Antenna Selection

txanm · 22-Jan-2012, 9:00 PM

First hello! I am not a New Years resolution guy, but this year I am dumping my satellite. I have already purchased 2 Roku devices and they are great! I have tried out the AmazonPrime and I am not entirely impressed. Netflix seems to have more selection for my kids (2.5 & 5.5 years old) to watch. I have not dumped the satellite yet as I have one more month on my contract. I have a lot of information below, but wanted to be more thorough than not just in case I am missing something.

The next step is a good antenna. From my distance to the local stations I care about it doesn't seem like I will need much. I live in an unobstructed area, up on a hill, and I'm willing to mount something to my roof to pick up the best reception. Here is my fool report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...67d94eef08f0e7

I have found reccomendations to use the following setup for getting as many channels as possible:
Winegard HD7696P (Read HD7696P reviews)
Preamp: Required
Rotator: Required

Wired connections to TV's is not a problem. I wired every TV location in the house to have
(2) Cat6E wires
(2) Quad shielded Coax
(1) HDMI cable

All of these terminate in the basement in a centralized room. The joys of a foreclosed house & being able to tear some drywall up lead me to my insanity of all of these wires.

I have 5 TV's, but they won't all be requiring TV at all times. If possible I would wire it this way, but suggestions are welcome on the issues with this, or extra equipment I will need.

What do you think about this antenna selection stated above?

Thanks in advance for the help! It is greatly appreciated!

Electron · 23-Jan-2012, 2:27 AM

To receive the digital tv stations groups to the south/south west and north west and north east. Install a http://www.antennacraft.net , U8000 aimed at about 180 degree magnetic compass. So that the U8000 can receive the tv stations to the south and north , remove the reflector rods buy drilling out the rivits that hold the metal clips that hold the reflectors rods and remove the reflector rods. Now the U8000 , >< shaped metal receptors will receive in 2 directions , the front of the antenna and the back of the antenna. For 4 tv's connected use a Channel Master CM3414 distribution amplifier. For 5 tv's connected use a CM3418 distribution amplifier. The U8000 is mounted above the roof , here are some strong and sturdy antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com

txanm · 1-Mar-2013, 3:25 AM

I am ready to make the leap now. Work got in my way last year. Is this still the best antenna for my application?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electron

To receive the digital tv stations groups to the south/south west and north west and north east. Install a http://www.antennacraft.net , U8000 aimed at about 180 degree magnetic compass. So that the U8000 can receive the tv stations to the south and north , remove the reflector rods buy drilling out the rivits that hold the metal clips that hold the reflectors rods and remove the reflector rods. Now the U8000 , >< shaped metal receptors will receive in 2 directions , the front of the antenna and the back of the antenna. For 4 tv's connected use a Channel Master CM3414 distribution amplifier. For 5 tv's connected use a CM3418 distribution amplifier. The U8000 is mounted above the roof , here are some strong and sturdy antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com

GroundUrMast · 1-Mar-2013, 3:57 AM

To be sure, post an updated TV Fool report for your location...

txanm · 1-Mar-2013, 7:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GroundUrMast

To be sure, post an updated TV Fool report for your location...

Here is the new report

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda43e2ef4b92

Thanks!

txanm · 1-Mar-2013, 1:45 PM

Here are some pictures I snapped of the landscape. Looking due South is the first pic & it is clear.

The only issue is looking due west I have a very large tree that will block some coverage.

1-Mar-2013, 7:17 PM

The U8000 will work Ok.

A Winegard HD7000R will receive as good or better , and requires no modification.

Aim the HD7000R at about 200 degree magnetic compass direction.

Install the antenna Up High so that reception is not blocked buy the roof and house in all directions.

Use a Channel Master CM3410 distribution amplifier and a 6 Way Splitter.

txanm · 3-Mar-2013, 3:16 AM

Thanks for the reply. Instead of going with both the amplifier and splitter, wouldn't it be better to go with something like the CM3418?

GroundUrMast · 3-Mar-2013, 5:05 AM

The amplifier is the same 15 dB gain unit. The 3410 has no splitter insertion losses, the 3418 has the insertion losses of an 8-way splitter. The purist would argue that a six way splitter saves you a small amount of loss. Realistically, the two options are so close that it boils down to which costs less. Be sure to cap any unused ports with 75Ω terminators.