newbie antenna help

[golfnut72]

I'm hoping you folks can give me some recommendations on selecting the best antenna and (if necessary) any amplifiers that I can use to receive OTA HDTV channels.

My location map is: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b86ef6ea242f4

I plan to put the antenna in an attic approx 24' above ground. The home is wood frame with vinyl siding, paper-backed insulation, and Tyvec house wrap. My location has an unobstructed view of the southern horizon (there's a DirecTV satellite dish below where I intend to place the indoor antenna).

My thought was to run the coax from the antenna into the garage and connect to the existing house cable wiring, as I know I lose 0.5 dB of signal with each connection.

I would prefer an outside antenna except that my area regularly experiences high winds (there's always a constant breeze that ranges from mild to violent).

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I'm so tired of DirecTV - not just the outrageous cost, but also not being able to access local channels.

P.S. To Electron: you have great posts - thanks for taking the time in the forums to help newbies like me.

[GroundUrMast]

Can you fit a large antenna such as the Antennas Direct 91XG, Winegard HD9095 or HD9032 in the attic space available while pointing at 229° compass?

Or, do you have a chimney to mount the modest profile Antennas Direct DB4e? (A considerably smaller cross section when considering the wind load issue)

If you are going to be splitting to several tuners, an Antennas Direct CPA-19 would easily overcome the cable and splitter losses.

[Electron]

Install a Antennas Direct DB4e with Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp in the attic aimed at about 229 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Most attics have a power outlet , so install the preamp and the power supply for the preamp in the attic. Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.antennasdirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.ramelectronics.com , http://www.tigerdirect.com.

[golfnut72]

Wow, thanks to both of you for the quick replies! The original spot I was considering is approx 14' L X 8" W X 8' H that slopes down to about 2' that has power available (it's a space adjacent to a spare bedroom). Although I haven't looked up the antennas (just got home from work) I would imagine they would fit without any problem.

Would you recommend any additional output amplification? I'll be running cable a minimum of 30' down to the external connection box on the house, and then a variety of lengths to the individual TV's; the longest run would be 60' from there. Also, do you recommend a specific cable type (RG-57/ 58 or RG-214)?

Thank you again for all of the valuable and outstanding information!

[golfnut72]

P.S. It has a gas fireplace and no chimney - sorry I missed that the first time.

[golfnut72]

P.P.S. I meant 8' not 8"...

[Electron]

The CPA-19 preamp only , no other amplification. Use RG-6 coax.

[golfnut72]

Thank you very much!

All the best to all of you!