Thanks a lot for a quick and detailed response, teleview! I did a search on Antenna Craft HD850, and I fully agree with you, it should work reliably for my case.
However, I can't help but wonder if this would be an overkill for me. With 81" of length and 111" of width, it may not fit into the attic. I totally understand the bigger is better, and the higher is better, and roof is better than attic, but I also want to minimize the hassle involved, even if it means I won't be able to watch all possible channels that I could with, say, Winegard HD-8200U.
The channels I care for are in 27-50 range, plus the
only VHF-HI channel 12, and that channel comes with respectable NM of 38.0. Am I really wrong to assume that a compact UHF antenna that is not too bad for channel 12 could work? For example, according to
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/TemporaryPage.html, AntennasDirect ClearStream 4 has -5dB gain at channel 12 along with very solid 11-12dB gain on my UHF channels. It's very compact, and would easily fit in the attic at the location I was considering.
Also, how about compact combo antennas, such as RCA ANT751, Channel Master CM2016 and Winegard HD-1080? Would these be too weak for my needs if I mount them just outside my window with clear view of the blocking hill (and no nearby obstructions)?
And if those won't work, what about medium-sized Winegard HD-7694P and AntennaCraft HBU22? Sorry, you can probably tell I did some qoogling since I read your response.
Finally, I'm afraid I didn't understand your suggestion here:
It is Ok to Test reception first With a Winegard LNA-100 'Boost' antenna system amplifier.
And then without the LNA-100.
You mean to buy it together with the antenna, and then return it if it doesn't improve reception? Or you mean trying it with my existing rabbit ears first?
Thanks again!