Indoor Antenna, too good to be true?

webozid · 12-Jun-2011, 4:17 PM

I've been learning a lot just reading this web site but, the truth is I'm a total newbie to this stuff. So, any help greatly appreciated. My situation is as follows:
- Limited to indoor antenna due to Apt restrictions
- 2nd Floor Apt (antenna would be 15ft from ground level)
- Rural, mountainous area
- A couple of trees in front of the apt
- No tall buildings
- Don't have great expectations (I'll be happy if I can get 5-10 channels)

NOTE:
After connecting my new TV, I ran an internal TV scan and got Univision and another channel. I was able to watch them that night but a couple of days later they disappeared. But at least I know that some signal(s) reach my location.

Here is my TV Fool Signal Analysis:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...001b76a8978c9e

Well, I found this antenna online: AntennaPros AX-912 My concern is that I'm not sure if this is another "too good to be true" case. So, could anyone take a look at this antenna and offer any advice? If not good, do I have any alternative(s) other than giving my money to the greedy paid TV providers?

Once again, Thank You for your time!

GroundUrMast · 12-Jun-2011, 5:05 PM

I applaud your skepticism. Antennas 'designed' to look like a satellite dish or prop from a 1950's 'B' scifi movie don't impress me in a positive way.

Do you have a balcony or window with an easterly view? A mid sized outdoor antenna in such a location would have fair to good chance at receiving several stations.

webozid · 12-Jun-2011, 5:28 PM

GroundUrMast, thank you for your quick response. Actually, I do have an East view from my balcony but, administration does not allow antennas in the balcony. Any other alternative(s)? May be other indoor models? Thanks again!

GroundUrMast · 12-Jun-2011, 6:36 PM

If you have not yet, take a look at this thread... http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233
In particular, the Terk HDTVi (non-amplified) offers a bit of real gain and directional ability in the UHF band.

Also, the FCC has taken your side: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-r...n-devices-rule
If you have exclusive use of the balcony, you can install an OTA TV receiving antenna on the balcony. A 4-bay panel antenna will easily stay within the area of most apartment balconies. Example, DB-4

John Candle · 12-Jun-2011, 9:04 PM

Here is how to point indoor and out door Tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . Point the antenna at about 130 degree magnetic compass. Exclusive use of the balcony means that the balcony is connected only to your apt.. That means you can put a antenna on the balcony. The DB4 antenna can be mounted on a tripod mount , the tripod mount will stand on the floor of the balcony and can be made stable with a weight. A flat antenna cable can be instaled at a window or door , http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=180-206 . Here are some places to buy Tv antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.3starinc.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.amazon.com

webozid · 12-Jun-2011, 9:42 PM

GroundUrMast,

I really appreciate all your help. I wasn't even aware of the FCC rule. For now, I'll just get an indoor antenna and I'll start from there. I've been reading the info from the links on your reply and looking at the different Indoor antennas. Seems to be that the Terk HDTVa could work. I'm thinking about that one because the HDTVi model recommended is Non-amplified and my location is really distant from most of the transmitters.

Well, let see how that works. Once again, THANK YOU!!!

GroundUrMast · 12-Jun-2011, 10:16 PM

There is more to reliable reception than signal strength, which is important. Signal quality includes several other factors. The bottom line is, an amplifier has it's place -- after an antenna that is receiving signal of sufficient quality.

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=1514

I won't go so far as to tell you, "Don't use an amplified antenna." I simply want to be sure you understand what an amplifier can do, both the positive and the negative.

webozid · 12-Jun-2011, 10:42 PM

Got it! Thanks a lot.

John Candle · 12-Jun-2011, 10:48 PM

I have a question , are there any small dish satellite system dishes on the out side of the buildings walls or mounted on patio railings or inside of the patios or on the roofs?? I am not suggesting a satellite system for you , I am helping you understand what you can do. You can put the indoor antenna out on the patio using the flat lead in.

webozid · 16-Jun-2011, 12:12 AM

John,
sorry I was not able to reply sooner. Thank you for the information. There are no antennas/dishes around. I just moved into the complex so, I guess that I'll need to get more info about how they handle this scenario.

In the meantime, I was thinking about trying first with an indoor antenna. My only conern is that it could be not good enough (see my Signal Analysis below)
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...001b76a8978c9e

The one that I was asking about when I initiated this thread is the AntennaPros AX-912 since they claim a mile range up to 125 miles and dB gain of 32-36... Too good to be true???

John Candle · 16-Jun-2011, 5:40 AM

GUM and I have told you the straight out Truth. I have a suggestion , the $60.00 that you will spend on the junk antennas pros antenna , take that money and donate it to the charity of your choice.

webozid · 16-Jun-2011, 9:06 PM

I hear you guys... loud and clear!

I will definitely follow your recommendations. Thank you again for all your help.

John Candle · 19-Jun-2011, 10:11 PM

Here are some free Tv guides , http://www,zap2it.com , http://tv.yahoo.com , http://tv.entertainment.excite.com , http://television.aol.com , http://www.tvzap.com , http://www.titantv.com. Rescan for new channels from time to time because new channels are added with out notice.