Getting started - seeking antenna advice

[New2OTA]

I am considering cancelling my DishNetwork service and replacing it with OTA reception combined with one of the internet streaming services. I hope to combine the feeds from the antenna and the streaming box as inputs to a DVR that allows me to record some programming for later viewing.
The first step is to ensure I am receiving good OTA signal with the proper antenna which I will have someone install on my chimney at about 22' height. My signal analysis report is at
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c6ac37a47c60
Having experienced HD signals from my Dish service, I am not interested in lower quality signals. Any advice about suitable antenna models will be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

[stvcmty]

What stations do you want?

If you just need ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW, MyN, ION and PBS from a single market then a HBU11 pointed at 338 degrees true would be all you need. That should easily do a 4 way split (up to 4 TV’s/DVR tuners) with at least 100’ of coax in the system without any amplifiers.

If you want multiple CBS/Fox’s for out of market football games then more design is needed.

With regards to your streaming box goals, I do not know of any good streaming boxes that have a robust DVR for OTA ATSC. I would recommend you consider a home theater PC with Windows Media Center (based on Windows 7). Netflix has great integration with WMC. WMC is an amazing DVR.

If you are willing to use separate boxs for DVR and streaming, and just need a DVR and don’t need program guide data, the iView 3500STBII is an inexpensive gem. http://blog.solidsignal.com/content....I-Quick-Review If you use some sort of external DVR, I suggest you still feed antenna to your TV. Then the DVR can be recording one show while you use the TV’s tuner to watch another show.

[New2OTA]

Thank you for the prompt advice. My apologies for not listing the stations of interest in my first posting.
PBS is where we go for news. In addition, we watch shows on ABS, CBS, NBC, FOX, AMC, TNT and USA Network. The single Sacramento market will suffice. NBA is the only sport of interest for us.
We have only on TV and that is plenty.
We plan to use WMC for our DVR needs which includes recording some OTA programming. Sometimes we record two programs simultaneously.
We're looking for recommendations for the best streaming set top box that would allow us to watch shows and movies that are not available OTA.

So with an antenna for OTA signals, a WMC Home theater PC, and a streaming box, what would the schematic look like to be able to watch an OTA station and record programming from another OTA station?

[New2OTA]

One more question. Would HBU33 be better than HBU11 considering that I live about 50 miles from Sacramento area?

+=>

Install a ,

http://www.antennacraft.net.

HBU11K antenna or HBU11 antenna.

In such a manner that the Antenna is Above the Peak of the Roof in such a manner that reception is not , obstructed , impeded , blocked , by the roof and building in all directions.

Aim the HBU11K at about , 322 degree magnetic compass direction.

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna , do not trust a , cell phone compass , tablet and etc. compass.

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

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A antenna system amplifier is Not required.

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The 2013 , December issue of Consumer Reports , page 42 , has Practical and Useful Information , Internet Streaming Devices and Services.

Can find back issues of Consumer Reports at Public Libraries , or can order articles at ,

http://www.consumerreports.com.

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Also , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari..._set-top_boxes

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Here are some , Tuners/Tuner Recorders , http://www.epvision.com.

[New2OTA]

Thanks. Can you please update the link for pointing antennas?

[StephanieS]

Greetings,

Distance is a factor, but more importantly signal strength and whether you have line of sight conditions are two large factors.

The HBU11 (or similar RCA ANT751) are rated at 40 miles. More importantly, it's not the mileage for these antennas, its if you have good signal strength and unobstructed pathways. I have a RCA ANT751 that captures a 225 watt translator at 55 miles which I have line of sight to.

If you had some path blockages (ie. 1-edge) or lower signal strengths (ie. 25 db) a HBU33 would be a notch up. However, in your case desiring Sacramento broadcasts the HBU11 will have access to healthy signals with no obstructions.

I might if you were installing in an attic suggest an HBU33. In your line of sight conditions though, mounted outdoors the HBU11 will serve you well.

Originally Posted by New2OTA

One more question. Would HBU33 be better than HBU11 considering that I live about 50 miles from Sacramento area?

[New2OTA]

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Choosing an antenna can confusing for a novice considering all the options available. I'll update once I have installed my system.