Help picking out an antenna

thomasdthe3rd · 7-Dec-2014, 12:25 AM

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...d2430aeaf666d6
Hey guys, new to this but really wanting to cut the cord from cable. I would like some advice on picking out a good antenna. I will be connecting to two hd tvs. Please, any advice on how to run it, what to install and which products work best. I appreciate any and all input. Thank you in advance.

timgr · 7-Dec-2014, 11:57 AM

Any stations that you particularly want? How much do you want to spend?

You should easily be able to get all the majors from Virginia Beach / Hampton with a modest roof-top mounted antenna, like the RCA ANT751 http://www.amazon.com/RCA-ANT751-Dur.../dp/B0024R4B5C

These links may be of help -
safety http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=901
siting http://www.hdtvprimer.com/antennas/siting.html
Look at all of the HDTV primer - http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

thomasdthe3rd · 8-Dec-2014, 1:05 AM

Thanks for the reply timgr. Im looking to to spend up to about 150 to get started. Really would like to keep it down as much as possible of course. If I can get this to work I would save about a 100 a month so I am willing to spend a bit more to make it work for the long run. I have had some friends suggest the Lava Omni Pro HD-8008 Omni directional HDTV Antenna. I just want something that I can hook up and be able to get some channels so that the wife is happy. I would like to get whatever channels I can get obviously. We will have Netflix and Amazon prime. Also I will be ordering the antenna off of prime. Just nervous about starting because if it doesn't go good, I will have a hard time getting the wife to try again. Please, any and all input from members greatly appreciated. I am trying to get an antenna in the next few days. Thanks guys.

timgr · 8-Dec-2014, 6:25 AM

Suggest you search old posts here about the Lava antennas before you buy one.

tomfoolery · 8-Dec-2014, 12:58 PM

Since all your stations originate from the SSW in a tight pattern, there's no reason to consider an omni, and for less money, you can get more antenna of a type that will be more suitable for your situation. I would use the ANT751r, or the similar HBU11 (or HBU22), or a DB2e or DB4e with optional dipole kit for high-VHF.

timgr · 8-Dec-2014, 2:01 PM

Regarding the DB2e or DB4e - you don't need the dipole kit unless you want to pick up real channels 7-13. In your area these are pretty sparse... I'd likely skip them to start.

http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direc.../dp/B0074H3IU6
http://www.amazon.com/Antennas-Direc.../dp/B0074H3JCS

If you mount the antenna in free air above any obstructions from the building, surrounding buildings, or trees, and aim it south-ish toward the station's antennas (ca 200 magnetic), should work splendidly.

You could have issues if you use old cables or other junk left over from your cable installation, or point your antenna into a neighboring building or trees. But if you have a straightforward clear air installation with new cable and no amplifier, any of these antennas should work splendidly for you.

I would skip the Lava because you don't need to be "omnidirectonal," but mostly because of the impossible advertising claims they make.
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=hd-2805
https://www.google.com/search?q=site...m+lava+antenna

tomfoolery · 8-Dec-2014, 2:11 PM

I suggested it because WVEC is on real 13, and is the only ABC affiliate in the area, AFAIK. But given the signal strength, it's possible either of them may pick it up anyway. My DB4e does, but not as reliably as I need in my attic, so I added a dipole, adjusted for the two high VHF channels it's needed for.

thomasdthe3rd · 9-Dec-2014, 1:56 PM

Thanks for answering guys. Really appreciate the advice. I think that is will go with the antenna you both suggested. One question though, what is a dipole kit? I didnt see it listed anywhere. I am going to have the antenna mounted on the roof at the peak. I will have an unobstructed view. The direction I'm pointing there is no trees or buildings in the way. I will also be getting new cable and splitter. Only two Tvs will be one this. Sounds like you guys have me going in the right direction and I'm pretty excited about finally doing this. Thanks for the tips. Any more you have, I would love to hear. Where I'm at though, sounds like I will have quite a few channel choices. Thanks again.

tomfoolery · 9-Dec-2014, 2:16 PM

VHF Retrofit Kit link

The kit includes the UVSJ, which selectively combines the UHF and VHF signals into one coax such that the two antennas don't interfere with each other, since they both will receive some signal they're not specifically designed to receive, which can cause problems. You may not need it, but for $16, it's kind of a no-brainer.

You don't need any additional parts with the ANT751r or the HBU11 or 22, as they're specifically designed for high-VHF (real 7-13) and UHF (real 14-51).

The ClearStream 2V would also be a good option I would think, and it includes the VHF dipole.

thomasdthe3rd · 17-Mar-2015, 4:08 PM

Well, I finally ordered my antenna. I ordered the RCA ANT751. Thanks for all the info. Just took me a little while to get things straight to be able to order this. The price also dropped as I was waiting. I will post back after I get this set up and let you know how it is doing. Can't thank you enough for the free advice. Hopefully I can help others cut the cord from cable also.