Antenna help in SoCal, Costa Mesa, 92626

atlauren · 5-Sep-2011, 1:12 AM

Hi all,

I currently have an antenna in my attic, originally purchased for FM reception. It is now shared with a TiVo, via a cable splitter, and seems to do an OK job with many TV channels. However, some (like NBC 4.1) are very choppy to the point of being unwatchable. I'd like to improve my situation.

Here's my signal analysis:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...8387f0004576ba

Is it reasonable to use the same antenna also for FM reception?

Thank you!
Andrew

Tigerbangs · 5-Sep-2011, 1:32 AM

Broadband VHF-UHF antennas do allow some Fm reception, but, without knowing which antenna you have, it's almost impossible to know how much help your antenna is on FM: some antennas are designed to trap out most FM signals to avoid TV interference, and we have no way of knowing if yours is such an antenna. The LA stations are fairly strong in your area, but, attic mounting always causes some attenuation of TV and FM signals. If your house has a concrete tile or a metal roof, aluminum siding, concrete block and stucco construction, or foil-backed insulation in the attic, expect those factors to severely diminish the quality of your reception. FM reception is likely to be less affected, but UHF channels, like KNBC, and likely to be almost un-watchable.

The solution is twofold: buy a good all-channel TV antenna and mount it on your roof, away from the interference you'll face in the attic. Aim your new antenna at Mount Wilson, which lies at a compass heading of 333 degrees. Use a small distribution amplifier like a Channel Master CM3414, which will eliminate the losses associated with splitting your signal.

Good choices for an all-channel antenna for your location include the Winegard HD-7082P, the Channel Master Crossfire 3679 and the AntennaCraft HD-1200. Any of these antennas will give excellent TV and FM reception in your location, and the amplifier will allow you to feed 4 devices from the one antenna without any signal loss. Good Luck.

atlauren · 5-Sep-2011, 8:25 PM

Hmmm. Suppose I kept the existing antenna just for FM, and added on just for VHF/UHF? What should I look at then?

Thank you,
Andrew

Tigerbangs · 5-Sep-2011, 8:37 PM

I would just get rid of the existing antenna and install one of the recommended antennas. Run an additional coaxial cable from the distribution amplifier: the CM3414 will power up to 4 outlets, so you should be all set: Your FM AND TV reception should be excellent

John Candle · 5-Sep-2011, 8:41 PM

HOW MANY Tv's are/will be connected?? I recommend a Winegard HD7000R antenna mounted above the roof , aimed at about 145 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Here are roof mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.

John Candle · 5-Sep-2011, 8:45 PM

Yes use the FM antenna for the FM radio , use a coax from the Fm antenna to the FM radio , do not connect the FM the Tv antenna on to the same coax. Separate coax will be used with the Tv antenna. How Many Tv's are/will be connected?? Here are places to buy antennas and ect. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com , How Many Tv's are/will be connected??

atlauren · 5-Sep-2011, 8:55 PM

Just one TV. More precisely, a TiVo Premier XL.

Tigerbangs · 5-Sep-2011, 9:04 PM

If you are using only one TV set, you don't need the distribution amplifier: you can substitute a simple 2-way coax splitter , but use my suggestion of the fringe-area antennas: the quality of reception that you will get from one of those antennas will equal or exceed that of your existing FM antenna.