DFW antenna help

[urodoc]

I decided to get rid of our Fios TV. We currently have 4 tv's. They are all hooked up to the central splitter. It has at least 8 ports on it and it is in the attic. I would like to hook up an antenna in the attic (2 story house with 3 south facing gable windows up in the attic) and route the signal to all 4 tv's if possible.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...99009d59283229

I would appreciate help on which antenna is recommended.
I have reviewed the forum and noticed that the Winegard HD7694P High Definition VHF/UHF Antenna was mentioned for another member in the DFW area.
I have also heard good things about the Channel Master CM 4228 8-bay HDTV/UHF Antenna CM4228HD.

Would you recommend either of these antenna's or perhaps another one?
Where do I aim it? (Southeast?)
Would you recommend an amplifier due to the 4 tv's?
I'm most interested in viewing the major networks.
By the way, there is plenty of room in the attic.

Thanks for your help!

[GroundUrMast]

An Antennacraft C290 pointing at roughly 130° compass should be able to drive a passive 4-way splitter and the cable in a typical home.

You'll have less loss if you use a splitter with only the number of needed ports.

Your location has many Strong signal strength Tv stations/channels.

I agree aim a Antenna Craft C290 at about 130 degree magnetic compass.

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

If the roof/attic is the standard wood frame with flat composition shingles and no metal backed insulation then put the antenna in the attic.

If the roof/attic has a , metal roof , metal backed insulation , thick roof tiles , solar panels , then mount the antenna above the roof.

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , 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.

Here are places to by antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.antennacraft.net , http://www.amazon.com.

The signals are strong , no amplifier is required.

For 1 tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a 3 way splitter.

For 4 Tv's connected use a 4 way splitter.

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

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

[urodoc]

I ordered the Antenna Craft C290 and a 4 way splitter.
Looking forward to installing this to see what I get.

I forgot to mention, I do have some radiant barrier in the attic, but it is open infront of all 3 south facing gable windows. I was planning on trying to put the antenna in one of the gables facing out of the window.
Hopefully it will work.

We'll see.
Thanks for the help!

[GroundUrMast]

The Antennacraft can be refolded and moved outside if the need arises.

[urodoc]

I haven't mounted it yet, but I have it hooked up in the attic. I am receiving 68 stations. Most look great, but having trouble with reception with those in the VHF spectrum.
I'll move it around a bit, and see what I get, but any other advice?

The VHF channels are 2 thru 13.

In the tvfool radar plot report channel list are listed the Real Tv Channel that is being transmitted and received and the virtual channel number.

Examples:

KTVT-DT 11 ABC , the Real channel is 11 , the Virtual channel number is (11.1).

KFWD Real channel 9 MundoFox , Virtual channel number (52.1).

KXAS-DT Real channel 41 NBC , Virtual channel number (4.1)

As an example:

KXAS was transmitting on -> Analog <- Real channel 4 for many , many , years before the change to Digital.

When the Tv station changed to digital , the Tv station is now UHF channel 41.

The Tv station kept the old Analog channel number now a Virtual number/channel , Reason , It is called Channel Branding.

So looking at the channel list , use the , Tv station Call Sign and the Real Channel the identify the problem channels , be they VHF channels 7 thru 13 or UHF channels 14 thru 51.

[urodoc]

basically having problems with spotty reception with WFAA 8.1 ABC and
WTVT 11.1 CBS

The metal backed insulation , Radiant Barrier , and other brands and types and kinds of Metal Insulation are a real problem causer for Tv reception when the antenna is in the attic.

The Tv transmissions bounce all around in the attic , multipath , and raise heck with reception.

Digital Tv tuners can deal with multipath up to a certain point and then the tuner is over loaded with multipath.

You can try different antenna locations in the attic.

However those 2 channels can clear up and other channels will give problems.

You will most likely move the antenna to above the roof.

[urodoc]

I had some wood slats preventing the VHF antenna from getting into the gable window. After cutting them out, I moved the antenna forward about a foot. This pushed the antenna out of the area covered with radiant barrier.
Problem solved!
Thanks for your help!