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Would that make a difference in the pre-amp choice?
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Probably not, because it not only compensate for the cable loss, it improves the
system noise figure which helps the weakest signals. Some DVRs have tuners that aren't as good as in TVs. Testing will tell you. My advice is based on my experience and what you tell me. I can't give you a guarantee that it will work.
http://imageevent.com/holl_ands/files/ota
scroll down to, and click on file 10:
COMPARE System Noise Figures
With and Without Preamps
which should take you here:
http://imageevent.com/holl_ands/file...=0&w=1&s=0&z=4
If you are just looking for a less expensive preamp, consider the RCA TVPRAMP1R.
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That 7698P is about 14 feet long... wow!
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Yeah, that is why I suggested trying the 7694 with a preamp. Weak signals require antennas with a lot of gain. Antennas with a lot of gain are BIG. VHF antennas are bigger than UHF antennas. There is no substitute for antenna gain. A preamp will not make up for an antenna that doesn't have enough gain. If the signal coming out of the antenna terminals isn't good enough, the preamp can't create it. GIGO
There is an antenna between the two, the 7697:
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=hd7697p
A small antenna mounted high can often outperform a big antenna mounted low. That is especially true in your case, because your house is lower.
You not only need an antenna with enough gain, you must also put it where the signals are.
Your tvfool report is only a computer simulation; I put more stock in your initial tests. You need to make some more tests.
The way I see it for your location: You have the choice of mounting a small antenna up high, or a big antenna down low.
Your desired signals are 2Edge, which means less reliable reception. You need all the help you can get, especially with a DVR. Dropouts and pixilation are petty irritating during a recording.
Look at the path the PBS KBDI CH 13 signal must travel. The transmitter is at the left, and your location is at the right:
