Antenna Advice for no signal after switch to digital
 

Hi all you antenna experts! I would really appreciate some advice. I was able to get all the basic local channels before the switch to digital. After the switch we tried one of those digital converter boxes with our current roof-mounted old antenna, which didn't seem to work, then tried getting a different antenna from best buy. Not sure of the model, but maybe it wasn't the right type, high enough strength or we need an amplifier?

Our issue is not the distance to the main signal antenna, but our line-of-site to it is blocked by another smaller mountain "green mountain". We have also since purchased a newer smart hdtv, would it make a difference trying everything we already have with the newer tv? OR I have seen good reviews about antenna on amazon that make signal work when they didn't before. Can you advise if one of these or something else would work for me?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda2c59fcf98c

http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-C5-Cl...srch_res_rtr_1

http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direc...=IPHAGTWU7GUBD

http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direc...=IW28U8H7ZDB4N

Of the three antennas you've listed, the C5 is my preference. The C5 is a High-VHF antenna by design, but it does well in the UHF band also. As a H-VHF antenna, it's directional. As a UHF antenna, it tends to be an omnidirectional.

However, my personal choice is to go after the available signals. Some are weak due to the obstructing terrain, so I would probably opt for a Winegard HD7696P or even the 7698. Pointed at about 290° I would expect to do well with the local stations. I would be prepared to mount as high as safety and practicality would allow, though I would check the reception at lower levels first. An antennas Direct CPA-19 or Winegard HDP-269 preamp would also be needed.

If I wanted to chase after some of the other signals scattered around the compass, I would likely add a second separate antenna system dedicated to DX'ing.

Despite being less than 5 miles from Lookout Mountain, you may well find that those signals simply aren't available to you at your address due to being on the back side of Green Mountain.

I'd suggest calling several of the local stations and asking the engineering department if they've done surveys in your neighborhood. They probably have at some time and can give you advice as ot whether or not their signals will reach you. Most likely, channels 7 & 9 will be more readily received, but it would help if you can make a list of what has been received with other antennas in the past.

If you want to experiment, pick up a C2V-CJM from Best Buy and see what you might get.

Above the Peak of the roof in such a manner that reception is not blocked in all directions by the roof and house , Install a Winegard HD7000R antenna aimed at about 268 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts.

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

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , use the #4560 eave antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.

http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box or buy from ronard.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com.

As a Test to Prove Reception , connect a NEW loooong coax to the matching transformer (balun) that connects to the HD7000R antenna , and run the NEW loooong coax through a open door or window , Direct to the New Tv and connect to the Tv.

No couplers , No ground blocks , No splitters , No DVR's , No VCRs , No Tivo's , No cable boxes , No satellite receivers , No nothing.

It is the , Antenna , Matching transformer , Coax , Tv.

The Tv Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , often named the , 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' , in the Tv Setup Menu because the , OTA= Over The Air , Digital Broadcast Tv Transmissions travel through the Air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Some Digital Tv's will automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Digital Tv Setup Menu and select , 'Air Channels' / 'Antenna Channels'.

What is reception like now??