Antenna Recommendations

[smccue]

Hi All,

Trying to get an OTA system set up after about 2 years of being cable-free. I've been tooling around the forums for a few days and am starting to get the hang of how this process works, but not nearly comfortable enough to figure out which antenna I need. Can someone give me a nudge in the right direction?

Here's my TVFool report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc492c9d2647cb

Not too far from Chicago, so I think I've got a pretty good opportunity to get a lot of channels.

I know that attic installation isn't preferable because of the loss of signal strength, but we rent the house we're in and would like to avoid the necessity of asking permission from the landlord for a rooftop installation if we can. So, in addition to my antenna question, do you believe that I could get acceptable signal strength with an attic install?

Thanks for lending your experience and expertise!

[GroundUrMast]

When mounting in the attic I generally use a larger antenna than the basic report would suggest for unobstructed outdoor mounting. Another consideration is the ability to refold or otherwise remove the antenna from the attic.

So, in this case I'd suggest using the largest 'All-Channel' antenna that will fit in the space while being pointed toward Chicago. Antennacraft is fairly easy to refold. http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas...llChannel.html

Re. your question, "... do you believe that I could get acceptable signal strength with an attic install?", ultimately, you need to put an antenna up there and see. Many folks do great, but the building materials play a big role. Metal roofing, foil faced insulation, duct-work, etc. are signal blocker/reflectors.

I recommend a Winegard HD7082P antenna aimed at about 83 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

As always attics Are Not a reception friendly environment and Never Will be a reception friendly environment.

Yes it is Ok to start with the HD7082P antenna in the attic.

If WOCK-CD VHF channel 4 , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WOCK-CD , http://americaone.com , is not received and you will like to receive it then move the antenna to above the roof.

Here are some roof antenna mounts that do not make holes in the roof.
http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html use the 4560 mount , 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.
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A preamplifier is not required.

For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

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

For 3 tv's connected use a common simple 3 way splitter.
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Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com.

As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including the house.

It is best to install a 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 the house.

The Tv/s Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

[smccue]

Thank you both so much for your help! I really appreciate your willingness to lend your expertise to those of us (me!) who are overwhelmed by the unfamiliar nature of OTA TV and technology. You've helped me to commit to this process and to do so with a minimum of cost and effort. Thanks again!