming none are in the basement) OR

Buy an Antennas Direct DB-2 and mount it under the deck. There will be plenty of signal for splitting to multiple TVs.

The measure of signal power available? the noise margins. Even the weakest of your local stations has a margin of 40dB.

Under no circumstances should you buy an amplified antenna.

[smithmark02]

I'm surprised that indoor antennas would work with the towers being that far away.

What should I look for in an indoor antenna? Are there any you can recommend from places such as walmart, radio shack, or home depot? Are you saying no to an amplified one because it is overkill?

Does the report take into account that with an indoor antenna it has to go through a wall or two?

Again, thanks so much. I appreciate all the advice.

[John Candle]

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 . And read and understand this -> http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695 . 13 to 20 miles is Close , the NM Noise Margins in the green are Very Strong. If your house is not wrapped with any type or kind of metal , like metal siding or stucko with stucko Wire , the reception with a indoor antenna should be fine. And as always , a out side antenna is better. And a out side antenna that has a clear shot at the transmitters is the best.

[smithmark02]

I got the GE non-amplified antenna for $18 at Home Depot and it is working beautifully. I am really shocked that is all it takes.

Thanks again for your help.