Is this antenna overkill? Lombard, IL (3 plots included)

[jpublic]

Hello,

I've been reading the forums and notice how helpful this community is. I registered to ask for some assistance with selecting an antenna. After looking over my budget it seems that paying Comcast isn't worth it anymore since most of my viewing is on broadcast TV.

I notice that most of the experts here can help best when multiple reports are created from different heights:

15'
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1ddaf0a15ec732

25'
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda643beb25bd

40'
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda4d06d7e200

If it matters, I record my shows to a PC with Media Center and play them from a pair of Xboxes. Currently I record with a Ceton InfiniTV but plan on switching to some form of ATSC tuner card, that I haven't selected yet (maybe hauppage WinTV-HVR-2250). So I only will have one tuner recording everything (although technically the tuner-card is capable of recording two channels simultaneously). Once it's recorded, I'll watch it from one of my two TVs using the attached Xbox360.

I was about to purchase the RCA ANT751 or the Wineguard HD7694P and then realized it may be best to ask for some advice first.

I have a 1 story ranch and was planning on either placing the antenna in my attic or put a mast on my chimney. Either way is fine with me but I just didn't want to get too much overkill, you know?

I'm hoping to get Fox, ABC, NBC, PBS, CBS. Someone at Radioshack told me (a few years ago) that CBS is hard to get because it's channel 2 over here and it has a long wave which is difficult to grab.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations on an Antenna and chimney/brick mounting accessories.

The Tv transmission and reception that was the Analog Tv past is -->Now The Past<-- and -->No Longer Applies.
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You will receive , Many , many , many , many , many , many , many , Digital Tv stations/channels at your location.

The current Tv channels that are transmitted and received , USA , Canada , Mexico , are.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6.

VHF high band channels 7 thru 13.

UHF band channels 14 thru 51.

Your location has receivable Tv stations/channels , All 3 channel bands.

Recommend install a -AntennaCraft HD850 All channel antenna- Above The Peak of the Roof on the chimney in such a manner that reception is not blocked buy the roof and house in the directions of , east , south east , south west.

Aim the HD850 All channel antenna at 143 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Here is a chimney antenna mount , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. Measure around the chimney for strap length.

http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mount at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box or buy from ronard.

For 1 Tv connected use No splitter. No antenna system amplifier.

For 2 Tv's connected use a simple common 2 way splitter. No antenna system amplifier.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. .

http://www.solidsignal.com.

http://www.amazon.com.

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For outside coax use the coax that has the Compression type connectors on the ends of the coax , not the old crimp type connectors.

To keep weather/water out of outside connections and coax and the matching transformer that connects the coax to the antenna , wrap all connections and coax and the matching transformer with , http://www.coaxseal.com.

Do not use 'weather boots' , the boots do not keep water out , the boots take in water and hold the water inside the boots causing bad connections.

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Here are alternatives to using a computer to receive and record Digital Broadcast Tv.

1.
Digital Tv Tuner/Recorders. http://www.epvision.com.

2.
Digital Tv Tuner/Recorders.
http://www.channelmasterstore.com.

3.
A Digital Tv.

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As always , trees and tree leaves , plants and plant leaves , have a negative effect on , Broadcast Tv reception with a Tv antenna , multi-path/reflections , absorbing , blocking , Tv reception and so do buildings including your own roof and house and other obstructions.

It is best to install the HD850 All channel antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including your own roof and house.

The Tuners Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv stations/channels , often name the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tuner/Tv Setup Menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the Air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Some Digital tuners will Automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

Do Not channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Setup Menu and select 'Air Channels' ~ 'Antenna Channels'.

Scan for channels.

[elmo]

Good first post!

You've got two good antenna choices there for your situation. Your stations are east of you, so I assume you have a decent view in that direction, free of trees, buildings, etc. Lots of LOS signals to be had. And CBS on channel 2 is actually broadcast on real 12, which is VHF-Hi. Both of the antennas you've looked at would work as they go down to real Ch 7. Now, I see you have a channel broadcast on 4 and one on 6. I have no idea if those are desired, but if so, you'll want an antenna that includes the VHF-Lo as well, basically, a full VHF/UHF antenna. Comparable to the 751 is the HD7000R, with a little bit better VHF range for the Lo.

Don't consider any amps. I don't think there's a need.

I'd go for the roof mount - it's always a better performer than the attic.

Be sure and keep us posted. Would love to hear your channel count.