Thank you in advance. I am new to this and I hope I've researched enough not to sound like a fool...
Here is my TVFool coverage map:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...d5bcbb68507094
It seems to be a fairly straightforward situation. However, while my immediate goal is to get the Milwaukee stations, my secondary goal would be to get my geek on and try for the Chicago and Madison stations - if for no other reason than to say I can do it!
Other info:
* 1 Toshiba 37HL67 TV, which has ATSC and QAM tuners
* 1 Pioneer Elite PRO-507PU TV, which I have been unable to find information on (no manual)
* DirectTV mast ~10' off the ground with ~50-60' run to distribution point
* DirectTV dish secured with a J mount
* Attic area ~20' off the ground with ~30-40' run to distribution point
* 1 PCT International PCT-MA-B1010-IP multimedia drop amplifier (installed by cable provider - not currently in use)
* 1 SWiM MSPLIT4R1-03 4-way splitter (installed by DirectTV - in use)
* LOS from DirectTV dish location to NE is blocked by the roofline - would need to extend mast ~10' (total height ~20')
* Tri-level house - primary TV (Pioneer) is located on a level of the house that is 1/2 underground
* Expense is not a hinderance (within reason), considering I'm paying $100/mo for DirectTV right now - I'm all about ROI
* Attic space allows for ~30" height and ~45" turning radius from the center point, although the height tapers off starting ~24" from center
* I am fairly technically adept and mechanically inclined (Electrical Engineer turned Software Programmer turned Project Manager - would love to do something hands-on again for a change)
Questions:
* Antenna recommendations for Milwaukee stations? Due to proximity and signal strength of the MKE stations, would something like the Winegard Metrostar series mounted in the attic be suitable?
* For the Madison and Chicago stations, I'm guessing something like the Windgard 769x series mounted 20' plus high would be required. Is that correct?
* If I get the larger antenna, will it be too big to receive the closer/stronger singals? Would it be able to catch them off the side?
* Can I safely extend the height of the dish J mount?
* My distribution point is located close to my electrical panel. Can the antenna coax be grounded at the end of the run (near the distribution point), or should it be done closer to the antenna?
* A rotor will be necessary if I get a single antenna and want to try for the more distant signals, correct?
* Distribution recommendations? Are either of the ones worth keeping?
* Pre-amp recommendations?
* Set-top tuner recommendations? Or, does anyone happen to know if the Pioneer model I have has a digital tuner?
Any information you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again.