Hello, here is my FOOL report and my desired outcome.

[tlhfirelion]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc494ca846814e

In a few months my Dish contract runs out and I'm done with Sat. TV for good. I'm wanting to get all my ducks in a row now so I'm informed and ready to switch. My plan is this;

1) Use a Roku/Apple TV device.
2) get a quality OTA antenna for my locals.
3) subscribe to netflix or hulu or something for movies and tv shows we missed or want to watch, but thats still up in the air. It's less then half of what were paying now so it's still a savings.

About a year ago we had a few months with nothing but OTA and a cheap antenna from walmart were able to get most of the majors except for KOLR 10 out of Springfield MO. It was just far enough away to be a pixled tease but never watchable. I'd like to see about getting most everything possible and get it well.

My wife is on board with this as it will save us money and we don't watch that much TV to begin with. Her only request is that we don't have a giant arrow of an antenna on our roof, so I've been looking at a smaller unidirectional type from waingard (sp?) Ill have to look up the model number but it was a round flat disk that would be more discrette, but who knows if thats a good option for us.

The only real place to mount this will be about 2' above the roof peak of our house on the side of the chimney. This will block out a clear shot of anything to the west, but based on the FOOL report, that shouldnt be an issue based on tower location. We are located almost at the top of a hill with a big valley and lake below us to the North. There are some trees to the North East of our house and quite a few hills between us and the towers, but most are close to our elevation so we're not having to aim up and over, but just slightly upward.

I will try and provide some pics of the mount location and a view from that spot as well as the wiring going into the house. If you've read this far, thank you. My questions are as follows;

1) What antenna would you suggest based on the above and where would I best purchase it?

2) Will I be able to use the wiring from the Sat TV? It seems to be laid out well and has a ground of some sort but I'll need to investigate this further. I don't know if the cabling they used is the correct type. it comes down from the dish and into a small box on the side of our house. This just has some barell connections and then 2 wires exit that and enter the house in two locations, one to the master bedroom and one to the living room. At this time we will only be using the living room connection.

3) Would I benefit from any sort of signal booster inside the home or just plug the wire right into the back of the TV? My TV is just new enough to not require an external convertor box.

I know this post was long but I wanted to try and paint as detailed a pic as possible to obtain the best information possible. I will try and get some pics up when I can.

Thank you in advance for any help you are able to provide.

Happy New Year!

[elmo]

I'd avoid the omni directional antennas. You want those signals from the N-NE direction; why not aim at them for the best reception.

You have issues getting Ch 10 because it's a VHF channel and your antenna is probably not the best for VHF.

Make sure the antenna you choose is UHF & VHF. If you want to go with a small arrow, try the ANT-751, but you may be pushing it's range. A Winegard HD7694p would be better and it's not too big, IMO. If you want something less arrow-like, I'd check out the Clearstream 2-V.

Don't bother with an amp now - you can add it later if needed. It's probably fine if only feeding one TV.

The existing coax is fine to use, as long as the antenna is the only thing using it; antennas don't mix well with sat/cable/internet.

Above the roof in such a manner that the roof and house does not block reception to the , north - north east and south east.

Install a Winegard HD7696P antenna with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp aimed at about 10 degree magnetic compass direction.

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


For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a , HFS-2D , 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a , HFS-3D , 3 way splitter.

Buy the HFS splitters at , http://www.solidsignal.com or http://www.hollandelectronics.com.
______________________________________________

For now as a test of reception I recommend run a separate coax from the antenna/preamp to one Tv.

Or can disconnect a coax from the satellite system and use that coax.
______________________________________________

For the reception of ,

K25BD REAL Digital UHF channel 25 , virtual number (25.1) Religion.

KBNS-CD REAL UHF Digital channel 36 , virtual number (x) The Vacation Channel.

KSPR-DT REAL UHF Digital Channel 19 , virtual number (33.1-2) ABC and CW.

KYTV REAL UHF Digital channel 44 , virtual number (3.1-2) NBC and Local Weather.

KOLR REAL VHF Digital channel 10 , virtual number (10.1) CBS.

KOZL-Tv REAL UHF Digital channel 28 , virtual number (27.1) Independent Tv station.

K17DL-D REAL UHF Digital channel 17 , virtual number (x) Branson Vistor Channel.

KOZK-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 23 , virtual number (21.1-2-3) PBS and Educational Telecourses and Create.

