Balancing aesthetics with functionality

[phenom]

I bought a Channel Master 8-bay antenna this past weekend, to be installed on Friday. I live 20-25 miles from the towers and have trees as a blocker behind my house. An indoor antenna is adequate, but I grew tired of two years of constant adjustments to get it just right depending on the show I watched.

So I heard good things about the 8-bay on avsforum from folks who live in my neighborhood, and the local (sorta) antenna dealer had 'em for 50 bucks, so I got one. The only thing is, and I'm sure those of you who know what they look like, is that they're ugly as sin. There's one in my subdivision now, and it's like a big, red, sore thumb. I hate to have it so prominent in my house.

My thought is, and surely the installer would likely be able to help me on this, what if I had the antenna placed somewhat lower than optimal height? I'm already expecting much better service than I got from the indoor antennas, which, as I said, was adequate. With enough tweaking I was able to get pretty much any local OTA feed I wanted. The 8-bay will rest about 20 feet higher than the indoor antenna I used, but what if I had it placed only about 15 feet higher; five feet lower than the highest it could go? I would expect reduced performance than if it were installed at the highest possible point, but I want to minimize the eyesore the antenna would create.

Any thoughts on this?

[Ratman]

20-25 miles is close. Have you thought about 4221? It's half the size and perhaps less obtrusive.

Either way, start a low as you find acceptable. If you get stable signals, all done!
All you can do try. I think you'll be okay.

IMO... start small and work your way up. As matter of fact... I'm 20 miles from the towers in my area and use an attic mounted antenna successfully. Could be another test/option for you to consider (and maybe save same $$ by not doing a roof installation!).

[hd4me2]

I live twice as far as you do, 40 miles, with hills, large trees, bad weather at times and pull in all available channels with my CM 4228. The Ratman's right, try a smaller antenna and/or put it in your attic if looks are a concern.

[phenom]

well, the antenna's bought. To be perfectly honest, the goal is to no longer have to "try" things. I've been trying things for two years. I figured the 4228 would solve the "try" issue and might give me an opportunity to mount it lower than necessary. Sounds like you guys think I can. Again, the trees behind my house have always been a detriment with an indoor antenna, and attic access is fairly difficult in my house, being a multi-level design.

[phenom]

I hope the above post doesn't sound harsh; I guess it could. That's not the intention. I appreciate the feedback. :D

[phenom]

so the installer came by on Friday to do the install, but unfortunately, I hadn't opened the box for the antenna and a mast that should've been there wasn't, so no install. Nevertheless, we discussed installation and it looks like it can be placed in such a way as to not be too noticeable from the front of the house. Luckily the same guy will be coming out to do the install, so all should be well. I set up a new appointment for today after going out and getting the mast on Friday, so by the time I get home all should be well.

[phenom]

well, the company failed to schedule me for today, so it looks like it'll be Wednesday.

[phenom]

The 4228 got installed today, and it's sweet. You can't see it at all from the front or even side of the house, it's only visible from the back, which is perfect. I'm now getting what appears to be an 80-90% signal (it's a bar, not a number) on all the .1 channels, which is awesome.

Only thing that's kind of a drag is that the signal doesn't pass thru my 5x8 multiswitch very well, and I can't get anything OTA on the other side of the diplexer. Installer called the owner of his company and was told that the multiswitch can oftentimes degrade the signal, sometimes so much so that it virtually kills it. Not a real big deal though, I'll just get a splitter if I need to send the signal elsewhere.

So, I'm rockin and rollin with a new antenna, and I'm happy that I won't have to fidget with the stupid indoor antenna anymore.