Will an antenna free me of cable company's clutch?

[Cameo]

Can you recommend an antenna (attic or rooftop) for my location in Pleasanton, CA?

This may be a tough one. I'm in the east bay of the greater San Francisco bay area and located near the base of Pleasanton Ridge, which effectively blocks LOS of San Francisco's Sutro tower. I'm in a townhouse, so an attic antenna will be 20-25 feet high and rooftop approximately 30 feet high.

Here's the link to my TV signal analysis: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...60b55991f56117

Thanks for the assistance.

[John Candle]

How many tv's are/will be connected??

[John Candle]

This recommendation is based on the tvfool pending applications included , only digital , channels. I recommend a Winegard HD7082P antenna aimed at about 265 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html , Here are some mountings , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com

[John Candle]

How many tv's are/will be connected??

[Cameo]

Thanks for the reply. Currently there are 4 TVs with the possibility of a 5th.

[GroundUrMast]

That is a challenging bit of terrain you're up against. I'd use 'the big guns', all roof mounted.

For UHF, an Antennas Direct XG-91, For high-VHF, the Winegard YA-1713.

If any of the stations on real channel 2 through 6 interest you, (there are some already on the air and others are pending, a Winegard YA-6260 is one option, The HD5030 is another option that would replace the YA-1713 at the cost of about 2 dB on channel 7 (KGO). When adjusting aim, an intentional tilt up at the ridge-line may eek out a bit more signal.

You would need a UVSJ for any of theses combinations. The XG-91 + YA-1713 + YA-6260 combination would need a HLSJ to combine the YA-1713 and YA-6260 signals before joining the UHF signals at the UVSJ.

A good low noise preamp such as the Antennas Direct CPA-19 will also be needed.

[Cameo]

I figured the terrain in my area would make for a tough one. Thanks for the info. I'll have to see if my association CC&R allows for one of these "big guns."

[GroundUrMast]

The FCC is actually on your side... http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-r...n-devices-rule

[Cameo]

Excellent information, GroundUrMast! I was unaware of this FCC regulation until now. Thanks!

Do your recommended antennas meet the rule of a maximum of one meter diagonal measurement?

[GroundUrMast]

I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV...

Per the FCC:

The following antennas or dishes are covered by these rules:

* A "dish" antenna one meter (39.37 inches) or less in diameter (or any size dish if located in Alaska), designed to receive direct broadcast satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals via satellite.
* An antenna that is one meter or less in diameter and is designed to receive video programming services via broadband radio service (wireless cable), or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals other than via satellite.
* An antenna that is designed to receive local television broadcast signals.

I read the FCC as describing three separate and distinct types of antennas. I read the third in the list as the type you and I would use. I see no size restriction for the OTA TV antenna, which makes sense when you look at the size requirements for low-VHF and fringe area antennas.