View Full Version : I tried the Radio Shack 15-1880...
jaragaki
08-04-2004, 02:54 PM
... with some limited success (digital stations 2 and 4 no drops). I'm returning it to Radio Shack, but I'm wondering now how to predict that a roof-mounted antenna will be more succesful. My line of sight is blocked by a pretty good sized hill about 1 mile away. Zip Code 91750. Thanks.
Ratman
08-04-2004, 02:59 PM
www.antennaweb.org
They will provide direction/distance and recommend an antenna type.
jaragaki
08-04-2004, 03:37 PM
What I'm really wondering is, based on the success I have with the 1880 (2 digital stations) what are the chances for better success if I do go rooftop? I used to live in a canyon right underneath the towers, and there was no antenna success there at all; we had cable since the 60's because of that, so I'm a little gun shy to go through the effort of installing a rooftop antenna if I don't think it's going to be much better.
Ratman
08-04-2004, 04:43 PM
Generally, indoor antennas are not the best in most situations.
Traditional antennas work best. You can always try an attic mount first to see of there's an improvement.
Check the link above to get a general idea of what you may be dealing with in regard to reception.
jaragaki
08-04-2004, 06:21 PM
Hmmm...Interesting when I check antennaweb.org. When I put just my street name, it shows most red with all the DTV. When I put my house number, it's shows mostly purple with no DTV at all. My street is only about 15 houses long. I really want that DTV...!
Ratman
08-04-2004, 07:01 PM
Assuming they're correct at antennaweb... then go the attic. If that's unsuccessful (which is a good possibility), then to the roof.
If they rate you a 'purple', then your chances of stable reception with an indoor antenna is very slim.
Other than some sweat and experimentation... cable is your only other option for HD locals.
Splicer
08-04-2004, 07:18 PM
I vote for cable. Let them worry about the reception. All you have to do is enjoy!
Ratman
08-04-2004, 07:27 PM
Cable is convenient. But, in my situation I can get more digital locals OTA and I save $6 per month and don't have to use a component video switch.
Also... if the TV already has an internal ATSC tuner, it's a waste of money IMO.
jaragaki
08-05-2004, 02:13 PM
Looks like I'll have to sweat. Thanks for all the comments. Other question that is somewhat OT but I can't find an comment in the FAQs, How does the cable HD compare in PQ with OTA? The CBS 2 HD OTA was noticeably better than the CBS 2 DirecTV HD.
Ratman
08-05-2004, 04:24 PM
There shouldn't be a noticble difference. BUT... cable companies (and satellite) can manipulate bandwidth as they feel necessary.
It depends on your area/provider.
jaragaki
08-09-2004, 01:10 PM
I was able to try out a used Terk TV50 on my roof where I intend to put an antenna. I was able to pull in 2 digital stations (5 and 9) but not the 2 I was able to get indoors with the Radio Shack antenna. Strange. Anyone with any experience with the TV50? It's powered, and I'm wondering if a passive antenna will do better...
kevinw
08-09-2004, 01:50 PM
I was able to try out a used Terk TV50 on my roof where I intend to put an antenna. I was able to pull in 2 digital stations (5 and 9) but not the 2 I was able to get indoors with the Radio Shack antenna. Strange. Anyone with any experience with the TV50? It's powered, and I'm wondering if a passive antenna will do better...
Terk is over rated and underperfoms, The more traditional the better.
jaragaki
08-09-2004, 02:00 PM
Thanks Kevin, that's the opinion I was hoping for. I'm just looking for any info that will encourage me to keep up the endeavor of OTA DTV.