KRBK REAL UHF Digital channel 49 , virtual number (49.1-2) FOX and MyNetwork.
_______________________

K21JS REAL UHF Digital channel 21 , virtual number (21.1) Religion.
And
KTKO-LP REAL VHF Digital channel 08 , virtual number (8.1-2-3) ION and Qubo and ION Life.

Are both Strong transmissions and will be received through the back angle of the HD7696P antenna.
_______________________

K26GS-D REAL UHF Digital channel 26 , virtual number (26.1-2-3-4) Retro Tv Network and Antenna Tv and THIS Tv and Me-Tv.

Is weaker signal strength , however I think it will be received through the back angle of the HD7696P antenna , may require some aim adjustment of the HD7696P antenna.
_______________________

As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Digital Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own roof and house.

It is best to install the HD7696P antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including your own roof and house.

Install the HD7696P antenna Up High.

Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , if using the eave mount use the #4560.

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.

The Tv/s Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , often named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel trhrough the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

[tlhfirelion]

Originally Posted by elmo

I'd avoid the omni directional antennas. You want those signals from the N-NE direction; why not aim at them for the best reception.

You have issues getting Ch 10 because it's a VHF channel and your antenna is probably not the best for VHF.

Make sure the antenna you choose is UHF & VHF. If you want to go with a small arrow, try the ANT-751, but you may be pushing it's range. A Winegard HD7694p would be better and it's not too big, IMO. If you want something less arrow-like, I'd check out the Clearstream 2-V.

Don't bother with an amp now - you can add it later if needed. It's probably fine if only feeding one TV.

The existing coax is fine to use, as long as the antenna is the only thing using it; antennas don't mix well with sat/cable/internet.

Elmo, thanks for the helpful reply. I looked over the antenna suggestions you posted and the 2V looks like a better option for us. When I do begin to install this, is th ebest way to break out my trusty compass and aim for the middle of the cluster on my FOOL report N-NE?

I notice a lot of the antenna today say 50+miles or 60+ miles, what that mean exactly? Does the signal drop like a stone after 51 miles? Do I need to get something stronger then what I need? If so, I'm OK with overkill. lol

If we ever do add a TV to the Master bedroom I'll see how the signal strength is before getting any signal booster device. it's only a run of about
8' so I can't imagine the signal is that far gone.

Regarding your concern about the internet interfering with the TV signal, its' thru our phone lines and nowhere near this part of the house so it's should be an issue.

Thank you for the help and if anyone else has any feedback it's appreciated!

[Stereocraig]

Do not base your purchase on the hype of false mileage statements. I would stick w/ the Winegard suggestion.

[elmo]

Originally Posted by tlhfirelion

Elmo, thanks for the helpful reply. I looked over the antenna suggestions you posted and the 2V looks like a better option for us. When I do begin to install this, is th ebest way to break out my trusty compass and aim for the middle of the cluster on my FOOL report N-NE?

I notice a lot of the antenna today say 50+miles or 60+ miles, what that mean exactly? Does the signal drop like a stone after 51 miles? Do I need to get something stronger then what I need? If so, I'm OK with overkill. lol

If we ever do add a TV to the Master bedroom I'll see how the signal strength is before getting any signal booster device. it's only a run of about
8' so I can't imagine the signal is that far gone.

Regarding your concern about the internet interfering with the TV signal, its' thru our phone lines and nowhere near this part of the house so it's should be an issue.

Thank you for the help and if anyone else has any feedback it's appreciated!

A compass is a good start. Use your plot and table as your guide as it has all the locations on there. You will want to tweak it a degree or two to find the best signal for you. Your TV likely has a signal meter built in. Have it rescan for channels once attached. Be sure and check all channels for signal strength before you clamp it down.

As for distance ratings, I doubt there's a standard. Larger antennas are more directional so they can pull from a greater distance. Smaller antennas pull in a wider range of stations from various directions as long as they aren't far away. Think of it as a spot light vs a flood light. There's no hard cut off, reception fades the further away you are, that's all.

[tlhfirelion]

Originally Posted by teleview

Above the roof in such a manner that the roof and house does not block reception to the , north - north east and south east.

Install a Winegard HD7696P antenna with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp aimed at about 10 degree magnetic compass direction.

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


For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a , HFS-2D , 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a , HFS-3D , 3 way splitter.

Buy the HFS splitters at , http://www.solidsignal.com or http://www.hollandelectronics.com.
______________________________________________

For now as a test of reception I recommend run a separate coax from the antenna/preamp to one Tv.

