Is OTA a reasonable venture for me?

SatteliteSucks · 12-Jul-2012, 12:53 AM

Interested in some free HD. Not sure how viable OTA is for me. Seems like I could get around 10-12 channels, don't know which are HD though. Would like to put antenna in the attic. Seems like pointing at the stations clustered in 279*-291* with a high gain directional antenna seems doable. Probably around 35-40ft from the ground in the attic? Quite a bit of room. Should be able to handle a fairly decent sized antenna. Have an HD projector and would just like to be able to view some TV on it. Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!
-Ryan

25ft

30 ft

35ft

40ft

GroundUrMast · 12-Jul-2012, 1:47 AM

A Channel Master CM3022, http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Ma..._p/cm-3022.htm would be a good option. It's more directional than a panel antenna with the same gain which in your case would be desirable given the edge path signals listed on your report.

If your attic/roof construction does not include metal or tile, try the install there. For best results, roof top mounting is recommended.

Take a look at http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php. I expect all the major networks will be in HD (720p or 1080i). Expect additional SD feeds as well. I would expect you to be able to receive the top 11 real channels listed on your report. Most stations broadcast two or more programs in the their allotted bandwidth.

Electron · 12-Jul-2012, 4:45 AM

35 to 40 feet in the attic is high for a attic , is this a 3 story house??

At any of the listed antenna heights with a antenna in the attic.

The HD9095P antenna has more signal gain then the CM3022.

Install a , High Gain , Long Range , UHF antenna , a Winegard HD9095P antenna with a Winegard AP8700 preamp aimed at about 284 degree magnetic compass.

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

The projector location is one location , will there be any other Tv locations??

Here are some High Quality Digital Broadcast Tv Tuners with and without recording capability to supply signal to the projector.

http://www.epvision.com.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com.

http://www.westerndigital.com.

What inputs does the projector have.

Here are all manner of video and audio adapters.

http://www.ramelectronics.net.

http://sewelldirect.com.

http://www.hdtvsupply.com.

Electron · 12-Jul-2012, 9:01 AM

KMOS-DT Real UHF channel 15 PBS is the opposite direction at 107 degree magnetic compass.

The signal strength is strong at 42.2 NM(dB).

If KMOS is not received with the HD9095P antenna pointed at 284 degree magnetic compass.

And you will like to receive KMOS then install a second HD9095P antenna aimed at about 107 degree magnetic compass.

The 2 HD9095P antennas will not be connected together on to one coax.

The 2 separate antennas will have separate coaxes all the way to the location of the projector tuner and be connected to a remote control A/B antenna switch , http://www.radioshack.com , # 15-1968 , or , http://www.mcmelectronics.com , # 32-4425.

Or the 2 separate coaxes from the antennas can be connected to 2 separate tuners.

Electron · 12-Jul-2012, 9:15 AM

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

The Tv/s , tuners , must scan for the Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the , Tv / tuner , setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Do Not scan for cable tv channels.

SatteliteSucks · 12-Jul-2012, 2:43 PM

I looked at both of the antennas. Look like good options. I'm not sure I care about picking up KMOS, an omni directional wouldn't be able to pick up the majority of the major broadcasts which 8 of I believe were in HD. So going with a single amplified directional antenna should get me a good set of HD channels so long as you guys think they will be reliable/clear signal. I was thinking of using one of these to use my computer or build a HTPC and transmit the TV throughout the house with IP.

Thoughts?

The house is only a 2 story but it has a pretty high roof line. I think it would probably be around 35. I could mount the antenna as high as I could in the attic?

Thanks for all of the help!
-Ryan

Electron · 12-Jul-2012, 4:04 PM

These Digital Tv stations/channels and more are the west group of Tv stations.

KMIC-TV 41 Independent Tv station programing.

KSHB-TV 42 NBC and Local Weather channel.

KPEX-DT 18 ION.

KCPT 18 PBS.

KSMO-DT 47 MyNetwork.

KMBC-DT 29 ABC.

KCTV 24 CBS.

KCWE-DT 29 The CW and This Tv.

KTAJ-DT TBN.

WDAF-Tv 34 FOX and Antenna Tv.

The HD9095P antenna has more signal gain then the CM3022.

Install the HD9095P UHF antenna with a Winegard AP8700 preamp.

Electron · 12-Jul-2012, 4:24 PM

The main reason for receiving Digital Broadcast Television is it is Free.

And the Clear Digital Pictures and Digital Sound.

HD High Definition programing is one aspect of Digital Broadcast Television.

Here are picture resolutions of Digital Broadcast Television.

480i standard definition.

480P standard improved definition.

720P High Definition.

1080i High Definition.

1080P High Definition.

