Uhf/vhf??
 

I'm tired of paying for cable. I'm researching the proper antenna/pre-amp/amp to buy. After looking at my tv signal analysis, >>
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...03d9ec0b81afc1

I realized my most wanted station, wpvi 6 (6.1) as well as the three other major networks are broadcast in VHF-Lo and VHF-hi respectively.
Does this mean I will need a VHF/UHF type antenna to receive these stations (as well as all the UHF available).
I noticed while searching the antenna market that alot of popular antennas were UHF only.
Please check my tv signal analysis and any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I live in a rural area with a good number of trees over 30' tall although NOT in the direction of the majority of transmitters.

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

Read and understand this about , REAL Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Virtual Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Analog Broadcast Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

How many Tv's will be connected?? The Tv transmissions are strong at your location so a pre amp will not be needed. For the best antenna choice I will like to know how many Tv's will be connected??

Yes WPVI is broadcast on real channel 6... and it should be easy to suggest an antenna capable of receiving that station. You are correct, a UHF only antenna is not likely to work well in your situation.

Can you give us a list of your 'must have' stations, by call sign? That will help understand how easy or complex your situation is.

Thanks.

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

What I will like to know is How Many Tv's will be connected?? The antenna will be a Winegard HD7082P antenna aimed at , 305 true - 318 degree magnetic compass , Philadelphia. To receive Tv stations that are not in the direction of Philadelphia , the HD7082P will need a rotor or the HD7082P will stay aimed at Philadelphia and a second antenna will receive the Tv stations in other directions. . How many Tv's will be connected??

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

The HD7082P is a all channel antenna that receives , channels 2 thru 6 , channels 7 thru 13 , channels 14 thru 69 , thats all the Tv channels. Here are places to buy Tv antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.3starinc.com . How many Tv's will be connected??

Sure does. A Winegard HD 7082P would be a good choice.

Aim it at Philadelphia. Optimize the signal on FOX, the highest UHF channel and weakest station.

You could get a second small UHF only (DB2) for WNJS if it doesn't work off the side of the larger antenna.

currently only 1 HDTV to be hookd up , but maybe 2 more in the future.
Must have stations look like they are all strong signal from Phila :
WPVI
WCAU
KYW
WPPX
WPSG
WPHL
WTVE
WTXF

If I hook antenna up to rotor, could I get NY stations as well. Looks like majority of them are 78 miles away. Don't want to seem greedy, but for free I will take as much as I can get :)
I'm assuming I would need an amp to pick up NY stations.

Thanks so much for your expert advice

also...If I do want to split to extra tv's, whats a good quality splitter brand to look for. I've read not all splitters are equal in quality. (will be using RG6 cable and grounding the antenna)

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

The NY stations will not be received the transmissions are to weak too many mountains hills and trees. A common 2 way splitter will work for 2 Tv's. For more then 2 Tv's I recommend a Channel Master CM3414 four way distribution amplifier. Any outputs of the distribution amplifier that are not connected , put a 75 ohm terminator on the output.

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

The Tv stations that are on the side of the antenna will likley be received because they are very strong transmissions , stations like WNJS 22 , WWSI 49. For mounting the Big Tv antenna I recommend a Strong and Sturdy mount such as , tripod mount , chimney mount , eave mount. http://www.channelmasterstore.com/pr...tion%20kit.htm , Notice the wide spacing of the straps , this makes the mast and antenna stable , , http://www.eham.net/libraries/download/430/Photo_A.jpg http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Products/Perfect/PVEM1.gif , http://www.channelmasterstore.com/pr...tion%20kit.htm , Antennacraft 10Y203 tripod mount , http://www.antennacraft.net/Manuals/10Y203_manual_.pdf

Agreed, NY is an extreme DX hobby project.

My personal preference would be to hold off adding an amplifier until it's proven necessary. For example, if after inserting a passive 4-way split everything works fine you're done. But if some signals are unreliable, a CM3410 could be inserted ahead of the split.

thank you John Candle and Groundurmast.
I may be back for grounding advice after a forum search. I know the basics, but applying them to my personal situation may require further help.
One thing I noticed last year when I removed the existing antenna was NO GROUND from previous homeowner. With my luck, I'm more likely to take a jolt from above than win the lottery.

quick question about the vhf/uhf antenna....
will this automatically improve FM signal within the home? That is, without "hooking" radios up to the antenna?

Unless connected to the FM receiver, don't expect the TV antenna system to affect FM reception. I would suggest that you install a separate FM antenna and run separate coax to the FM receivers.

Re. Grounding: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=901

Tv Antennas and Reception
 

You will receive way too many digital broadcast television channels. The digital pictures will be crystal clear and the sound will be great. Many people are , shocked , astounded , amazed , that it is better then pay cable hd and pay satellite hd. If you need a converter box for a older analog Tv , here are recommend converter boxes , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=380

I will run a #8 ground wire from antenna mast to the ground wire that runs from service panel > through the wall> into the ground. And connect coax to same pre-existing ground wire with grounding block. Is this acceptable or must I dig up ground rod and connect directly to rod? and...can i run coax alongside of #8 ground wire from antenna to ground rod wire? I'm guessing there won't/shouldn't be any reception issues as the coax is shielded.
Thanks for your help.

You don't need to dig the ground rod up. A split bolt connector can be placed over the existing ground wire (so there is no need to cut, splice or disturb the existing ground system).

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...1&d=1311112196

Yes you can run the coax next to the ground wire. As you say, the coax shield will do it's job.