The Tv reception signal strengths are not overly strong at your reception location.
It is Ok to Test reception with and without a , RCA TVPRAMP1R preamp or a Antenna Craft 10G201 preamplifier.
Most attics have electric power , so can put all parts of the preamp in the attic.
When Testing reception without the preamp , disconnect all parts of the preamp , the preamp unit , the power injector/power supply.
http://www.antennacraft.net.
http://www.amazon.com.
Also note that attics are areas that have all manner of electric and electronic noise and signal reflections bouncing all around , a amplifier will amplify electric and electronic noise and make multi-path reflected signals stronger , all this can degrade reception.
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Here are some Digital Broadcast Tv Receiver/Recorders.
http://www.epvision.com.
http://www.channelmasterstore.com.
Here are some and not all TvGuides.
http://www.zap2it.com.
http://www.titantv.com.
http://www.msn.com/tv/guide.
http://www.tvlistings.aol.com.
http://www.yahoo.com.
http://www.tvzap.com.
http://www.totaltv.com
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For Internet Streaming.
The December 2013 issue of Consumer Reports , page 42 , has Pratical and Useful information about , receivers and programing.