Most Prime Time Programing is High Definition.

The rest of the programing can be Standard Definition or High Definition.

ADTech · 12-Jul-2012, 5:05 PM

From Warrensburg, a long-range UHF-only antenna with a pre-amp should get you all the Kansas City stations. If you want the PBS station out of Sedalia or any of the Columbia/Jeff City stations, you'll have to plan separately for that.

Projectors generally don't have any tuner in them. The HDHR is a network-based tuner and is generally for use via a PC, laptop, or an HTPC. If you're computer savvy (and it sounds like you are) the HDHR/HTPC combo sounds like a good solution.

Cheers!

SatteliteSucks · 12-Jul-2012, 10:23 PM

HD9095P seems much larger and more expensive, anybody care to explain why/the necessity? Price isn't really a factor(within reason), this stuff is infinitely cheaper than even a dish setup. I should mention this would be in addition to a directv setup that currently is only SD and the individuals in control of the account have no interest in upgrading to HD for my poor projector. I'm pretty experienced with RF(Electronic Warfare systems tech for the ANG), TV and resolutions(23 years old, multiple gaming systems and so forth, high-end computer building/utilizing), and nearly any technology. Just never have been involved in the world of OTA TV. Wanna buy the right equipment first.

GroundUrMast · 12-Jul-2012, 10:53 PM

Presuming WDAF is the weakest signal on your report that you expect to receive, the CM3022 with no preamplifier will give you a net NM (noise margin) of 15.1 dB (A decent fade margin).

18.1 dB NM (in the air) + 10 dBd Antenna Gain - 7 dB distribution loss (a 2-way splitter and 50' of RG-6) - 6 dB tuner NF (noise figure) = 15.1 dB Net NM

The HD9095P combined with an Winegard AP8700 preamplifier would likely add reception of KCDN, a Daystar affiliate. The calculated Net NM comes out at 13.2 dB. A Net NM of 10 dB or greater makes comfortable telling you that you could expect reliable reception.

I've not factored any building or foliage penetration loss into these calculations. That means that if you have trees to contend with or want to do this from an attic... you have a reason to go with a bigger antenna. The Antennas Direct 91XG and Winegard HD9095 are "bigger antennas".

If you want to maximize your fade margin and possibly add one or more stations, I'd go with a 'large' UHF and an Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp which has a better noise figure compared to the Winegard AP8700.

SatteliteSucks · 13-Jul-2012, 9:23 PM

It will for sure be an attic mount, and there are trees in the area, not directly around the house, but in the area.

Here is the TV coverage map. Does this give you guys a better idea of where I'm at or what I need? The red dot is a little further back than the house near the woods. You can see the house and the shop behind it with the green roof. Please let me know what you think(and don't abuse this personal information).
Appears the link won't work.. Address is as follows: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9900fab181096e

Thanks,
Ryan

GroundUrMast · 13-Jul-2012, 9:37 PM

Because you're going to attic mount, use the HD9095P or 91XG. The extra antenna gain will be used up by the penetration loss of the building.

But to answer your first question, "Is OTA a reasonable venture for me?" Yes, I think it is.

SatteliteSucks · 13-Jul-2012, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GroundUrMast

Because you're going to attic mount, use the HD9095P or 91XG. The extra antenna gain will be used up by the penetration loss of the building.

But to answer your first question, "Is OTA a reasonable venture for me?" Yes, I think it is.

Do you have a preference? The 91xg seems to have a lot of reviews and is more compact as well as $10 cheaper. Preamp recommendation? Who sells high quality rg6 for a reasonable price? Any good ideas on attic mounts/positioning(wherever is convenient vs. as close to the wall from which it's pointed)?

Thanks GroundUrMast for fixing my post.

-Ryan

GroundUrMast · 13-Jul-2012, 11:59 PM

Though it's not an enormous difference, the noise figure of the Antennas Direct CPA-19 is lower (better) than the Winegard.

The difference between the two antennas is so small, I would let price determine.

RG-6 from a big box home center is fine. No need to spend extra money on quad-shielding though.

The best place is outside... but in the attic, avoid aiming at metal (roofing, flashing, pipe, duct work, foil, etc.) and to the degree possible, aim through the least material possible. But, keep an open mind... be willing to experiment with locations if there are options.

SatteliteSucks · 16-Jul-2012, 1:30 AM

Will I for sure need a preamp? Just want to make sure I don't overload the SiliconDust receiver.

GroundUrMast · 16-Jul-2012, 5:08 AM

I own and operate several SiliconDust tuners, HDHR-Dual & HDHR3-US. Yes, in the attic you'll want a preamp. You're no were near overloading the SiliconDust or any other tuners. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820