Looking for a new antenna setup

[brandonb]

Hello fine people of TV Fool,

Firstly, I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to this stuff. However, I am technically inclined (I'm a computer builder/enthusiast), if that makes any difference.

Here are my Signal Analysis Results. I only care about the first 20 - 25 channels. My current setup is a Winegard SS-3300, up in the attic and split 2 ways. It's approximately 30 feet (could be higher) from ground level.

Now a frustrating problem I have. My mom gets 19 digital channels on her TV downstairs. I however only get 11 channels on my TV on the third floor (much shorter run from the antenna). Why is this? All the channels she gets come in crystal clear, so there's no reason I can think of that would prevent me from getting the same amount of channels she does.

I considered that perhaps it was a problem with the tuner it self, however my live TV dongle for my Boxee Box behaves the same way.

The above is the main reason I want to get a better antenna, or should I say, an antenna more suited for my needs. From what I can tell, most of the channels I want are UHF, so I couldn't care less about the VHF channels.

If I'm not mistaken (and I could be), our roof is a single layer of shingle, sheet metal under that and the frame and everything else is wood. Attic mount is my only option.

I'm not sure how much information you guys need, so just let me know if I'm missing anything.

Thank you!

Edit:
Also, we do not have cable or satellite TV.

[GroundUrMast]

Have you tried placing the antenna at a north facing window? If there is sheet metal covering the roof deck, the attic is a poor location for any antenna.

Have you tried swapping the two TVs as a test? If there is a difference in tuner quality and no problem with the cables and connections, the poor tuner will perform about the same in both locations.

[brandonb]

Originally Posted by GroundUrMast

Have you tried placing the antenna at a north facing window? If there is sheet metal covering the roof deck, the attic is a poor location for any antenna.

Have you tried swapping the two TVs as a test? If there is a difference in tuner quality and no problem with the cables and connections, the poor tuner will perform about the same in both locations.

I doubt it's got to do with the cables/connections. It's always just been a crappy tuner, I've had the same antenna that's in the attic now in my room and it behaved the same way. Different cables and all. I got 18 channels a handful of times, but it had to be positioned just perfectly. Turns out that perfect position is in the worst possible location in my room. Figures.

I don't really have a north facing window that would be a good place to put an antenna, unfortunately.

As for the roof, I'm just guessing. I live in a townhouse, and I've seen several of my neighbors have new roofs put on. I've seen sheet metal used every time, so ours may or may not have sheet metal. We've never had a roof replacement so it's possible that it's just shingles and wood.

I'm just hoping a larger antenna will at least somewhat fix my problem.

The following is a Teleview recommendation for broadcast Tv reception.

Above the roof install a Winegard HD7000R antenna (with no preamp) , aimed at about 0 degree magnetic compass direction (north).

For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 tv's connected use a common simple 2 way splitter.

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.soldsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com.