Thanks GroundUr. My antenna is probably about 12' but could be longer (it's hard to estimate from the ground with binoculars). But it doesn't look exactly like the one you pictured. The back end of mine has several single "poles" that come out from the main front/back piece at about 45 degree angles, not at a 90 degree angle as shown. They are also single rods, not double as it seems in your example.
One thing I did not mention before is that about three of these rods look bent - two are bent downward on one side and the other bent and slightly curved downward on the opposite side. I think the antenna might have been hit by Canadian geese or maybe a heavy bird was sitting on these rods or hit them in flight. Does this sound feasible, and would this effect the reception (bent rods).
We have never had any trouble receiving the signal from Channel 13 (NBC - WNYT) in Albany - either in the analog days or with digital. That's what is frustrating. Could it be that they have downgraded their signal or is it that trees/other obstructions have grown up over the last year to block reception. WNYT literally went blank in one day and we've never gotten it back. That led me to believe there was something wrong with their station's broadcast.:
You are correct about there being hills behind us that are quite high. I can easily see why those people have better reception. I can't believe the number of stations they receive given your chart...holy cow!
Not sure if I could install a tower. It would probably have to be out in a field near our house and wired inside. That means a lot of extra costs. Maybe I'd be better going with DirectTV or Dish, but don't really want monthly bills. Our choice of channels is now down 50% to CBS and FOX. In order to pick up NBC I can rotate the antenna 270 degrees but then have to recalibrate all the TV's which is a pain and takes time. (Still cannot get ABC) You can understand my frustration. Appreciate your input and if you have any other suggestions, please write back. (Is there a better, stronger antenna out there that I might have installed on the roof that would guraantee me receiving signals that might be slightly out of my range with the present setup?)
Also do you know of installers or people who work up on roofs with this type of antenna in this area? Can't seem to find anyone locally. Thank you.