Antenna advice please...

[PRO710HD]

OK, took the advice on this board and started out with the easiest. Bought a Terk TV-55 (I know, I read about all the bad press but I got it cheap and really wanted to see what I could get)

I powered the unit up and just sitting it on top of my RPTV I brought in ABC and NBC. I am located about 50 miles from Chicago where the towers are.

Question. Should I bother buying the cable, mounts etc and spend time to mount this outside at a higher hight (probably chimney) to see if I can pull in WGN and FOX, or should I just spend my time looking for another type of antenna. I really don't want to go with YAGI style antenna's as I'm in a very nice neighborhood and this would definitely stick out.

I was also thinking of buying and trying out the Winegard GS-2000/amplified. Says that this is good to 55 miles. Anybody out there have any experience with this one?

Advice greatly appreciated.

[D.Russell]

I really don't want to go with YAGI style antenna's as I'm in a very nice neighborhood and this would definitely stick out.

Well, be the first in your neighborhood !! Just a matter of time and more people will be going back to a Roof-Top antenna to get their HD programming for Free !
After a awhile, the neighbors won't even notice whats up on your roof.
( What the hell are they looking up at roofs for anyway ? ) :p

[PRO710HD]

Seriously though;

You think I can get away with winegard unit. It's powered and I've heard that Winegard makes some pretty good stuff...

[D.Russell]

It's worth a try ?

Gs-2000 (http://www.starkelectronic.com/wgs2000.htm)

* and as noted in the above Link. It's " Not a Long Range Antenna". Since it is rated for 15-55 miles ( which I doubt it actually would be accurate), and your right at the fringe of it { about 50 miles} it may not work that well. Probably get alot of Drop-outs from some channels?

[Ratman]

You can try, but I'd be surprised if were successful. At 50 miles, you need a 'real' antenna.

You may be surprised that it could be a lot cheaper and less frustrating.

Also... No Terks! All hype...

[Grandpa]

Originally posted by Ratman
At 50 miles, you need a 'real' antenna.


I live at more than 50 miles from the signals here in Oregon. Is there a UHF antenna that can do the job? Spare no expence.
What is the best, a 'real' antenna, a real booster, etc.

[7thgencivic.com]

I would also be interested in knowing what is the best bet for my $$$. Not worried about looks. I am in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

THanks,
Derek

[Ratman]

I would suggest the Channel Masters. They are readily available and reasonably priced.

BUT... there are many people that highly praise the TELVES DAT-75. These are not sold in any retail stores that I am aware, but are well known. Do some searches here and other forums or the net.

Also consider Radio Shack! They have had some sales recently on some bigass antannae for $1.97-$5.00. NO kidding! The good thing about R/S is that some of their stuff does work and if not, it's always easily returnable.

[7thgencivic.com]

What about specifics. Size, directional, multi-directional, type etc..
What do I want to look for?

[Ratman]

Go to:
www.antennaweb.org
and get info about distance and direction of the x-mitters.

check:
www.titantv.com
They will list digital channels in your proximity and also recommend antennae (very basic antenna info not necessarily the right antenna for you.)

YOu need to take into consideration the terrain. Line of sight is a major factor to determine what may be best. (I.E. trees, hills, buildings, etc).

The only types of antennae you need to consider are 'bow-ties' of 'yagis'.

No 'omni-directionals' and no Terks!

If you are under 10 miles from the x-mitters, an indoor may work, but it's success may be compromised buy building materials and terrain. For the best results, antennae should be mounted outdoors and as high as possible.