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Old 4-May-2011, 3:58 PM   #1
unitas
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Ready to cut the cord near DC, but is it this simple?
I just ran the great application to determine antenna direction on this site, so thanks for that! Here are my results:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...8d17696d7a63a2

Would it really be as simple as betting an indoor HD antenna to get my local DC stations? Being able to avoid attic or roof installations sure would be easy if I just have to buy a solid indoor antenna and plunk it down near my TV.

Thanks.
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Old 5-May-2011, 5:44 AM   #2
John Candle
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Tv Antennas and Reception
Your location has Way Too Many Easy to Receive Digital Tv Stations. . If the house is a wood frame and non metal siding house then a indoor antenna will work. . http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 . Aim the indoor antenna at about 200 degree magnetic compass . Here is how to aim tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html , If converter box is needed then here are some recommended ones , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380
Last edited by John Candle; 5-May-2011 at 6:02 AM.
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Old 5-May-2011, 10:29 AM   #3
John Candle
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Tv Antennas and Reception
Read and understand about , Real Broadcast Digital Tv Channels , Virtual Broadcast Digital Tv Channels , Analog Tv Channels. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695
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Old 5-May-2011, 3:06 PM   #4
unitas
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John,

Thanks for the fast reply and information. Do you know much about the value of a "Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception"? It's a top-rated indoor antenna on Amazon.

There are also some flat antennas like the "RCA ANT1650 Flat Digital Amplified Indoor TV Antenna" or a flat one called "Leaf" by Mohu, but I'd rather go for better signal strength than appearance if I can help it.

Thanks again.
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Old 5-May-2011, 3:46 PM   #5
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Amplifiers are appropriate tools for dealing with loss in cable and splitters down stream of the amplifier. They are often sold as a substitute for the correct antenna, not because it's the right solution, but because people erroneously think an amplifier will give them something for nothing. (“There's a sucker born every minute”, P.T. Barnum?)

You have no need of an amplifier, integral or separate. With the strong signal levels at your location, many amplifiers will overload and cause trouble. An amplifier driven into overload will distort and mix signals together. The output will be strong in level but extremely low in quality.

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

The first of JC's links offer several suggestions for non-amplified indoor antennas. The suggestions are appropriate for your situation.
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If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)

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Old 6-May-2011, 3:03 PM   #6
unitas
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Ground...Thanks for the additional information. I'm looking to hook a non-amplified indoor antenna up and use it with my DVR. A few of these antennas seem to require constant adjusting for each channel. Do you think a regular RCA antenna ($9) in my house would require such adjusting? I'm willing to pay more for an antenna that doesn't require any adjustments for each channel. Thanks again... you've been a big help!
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Old 6-May-2011, 3:53 PM   #7
GroundUrMast
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There may be more than one reason for needing to adjust the antenna.

1 - Viewable stations lie in various directions. (you may need to rotate the antenna)
2 - Several stations are broadcasting on VHF channels. (you may need to adjust the length of the dipole rods)
3 - The building unpredictably attenuates and reflects signals. (you may need to change the location of the antenna)

Adding more complexity at the antenna, ex. 'fine tuning' controls or variable gain amplifiers, will add to the list of reasons the antenna would need attention at each channel change.

Ideally I would advise a small exterior antenna such as the RCA ANT-751 or Antennacraft AC-9 aimed south and slightly east. However, a simple, basic set of 'rabbit ears' ex. http://www.channelmasterstore.com/CM..._p/cm-4010.htm will offer a you a very good lineup of programming if you home construction does not use lots of metal. Metal siding, stucco wire, steal studs and insulation foil are examples of materials that will cause indoor antennas to fail.
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Last edited by GroundUrMast; 6-May-2011 at 3:56 PM.
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Old 6-May-2011, 8:05 PM   #8
John Candle
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Tv Antennas and Reception
Due to the very large number of Tv stations all around the compass from all directions you will not be able to receive them all with a indoor antenna or out door antenna. How many PBS's , NBC's , ABC's , CW's , etc. does one need to receive.
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Old 9-May-2011, 12:44 PM   #9
unitas
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Hi John,

I'm only looking to receive one of each major network in HD so my DVR can record shows without any antenna adjusting. Do you think a standard indoor antenna will do that for me?

Thanks again to you and GroundUrMast for helping me and minor antenna setup questions.
Last edited by unitas; 9-May-2011 at 8:00 PM.
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