Antenna for SW Houston

[bgmanne]

I am in SW Houston (Meyerland) about 8 unobstructed miles from a cluster of transmission towers. All but one channel are on towers within a range of two degrees and I can live without that one channel (UPN). I get the impression from lurking that a 4 bay UHF like the Winegard PR4400 or DB2 will take care of me. Yes? I would like to split the signal between two TV's. Each will have a cable run of about 40 to 50 feet from the base of the antenna. Is that a problem? If so, can a cure it with more gain from the PR8800 or DB4? Would it do just as well to add an amplifier? Finally, I would also like to put up an FM Yagi. Can I get away with putting it above the UHF on the same mast? If so, do they need some minimum distance of separation to not interfere with each other? Thanks for taking pity on a newbie and sharing your knowledge :-).

[LeeS]

bgmanne,

Welcome to HDTVoice!

Could cut/paste your www.antennaweb.org results, just the digital stations. Or post your zipcode, although those results are not as accurate.

Are all the stations UHF?

The PR4400/DB4 (4 bay) - PR8800/DB8 (8 bay)are similiar antennas. The DB2 is a two bay.

You are very close but since you are splitting the signal the DB4 would probably do nicely without an amp. But I'd like to see the www.antennaweb.org results first.

Three feet separation for stacking antennas is ok.

Lee

[bgmanne]

I will be using cable for my primary viewing and the antenna will be for backup. I can live without UPN (location) and PBS (VHF) during the occasional cable outage. All the rest are UHF, about 8 miles away and within a 2 degree range. When you get down to it, my primary interest is the FM reception and the TV is for cable or satellite backup. That is unless you guys can convince me that I will do so much better OTA that I will burn my cable box.... Here is the antennaweb info. Thanks for your help. Burton

yellow - uhf KTXH-DT 19.1 UPN Houston TX 194° 8.1 19
yellow - uhf KPRC-DT 2.1 NBC Houston TX 190° 7.5 35
yellow - uhf KRIV-DT 26.1 FOX Houston TX 189° 7.0 27
yellow - vhf KUHT-DT 8.1 PBS Houston TX 189° 7.0 9
yellow - uhf KTRK-DT 13.1 ABC Houston TX 189° 7.0 32
yellow - uhf KHOU-DT 11.1 CBS Houston TX 190° 8.0 31
yellow - uhf KHWB-DT 39.1 WB Houston TX 190° 7.5 38

[kevinw]

I would purchase an indoor antenna like the Zenith Silver Sensor.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3091944337&category=294

http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/product_Display.asp?cat=49&id=131
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Silver_Sensor_Digital_HDTV_UHF_Indoor_Antenna___ZHDTV1/4505-6509_16-30471331.html

OR
http://www.antennasdirect.com/IndoorAntennas.htm

[LeeS]

The DB2 will work as an outdoor antenna also, that was what it was designed for. You may even pickup that PBS station, some of the UHF antennas can pick up the high VHF band (ch 9-13).

You were wanting to mount indoor, attic or roof? I'd put the DB4 in the attic and you should have enough gain for the split for two TVs.

I'd trust Kevin's recommendation on the Silver Sensor. Sure is a cute little guy. The antenna, not Kevin.

Lee

[bgmanne]

I have an existing mast attached to my chimney, so it will be outside. Sounds like I want to put an FM Yagi 18 to 24 inches above the top of a PR4400/DB4 aimed toward my tower cluster. Thanks for your help.

[LeeS]

Please let us know, it is always good to get some feedback.

[bgmanne]

Will do, but it will be a while. This is for a newly purchased home that will get a bit of remodeling before we move in.