Or can disconnect a coax from the satellite system and use that coax.
______________________________________________

For the reception of ,

K25BD REAL Digital UHF channel 25 , virtual number (25.1) Religion.

KBNS-CD REAL UHF Digital channel 36 , virtual number (x) The Vacation Channel.

KSPR-DT REAL UHF Digital Channel 19 , virtual number (x) ABC and CW.

KYTV REAL UHF Digital channel 44 , virtual number (3.1-2) NBC and Local Weather.

KOLR REAL VHF Digital channel 10 , virtual number (10.1) CBS.

KOZL-Tv REAL UHF Digital channel 28 , virtual number (27.1) Independent Tv station.

K17DL-D REAL UHF Digital channel 17 , virtual number (x) Branson Vistor Channel.

KOZK-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 23 , virtual number (21.1-2-3) PBS and Educational Telecourses and Create.

KRBK REAL UHF Digital channel 49 , virtual number (49.1-2) FOX and MyNetwork.
_______________________

K21JS REAL UHF Digital channel 21 , virtual number (21.1) Religion.
And
KTKO-LP REAL VHF Digital channel 08 , virtual number (8.1-2-3) ION and Qubo and ION Life.

Are both Strong transmissions and will be received through the back angle of the HD7696P antenna.
_______________________

K26GS-D REAL UHF Digital channel 26 , virtual number (26.1-2-3-4) Retro Tv Network and Antenna Tv and THIS Tv and Me-Tv.

Is weaker signal strength , however I think it will be received through the back angle of the HD7696P antenna , may require some aim adjustment of the HD7696P antenna.
_______________________

As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Digital Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own roof and house.

It is best to install the HD7696P antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including your own roof and house.

Install the HD7696P antenna Up High.

Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html[/URL] , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , if using the eave mount use the #4560.

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.

The Tv/s Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , often nemed the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel trhrough the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Teleview, thanks for your reply. For some reason I was never notified via email of your reply and didn't get it until this evening. I appreciate the detailed information. I'll admit I'm confused about which direction to go here, winegard HD7696P or Clearstream 2V. The clearstream is more appealing from a mounting and cosmetic standpoint. It will mount to the side or in front of the high temperature stove pipe we have exiting the top of the chimney much easier. As can sometimes happen, I don't know which advice to follow because they both seem right to me.

[tlhfirelion]

Originally Posted by Stereocraig

Do not base your purchase on the hype of false mileage statements. I would stick w/ the Winegard suggestion.

Are you refering to the Clearstream 2V?

[tlhfirelion]

Originally Posted by elmo

A compass is a good start. Use your plot and table as your guide as it has all the locations on there. You will want to tweak it a degree or two to find the best signal for you. Your TV likely has a signal meter built in. Have it rescan for channels once attached. Be sure and check all channels for signal strength before you clamp it down.

As for distance ratings, I doubt there's a standard. Larger antennas are more directional so they can pull from a greater distance. Smaller antennas pull in a wider range of stations from various directions as long as they aren't far away. Think of it as a spot light vs a flood light. There's no hard cut off, reception fades the further away you are, that's all.

That makes sense. Thank you.

[Stereocraig]

Originally Posted by tlhfirelion

Are you refering to the Clearstream 2V?

I am referring to any antenna that bases their performance in miles, VS db.

It's like saying that a certain car engine will make a car go x miles per hour, when the type of car, is unknown.

Nobody can predict this.


Of course, you could always go for the cosmetic effect and buy the prettiest one.

[GroundUrMast]

Agreed, mileage ratings are the product of the marketing department. If the estimate is made with integrity, it can provide a consumer with no knowledge, an elementary or crude understanding of the antennas performance. There is no uniform standard to make mileage claims, so one needs to consider the credibility of the source and then consider if their application is similar to the hypothetical (and unpublished) conditions of the estimate.

Gain expressed in dB is the product of the engineering department. When measured or calculated accurately, someone with a bit of understanding of the science can predict with much greater reliability, the expected performance of the installed product.

Of the two manufacturers mentioned above, both manufacturers offer credible gain figures. Winegard uses units of dBd (decibels referenced to a tuned dipole), Antennas Direct uses units of dBi (decibels referenced to an isotropic radiator). Both units of measure have merit and are valid. To convert dBd to dBi, use dBd+2.15=dBi and conversely, dBi-2.15=dBd.