Antenna help in NJ/NYC
 

I live in suburban NJ, just 25 miles from NYC. I've been using my 30 year old roof antenna with sporadic success these past 2 years, but lately it seems to be losing more stations. The most consistant channels I get are 7.1 (WABC) and 13.1 (WNET). Fox, WCBS, WNBC reception varies depending on time of day and weather. I guess its time to get a new antenna?? Any suggestions? Thanks very much for any help that is offered. I really don't want to pay for Verizon Fios...
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...a362a9313a67d0

Hello Mr. Magoo,

Since your antenna is 30 years old, it is a good time to replace it. You've got pretty good signal strengths coming from Manhattan, so this small antenna should easily drive 2 or more TV's with ease.

It's a good time to replace the downlead as well. Make sure you purchase RG-6 (not RG-59) for connecting the antenna to the TV(s).

Thanks for the quick reply No Static...I guess what gets me is that at one point in time I was able to get just about all the signals from nearby NYC. Then slowly over the past 12-18 months, some have dropped off and others are intermittent.

It looks like your recommendeding a medium range antenna, nothing to large or heavy. Would something like the Antenna Craft HBU22 be comparable to the Wingard 7694 ? Thanks.

Yes, the HBU22 would probably do the trick, but I like to go one size larger to make up for bad weather, trees, houses or anything else that may cause signal interruptions. I also like the Winegard HD series because they have a weatherproof 75 ohm ready connection.

I would guess that the maturing trees in your area are causing the signal irregularities you are experiencing, especially since it is only affecting the UHF channels.

Tv Reception
 

30 years is a long time for a Tv antenna. If the coax wiring is old replace it also . . The Winegard HD antennas are Heavy Duty antennas with a built in connection point for direct connection of RG-6 coax directly to the antenna. The Winegard HD antennas are bang for the buck.

Thanks guys
 

I like the way you guys think...we certainly have bad weather and plenty of mature trees around here, so I think I'll go with the Winegard. There seems to be plenty on places online to purchase this model, but I'd prefer to buy it at a local store. Any ideas what types of stores , beside Radio Shack, sell antennas these days?

I'm not sure of any local sellers, but Meijer has a free shipping promotion till Sept 23rd. They also pay return shipping if you need to return the item.

There are several retailers that sell TV antennas. Your choice of retailers and their selection of products might vary a bit depending on where you live. In California, we've got Radio Shack, Ace Hardware, Lowe's, Home Depot, Fry's Electronics, Sears, and a few other local hardware stores that carry some of the major brands in TV reception equipment.