Cut the Cable, looking for some Antenna advice
 

So I have cut the cable/satellite dependency and want to get as many free-to-air channels as possible (will make for a happy family!)

I ran the tvfool report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...5b9413e14ed79a and it looks like I have two transmitters that are within range (almost 140 degrees apart). So I'd like advice as to the type of antenna I should go for. I was thinking about the Antennas Direct, inc DB8e so I could point at both transmitters, but don't really know if this is a good idea. The intent is to mount the antenna on the old satellite mount outside.

I only need to feed one TV and will be using the coax that the satellite dish used. I will be purchasing a digital tuner as my TV does not have a digital tuner (any advice on tuner boxes would also be appreciated).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Some suggestions based on my experience:
1) Check with Denny's on antenna suggestions: http://www.dennysantennaservice.com I've had really good luck with him and felt I got the straight scoop.

2) The satellite mount may not work straight out. You may not find a piece of pipe that will do the job. Make sure to check that out. You may also need more heighth.

3) Last I checked the analog to digital boxes were something like $50-$60. Given the prices of TV's now that are all digital you really may want to look into replacing the old TV. There are some terrific prices and you will be much happier with the picture and setup.

4) How far are the towers? Have you considered using rabbit ears instead of an exterior antenna? It might work.

Re: Battledad response
 

Thanks for the response. A new TV might be in my future, but the current one is a rather nice Plasma I am attached to! If this all works out, who knows.

Thanks for the comment on the mount, I did use that height in the TV coverage report, but as you say I can always go higher if I need to!

Rabbit ears do get a signal of the strong stations (I tried), but I am keen to do something that will pull in more.

We had a 40" Panasonic Plasma that was still going after 8 years but it did have a digital tuner. I had a pc connected with a TV card so I could control channels, record and play movies.

We switched to a new Samsung Plasma and the picture is soooo much better, everything modern, etc., that I kick myself for waiting so long. Sometimes it's best to move forward. I build a lot of PC's and find that people stick with them far too long and when they upgrade they are mad at themselves for putting it off.

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For reception of the Tv stations in the Green and Yellow reception zones of both directions , North West and South East.

Install Above the Peak of the Roof a , Antennas Direct , DB8e antenna.
http://www.amazon.com.

Aim 1 panel at about 338 degree magnetic compass direction.

Aim the other panel at about 117 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antennas.

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For 1 Tv connected a antenna system amplifier will most likely not be required.

For 1 Tv connected use No splitter.

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Disconnect and remove satellite systems devices such as and not limited to , receivers , multi-switches , multi-plexers , connectors , splitters , amplifiers , power injector/power supplies.

Yes the satellite system coaxes and cable system coaxes can be used for the antenna system.

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Any pay cable service such as and not limited to , cable tv service , cable internet service , cable phone service , Must Be on a Separate coax that is not connected to the coaxes that are used for the antenna system.

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Here are some above the roof antenna mounts.

http://www.ronard.com/909911.html.
Use the , ronard(911) , 5 foot tripod antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html.
Use the , ronard(4560) , eave antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.
Measure around the chimney and use a , ronard(2212) , ronard(2218) , ronard(2224) .

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at , http://www.ronard.com , or , http://www.amazon.com.

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Home Depot has 10 foot 6 inch lengths of , TOP RAIL , chain link fence PIPE that makes good antenna mast pipe and is low price at about 10 dollars.

I am not saying that you have to use the full length of the pipe , what I am saying is , works well as a antenna mast pipe and the cost is low dollars.

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Here are some Digital Tuners and Digital Tuner Recorders.

http://www.epvision.com.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com.


Walmart has a basic converter box , RCA DTA800B1 .

Teleview response - thanks
 

Hi Teleview - many thanks for the response. Very helpful and much appreciate you confirming antenna type, etc.

Now I'm going shopping...