OTA Antenna recommendations

[vegaskat]

The following is the information from AntennaWeb for my zip code (89015). Does anyone have a recommendation on what type of OTA antenna to get. I am getting a Toshiba 46HM94 delivered on Monday.

Thanks for any help and information.




DTV Antenna
Type Call Sign Channel Network City State Live
Date Compass
Orientation Miles
From Frequency
Assignment
* yellow - uhf KINC-DT 16.1 UNI LAS VEGAS NV 212° 7.9 16
* yellow - uhf KFBT-DT 33.1 IND LAS VEGAS NV 237° 3.9 29
* yellow - vhf KLAS-DT 8.1 CBS LAS VEGAS NV 212° 8.0 7
* yellow - uhf KBLR-DT 40.1 TEL PARADISE NV 239° 3.7 40
* yellow - vhf KVBC-DT 3.1 NBC LAS VEGAS NV 238° 3.8 2
* yellow - vhf KVVU-DT 5.1 FOX HENDERSON NV 236° 3.9 9
* yellow - uhf KVWB-DT 22.1 WB LAS VEGAS NV 237° 3.9 22
* yellow - vhf KTNV-DT 13.1 ABC LAS VEGAS NV 211° 8.0 12
* yellow - vhf KLVX-DT 10.1 PBS LAS VEGAS NV 236° 3.9 11

[Ratman]

You're close to the x-mitters and also have some channels on VHF. So if you're looking for an indoor, try this:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1880

For an attic/roof type:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2152

[meh130]

I purchased a Zenith ZHDTV1 a couple of days ago. I could get two stations, my NBC affiliate and the PBS affiliate. I moved the ZHDTV1 to the attic of my single story house, and now I can also get the two other DTV stations, FOX and ABC. Given your stations range from 211 to 239 degrees, a highly directional antenna such as the ZHDTV1 should work. It is definately worth a try.

I got my ZHDTV1 at Sears. It costs more at Sears, but I did not want to wait for an internet purchase.

The quality of broadcast DTV is such it makes a great combination with satellite TV. However, I have cable. It is amazing I get a much better picture and sound over the air rather than through analog cable.

By the way, if you like Discovery channel, you will love the PBS HD programs. It truely showcases high def.

[Ratman]

Given your stations range from 211 to 239 degrees, a highly directional antenna such as the ZHDTV1 should work. It is definately worth a try..

This is a very good UHF only antenna (known also as the 'Silver Sensor'). But as I pointed out above, he has some VHF digital stations, so this antenna is not going to help much.

[tvnut]

Take a look at the channelmaster CM3000A.

It's a nice looking antenna, and given your proximity to the stations you could probably mount it in your attic, if you don't want it outside. Outside it would be the best, and would definately work for all of those stations. Plus it's omnidirectional, so no rotater is required.

[Ratman]

Omnidirectional antennas are generally not the best for digital reception in most instances due to multipath.

And... he doesn't really need an 'omni' or rotor.

[vegaskat]

Well, I went with the Radio Shack 15-1880. I'm having a little trouble getting the directions right. At one point, I could get NBC and WB great, but nothing else. I moved it a little and now I don't get anything. I was looking at the antennaweb signal info and couldn't figure out why I could get the NBC but not the FOX because they are the same type of signal and only two degrees apart.

[vegaskat]

I have Direct TV, but haven't upgraded to the HD yet, which looks like I should, but should I also go with the OTA antenna they offer?

[Ratman]

Make sure you try to select the "real" channel. (I.E. Fox is really channel 9).
Also... some stations may be broadcasting with low power. Alternatively, some of the stations (that are lose to you) may be at 'higher' power. You may need to adjust the variable gain on the antenna's amplifier.

Outdoor antennas are always the best option.
What antenna do they offer?

[vegaskat]

I think it is a Directv OTA. Looks like a Winegard regular RV antenna, but connected to the satellite. I did get the DTV HD receiver and OTA antenna yesterday. Works great, so far. I do have a couple of questions regarding the hook ups, but I'm going to try and figure out what they've done first.

[kingkongva]

This is a very good UHF only antenna (known also as the 'Silver Sensor'). But as I pointed out above, he has some VHF digital stations, so this antenna is not going to help much.

well, i am getting the cheap outdoor vhf/uhf/fm antenna. i will try it out this weekend. my question is about grounding the antenna. assuming if i ground the antenna correctly. what if lightning struck it? (i currently have pioneer that come with a tuner reciever) would it damage the tuner or plama display or both?? would it help if i was to buy an expensive surge protecter like from monster cable and feed to coaxial to it b4 going into the tuner? i just afraid to have this expensive new set up only to be destroy by thunderstorm
thx in advance