Antenna and Amplifier Suggestion Needed

[Photo848]

I too am trying to cut the cord and have a few questions on my eventual setup. First here is a link to my report -> http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda3cfc1de66e

I have two questions,I had reached out to Winegard Direct and asked for their suggestion on the antenna they would recommend for my area. They originally suggested the HD7696P. I was concerned because as you can see in my report I am situated where I may be able to pick up both the NY and Philadelphia markets. I realize the NY stations are closer (my preference) but there is a small mountain range that is in between my line of sight and I wanted to be sure that if I couldn't get NY I could get Philly. So they then suggested the HD7084P which I feel more comfortable with. Based on my location do you feel this is the right antenna or would you suggest something else?

My second question is around amplification. My home is currently wired with a cable outlet in each bedroom and family room for a total of 6 branches. Wingard also suggested the AP8700 Pre Amp which makes sense however after much reading I am not sure if a Pre Amp or Distribution Amp is the better choice. I anticipate breaking it something like this:

|__|__| |__|__| <-(2) - 3 way splitters branching to each room
|________| < 2 way splitter
|
|
[__] <- Pre Amp power/Distribution Amp?
|
| <-Incoming lead from Antenna

Would you recommend the antenna Pre Amp or a Distribution Amp? Just a note that from the Antenna to where the Distribution Amp or Power for the Pre Amp would be a run of about 40 feet and the furthest run to a bedroom would be about another 30 feet from one of the branches.

Appreciate your help!

[signals unlimited]

The 7084 antenna is a good choice. The AP8700 amplifier should be used with the power supply mounted just in front of a six way splitter.

If you want both Philadelphia at 231 degrees and NYC at 75 degrees you will need a rotor.

For the only viewing antenna , Antenna rotators Are Not <->Channel Surfing Friendly. Must wait for antenna to rotate and --> There Will Be --> Domestic Situations about the aim direction of the antenna.

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Antenna system #1. New York.

Winegard HD7084P antenna with a Winegard AP8700 preamp , aimed at about 75 degree magnetic compass direction. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts.

http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , if using the tripod antenna mount use the 5 foot tripod antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , if using the eave antenna mount use the #4560.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.

http://www.ronard.com.

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

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

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Install the preamp power supply and power injector ahead of the splitter.

______________

Each time a splitter split happens , the signal strength is reduced.

Use splitters that have the number of output ports to the number of Tv's.

Examples: For 2 Tv's connected , do not use a 4 way splitter or a six way or 8 way splitter.

Use a 2 way splitter for 2 Tv's connected.

And so forth.

The best way to do coax wiring is to have 1 splitter that has the number of output ports that is the same as the number of Tv locations.

Or a sight variation , Example: 5 Tv's connected , it is Ok to use a 6 way splitter.

And from the 1 single splitter , coaxes will go out to each Tv location with no other splitters connected.

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As a ->Test<- of reception , Antenna system #1 , can be aimed at New York , 75 degree magnetic compass direction -> Or At <- Philadelphia About 235 degree magnetic compass direction.

If will like to receive both directions.

I recommend , Antenna system #2.

Antenna system #2 is the same setup as antenna system #1.

The 2 antenna systems are separate antenna systems all the way to the Tv locations.

At each Tv location will be a , Remote control A/B antenna switch.

A/B antenna switching --> Is Channel Surfing Friendly , press the button on the hand held remote , Change Antennas and Keep On Channel Surfing.

http://www.mcmelectronics.com

[Photo848]

Thanks for all the great information. i am not looking to receive both markets, my preference is to get the NY stations however knowing there is a small mountain range between my location and a direct line of sight to NY I am concerned that I'll be able to receive the stations which is why if I do not I would try to point towards Philadelphia to see if I could get those stations. Really hoping NY comes in though.

Is there any concern with the lengthy runs of cable? Will the pre amp provide the signal strength needed knowing there would be about a 40 foot run before the splitter and then a 40 foot after the split to one of the rooms? This particular run would be for the master bedroom and the TV is used extensively. Just want to make sure that run will have the signal strength needed to be able to pull in the stations.

Thanks!

[signals unlimited]

The splitter has more than enough gain to overcome the loss in the coax and the splitter.

To -> Prove Reception <- have only one Tv connected -> No splitters.

Many situations , the question asker has a tangled mess of a coax system.

The question asker connects the antenna to the tangled mess of a coax system , and then say's , it does not work.

To -> Prove Reception <- have only 1 Tv connected - No splitters , No bad coax , No bad connections.

It is the , Antenna , Coax , The preamp , Coax to the Preamp power supply/power injector , Coax to the Tv.